Life Sciences Commons^™

Foot And Ankle Kinematic And Lower Extremity Muscle Activity During Descent From Varying Step Heights, Emily Gerstle

Theses and Dissertations

Ankle injuries are common during activities of daily living, particularly in negotiation of steps. Previous studies examining steps have generally focused on the ankle, knee, or hip and descent of multiple steps. Joint motion within the foot, utilizing a multi-segment foot model, during step descent has not been extensively studied. Although peroneal muscle activity differences have been identified between participants with healthy and unstable ankles during static activities, little is known about peroneal activity during activities of daily living. A better understanding of the foot kinematics and muscle activity in persons with uninjured ankles may help future studies elucidate the …

An Optimization Method For Estimating Joint Parameters Of The Hip And Knee, Ben Tesch

Theses and Dissertations

Biomechanics, generally speaking, concerns the application of engineeringprinciples to the study of living things. This work is concerned withhuman movement analysis, a subfield of biomechanics, where the methodsof classical mechanics are applied to human movement. This field hascontributed to the general understanding of human movement, and itstechniques are used in the diagnosis and treatment of disease. Centralto the field is the process of measuring human movement. Since classicalmechanics deals with the motion of rigid bodies, and ideal measurementsystem would be able to accurately record the exact pose --- combinedposition and orientation --- of the bones. The techniques that reachthis ideal …

Role Of Sensation In Altered Phalanx Grip Force In Persons With Stroke, Leah R. Enders

Theses and Dissertations

Many individuals experience hand impairment after stroke leading to decreased ability to perform daily living activities. Previous research studies have investigated how stroke survivors' pinch grip control differs from healthy individuals, even though many individuals can only grasp with power grip after stroke. Furthermore, many stroke survivors experience tactile sensory deficit in their paretic limb in addition to motor deficit. It is currently unknown how stroke induced tactile sensory deficit affects power grip force directional control, which is important in terms of preventing object slippage and power grip normal force generation. Additionally it is unknown if power grip could be …

The Effects Of Worksite Health Promotion Programs On Employee Biometric Data, Jamie M. Pratt

Theses and Dissertations

INTRODUCTION: Worksite health promotion programs (WHPP) promote maintenance and changes of health-related behaviors of employees. Some companies opt to contract with a third party provider to implement a WHPP. PURPOSE: This study evaluated the participation rates, availability and use of health coaching, and changes in biometric data over a 2-year time period of employees in 13 companies for whom the WHPP was implemented by Wellness Corporate Solutions (WCS). METHODS: We had 2 years of biometric, health risk appraisal (HRA), or health coaching data on 4,473 employees. The statistical analysis included biometric screening data (percent body fat, body mass index (BMI), …

A Randomized Controlled Trial To Study The Effects Of Breakfast On Energy Intake, Physical Activity, And Body Fat In Women, Gabrielle Marie Lecheminant

Theses and Dissertations

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of eating breakfast on energy intake, physical activity, body weight, and body fat in women who were nonhabitual breakfast eaters over a one-month period. METHODS: We tested 49 premenopausal, nonhabitual breakfast-eating women to compare the effects of eating breakfast versus not eating breakfast. Each participant was randomized to one of two conditions: breakfast or no breakfast. Breakfast eaters were required to eat within an hour and a half of awakening and had to be finished eating their breakfast meal by 8:30 A.M. Non-breakfast eaters were defined as not consuming …

Ground Forces Impact On Release Of Rotational Shot Put Technique, Niklas B. Arrhenius

Theses and Dissertations

In the shot put throw, the primary power is generated in the form of ground reaction forces as a result of action of the lower extremities (Coh, Stuhec, & Supej, 2008). The purpose of this study was to determine how the ground reaction force and ground contact time during the delivery phase of rotational shot put relates to the predicted distance of the throw. This will allow us to determine the optimal approach of force application for maximum throwing distance (Linthorne, 2001). Eight male subjects were used in this study (age 23 ± 4 y; body mass 123 ± 14 …

Microvascular Function In Metabolically Healthy Groups Differing In Bmi And Waist Circumference, Nathan R. Earl

