Biomechanics Commons^™

A Dynamical Systems Approach To Characterizing Brain–Body Interactions During Movement: Challenges, Interpretations, And Recommendations, Derek C. Monroe, Nathaniel T. Berry, Peter C. Fino, Christopher K. Rhea

Rehabilitation Sciences Faculty Publications

Brain–body interactions (BBIs) have been the focus of intense scrutiny since the inception of the scientific method, playing a foundational role in the earliest debates over the philosophy of science. Contemporary investigations of BBIs to elucidate the neural principles of motor control have benefited from advances in neuroimaging, device engineering, and signal processing. However, these studies generally suffer from two major limitations. First, they rely on interpretations of ‘brain’ activity that are behavioral in nature, rather than neuroanatomical or biophysical. Second, they employ methodological approaches that are inconsistent with a dynamical systems approach to neuromotor control. These limitations represent a …

A Case Study: Examining Biological Sex Differences In A 14-Week Neck Strength Protocol For Optimal Neuromuscular Indicators To Reduce The Incidence Of Traumatic Brain Injury, Jennifer L. Kale, Maggie Craig Tyndall, Alexander T. Mcdaniel, Lindsey Schroeder, Yishi Wang

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology Volume 4: Issue 1, Article 9, 2023. The primary aim of this research was to analyze potential biological sex differences to determine if a variation in dynamic and isometric neck strength existed following a 14-week novel neck strengthening protocol. College-aged healthy participants who did not have a previous history of head or neck trauma were recruited for this study. A pre- and post-assessment was conducted to gather initial isometric and dynamic neck strength values. The neck strengthening intervention utilized a novel dynamic neck strength device for 14-weeks. 14-week neck strength protocol used in this …

Collegiate And University Athletic Trainers’ Use Of Squat Based Gradable Movement Screens, Ryan Hipp, Thomas Cappaert, Paula Turocy, Thomas Palmer

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology Volume 4: Issue 1, Article 8, 2023. Squat Based Gradable Movement Screens (SBGMS) are orthopedic assessments used to detect and develop rehabilitation plans for patients with poor movement patterns. Reported to limit the effects of injury related factors, SBGMS have become common techniques identified among several professional domains of Athletic Training practice; however, there is limited descriptive data regarding the implementation and extent SBGMS are used by practicing Athletic Trainers (ATs) within the collegiate or university settings. The purpose was to explore the utility of SBGMS among ATs and to investigate the characteristics of …

Letter From The Editor: Oata Special Issue 2023, Sara Stiltner

Journal of Sports Medicine and Allied Health Sciences: Official Journal of the Ohio Athletic Trainers Association

Letter from the Editor

Thank you for viewing the OATA Annual Meeting Special Issue of the

Journal of Sports Medicine and Allied Health Sciences:

The Official Journal of the OATA.

This is our 9^th year working in conjunction with the

OATA Annual Meeting to open a new volume of the JSMAHS.

This special issue would not be possible without the Managing Editor, Cole Dearing and the OATA Research and Grant Subcommittee Members who spend time and pour in effort to provide highly critiqued blinded peer review of the OATA Free Communication Abstracts. Those members include: Stacey Busser, Akron University, …

Perceptions Among Athletic Trainers’ Education In Treating Athletes With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity And Autism Disorders, Juliette Mueller, Audrey Wagstaff, Jennifer Walker

Journal of Sports Medicine and Allied Health Sciences: Official Journal of the Ohio Athletic Trainers Association

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to investigate the education and preparedness of athletic trainers when caring for athletes with Attention.Deficit.Hyperactivity.Disorder (ADHD) and or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

Athletic Trainers Knowledge And Practices For Sudden Cardiac Death, Brent Mcclure, Chyrsten Gessel, Brittany Peppel

Journal of Sports Medicine and Allied Health Sciences: Official Journal of the Ohio Athletic Trainers Association

OBJECTIVE

Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is one of the leading causes of death in athletics, despite athletic trainers working as first responders for athletic events. The purpose of this study was to assess athletic trainers’ knowledge of SCD, and to analyze perceptions regarding evidence-based practice. This study aimed to answer how the NATA position statement has impacted athletic trainers practice, and to identify potential limitations in implementing best practice.

