Life Sciences Commons^™

The Neuroprotective Effects Of Endurance Training On The Aging Brain, Katelyn Norton

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Dysregulation of autonomic control often develops with advancing age, favoring a chronic state of heightened sympathetic outflow with parasympathetic withdrawal. However, the mechanisms of this age-related autonomic impairment are not known and may relate to alterations in brain structure (e.g. cortical atrophy) and/or altered neural function, particularly in regions related to the cortical autonomic network, namely, the medial prefrontal cortex (MPFC), insula cortex (IC), and hippocampus (HC). Exercise exerts beneficial effects on brain structure and, in the case of cognition, neurologic function; however, how exercise affects regions of the brain related to autonomic function are not known. This thesis tested …

The Cardiovascular Benefits Of Regular Exercise In Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus And The Risk Of Exercise-Induced Hypoglycemia, Matthew W. Mcdonald

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is associated with compromised glycemic control and a heightened risk for cardiovascular disease. The common treatment of T1DM with strict glycemic control through intensive insulin therapy can be problematic (weight gain, insulin resistance, hypoglycemia). Regular exercise is known to improve cardiovascular health, yet most individuals with T1DM remain sedentary, and identify the risk of exercise-induced hypoglycemia as a significant barrier. The investigation into the use of different forms of exercise (higher intensity, resistance) for preventing exercise-induced hypoglycemia in populations with T1DM has been promising, however, little work has investigated their cardiovascular benefit or whether the …

Long-Term Treatment With Insulin And Retinoic Acid Increased Glucose Usage In L6 Muscle Cells Via Glycogenesis, Matthew Ray Goff

Doctoral Dissertations

Skeletal muscle glucose metabolism can affect whole body glucose homeostasis significantly. Vitamin A (VA) plays a role in a number of physiological functions including glucose metabolism. However, its role in skeletal muscle glucose metabolism has not been well established. Insulin controls glucose metabolism in the skeletal muscle via the regulations of glucose uptake, glycogenesis, and glycolysis. We hypothesize that insulin and VA signaling pathways may converge to regulate glucose metabolism in skeletal muscle. Here, the effects of retinoic acid (RA) alone and in combination with insulin on glucose utilization in rat L6 muscle cells were studied. L6 cells were treated …

Effects Of Acute Exercise On Postprandial Lipemia And Postprandial Glycemia, Stephen Decker

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Introduction: Moderate-intensity aerobic exercise has been shown to attenuate the rise in triglycerides in during the postprandial period, however the effects of acute bouts of high-intensity exercise on postprandial lipemia and glycemia have not been explored. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of acute high-intensity interval training on postprandial lipemia and postprandial glycemia.

Methods: Ten healthy males participated in a randomized crossover design consisting of one high-intensity exercise session and one sedentary control session, followed by consumption of a mixed meal. Blood triglyceride and glucose concentrations were monitored following the consumption of the meal.

Results: High-intensity …

Seasonal Perceived Training Load In Ncaa Di Men’S Soccer: Is There A Dose-Response Relationship?, Andrew A. Pustina

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this dissertation was to determine if a there was a dose-response relationship across an NCAA Division I men’s soccer season. Specifically, this dissertation serves to: 1.) assess the validity of duration measurements that have previously been used to calculate session RPE during competitive matches, 2.) determine the degree and magnitude of change in intermittent endurance performance across a season and to observe how change in endurance relates with training load, 3.) determine the degree and magnitude of change in strength and explosiveness across a season, and to see how these strength changes relate to training load. 1.) …

Effect Of A Recovery Supplement On Weight Lifting Performance, Muscle Fiber Morphology And Muscle Protein Accretion, Christopher B. Taber

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purposes of this dissertation were to examine the effect of a protein and carbohydrate recovery beverage versus a placebo on weightlifting performance, its effect on muscle morphological changes and specific muscle protein accretion. The following are major finding from the dissertation: 1) Protein and carbohydrate recovery supplementation does not appear to have influence on performance measure in trained weightlifters. This finding may be associated with the short-term nature of this study and the trained population used. 2) Compared with placebo, a protein and carbohydrate beverage provided greater benefits on cross sectional area of type I and type II muscle …

