Life Sciences Commons^™

The Effects Of A Four Week Acl-Prevention Program On The Mccall Hamstring Test In High School Female Volleyball Athletes, Meredith West, Kasha Baker, Becca Beard

Scholars Day Conference

Anterior Cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are prevalent due to athletes participating in sports involving quick movements, sudden stops, and jump-landing movements. An ACL injury happens by a tear at the ligament. Multiple studies have found that women have a higher risk of ACL injuries than men due to neuromuscular and biomechanical factors. Specifically, during jump landing the following risk factors were found decreased knee and hip flexion, increased quadriceps dominance vs. hamstring muscles being used, and valgus knee compared to men. Women rely more on their quadriceps strength more than their hamstring strength which causes anterior tibial stress which can …

Explosive Muscular Power Correlation With Reaction Time Of D2 Collegiate Runners And The Effects Of Reaction Time Intervention, Megan Monk, Keelan Williams

Scholars Day Conference

The skill of running involves much more than meets the eye. Running requires explosive muscular power and proper reaction time. This research will discuss the explosive power and reaction time of D2 collegiate runners and document the development of the intervention program. This study spans for approximately 4 weeks, with the volunteer population split into two groups: a control and an intervention group. The intervention group is expected to see improvements in both explosive power and reaction time due to the intervention program. Data will be collected from both groups via Force Plates and Blaze Pods technology pre and post …

Balance Inefficiencies In Athletes With Lower Extremity Surgeries, Susannah Arnn, Gannon Connelley, Terrence Murray

Scholars Day Conference

The purpose of this study is to observe the initial difference in the balance of athletes with and without lower extremity surgeries; and determine whether a simple balance intervention is impactful. After four weeks of this program, we will determine if the volunteers’ balance has remained the same, progressed, or declined and if the athlete has overcompensated in the injured extremity.

Increased Healthspan From Exercise, Nicholas Boros

Scholar Week 2016 - present

In this talk we discuss important factors for increased healthspan. Much of the discussion will focus on strength training and cardiovascular training. In particular we outline optimal ways to increase strength and VO₂ max, which are the largest contributors to increased healthspan. We will also explain what makes a strength training program “optimal” mathematically.

Stress Hormone And Heart Rate Responses To Various Exercise Training Methods, Tomas Gomez Jr., Rebekah Schlatter, Megan Zamora, Marco Arriago, Sue Anne Chew, Murat Karabulut

Research Symposium

Background: Blood Flow Resistance (BFR) training has garnered attention for its ability to induce positive physiological adaptations with low-load resistance exercise. The present study aimed to examine the responses of catabolic hormones and heart rates (HR) to various BFR training protocols. This investigation seeks to provide insights into the stress levels induced by different protocols and identification behind the most effective protocol for optimal positive exercise-related adaptations.

Methods: Study population involved 10 healthy adult males (height: 175.0±5.0 cm, weight: 96.67±26.6 kg, age: 21.3±2.67 yr.) in a five-session investigation. Informed consent paperwork, pre-testing and anthropometric measurements served as session 1; sessions …

Lower Body Gait Variability As A Distinguishing Feature In Humans, Tyler M. Wiles, Seung Kyeom Kim, Nick Stergiou, Aaron D. Likens

UNO Student Research and Creative Activity Fair

Most humans have a fingerprint that is unique and persists throughout life. The same may be true for gait. Each person is unique physiologically and biomechanically, and has experienced a unique progression of life including injuries, habits, hobbies, or lifestyles that all contribute to navigating the world. Those individualized experiences, whether intended or not, are potentially on display in gait. We hypothesized that there are gait characteristics intrinsic and unique to everyone, so that everyone has a unique “gaitprint”, similar to humans possessing unique fingerprints. To test our hypothesis, we recruited thirty healthy young adults between the ages 19-35 as …

Functional Outcomes Of Noninvasive Sensory Feedback In Upper Limb Prostheses: A Meta-Analysis, Libby Caldwell

UNO Student Research and Creative Activity Fair

Noninvasive sensory feedback applies vibration or pressure to the residual limb and is thought to improve the functionality of upper limb prostheses. However, the efficacy of this approach has not been sufficiently investigated, particularly regarding actual amputee efficacy. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the functional benefits of noninvasive sensory feedback in upper limb prostheses through a meta-analysis. Electronic databases (MEDLINE, Web of Science, and PubMed) were searched up to October 2022 using the following search terms: (prosthesis OR prosthetic) AND (hand OR arm OR forearm OR transradial OR “upper limb” OR “upper extremity) AND (tactile OR haptic …

