Sports Sciences Commons^™

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 …

A Dynamic Online Dashboard For Tracking The Performance Of Division 1 Basketball Athletic Performance, Erica Juliano, Chelsea Thakkar, Christopher B. Taber, Mehul S. Raval, Kaya Tolga, Samah Senbel

School of Computer Science & Engineering Undergraduate Publications

Using Data Analytics is a vital part of sport performance enhancement. We collect data from the Division 1 'Women's basketball athletes and coaches at our university, for use in analysis and prediction. Several data sources are used daily and weekly: WHOOP straps, weekly surveys, polar straps, jump analysis, and training session information. In this paper, we present an online dashboard to visually present the data to the athletes and coaches. R shiny was used to develop the platform, with the data stored on the cloud for instant updates of the dashboard as the data becomes available. The performance of athletes …

The Effects Of Accentuated Eccentric Loading On Barbell And Trap Bar Countermovement Jumps, Christopher B. Taber, Calin Butler, Victoria Dabek, Benjamin Kochan, Kyle Mccormick, Emily Petro, Timothy J. Suchomel, Justin Merrigan

Exercise Science Faculty Publications

This study examined effects of accentuated eccentric loading (AEL) on barbell and trap bar loaded countermovement jumps (LCMJ). Twenty-one subjects (16 male, 5 female; Age: 23.5 ± 1.8 years; Body mass: 81.4 ± 10.6 kg; Height: 176.9 ± 7.2 cm; Training age: 7.1 ± 2.6 years) participated in this study. Upon establishing one repetition maximum and baseline jumping conditions, three experimental loading sessions were completed in random order. Barbell and trap bar LCMJ were performed with a spectrum of fixed loads from 20-50 kg during control conditions and with additional AEL loads of 10, 20, or 30 kg for experimental …

The Athletic Identity Of Collegiate Athletic Trainers: A Descriptive Study, Christianne M. Eason, Stephanie H. Clines

Athletic Training Faculty Publications

Context: Empirical and anecdotal evidence suggest that many athletic trainers were former athletes and select the profession due to its affiliation with sport. Qualitative research has indicated that collegiate athletic trainers may have a strong athletic identity, but the concept of athletic identity has not been quantified in this population.

Objective: To quantitatively asses the athletic identity of collegiate athletic trainers and determine if group differences exist.

Design: Cross-sectional observational study.

Setting: Collegiate clinical setting.

Patients and other participants: A total of 257 (n = 93 (37%) males, n = 162 (63%) females) athletic trainers employed in the collegiate setting …

The Effects Of Body Tempering On Force Production, Flexibility And Muscle Soreness In Collegiate Football Athletes, Christopher B. Taber, Roy Colter, Jair J. Davis, Patrick A. Seweje, Dustin P. Wilson, Jonathan Z. Foster, Justin J. Merrigan

Exercise Science Faculty Publications

There has been limited research to explore the use of body tempering and when the use of this modality would be most appropriate. This study aimed to determine if a body tempering intervention would be appropriate pre-exercise by examining its effects on perceived soreness, range of motion (ROM), and force production compared to an intervention of traditional stretching. The subjects for this study were ten Division 1 (D1) football linemen from Sacred Heart University (Age: 19.9 ± 1.5 years, body mass: 130.9 ± 12.0 kg, height: 188.4 ± 5.1 cm, training age: 8.0 ± 3.5 years). Subjects participated in three …

Comparing Mean & Peak Barbell Velocity During Traditional And Accentuated Eccentric Loaded Back Squats, Zach S. Schroeder, Lauren K. Marshall, Lea C. Katanick, Brookelyn A. Campbell, Conor J. Cantwell, Christopher B. Taber, Timothy J. Suchomel

