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Full-Text Articles in Medicine and Health Sciences

Caffeine’S Impact On Heart Rate Variability During Short-Term Exercise In University Students, Maya J. Spinler, Morgan M. Payne, Christopher Carroll Dr. May 2024

Caffeine’S Impact On Heart Rate Variability During Short-Term Exercise In University Students, Maya J. Spinler, Morgan M. Payne, Christopher Carroll Dr.

Human Kinetics & Applied Health Sciences Student Works

The primary objective is to explore the physiological effects of caffeine on intra-bout exercise-induced blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) deceleration resulting from repeated anaerobic exercise cycling in active university students. Use of caffeinated stimulants has increased in recent years, particularly in the exercise setting. The cardiovascular system (CS) is an essential piece of exercise physiology and is controlled by the autonomic nervous system (ANS). Caffeine has a known effect on the CS during acute exercise. What is not well solidified is the connection between caffeine and exercise-induced markers, such as heart rate recovery (HRR) and BP. Participants underwent …


Psychology Of Athletes: Impact Of Injuries On Mental Health, Caitlin Rainey May 2024

Psychology Of Athletes: Impact Of Injuries On Mental Health, Caitlin Rainey

Whittier Scholars Program

This article aims to contextualize the importance of understanding injuries in athletics and how those injuries impact mental health. With such a high prevalence of injuries in athletics, most studies analyze the physical implications on the athlete. It is vital that mental well being is studied as much as physical health throughout the injury and rehabilitation process. This study reviewed previous literature on the social impacts of team sports, psychological and social implications of injury, the impact of residual pain, and finally the process of retirement. A survey was also conducted at a small liberal arts college in Southern California …


Acl Bracing: Is It Still Being Done Clinically And Does It Influence Confidence And/Or Biomechanical Performance During A Drop Vertical Jump?, Bailey Watson May 2024

Acl Bracing: Is It Still Being Done Clinically And Does It Influence Confidence And/Or Biomechanical Performance During A Drop Vertical Jump?, Bailey Watson

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Introduction: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) ruptures account for 60% of sports-related injuries and the gold standard for treatment is surgical intervention to replace the damaged ligament to restore function of the ACL. Braces are typically used to return to previous physical activity levels; however, there are no clear guidelines on their utilization. Beyond the physical consequences of undergoing ACL reconstruction surgery, the psychological component is often ignored.

Purpose: The aim of this study is to better understand the impact of knee bracing on both biomechanical factors and confidence following ACL reconstruction. Two aims comprise the overarching purpose; the first is …


Cannabidiol (Cbd) And Resistance Training: Does Cbd Attenuate Acute Pain?, Guillermo Pacheco May 2024

Cannabidiol (Cbd) And Resistance Training: Does Cbd Attenuate Acute Pain?, Guillermo Pacheco

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

INTRODUCTION: Resistance training (RT) is an advantageous form of physical activity for health and performance benefits; these benefits are maximized when done strenuously. However, strenuous RT can induce acute inflammatory pain which can lead to delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS). Common analgesics like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can block protein synthesis, so other alternatives are needed for exercise and athletic communities to maintain physiological adaptations. Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-psychotropic cannabinoid with purported anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, and analgesic properties. One of the main reasons for the use of CBD in exercise is pain alleviation; however, research in humans is limited. Therefore, the …


The Alexander Technique Applied To Dance And The Choreographic Process: Freeing Physical Expression From Trauma-Based Tension, Julia Johnston Apr 2024

The Alexander Technique Applied To Dance And The Choreographic Process: Freeing Physical Expression From Trauma-Based Tension, Julia Johnston

Senior Honors Theses

Ballet, contemporary, and modern dancers have expressed incurring trauma during their training and professional dance experiences; in a 2020 survey, 41% of professional dancers and 30% of ballet students reported experiencing or witnessing sexually inappropriate behavior in their respective workplaces and schools (DDP). This is just one example of a potential source of trauma for dancers. The physiological effects of trauma cause physical effects, creating tension in a dancer’s body. Dance relies on physical expression, the expression of thought and feeling through movement, to connect with the audience. Trauma-based tension inhibits a dancer’s range of physical expression and connection to …


Cortisol Production In Female Soccer Players, Katelyn Seagraves Apr 2024

Cortisol Production In Female Soccer Players, Katelyn Seagraves

ASPIRE 2024

Cortisol is released from the adrenal glands when there is an apparent stressor. Exercise, while beneficial, is seen as stress to the body and incites increased cortisol release. Cortisol is known to increase with exercise, and higher-intensity exercise tends to raise cortisol more compared to lower intensities. However, less is known about interval training and cortisol concentrations.

