Kinesiology Commons^™

Exploring Aging Using The Selection, Optimization, And Compensation (Soc) Framework In Conjunction With Kinematic Gait And Verbal Fluency Task Analysis In Healthy Adults, Emily Ann Chavez

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

This multi-study dissertation examined dual-task performance in young and middle-aged adults using verbal fluency tasks (VFT) during different walking scenarios (baseline, performing a VFT, walking narrowly, and performing a VFT while walking narrowly) as well as the Selection, Optimization, and Compensation (SOC) model. Thirty adults (15 young adults (YA; 19-44 years) and 15 middle-aged adults (MA; 45-65 years) participated in this study. Overall, there were no significant differences between groups when data was examined in short (means of means approach) and long-form (incorporating all data), when analyzing clustering and switching strategies, gait speed variability, or dual-task costs. Overall, these three …

Effects Of Eccentric Cycling On Blood Flow Patterns And Vascular Reactivity, Manuel Gomez

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Decrease of blood flow to tissues, due to atherosclerotic plaque formation, produces mortality and morbidity outcomes. Vascular homeostasis depends in the direct interaction between blood flow and endothelial cells, known as endothelial sheer stress (ESS). In addition, turbulent flow, which can be measured by Reynolds number (Re), has been associated with decrease ESS. Eccentric exercise (ECC) has gained attention as a novel exercise modality that increases muscle performance without increasing metabolic demands; however, little is known about ESS during ECC. PURPOSE: To determine the effects of ECC cycling in blood flow patterns and vascular reactivity in young, healthy individuals. METHODS: …

A Comparison Of Spatial-Temporal Gait Variability In Over-Ground And Treadmill Walking In Children With Autism, René Ubaldo Sanchez

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) experience an increased sedentary lifestylewhich results in elevated risk for being overweight and obese. A low-cost and viable solution to increase physical activity while accommodating for social-behavioral barriers such as stereotypy, aggressive, or non-verbal characteristics, may be treadmill-related interventions. Gait variability during treadmill ambulation has not been extensively researched in the ASD population, therefore the aim of this study was to quantify the acute effects of treadmill usage on spatial-temporal gait parameter variability when compared to overground walking. Three-dimensional kinematic data were obtained through motion analysis where 5 children with ASD were outfitted with …

The Mobility And Cognitive Mechanisms Involved In Altering Gait Speed In Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Alyssa Olivas

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Autism is a socio-behavioral disorder, and diagnoses are conducted through behavioral screening instruments. Recent research suggests motor deficits may be a core symptom of the disorder, as children with autism present with deficits in motor development, locomotor skills, and postural instability. In addition, children with autism often have affected, executive function, attention, and perception cognitive domains. Different gait speeds have been used to examine gait adaptations in other clinical populations. Additionally, individuals with decreased cognitive abilities have demonstrated difficulties in modulating their walking speed. There is limited research on mechanisms children with autism use to alter their gait speed, or …

Effects Of An 8-Week Resisted Sprint Training Program On Ice Skating Speed, Acceleration, And Measures Of Athletic Performance In Male Youth Ice Hockey Players, Martin Sterling Diettze-Hermosa

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Recently, resisted sprint training has become a widely utilized modality to increase the running speed and acceleration of athletes necessitating fast movements for successful sport performance. However, ice hockey is a sport that requires speed and acceleration despite not being running-based. Yet, the impact of a longitudinal resisted sprint training intervention with known resistance on ice skating remains uninvestigated. Ice hockey players engage in both on-ice and overground training. It is presently unknown whether an on-ice resisted sprint training program is superior to an overground resisted sprint training program to increase measures of ice hockey performance. Thus, purposes of this …

Inflammaging: Inflammatory Biomarkers Associated With Nutrition, Metabolism And Muscle Tissue Oxygenation Relative To Sarcopenic Status In Older Adults, Marni Elise Shoemaker

