Digital Commons Network^™

Effects Of A Raised Surface On Lower Extremity Kinematics, Kinetics, And Muscle Activation During A Sidecut In Recreational Female Softball Players, Lauren Elizabeth Schroeder

Masters Theses

Noncontact anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury is a common sports-related injury. “High-risk” dynamic movements, such as a sidecut, have been associated with increasing the risk of noncontact ACL injury. Certain biomechanical abnormalities, specifically at the hip and knee, and neuromuscular abnormalities, such as unbalanced quadriceps-to-hamstrings activation ratios and certain activation patterns prior to initial contact and after initial contact, have also been associated with an increased likelihood of noncontact ACL injuries occurring. Approximately 78% of all NCAA Division I softball game-day injuries are classified as noncontact where there is no direct contact to a player. Internal derangement of the knee …

Kinematic Analysis Of Trunk Coordination Throughout The Rowing Stroke Sequence, Mcdaragh Rose Minnock

Masters Theses

Rowing at the elite level requires proper sequencing of the rowing stroke so that the rower is able to produce an efficient stroke while protecting oneself from potential injuries. The cyclic motion of the rowing stroke sequence at low loads often results in overuse injuries, specifically in the lower back. Kinematic data of rower’s pelvis-lumbar-thoracic spine were collected using inertial measurement sensors. An incremental step-test was conducted to observe the influence of increasing intensities on the lumbar-pelvis and lumbar-thoracic segments coordination and coordination variability. This study provides a new way of quantifying rowing kinematics using vector coding. The vector coding …

Effects Of Cycling Workload And Cadence On Frontal Plane Knee Load, Ying Fang

Masters Theses

The effect of workload and cadence on sagittal plane knee biomechanics in cycling has been widely studied, however few studies have focused on the frontal plane. Frontal plane knee biomechanics, especially knee abduction moment, is closely related to the severity and progression of knee osteoarthritis. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of different workloads and cadences on knee frontal plane kinematics and kinetics. Eighteen subjects participated in this study. A motion analysis system was used to collect five cycles of kinematics during two minutes of cycling in eight testing conditions, which included five workload conditions of …

Accuracy Of Sensewear Armband Mini-Fly For Estimating Energy Expenditure In Normal Weight, Overweight, And Obese Individuals, Bethany Maryalice Forseth

Masters Theses

Obesity has become one of the greatest public health issues in America. BodyMedia promotes their SenseWear Armband physical activity monitor as a way to help with weight management. Purpose: to assess the accuracy of the SenseWear Armband Mini-Fly (SWA-MF) in adults of different BMI categories during rest, recovery, and two walking speeds. Methods: Forty-six participants were assigned to one of three BMI classifications: normal weight (n =15; 18.5-24.9 kg^.m^-2 [kilograms per meter squared]), overweight (n=17; 25-29.9 kg^.m^-2), or obese (n= 14; ≥30 kg^.m^-2). Height and weight were measured. Participants …

The Energy Expenditure And Feasibility Of Two Prenatal Yoga Programs, Doree Lynn Gardner

Masters Theses

Purpose: To determine the energy expenditure and feasibility of two different DVD-­‐ based prenatal yoga programs (static yoga practice and vinyasa practice). Methods: Participants were 25 women in their second trimester (13-­‐28 weeks) who werescreened for pregnancy-­‐related risk factors. The two DVDs used were “Prenatal Yoga with Shiva Rea” (DVD A) which is a static yoga practice, and “Jennifer Wolfes Prenatal Vinyasa Yoga” (DVD B) which is a flow yoga practice. Both DVDs were approximately 50-­‐55 minutes, and included three phases (warm up, main, cool down). Each subject completed both prenatal DVD routines approximately two weeks apart. The …

Biomechanical Difference Between Chronic Ankle Instability Individuals And Healthy Individuals During Landing On Flat, Inverted And Combined Surfaces, Xuan Liu

Masters Theses

Lateral ankle sprains most frequently occurs during sports. Individuals who experienced a first time ankle sprain had a high reoccurrence rate and residual symptoms and functional instability leading to chronic ankle instability (CAI). The purpose of this study was to investigate kinematic and kinetic differences between CAI individuals and healthy subjects in single-leg drop landing on a flat surface, an inverted surface and a combined surface of inversion and plantarflexion. A total of 17 subjects (6 subjects with chronic ankle instability, 11 healthy subjects) performed five trails in each of four dynamic movement conditions of drop landing from a height …