This review of literature dives into the background of cortisol: how it's produced, what systems it regulates, and differences in production based on gender, stressors, exercise intensity, and duration. This paper identifies some knowledge gaps and links training intensities in soccer to cortisol …


Cortisol Production In Female Soccer Players, Katelyn Seagraves Apr 2024

Cortisol Production In Female Soccer Players, Katelyn Seagraves

Honors Projects

Cortisol is released from the adrenal glands when there is an apparent stressor. Exercise, while beneficial, is seen as stress to the body and incites increased cortisol release. Cortisol is known to increase with exercise, and higher-intensity exercise tends to raise cortisol more compared to lower intensities. However, less is known about interval training and cortisol concentrations.

This review of literature dives into the background of cortisol: how it's produced, what systems it regulates, and differences in production based on gender, stressors, exercise intensity, and duration. This paper identifies some knowledge gaps and links training intensities in soccer to cortisol …


Running Biomechanics Differ During And After Pregnancy Compared To Females Who Have Never Been Pregnant, Jennifer J. Bagwell, Elizabeth Avila, Nicholas Reynolds, Jo Armour Smith, Kevin Valenzuela, Dimitrios Katsavelis Feb 2024

Running Biomechanics Differ During And After Pregnancy Compared To Females Who Have Never Been Pregnant, Jennifer J. Bagwell, Elizabeth Avila, Nicholas Reynolds, Jo Armour Smith, Kevin Valenzuela, Dimitrios Katsavelis

Physical Therapy Faculty Articles and Research

Background

Perinatal running participation has increased recently; however, pregnancy related symptoms can limit activity. Perinatal running biomechanics could inform interventions to help perinatal individuals maintain an active lifestyle.

Research question

Are perinatal running biomaechanics and muscle activation different compared to nulligravida females?

Methods

Sixteen pregnant participants completed self-selected velocity running during second trimester (2 T), third trimester (3 T), and postpartum (PP) and 16 matched controls completed these procedures once in this case control study. Kinematic, kinetic, and electromyography (EMG) data were collected using a motion capture system, force plates, and EMG electrodes. Peak trunk, pelvis, hip, knee, and ankle …


Using Interprofessional Collaboration To Bridge Athletic Training And Strength And Condition Programs In High School Settings To Reduce Injuries, Craig Hermans Jan 2024

Using Interprofessional Collaboration To Bridge Athletic Training And Strength And Condition Programs In High School Settings To Reduce Injuries, Craig Hermans

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this practicum is to identify the differences between between the athletic training professional and the strength and conditioning professional in a school which may cause barriers in using interprofessional collaboration. Currently, the rate of reinjury in a student-athlete population is quite high due, in part, to the different focuses between athletic trainers and that of strength and conditioning coaches. This practicum prepares a compiled review of the literature of research as well as independent research evaluating the student/athletes’ recovery from injury in relation to reinjury. The findings from the research serve a purpose to establish a deeper …


Blood And Mri Biomarkers Of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury In Non-Concussed Collegiate Football Players, Eunhan Cho, Joshua Granger, Bailey Theall, Nathan Lemoine, Derek Calvert, Jack Marucci, Shelly Mullenix, Hollis O’Neal, Tomas Jacome, Brian A. Irving, Neil M. Johannsen, Owen Carmichael, Guillaume Spielmann Jan 2024

