Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Life Sciences Commons

Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Articles 1 - 21 of 21

Full-Text Articles in Life Sciences

Effects Of Occupational Tasks And Personal Protective Equipment On Static And Functional Balance Among Career Firefighters, Petra Kis Jan 2023

Effects Of Occupational Tasks And Personal Protective Equipment On Static And Functional Balance Among Career Firefighters, Petra Kis

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

BACKGROUND: Musculoskeletal injuries are commonly incurred on the fireground among firefighters. Most injuries are attributable to overexertion, fall, jump, slip, and trip mechanisms. These injuries may be caused by many factors, including the independent and collective effects of wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) and the fatigue induced by performing occupational tasks. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of PPE and fire suppression tasks on static and functional balance among firefighters. METHODS: 32 healthy male career structural firefighters (Age: 31.8±9.5 yr) volunteered for this study. Static and Functional Balance Tests (FBT) were performed in …


The Effect Of Weekly Training Load On Match Result In American Professional Soccer, Cameron M. Horsfall Jan 2023

The Effect Of Weekly Training Load On Match Result In American Professional Soccer, Cameron M. Horsfall

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

BACKGROUND: During a professional soccer season, training load (TL) will fluctuate due to the need to prepare for the next competition. Based on the technical staff’s daily and weekly evaluation, TL will be adjusted as they prepare the team and maximize individual performance and achieve a favorable result. Therefore, the programming of each match week (MW) TL may promote a favorable result. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine variation in daily GPS-derived TL variables based on match result using the Match Day Minus (MD-) system. This study provides descriptive TL data yet to be reported in …


The Effect Of Tempo On Prone Hamstring Exercise - An Exploration Of Unilateral Bias, Derick A. Anglin Jan 2023

The Effect Of Tempo On Prone Hamstring Exercise - An Exploration Of Unilateral Bias, Derick A. Anglin

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Hamstring injuries are common muscle-skeletal injuries with a high recurrence rate. While unmodifiable risk factors (e.g., previous injury) vary, recent evidence has questioned the utility of eccentric exercise in preventing hamstring strains. Furthermore, whether eccentric exercise can transfer to sprinting’s kinetic and kinematic requirements is of question. Therefore, this investigation examines exercise tempo (fast vs. slow eccentric phase), movement strategy (bilateral vs. unilateral), and external load characteristics (coupled vs. independent) bias concentric (CON) and eccentric (ECC) biceps femoris (BF) mean electromyography (mEMG). METHODS: Twenty college-aged students aged 18 – 33 (M = 23.4, SD = 3.12 years) with …


Effect Of Training Modality On Intention To Exercise Among Law Enforcement Cadets Post Academy, Nicholas Hunt Jan 2023

Effect Of Training Modality On Intention To Exercise Among Law Enforcement Cadets Post Academy, Nicholas Hunt

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Police academies are typically the first formalized job-task-oriented exercise training for law enforcement officers (LEOs). Research has demonstrated that cadets are at higher risk of injury during the academy. Physical training (PT) is a critical component of LEO academy efforts to build occupational skills to meet job demands. Although research is beginning to investigate the efficacy of different training modalities, more research is needed to understand the impact of academy training load and modality on occupational readiness and interest in maintaining exercise behaviors post-academy. PURPOSE: to investigate the relationships between different physical training modalities and intention to continue physical training …


The Impact Of Gloves And Simulated Occupational Tasks On Handgrip Strength In Structural Firefighters, Sarah Lanham Jan 2022

The Impact Of Gloves And Simulated Occupational Tasks On Handgrip Strength In Structural Firefighters, Sarah Lanham

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Adequate handgrip strength (HGS) is important to safely and effectively perform fireground tasks. However, there is limited research describing the deleterious impact of glove use and fatigue from occupational tasks on HGS. Therefore, the aims of this investigation were to quantify the impact of glove use and occupational tasks on HGS, to explore the relationship between HGS versus the glove and task-induced decrement in HGS, and to evaluate the relationship between HGS and decrement in HGS versus occupational performance. Fourteen (Males: n=13) career structural firefighters performed a maximal isometric HGS assessment with and without gloves before and immediately following completion …


Stress, Stress Appraisal And Coping In Athletic Trainers During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Lawson Holton Jan 2022