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to examine if we can differentiate inflammaging between sarcopenic and non-sarcopenic older adults by exploring if there are differences between biomarkers of inflammation and nutritional status in older adults with distinct differences in skeletal muscle mass, strength, and function, metabolic flexibility, and muscle tissue oxygenation. Twenty-one non-sarcopenic (mean±standard deviation, age = 73.1±6.2 yrs, n=5 males, n=5 females) and sarcopenic (age = 81.2±10.5 yrs, n=6 males, n=5 females) were categorized based on muscle mass and strength criteria according to the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People. Body composition, handgrip and leg extension strength, …

An Investigation Of Upper Extremity Motor Impairments In Children Diagnosed With Autism Spectrum Disorder: Motor Planning Vs Motor Execution, Patrick Anthony Cereceres

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder typically diagnosedwhen a child displays social and communication impairments, repetitive behaviors, and rhythmic movements like hand flapping. This disorder is unique because of the high variability of symptoms displayed between each individual who is diagnosed. Because of this, no neurological or physiological test exists to diagnose a child with ASD. Current diagnostic tests are various forms of interviews or observations which an experienced clinician must administer. While these tests have been instrumental in diagnosing children with ASD, many go undiagnosed, which can be detrimental as they transition into adulthood. Current literature indicates …

The Effects Of The Dual-Tasking: Walking While Texting On Slip Recovery Mechanics, Ileana Abril Jarquin

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Introduction: The number of induced falls has increased exponentially over the last decade. Previous studies have determined that the cognitive demands of texting affect the processing of cognitive and motor tasks.Research question: What effect does the dual-tasking of texting and walking has on slip recovery mechanics? Methods: Three-dimensional kinematic data were collected while 20 participants between the ages of 18 and 30 years three different conditions; 1) baseline, 2) walking + slip perturbation, and 3) texting and walking + slip perturbation. Results: Walking speed, numbers of falls, and recovery time from the slip were not affected by the texting dual-task. …

The Effects Of A Combined Multi-Stressor Environment And Fatigue On Pistol Shooting Performance, Owen Frederick Salmon

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Acute cold and hypoxia exposure are common environmental stressors to military personnel and can influence human performance (marksmanship, exercise capacity, and strength) in a variety of different ways. Despite both cold and hypoxia being potent independent environmental stressors, both of these environmental stressors commonly coexist in nature and are rarely studied together. It is currently unclear how combined exposure to acute cold and hypoxia will influence pistol shooting performance. Therefore, the present study aimed to determine how combined exposure to a multi-stressor environment will influence pistol shooting performance independently, and in combination with environmental exposure and exercise-induced fatigue. Six subjects …

The Association Between Bilateral Broad Jump Performance And The Sprint Profile, Sergio Alfonso Rodriguez

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Horizontal force application is vital to attain high velocities during sprinting. Similarly, broad jump performance is associated with the application of horizontal force to achieve greater jump distance. The video analysis-based sprint profile provides insight into multiple measures of sprint performance including maximal theoretical horizontal force, maximal theoretical velocity, optimal velocity, and maximal speed, which give an indication of overall sprint performance that is not reliant on spatiotemporal data alone. PURPOSE: To determine the relationship between broad jump distance and power output and the sprint profile of Division I track and field athletes. METHODS: This study was conducted as a …

Sprint Kinematic Performance Changes Upon Returning From A Declining Period In Track And Field Sprinters, Joshua Del Rio

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Sprinting is a key component of many competitive sports. Coaches regularly seek ways to improve their athletes’ sprint performance in order to improve their sports game performance. Sprinting is a complex movement pattern that has many different subcomponents to be properly trained in order to become faster. A sprint event has three major phases (acceleration, maximum velocity/constant speed, and deceleration). Coaches are constantly looking to improve their athlete’s performance. This is done by a strategic training regimen that extends throughout the entire year. During the off-season, the coaches’ main focus is to maintain conditioning and performance adaptions. Previous studies have …

Effects Of Different Stretching Modalities On The Antagonist And Agonist Muscles On Isokinetic Strength And Vertical Jump Performance, Samuel Montalvo

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Warm-ups are essential components of all training sessions, sports, and physical activities. Warm-ups are typically composed of a variety of stretches. Two stretching modalities that are commonly performed before any physical activity are the static and dynamic stretching modalities. Historically, static stretching has been used as a preferred stretching modality during the warm-up period. However, research indicates that static stretching â?? if done prior to the training session â?? may inhibit the expression of muscular strength, muscular activation, and vertical jump height. On the contrary, dynamic stretching has been shown to improve the expression of muscular strength, muscular activation, and …