The Effects Of Actigraph Bandpass Filtering On Activity Counts During Continuous And Intermittent Lifestyle Activity, Samuel Robert Lamunion

Masters Theses

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to explore how increasing the upper limit of the bandpass filter frequency range affected accelerometer counts collected during treadmill walking and running, car driving and intermittent lifestyle activities METHODS: Part A included treadmill walking, running, and car driving (N=20) (mean ± [plus or minus] SD; age, 24.4±3.4 years; body mass index (BMI, 26.4±3.3 kg/m² [kilograms per meter squared]). Part B included ten lifestyle activities ranging from sedentary behaviors to vigorous intensities (N=30) (mean±SD; age, 23.0±2.3 years; BMI, 25.1±3.8 kg/m²). Participants wore an ActiGraph accelerometer (GT3X+ in Part A and GT9X …

The Relationship Between Strength, Power, And Sprint Acceleration In Division I Men’S Soccer Players, Christopher Bellon

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purposes of this dissertation were three-fold. The first was to identify the approximate distances characterizing early-, mid-, and late-acceleration in a population of Division I men’s collegiate soccer players. The secondary purpose was to investigate the relationships between various strength-power variables and key sprint characteristics during early-, mid-, and late-acceleration in a population of Division I men’s soccer players. The final purpose of this dissertation was to compare the spatiotemporal characteristics of “strong” versus “weak” and “more powerful” versus “less powerful” Division I men’s soccer players during early-, mid-, and late- acceleration. The following are the major findings of …

The Effect Of Fasted Vs Fed High-Intensity Interval Exercise On Metabolism And Diet, William Joseph Perez

Human Movement Sciences & Special Education Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to investigate immediate and delayed metabolic and dietary responses to a single bout of cycling high-intensity interval exercise (HIIE) performed in the fasted and fed state. Baseline values of 11 subjects (6 female, 5 male) for resting energy expenditure (REE), respiratory exchange ratio (RER), resting VO₂, VO_2max and appetite score (VAS) were measured on the first visit. Energy balance (EB) was determined using diet tracking and activity energy expenditure (paEE). Trials followed a day at net energy balance and began in a fasted state. A 240-kcal energy bar was consumed prior …

Metabolic Limits And Adaptation In Humans: Daily Energy Expenditure In Race Across The Usa Athletes, Caitlin Thurber

Theses and Dissertations

A longitudinal doubly labeled water study of total energy expenditure (TEE) in Race Across the USA athletes, examining the effects of extremely high levels of activity on metabolic adaptation.

The Effects Of Hypohydration On Neurocognitive, Balance, Vestibular Ocular Motor Functions And Mood State, Satoshi Iida

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Inconsistent findings have been observed on the impact of hydration state on cognitive functions. The isolated effect of hypohydration on neurocognitive performance, balance, vestibular ocular motor function and mood outcomes in widely used concussion assessment tools has not been studied. The purpose of this study was to investigate how hypohydration affected the results in concussion testing batteries. A single-blind randomized crossover design was used. Thirteen healthy males (22 ± 4y, 180.9 ± 5.7cm) without history of concussion within the past six months or any condition or disease that could influence outcome measurements participated in this study. Each subject completed concussion …

The Effects Of Whole Body High-Intensity Interval Training On Collegiate Female Soccer Players 2016, Whitney Frary

Master's Theses

Soccer is considered a high intensity sport that requires a high level of both aerobic and anaerobic fitness. A whole body high-intensity interval training adaptation has been shown to benefit both of these systems over a short period of time. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a five week whole-body high intensity interval training program on female collegiate soccer players performance in speed, acceleration, agility, vertical jump, aerobic capacity, physical self perception, and physical enjoyment. Participants were from the SUNY Cortland women’s soccer team who participated in a five- week training protocol three days a …