Theses and Dissertations

BACKGROUND: Microvascular dysfunction (MD: impaired performance of blood flow, tissue perfusion, blood pressure, etc.) is one of the earliest stages in the progression of various chronic diseases. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine if a difference in microvascular function existed between two metabolically healthy groups that differed in BMI and waist circumference. DESIGN: This study employed a causal comparative design, with two groups: I) normal weight (n =14, BMI 28 kg/m2). METHODS: Microvascular function was assessed by measuring skin blood flow (SkBF) using laser Doppler flowmetry during postocclusive reactive hyperemia (PORH). The area under the SkBF time …

Unilateral Traditional Weight Lifting Generates Greatest Acute Upper Body Power Output, Evan H. Nakachi

Theses and Dissertations

Bilateral deficit (BLD) is a phenomenon where the force generated from simultaneous bilateral limb contractions is less than the sum force generated by separate right and left limb contractions. There have been many BLD studies, but the measures of force generation have predominantly been with isometric and isokinetic contractions. There are, however, no dynamic upper body isotonic unilateral weight lifting studies on acute power output. The purpose of this study was to determine acute power output between bilateral and unilateral weight lifting under the conditions of traditional and circuit weight lifting. Seventeen male BYU rugby players (age = 21.8 ± …

Downhill Treadmill Running Does Not Induce Muscle Damage In Fvb Mice, Brenda Benson

Theses and Dissertations

Downhill treadmill running is a commonly used method to cause exercise-induced muscle damage, especially in rodents. Previous studies have evaluated which muscles in rats are more prone to damage. However research using downhill run mice (DHR) has shown some inconsistencies in which muscle is best analyzed for damage. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to quantify the damage in various muscles in a mouse after a single bout of DHR. Methods: Male FVB mice (5 months) were injected with Evans Blue dye (EBD) and then either used as control (CON) or run downhill (-16°) at 20 meters per minute …

The Effects Of Exercise Training On Cognitive Reserve And Cognitive Function In Healthy Older Women, Katie Marie Becofsky

Theses and Dissertations

Cognitive reserve theory suggests that physical activity may protect individuals from cognitive decline. At the brain level, greater cognitive reserve may manifest as greater neural network efficiency. Our purpose was to investigate 1) whether participation in a 16-week walking program increased brain efficiency, and 2) whether increased brain efficiency correlated with change in fitness and task performance. Our secondary purpose was to investigate whether exercise training improved performance on a battery of cognitive tasks, particularly executive functioning performance. Seventeen healthy but sedentary women aged 60-75 years participated in a supervised walking program; eighteen women served as a non-randomized control group. …

The Effects Of Arthritis Foundation’S “Walk With Ease” Program On Cognitive Function, Ryan S. Falck

Theses and Dissertations

Physical activity (PA) is believed to improve cognitive function, particularly executive function, in older adults. However, few interventions in community settings have been performed to improve executive function through PA. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of a community-based walking program on executive function in older adults (60+ years). Older adults from senior centers throughout Lexington County, SC were recruited for participation in this intervention. Exclusion criteria included currently exercising >30 minutes and exercising ≥2x/week or scoring ≤25 on the Mini-Mental State Exam. The intervention consisted of an evidenced-based community walking program, the Arthritis Foundation ’ …

Biomechanical Evaluation Of A Jackhammering Task With And Without List Assist, Blake Allen Johnson

Theses and Dissertations

The construction and utility industries have relatively high levels of hazardous tasks that impose high physical demands on a worker. For the past decade these industry sectors had one of highest incident rates for non-fatal injuries (BLS, 2013). The task of operating a jackhammer presents several risk factors that promote the high rates of injuries to this industry sector. Until the introduction of the lift assist, relatively few interventions were available to make the task of operating a jackhammer safer. However, no research has been conducted to support that this device is able to make jackhammering safer. The aim of …

Effects Of Active Video Games In The Rehabilitation Of Ankle Sprains And Chronic Ankle Instability, Nathan Maresh