Stress, Stress Appraisal And Coping In Athletic Trainers During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Lawson Holton

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Introduction: There have been many studies conducted on the stress and mental health of frontline healthcare workers (HCWs) over the past months since the COVID-19 pandemic began. Very limited literature has examined the effect of the pandemic on athletic trainers (ATs). Objective: The aim of this investigation was to examine the stress, stress appraisal, and coping measures of ATs during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Participants were recruited members from the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA). The Perceived Stress Scale-10 was used to measure stress, the Stress Appraisal Measure was used to measure stress appraisal, and the Brief COPE was used …


Effects Of Various Golf Bag Loading Strategies On Perceived Exertion And Vertical Jump Performance, Austen Arnold Jan 2022

Effects Of Various Golf Bag Loading Strategies On Perceived Exertion And Vertical Jump Performance, Austen Arnold

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

INTRODUCTION: The sport of golf is increasing in popularity among both novice and skilled players alike. A round of golf necessitates players to cope with a range of physically demanding movement patterns. At the collegiate level, golfers must transport their clubs by loading them onto the body. Previous literature has yet to determine how different golf bag carrying positions influence periodic, unloaded jump performance and perceived exertion of the load carrying task. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to investigate how different golf bag load carriage methods may influence vertical jump performance and perceived exertion. METHODS: Five golf bag …


The Development Of A Novel Throwing Assessment For Children With Cerebral Palsy, Cory Cribb Jan 2022

The Development Of A Novel Throwing Assessment For Children With Cerebral Palsy, Cory Cribb

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Introduction: Cerebral palsy is one of childhood's most common developmental disabilities. Cerebral palsy leads to dysfunction in the upper extremities due to symptoms such as low muscle power, spasticity, and increased tone. A modified throwing assessment was constructed to examine throwing performance as a measure of upper extremity function. Purpose: To determine if the modified throwing assessment is a reliable measure of throwing performance and if the modified throwing assessment is a valid measure of upper extremity power in children with CP. Methods: The study employed a test-retest design aimed at determining the reliability of a modified throwing assessment. Seven …


Current Recommendations For Lower Body Aerobic Exercise In Chronic Unilateral Stroke - A Systematic Review, Jordan N. Brown Jan 2021

Current Recommendations For Lower Body Aerobic Exercise In Chronic Unilateral Stroke - A Systematic Review, Jordan N. Brown

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Background: Chronic stroke patients (i.e., > six months since the onset of stroke) continue to experience persistent gait complications. Once formal physical therapy concludes, exercise professionals can implement exercise interventions designed to improve quality of life and reduce risk of secondary stroke. This systematic review aimed to evaluate whether lower-body aerobic exercise transferred to gait improvements in chronic unilateral stroke. Methods: An electronic search of the following databases were undertaken: MEDLINE, CINHAL, Ovid, and SPORTdiscus. Two independent reviewers selected articles using predetermined inclusion criteria: adults (i.e., >18 years old) who suffered from a chronic unilateral stroke. Additionally, all included studies were …


The Effects Of A Mirror On Cognitive Strategy And Performance Of A Muscular Endurance Task, Brianna M. Simmons Jan 2021

The Effects Of A Mirror On Cognitive Strategy And Performance Of A Muscular Endurance Task, Brianna M. Simmons

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Context: Mirrors are common-place in exercise facilities, however, the effect the mirror has on cognitive strategy (i.e., where the mind’s at) and performance time has not been examined in a muscular endurance task (i.e., a wall sit). Objective: To determine, (1) the mirror’s effect on cognitive state during a wall sit to volitional exhaustion, (2) the mirror's effect on time to volitional exhaustion during a wall sit, and (3) the mirror’s effect on the participant’s rating of perceived exertion (RPE) during the wall sit. Design: Repeated measures design. Setting: Indoor exercise facility. Participants: Twenty resistance-trained Georgia Southern University Students (9 …


Long-Term Disability Following A Hamstring Injury, Savannah Mclain Jan 2021

Long-Term Disability Following A Hamstring Injury, Savannah Mclain

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

PURPOSE: Injuries to the hamstring complex are one of the most commonly seen lower extremity injuries in athletic populations. It is currently unknown how psychological or sociological factors affect an athlete after the recovery process has ended and if these factors play a role in re-injury rates relating to the hamstring. It is also unknown if athlete confidence level changes while in a fatigued state after an athlete returns to play from a hamstring injury. METHODS: Twenty-six physically active adults with and without a previous hamstring injury were recruited for this study. Participants completed a Qualtrics survey that …