Unreported Concussions Within Law Enforcement Officers, Bailee Faulkner, Jennifer Walker, Audrey Wagstaff

Journal of Sports Medicine and Allied Health Sciences: Official Journal of the Ohio Athletic Trainers Association

OBJECTIVE

Understand the degree to which concussions go unreported among members of the Law Enforcement community.

Perceived Knowledge And Confidence Of Social Determinants Of Health In College And Secondary School Athletic Trainers, Lauren Redfern, Chyrsten Gessel, Elena Robinson

Journal of Sports Medicine and Allied Health Sciences: Official Journal of the Ohio Athletic Trainers Association

OBJECTIVE

For most athletes, their athletic trainer is the healthcare provider with whom they interact the most while for others, ATs are the only health care professionals they interact with. It is crucial that ATs can assess and implement strategies that account for SDH in athletes. The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between the number of years certified as an athletic trainer in the college and secondary school settings and perceived knowledge of factors and confidence in the implementation of interventions to address social determinants of health (SDH) when treating patients.

Usage And Influence Of Dietary Supplementation Amongst Adolescent Athletes, Allison Harlow, Jennifer Walker, Aubrey Wagstaff

Journal of Sports Medicine and Allied Health Sciences: Official Journal of the Ohio Athletic Trainers Association

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to investigate the use of dietary supplements or ergogenic aids amongst high school athletes.

The Effect Of Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization On Improving Joint Range Of Motion In Active Individuals: A Critically Appraised Topic, Cole E. Dearing, Andrea Cripps, Jenny Toonstra

Journal of Sports Medicine and Allied Health Sciences: Official Journal of the Ohio Athletic Trainers Association

CLINICAL SCENARIO

In all activities that require physical movement, whether in athletics or in other daily tasks, it is important for joints to have adequate range of motion and flexibility. Soft tissue restrictions are very common pathologies in healthcare. Although a decrease in myofascial range of motion can arise from a variety of reasons such as biomechanical deformities, autoimmune diseases, or age, it is often caused by overtraining or musculoskeletal injuries in active populations. Instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization techniques are gaining popularity to assist in treating various soft tissue injuries and musculoskeletal pathologies. The belief is that by applying …

Rates Of Burnout Among Collegiate Athletic Trainers During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Lauren Linn, Jennifer Walker, Audrey Wagstaff

Journal of Sports Medicine and Allied Health Sciences: Official Journal of the Ohio Athletic Trainers Association

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of COVID-19 related tasks on the rates of burnout in athletic trainers practicing in the collegiate setting.

Efficacy Of Corrective Exercise On Improving Functional Movement Within The Tactical Population: A Critically Appraised Topic, Sara Stiltner, Adam J. Thompson, Andrea Cripps

Journal of Sports Medicine and Allied Health Sciences: Official Journal of the Ohio Athletic Trainers Association

CLINICAL SCENARIO

Police, fire, emergency medical services, and military personnel encompass a tactical population that is considered an emerging setting in athletic training.Due to the occupational demands within this demographic, these patients are experiencing musculoskeletal injuries and injuries that withhold them from career duties at an alarming rate. One of the main contributors to the incidence of musculoskeletal injury is a lack of functional movement.^1-3 Incorporating corrective functional movement programs should be a primary goal in treating tactical populations.

The Value Of The Vestibular/Ocular Motor Screening (Voms) In Evaluating Adolescent Patients With Concussions, Laura Harris, Kirstin Antonaros, Hayley Cole, Patrick Daniels, Kurtis Gould, Trent Ivey, Alexa Lewis, Alexis Maxwell, Paul Miles

Journal of Sports Medicine and Allied Health Sciences: Official Journal of the Ohio Athletic Trainers Association

OBJECTIVE

To determine the VOMS can differentiate between typical and protracted recoveries in adolescent patients.

