Life Sciences Commons^™

The Physiological And Psychological Benefits Of Rock Steady Boxing And Their Implications For The Management Of Parkinson’S Disease., Riley Hobson

Honors Theses

According to the American Parkinson’s Disease Association (ADPA), there are an estimated 1 million people in the U.S. living with Parkinson’s disease, and over 10 million people worldwide. Parkinson’s disease is a chronic, progressive movement disorder that is characterized by motor symptoms such as tremor and bradykinesia, as well as non-motor symptoms such as sleep problems, fatigue, and depression (ADPA, 2023). Currently, there are no treatments for Parkinson’s disease, however, several interventions have been determined to provide symptom relief, slow the rate of disease progression, and improve one’s quality of life. These interventions range from medication to exercise participation. Rock …

Blood Flow Restriction Therapy As A Treatment In Rehabilitation, Sara Barr

Honors Theses

Blood flow restriction therapy, also known as BFR, is a treatment that is gaining popularity in the realm of rehabilitation and personal fitness. Commonly, BFR is used along with resistance training in physical therapy clinics for patients post-surgically, post injury, and for general muscle weakness (Congetti et al., 2022). BFR utilizes occlusion and pooling of blood, along with triggering the physiological processes of resistance training to decrease the hypertrophic threshold of a muscle (Congetti et al., 2022). This literature review aims to investigate the effects of BFR on patients in physical therapy after surgery by examining the history and origin …

Three-Dimensional Motion Analysis For Occupational Therapy Upper Extremity Assessment And Rehabilitation: A Scoping Review, Stephen W. Hill, Samantha Mong, Quyen Vo

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Three-dimensional (3D) human motion analysis provides objective, quantitative, and reliable kinematic data that are valuable in rehabilitation. Clinicians, including occupational therapists and other specialists, can apply this technology to quantify patients’ upper extremity (UE) motion during functional tasks. A better comprehension of altered body mechanics serves to guide clinical reasoning, develop evidence-based interventions, and monitor patients’ progress through follow-up. However, the scientific literature has yet to emphasize the practicality of using 3D motion analysis as a clinical measurement tool.

Method: This scoping review appraised 20 articles that used 3D motion analysis to quantify UE movements for individuals …

Covid-19 Impact On The Hospitalization Rates For Eating Disorders, Jennifer Ess

Honors Theses

The COVID-19 pandemic has had an impact in a variety of ways. With the quarantine restrictions placed during this time, many individuals had turned to social media as an outlet to cope with the loss of intimate time with friends and outside family. This increase in social media use, especially Tik Tok and Instagram, can negatively impact a person's outlook on certain situations. Throughout this pandemic, mental health issues, specifically eating disorders, have shown a rise in cases during this time. Current research shows that numbers have more than doubled during pandemic times, and also shows many different factors that …

The Effect Of Foam-Rolling On Vertical Jump And Range Of Motion Of The Hip And Ankle, Katie Davis

Honors Theses

Foam-rolling (FR) has gained popularity among many fitness enthusiasts, but whether it is beneficial or not is still being investigated. A number of studies researched its effect on recovery for athletes such as runners and bodybuilders, but the effects of the foam-rolling process was only assessed following a workout. This study was designed to evaluate the effect of foam-rolling prior to activity and whether it enhanced performance for a vertical jump and/or range of motion (ROM) in the hip and ankle joints. Thirty-four subjects were recruited from Western Michigan University and performed all necessary conditions in the Human Performance Lab …

Effects Of High Intensity Interval Training On Cardiorespiratory Fitness And Body Composition In Women: A Review, Rachel Marie Dykstra

Dissertations

Background: A growing body of literature indicates that women, in comparison to men, report significantly more barriers to exercise, often times related to perceived lack of time due to their social roles (e.g. family responsibility, childcare). Therefore, it has been considered that exercise programs that require less time commitments would be more attractive for women to alleviate this concern. Objective: This review was conducted to comprehensively understand the present literature surrounding women and such a time-efficient protocol: high intensity interval training (HIIT). The primary aim was to determine the impact of HIIT on both cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and body composition. …

The Effect Of Pre-Workout Supplementation On Fitness Assessment Tests, Kassidy Davis