Neuromuscular Responses At Acute Altitude Exposure During Fatiguing Dynamic Exercise Of The Biceps Brachii, Jasmin Renee Jenkins

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

BACKGROUND: The capacity to do work is greatly affected by high altitude exposure. Larger muscle groups of the lower body and exercises primarily aerobic in nature have been well investigated at high altitude. The present study examined acute altitude exposure on the number of repetitions to failure and electromyographic (EMG) repetition duration (Time), EMG root mean square (RMS) and EMG mean power frequency (MPF) during dynamic constant external resistance (DCER) exercise of the biceps brachii.

METHODS: Thirteen subjects performed two sets of fatiguing DCER arm curl repetitions to failure at 70% of their one repetition maximum (1RM) obtained at 1067 …

A Comparative Assessement Of Discrete And Reciprocal Design In Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Jallycia Rene Pearson

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Although typically diagnosed through social impairment and repetitive stereotypical behavior, recent work in the last decade has shown motor irregularities across the autism spectrum. With regard to upper extremity coordination, studies have agreed that children on the Autism spectrum present overall decreased performance compared to their neurotypical peers but fail to find commonality on the locus of this error. For example, studies have highlighted reaction time, arm trajectory as well as corrective sub-movements as areas in need of improvement. One possible reason for the conflicting results could be related to the nature of the task employed, e.g. discrete vs reciprocal …

Effects Of Manual Resistance Training On Body Composition In Young Adults, Lizette America Terrazas

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Resistance training (RT) is a form of exercise that is important for strength development. Manual Resistance Training (MRT) is an alternative mode of RT that utilize an external resistance provided by a partner. MRT requires minimal equipment and is a convenient form of training for individuals who do not have access to traditional weight training equipment The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of 8 weeks of MRT intervention on Fat Mass (FM), Lean Mass (LM) and Bone Mineral Density (BMD) and to compare the changes to the Weight Resistance Training (WRT) group. Thirty young adult (Females:18, …

The Effects Of Advancing Stages Of Pregnancy On Balance And Stair Locomotion In Healthy Females, Heather Vanderhoof

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Background: One in four females fall while pregnant, which may lead to injury, hospitalization, or birth complications. No empirical research has been conducted on single-limb support (SLS) balance or joint kinematics during stair locomotion in pregnant and postpartum females. The aim of this study was to quantify possible alterations to postural control and stair kinematics in advancing stages of pregnancy when compared to non-pregnant females. Methods: This cross-sectional study compared eighteen females, consisting of six non-pregnant controls, five 2nd trimester, four 3rd trimester, and three postpartum. Center of pressure excursion area data were obtained during static balance trials on a …

Effects Of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation On Insulin Sensitivity And Glycemic Control: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Michael James Sanchez

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Background: Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) is an effective method to induce involuntary muscle contraction, particularly for populations that are more prone to physical incapacities and metabolic disease.

Purpose: To evaluate existing evidence to determine the effectiveness of NMES on glycemic control and insulin sensitivity.

Methods: Electronic search consisted of MEDLINE (PubMed), EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, and Web of science to identify existing original research studies that investigated the effects of NMES on glycemic control and insulin sensitivity in humans. Studies that met inclusion criteria for the systematic review were then considered for meta-analysis if the studies were designed as …

A Full Collegiate Volleyball Season Does Not Influence Jumping Or Landing Performance In Freshmen And Sophomore Players, Christian Noel Sanchez

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Knee injuries are devastating and typically experienced by athletes when performing jumping and landing tasks throughout a complete collegiate volleyball season. The purpose of this study was to examine changes in lower extremity strength, frontal plane knee angles and moments, jump performance during a countermovement and approach jump before and after a complete Division I collegiate volleyball season in female volleyball freshman and sophomores. Eight freshman/sophomore female collegiate volleyball players participated in the study. Lower extremity strength was assessed using an isokinetic dynamometer, kinematic and kinetic data were obtained through three-dimensional motion capture system and force platforms, respectively. Participants performed …