Walking With A Load On Wheels: Potential Effects Of Bidirectional Springs On Walking Economy, Hiva Razavi, Philippe Malcolm

UNO Student Research and Creative Activity Fair

Walking with a Load on Wheels: Potential Effects of Bidirectional Springs on Walking Economy

Have you ever noticed how your arms alternatively flex and extend when pushing a heavy shopping cart? Accelerating and decelerating heavy masses, such as a shopping cart, can require much effort. During walking, we alternatively accelerate and decelerate our Center of Mass (COM) in every gait cycle, which can require even more effort if we accelerate and decelerate a load while walking. Theoretically, this effort can be reduced by timing the acceleration and deceleration of the load's mass opposite to the individual's COM. Previous studies have …

Inter-Joint Variability And Age-Related Changes In Human Walking, Mehrnoush Haghighatnejad, Tyler Wiles, Seung Kyeom Kim, Aaron Likens, Nicholas Stergiou

UNO Student Research and Creative Activity Fair

Inter-Joint Variability and Age-Related Changes in Human Walking

Mehrnoush Haghighatnejad¹*, Tyler M. Wiles¹, Seung Kyeom Kim¹, Nick Stergiou^1,2, Aaron D. Likens¹

¹Department of Biomechanics, University of Nebraska at Omaha

²Department of Physical Education and Sport Science, Aristotle University, Thessaloniki, Greece

*Corresponding author’s email: mhaghighatnejad@unomaha.edu

Presentation Preference: Poster

Humans routinely perform a variety of activities such as walking, running, driving, and typing, all of which require coordination among different body joints. For instance, walking and running involve rhythmic movements of the arms and legs. The involvement of the upper …

Negative Impact Of Aging On Gait Autocorrelation: A Mixed-Effects Analysis Of Stride Interval Dynamics, Theodore Deligiannis, Tyler M. Wiles, Seung Kyeom Kim, Nikolaos Stergiou, Aaron Likens

UNO Student Research and Creative Activity Fair

NEGATIVE IMPACT OF AGING ON GAIT AUTOCORRELATION: A MIXED-EFFECTS ANALYSIS OF STRIDE INTERVAL DYNAMICS

Theodore A. Deligiannis^1*, Tyler M. Wiles¹, Seung Kyeom Kim¹, Nick Stergiou^1,2, Aaron D. Likens¹

¹Department of Biomechanics, University of Nebraska at Omaha

*Corresponding author’s email: tdeligiannis@unomaha.edu

Presentation preference: Podium

Traditional gait metrics, like speed, cadence, coordination, as well as non-linear measures, appear related to Timed Up and Go (TUG). Timed Up and Go is a clinical measurement related to physical, socioeconomic, and psychological parameters, as well as overall health. TUG can be used as a health …

Healthy Media - Enhancing Healthy Living Education In Prek Students With Edtech Media, Emilio Puente Barrios

Research Symposium

Background: Young children today learn in diverse environments, including home, school, and through digital media platforms such as apps, videos, games, and songs. With the increase in screen time due to Covid-19 restrictions, digital media has become a valuable resource for remote learning, offering fun and educational interactions. However, the impact of incorporating educational technology or EdTech digital media applications into health education curricula on the performance of PK 4 students in understanding and adopting healthy living concepts remains understudied. By exploring the effectiveness of design elements and strategic approaches this research aims to evaluate newer technology-driven media in enhancing …

Effective Management And Implementation Of A Coordinated Health Program - The Steps Snap-Ed Experience, Moises Cisneros, Brenda Rodriguez-Guerra, Joseph Reyes, Emilio Puente Barrios

Research Symposium

Purpose: Coordinated health programs have been proposed for more than four decades to improve the health of children in school settings. Although a challenging task, it has the potential to touch many lives, especially those from impoverished communities (Darlington, Violon, & Jourdan, 2018). The South Texas Early Prevention Studies (STEPS) aim to positively impact the community of the Rio Grande Valley, a population known to have a high rate of obesity, by implementing a comprehensive and proactive approach with various components within a preschool students’ life. The project's goal has been to plant a seed at an early age for …

Bettering Our Police Training; Strategies To Increase Physicality And Reduce Injuries, Piyush Baliyan, Matthew J. Garver

ICSK's Student Research Week

Background: Injuries during tactical, physical training (e.g., military, police academy) are common due to physical, mental, and physiological stresses and work demands. Absenteeism, decreased performance, and medical expenses can result. Purpose: The aim of this work will be to utilize micro-education and a group-mediated, cognitive-behavioral intervention strategy to supplement traditional training and improve training outcomes to enhance physicality and reduce injuries. Methods: Hematological (e.g., hemoglobin, hematocrit), physical (e.g., select components of fitness), and physiological (e.g., heart rate, oxygen consumption) data will be collected at baseline, midpoint, and post training. The micro-education classes will include topics such as: …

