Life Sciences Commons^™

Comparison Of Single-Use And Multiple-Use Electrodes For Sensory, Motor Threshold Amplitudes And Force Production, Lucia Maloy

Theses and Dissertations

Context: Electrodes play an important role in interfacing tissue with electrical stimulation devices. Manufacturers recommend that adhesive metallic mesh cloth electrodes be used no more than 10 times before they are discarded, however, clinically the electrodes are often used up to 30 times. Another concern is sanitation. When electrodes are used on different patients, there is a chance for cross-contamination and bacterial growth on the electrode. Objective: To compare amplitudes of perceived sensation, motor twitch and force produced at specific amplitudes using single-use electrodes that run no risk of cross-contamination, and multiple-use electrodes. Design: Mixed model ANOVA with the subject …

Influence Of Cardiac Output On Oxygen Uptake Kinetics, Crystelle Kiyoko Grant

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to evaluate increased cardiac output (Q) on oxygen kinetics at exercise intensities above and below the lactate threshold (LT). We hypothesized the increase in Q using head-out water immersion (HOI) while treadmill running would reduce the rate constant of the fast component and reduce the amplitude of the slow component of oxygen kinetics compared with land treadmill running. Subjects (n=10) performed two 6 min exercise bouts at a 15% below and above the LT on a land and underwater treadmill following rest. A single exponential equation [VO2(t) = VO2(b) + A1•(1-e-t/TC1] was used to …

A Family Home Evening Based Method For Improving Physical Activity Levels In Families, Megan Maughan Wyatt

Theses and Dissertations

The prevalence of physical inactivity has been recognized as a risk factor for multiple chronic disease conditions in both adults and children. Recently efforts to increase healthy behaviors have been promoted through religious groups (Ken Resnicow et al., 2002). The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) has a unique program called Family Home Evening (FHE) that could be used to teach and potentially improve physical activity. Six FHE lessons were designed to be taught in 6 consecutive weeks within a family environment. A total of 84 families (parents and children) were recruited for participation. Participating families were randomized …

A Practical Comparison Between Traditional Periodization And Daily-Undulated Weight Training Among Collegiate Track And Field Athletes., Keith Ballard Painter

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Recently, comparisons of "periodized" strength training methods have become a focus of sport science. Daily undulating periodization (DUP), using daily alterations in repetitions, has been developed and touted as a superior method of training. The purpose of this study is to compare traditional periodization (TRA) to DUP in Division I track and field athletes. Thirty-one athletes were assigned to either a TRA or the DUP group training programs based on sex, year, and event. Training lasted 10 weeks. There were 4 testing sessions focusing on strength characteristics. Although, trends favored the TRA group for strength and rate of force development, …

Assessing Body Composition Of Children And Adolescents Using Dexa, Skinfolds, And Electrical Impedance, Angela Mooney

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine the validity and reliability of four methods of estimating body composition in 331 participants (177 boys, 154 girls) between 12-17 years of age. Percent body fat (%BF) was assessed once on one day using DEXA and twice using the sum of two skinfold (SF) and three bio-electrical impedance analysis (BIA) devices: OMRON hand-to-hand BIA, TANITA 521 foot-to-foot BIA, and TANITA 300A foot-to-foot BIA. The same assessments were repeated on 79 of the participants on a second day. DEXA was used as the criterion method of estimating %BF. The agreement between the estimates …

Predicting Vo2max In College-Aged Participants Using Cycle Ergometry And Nonexercise Measures, David E. Nielson

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to develop a multiple linear regression model to predict treadmill VO2max scores using both exercise and nonexercise data. One hundred five college-aged participants (53 male, 52 female, mean age 23.5 ± 2.8 yrs) successfully completed a submaximal cycle ergometer test and a maximal graded exercise test (GXT) on a motorized treadmill. The submaximal cycle protocol required participants to achieve a steady-state heart rate (HR) equal to at least 70% of age-predicted maximum HR (220-age), while the maximal treadmill GXT required participants to exercise to volitional fatigue. Relevant submaximal cycle ergometer test data included a …

Variations In Running Form Among Female Sprinters, Middle, And Distance Runners, Ruthann Cunningham