Effectiveness Of Wellness Programming To Improve Health And Fitness Metrics In Rural Firefighters, Macy Weeks Jan 2020

Effectiveness Of Wellness Programming To Improve Health And Fitness Metrics In Rural Firefighters, Macy Weeks

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Background: Worksite wellness programs are an excellent option to help promote health and wellness among employees. However, there is little research discussing these benefits among firefighters. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a wellness program to improve or maintain health and fitness metrics in rural, career firefighters over a 9-month period. Methods: Thirty-six firefighters from a department in southeast Georgia participated in this wellness program. All health and fitness metrics tested were recommended by the National Fire Protection Agency. The wellness program that took place over 9-months provided basic tools and knowledge regarding exercise …


Biomechanical Comparison Of "Old" And "New" Cheer Shoes In Collegiate Cheerleaders, Abigail C. Johnson Jan 2020

Biomechanical Comparison Of "Old" And "New" Cheer Shoes In Collegiate Cheerleaders, Abigail C. Johnson

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

INTRODUCTION: The sport of cheerleading requires that athletes perform with a high degree of flexibility, strength, endurance, and balance. The leading injury in cheerleading is a lateral, inversion, ankle sprain. As footwear serves as an interface between the foot and the surrounding environment, characteristics of shoes should be monitored to determine the effects on proprioceptive communication. No previous literature was found that examined the biomechanical differences between “Old” and “New” shoes in collegiate cheerleaders. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the biomechanical differences exhibited by collegiate cheerleaders while performing balance testing and step-down, landing tasks in “old” …


Player-Coach Perceptions Of Internal Load, Exertion, And Recovery In Collegiate Male Soccer Players, Michelle L. Eisenman Jan 2019

Player-Coach Perceptions Of Internal Load, Exertion, And Recovery In Collegiate Male Soccer Players, Michelle L. Eisenman

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Periodization of athlete training load to improve performance and maximize recovery, while reducing injuries and overtraining, is essential in team sports. Understanding internal load responses and monitoring athlete exertion and recovery can help coaches during a competitive season. Recovery Status (PRS) and Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) are two subjective scales used to help quantify training load and recovery. These scales are more useful if there is an agreement between coaches (C) and players (P) assessment of intensity and recovery. PURPOSE: To assess subjective measures (PRS and RPE scores) from P and C during a 13-week competitive soccer season. Furthermore, …


The Effects Of Acute Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplementation On Delayed-Onset Muscle Soreness And Recovery, Colin A. Butler Jan 2019

The Effects Of Acute Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplementation On Delayed-Onset Muscle Soreness And Recovery, Colin A. Butler

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS) is the feeling of discomfort that occurs after being exposed to unaccustomed eccentric resistance training often resulting in diminished athletic performance. Previous research has shown positive effects with omega-3 fatty acid (O3FA) supplementation to ameliorate DOMS. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of acute O3FA supplementation on perceived muscle soreness, ratings of exertion, and recovery after a lower body resistance training protocol in college-aged males. A double blind, repeated-measures design was utilized with 10 healthy, college-age males. Participants were placed in the placebo (olive leaf oil) or experimental (O3FA) group, consuming 3,000 …


The Effects Of Beetroot Juice On Vo2max And Blood Pressure During Submaximal Exercise, Jose M. Perez Jan 2017

The Effects Of Beetroot Juice On Vo2max And Blood Pressure During Submaximal Exercise, Jose M. Perez

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Supplementation with beetroot juice (BR) has been shown to reduce blood pressure (BP) at rest and improve several performance parameters during submaximal and maximal exercise. BR effects on BP during submaximal exercise have not been investigated. Furthermore, the effects of BR on VO2max are inconclusive. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of BR on VO2max and BP during submaximal exercise. 20 healthy, recreationally trained volunteers (age 21.8±2.35 years, weight 75.10±10.62 kg, height 177.4±6.39 cm) participated in this study, which had a double-blind placebo controlled randomized crossover design. Participants began supplementation with either …