Sensory Integration And Its Role In Behavioral Plasticity In Children Diagnosed With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Clarissa Diaz

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Although commonly characterized by communicative and social impairments, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) presents a number of developmental deficits related to movement planning and action. The extent of these deficits to the entire neuromuscular system, as well as the individual input/output loops are still not well understood. Given the dynamic interplay between our plans, actions and outcomes lay the foundation for later mature motor behavior, it is critical to understand the unique motor learning processes these nervous systems face while a higher level of training plasticity may be present. A recent study examined the kinematics (acceleration, velocity, smoothness, etc.) of upper …

The Effect Of Curriculum- And Classroom-Based Physical Activity Breaks On Academic Performance In Elementary School Children In Southern New Mexico, Sephonnie S. Elliss

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Research has provided strong evidence for the many health benefits of exercise (e.g. decreased risk of heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, sleep apnea, falls). Despite the plethora of evidence, most Americans do not meet the Surgeon General's recommendation of achieving 150 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (PA) per week. Compounding the problem for children is the fact that although most American kids are enrolled in school for 30 or more hours per week, making schools a prime location to teach modes of physically active health habits, schools have instead increasingly become places that promote sedentary behavior as greater emphasis has been …

The Acute Effects Of Manual Resistance On Ballistic Bench Press Performance, Matthew Paul Gonzalez

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Heavy conditioning activities (CA) during warm-ups has been found to improve subsequent movements. However, a problem with heavy CAs is the need for specialized equipment. Manual Resistance (MR) is accommodating resistance in which traditional exercises are replicated using resistance from a partner. This modality has led to improved muscular strength and endurance; however, the acute effects of MR have not been examined. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine if MR can lead to improvements in ballistic bench press (BBP) performance. Methods: Two subjects (age = 22.50 ± 0.71 years, weight = 97.88 ± 43.95 kg, BMI = …

The Effects Of A 6-Week Controlled Whole-Body Vibration Training Program In Reducing Falls Risk Among Healthy Older Adults, Fabricio Saucedo Jr.

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Falling is the second leading cause of accidental or injury-related death in the aging population worldwide and a leading cause of serious injury. Whole-body vibration (WBV) training has been implemented as a way to improve functional performance among the elderly and reduce the falls risk. The purposes of this study were: 1) examine to what extent a six-week course of WBV training reduced falls risk and improved fall outcomes in response to slips, and 2) examine whether the benefits of WBV training could be retained at least 2 months after the completion of the entire training session. A total of …

The Influence Of Over-Ground Versus Treadmill Walking On Gait Mechanics In Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Emily Ann Chavez

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Treadmill (TM) walking may be a way to combat obesity and socio-behavioral barriers associated with children with Autism Spectrum disorder (ASD), though tripping-risk has not yet been assessed for this population through use of spatial-temporal gait analysis. The aim of this project/study was to examine spatial-temporal walking mechanics and lower extremity tripping descriptors between over ground (OG) and TM gait conditions in children with ASD compared to children with neurotypical development (NT). Kinematics data were obtained through tridimensional motion analysis where participants, 10 children with ASD and 9 age- and sexmatched NT controls, were outfitted with retroreflective markers on their …

Association And Predictive Abilities Of Jump And Throw Tests To Track Performance In Division I Athletes, Nicholas R. Cubillos

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Sprinting jumping, and throwing are of the most vital abilities in track & field. Although various studies investigated relationships among these three aspects, there is limited empirical evidence as to how they may be correlated and predictive towards track performance. Purpose: To determine associations and predictive abilities of four field performance tests among a static (Accel30) and flying (Fly30) 30-meter sprint. This study also aimed to ascertain associations of kinematic and kinetic components of all field assessments to Accel30 and Fly30 sprint times. Methods: 23 subjects (18-25 years, 1.77 ± 0.10 meters, 78.67 ± 24.15 kg) performed two trials of …

Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation: A Novel Treatment Intervention For Improving Metabolic Health In An Overweight/Obese Population, Michelle J. Galvan