Knee Biomechanics Of Older Adults During Common Recreational And Daily Activities, Julie Lynn Pfeiffer

Masters Theses

Among older adults, socialization is a key motivating factor for participation in physical activity. In order to develop evidence-based physical activity recommendations for older adults with knee pathologies a better understanding of knee biomechanics during social recreational activities is needed. The purpose of this study was to determine knee joint kinematics and kinetics in healthy older adults during golf and bowling. Knee biomechanics during these recreational activities were also compared to those experienced during activities of daily living. Motion analysis data were collected as subjects performed walking, stair ascent, stair descent, and either golf or bowling. Knee angles, peak knee …

Ncaa Division I Athletic Trainers' Perceptions And Use Of Psychological Skills During Injury Rehabilitation, Mary Kathleen Estepp

Masters Theses

Applied sport psychology research suggests that the use of psychological skills (e.g., positive self-talk, goal-setting, relaxation) during the rehabilitation process increase recovery rates, increase adherence to rehabilitation, and decrease anxiety and stress (Heaney, 2006). Certified athletic trainers (ATCs) hold a critical role within injury rehabilitation as the primary health care professional who interacts with injured athletes. Therefore, properly trained, ATCs have been identified as the ideal professional to implement psychological skills during injury rehabilitation (Larson, Starkey, & Zaichkowsky, 1996). The purpose of this study was to explore National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I (D-I) ATCs use of psychological skills …

Biomechanical Differences Of Two Common Football Movement Tasks In Studded And Non-Studded Shoe Conditions On Infilled Synthetic Turf, Elizabeth Anne Brock

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to examine kinematic and kinetic differences in three shoe conditions (traditional football shoes with natural and synthetic turf studs and a neutral running shoe) during two common football movements (a 180° cut and a land-cut movement) on infilled synthetic turf. Fourteen recreational male football players performed five trials in all three shoe conditions for a 180° cut as well as a land-cut maneuver. The kinematic and kinetic variables were analyzed with a 3 x 2 (shoe x movement) repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA, p<0.05). Peak free moment was significantly greater for the land-cut trials (p<0.001). Vertical GRFs were significantly greater for the land-cut trials (p<0.001). A cleat x movement interaction was seen for time to vertical impact GRF (p=0.048). A cleat main effect was found for time to vertical impact between natural turf cleat and synthetic turf cleat (p=0.019). Vertical loading rate was significantly greater in land-cut trials. Peak medial GRFs showed a significant cleat x movement interaction (p=0.002). The results from this study suggest that land-cut movement elicit greater vertical GRF and vertical impact loadings rates. The running shoe had significantly less dorsiflexion range of motion (ROM) than the synthetic turf studs. A significant cleat main effect was found for peak eversion velocity (p=0.005). Post hoc comparisons showed that it was significantly smaller in shoe than that natural turf stud (p=0.016) and synthetic turf stud (p=0.002). In general, there was a lack of differences between the shoe conditions for GRFs and kinematic variables. For the 180° cut movement, natural turf studs produced lowest peak medial GRF compared to the synthetic turf studs and the shoe. The results from this study suggest that land-cut movement elicit greater vertical GRF and vertical impact loadings rates. In general, there was a lack of differences of GRFs and kinematic variables between the shoe conditions. For the 180° cut movement, natural turf studs produced lowest peak medial GRF compared to the synthetic turf studs and the shoe. Overall, increased GRFs, especially in combination with rapid change of direction and deceleration may increase the chance of injury.

Helmet Use Among Outdoor Recreational Rock Climbers Across Disciplines: Factors Of Use And Non-Use., Kevin Henri Hogan Soleil

Masters Theses

The use of helmets in outdoor recreational rock climbing is a risk management practice meant to offer some protection to climbers in the event of falls and falling objects. Helmets are used inconsistently across many disciplines of rock climbing including top-rope, sport lead, traditional lead and belay. Though climbing accidents involving head injuries are rare, many tend to be severe. The purpose of this study was to assess the rate at which helmets are being used, discover the most significant personal and environmental factors that influence use and non-use and differences between disciplines. The study surveys (N = 1481) …