Heart Rate Recovery And Blood Pressure Recovery Influenced By A Slow-Breathing Protocol After Exercise In Moderately Trained Females, Emily Layne Zumbro Jan 2017

Heart Rate Recovery And Blood Pressure Recovery Influenced By A Slow-Breathing Protocol After Exercise In Moderately Trained Females, Emily Layne Zumbro

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Heart rate (HR) and blood pressure (BP) increases in order to meet metabolic demands as a result of exercise primarily through way of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) and parasympathetic nervous system (PNS). This study aimed to build on previous research in finding the best method to rapidly decrease HR and BP after exercise during the recovery period. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of a breathing technique on HRR and BPR within a healthy female population during an exercise recovery period compared to active recovery and upright passive recovery. METHODS: Nine moderately trained female …


The Effect Of Patellofemoral Pain On Joint Motion And Variability During A Prolonged Run, Klarie Ake Jan 2017

The Effect Of Patellofemoral Pain On Joint Motion And Variability During A Prolonged Run, Klarie Ake

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

INTRODUCTION: Patellofemoral pain (PFP) is a common overuse injury where the cause of the pain is largely unknown. Previous research has not compared the variability of joint coordination and kinematics in the same study. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of PFP and exertion on the variability of lower extremity kinematics, and joint coordination. METHODS: The participants included 6 female runners with PFP (R-PFP) (21.0 ± 0.55 years; 66.1 ± 7.9 kg; 1.62 ± 0.09 m), and a control group of 6 healthy female runners (CON) (21.2 ± 1.17 years; 61.5 ± 6.9 kg; 1.67 …


Body Image Self-Discrepancies And Compulsive Exercise: Exploring The Role Of Approach And Avoidance Motivational Selves, Kristin A. Chandler Jan 2015

Body Image Self-Discrepancies And Compulsive Exercise: Exploring The Role Of Approach And Avoidance Motivational Selves, Kristin A. Chandler

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

According to Brewer, Davis, Kalmbach, Kaptein, Katzman and Kirsch (1997), problematic exercise occurs in approximately 80% of anorexia nervosa patients and 55% of bulimia nervosa patients. Thus, a comprehensive understanding of unhealthy exercise is necessary for its assessment as well as eating disorder prevention and intervention. One term used to describe unhealthy exercise is compulsive exercise. Although compulsive exercise has been regarded as problematic in the development, treatment, and outcome of eating disorders, little research has investigated the risk factors for this behavior. Given the influence of body image disturbances on disordered eating and the relationship between compulsive exercise and …


Motives For Physical Activity And Physiological Variables As Predictors Of Exercise Intentions Following A High Intensity Interval Training Protocol In College-Age Females, Sarah Joseph Jan 2013

Motives For Physical Activity And Physiological Variables As Predictors Of Exercise Intentions Following A High Intensity Interval Training Protocol In College-Age Females, Sarah Joseph

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Recent data collected on college-aged females indicates that more females are classified as insufficiently active and may have little time for physical activity (Ligouri, et al., 2011). High intensity interval training (defined as very short intense intervals, usually above 85% maximum heart rate accompanied by alternated passive recovery periods; HIIT) has become a popular alternative to the more traditional continuous training utilized by individuals due to its time efficiency. In fact, HIIT has been shown to induce many of the same physiological changes as moderate intensity training with less training time. It is possible that college-aged females may benefit from …


Effectiveness Of A Training Program Using An Alter-G Treadmill To Improve Physiological And Psychosocial Measures In Female Breast Cancer Survivors, Ciaran Fairman Jan 2013

Effectiveness Of A Training Program Using An Alter-G Treadmill To Improve Physiological And Psychosocial Measures In Female Breast Cancer Survivors, Ciaran Fairman

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Breast survivors often experience lower bone mineral density following treatment, and may be at a higher risk for osteoporosis and consequent falls and injuries. This study aimed to build on previous research using lower impact exercise programs by using an anti-gravity (Alter-G®) treadmill to administer cardiovascular training. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness a physical activity program, including an anti-gravity (Alter-G) treadmill at improving physiological and psychosocial measures in female breast cancer survivors. METHODS: Five female breast cancer survivors were recruited to participate in the study. A 14-week intervention using an AB-AB study …