The Intensity Of Physical Activity Improves Cognitive Performance Among Aging Americans, Imtiaz Masfique Dowllah, Juan Carlos Lopez-Alvarenga, Gladys E. Maestre, Ulku S. Karabulut, Murat Karabulut

Research Symposium

Background: Currently there is no pharmacological cure for Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, physical activity (PA) has emerged as a promising approach. The optimal intensity of PA to improve cognitive health remains unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate associations between different durations and intensities of PA on performance across cognitive domains (executive function, processing speed, and memory) among aging Americans.

Methods: 2377 adults aged ≥ 60 years from the cross-sectional National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2011-2014, were included. Linear regression in hierarchical blocks and the size of effect (η2) were analyzed with R software.

Results: The mean age …

Confidence And Exercise: Is There A Link Between Exercise And Percieved Confidence?, Jocelyn I. Simpson, Tatum R. Dickison

2023 Symposium

High self-confidence is crucial in social, work, and academic settings. Previous research suggests that individuals with greater confidence tend to be healthier and happier. (ŞAHİN et al., 2016).

PURPOSE: To investigate whether exercise intervention (resistance training (RT), aerobic training (AT), no exercise (NE)) could increase perceived confidence levels before an academic test. It was hypothesized that participants who exercised before the test would have higher perceived confidence levels compared to those who did not.

METHODS: Eastern Washington University students (n=18, 12 males), between the ages of 18-40 were recruited. Participants were randomized into one of the interventions (AT, RT, NE). …

Core Activation Through The Measurement Of Traditional Vs. Non-Traditional Core Exercises, Erica Stilwell, Taylor Moran, Chris Couch

Scholars Day Conference

Athletic trainers at the collegiate level have a responsibility to their athletes to prepare them in core endurance and strength for their specific needs. The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of muscle fiber recruitment between traditional core exercises and non-traditional core exercises measured by an electromyography (EMG) machine in different vital core muscles. Twenty-four college students participated and were randomly sorted into two exercise groups, traditional or non-traditional. The traditional core exercise group performed ten bicycle crunches while the non-traditional core exercise group performed ten stability ball passes for each trial recorded. The participants wore four …

Does A Brisk Six Minute Walk Cause Upper Body Fatigue In Females, Kaden Buford

Symposium of Student Scholars

Non-local performance fatigue (NLPF) can be described as performance decrements occurring for a muscle group that was not directly involved in the fatiguing activity that preceded. Most studies on NLPF involve strenuous exercise of an isolated joint in trained populations, however, little evidence exists on NLPF derived from activities mimicking acts of daily living. Determining whether NLPF exists following brisk walking is worthwhile, and rate of force development (RFD), the rate at which muscle force is produced, may possess increased susceptibility compared to maximal strength. The purpose of our ongoing study is to determine the responses, if any, for maximal …

Electromyographical Difference Between Tonal And Free Weight Exercises, Sophia Brettler

Undergraduate Research Competition

The purpose of this study is to compare muscle activation between Tonal and traditional free-weight exercises. The Tonal is a digital weight system that can add up to 200 pounds of resistance. The Tonal also features unique exercise modes such as Smart Flex. Smart Flex utilizes Tonal's digital weights system to intelligently match the resistance to the exerciser by continuously adding or subtracting weight depending on when their muscles are at their strongest and weakest during an exercise. For this study, participants will complete 3 separate visits, visit one will include one repetition maximum testing and familiarization and visits 2-3 …

Energy Availability In Female Collegiate Beach Volleyball Athletes, Meghan Thomas