A Comparison Of Skill Retention From Two Instructor-Led Bls Cpr Courses, Michelle R. Wilson, Christine Liebrecht

Journal of Sports Medicine and Allied Health Sciences: Official Journal of the Ohio Athletic Trainers Association

OBJECTIVE

CPR skill retention is vitally important on successful resuscitation outcomes. This study examined college students’ retention of Adult CPR skills 6 months following participation in an instructor-led CPR course presented in two different formats.

Injury Rates In Fly-Fishing: An Analysis Of Contributing Factors, Andrea Cripps, Jason Smith, Ian Thomas, Trent Griner

Journal of Sports Medicine and Allied Health Sciences: Official Journal of the Ohio Athletic Trainers Association

OBJECTIVE

The sport of fly-fishing has experienced significant growth since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. There is very little literature available to quantify injuries associated with the sport of fly-fishing. Previous injury surveillance studies demonstrated certain casting styles and equipment may lead to upper extremity pain or injury. The purpose of this study was to evaluate factors that can contribute to injuries that occur while participating in the sport of fly-fishing.

Attrition And Retention Factors Of Dual-Appointment Athletic Trainers, Elizabeth A. Starns, Mackenzie Starns

Journal of Sports Medicine and Allied Health Sciences: Official Journal of the Ohio Athletic Trainers Association

OBJECTIVE

The factors leading to athletic trainer (AT) job attrition and retention and the impact and on the profession regularly appear in athletic training literature and research. This literature and research found work-life balance, including work-family conflict, burnout, and work factors, such as hours worked and compensation, to be the primary attrition and retention factors for athletic trainers that are currently in traditional athletic training roles or have left the profession^1-14. Similar to athletic trainers, research shows university faculty job attrition, regardless of specialty, is caused by work-life balance, specifically work-family conflict. However, unlike athletic trainers, faculty attrition …

The Effect Of Fatigue On Lower Extremity Joint Kinematics And Performance, Shelley Payne, Sarah Alloto, Joe Wilkins, Ashley Simons

Journal of Sports Medicine and Allied Health Sciences: Official Journal of the Ohio Athletic Trainers Association

OBJECTIVE

ACL injuries are multifactorial in nature meaning they can be the result of faulty biomechanics, individual genetic predisposition, or environmental factors (Alentorn- Geli et al., 2009). A focus of most healthcare professionals including physical therapists and athletic trainers includes the screening for preventable risk factors for non- contact ACL injuries. Preventable risk factors include asymmetry between a person’s limbs, decreased hamstring strength, increased muscle fatigue, decreased landing angle of hip and knee Tlexion, increased valgus landing, and lack of Tlexibility in the hip internal rotators (Brophy, 2021). Given the short and long-term negative consequences of an ACL injury, it …

Gaze During Turning In Older Adults, Kalina Mavrov

Theses/Capstones/Creative Projects

To navigate complex environments, our gaze needs to attenuate to locomotor tasks, such as walking and turning. Shifting gaze (i.e., rotation of the eyes and head), is important when moving through different environments. The aim of this study was to compare gaze anticipation during clinical tests and complex real-world locomotion. I hypothesized that older adults would shift their gaze in a new heading direction in anticipation of turns. I further predicted increased gaze anticipation in tasks that have a high demand for spatial orientation. Participants were asked to complete clinical tasks consisting of a 2-minute walk, figure-8, and 360-turning in …

Obstacle Crossing In Healthy Young And Older Individuals, Hope M. Hanson, Ashlyn M. Jendro, Abigail C. Schmitt