Exercise Science Faculty Publications

MV: There were statistically significant main effects present for both condition (p = 0.002; g = 0.10-0.23) and load (p < 0.001; g = 0.95-3.93). However, the condition x time interaction effect was not statistically significant (p = 0.259). • PV: There were statistically significant main effects present for both condition (p = 0.016; g = 0.11-0.23) and load (p < 0.001; g = 0.42-1.6), but there was no statistically significant condition x time interaction effect (p = 0.101). • Post hoc analysis indicated that there was a significant difference between MV (p = 0.006) and PV (p = 0.032) between the traditional and 100% AEL conditions. • Moderate effect sizes were found with MV between the traditional and 100% AEL conditions at both 70% CON (g = 0.55) and 80% CON (g = 0.70). • No practically significant differences were found for PV.

Deconstructing Stereotypes: Stature, Match-Playing Time, And Performance In Elite Women's World Cup Soccer, Ciara N. Manning, Yasuki Sekiguchi, Courteney L. Benjamin, Mckenna R. Spaulding, Erin E. Dierickx, Jayson M. Spaulding, Dayshia M. Davenport, Jillian Picard-Busky, George T. Chiampas, George P. Nassis, Douglas J. Casa

PTHMS Undergraduate Publications

Recruiting companies recommend elite female soccer players be ≥165 cm (5'5″) in stature. This study investigated if stature limits match-playing time and performance in elite World Cup soccer among players, positions, and countries. We hypothesized stature would not affect match-playing time or performance. Descriptive data were collected on 552 players from 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup. Odds ratios determined likelihood of starting for players ≥165 cm. ANOVAs compared playing time between stature groups, among positions, and between countries. Performance factors including assists, goals, attempts, corners, shots blocked, and defending blocks were reported. Independent t-tests compared differences between players (≥165 cm, …

Impact Of Sleep And Training On Game Performance And Injury In Division-1 Women’S Basketball Amidst The Pandemic, Samah Senbel, S. Sharma, S. M. Raval, Christopher B. Taber, Julie K. Nolan, N. S. Artan, Diala Ezzeddine, Kaya Tolga

School of Computer Science & Engineering Faculty Publications

We investigated the impact of sleep and training load of Division - 1 women’s basketball players on their game performance and injury prediction using machine learning algorithms. The data was collected during a pandemic-condensed season with unpredictable interruptions to the games and athletic training schedules. We collected data from sleep monitoring devices, training data from coaches, injury reports from medical staff, and weekly survey data from athletes for 22 weeks.With proper data imputation, interpretable feature set, data balancing, and classifiers, we showed that we could predict game performance and injuries with more than 90% accuracy. More importantly, our F1 and …

Employability Of The Doctor Of Athletic Training Degree Within Academe, Bonnie L. Van Lunen, Stephanie H. Clines, Tyler Reems, Lindsey E. Eberman, Dorice Ann Hankemeier, Cailee E. Welch Bacon

Athletic Training Faculty Publications

Context: The Doctor of Athletic Training (DAT) degree has recently been introduced into academe. Limited literature exists regarding how individuals with this degree can be utilized as athletic training faculty.

Objective: To identify department chairs' perceptions of the DAT degree and determine whether they view the degree as viable when hiring new faculty within a post-baccalaureate professional AT program.

Design: Cross-sectional survey design

Setting: Online survey instrument

Patients or Other Participants: 376 department chairs who had oversight of Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education athletic training programs were invited to participate. 190 individuals (50.5%) accessed the survey and 151 …

Accentuated Eccentric Loading In The Bench Press: Considerations For Eccentric And Concentric Loading, Christopher Taber, Jared R. Morris, John P. Wagle, Justin J. Merrigan