“Learning The Hard Way”: An Examination Of Acculturative Support For Latin-American Baseball Players In The South Atlantic League, Lauren Melanie Osmer

Masters Theses

Latin-Americans have become major contributors in Major League Baseball, but face many challenges acculturating to living and playing in the United States. This research examined the acculturative support provided to Latin-American players by teams in the South Atlantic League of Minor League Baseball and whether or not people involved think that support was effective. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with front-office members and Latin-American former players, and transcriptions were analyzed for emerging themes using QDA Miner content analysis software. Three main themes emerged from the interviews: the language barrier, interaction between Latin-American and Anglo-American teammates, and the youth of Latin-American prospects. …

"It's All About The Kids”: A Phenomenological Study Of The Experiences Of Special Needs Cheerleading Coaches, Kimberly Nichole Page

Masters Theses

p { margin-bottom: 0.08in; }a:link { color: rgb(0, 0, 255); Special needs sport literature is narrow-focused and generally focuses on the different disabilities of athletes (Howe & Jones, 2006). Additionally, cheerleading is generally researched in terms of disordered eating and body image (Thompson & Digsby, 2004), high injury risk (Jacobson, Hubbard & Redus, 2004; Jacobson, Redus, & Palmer, 2005), and over-sexualization of youth (Adams & Bettis, 2003). While several websites and resources for coaches of special needs athletes provide information for how a coach should feel, there is a lack of empirical research to support these claims (www.specialolympics.org; …

We're Not Thugs And Rappers: An Examination Of African American Male Athletes' Perceptions Of The Media, Keia Janese Bragg

Masters Theses

Manipulation of stories and events expose issues of false representation and stereotyping within the mainstream media. This research examined the media’s role in shaping the behaviors and experiences of African American male athletes while using Critical Race Theory as the framework in conducting research. A focus group consisting of six former African American male student athletes was conducted. A semi-structured interview schedule was used in order to allow for open discussion. The Constant Comparison Method was instrumental in thematizing the data while QDA Miner software was used to analyze the data. The findings suggested that African American male athletes feel …

Mysticism And Mystery Moves: An Examination Of Flow Theory, John Michael Trembley

Masters Theses

This study takes a phenomenological approach to squirt kayaking. It looks to examine mystical states of consciousness, as defined by William James, and flow theory, as defined by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, and focuses on what these experiences mean for participants of the squirt kayaking community. The study poses three research questions. (1) Do squirt kayakers experience mystical states of consciousness through squirt kayaking, and what does this experience mean? (2) Do squirt kayakers experience flow states of consciousness through squirt kayaking, and how was this experienced? (3) What is the mystery zombie or the mystery trance state, and how is it …

An Examination Of The Deliberate Practice Framework In Quad Rugby, Rachel Lynn Boxell

Masters Theses

Ericsson, Krampe, and Tesch-Römer (1993) forwarded a general framework to account for the characteristics and developmental experiences of individuals who have acquired exceptional performance in any domain. This framework proposed that experts undergo an extensive acquisition period involving the accumulation of thousands of hours of deliberate practice while overcoming various constraints that serve as functional barriers to the achievement of expertise. The purpose of this study was to examine expert disability-sport athletes to determine how well their experiences and characteristics were captured by Ericsson et al.’s (1993) framework. In Part I, quad rugby players recalled the amount of time spent …

For We See And Know In Part: An Examination Of The Portrayal Of African-American Female Athletes On The Covers Of Sports Illustrated, Chanel Leisa Lattimer

Masters Theses

This study examines the print media’s representation of African-American sportswomen’s femininity on the covers of Sport Illustrated. Sport is considered a male-dominated institution; a place where masculinity is expressed. Therefore, in spite of the increased participation for women in sport due to Title IX; the media’s coverage has been minimal and their representation of female athletes has been ambivalent at best, and trivializing at worse. The conveyance of African-American female athletes remains even more complex. Due to historical experiences, African-American women have developed a femininity that falls outside that of mainstream society. Therefore, the lack of coverage African-American female …

Self-Controlled Feedback And Activity Level In Learning A Simple Movement Skill, Tim Van Nguyen

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to determine if active and sedentary individuals differed in terms the effects of self-controlled feedback on the learning of a movement skill. The task consisted of a blindfolded beanbag toss using the non-preferred arm. Participants were prescreened according to their physical activity level using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (Craig et al., 2003). An equal number of active (A) and sedentary (S) participants were assigned to self-control (SC) and yoked (Y) feedback conditions, creating four groups: Self-Control Active; Self-Control Sedentary; Yoked Active; and Yoked Sedentary. SC condition participants were provided feedback whenever they requested …