Health, Human Performance and Recreation Undergraduate Honors Theses

Introduction: In the United States, the average population age is rising and will continue to increase in the coming years.With an older population comes increased risk of injury associated with falls. Falls are considered a leading cause of injury and death in older individuals, and many falls are caused by body imbalance or obstacle collision due to a clearly visible stationary object (e.g., rug, chair, branch). Older adults tend to cross obstacles with increased toe clearance in order to prevent tripping, but much of what is known about obstacle crossing in older adults is limited to artificial obstacles that are …

The Effects Of Attentional Focus Instructions On Approach Jump Performance, Hanwen Liu

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Introduction: Attentional focus is a crucial factor that impacts motor learning and performance. Instructions that direct performers’ attention externally (i.e., toward the effects of movements) have been shown to enhance performance compared to those that direct attention internally (i.e., toward the body’s movements). Research has also demonstrated that novices perform better when they are instructed to focus externally on the process of skill execution versus the outcome. However, this effect has not been tested in complex jumping skills that are important in many sports.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to test the effects of internally and externally directed …

Transcutaneous Electrical Stimulation Does Not Decrease Torque Loss Over High Intensity Repetitions, Ian Koskinen

All NMU Master's Theses

Transcutaneous Electrical Stimulation, TENS, has been used widely as an analgesic and ergogenic aid for many years. Compared to other modalities of electrical stimulation, TENS has been shown to provide some benefits in exercise performance by reducing pain and increasing endurance in low intensity applications, such as time trial cycling or isometric endurance. While TENS has been shown to have a significant effect on exercise induced pain in individuals performing endurance activities, to my knowledge it has not been examined in high intensity contractions. 18 active young adults (age: 23.11 years ± 2.08, resistance training experience: 7.08 years ± 3.79, …

Guidelines For “Topics Brief” Submissions, James W. Navalta, Robert Salatto, Donald L. Hoover, Andrea Stevenson

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology Volume 4: Issue 1, Article 6, 2023. The “Topics Brief”, a novel submissions format, is introduced with authors guidelines. Within this submissions format, a category describing a target audience should be identified, such as Topics Brief for: Patients, Clinicians, Practitioners, or Students. Authors may also suggest their own category for a target audience. The title should be descriptive and allow for maximum searchability. Authorship criteria include a substantial contribution, assisting with the manuscript draft, and approval of the final version. The format is open, with a focus of presenting work in a clear and …

Introducing The “Topics Brief”: Bridging The Gap Between University And Non-Academics In A Potentially More Meaningful Way, James W. Navalta, Robert Salatto, Donald L. Hoover, Andrea Stevenson

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology Volume 4: Issue 1, Article 5, 2023. Introducing the “Topics Brief”, aiming to bridge the gap between university and non-academics. Topics Briefs should include the following: 1. Share what was done to a non-academic audience, 2. Condensed format (limited to 1-2 pages, 1 page preferred), 3. Include only the most important parts (i.e., main concepts, main results, main learned experience) to be implemented in practical application, 4. May be heavily visual (we encourage authors to be creative)

Attentional Focus Effects On Motor Variability, Charlend Kenneth Howard

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Subtle changes in task instructions with associated changes of one’s focus of attention (FOA) can have measurable effects on performance and learning of complex motor skills (Wulf, 2013). The beneficial effects of adopting an external focus of attention (EF) have been well-documented in physical environments, and recently have also been demonstrated in virtual reality (VR) environments (Cochran, Aiken, Rhea, & Raisbeck, 2021; Yamada, Kuznetsov, Diekfuss, & Raisbeck, 2021). However, these studies primarily focused on performance outcomes (such as error and accuracy), with relatively less emphasis on movement coordination. Given that most human movements are motor abundant (more degrees of freedom …

Muscular Strength Predicts Phase Angle In Breast Cancer Survivors, Trevor Short, Cheri Teranishi-Hashimoto, Paulette Yamada