Undergraduate Research Competition

BACKGROUND: Energy availability (EA) is the amount of energy available for normal physiological processes and is defined as energy intake (kcals) minus exercise energy expenditure (kcals) relative to fat free mass (FFM). Low-energy availability (LEA; i.e., energy intake < 30 kcal/kg FFM/d) causes Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport, which results in various negative health and performance outcomes. A recent study reported 81% of the female collegiate athletes examined exhibited LEA. Of the 18-collegiate beach volleyball (BVB) athletes studied, average EA across 7 days was determined to be 12.44 kcal/kg FFM/d. Notably, this is a 7-day snapshot that may not reflect chronic dietary or training patterns. To our knowledge, no study has examined EA across the 10-week competitive season in this population. Therefore, the purpose of this cross-sectional study is to establish the risk of LEA in female collegiate BVB athletes across the competitive season. METHODS: We plan to recruit 18 female collegiate BVB athletes. Each subject will complete an initial visit where anthropometrics, resting metabolic rate (RMR), nutrition knowledge, psychological skills and maximal aerobic capacity will be tested. During weeks 1, 5, and 9 of the competitive season, in addition to initial testing, energy intake (ASA 24) and energy expenditure (GT9X-Link) will be assessed to calculate EA. Countermovement vertical jump height, velocity, and power (GymAware) will be used to assess performance. Results will be analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA and Pearson Correlations. EXPECTED RESULTS: It is hypothesized that LEA will be present and EA will decline as the season progresses.

Physiological Measurements Pre/Post Ultra-Marathon Distance Race, Karolina Zavisiute, Scott Richmond, Chad Kerksick, Kyle Sunderland, Petey Mumford

2023 Student Academic Showcase

Endurance running events like 100 miles distance races are becoming more popular. Humans are eager to explore their limits by challenging themselves to run 100 miles distance races. However, there are many research gaps still exist to fully understand the impact on the body that 100 miles endurance event has.

The aim of this study was to measure and analyze the impact of the 100 miles endurance race among recreational runners. Ten male recreational runners (age 36.6 ± 14.1) were screened before and after completing 100 miles distance running event in Missouri. Test screening included VO2 max, RMR, BIA, Ultrasound …

Changes In Hamstring Muscle Thickness And Pennation Angle Following Nordic Exercise In A Post-Surgical Acl Patient: A Case Study, Aaliyah M. Moore, Petey W. Mumford

2023 Student Academic Showcase

This study aims to utilize ultrasound imaging to investigate the effects of Nordic hamstring exercise on a post-surgical ACL rugby patient who had a hamstring tear in the contralateral leg of his ACL tear. The study will also examine any changes in the patient's ACL leg hamstring compared to the torn hamstring leg. The patient's Biodex test results will also be incorporated to determine if there is a correlation between muscle thickness and pennation angle changes. Ultrasound scans were taken 2 months, 4 months and will be taken again at 6 months post-surgery, following biodex assessments. Ultrasound images have shown …

Female Swimmers Exhibit Greater Isometric Force Symmetry Across The Shoulder Girdle Than Male Swimmers, Lyssa Wood, Kyle Sunderland

2023 Student Academic Showcase

The Athletic Shoulder (ASH) test was developed to measure force across the shoulder girdle. This test can be used to assess symmetry and potential injury risk in upper-body sports. The purpose was to determine the differences in the supine-to-prone ratio of isometric shoulder force production between male and female swimmers. Forty-five Lindenwood swimmers (F=23, M=22) participated in this cross-sectional study. Athletes performed bilateral isometric shoulder contractions in both the supine and the prone laying position with arms straight and shoulders abducted 135˚ (“Y”). Female simmers had an higher average ratio (76.5%±13.5%) compared to males (68.1%±11.2%) independent of the arm tested. …

Peak Torque Ratios Of Hamstrings To Quadriceps Do Not Differ Between Positions Or Angular Velocities In Female Collegiate Rugby Athletes, Amanda Ware, Ava L. Denner, Kyle Sunderland

2023 Student Academic Showcase

The relative strength of hamstrings to quadriceps (H:Q) is an important measure for determining anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury risk, which is more prevalent in female athletes. The purpose was to examine H:Q at varying angular velocities in different position of female college rugby athletes. The dominant leg of forty-seven female college rugby athletes was evaluated via isokinetic dynamometry at 60 deg/s, 180 deg/s, 240 deg/s, and 300 deg/s. Concentric peak torques were utilized to determine H:Q. H:Q was not significantly different between positions. Additionally, there were no significant changes in H:Q at different angular velocities independent of position. These …

Hamstrings To Quadriceps Peak Torque Ratios Are Similar Between Positions In Male College Rugby Athletes, Ava Denner, Amanda Ware, Kyle Sunderland

2023 Student Academic Showcase

Decreased hamstrings strength relative to quadriceps strength (H:Q) is a potential risk factor for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries. The purpose was to determine the H:Q at varying angular velocities in male college rugby athletes. Thirty-eight male college rugby athletes volunteered for this study. Concentric peak torques were utilized to determine H:Q in the dominant leg with isokinetic dynamometry at 60 deg/s, 180 deg/s, 240 deg/s and 300 deg/s. There was no significant difference among position groups in peak torques, regardless of speed. H:Q was significantly lower at 60 deg/s compared to all other velocities. While H:Q does beneficially increase …