Anticipation Timing As A Function Of Expertise And Effector-Specific Training, Greg Young

Masters Theses

Ericsson, Krampe, and Tesch-Römer (1993) suggested that 10,000 hours of deliberate practice is needed to attain expertise. Consequently, it would be expected that expert soccer players who possess a high level of proficiency in intercepting a ball with their feet would demonstrate superior anticipation timing performance with the feet compared to novices who lack training. On the other hand, Keele, Ivry, and Porkorny (1987), and Studenka and Zelaznik (2008) provided support for a centrally controlled process for timed movements. If true, it would be expected that experts’ anticipation timing performance would be superior to novices’ regardless of the effector used. …

Force-Velocity Characteristics Of The Leg Muscles And Anaerobic Performance In African-American And Caucasian College-Aged Males, Stacy D. Hunter

Masters Theses

PURPOSE: To compare vertical jump height and power and sprint time in African- American and Caucasian college-aged males, to compare isokinetic knee extension and flexion torques between the two groups, and to examine correlations between these variables. METHODS: The participants were fifty recreationally active, college-aged males (23 African-American and 27 Caucasian). Physical activity was assessed using the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey (BRFSS) Physical Activity module, body composition was determined using the Bod Pod, and anthropometric measures (height, weight, and thigh circumference) were taken. Subjects performed a 100-m sprint on an outdoor track and a countermovement vertical jump. Vertical jump …

‘Balancing Acts’: A Qualitative Investigation Of Division I Football Players’ Roles Of Student And Athlete, Patricia Y. Jones

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to examine African-American Division I football players’ perceptions of their ability to balance their roles as “students” and “athletes”. Three major questions were addressed: Can student-athletes balance both the roles of “student” and “athlete”? If so, how are they able to do so? And, are they truly successful at it? Semi-structured interviews were undertaken with eight African-American football players at a Division I university. Six themes emerged which included: (a) parental emphasis on education and sport; (b) “childhood dreams” versus sport realities; (c) reality check; (d) perceptions of student-athletes; (e) pressure to become a …

Physical Activity And Social Support For Exercise In A Sample Of College Sorority And Fraternity Members, Jennifer Autumn Minton

Masters Theses

PURPOSE: To provide 1) a description of the levels of physical activity and social support for exercise for fraternity and sorority members; 2) a comparison of gender differences in physical activity levels among fraternity and sorority members; and 3) to determine a relationship between levels social support for exercise and physical activity in fraternity and sorority members. METHODS: Three hundred thirty-seven members of fraternities and sororities completed an online survey (74.8% female). The online survey included the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), the Social Support for Exercise Survey, and demographic questions. RESULTS: According to the IPAQ, the …

Motivational Factors Influencing International Student-Athletes To Participate In The National Collegiate Athletic Association, Stephanie Garant-Jones

Masters Theses

The research seeks to determine which motivational factors influence international student athletes in committing to an American institution in order to participate in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). The study will examine which factors play an important role in college choice for these individuals. Most research indicates that the primary motivation for international student-athletes to come to American colleges is to receive an education while being on athletic scholarships (Bale, 1991, Ridinger, 1996; Stidwell, 1984). The research will serve to support previous findings and to reveal other motivational factors which influence college choice for international student-athletes.

By exploratory factor …

An Analysis Of Female Roles In Popular Sports Video Games, Brennan W. Galloway

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to investigate the roles and portrayal of female characters in popular sports video games. The 15 best-selling sports games of 2005 were played by the researcher without a time-limit or specified path within the game. Gameplay was videotaped and analyzed using a qualitative, descriptive participant- observation model (Glesne, 2006). This method is unique to video game analysis, as previous studies have used quantitative methods. Gameplay was typically about three hours for each game, and copious notes were taken during gameplay. Roles were then analyzed using a framework from previous work in both sports media …

Validation Of The Parvomedics Trueone® 2400 Metabolic Measurement System For Measuring Resting Metabolic Rate In A Heterogeneous Adult Population, Tracie M. Weinheimer