Power Output And Loads On The Lumbar Vertebrae During A Power Clean 2016, Joseph Keleher

Master's Theses

The purpose of the present study was to compare the peak resultant torque, shear, and compressive forces acting at the L3/L4 junction of the lumbar vertebrae and the peak power output during 40% one repetition maximum (1RM) and 80% 1RM attempts of the power clean. It was hypothesized that performance of a power clean at 80% 1RM will result in greater peak resultant compressive force, torque and shear force at the L3/L4 junction of the lumbar spine than that of a 40% 1RM attempt. Power cleans at 80% 1RM will also result in higher maximum instantaneous power outputs than that …

Determining The Optimal Combination Of Lifting Method And Intensity For Power Production During The Hang Clean 2016, Thomas P. Murray

Master's Theses

The purpose of this study was to determine the optimal combination of lifting method and load intensity for power production during the hang clean. Twenty college students (18 male, 2 female) performed one set of three repetitions of the hang clean at four different intensities for each method while standing on a force platform embedded in the floor. Intensities were set at 50%, 60%, 70%, and 80% 1RM and the methods tested were Contact, where the participant maintained contact with the force platform throughout the lift, and Jump, where the participant jumped through the pull phase of the lift and …

The Effect Of Descriptive Norms On Resistance Exercise Self-Efficacy In College-Aged Females 2016, Justin Kompf

Master's Theses

Resistance training is a form of physical activity that provides substantial health benefits. Despite these widespread benefits, participation in resistance training is considerably low, particularly among females. To engage in a skill-related activity such as resistance training, individuals need to have confidence in their abilities. Self-efficacy is a cognitive construct that is used to describe situation-specific self-confidence. Descriptive norms are a type of social norm that describes the behavior of others. Descriptive norms have been useful in positively changing health related behaviors. The exact mechanism of how descriptive norms alter behavior is unknown. However, it has been show in research …

Do Running Kinematics Change On The Alter-G Treadmill? [2016], Brittany Lavaute

Master's Theses

The Alter-G lower body positive pressure treadmill, also known as the antigravity treadmill, provides a unique means of exercising for rehabilitation patients and low-impact training in athletes. The purpose of this study was to examine the interaction effect of four different treadmill weighted conditions and three different running velocities (2.68 m.s-1, 3.13 m.s-1, and 3.58 m.s-1) on the kinematic variables of step length, step rate, contact time, and flight time on the Alter-G treadmill (AG) and on the regular treadmill (TM). Fifteen participants completed two separate days of testing. All individuals ran at four different conditions (100%, 80%, 60%, and …

Effects Of Sport-Specific Training Conditions On Performance In High School Field Hockey Players., Alexandra Hannah Roberts

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Many sports (e.g. field hockey, lacrosse, ice hockey) require the use of a mouthguard (MG) and the constraint of carrying a stick during play. Previous research has shown that these two conditions individually can cause decrements to athletic performance; however no research has been conducted into effect of the combination of these two conditions on both aerobic and anaerobic performance parameters. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of both chronic (during all conditioning) and acute MG and stick (MG-STK) use on aerobic fitness and anaerobic capacity over the course of a 12-week training and competition …

Mini Series Presentations, Robert L. Moody Iv, Natasha S. Natraj

Senior Year Experience Student Projects

For the month of March, we implemented a mini education program at both EmblemHealth sites to engage, educate and empower members of the fitness center and weight management program. The program was designed to be fifteen minutes in length, allowing for more sessions over the course of 3 hours with one session a week alternating between topics. Upon survey evaluation of the 60 participants, they reported satisfaction with the overall program and validated the worth of EmblemHealth’s Fitness Center. The survey also showed that 10 out of 10 participants recognized sitting disease as a primary health concern after the presentation, …

The Effects Of Fitness Level And Sex On Epoc Following High Intensity Interval And Moderate Intensity Aerobic Exercise, Rachel Lauren Simmons