Arm Isometric Force Production In Ncaa Softball Players Is Greater In The Dominant Arm Independent Of Arm Angle, Nicole Henson, Kyle Sunderland

2023 Student Academic Showcase

Arm Isometric Force Production in NCAA Softball Players is Greater in the Dominant Arm Independent of Arm Angle

N. Henson1, M. Gersch1, K. Sunderland1

1Exercise and Performance Nutrition Laboratory, College of Science, Technology, and Health, Lindenwood University, St. Charles, MO, USA

The Athletic Shoulder (ASH) test is used to examine strength symmetry between dominant and non-dominant shoulders. Our purpose was to examine shoulder isometric force production in college softball players at two arm angles. Seventeen college softball players performed bilateral isometric shoulder contractions on dual force plates while laying prone with arms straight and shoulders at 135˚ (“Y”) and 180˚ …

Identifying Risk Of Acl Injury In Collegiate Male Rugby Players Across A Single Training Year, Caleb Small, Lauren Tighe

2023 Student Academic Showcase

The purpose of this study to examine collegiate male rugby players’ susceptibility for sustaining an ACL injury over the course of an entire season using the biodex strength assessment, standardized functional movement screen, and Y-balance test. Participants included five male collegiate rugby players who play in the back line ranging from age eighteen through twenty-three. Baseline testing was conducted during preseason training and re-assessed every four weeks throughout the entire season. Assessment measures remained the same throughout all testing trials, in addition to a subjective patient questionnaire. Following data collection, three out of the five participants showed deficiency of hamstring …

Assessment Of Muscular Anatomical And Physiological Development During Injury Rehabilitation, Nicholas Andrews, Petey Mumford, Lauren Tighe

2023 Student Academic Showcase

After an injury occurs, there are many physiological regressions that occur. These regressions lead to altered muscle thickness, muscle length, strength and power potentials, motor recruitment, and neuromuscular control. These variables are further exacerbated if the given injury requires surgical intervention. Rehabilitation aids in reducing these regressions and is important both pre-surgery and post-surgery when intervention beyond rehabilitation is needed. Ultrasound imaging can be utilized to monitor the progression of a muscle's specific muscles anatomy. The muscles of interest are dependent upon the injury, The purpose of this study is to monitor short-term muscular adaptations to establish their importance in …

The Effect Of Acute Creatine Supplementation On Non-Invasive Assessment Of Vascular Function Using Flow-Mediated Dilation, Carson Carruthers

Undergraduate Research Competition

Accumulation of reactive oxygen species within the vasculature has been shown to contribute to endothelial cell dysfunction, an early biomarker of cardiovascular disease. Antioxidants and supplements with antioxidative properties, could be increasingly important in reversing the progression of cardiovascular disease. While creatine monohydrate is commonly used as a fitness supplement to promote increases in muscular strength, recent studies have shown that creatine may act as an antioxidant, thereby improving vascular health. Traditional loading doses of creatine require 7-10 days of 20 g (4 x 5 g/day). However, it may be possible to see the vascular health benefits with a smaller, …

Attenuation Of Vo2 Slow Component During Heavy-Intensity Interval Exercise, Cade Carter

Undergraduate Research Competition

The VO2 slow component (VO2SC) is a slow, exponential increase in oxygen consumption (VO2) that takes place during constant load exercise above the ventilatory threshold. The purpose of this study was to examine the amplitude of the VO2SC during various heavy-intensity interval exercise conditions. Seven males participated in a total of 7 visits, visit one consisted of a graded exercise test until volitional fatigue, and visits 2-7 consisted of 2 visits each of the 3 experimental conditions. Each experimental trial began with a 4-minute warm-up cycle at 20 watts, followed by the experimental condition, followed by a 4-minute cool-down cycle …

Physiological Effects Of Intervals Duration During Aerobic Exercise With Blood Flow Restriction, John Sossamon

Undergraduate Research Competition

This study will examine the effect of work interval duration on the local metabolic stress and cardiac work during low-intensity aerobic exercise with BFR. Healthy males (18-25 yrs) will complete a graded exercise test to determine WR. Participants will complete three experimental intervals (INT) exercise protocols with intermittent BFR, randomly. All protocols will consist of a 4-min warm-up ([20 W] WU), work INTs (35% peak power), and 1-min recovery INTs (20 W) between work INTs. The work INTs will be: 1) six 2-min INTs (2-min INT), 2) twelve 1-min INTs (1-min INT), and 3) three 4-min INTs (4-min INT). During …