Theses and Dissertations

INTRODUCTION: Research into the treatment of acute lateral ankle sprains with individuals currently suffering from an acute injury, rather than a history of injury, is sparse. These acute injuries have psychological effects (e.g. confidence in one's readiness to return to play, changes to one's mood, adherence to the rehabilitation) to the individual that must be recognized as they have the potential to affect the rehabilitation process as much as the physical effects. In spite of previous research into the treatment of acute lateral ankle sprains the rate of recurrent injury remains high. With these recurrent ankle sprains comes the development …

Neural Reactivity To Visual Food Stimuli In The Morning And Evening: An Fmri Study In Women, Travis Daniel Masterson

Theses and Dissertations

Background: Visual food stimuli have been shown to influence desire to eat and may influence overall energy intake. The purpose of this study was to determine the influence, if any, that time of day has on the neural response to visual food stimuli, as measured by functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Methods: Using a crossover design, 15 healthy women were scanned using fMRI while presented with low- and high-energy pictures of food, once in the morning (6:30–8:30 am) and once in the evening (5:00–7:00 pm). Diets were identical on both days of the fMRI scans and were verified using weighed …

The Effects Of Opedix < Sup > Tm < / Sup > Knee Support System, Philip Mathew

Theses and Dissertations

INTRODUCTION: Knee supports are often employed to decrease adductor angle and/or adductor moment and thus medial knee joint loading in persons with medial knee osteoarthritis. It is compelling that these gait alterations would also be considered beneficial in healthy individuals from a prophylactic application. While the Opedix product was designed specifically as a knee support system, in the present study lower extremity kinematic chain with emphasis on hip and knee were investigated.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to test Opedix garments and describe the changes in sagittal (X), frontal (Y), and transverse (Z) planes for both kinematic and …

The Effects Of Cognitively Engaging Physical Activity On The Executive Function Of Sixth Graders, Alyssa Michele Humphreys

Theses and Dissertations

This purpose of this study was to examine the effects of cognitively engaging exercise, aerobic exercise, and resting conditions on the executive function of 6th graders. Four conditions were tested: cognitively engaging exercise, repetitive aerobic exercise, cognitively engaging rest, and rest. Executive function was measured by pre and post Stroop tests, which is a test of reaction time and inhibition. Results showed no significant differences between conditions in the choice reaction time test, however the cognitively engaging exercise was significantly different from all other conditions on the Stroop test.

The Effect Of Chronic Mild To Moderate Neck Pain On Neck Function As Measured By Joint Reposition Error And Tactile Acuity Of The Cervical Dermatomes, Kelly Martell Cheever

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to observe the joint reposition error and tactile acuity of patients with chronic mild to moderate neck pain and compare those values to healthy controls to further investigate the effect of neck pain on neck function and the need for sensorimotor training in patients with chronic neck pain. In spite of some inconsistencies in the literature and methodology, both the two-point discrimination test and the joint reposition error test can give clinicians valuable, inexpensive and quick objective data that can be used in the diagnostic portion of an examination as well as in designing …

Validity Of Posturescreen Mobile® In The Measurement Of Standing Posture, Breanna Cristine Berry Hopkins

Theses and Dissertations

Background: PostureScreen Mobile® is an app created to quickly screen posture using front and side-view photographs. There is currently a lack of evidence that establishes PostureScreen Mobile® (PSM) as a valid measure of posture. Therefore, the purpose of this preliminary study was to document the validity and reliability of PostureScreen Mobile® in assessing static standing posture. Methods: This study was an experimental trial in which the posture of 50 male participants was assessed a total of six times using two different methods: PostureScreen Mobile® and Vicon 3D motion analysis system (VIC). Postural deviations, as measured during six trials of PSM …

The Acute Effects Of Patterned Electrical Neuromuscular Stimulation On Quadriceps Torque Production And Motor Unit Recruitment, John A. Derington

Theses and Dissertations

Electric muscle stimulation (EMS) has been widely used in the rehabilitation of musculoskeletal injuries. Patterned electrical neuromuscular stimulation (PENS), a specific form of EMS, has been developed to better educate muscles to contract properly. The physiological efficacy of PENS has not been quantifiably identified. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to determine the acute effect of one PENS training session (3 sets of 10 1-sec repetitions) on maximal isometric knee extensor (MVIC) torque production and surface EMG (sEMG) in healthy nonathlete college students. DESIGN: A randomized repeated-measures design was used in this study. METHODS: Twenty-two male college students participated …