Human Movement Sciences & Special Education Theses & Dissertations

In the past few years, much attention has been directed toward shorter-duration vigorous intensity aerobic exercise as opposed to longer-duration moderate intensity exercise. There is conflicting evidence as to whether vigorous exercise can result in a greater excess post-exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC) and thus more calories burned when compared to moderate continuous exercise performed for a longer duration. In addition, the literature contains a dearth of information isolating and investigating male and female response to these exercises, as well as fit and unfit subjects. The purpose of this study was to quantify EPOC following moderate intensity aerobic exercise (MOD) and …

Resistance Exercise Elicits Selective Mobilization And Adhesion Characteristics Of Granulocytes And Monocyte Subsets, Adam Jajtner

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Resistance exercise eliciting muscle damage results in an immune response, leading to increases in circulating cytokines, and immune cell mobilization. Classical monocytes respond to muscle damage, however, little is known about the intermediate or nonclassical monocyte response to resistance exercise. Moreover, the impact of polyphenol supplementation in conjunction with resistance exercise on the innate immune response is unknown. The purpose of this study was to examine the immune response following resistance exercise with (PPB) and without (PL) polyphenol supplementation. Thirty-nine untrained men were randomized into three groups: PPB (n=13, 21.8±2.5yrs, 171.2±5.5cm, 71.2±8.2kg), PL (n=15, 21.6±2.5yrs, 176.5±4.9cm, 84.0±15.7kg) or a control …

Intramuscular Tnf-Alpha Signaling In Response To Resistance Exercise And Recovery In Untrained Males., Jeremy Townsend

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

INTRODUCTION: The nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κβ) signaling cascade is responsible for mediating stress-activated catabolic effects of Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha (TNF-α) downstream of the TNF receptor (TNFR1). NF-κβ transcription factor remains inhibited in the cytosol of the muscle and can be stimulated for translocation and transcription by a variety of external stimuli, most notably by pro-inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress. Nevertheless, currently there is a gap in the literature with regard to the time course effect of NF-κβ signaling following acute resistance exercise in humans. PURPOSE: To observe the effects of an acute lower-body resistance exercise protocol and subsequent …

The Effects Of Exercise Intensity On Acylated Ghrelin, Active Glucagon-Like Peptide-1, And Appetite: Examining The Potential Involvement Of Interleukin-6, Hashim Islam

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

Interleukin-6 (IL-6) stimulates the release of appetite-regulating hormones in animals and associates with decreased energy intake in humans. Thus, IL-6 may contribute to the intensity- dependent effects of exercise on appetite-related parameters. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of exercise intensity on IL-6, appetite-regulating hormones, and appetite perceptions. Eight active young males completed four sessions: 1) Moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT; 30 min running, 65% VO2max); 2) High-intensity continuous training (HICT; 30 min running, 85% VO2max); 3) Sprint interval training (SIT; 4 x 30 sec “all-out” running bouts separated by 4 min recovery); 4) Control (CTRL; no …

Central And Peripheral Weight Gain Affect Trunk Kinematics And Lower-Extremity Muscle Activation Differently During Sit-To-Stand, Michelle Christine Walaszek

Theses and Dissertations--Kinesiology and Health Promotion

Background: Obesity-induced alterations in biomechanics and muscle recruitment during activities of daily living, such as sit-to-stand (STS) are often attributed to increases in adipose tissue (AT) mass. Central or peripheral distribution of AT may differently affect biomechanics and muscle recruitment.

Methods: Fifteen healthy, normal weight (BMI 22.4 ± 1.9 kg/m², 24.1 ± 4.2 years) subjects volunteered. External loads equivalent to a 5 kg/m² BMI increase were applied in three conditions: unloaded (UN), centrally loaded (CL), and peripherally loaded (PL). Subjects completed three successful STS movements in a backless chair under each load condition in random order. Motion …

Calcitriol Increases Ceramide, Diacylglycerol, And Expression Of Genes Involved In Lipid Packaging In Skeletal Muscle, Grace Elizabeth Jefferson

Theses and Dissertations--Kinesiology and Health Promotion

Background: Vitamin D is crucial for skeletal muscle function. 25-hidroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) has been correlated with skeletal muscle mass and intramyocellular lipid (IMCL) content. The purpose of this study was to understand how calcitriol, the active vitamin D metabolite, directly affects myocellular size and lipid partitioning.