Blood And Mri Biomarkers Of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury In Non-Concussed Collegiate Football Players, Eunhan Cho, Joshua Granger, Bailey Theall, Nathan Lemoine, Derek Calvert, Jack Marucci, Shelly Mullenix, Hollis O’Neal, Tomas Jacome, Brian A. Irving, Neil M. Johannsen, Owen Carmichael, Guillaume Spielmann

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

Football has one of the highest incidence rates of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) among contact sports; however, the effects of repeated sub-concussive head impacts on brain structure and function remain under-studied. We assessed the association between biomarkers of mTBI and structural and functional MRI scans over an entire season among non-concussed NCAA Division I linemen and non-linemen. Concentrations of S100B, GFAP, BDNF, NFL, and NSE were assessed in 48 collegiate football players (32 linemen; 16 non-linemen) before the start of pre-season training (pre-camp), at the end of pre-season training (pre-season), and at the end of the competitive season (post-season). …


Inverse Association Between Exercising Blood Pressure Response And Left Ventricular Chamber Size And Mass In Women Who Habitually Resistance Train, Evan L. Matthews Jan 2024

Inverse Association Between Exercising Blood Pressure Response And Left Ventricular Chamber Size And Mass In Women Who Habitually Resistance Train, Evan L. Matthews

Research Data

Excel document of research data.


Microvascular Reactivity Is Greater Following Blood Flow Restriction Resistance Exercise Compared To Traditional Resistance Exercise, Michael R. Perlet, Evan L. Matthews Jan 2024

Microvascular Reactivity Is Greater Following Blood Flow Restriction Resistance Exercise Compared To Traditional Resistance Exercise, Michael R. Perlet, Evan L. Matthews

Research Data

Excel document of research data, statistical analysis, and graphs.


A Holistic Approach To Performance Prediction In Collegiate Athletics: Player, Team, And Conference Perspectives, Christopher Taber, S. Sharma, Mehul S. Raval, Samah Senbel, Allison Keefe, Jui Shah, Emma Patterson, Julie K. Nolan, N.S. Artan, Tolga Kaya Jan 2024

A Holistic Approach To Performance Prediction In Collegiate Athletics: Player, Team, And Conference Perspectives, Christopher Taber, S. Sharma, Mehul S. Raval, Samah Senbel, Allison Keefe, Jui Shah, Emma Patterson, Julie K. Nolan, N.S. Artan, Tolga Kaya

Exercise Science Faculty Publications

Predictive sports data analytics can be revolutionary for sports performance. Existing literature discusses players' or teams' performance, independently or in tandem. Using Machine Learning (ML), this paper aims to holistically evaluate player-, team-, and conference (season)-level performances in Division-1 Women's basketball. The players were monitored and tested through a full competitive year. The performance was quantified at the player level using the reactive strength index modified (RSImod), at the team level by the game score (GS) metric, and finally at the conference level through Player Efficiency Rating (PER). The data includes parameters from training, subjective stress, sleep, and recovery (WHOOP …


Multifactorial Exercise Intervention Decreases Falls Risk In High-Risk And Low-Risk Older Adults, Amanda Estep, Steven Morrison, Shane V. Caswell, Jatin P. Ambegaonkar, João R. Vaz, Nelson Cortes Jan 2024

Multifactorial Exercise Intervention Decreases Falls Risk In High-Risk And Low-Risk Older Adults, Amanda Estep, Steven Morrison, Shane V. Caswell, Jatin P. Ambegaonkar, João R. Vaz, Nelson Cortes

Rehabilitation Sciences Faculty Publications

Background: Each year, 1 in 4 people over the age of 65 years of age will experience a fall. It is important to identify and address modifiable risk factors that are associated with falls in adults at high and low risk for falls.

Hypothesis: Falls risk improves in both high-risk and low-risk participants with the implementation of Stay Active and Independent for Life (SAIL).

Study Design: Cohort study.

Level of Evidence: Level 3.