The Effect Of Egoscue Corrective Exercises On Chronic Knee And Hip Pain, Zachary Vehrs

Theses and Dissertations

INTRODUCTION: While strengthening and aerobic exercise have been shown to decrease chronic knee and hip pain, little is known about the effectiveness of Egoscue corrective exercises, which are intended to reduce musculoskeletal pain by bringing the body into postural alignment. PURPOSE: An experimental study to determine the acute effect following one treatment and the short-term effect after a 2 week program of Egoscue corrective exercises on knee pain, hip pain, and whole-body postural alignment. METHODS: Forty participants with chronic knee and/or hip pain (defined as pain on most days of the week for at least the previous 12 weeks) were …

Effects Of Tens On Voluntary Quadriceps Activation And Vertical Ground Reaction Force During Walking In Subjects With Experimental Knee Pain, Seong Jun Son

Theses and Dissertations

Context: Knee pain is a common symptom in knee pathology and is associated with alterations in quadriceps activation and movement patterns. Reducing pain through intervention may help reestablish neuromuscular function. The independent effects of knee pain are difficult to examine and unclear. Objective: To investigate the effects of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) on quadriceps activation and vertical ground reaction force (VGRF) during walking. Design: Crossover. Setting: Laboratory. Subjects: 15 in the TENS group (10M and 5F, 23.5 ± 2.8 yrs, 70.5 ± 12.5 kg, 178.1 ± 7.4 cm), and 15 in the sham group (10M and 5F, 22.5 ± …

The Influence Of Ambulation Speed And Corresponding Mechanical Variables On Articular Cartilage Metabolism, W. Matt Denning

Theses and Dissertations

During ambulation, lower-extremity joint angles and net moments influence knee joint load. It is unclear which mechanical variables most strongly correlate with acute articular cartilage (AC) catabolism in response to ambulation. Purpose: To determine which mechanical variables are most strongly correlated to acute AC catabolism, and to test the acute effect of ambulation speed on AC catabolism, while controlling for load frequency. Methods: 18 able-bodied subjects (9 male, 9 female; age = 23 ± 2 y; mass = 68.3 ± 9.6 kg; height = 1.70 ± 0.08 m) completed three separate ambulation sessions: slow (preferred walking speed), medium (+50% of …

The Effects Of A Foot-Toe Orthosis On Dynamic Balance And Hallux Valgus Angle, Adam Richard Kelly

Theses and Dissertations

Context: Decreased balance has been identified as a risk factor for lower extremity injury in several populations. Previous literature has investigated the effects of using orthotics, textured insoles and textured surfaces on balance. However, no research exists on the effects of a foot-toe orthosis on dynamic balance. Objective: To determine the effects of a foot-toe orthosis on dynamic balance and hallux valgus angle. Design: A randomized controlled trial. Setting: Athletic Training research laboratory. Participants: Sixty-three healthy and recreationally active collegiate students. (age: 21.59±1.49yrs, height 172.48±8.99cm, mass 73.86kg±15.64kg) Interventions: Participants were randomly allocated to one of three groups that received either …

Current Trends In Concussion Management Among Athletic Trainers In Different Workplace Settings, Katelyn Persoage

Theses and Dissertations

Context: There are many techniques used by athletic trainers in the management of concussions. Athletic trainers may use different management methods based on workplace setting but it is unclear what those differences may be. Objective: To determine the current concussion management protocols used by athletic trainers in different workplace settings. Design: Quantitative analysis. Setting: Web-based survey. Patients or Other Participants: A link to an online survey was sent to 1000 Certified Athletic Trainers through the National Athletic Trainers' Association. One hundred twenty-seven participants responded to the survey from the following settings: College (n=35), High School (n=72), Non-Academic (n=20). Main Outcome …

Perceptions And Practices Of Hydration In Triathlon, Corey Stephen O'Connor

Theses and Dissertations

Perceptions and Practices of Hydration in Triathlon

Corey S. O'Connor, David Q. Thomas, Kelly R. Laurson, Dale D. Brown. Illinois State University, Normal, IL