Methods: C₂C₁₂ myotubes were treated with calcitriol (100nM) or vehicle control for 24 or 96 h. Myotube diameter and protein synthesis rate were measured to determine effects of calcitriol on myocellular size. Intramyocellular triacylglycerol (IMTG), diacylglycerol (DAG), and ceramide content were measured by LC/MS. Expression of genes involved in lipid packaging …

Influence Of Cardiovascular Risk Factors On Remote Ischemic Preconditioning, Tiffany Trachte

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

A powerful therapy against microvascular endothelial ischemia-reperfusion injury is remote ischemic preconditioning (rIPC), which triggers tissue protection by exposing a limb to small cycles of vascular occlusion. Animal models indicate that CVD risk factors reduce the protective benefits of ischemic conditioning. However, there are no human studies investigating how a burden of risk factors interferes with rIPC to prevent endothelial injury. The purpose of the present study was to determine the influence of risk factor burden on the capacity of rIPC to prevent endothelial reperfusion injury in humans. Twenty-two (age: 45±14 yr., BMI: 31±8 kg/m2) sedentary adults (12 lower burden: …

Development And Evaluation Of A Firefighter Physical Performance Program For Undergraduate Fire And Safety Students, Jessica Ann Moody

Online Theses and Dissertations

The number one on-duty cause of death in the fire service is heart attacks. The International Association of Firefighters and the International Association of Fire Chiefs teamed up to create the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT). Fire departments across the nation will have consistent physical performance tests to hire more physically capable candidates as part of the Wellness-Fitness Initiative (International Association of Fire Fighters, 2014).

Eastern Kentucky University is a nationally recognized school for its fire science program; however students are not required to take educational classes to better prepare them for physical performance tests. Students starting in a training …

Effects Of Beta-Alanine Supplementation And High Intensity Interval Training Among Recreationally Active Females, Mary E. Yarbrough

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Beta-alanine is a non-essential amino acid that when combined with L-histidine forms the dipeptide carnosine. Recent research has shown that supplementary intake of beta-alanine can substantially increase carnosine content in muscle fibers and has been associated with attenuating fatigue and enhancing high intensity exercise performance. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of 4 weeks of beta-alanine supplementation combined with high intensity interval training (HIIT) on indices of aerobic and anaerobic performance, rowing performance, and body composition. Twenty-one recreationally active females (22.2 ± 2.2 yrs.) participated in a double blind, placebo controlled study and were randomly assigned …

Total And Regional Bmd Comparison Of Collegiate Male And Female Athletes, Michael G. Robinson 6978741

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Total and Regional BMD Comparison of Collegiate Male and Female Athletes

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Physiological and biomechanical demands of different sports have varying effects on the athletes that play them. For example, previous studies have shown that runners and swimmers can have lower bone mineral density (BMD) than athletes in ball sports or inactive controls. PURPOSE: To quantify and compare BMD in athletes to better understand how certain sport specific exercise promotes bone acquisition. METHODS: Fifty one (N=51) NCAA Division I athletes (18-25 yrs) had a whole body DXA scan performed to quantify total body BMD and segmental BMD. Fifteen (n=15) …

Factors Affecting Injury History And Their Overall Impact On Athletic Performance In Distance Runners, Trevor Norris

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Distance running is a very precise mechanism of many intricate movements and abilities of the body. The amount of miles that a distance runner must run puts a lot of very intense stresses on one’s body. These stresses often appear at the bone level and lead to many injuries such as stress reactions and stress fractures but also may play important roles in tissue damages such as strains and pulls. In this study, we used division one college distance runners and examined many intricacies between their level of fitness and overall composition. These include looking at imbalances, dominant traits, and …