Exercise Science Faculty Publications

This study examined the effects of accentuated eccentric loading (AEL) on bench press velocities across a spectrum of concentric and eccentric loads. Ten strength trained men (bench press one-repetition maximum (1-RM): 124.3 ± 19.4 kg; relative strength ratio: 1.5 ± 0.2 kg∙body mass⁻¹) participated. Subjects completed bench press repetitions using concentric loads from 30% to 80% 1-RM in 10% increments in each experimental session. The AEL protocols were implemented using 100% (AEL100) and 110% 1-RM (AEL110) loads during the eccentric action, while the eccentric load remained the same as the concentric for traditional loading (TRAD). Multilevel models analyzed …

Concussion Experiences In New England Private Preparatory High School Students Who Played Sports Or Recreational Activities, Jill Daugherty, Dana Waltzman, Katherine P. Snedaker, Jason Bouton, Xinjian Zhang, David Wang

Athletic Training Faculty Publications

Background: Sports- and recreation-related (SRR) activities are a major cause of adolescent concussions. Most adolescent SRR concussion research has been conducted among public school students. As private schools are qualitatively different from public schools (eg, location, socioeconomic status, sports played), this study explores the concussion experiences of a large group of private high school students. Methods: We surveyed 2047 New England private preparatory high school students who played sports or engaged in a recreational activity in 2018 about the sports they played, and their self-reported concussion experiences (eg, age at first concussion, if concussions were sports- or recreation-related). Descriptive, bivariate, …

Cluster Set Loading In The Back Squat: Kinetic And Kinematic Implications, Alexander Wetmore, John P. Wagle, Matt L. Sams, Christopher Taber, Brad H. Deweese, Kimitake Sato, Michael H. Stone

Exercise Science Faculty Publications

Cluster set loading in the back squat: Kinetic and kinematic implications. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000–000, 2018—As athletes become well trained, they require greater stimuli and variation to force adaptation. One means of adding additional variation is the use of cluster loading. Cluster loading involves introducing interrepetition rest during a set, which in theory may allow athletes to train at higher absolute intensities for the same volume. The purpose of this study was to investigate the kinetic and kinematic implications of cluster loading as a resistance training programming tactic compared with traditional loading (TL). Eleven resistance-trained men (age = …

Relative Age Effects In Elite Olympic Weightlifters, Jonathan M. Kollars, Kyle S. Beyer, Christopher B. Taber

Exercise Science Faculty Publications

PURPOSE: To determine if RAEs exist in elite Olympic weightlifters from the past five Olympic Games. METHODS: Using retrospective competition data from the International Weightlifting Federation database a total of 953 Olympic Weightlifters (595 males and 358 females) who competed in the Olympic Games between 2000 and 2016 were included in this study. Weightlifters who competed in multiple Olympic Games were only counted once and duplicates were removed from this investigation. The weightlifters were divided into subset weight classes; men lightweight (56kg, 62kg, and 69kg), men middleweight (77kg, 85kg, and 94kg), men heavyweight (105kg and 105kg+), women lightweight (48kg, 53kg, …

Heat Exposure And Hypohydration Exacerbate Physiological Strain During Load Carrying, Elizabeth L. Adams, Douglas J. Casa, Robert A. Huggins, Julie K. Demartini, Rebecca L. Stearns, Rachel M. Kennedy, Lindsay J. Distefano, Lawrence E. Armstrong, Carl M. Maresh

All PTHMS Faculty Publications

Heat exposure and hypohydration induce physiological and psychological strain during exercise; however, it is unknown if the separate effects of heat exposure and hypohydration are synergistic when co-occurring during loaded exercise. This study compared separate and combined effects of heat exposure and hypohydration on physiological strain, mood state, and visual vigilance during loaded exercise. Twelve males (mean±SD; age, 20±2 years; body mass, 74.0±8.2 kg; maximal oxygen uptake, 57.0±6.0 mLkg-1min-1) completed 4 trials under the following conditions: euhydrated temperate (EUT), hypohydrated temperate (HYT), euhydrated hot (EUH), and hypohydrated hot (HYH). Exercise was 90 min of treadmill walking (∼50% VO2 max, 5% …

