Kinesiology Commons^™

The Training Of A Para Powerlifter: A Case Study Of Adaptive Monitoring, Training And Overcoming, Derek Wilcox

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Paralympic athletes (PA) appear to be more prone to chronic overuse injuries from daily wheelchair or crutch use. Over half of these injuries are shoulder related which can deleteriously impact quality of life. Adaptive powerlifters (AP) are a subdivision of Paralympic athletes and are at a higher risk for catastrophic injuries as compared to their counterparts, due to the compound of fatigue and lifting of maximal weights. For this reason, it is vital to have well-designed training plans for these athletes in order to preserve quality of life and maximize performance in competition. Unfortunately, there is a lack of literature …

Barbell Trajectory And Kinematics During Two International Weightlifting Championships, Aaron J. Cunanan

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Several methods have been used in the scientific literature to study the weightlifting pull. Broadly, these methods are used to measure kinematic or kinetic variables exhibited by the lifter, the barbell, or the lifter-barbell system. However, there is an apparent disconnect between weightlifting research and coaching practice that may reduce the perceived benefits of technique analysis among coaches and present some challenges for coaches who seek to incorporate technique analysis into their coaching practice. Differences and trends in the technique of competitive weightlifting performances are apparent from the available literature. However, there are also gaps in the literature due to …

Exploring The Match Demands Of Division I Women’S Collegiate Soccer, Robert W. Sausaman

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this dissertation is to shed light on the physical demands of women’s soccer at the NCAA division I college level. Though research does exists describing the physical demands of women’s soccer, the vast majority seeks to explain the physical demands association with the professional and international level. This dissertation sought to: 1) examine the physical demands of NCAA division I women’s soccer and 2) observe changes in physical demands of two NCAA division I women’s soccer players over a four-year career using a case study approach.

Study 1 examined the physical demands of twenty-three athlete from a …

The Influence Of Strength In Load-Velocity Relationships In The Back Squat, Thaddeus Light

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Load-velocity relationships may vary between people of different strength levels and across different loads. The purpose of this dissertation was to investigate how external loads influence the velocity characteristics of the back squat exercise, and the influence of strength on these variables. Healthy male students with a history of resistance training completed repetitions at specified intensities of their estimated one-repetition maximum (1RM) until they reached 1RM. Back squat 3D motion analysis was captured using four Vicon T010 cameras (Vicon Motion Systems Ltd.; Oxford, UK) and Vicon Nexus 1.8.5 software. Data were transported into R custom coding statistical analysis software (version …

Comparison Of An Acute Bout Of Exercise To A Sugary Snack On Energy, Mood And Cognitive Performance, Erica Knowles

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Low perceived energy and a decline in cognitive performance throughout the day are common issues, though exercise and food consumption are suggested to improve mood and cognition. The present study compares effects of acute exercise to consuming sugar on mood, energy, and cognitive performance. Subjects underwent blood glucose testing, completed an Abbreviated Profile of Mood States Questionnaire, and Automated Operation Span (OSPAN) and Digit Span tests to measure memory and attention. On two separate days subjects consumed candy or walked on a treadmill for 10 minutes, then measurements were repeated at 30-min, 60-min, and 120-min post. Two-way ANOVA over time …

The Effects Of A 10-Week Judo Program On Cortisol And Stress In Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Justine Renziehausen

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) often have increased levels of stress, leading to dysregulated production of cortisol. Elevated levels of cortisol have numerous known adverse health consequences, and therefore, interventions should be established to help attenuate cortisol production. As judo combines physical activity and mindfulness practice, it may aid in stress reduction and decreased levels of cortisol. Purpose: To examine the effects of a 10-week judo program on stress reactions and salivary cortisol levels in youth with ASD. Methods: 20 children with ASD participated in the 10-week judo program. Changes in acute (before and after one judo session) …

The Effects Of Dynamic Versus Isometric Postactivation Potentiation On Collegiate Female Rowers, Idan Harat

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Post-activation potentiation (PAP) has been shown to improve acute power-based performance, and the potential to enhance rowing performance. To examine PAP effects with rowing performance, 40 collegiate female rowers performed isometric potentiating (ISO), dynamic potentiating (DYN) and typical control (CON) warm-up protocols, after which they completed a three-minute all-out test (3MT) to evaluate their total distance, peak power, mean power, critical power, anaerobic working capacity (W') and stroke rate. Fifteen-second splits for distance and mean power were also analyzed. The PAP protocols were performed on a rowing ergometer, in a movement pattern that simulated rowing. ISO consisted of 5 × …