Masters Theses

The primary purpose of this study was to validate and compare the accuracy of the ParvoMedics TrueOne® 2400 Metabolic Measurement System in measuring resting VO₂ against the criterion Douglas bag method, and secondarily to compare the Douglas bag measures of VO₂ to those from the ParvoMedics TrueMax® 2400 Metabolic Measurement System, which has been previously validated up to near maximal metabolic rates (3). Resting metabolic rate (RMR) is determined by measuring the oxygen consumption (VO₂) of the subject lying in the supine position in the early morning following an overnight fast. The TrueOne® system uses a …

Dads Matter: A Phenomenological Exploration Of Fathers' Influence On Collegiate Female Athletes' Sport Experience, Tanya Raquel Prewitt

Masters Theses

Female sport history, stereotypes of female athletes, and the socialization of females in sport that currently influence female athletes cannot be disregarded when attempting to understand the psychology of the female sport participant (Brustad, 2002). Additionally, reciprocal relationships between men's and women's lives need to be examined in sport studies and in all fields, even though few have been conducted (McKay, Messner, & Sabo, 2000). Furthermore, little empirical research has been done on the father-daughter relationship, and, in particular, its influence on girls' and women's experiences in sport. Therefore, the purpose of this project was aimed at exploring female collegiate …

Validation Of Measures By The Lifecorder Ex Activity Monitor, Scott Andrew Schmidt

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study is to determine the validity of the Lifecorder EX activity monitor in calculating resting metabolic rate, counting steps taken at a variety of speeds, reporting energy expenditure across a range of intensities, and categorizing exercise intensity in descriptive units as light (1-3), moderate (4-6), and vigorous (7-9). Ten male (24.6 ± 5.3 years) and ten female (26.6 ± 5.1 years) recreationally active adults participated in this study. Height, weight, resting metabolic rate, and body composition were measured prior to performing treadmill exercise at 9 speeds (54, 67, 80, 94, 107, 121, 134, 147, 161 m•min …

How Accurate Are Athletes' Perceptions Of Their Coaches' Expectations?, Angela Marathakis

Masters Theses

The purpose of the present study was to determine the extent to which there is a correspondence between athletes' perceptions of their coach's expectations and the coach's actual expectations. It was predicted that a significant difference would exist between the coach's expectations of high and low expectancy athletes (Solomon et. al, 1996a; Solomon, 2002; Solomon et. al 1996b). In addition, for both groups of athletes, it was predicted that there would be no difference between athletes' perceptions of their coach's expectations and the coach's actual expectations, supporting the notion that both groups of athletes accurately perceive the expectations their coach …

Transitioning From Teammate To Coach: Effects On The Coach-Athlete Relationship, Ashwin Patel

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to investigate how the experience of transitioning from a teammate to a coach affected the relationship between a coach and his players. A semi-structured qualitative interview guide was employed to ask participants broad open ended questions to elicit responses regarding their various experiences in the coach athlete relationship. This allowed me to probe the participant when needed (Kvale, 1996).

Probing questions such as “What was that like for you?”, “How does that make you feel?” and “Talk more about that” were included to help participants explore the dynamics involved in the coach-athlete relationship (Pollio, …

An Investigation Of Sponsorships Opportunities In Athletic Training Rooms Of Ncaa Universities, Masaru Ito

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to identify the barriers, avenues, and possibilities for marketing intercollegiate athletic training rooms. In particular, this study examined potential sources of support for athletic training rooms by addressing a) current trends in sponsorship within athletic training rooms; b) market tactics used to substantiate sponsorships in athletic training rooms; c) how existing marketing tactics have the greatest potential for growth; and d) the need for athletic training rooms to acquire and maintain sponsorship.

In this study, an online survey and volunteer telephone interview were administered to head athletic trainers representing athletic training rooms at Division …

National Pasttime: The Minor Leagues And Why Fans Are Filling The Bleachers, Timothy A. Lentych

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to identify the factors that determine why fans attend Minor League Baseball games. The factors were broken down into four categories which were customer services, promotions, entertainment, attractions. Additional information and demographics were also examined. A survey comprising of 32 questions was distributed at the last weekend home series of the Tennessee Smokies. The Tennessee Smokies are the Double A affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals. Four hundred seventy surveys were distributed. Research participants consisted men and women who are 18 years and older that paid for a Tennessee Smokies Baseball game ticket. Each …