Intermittent Pneumatic Compression Boot Use Elevates Blood Lactate During Subsequent Exercise, Richard T. Marcello, Lucas Fortini, Beau K. Greer

Exercise Science Faculty Publications

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the influence of intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) boot use between submaximal cycling trials on heart rate (HR) and blood lactate concentrations. Ten healthy participants (9M; 1F) performed two consecutive 60 minute rides at 60% of functional threshold power with a 30 minute rest between rides. The rest period was spent in a supine position using IPC boots (BOOT) or sitting in a similar position without boots (CON). HRs were collected every 15 minutes during cycling rides, and lactate was measured at the 30-minute mark during both rides. An identical trial was …

The Efficacy Of Custom And Prefabricated Orthotic Interventions For Common Running Related Injuries, Jake Tavernite

Writing Across the Curriculum

One of the most popular sports in the world is running. Nearly 17 million people in the United States alone crossed finish lines in road races in 2017.¹ Unfortunately, there is an extremely high rate of running related injuries (RRI) that prevent or hinder individuals from training and competing. A 2007 systematic review revealed that the incidence of lower extremity running related injuries ranges from 19.4% to 79.3%.² Orthotics are frequently prescribed as a conservative treatment option for various injuries such as plantar fasciitis (PF), patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS), medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS), and stress fractures. Although …

Validity Of A Wireless Inertia Measurement Device In Quantifying Performance In Vertical Jumping Tests, Nicholas G. Anagnost, Alexandra Lates, John P. Wagle, Christopher B. Taber

Exercise Science Faculty Publications

The use of technology in sport and fitness training has rapidly become a tool for both athletes and coaches in monitoring performance variables for optimizing training stimulus and recovery (Duking, Hotho, Holmberg, Fuss, & Sperlich, 2016; Peake, Kerr & Sullivan, 2018). Wireless fitness trackers, GPS and accelerometry devices are growing in popularity with the athletic population outside of the clinical setting due to their lower cost and ease of use compared to traditional clinical measurement tools (Dellaserra, Gao & Ransdell, 2014). With the increased popularity of these devices comes the necessity to understand and validate the information collected from them …

Repetition-To-Repetition Differences Using Cluster And Accentuated Eccentric Loading In The Back Squat, John P. Wagle, Christopher B. Taber, Aaron J. Cunanan, Matt L. Sams, Alexander Wetmore, Garett E. Bingham, Brad H. Deweese, Kimitake Sato, Charles A. Stuart, Michael H. Stone

Exercise Science Faculty Publications

The current investigation was an examination of the repetition-to-repetition magnitudes and changes in kinetic and kinematic characteristics of the back squat using accentuated eccentric loading (AEL) and cluster sets. 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) completed four load condition sessions, each consisting of three sets of five repetitions of either traditionally loaded straight sets (TL), traditionally loaded cluster sets (TLC), AEL cluster sets (AEC), and AEL straight sets where only the initial repetition had …

Neuromuscular Adaptations Following Training And Protein Supplementation In A Group Of Trained Weightlifters, Christopher B. Taber, Kevin M. Carroll, Brad H. Deweese, Kimitake Sato, Charles A. Stuart, Mary Howell, Kenton Hall, Caleb Bazyler, Michael H. Stone

Exercise Science Faculty Publications

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a recovery supplement compared with a placebo on muscle morphology in trained weightlifters. Vastus lateralis and muscle fiber cross sectional area of type I and type II fibers were compared between groups using a series of 2 × 2 (group × time) repeated measure ANOVAs. Both groups on average improved cross-sectional area of the vastus lateralis, type I and type II muscle fibers from pre-to-post but individual response varied within both groups. Greater magnitude of changes in type I and type II muscle fibers were observed for the placebo …

Effect Of Head Impact Exposures On Changes In Cognitive Testing, Eleni Diakogeorgiou, Theresa Miyashita