Theses and Dissertations

In the sport of track and field, runners excel at their events due not only to physiological characteristics but aspects in their form. Characteristics in form help runners achieve the goal in completing their event in the least amount of time possible. For sprinters, this is done by having a shorter swing phase and ground time along with greater power and a longer stride length. Distance runners accomplish the goal of quicker speeds by balancing it with running economy by spending greater time on the ground with shorter stride lengths compared to those in shorter distance running events. Middle distance …

The Effects Of Whole Body Vibration Platform Training On Hamstring Flexibility, Travis A. Epperson

Theses and Dissertations

Introduction: Very few studies have looked at the effect of vibration on flexibility, and no studies exist that have looked at stretching concurrently with whole body vibration (WBV) training. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine if whole-body-vibration training (WBV) done concurrently with static stretch (SV) is more effective than static stretching alone (SS), and to see if WBV training independently (SQ) improves hamstring flexibility without stretching. A secondary purpose of this study is to determine if retention of flexibility gains are maintained. Methods: Forty-four subjects (31 men, 13 women) completed this study (age 22.5 ± 1.8 years; …

The Effects Of Abdominal Training On Postural Control, Lower Extremity Kinematics, Kinetics, And Muscle Activation, Matthew J. Gage

Theses and Dissertations

Context: Abdominal training may decrease the risk of lower extremity injuries through improved balance and postural control. Objective: To determine the effect of an eight-week abdominal-training program on center of pressure, lower extremity joint angles, and abdominal muscle activation during a single-leg drop landing. The effects of abdominal training on abdominal muscle thickness was assessed. Design: A cohort research design. Setting: Research laboratory. Other Participants: Sixty healthy physically active college-aged students participated. They were divided into three groups: Control, Chronic ankle instability (CAI), and Healthy. Nineteen Control (age = 22.0 ± 2.72 yrs, mass = 74.1 ± 13.8 kg, height …

Changes In Bone Mineral Density In Middle-Age Women According To Physical Activity Volume, Intensity, And Cardiorespiratory Fitness: A Six-Year Prospective Study, Neil R. Nokes

Theses and Dissertations

This study was conducted to determine if physical activity and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) at baseline influence the likelihood of gaining bone mineral density (BMD) at the hip and lumbar spine over 6 years. Another aim was to ascertain the effect of several potential confounding factors. In a prospective study of 244 women (baseline age range 35-45 years), physical activity volume (PAv) and intensity (PAi) were measured using accelerometers at baseline. CRF indexed by VO2max was estimated using a graded, maximal treadmill test at baseline. BMD was measured using DEXA. Risk ratios were used to show the likelihood of BMD gains …

Effect Of Stratum Corneum Hydration On The Composition Of Sweat Collected By A Local Sweat Patch Method, Penny Renee Taylor

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of stratum corneum (SC) hydration by distilled water on SC ion content and sweat ion concentrations as measured by occlusive sweat patch. 10 men and 10 women completed approximately 40 minutes of moderate exercise in the heat. Select skin sites were hydrated before sweating by adhering cylinders of distilled water to forearm skin. SC samples were taken before and after exercise using the tape stripping (TS) method and sweat samples were taken with homemade filter paper sweat patches with a tegaderm backing. An increase in SC hydration was verified by …

Children's Perceptions Of A District-Wide Physical Education Program, Tirza Ramona Watts

Theses and Dissertations

It is important that physical educators, teacher educators, and researchers do all they can to understand and help promote positive attitudes among students, as attitudes toward physical education (PE) may influence students' physical activity intentions and behaviors. The purpose of this study was to identify children's perceptions of PE as it is delivered via a district-wide PE program. Specifically, the study examined the following: (a) student perceptions of enjoyment and usefulness of the PE program as it is systematically delivered in their district, (b) student likes and dislikes with respect to PE, and (c) student voice as expressed directly by …

An Examination Of The Relatedness Needs Of Adult Swimmers, Deward Warren Loose

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to first examine the role of coaches, peers, and significant others in the development of relatedness as it applies to the motivation of adult Master swimmers, and second to develop recommendations for coaches. The participants in this study were 87 Masters swimmers from the Wasatch Front region of Utah in the counties of Davis, Weber, Utah, Wasatch, Salt Lake, and Summit. Participants in this study were registered members of United States Masters Swimming(USMS) and were spread across eleven age-group classifications in five-year increments and ranging in age from 18 to 74. There were 43 …