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology Volume 4: Issue 1, Article 4, 2023. Phase angle (PhA) has emerged as a prognostic indicator of survival and quality of life (QOL) in cancer patients. Identifying measures of physical fitness that correlate with PhA can provide guidance toward optimizing cancer rehabilitation programs and future research. The purpose was to examine the relationship between PhA and physical fitness in breast cancer survivors. Sixty-three breast cancer survivors (60 ± 9 years, PhA 4.59±0.52, mean±SD) completed assessments for muscular strength, muscular endurance, cardiorespiratory endurance, flexibility, and body composition. PhA and body composition were measured using bioimpedance …

The Pursuit Of Peak Athletic Performance, Trevor Short

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology Volume 4: Issue 1, Article 3, 2023. Achieving peak performance in sports is a multifactorial phenomenon that spans several scientific disciplines. The optimization of human performance requires a comprehensive and systematic assessment that identifies potential performance-inhibiting factors. The result of such analysis allows for more individualized and accurate evaluation, athlete monitoring, and training interventions. Thus, there is a need for a multidisciplinary model of peak performance to guide practitioners when conducting a comprehensive analysis. The purpose of this manuscript is to provide a brief but practical vade mecum for practitioners to consider in the …

Changes In Attitudes And Functional Performance After An Educational Intervention And Participation In The Dime In Cadets, Emily Gabriel, Cameron Powden

Journal of Sports Medicine and Allied Health Sciences: Official Journal of the Ohio Athletic Trainers Association

Introduction: Cadets frequently suffer from lower extremity injuries, but fail to participate in effective injury prevention programs (IPPs). The purpose of this study was to determine if an intervention focused on benefits and barriers of IPP with participation in an IPP would change attitudes towards participating in IPPs and functional performance. Methods: Thirty-four ROTC cadets (Male: n=28, Age: 19.67±1.45 years, Height: 175.57±8.30cm, Mass: 75.38±14.30kg) volunteered to participate in the study. Participants completed the Health Belief Model Scale (HBMS), Theory of Planned Behavior Scale (TPBS), Y-Balance test, Landing Error Scoring System, 2-mile run, push-up test, and sit-up test. During the Army …

The Theory Of Planned Behavior As A Framework To Identify Attitudes And Perceptions Of Athletic Trainers Towards Quality Improvement, Meredith Madden, Dominique M. Ross

Journal of Sports Medicine and Allied Health Sciences: Official Journal of the Ohio Athletic Trainers Association

Purpose: The BOC announced a concept for continuing professional certification for athletic trainers (ATs), including an optional quality improvement (QI) project to examine practice performance. The purpose of this study was to examine current attitudes, perceived control and subjective norms of ATs regarding QI. Method: Data was collected using a qualitative descriptive design. A web-based survey was distributed via email and social media. Open-ended questions were evaluated by two independent coders using a general inductive approach. Results: Three major themes emerged: reservations about QI, benefits of QI, and impacts on the profession. Conclusions: When integrated into the Theory of Planned …

Effects Of A Race Timer On The 3-Minute All-Out Test For Critical Power, Paul Mandell, Boe Burrus, Taylor Bloedon

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology Volume 4: Issue 1, Article 2, 2023. The 3-min all-out cycling test (3MT) elicits valuable fitness metrics including V̇O_2peak, HR_max, Critical Power (CP), and Work Above End Power (WEP; equivalent to work prime; W’). Twelve (n = 12) healthy active males were recruited to participate in the current study on the effects of the implementation of a race timer on the 3MT. Participants completed a V̇O_2peak test and one 3MT familiarization trial before completing one standard 3MT and one 3MT with the presence of a countdown race timer in …

Amphisbaenian Head Movement And Burrowing Forces In Damp Granular Media, Jacob Newell

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Damp granular media is a difficult environment to study because it is both practically complex and it lacks equations which fully describe its behavior. In this study, an oscillatory lateral head movement and its effects while penetrating damp granular media were tested using a robophysical model. This experimental research was inspired by the burrowing behavior of the clade Amphisbaenia, a group of usually limbless squamates that employ a variety of different burrowing behaviors, but it can apply to a wide range of burrowers. This research could help with both human burrowing technologies and the further investigation of animal behaviors.