Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

The Neuroprotective Effects Of Endurance Training On The Aging Brain, Katelyn Norton

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Dysregulation of autonomic control often develops with advancing age, favoring a chronic state of heightened sympathetic outflow with parasympathetic withdrawal. However, the mechanisms of this age-related autonomic impairment are not known and may relate to alterations in brain structure (e.g. cortical atrophy) and/or altered neural function, particularly in regions related to the cortical autonomic network, namely, the medial prefrontal cortex (MPFC), insula cortex (IC), and hippocampus (HC). Exercise exerts beneficial effects on brain structure and, in the case of cognition, neurologic function; however, how exercise affects regions of the brain related to autonomic function are not known. This thesis tested …

Effect Of Modified Corn Starch Ingestion On Soccer Skills And Physical/Cognitive Performance During A Simulated Soccer Game, Manuel D. Quinones

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Abstract

Generation UCAN® (UCAN), which contains heat treated non Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) corn starch, has the potential to enhance endurance exercise performance via altering substrate use; however, whether its effects are similar during high intensity, intermittent exercise, like that performed in soccer is unknown. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess the effects of UCAN on physical, skill and cognitive performance during and following a simulated soccer game. Eleven trained male soccer players completed a 60-min soccer simulated game on a treadmill, under two experimental conditions: UCAN and an isoenergetic carbohydrate (CHO) placebo. There were no significant …

Constraining Kinematics During Single-Leg Squats And Step-Ups Can Reduce Quadratus Lumborum Activation And Facilitate Gluteal Activation, Shaylyn Kowalchuk

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Increased quadratus lumborum activation and decreased gluteal activation may lead to lateral pelvic drop and increased hip adduction and internal rotation during single-leg exercises. These activation patterns and motions are associated with low back pain or lower extremity injuries. The purpose of this study was to evaluate if mechanically restricting hip adduction and internal rotation of the femur affected muscle activation. Twenty female track and field athletes performed single-leg squats and step-ups, and the quadratus lumborum, gluteus medius and maximus muscles activations were measured with surface electromyography. This study tested the hypothesis that mechanically restricted exercises would decrease quadratus lumborum …

The Phenomenology Of Masters Alpine Ski Racers: Experiencing Ski Racing In Old Age, Carly Litchfield

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

This thesis is a study of the lived experience of ten older adult alpine ski racers in their continued participation in ski racing. The aim of this study was to gain an understanding of the experiences of these older adults as they continued to compete in ski racing. Masters skiers between the ages of 69 and 82 participated in individual interviews lasting between 30 and 60 minutes. Data analysis was completed using van Manen’s phenomenological methods and the visual technique of mind mapping. The major theme that emerged was the importance of being a ski racer to participants’ identities. The …

The Functional Movement Screen Is Not A Valid Measure Of Movement Competency, Leila K. Kelleher

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Movement assessments are used to determine injury risk, physical competency, and return-to-activity. The Functional Movement Screen (FMS) was developed to identify movement competency and susceptibility to injury. Although this tool is frequently used, its efficacy and validity have not been conclusively determined. The three studies presented in this thesis explored the validity of the FMS through comparison to existing validated tests and statistical measures of internal validity.

The purpose of Study 1 was to determine if performance in the FMS and the Y-Balance Test (YBT) were related. The YBT is a measure of dynamic stability, a component of functional movement. …