Honors Theses

Research regarding the benefits and detriments of Pre-workout supplement has gradually increased since its popularity arose in the early 1980’s. There have been a number of studies on its effects on human physiology during a workout; however, there are few studies regarding Preworkout supplement during fitness assessment tests. Therefore, further insights concerning Preworkout supplement and fitness testing is needed. Pre-workout supplement is taken prior to a training session and has been shown to enhance a workout by increasing aspects such as focus, reaction time, stamina, and power. This could be viewed as solely a psychological enhancement than an actual physical …

Postactivation Potentiation Effects From Maximal Isometric Contractions Performed At Different Hip Joint Angles, Kyle Derosia

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to investigate the differences in vertical ground reaction force (VGRF) production and myoelectric activity after performing maximal isometric contractions at different hip joint angles. 10 healthy, experienced participants reported to the lab on two separate occasions where they performed 3 power cleans at baseline, then 4 maximal isometric deadlifts at either ~50° hip flexion angle (Max) or ~90° hip flexion angle (Min). Following the isometric deadlifts, another 3 power clean trials at 70% 1 repetition maximum were performed and used as a post-test. The isometric deadlifts served as the conditioning contraction (CC) to induce …

Effect Of Caffeine Supplementation On Vertical Jump Performance, Heart Rate Variability, And Electromyography, Collin T. Garner

Masters Theses

Research into caffeine’s ability to improve anaerobic performance is inconclusive. Eleven anaerobically trained individuals (mean age: 23.45 ± 1.51 years) participated in this study. Assessments of resting heart rate variability (HRV), exercise heart rate variability, surface electromyography (sEMG), static vertical jump (SJ), and countermovement vertical jump (CMJ) were conducted before and after administration of placebo and caffeinated treatments. Three trials of each vertical jump technique were performed before and after treatment administration. A 60-minute absorption period was utilized for absorption of the treatment following its ingestion. All participants performed testing on two separate occasions, once under the placebo condition and …

Relationship Between One Repetition Maximum Parallel Squat And Jump Squat Peak Power, Corey Klitzke

Masters Theses

Jump squats are a simple exercise that can be used to train lower body power. Unlike many other methods of power training, jump squats do not require any specialized equipment (platforms, bumper plates, etc.). Jump squats can be used when other forms of power training are not available or are not allowed. In order to most efficiently train power, the intensity must balance force and velocity. The purpose of this study was to find the intensity that yields the peak power output of a jump squat. 12 participants (9 males, 3 female) participated in the study. Each participant completed a …

Psychological Effects And Treatment Of An Injury On An Athlete: Suggested Treatment Plan For Athletic Trainers And Physical Therapist, Odell Miller

Honors Theses

Injuries that force athletes to lose participation in their sport and or training have a tremendous impact on their mental health. Mental health issues can be detrimental, but often times go unnoticed. For example in 2010, Kenny McKinley, a wide receiver for the Denver Broncos, was found dead after killing himself with a gun. After suffering a knee injury, he had become progressively depressed. Investigators reported that there are statements saying that McKinley didn’t know what he would do without football. According to NCAA’s Sports Science Institute (2017), the psychological response to injury can trigger mental health issues such as: …

Mirror Therapy, A Pain Management Therapy, Gabriella Andrews

Honors Theses

This project was undertaken to explore the use of mirror therapy (MT) as a palliative for stroke patients and amputees experiencing phantom limb pain. MT is a relatively new treatment and while it has limited research, it is starting to be used more within the rehabilitation setting. Research suggests MT has beneficial effects occur with phantom limb pain as well as post-stroke patients. This study will explain the history, uses, and research behind MT not only as a form of therapy but also a non-medicinal pain reliever.

Included are interviews from physical therapists (PT) and occupational therapists (OT) along with …

Development And Validation Of Hybrid Continuum/Structural Finite Element Model For Evaluating Foot And Ankle Biomechanics, Saif Alrafeek

Dissertations

Bone is composed of two structures: compact bone and spongy bone. Spongy bone porosity highly affects the strength and the physical endurance of bone to carry loads. Most studies use continuum finite element (FE) approaches to model spongy bone and neglect porosity. Neglecting porosity may not efficiently assist orthopaedic surgeons to treat patients who experience bone physical disability. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate an inexpensive approach that simulates spongy bone with more accurate capturing of porosity and less requirements of bone information. The approach is developed through investigating the mechanical characteristics of spongy bone; that is, by …

Effects Of Instability On Core Muscle Activation In A Side Bridge, Erin E. Kishman