Methods: Seventy-eight older adults (age, 70.9 ± 5.1 years) were included in this study and categorized into high risk and low risk for falling based on the …


Predictors Of Occupational Distress Of Catholic Priests On The Eastern Seaboard Of The United States, Michael D. Kostick, Xihe Zhu, Justin A. Haegele, Pete Baker Jan 2024

Predictors Of Occupational Distress Of Catholic Priests On The Eastern Seaboard Of The United States, Michael D. Kostick, Xihe Zhu, Justin A. Haegele, Pete Baker

Human Movement Sciences & Special Education Faculty Publications

With ever-increasing demands placed upon active priests in the United States, insight into protecting their mental health may help strengthen vocational resilience for individual priests. The purpose of this study was to examine the association of individual variables, workplace characteristics, and physical activity participation with occupational distress levels among Catholic priests. A 22-question survey consisting of a demographic questionnaire, the Clergy Occupational Distress Index, and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire was employed to collect individual variables, workplace characteristics, physical activity participation, and occupational distress levels of Catholic priests from the Eastern seaboard of the United States. Regression analyses showed that …


Antenatal Depression And Its Associated Factors: Findings From Kuwait Birth Cohort Study, Reem Al-Sabah, Abdullah Al-Taiar, Ali H. Ziyab, Saeed Akhtar, Majeda S. Hammoud Jan 2024

Antenatal Depression And Its Associated Factors: Findings From Kuwait Birth Cohort Study, Reem Al-Sabah, Abdullah Al-Taiar, Ali H. Ziyab, Saeed Akhtar, Majeda S. Hammoud

Community & Environmental Health Faculty Publications

Background: Pregnant and postpartum women are at high risk of depression due to hormonal and biological changes. Antenatal depression is understudied compared to postpartum depression and its predictors remain highly controversial.

Aim: To estimate the prevalence of depressive symptoms during pregnancy and investigate factors associated with this condition including vitamin D, folate and Vitamin B12 among participants in the Kuwait Birth Study.

Methods: Data collection occurred as part of the Kuwait Birth Cohort Study in which pregnant women were recruited in the second and third trimester during antenatal care visits. Data on antenatal depression were collected using the Edinburgh …


“I Felt We Were Actually Learning Things, Then Applying Them” Students’ Perceptions Of A Service-Learning Course, Christina Gipson, Jessica A. Mutchler, Arshpreet Kaur Mallhi, Amanda Lambert Dec 2023

“I Felt We Were Actually Learning Things, Then Applying Them” Students’ Perceptions Of A Service-Learning Course, Christina Gipson, Jessica A. Mutchler, Arshpreet Kaur Mallhi, Amanda Lambert

Department of Health Sciences and Kinesiology Faculty Publications

Academic journals continue to produce articles that highlight record levels of student disengagement and lack of motivation. Faculty have been encouraged to use high impact, active learning strategies to increase student engagement and success (Patrick et al., 2016). One technique, service learning, allows students to become active learners through applying learned skills and theory from the classroom to community settings (Connolly, et al., 2017). The purpose of this study was to highlight students’ perceptions and experiences through three semester-long service-learning courses where students provided a fitness and mindfulness program to local teachers to help them address stressors. Undergraduate sports management …


The Dose-Response Effect Of Aerobic Exercise On Inflammation In Colon Cancer Survivors, Justin C. Brown, Stephanie L.E. Compton, Jeffrey A. Meyerhardt, Guillaume Spielmann, Shengping Yang Dec 2023

The Dose-Response Effect Of Aerobic Exercise On Inflammation In Colon Cancer Survivors, Justin C. Brown, Stephanie L.E. Compton, Jeffrey A. Meyerhardt, Guillaume Spielmann, Shengping Yang

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

Background; Physical activity after surgical resection for colon cancer is associated with significantly longer disease-free survival. Inflammation is hypothesized to mediate the association between physical activity and disease-free survival in colon cancer. Methods; In this exploratory analysis of a randomized dose-response trial, 39 colon cancer survivors who completed standard therapy were stratified by cancer stage and randomized in a 1;1;1 ratio to one of three treatment groups for 24 weeks of usual-care control, 150 min/wk of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise (low-dose), or 300 min/wk of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise (high-dose). Inflammation outcomes included high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), interleukin-6 (IL6), and soluble tumor …