Kinetic And Kinematic Characteristics Of Accentuated Eccentric Loading, John Wagle

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The current investigation was an examination of the kinetic and kinematic characteristics of the back squat using accentuated eccentric loading (AEL) and cluster set programming strategies. Trained male subjects (age = 26.1 ± 4.1 years, height = 183.5 ± 4.3 cm, body mass = 92.5 ± 10.5 kg, back squat to body mass ratio = 1.8 ± 0.3) volunteered to complete four different load condition sessions involving traditionally loaded straight sets (TL), traditionally loaded cluster sets (TLC), AEL cluster sets (AEC), and AEL straight sets where only the first repetition of each set used eccentric overload (AEL1). The use of …

The Impact Of Judo On Aggressive Behaviors In Youth With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Paola Rivera

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of an 8-week judo program on lifestyle habits and behavior in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). METHODS: Participants included 25 children (ages 8-17), with a formal diagnosis of ASD. The sample participated in an 8-week judo program (45 minutes, 1x week), with measures taken at baseline and at the end of the 8-weeks. In order to assess activity levels and sleep quality, participants were instructed to wear Actigraph GT9X Accelerometers for 7 days and nights. In order to assess behavioral changes, parents were given the ABC survey to fill …

Comparison Of Post-Activation Potentiation Methods On Power And Sprint Acceleration, Aaron Piper

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Post-activation potentiation (PAP) is a stimulus used to enhance performance by performing specific interventions prior to subsequent explosive movements. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of different PAP methods on power and sprint acceleration in resistance trained, college-aged men and women. A total of 13 subjects participated in the study. After determining back squat 1 repetition max, subjects returned for testing on separate days to complete one of four interventions (dynamic resistance, weighted plyometric, isometric, or control) in a randomized order. A standardized warmup was given, followed by a baseline countermovement jump (CMJ) and 20-meter sprint. …

Do Individual Responses To Resistance Exercise Exist To An Extent That Can Be Detected Beyond That Of Measurement Error/Random Biological Variability?, Scott J. Dankel

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Millions of dollars are spent analyzing inter-individual differences in response to resistance exercise, but the lack of a non-exercise control group means they may simply be examining random error. The purpose of this study was to determine whether there are inter-individual differences in response to two distinct resistance exercise protocols. Participants (n=151) were randomly assigned to one of 3 groups as follows: (1) a traditional exercise group performing 4 sets to failure with a load that could be lifted 8-12 times; (2) a one-repetition maximum (1RM) training group performing a 1RM test each visit; and (3) a non-exercise control group. …

Cultural Influences On Body Size Ideals Among African American Women In The Mississippi Delta, Lois Marie Coleman

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Results: One-on-one interviews yielded 25 cognitive maps. The maps contained a total of 169 concepts with 294 connections among them. The lowest number of variables identified on a participant’s map was 4 and the highest was 11. The lowest number of connections made on a participant’s map was 4 and the highest was 39. Through qualitative condensing and matrix addition, the 169 concepts were used to create 27 variables with 134 connections. Feedback from focus group participants resulted in the addition of 3 variables and 9 connections.

Ultrasound Measured Flexor Muscle Thickness In The Forearms Of Rock Climbers, Michael Marsala

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

PURPOSE: To examine differences in the forearms of rock climbers using ultrasound to measure the muscle thickness of the finger flexors. METHODS: A total of 33 participants were recruited, 22 climbers (22.23 years; 68% male) and 11 controls (21.8; 55% male). Climbers provided self-reported ratings of their climbing ability, skill level, and preferred mode of climbing (e.g. sport climbing vs. bouldering). Anthropometric measures, including body fat percentage, were measured in all participants. Ultrasound measurements were taken with the participant lying on their back on a padded table with their dominant hand supinated. Muscle thickness measurements were taken at the forearm …

Ankle-Knee Initial Contact Angle And Latency Period To Maximum Angle Are Affected By Prolonged Run, Sydni Wilhoite Ms