Athletic Training Faculty Publications

Background: Gaining a better understanding of head impact exposures may lead to better comprehension of the possible effects of repeated impact exposures not associated with clinical concussion. Purpose: To assess the correlation between head impacts and any differences associated with cognitive testing measurements pre- and postseason. Study Design: Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3. Method: A total of 34 National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I men’s lacrosse players wore lacrosse helmets instrumented with an accelerometer during the 2014 competitive season and were tested pre- and postseason with the Sport Concussion Assessment Tool (SCAT 3) and Concussion Vital Signs (CVS) computer-based …

Impact Of Direction Of Unloading Influence On Template Rate Of Perceived Exertion, Beau K. Greer, Patrick R. Young, Brooke Thompson, Brendan J. Rickert, Matthew F. Moran

All PTHMS Faculty Publications

It is suggested that exercisers engage in a process of teleoanticipation and create an exercise template based upon previous experience with the exercise task which guides their perceptions of the amount of effort required for task completion. The present study examined how altering workload intensity during a positive-pressure treadmill task may impact ratings of perceived exertion (RPE). In a counter-balanced design, 15 collegiate cross country runners (7 males, 8 females) performed two 25-min runs at a constant velocity while bodyweight (BW) was either increased from 60% to 100% (INC) or decreased from 100% to 60% (DEC) in 5 min increments. …

Comparison Of The Relationship Between Lying And Standing Ultrasonography Measures Of Muscle Morphology With Isometric And Dynamic Force Production Capabilities, John P. Wagle, Kevin M. Carroll, Aaron J. Cunanan, Christopher B. Taber, Alexander Wetmore, Garett E. Bingham, Brad H. Deweese, Kimitake Sato, Charles A. Stuart, Michael H. Stone

Exercise Science Faculty Publications

The purpose of the current study was (1) to examine the differences between standing and lying measures of vastus lateralis (VL), muscle thickness (MT), pennation angle (PA), and cross-sectional area (CSA) using ultrasonography; and (2) to explore the relationships between lying and standing measures with isometric and dynamic assessments of force production—specifically peak force, rate of force development (RFD), impulse, and one-repetition maximum back squat. Fourteen resistance-trained subjects (age = 26.8 ± 4.0 years, height = 181.4 ± 6.0 cm, body mass = 89.8 ± 10.7 kg, back squat to body mass ratio = 1.84 ± 0.34) agreed to participate. …

Acute Effects Of Plyometric And Resistance Training On Running Economy In Trained Runners, Richard T. Marcello, Beau K. Greer, Anna E. Greer

All PTHMS Faculty Publications

Results regarding the acute effects of plyometric and resistance training (PRT) on running economy (RE) are conflicting. Eight male collegiate distance runners (21 +/- 1 years, 62.5 +/- 7.8 ml/kg/min V[Combining Dot Above]O2 peak) completed V[Combining Dot Above]O2 peak and 1 repetition maximum (1RM) testing. Seven days later, subjects completed a 12 minute RE test at 60% and 80% V[Combining Dot Above]O2 peak, followed by a PRT protocol or a rested condition of equal duration (CON). The PRT protocol consisted of 3 sets of 5 repetitions at 85% 1RM for barbell squats, Romanian deadlifts, and barbell lunges; the same volume …

Infection Prevention Strategies In Cardiac Rehabilitation [1]—A Behavioral Intervention For Patients [2], Wendy Bjerke

Exercise Science Faculty Publications

Background: Healthcare Acquired Infections (HAI) result in over 100 thousand deaths each year with one third of these deaths preventable via behaviors such as hand washing among health care providers in inpatient settings. Less research has been conducted in outpatient exercise settings such as cardiac rehabilitation (CR) among patients. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of HAI prevention strategies in a CR setting among patients. Methods: Observations of the frequency of hand washing among CR patients pre and post four HAI strategies including provision of HAI education and signs, hand washing demonstrations, a HAI prevention …

Effects Of A Carbohydrate And Protein Recovery Beverage On Performance In Trained Weightlifters, Christopher B. Taber, Brad H. Deweese, Kimitake Soto, Charles A. Stuart, Michael H. Stone

All PTHMS Faculty Publications

INTRODUCTION: Previous investigations have examined nutrient timing with untrained subject and less is known about effects in trained subjects.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a carbohydrate and protein supplement (CHO+PROT) on performance measures in trained weightlifters.