Suppressing A Blocked Balance Recovery Step: A Novel Method To Assess An Inhibitory Postural Response, David A. E. Bolton, Charlie C. Baggett Iv, Chase A. Mitton, Sara A. Harper, James K. Richardson Oct 2023

Suppressing A Blocked Balance Recovery Step: A Novel Method To Assess An Inhibitory Postural Response, David A. E. Bolton, Charlie C. Baggett Iv, Chase A. Mitton, Sara A. Harper, James K. Richardson

Kinesiology and Health Science Faculty Publications

Stepping to recover balance is an important way we avoid falling. However, when faced with obstacles in the step path, we must adapt such reactions. Physical obstructions are typically detected through vision, which then cues step modification. The present study describes a novel method to assess visually prompted step inhibition in a reactive balance context. In our task, participants recovered balance by quickly stepping after being released from a supported forward lean. On rare trials, however, an obstacle blocked the stepping path. The timing of vision relative to postural perturbation was controlled using occlusion goggles to regulate task difficulty. Furthermore, …


Correlates Of Covid-19 Vaccine Acceptance And Hesitancy In Rural Communities In Western Kenya, Fletcher J. Njororai, Kogutu Caleb Nyaranga, Wilberforce Cholo, Walter Amulla, Harrison Ndetan Sep 2023

Correlates Of Covid-19 Vaccine Acceptance And Hesitancy In Rural Communities In Western Kenya, Fletcher J. Njororai, Kogutu Caleb Nyaranga, Wilberforce Cholo, Walter Amulla, Harrison Ndetan

Health and Kinesiology Faculty Publications and Presentations

Vaccine hesitancy is a significant global public health concern. This study sought to determine the correlates of acceptance and hesitancy regarding COVID-19 vaccines in rural populations of selected counties in Western Kenya and assess the strategies that can be used to improve COVID-19 vaccine acceptance in Kenya. The study used a quantitative research strategy with a sample of 806 individuals in the Kisumu, Vihiga, and Kakamega counties. Descriptive statistics, correlations and regression analyses were used. Of the 806 study participants, 55% were males and 45% females. Vaccine acceptance was significantly associated with being a male (AOR: 1.46, 95% CI: 1.24–1.59, …


Knowledge And Use Of Paced Bottle-Feeding Among Mothers Of Young Infants, Alison K. Ventura, Vivian M. Drewelow Sep 2023

Knowledge And Use Of Paced Bottle-Feeding Among Mothers Of Young Infants, Alison K. Ventura, Vivian M. Drewelow

Kinesiology and Public Health

Objective: To describe mothers’ awareness and use of paced bottle-feeding (PBF) and to investigate whether the use of PBF was associated with maternal characteristics and infant feeding practices.

Methods: Cross-sectional, online survey. Participants were mothers of infants < 12 months of age (n =197). Participants self-reported their awareness and use of PBF, demographic characteristics, and infant feeding practices.

Results: Of the 41% of participants who indicated they had or maybe had heard of PBF, 23% used PBF and 35% sometimes used PBF. Use of PBF was not associated with mother or infant characteristics. Participants who used PBF were significantly less likely to encourage their infant to finish the bottle (odds ratio,0.04; 95% confidence interval, 0.01−0.79).

Conclusions and Implications: Paced bottle-feeding was …


Body Movement Syllabus - The City College Of New York - Department Of Theatre - Prof Timothy Allen, Timothy J. Allen Aug 2023

Body Movement Syllabus - The City College Of New York - Department Of Theatre - Prof Timothy Allen, Timothy J. Allen

Open Educational Resources

This course will explore three modules of learning.

  1. Anatomy and Psycho-Physical Centering, will explore two foundations: (1) the start of our research and practical application of the human anatomy in regards to how our body moves; and (2) your ability to tune into movement centers within the body by utilizing Chakra as a guiding study. Please note: Anatomy will be a continuous study throughout the entire semester.

  2. THE SECOND MODULE, Partnered Connection, will focus on partnering with lifts, counter-balances, falls, and rolls that will build to a partnering sequence of the tools presented.

