Life Sciences Commons^™

An Investigation Of The Sled Push Exercise: Quantification Of Work, Kinematics, And Related Physical Characteristics, James Hoffmann Jr

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this dissertation was to describe the basic characteristics of performing resisted sprint training using a push sled for the enhancement of sport performance. Specifically, this dissertation served to: 1.) quantify the frictional forces involved between a push sled and an AstroTurf® surface at 6 loads, 2.) derive an estimation of mechanical work performed during sled push training, 3.) outline the velocity characteristics of 3 sled pushing loads scaled to the athletes body mass for comparison against their sprinting ability and 4.) determine the interrelations of fitness characteristics to the ability to sprint under heavy resistance.

The following …

Feelings Of Connectedness To Nature: A Comparison Of Park & Recreation Management Students And Sport Management Students., N. E. Scarborough

Undergraduate Honors Theses

In the face of the present consumer-based environmental movement, leaders in many industries and disciplines are striving to understand why people are “going green” in order to market to them. Researchers have been studying ways in which people connect to the environmental movement, and researchers in the field of sport and recreation are also conducting such studies. Several surveys have been developed to measure these connections; one such survey instrument is the Connectedness to Nature Scale (CNS). In the present study, the CNS was re-created online, and a link to the survey was sent via email to students studying Park …

Associations Of Smoking Status And Serious Psychological Distress With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, Ke-Sheng Wang, Liang Wang, Shimin Zheng, Long-Yang Wu

ETSU Faculty Works

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has been a major public health problem due to its high prevalence, morbidity, and mortality. Smoking is a major risk factor for COPD, while serious psychological distress (SPD) is prevalent among COPD patients. However, no study focusing on the effect of SPD on COPD has been so far conducted, while few studies have focused on the associations of SPD and behavioral factors with COPD by smoking status.

Objectives: This study aimed to examine the associations of SPD and behavioral factors (such as smoking and physical activity) with COPD.

Materials and Methods: Weighted logistic regression …

Exercise Participation During Weight Loss On A High Protein – Low Carbohydrate Diet Plan In Females Aged 15-25 Years, Margaret Mobley-Meulman

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Weight gain due to poor diet and lack of exercise is responsible for over 300,000 deaths each year (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2010). Obese adults have an increased risk for serious health conditions including high blood pressure and cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, stroke, gallbladder disease, osteoarthritis, sleep apnea, respiratory problems, and certain cancers (National Cancer Institute, 2012). Participation in exercise can help control weight, strengthen muscles and bones, and reduce the incidence of cardiac events, stroke, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, colon and breast cancers, osteoporotic fractures, gallbladder disease, obesity, depression, anxiety, and delay mortality …

The Relationship Of Anthropometric Measures To Vertical Jump Height., R. C. Kerns

Undergraduate Honors Theses

The capability to perform your best is an important aspect in the sport of soccer. The relationship between anthropometric measures to vertical jump height among NCAA Division I Women’s soccer players is a subject lacking sufficient scientific research. Purpose: To analyze this relationship, body mass and %body fat was correlated with un-weighted countermovement jump height to determine the strength of this relationship in NCAA DI female soccer players. Methods: Data from an ongoing athlete monitoring program from fourteen NCAA D1 female soccer players in the year 2007 was analyzed. Air Displacement Plethysmography (ADP) via a BOD POD (Life Measurement, Inc., …

Net Impulse And Net Impulse Characteristics In Vertical Jumping, Satoshi Mizuguchi

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this dissertation was to explore the potential use of net impulse and its characteristics in vertical jumping to monitor athletes' performance status and responses/adaptations to interventions. Five variables were proposed as net impulse characteristics: net impulse height and width, rate of force development, shape factor, and net impulse proportion. The following were then examined: 1) test-retest reliability of a new approach to identify net impulse in a force-time curve and of net impulse characteristics and criterion validity of the new approach; 2) effective measures of net impulse characteristics; 3) relationships between training-induced changes in its characteristics and …