Differences In Joint Moments At The Hip, Knee, And Ankle While Wearing Running Shoes And Distance Spikes, Aared D. Sampson

Theses and Dissertations

For years track and field athletes have worn spiked shoes to enhance performance. This study was conducted to determine the effect of track spikes on hip, knee, and ankle peak joint moments (PJM) in collegiate and elite athletes while running. To measure differences in joint moments, ten intercollegiate and post graduate male distance runners from Brigham Young University ran at a four-minute-mile pace (6.7 m/s) across a force plate synched with infrared cameras tracking body positioning in each shoe condition. Repeated measures ANOVA (p < 0.05) revealed no significant peak joint differences between running shoes and track spikes. The minimum hip and peak knee PJM approached significance (F = 3.221, P = 0.116 and F = 2.875, P = 0.134 respectively). The high variability of joint moments between trials made it difficult to detect differences between conditions. The variability may be explained by any number of factors including: biomechanical differences in running form, running at high speeds, type of subjects, and potentially other factors.

Reliability Of Sixteen Balance Tests In Individuals With Down Syndrome, Romina Villamonte

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine the reliability of sixteen balance tests in individuals with Down syndrome (DS). The following tests were performed on 21 participants with DS, aged 5-31 years of age; standing test on firm and soft surfaces with the eyes opened and closed, a balance subset of the Bruininks-Oseretsky test, full turn, timed-up-and-go test, forward reach, and sit-to-stand. Each participant completed all 16 assessments twice on one day and then again on a subsequent day for a total of four trials. Seven tests had reliability coefficients greater than 0.55; one-leg stand on floor (0.76), on …

Isometric Isokinetic And Isotonic Strength Evaluation Of Subjects With Stable And Unstable Ankles, Lauren Nicole Snyder

Human Movement Sciences & Special Education Theses & Dissertations

Injuries to the lateral ankle ligaments can result in ankle instability problems. Limited data exists in relation to isokinetic and isometric strength measures of the ankle, with an absence of data in relation to isotonic power measures. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to identify if there is a difference between subjects with unstable ankles and subjects with stable ankles with respect to isokinetic ankle strength, isometric ankle strength, and isotonic ankle power. Eighteen subjects with ankle instability (age, 23.9 ± 2.81 years; height 170.4 ± 8.9 cm; mass 73 ± 18.9 kg) and eighteen subjects with healthy ankles …

Lactate Threshold: The Comparison Of Running On A Land Treadmill Versus Head-Out Water Immersion Treadmill Running, Stephanie Alyce Jones

Theses and Dissertations

Introduction. Exercise and head-out water immersion (HOI) have consistently reported an increase in central blood volume associated with the cephalad shift in blood volume. This causes an increase in left ventricular end diastolic volume and greater stroke volume during exercise compared to exercise in air at similar metabolic costs. In contrast, the metabolic response, specifically, blood lactate accumulation during exercise combined with HOI has yielded varying results depending on the mode of exercise. At present it appears that during exercise at similar metabolic costs, cycle ergometry exercise augments plasma lactate over treadmill running while HOI reduces the plasma lactate response …

The Design Of A Web Based Athlete Development And Monitoring System., Jeremy Gentles

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This thesis explores the available resources and research pertaining to the process of athlete monitoring as well as how this information can be used to build an internet based athlete monitoring system. There is currently no system available that provides proper communication tools while also providing the means to track numerous variables to include strength and conditioning programs, performance testing, competition performance, injuries, therapy, pharmaceuticals, medical procedures, psychological status, and academic standing.