  3. THE LAST MODULE, Global Archetypes, …


Radiographic Measurements Correlate To Isolated Posterolateral Corner (Plc) Injury In A Novel Cadaveric Model, Joseph D. Henningsen, Scott Huff, Andrew Reichard, Andrew W. Froehle, Anil Krishnamurthy Aug 2023

Radiographic Measurements Correlate To Isolated Posterolateral Corner (Plc) Injury In A Novel Cadaveric Model, Joseph D. Henningsen, Scott Huff, Andrew Reichard, Andrew W. Froehle, Anil Krishnamurthy

Kinesiology and Health Faculty Publications

Introduction: Injury to the posterolateral corner (PLC) of the knee often requires surgical reconstruction. There remains no consensus on treatment for PLC injury, and, therefore, it is imperative to have a reproducible injury model to improve the general knowledge of PLC injuries. A novel cadaveric model of isolated PLC injury is proposed and evaluated using radiographic parameters as well as gross dissection.

Material and methods: All protocols were reviewed by the Human Investigation and Research Committee of the home institution and were approved. Translational force in a defined posterior and lateral direction was applied to cadaveric native knees to induce …


Novel Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Pathway Reduces Length Of Stay And Postoperative Opioid Usage In Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Patients Undergoing Posterior Spinal Fusion, Kristen Spisak, Matthew Thomas, Zachary J. Sirois, Alvin Jones, Lucinda M. Brown, Andrew W. Froehle, Michael Albert Aug 2023

Novel Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Pathway Reduces Length Of Stay And Postoperative Opioid Usage In Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Patients Undergoing Posterior Spinal Fusion, Kristen Spisak, Matthew Thomas, Zachary J. Sirois, Alvin Jones, Lucinda M. Brown, Andrew W. Froehle, Michael Albert

Kinesiology and Health Faculty Publications

Purpose: The goal of this study was to compare our institution’s recently implemented enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol to previous post-operative management for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients undergoing posterior spinal fusion, specifically assessing length of stay, opioid consumption, and pain scores.

Methods: This is a retrospective analysis that compares the length of stay, opioid consumption, and pain scores of patients undergoing posterior spinal fusion for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Patients were analyzed prior to the implementation of our ERAS protocol, deemed the traditional pain pathway (TPP), to those who underwent the ERAS pathway. All patients undergoing posterior spinal fusion for …


Age-Related Differences In Kinematics, Kinetics, And Muscle Synergy Patterns Following A Sudden Gait Perturbation: Changes In Movement Strategies And Implications For Fall Prevention Rehabilitation, Woohyoung Jeon, Ahmed Ramadan, Jill Whitall, Nesreen Alissa, Kelly Westlake Aug 2023

Age-Related Differences In Kinematics, Kinetics, And Muscle Synergy Patterns Following A Sudden Gait Perturbation: Changes In Movement Strategies And Implications For Fall Prevention Rehabilitation, Woohyoung Jeon, Ahmed Ramadan, Jill Whitall, Nesreen Alissa, Kelly Westlake

Health and Kinesiology Faculty Publications and Presentations

Falls in older adults are leading causes of fatal and non-fatal injuries, negatively impacting quality of life among those in this demographic. Most elderly falls occur due to unrecoverable limb collapse during balance control in the single-limb support (SLS) phase. To understand why older adults are more susceptible to falls than younger adults, we investigated age-related differences in lower limb kinematics, kinetics, and muscle synergy patterns during SLS, as well as their relationship to postural control strategies. Thirteen older and thirteen younger healthy adults were compared during the SLS phase of balance recovery following an unexpected surface drop perturbation. Compared …


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 Jul 2023

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 …


Effects Of Creative Movement & Play Based Interventions On Motor Skills Of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder: Results From A Randomized Controlled Trial, Sharanya Chandu Jun 2023

Effects Of Creative Movement & Play Based Interventions On Motor Skills Of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder: Results From A Randomized Controlled Trial, Sharanya Chandu

Honors Scholar Theses

Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of creative movement, general movement, and seated play interventions on bilateral coordination, balance, and upper limb coordination motor skills of children with autism spectrum disorder.