Pedometers Accelerometers And Observational Methods: A Comparison Of Measurements Of Physical Activity In Fourth-Grade Students., Amanda E. Greene

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

In recent years physical inactivity among students has become a matter of great concern. Nearly 65% of students do not meet the daily recommended level of physical activity, which is 60 minutes or more of moderate to vigorous physical activity each day, with 50% of that time being spent in moderate to vigorous levels of activity (CDC, 2010b). As a result, the 21^st century has shown to be a time of many health problems such as, obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. In fact, nearly one third of all children are considered obese or overweight (Slawta & DeNeui, …

Use Of Isometric Mid-Thigh Pull To Determine Asymmetrical Strength Differences In Ncaa D-I Athletes., Ethan Monroe Owens

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to investigate the use of isometric mid-thigh pulls to determine lower-limb asymmetrical strength differences in NCAA D-I athletes. Sixty-six subjects (40 males and 26 females) performed 2 maximal effort isometric pulls over two force plates sampling at 1000 Hz each. Peak force was scaled for body weight, and rate of force development was examined from 0-200ms. Results of the study show subjects' produced significantly greater scaled force with the left leg as compared to the right leg; however, no significant differences existed for rate of force development (RFD). Men exhibited significant differences between both …

The Relationship Of Strength And Body Composition To Vertical Jump Ability In Division 1 Female Volleyball Players., Alyssa Shedlarski

Undergraduate Honors Theses

Jump ability is important in volleyball; therefore analysis of factors that influence jump performance is necessary to ensure maximal jump ability. Purpose: To analyze how strength characteristics associated with jumping are affected by percent body fat, lean body mass and free fat mass. Methods: Data from eleven female NCAA DI volleyball players as part of an ongoing athlete monitoring program collected from 2007-2010 was analyzed. Data was separated into weakest and strongest based on isometric peak force allometrically scaled. In all cases the weakest data corresponded to testing during the athletes first year at ETSU. Body composition was measured using …

An Economic Impact Analysis For The 2nd Annual Bluegrass, Old-Time Music And Dance Festival In The Village Of Stone Mountain, Georgia., Kevin A. Lane

Undergraduate Honors Theses

Festivals in the Appalachian region may provide a substantial economic impact for host communities. Regionally unique themes like Bluegrass and Old-Time music are substantial draw factors for potential visitors. This paper uses information collected at a small Appalachian themed music festival to project what the economic impact of hosting such an event is. Demographic information and an analysis of the festival visitor drawing area will further project the economic activity affected by the event.

Resistance Training Increases The Expression Of Ampk, Mtor, And Glut4 In Previously Sedentary Subjects And Subjects With The Metabolic Syndrome., Andrew Steven Layne

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Exercise has been considered a cornerstone of diabetes prevention and treatment for decades, but the benefits of resistance training are less clear. Nineteen non-diabetic subjects (10 metabolic syndrome, 9 sedentary controls) underwent 8 weeks of supervised resistance training. After training, strength and V̇ O_2max increased by 10% in both groups. Percent body fat decreased in subjects with the metabolic syndrome. Additionally, lean body mass increased in both groups (p<0.05). Expression of glucose transporter protein-4 (GLUT4), the principle insulin-responsive glucose transporter, increased significantly in both groups. 5-adenosine monophosphateactivated protein kinase (AMPK) and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) expression increased in both groups, indicating increased protein synthesis and mitochondrial biogenesis. Markers of insulin resistance measured by a euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp did not improve in subjects with the metabolic syndrome but increased significantly in control subjects (13%). Resistance training upregulates intracellular signaling pathways that may be beneficial for ameliorating the metabolic syndrome.

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, …

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 …

The Effects Of Movement On Literacy., Kathy S. Luppe

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to extend the knowledge of the relationship between movement and cognition by examining the impact of a sensory-motor program on the literacy skills of first grade learners from one elementary school in East Tennessee.