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

INTRODUCTION: The angle experienced at initial contact and midstance have been suggested to influence the risk of injury. Previous literature has not assessed these angles under the influence of novel footwear for a non-exhaustive prolonged run or the relationship between the angles. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to assess the change of lower extremity kinematic parameters and the relationship between kinematic parameters at initial contact and midstance with prolonged running under the influence of different types of footwear. METHODS: The participants included 12 experienced, recreational runners (6 male; 6 female; 24.8 ± 8.4 years; 70.5 ± 9.3 kg; …

Model School Wellness Policies: Opportunities For Improvement, Maty Skinner

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Schools that participate in the US Child Nutrition program are required to have a wellness policy. Many state agencies provide model wellness policies to aid schools in writing wellness policies. However, use of model wellness policies has not been associated with higher quality policies. PURPOSE: Assess the strength and comprehensiveness of model wellness policies and to determine if federal regulations are more likely to be included in model wellness policies than evidence-based, best-practices that are not required per federal regulation. METHODS: Model wellness policies available online through state agency websites in January 2019 were analyzed for comprehensiveness and strength using …

Differences In Running Mechanics And Tibial Plateau Dimensions Between Overweight/Obese And Healthy Weight Children, Claire Sylvestre

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

INTRODUCTION: Overweight and obese (OW/OB) children display increased knee joint loading during running, which may lead to excessive frontal plane motion and moments at the knee joints. The relationship between tibial plateau dimensions and knee vertical loading may explain the loading related injuries OW/OB children experience.
PURPOSE: Compare knee mechanics during running and tibial plateau dimensions between healthy weight (HW) and OW/OB children.
METHODS: Ten HW children and ten OW/OB children aged 9-12 participated in the study. Kinematic and kinetic data were captured as participants ran across a force platform at 3.5m/s. Tibial plateau area and density were collected by …

A Comparison Between The Efficacy Of Traditional Periodization, Undulating Periodization, And Plyometric Training And Their Lasting Effects On Performance Outcomes In Youth Athletes. A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Andre Mcintyre

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Recreational and competitive youth (≤ 16 years old) sport participation over the years has increased in recent years. As a result of increased sport participation an emphasis on sport performance training and more particularly resistance training along with plyometric training have been on the rise. Resistance training and plyometric training can improve sports performance, rehabilitate injuries, prevent injuries, and enhance long-term health in adolescent athletes. Resistance training can be periodized numerous different ways, but the most popular training methods are traditional periodization, undulating periodization, and plyometric training. This systematic review and meta-analysis examined studies that compared traditional periodization, undulating periodization, …

Using Maximum Power As A Variable For 1rm Prediction In The Squat And Bench Press, Sean O'Connor

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Many Strength and Conditioning (S&C) coaches utilize a one-rep max (1RM) exercise test to gauge the maximal strength of athletes, and then prescribe resistance training programs based on a relative percentage of 1RM to obtain strength or power adaptations. However, many S&C coaches have raised questions regarding the safety and necessity of a 1RM test. Attempts to mitigate the weaknesses of 1RM testing have led to other methods of testing including repetition max testing (3RM, 5RM, 10RM, etc.) as well as load/velocity profiling. The main purpose of this study is to determine if 1RM can be accurately estimated from maximal …

Jumping To Conclusions: The Effects Of Hydration Status On Kinetics And Electromyography In The Vertical Jump, Paul Tyler Donahue

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Results: Significant differences were present between hypo- and euhydrated conditions for peak and mean force during the CMJ with no difference in jump height. Significant differences were present between conditions for jump height and jump velocity for the SJ. No differences were seen in any of the four muscles of interest in regard to muscle activation. Significant differences were present between jump height of the CMJ and SJ respectively, with high correlation coefficients to jump velocity in both jump techniques.

Acute Exercise And Creativity: Embodied Cognition Approaches, Emily M. Frith

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation manuscript is the culmination of three years of research examining several unique, exercise-induced mechanisms underlying creativity. This collection of work addresses historical and current empirical concepts of creativity in a narrative review, providing recommendations for future research. Several reviews follow this introduction, highlighting the proposed effects of exercise on creativity, putative mechanisms for creativity, and the effects of exercise and embodied manipulations on creative behavior. Multiple experiments utilizing moderate-intensity exercise as a theoretical stimulus for higher-order cognitions were conducted to investigate associations between exercise and creativity, which lead to the final dissertation experiment. The dissertation experiment was the …

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

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 …