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Background: Most U.S. adults (80%) do not meet minimum exercise recommendations by ACSM (CDC, 2015). Using an in vitro primary cell culture model, we and others have shown that muscle contraction induced by electrical stimulation results in increased glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) protein, glucose uptake and mitochondrial content. Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) is a novel alternate strategy to induce muscle contraction, using electrical impulses. However, effectiveness of NMES induced muscle contraction to improve insulin sensitivity and energy expenditure is not clear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of four weeks of NMES on insulin sensitivity in …

Comparison Of Stride Length And Stride Frequency Patterns Of Sprint Performance In Overground Vs Motorized Treadmill Sprinting., Fayon Kamieka Gonzales

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between different kinematic parameters when maximal effort sprints are performed overground and on a motorized treadmill by recreationally trained and collegiate level sprinters. To accomplish the goals of this study, we measured stride length, stride frequency, contact time, and flight time overground and on a motorized treadmill to determine what differences or similarities can be identified. Anthropometric measurements such as the height, body weight, lower limb length, and lower limb circumference were also recorded. Subjects' performance of a 60 meter sprint (50 meter acceleration, 10 meter maximal velocity) was measured …

A New Approach To Multiplanar, Real-Time Simulation Of Physiological Knee Loads And Synthetic Knee Components Augmented By Local Composition Control In Fused Filament Fabrication, Joshua Taylor Green

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Despite numerous advances in biomedical engineering, few developments in surgical simulation have been made outside of computational models. Cadavers remain the primary media on which surgical research and simulation is conducted. Most attempts to quantify the effects of orthopedic surgical methods fail to achieve statistical significance due to limited quantities of cadaver specimen, large variations among the cadaver population, and a lack of repeatability among measurement techniques. The general purpose of the research covered in this dissertation is to develop repeatable simulation of physiological loads and develop techniques to fabricate a synthetic-based replacement of cadaver specimens. Future work applying this …

The Role Of Circulating Mirnas As Clinical Biomarkers Of Insulin Sensitivity And Exercise Adaptation In Young Offpsring Of Type 2 Diabetes Patients, Cesar Arturo Meza

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Background: A family history of Type 2 Diabetes (FH) is considered a risk factor for development of type 2 diabetes (T2D). Exercise training is an effective strategy to improve insulin resistance. Recently, micro-RNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as mediators of various intracellular processes, including insulin signaling, and may act as signaling molecules when released into circulation. The miRNAs -29a, -133a and -155 have been implicated in the regulation of insulin sensitivity, however their roles in exercise training-induced improvements in insulin sensitivity are yet to be elucidated. The purpose of this study was to determine whether circulating miRNA-29a, miRNA-29b, miRNA-29c, miRNA-133a, miRNA-133b …

Random, Timed, And Self-Paced: How Preparation Time Affects The Loading Of The Body Prior To Flight In A Two-Footed Forward Jump, Dorothy Marie Stewart

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Although numerous studies have replicated Fitts speed-accuracy trade-off relationship in reciprocal and discrete tasks, little research to date has examined the applicability of this lawful assessment on whole body ballistic tasks, such as jumping. A study by Juras et al., (2009) suggests that the lawful relationship is violated in ballistic jumping by showing no differences in movement time when target width decreased. Additionally, the authors suggest that the kinematics of the jump are pre-programmed prior to the execution of the movement. A recent study by Boyle and colleagues (2016) furthered this idea by showing an inverse relationship between the height …

The Role Of Circulating Mirnas As Clinical Biomarkers Of Insulin Sensitivity And Exercise Adaptation In Young Offpsring Of Type 2 Diabetes Patients, Cesar Arturo Meza

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Background: A family history of Type 2 Diabetes (FH) is considered a risk factor for development of type 2 diabetes (T2D). Exercise training is an effective strategy to improve insulin resistance. Recently, micro-RNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as mediators of various intracellular processes, including insulin signaling, and may act as signaling molecules when released into circulation. The miRNAs -29a, -133a and -155 have been implicated in the regulation of insulin sensitivity, however their roles in exercise training-induced improvements in insulin sensitivity are yet to be elucidated. The purpose of this study was to determine whether circulating miRNA-29a, miRNA-29b, miRNA-29c, miRNA-133a, miRNA-133b …