Literacy skills were evaluated using five subtests of the Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills (DIBELS) assessment.

A 2 x 2 x 2 mixed factorial MANOVA was used to analyze group, gender, and test time effects on multiple dependent variables. The analysis yielded a statistically significant result (p < .05) in gains for the movement group and a …

A Profile Of Strength And Conditioning Coaches At National Collegiate Athletic Association Division Ii And Iii Member Institutions., Leonard Haggerty

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purposes of this study were to compile demographic characteristics, educational backgrounds, coaching experiences, and duties of strength and conditioning (STC) coaches at NCAA Division II and III institutions, and compare the profile of Division II and III STC coaches to the Martinez (2004) study of Division I-A STC coaches. NCAA Division II and Division III athletic personnel (N=578) received an electronic survey for this study. The return rate from Division II and Division III STC coaches were as follows: Division II, 23 responses (n=175), Division III, 34 responses (n=403). Descriptive statistics were used …

A Study Of The Relationship Of Self-Reported Resistance Training To Lipid Profiles., Melissa Davis

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The primary purpose of this study was to determine the relationship of self-reported resistance training to lipid profiles. The study consisted of 10 subjects between the ages of 19 and 35. Participants were assigned to an exercise group or control group based on self-reported resistance training and according to ACSM standards. After means were determined for the data gathered, the exercise group had lower averages of weight, percent body fat, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein and triglycerides, as well as, a higher average of high-density lipoproteins. Two sample t-tests were performed to determine significance. It was determined that no significant difference …

A Comparison Of Linear And Daily Undulating Periodizied Strength Training Programs., Andrew Morrow Caldwell

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to compare linear periodized (LP) and daily undulating (DUP) periodized strength training programs, and determine if either method of periodization elicits superior gains in 1 Repetitions maximums (1RM) for back squat (BS) and bench press (BP) (core exercises). Nineteen subjects (n=19) underwent a 6-week resistance-training (RT) program. Participants performed both BS and BP two day a week. The LP group linearly increased intensity while decreasing volume. While the DUP group daily changed intensity and volume. Total volume for both BS and BP were equal for both LP and DUP. Both BP and BS increased …

The Effects Of Neoprene Sleeve Application On Knee Joint Proprioception In Adolescent Female Athletes., George Ballou Barrett

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Fifteen female subjects ages 13-16 were recruited to determine if differences exist in knee joint proprioception, with and without application of a neoprene knee sleeve (NKS), when performing reproduction of target angle test (RTA), movement sensation test (MS) using a Biodex testing machine, and single leg standing test. Ten subjects had not worn a NKS and five subjects had worn a NKS.

After completing all IRB approved documentation subjects underwent a test trial of each of the three testing methods. Subjects were randomly assigned a number that determined if the subject began the test trial with or without a NKS. …

The Osteogenic Effects Of 12 Weeks Of Oral Supplementation Of Androstenedione In Middle-Aged Men., Troy Matthew Wills

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Recent evidence suggests that declining bone mineral density (BMD) in males is related to declining circulating estrogens. The majority of endogenous plasma estrogens in males result from peripheral aromatization of plasma androgens. Thus, it was hypothesized that dietary supplementation with an aromatizable androgen (androstenedione) may stimulate increases in BMD.