Masters Theses

Training the musculature of the core continues to be perceived as an essential component of conditioning and rehabilitation settings (11). A popular way to train the core is with the use of instability devices, such as Swiss ball or suspension trainer. However, there is limited research on the effects of these devices on core muscle activity. The purpose of this study was to examine core muscle activity during side bridge variations with and without instability devices (Floor, Swiss Ball, and TRX) through electromyography (EMG) of the rectus abdominis, external oblique, erector spinae, and latissimus dorsi. 39 participants performed three variations …

Comparative Analysis Of Impact Of Ballistic Stretching And Dynamic Stretching On Power Output In Female Collegiate Dancers, Elisabeth Ohrnberger

Honors Theses

The purpose of this study was to examine two different stretching techniques, ballistic and dynamic, and observe their effects on power output, measured via vertical jump height and vertical ground reaction force (vGRF). In the past, there has been insufficient and conflicting research regarding the type of stretching on power output. Stretching has been used in athletics to increase flexibility, prevent injury, and increase overall athletic performance. However, there is little research specifically demonstrating whether stretching has the ability to prevent injury or improve performance. Dance skills require significantly more flexibility than other sports while still requiring power to complete …

An Evaluation Of Physical Activity Methods Of College Students With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Justin Vagnozzi

Honors Theses

Physical activity has been proven to improve autistic conditions in areas such as motor skills and social skills (Sowa and Muelenbroek, 2011). The purpose of this study is to evaluate the different ways that physical activity affects autistic individuals. To do this, 16 individuals at the WMU Autism Services Center will be surveyed through Qualtrics. The survey will be based off of the study of Stanish and colleagues (2015). Questions will be taken from this survey and a few additional questions that do not appear in any study will be designed by the student investigator. Results will be analyzed both …

The Effect Of High Intensity Interval Training Vs Resistance-Based Circuit Training, Matthew Monaco

Honors Theses

High intensity interval training and resistance-based circuit training are both effective forms of exercise that promote muscular growth and can provide improvements in body composition. These different exercise methods were compared side-by-side in this study. The time commitment and intensity of each method were made uniform to yield the most accurate comparisons. Upon completion of the exercise regimen, each participant concluded by performing post-testing requirements that would be compared with their pre-testing results.

Effects Of Aging & Exercise On Production Of Glial Cell Line-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Protein By Fast & Slow Skeletal Muscle, Maria Jaramillo

Honors Theses

Exercise is a positive form of reinforcing positive lifestyle choices. There are many benefits to exercising such as decreased risk of cardiovascular disease and improved mental condition (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). In addition, exercise can serve a protecting role for the nervous system. One form in which exercise can protect the nervous system is by increasing the production of neurotrophic factors, specifically glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor. Another way by which exercise can protect the nervous system is by preserving muscle tissue due to actively recruiting it. The goal of this study was to explore the effects of …

Health Benefits Of A Plant-Based Diet, Jenna Jackson

Honors Theses

While the rise and spread of Western culture has created remarkable advances in science, healthcare, and technology, it has also brought about a variety of chronic diseases that never once existed. Much of these ailments can be attributed to the typical Western diet, which places heavy emphasis on meats, dairy, and refined grains, contrasting the typical Eastern or Oriental diet which primarily focuses on fruits, vegetables, fish, and whole grains. This dietary transition has resulted in increased glycemic load, increased levels of unhealthy fats and cholesterol, decreased micronutrient and fiber levels, and skewed acid-base and sodium-potassium ratios. All of these …

Assessing A Punching Bag Feedback Performance Device, Neil Deochand

Dissertations

Physical exercise has been integrated into treatment efforts in reversing the number of overweight and obese individuals. Furthermore, exercise extends mortality, enhances general quality of life, and it is a protective health factor for preventing the progression some mental health disorders. Electronic athletic training equipment easily allows monitoring of real-time physical activity, and enables tracking of progress made toward individualized performance goals. There are limitations to only using visual feedback (e.g., visual depictions of heart rate, speed, distance traveled, or calories burned etc.) to track and improve exercise and athletic performance, especially for some sports, such as boxing. This issue …

Factors Lnfluencing Weight Gain And Perceived Barriers Of Exercise In First Semester College Students, Noah C. Neuenfeldt

Masters Theses

College students believe that university weight management interventions impact their health habits. This suggests that universities can play a large role in encouraging students to be active. The purpose of this study was to investigate this claim and to acquire a better understanding of weight change in first year college students in the first semester. We specifically sought to identify the variables that influence weight gain, as well as determine the awareness and usage of resources available to the students. A survey was given to first year students addressing the variables of interest including change in weight and Body Mass …