Purpose: To examine where triathletes obtain information regarding hydration, if their performances have been affected by dehydration, and how they monitor their hydration status. Methods: Two hundred and two participants (age=38.70 ± 9.73 years) from various triathlon groups in Illinois participated in the study. Each participant was asked to complete an electronic survey. The survey was composed of twenty seven items and was developed by O'Neal (2011). The survey was modified for triathletes and seven questions …

Effects Of Graston Technique On Blood Flow In The Upper Extremity, Ashley Nicole Keck

Theses and Dissertations

Context: When musculature around the shoulder is tight, alterations in scapular positioning may result, thus compressing the blood vessels to the upper extremity and decreasing blood flow. Graston Technique (GT) mobilizes the soft tissues to break up adhesions in fascia and lengthens tight musculature. The effect of GT has on blood flow after treatment to the shoulder musculature is unknown. Objective: To determine if GT has an effect on blood flow and pectorals minor length after a single treatment session. Design: Controlled laboratory study with randomization. Setting: University athletic training laboratory. Patients or Other Participants: Sixty healthy subjects (27 male, …

A Comparison Of Functional Manual Reaction To Passive Joint Mobilization On Dorsiflexion And Star Excursion Reach Distance, Timothy Frederic Boerger

Theses and Dissertations

Context: Joint mobilizations (JM) and functional manual reaction (FMR) are techniques commonly utilized in rehabilitation to promote restoration of ankle dorsiflexion (DF). Additionally, it is possible that JM have an effect upon postural control. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the comparative immediate effects of JM and FMR on DF and Star Excursion Balance (SEBT) reach distance in healthy subjects. Design: Randomized controlled trial. Setting: A university laboratory. Patients or other participants: We included 43 college aged subjects for our investigation (20M, 23F). Main outcome variables: Our variables were straight knee DF, bent knee DF, anterior SEBT, …

Comparison Of Body Composition Techniques In Determining Body Fat Percentages In College Age Students, Jillian Louise Barnas

Theses and Dissertations

While the use of body composition analyzers can become a critical tool in breaking the continual weight loss/weight gain cycle in Americans, the accuracy of these analyzers at measuring body composition remains in question. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of various body composition techniques at determining body fat percentages (%BF). METHODS: Sixty males (mean ± SD) [age: 21.3 ± 1.7 yr., height: 178.1 ± 7.2 cm., mass: 81.9 ± 12.6 kg., body fat %: 14.6 ± 7.5 %] and thirty-nine females [age: 20.5 ± 0.9 yr., height: 166.0 ± 7.7 cm., mass: 63.5 ± …

Relationships Between Humeral Retroversion, Anterior Glenohumeral Laxity, And Forward Scapular Posture In Collegiate Baseball Players, Yuya Mukaihara

Theses and Dissertations

Context: Baseball players are prone to soft tissue and bony adaptations due to repetitive throwing. Humeral retroversion, anterior shoulder laxity, and forward scapular posture are three common adaptations that have been associated with posterior shoulder tightness. Objective: To investigate if relationships exist between humeral retroversion, anterior shoulder laxity, and forward scapular posture among collegiate baseball players. Design: A cross–sectional correlation study. Setting: Athletic training facility at universities. Participants: Forty–eight asymptomatic NCAA Division-I baseball players (age 20.2 ± 1.2, weight 90.39 ± 8.92 kg, height 185.63 ± 6.69 cm). Interventions: Humeral retroversion and anterior shoulder laxity from dominant shoulders and bilateral …

Achilles Tendon Changes In Downhill, Level And Uphill Running, Katy Andrews Neves

Theses and Dissertations

In this study, we examined how hill running affects the Achilles tendon, which is a common location for injuries in runners. Twenty females ran for 10 min on three randomly selected grades (-6%, 0%, +6%). Achilles tendon (AT) cross-sectional area (CSA) was imaged using Doppler ultrasound and peak vertical forces were analyzed using high-speed (240 Hz) videography. A metabolic cart and gas analyzer ensured a similar metabolic cost across grades. Data were analyzed using a forward selection regression. Results showed a decrease in AT CSA from pre-run to post-run (p = .0001). Peak vertical forces were different across grades (p …