The objective of this thesis is twofold. First, is to review the literature and determine the needs of a web based athlete monitoring system. Second, is to provide …

Effect Of Surface Stability On Core Muscle Activity During Dynamic Resistance Exercises, Brennan J. Thompson

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The purpose of this study was to compare core muscle activity during resistance exercises performed on stable ground versus an unstable surface and to examine whether lifting at different relative intensities affects core muscle activity levels. Twelve trained men performed four different movements including the deadlift, back squat, military press, and curl. Surface electromyography (EMG) was utilized to assess the activity of the rectus abdominis, external oblique, transversus abdominis, and erector spinae muscles. Participants performed each movement under three separate conditions including standing on stable ground with 50% of their one repetition maximum (1-RM), standing on a BOSU balance trainer …

The Effects Of Cold Water Immersion On Fractioned Response Time, Patricia Jean Romney

Theses and Dissertations

Objectives: Quantify the effects of cold water immersion of the ankle on fractioned response time of the dominant lower limb. Design and Setting: A 2x2x5x5 crossover design with repeated measures on time and treatment directed data collection. The independent variables were gender, treatment, time (pretreatment, and post 15 seconds, 3 minutes 6 minutes and 9 minutes) and trial (5 trials for each time group). Response time (Tresp), reaction time (Treac), trial and surface temperature were measurement variables. Subjects: Thirty-six subjects, 18 females and 18 males were recruited from a physically active volunteer college student population. Measurements: Fractioned response time was …

Body Composition And Carotid Artery Intima-Media Thickness In 12 To 17-Year-Old Adolescents, Jennifer J. Willis

Theses and Dissertations

Background and Purpose—There is controversy in the literature regarding the relationship between intima-media thickness (IMT) and body composition among adolescents. This study investigated the relationship between body fat percentage and IMT, while controlling for height, weight, age, blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose, triglycerides and VO2max in 12 to 17-year-old children.
Methods—111 children (mean age = 14.33 years) participated in this study. Body fat percentage was assessed using dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA). A B-mode, high-resolution ultrasonograph was used to measure the IMT of the right and left common carotid arteries (CCA). Fasting blood tests were performed to obtain blood …

Development Of An Exercise Test To Predict Vo2max In Children And Adolescents, Nathan E. Black

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the use of nonexercise (N-EX) data, specifically, the Perceived Functional Ability (PFA) and Physical Activity Rating (PA-R) questionnaires, with the treadmill walk-jog-run protocol to estimate VO2max in 12 to 17 year old boys and girls. Ninety-one participants (49 males and 42 females) took part in this study. Data were collected via PFA and PA-R questionnaires, a walk-jog-run submaximal treadmill test, and a maximal graded exercise test (GXT). Data collected included gender, age, height, weight, PFA and PA-R scores, heart rate (HR), treadmill speed, maximal treadmill grade, respiratory exchange ratio (RER), rating of …

Physical Activity In Individuals With Down Syndrome: An Overview, And Suggestions For Appropriate Activities And Instructional Techniques, Lauren La Course

Honors Capstone Projects - All

Individuals with Down Syndrome (DS) can benefit immensely from the physical as well as social and psychological aspects of sport and exercise. However, because their physical and mental capacities stray from the norm it can often be hard to find suitable activities for them, accessible venues and knowledgeable instructors. This paper outlines the physiological differences associated with DS in regards to the musculoskeletal system, cardiovascular system, and the immune system, in addition to addressing the higher incidence of certain health conditions, such as diabetes, osteoporosis and Alzheimer’s disease, and the relationship exercise has with these conditions.

The reasons for low …

The Effects Of Isolated Hamstring Fatigue On Jump Landing In Healthy Recreational Athletes, Kristen Anne Phillips

Human Movement Sciences & Special Education Theses & Dissertations

The musculature of the lower extremity provides dynamic stability during daily and athletic tasks. In landing tasks, the lower extremity absorbs forces and reduces excessive stresses and motions that are placed upon the body. Neuromuscular fatigue has been linked to an increase in injury and altered kinematics during jump landing tasks. The purpose of this study was to analyze the effects of hamstring fatigue on knee and hip kinematics pre and post hamstrings fatigue while landing from a box drop of 30cm height, during the stop-jump phase. The study aimed to quantify the kinematic data of the hip and knee …

Immediate Effect Of Heel-Pain Orthosis And An Augmented Low-Dye Taping On Plantar Pressures And Pain In Subjects With Plantar Fasciitis, Tracy Andus