Outline Plan For A Student-Involved Fitness Assessment Program At Western Michigan University, Joanna Gangwisch

Honors Theses

This research was aimed at developing a fitness assessment program that would provide undergraduate exercise science students at Western Michigan University (WMU) with hands on experience that would successfully prepare them for their internships and future careers as well as benefiting the campus community at large. Data for this research was obtained by examining the student recreation center websites and sending out an email/phone questionnaire to WMU’s 10 peer institutions. Direct comparisons were made and evaluated. On the basis of the results of this research, it can be concluded that WMU’s exercise science department and student recreation center together could …

Fueling Performance: Determining The Efficacy Of Low-Carbohydrate Diet Models For Athletic Populations, Chelsea Jackle

Honors Theses

Advocates of low-carbohydrate (LC) diets assert that these diets help lessen dependence on sugar while aiding in the metabolism of fat tissue. Additionally, it is believed that lipolysis helps dieters feel more energetic, lose weight, and improve physical performance. For these reasons, many athletes and active people are drawn to diets such as the Atkins Diet, the South Beach Diet, the Paleo Diet, and the Zone Diet. According to current evidence, excessive weight loss, ketosis, reduced glycogen availability, dehydration, and increased stress hormone levels make LC diets that severely limit carbohydrates disadvantageous for athletes. Although LC diets are widely followed, …

Obm Thesis Project: Composing An Undergraduate Thesis Manual, William Strong

Honors Theses

The Behavioral Research Supervisory System (BRSS) is a class designed to assist undergraduate and master students in completing a thesis project in a timely manner. Prior to beginning this project, undergraduate students were not utilizing the thesis manual for the class effectively and master students did not have an effective tool to grade the quality of their undergraduate thesis students’ work. Therefore, the ultimate goal of this thesis project is to create a better manual for undergraduate students to reference while working on their thesis projects and to provide a systematic grading system for their graduate student supervisors. A pre-manual …

The Effects Of A Moisture-Wicking Fabric Shirt On The Physiological Responses During Acute Exercise In The Heat, Kimberly Wigboldy

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects that a form fitted, moisture-wicking fabric shirt, promoted to have improved evaporative and ventilation properties, has on the thermoregulatory, physiological and perceptual response during moderate intensity exercise in the heat for an extended duration of exercise of 90 minutes. Ten healthy subjects (7 males, 3 females), completed two heat stress tests consisting of 20 minute seated rest in a neutral environment (24°C, 60% RH), 30 minute seated rest in a hot environment (33°C, 60% RH), and 90 minutes of exercise(50% V0_{2 peak}) on a magnetically-braked cycle ergometerin a …

The Influence Of Landing Technique Versus Technique And Strength Training On Valgus Knee Deformity In Females, Kirsten R. Holmes

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of landing technique training versus landing technique and plyometric/strength training program on knee valgus during landing in females. Subjects participated in a 6-week training program. A 2 X 3 repeated measures ANOVA with two within subjects’ factors Test and Group was used to test for differences in the knee valgus angle in the landing condition and the five jump condition. A 2 x 2 repeated measures ANOVA with two within subjects’ factors, was used to test for difference in knee extension strength and knee flexion strength. Pre-test knee-valgus 4.76 ± …

The Effects Of Differing Bicycle Frame Geometry On Muscle Recruitment Strategies And Power During A 30-Second Wingate Anaerobic Test, Patrick Hills-Meyer

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to test how changing the bicycle frame geometry; from a shallow frame geometry [seat tube angle (STA) of 72°] to a steep frame geometry (STA of 82°) affected the electromyographic (EMG) signal of the hamstrings [biceps femoris (BF) and semitendinosus (ST) muscles] and the quadriceps [vastus medialis (VM) and vastus lateralis (VL)] and power (max, mean, min, and, % drop) during a Wingate anaerobic test (WAT). To measure the muscle recruitment and power, 12 experienced triathletes were prepped with surface electrodes to measure EMG amplitude and an electrogoniometer to measure knee joint angle while …

A Comparison Of Maximal And Submaximal Heart Rate And Oxygen Uptake In Combined Arm And Leg Bicycling And Rowing, Victoria L. Asaro

Masters Theses

No abstract provided.