METHODS: 10 trained weightlifters (30.8±5.1 years, 177.4 ±4.0 cm, 94.3 ± 12.4 kg, training age = 5.3 ± 2.9 years) completed a 12 week training program utilizing block periodization. Using a double blind placebo design, jump height, scaled peak power measured in vertical jumps and peak force and rate of force development measured in isometric mid-thigh pulls …

Gender Differences In Concussion Reporting Among High School Athletes, Theresa Miyashita, Eleni Diakogeorgiou, Christina Vandervegt

All PTHMS Faculty Publications

Background: An athlete’s lack of concussion knowledge could lead to significant underreporting and injury mismanagement. To provide more effective management strategies of concussions in adolescent athletes, further examination of reporting behaviors is of critical importance. Hypothesis: The hypotheses for this study were as follows: (1) Girls are more likely to report concussion, (2) girls are more likely to report future concussions after an educational intervention, and (3) a difference in rationale for not reporting concussion will be found between sexes. Study Design: Cross-sectional, cohort design. Level of Evidence: Level 3. Methods: Survey answers were collected on 454 high school athletes …

Strengthening The Springs: Improving Sprint Performance Via Strength Training, Brad H. Deweese, Christopher Bellon, Eric Magrum, Christopher Taber, Timothy J. Suchomel

All PTHMS Faculty Publications

How the inclusion of properly sequenced weightlifting derivatives into the strength-training program can improve sprint performance.

Pull From The Knee: Proper Technique And Application, Brad H. Deweese, Timothy J. Suchomel, Ambrose J. Serrano, Jarrod D. Burton, Steven K. Scruggs, Christopher B. Taber

Exercise Science Faculty Publications

The pull from the knee is a weightlifting movement derivative that can be used in the teaching progression of the clean and snatch exercises. This exercise emphasizes positional strength during the transition phase and the triple extension of the hip, knee, and ankle joints that is characteristic of weightlifting movements.

Predictors Of Orthopaedic Surgery In Ncaa Athletes, Dean Wang, Caitlin M. Rugg, Erik Mayer, Pamela Sulzicki, Jeremy Vail, Sharon L. Hame

Athletic Training Faculty Publications

Objectives: Orthopaedic injury and surgery is relatively common in National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) athletes and can have devastating career consequences. However, there is a paucity of data regarding predictors of orthopaedic surgery in collegiate athletes. The purpose of this study was to analyze player-related predictors of orthopaedic surgery, including that of the shoulder, hip, and knee, in NCAA athletes. Methods: All NCAA Division I collegiate athletes at a single institution who began participation from the 2003-2004 through 2008-2009 seasons were retrospectively identified. Player-related factors, including gender, sport, and any pre-college upper or lower extremity orthopaedic surgery, were elicited through …

Depression In Student Athletes: A Particularly At-Risk Group? A Systematic Review Of The Literature, Shelley N. Armstrong, Michelle M. Burcin, Wendy Bjerke, Jody Early

All PTHMS Faculty Publications

Mental health initiatives are being implemented based on collegiate athletes being a high risk subculture for a variety of health behaviors that correlate directly to depression. This literature review used the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) method to investigate the association between depression and student athletes. An initial search of the research databases yielded 807 articles. After applying additional delimiting criteria, 30 articles were considered relevant for the critical review and 11 for the systematic review. Results showed that student athletes are actually less likely to be depressed when compared to their non-athlete peers due to …