Human Movement Sciences & Special Education Theses & Dissertations

Research has been done investigating plantar pressures and pain in subjects with pathologies after the application of orthoses and arch taping. To date, however, no study has been conducted investigating plantar pressures and pain in subjects with plantar fasciitis after the application of the augmented low-dye taping (ALD) in comparison to a heel-pain orthosis (HPO). Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the effects of the ALD in comparison to a HPO on pain, peak plantar pressure (PPP), and mean plantar pressure (MPP) under multiple areas of the foot in subjects with plantar fasciitis while walking and jogging. …

The Effect Of Instruction On Jump-Landing Kinematics In Collegiate Age Female Athletes Over Time, Jena Lynne Etnoyer

Human Movement Sciences & Special Education Theses & Dissertations

The use of verbal and video instruction is a simple feedback tool that can be implemented into almost all clinical rehabilitative and prevention programs. The purpose of this study was to determine whether self or a combination of self and expert feedback will have a long term effect on box-drop jump (BDJ), running-stop jump (RS), and sidestep maneuver (SS) lower extremity kinematics (knee flexion, knee valgus, hip flexion, hip abduction) over time in healthy college age female athletes. A repeated measures design was used. Forty-three physically active females (age=21.47±1.55years; height=l.65±0.08m; weight=63.78±12kg) were randomly assigned to three groups; 15 self feedback(S), …

A Comparison Of The Effects Of High-Resistance Cycle Training And Leg Press On The Wingate Anaerobic Test, Strength, And Time-Trial Performance, Aaron W. Stites

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to compare high-resistance cycle training (HRCT) with resistance training (RT), and their effects on Wingate anaerobic test watt max (Wmax) and watt average (Wave), strength (improvement in 1 repetition max [RM]), and time-trial performance. Twenty-five healthy college-age untrained male subjects were randomly assigned to the HRCT (n=10), RT (n=10), or control (n=5) group. All subjects completed pre and posttesting for the leg press (LP), 30 s Wingate anaerobic test, and 15-min time-trial. Subjects also completed familiarization tests prior to pretesting in the Wingate anaerobic test and 15-min time-trial. HRCT and RT subjects trained 2x/wk …

Development Of A Prone Bridge Test As A Measurement Of Abdominal Stability In Healthy Adults, Joel D. Reece

Theses and Dissertations

Abstract This study sought to develop an interval prone bridge fitness test to assess core stabilization in healthy adults (ages 18–39 years). Participants performed a prone bridge maneuver in alternating 15-sec work and 5-sec rest intervals with participants' RPE scores (0–10) recorded at the end of each work interval. The RPE score reported after 95 sec (RPE-95) was used to predict total interval prone bridge endurance time along with participants' self-reported level of physical activity (PA; sedentary = 0, low active = 1, active = 2, very active = 3). Multiple linear regression was employed to generate the following prediction …

A Comparison Of The U.S. Air Force Fitness Test And Sister Services' Combat-Oriented Fitness Tests, Thomas E. Worden

Theses and Dissertations

This research explores how the United States Air Force Physical Fitness Test (AFPFT) events compare to sister-services' physical fitness test events with respect to their predictability of combat capability. Multiple regression tools, non-parametric analyses, and chi² contingency table hypothesis testing were utilized to test hypotheses about performances and determine associations between involved variables. AFPFT scores had minimal predictability (adj R² 0.2045) [but improved when raw data replaced scoring sheets, pushups have no maximum, and abdominal circumference and age are removed (adj R² 0.7703)]. Higher Body Mass Index (BMI) predicts higher combat capability (p-value 0.0208). The best two-event …

The Effect Touches, Post Touches, And Dribbles Have On Offense For Men's Division I Basketball, Kim T. Jackson

Theses and Dissertations

The purposes of this study were to evaluate the effects touches per play, post touches per play, and dribbles to end a play (DEP) have on points per play, field goal percentage, turnovers, and fouls. This was done to provide empirical evidence on anecdotal theories held by coaches concerning ball movement, dribbles, and post touches. The data collected were statistically analyzed using Bayesian hierarchical models. This study reports some intriguing trends. First, exceeding nine passes and three dribbles to end a play results in a decrease in points per play and field goal percentage. Second, up to three dribbles into …