BMD (measured by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry) and biochemical markers of bone turnover (1, 25 OH2 Vitamin D, calcitonin, deoxypyrodinoline, and parathyroid hormone) were assessed before and after 12 weeks of dietary androstenedione supplementation (200 mg/d). Twenty-four volunteers were randomized into either an androstenedione supplementation or placebo groups. Study volunteers also …

A Comparison Of Strength And Resistance Curves For The Internal And External Rotators Of The Shoulder., Daniel Cason Hannah

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Progressive overload through the range of motion (ROM) is important for proper rehabilitation of muscle strength, yet varies across types of resistance for a given exercise. The purpose of this study was to compare strength curves (SC) for shoulder internal (IR) and external rotation (ER) with resistance curves (RC) for two application angles (A and B) of Thera-Band® resistance to determine which application angle best overloads IR and ER through the ROM. Thirty volunteer subjects participated in this study. SCs were obtained experimentally by measuring maximal isometric torque for IR and ER from 30° to 135°. RCs were calculated using …

A Prospective Design Identifying Etiological Risk Factors Associated With Mtss And Stress Fractures In Female Intercollegiate Athletes., Michael H. Blackburn

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The identification of risk factors associated with overuse injuries, specifically Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome (MTSS) and Tibial Stress Fractures (TSF), may help professionals with management and prevention of these injuries. The purpose of this study was to identify risk factors associated with MTSS and TSF in female intercollegiate athletes. This study used a mulitifactorial, prospective design for 13-26 weeks. Thirty-nine Division I intercollegiate female student-athletes in volleyball, soccer, and track were examined. Anatomical, physiological (eating disorder and menstrual history), and training (duration and recovery time) characteristics were examined as possible risk factors. Only two injuries were reported during the study; …

Examining The Effects Of Deer Antler Velvet Supplementation On Muscular Strength, Performance, And Markers Of Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness., Robyn Suzanne Percival

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Purpose: To examine the effects of deer antler velvet on muscular strength, performance, and markers of delayed onset muscle soreness following a 10-week resistance training period.

Participants: 16 resistance-trained males (18-35) volunteered.

Measures: DEXA, 1-RM, a power test, and a 70% performance trial were measured. Creatine kinase and self-reported soreness levels were measured following an eccentric trial.

Results: No pre-experimental significant differences existed between the groups for any of the variables measured. There were no significant differences between the groups regarding body composition, strength, muscular performance, or improvements in creatine kinase and soreness levels from pre to post-intervention. Both groups …

Comparison Of Black And White Elderly Women On Muscle Mass Bone Mineral Density And Balance., Tyanez Jones

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Few studies have compared balance between aging black (BW) and white women (WW) and examined its relationship to muscle mass and bone mineral density (BMD). Nineteen BW and 56 WW between 60-91 years participated. Upper and lower body strength, body composition, BMD, volitional and non-volitional control of dynamic balance, and physical activity ratings were assessed. There were no differences in strength between the groups. A trend was reported for total body BMD (p=0.07). WW exhibited better control of rapid volitional movements, in the limits of stability and rhythmic weight shift tests. The relationships of strength and muscle mass to BMD …

The Cardiovascular Effects Of Resistance Exercise Training On Orthostatic Intolerance In Elderly Individuals., Lynn P. Rhea

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

One of the age-related changes associated with normal aging is the inability to maintain normal blood pressure homeostasis, a common clinical condition known as orthostatic intolerance. There are little data on the effects of strength training in healthy adults and orthostatic intolerance, and only one study on strength training and elderly adults diagnosed with orthostatic intolerance. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effects of resistance training on the cardiovascular respones of elderly individuals during an orthostatic challenge.

Thirteen subjects were assigned to either a resistance (RES; n=7; 66±5 yrs.) or a control (CON; n=6; 71±6 …

A Comparison Of The Effects Of Interval Training Vs. Continuous Training On Weight Loss And Body Composition In Obese Pre-Menopausal Women., Jeffrey Warren King

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to investigate the role exercise intensity plays in reducing body weight and percent body fat in overweight women. Subjects were randomized to either a high intensity interval training group (IT) or a lower intensity steady state training group (ST). Each group exercised 3 times per week for 8 weeks and expended 300 kcal per exercise session. VO₂max, body composition, and resting metabolic rate (RMR) were measured pre and post training. RMR was measured after exercise at week 2 to see if intensity levels affected RMR. VO₂max and body composition improved …