Methods: This data was collected as a part of a multisite intervention study, Play and Move study, by the University of Connecticut and University of Delaware. Participants were contacted through the SPARK database, UConn Kids, fliers sent to local autism services, schools, community centers and by posting information online or to listservs. Forty-five children agreed to participate in this study and were randomly assigned …


Isokinetic Dynamometer Leg Extensor Peak Torque Measurement: A Time-Delayed Reliability And Score Selection Analysis Study, Brennan J. Thompson, Jennifer Xu May 2023

Isokinetic Dynamometer Leg Extensor Peak Torque Measurement: A Time-Delayed Reliability And Score Selection Analysis Study, Brennan J. Thompson, Jennifer Xu

Kinesiology and Health Science Faculty Publications

The reliability of isokinetic peak torque (PT) has been reported mostly using a short-term ( < ~10 day) inter-trial testing time frame. However, many studies and programs utilize a long-term (several weeks to months) inter-trial testing period. Additionally, the methods by which the PT value is selected and reported from a multiple rep testing scheme have not been well investigated for both reliability and PT absolute performance comparisons. The purpose of this study was to investigate the long-term reliability of isokinetic and isometric PT of the leg extensors with an emphasis on the differences among several PT score selection methods. Thirteen men and women (age = 19.5 years) underwent two testing trials separated by 28.8 (±1.8) days. Testing included maximal voluntary contractions of three sets of three reps for two isokinetic contraction conditions of 60 (Isok60) and 240 (Isok240) deg/s velocities, and three sets of one rep of isometric contractions for the leg extensors. The PT score was derived from seven different methods (see text for descriptions). Reliability as assessed from intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) varied widely across contraction conditions and PT score selection parameters. The Isok60 velocity overall had lower reliability (ICCs = 0.48–0.81) than Isok240 (0.77–0.87) across the conditions whereas the isometric PT variables showed moderate reliability (0.71–0.73). Overall the set 1 PT score selection parameters were generally lower (p ≤ 0.05) than those that involved sets two and three. Systematic error (p ≤ 0.05) was shown for 6 out of the 17 PT selection variables. On a subjective interpretation basis, when taking everything into account the best overall combination of time/trial efficiency, reliability, best/highest PT score parameter, and reduced risk of systematic bias appears to be the PT variable that uses the average of the highest two reps of the first two sets of three reps—i.e., averaging the highest two values of the six total reps from the first two sets.


Effects Of Intermittent Pneumatic Compression Following Eccentric Exercise On Soreness And Heart Rate Variability, Annemarie D. Luzum May 2023

Effects Of Intermittent Pneumatic Compression Following Eccentric Exercise On Soreness And Heart Rate Variability, Annemarie D. Luzum

Celebrating Scholarship and Creativity Day (2018-)

BACKGROUND: The use of intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) may provide relief from delayed onset muscle soreness due to strenuous lower body exercise. The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of 20 minutes of IPC following strenuous eccentric exercise on heart rate variability (HRV) and perceived soreness (PS). METHODS: 10 subjects (aged 21.2 +/- .4) who did not regularly participate in resistance training completed 2 trials, no less than 1 week apart. Each exercise session consisted of a 5-minute warmup followed by 3 sets of a superset of 5 Nordic hamstring curls (5 seconds eccentric) and isometric split …


Effects Of A Short-Term Mindfulness Meditation On A Battery Of Muscular Fitness In Active College Individuals, Lauren N. Dueland May 2023

Effects Of A Short-Term Mindfulness Meditation On A Battery Of Muscular Fitness In Active College Individuals, Lauren N. Dueland

Celebrating Scholarship and Creativity Day (2018-)

Mindfulness meditation programs of long-term duration have been used by prior research as long-term meditation programs implemented for collegiate athletes. However, there was a lack of short-term based programs and the effects on exercise performance. PURPOSE: To examine the effect of short-term mindfulness meditation effect on exercise performance by examining the effects of mindfulness on strength, power, and endurance exercises. METHODS: Nine college individuals, ages of 20.7±1.0, who were physically active participated in this study. Participants completed pre- and post- exercises of hand grip, vertical jump for height, and plank hold for time. Participants were randomly assigned to either complete …