Sports Sciences Commons^™

The Accuracy Of Recreational Athletes In Self Detecting Ventilation Threshold During A Maximal Exercise Test, Andrew Biegner

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

INTRODUCTION: Ventilatory threshold (VT) is where minute ventilation (VE) increases nonlinearly with increasing exercise intensity. Prior studies have shown that subjects can recognize VT by changes in breathing during exercise. Teaching recreational athletes to use VT as a training method could result in better quality training. PURPOSE: Determine if recreational athletes can accurately perceive changes in ventilation associated with VT during maximal exercise testing. METHODS: Subjects were recruited (n=20, age= 20.5 ± 1.7 yrs.) to participate in the study. Subjects performed a modified maximal treadmill protocol with gas analysis. Subjects indicated when they noticed a considerable change …

The Passing Board, John Fitzgerald

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

For my Honors Research Project I am taking a more personal route and looking to solve a childhood question/issue by designing a board that is small and easy to transport while also giving the best bounce pass possible. My proposed project would be a board that a soccer player can play a bounce pass onto and receive the ball from. The base of this design sounds simple enough, however, I would like to implement a way that the board can be adjusted to alter the angle of return of the soccer ball after the bounce. I also want to design …

Comparison Of External Load Patterns Over A Season In Collegiate Soccer Players, Colton Dowd

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Soccer (football) is the most played sport in the world. In turn, soccer also accounts for a considerable number of injuries at all levels. Injuries in soccer are not only detrimental to team performance, but they can also place financial burden on organizations, in addition to causing harm to players health down the line. As such, it is important that these injuries are limited and managed to avoid the various consequences that accompany serious injury. PURPOSE: This study attempted to quantify the external loads of NCAA DI soccer athletes over the course of a Fall season. These external load values …

Perceptions Of Strength Training For Dancers At A Midwestern University, Abigail Boenig-Dombek

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

The purpose of the research is to gain a deeper insight into the perceptions of strength training within the dance community. The research aimed to receive feedback from individuals over the age of 18 who are currently studying, practicing, or teaching dance. METHODS: The survey utilized was replicated among a convenience sample of adult dancers associated with The University of Akron’s dance program from the research of Farmer and Brouner (2021) in their scholarly article, “Perceptions of Strength Training in Dance.” The survey contained 14 questions requiring the individual to assess their personal involvement in strength training. The questions were …

Tiger Woods' Alif Procedure: Causes And Results, Nathan Martin

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

This project intends to use Tiger Woods as a case study to further study the physiological and biomechanical effects of a spinal fusion. In 2017, and at age 42, Woods received an Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (ALIF) surgery. Less than two years later, Woods was able to return to professional golf. The goals for this research project are to; explain the medical issues that led Woods to receiving this surgery, describe in depth the surgical technique that was used, detail the recovery process that is associated with this procedure, and to examine the change in biomechanics of Tiger Woods’ golf …

Demographics And Physical Activity Levels Of Esports Athletes At The University Of Akron, Madison Morgan, Patrick Barrett, Madeleine Stoll

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Esports is rapidly growing and gaining popularity, however there is a lack of research regarding physical activity levels of eSport athletes, especially those at the collegiate level. This study summarizes the current research and findings related to exercise, overall health, and video game performance. All varsity eSport athletes for The University of Akron varsity team were “participants” in this study. A survey tool was designed through Qualtrics (Qualtrics 2020© Provo, UT), an online survey instrument, to assess current physical activity levels, preferences and tolerance for exercise intensity, and perceptions about how physical activity affects gaming performance. This survey was distributed …

Exploring Female University Students’ Views Of Campus Engagement In Chaarg, Lia Giffels

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

There are positive benefits to group exercise, such as motivation and improved performance. However, strength training poses a gender disparity, with less participation among females. Changing Health, Attitudes, + Actions to Recreate Girls (CHAARG) is a student organization to empower females to reach health goals by participating in a comprehensive fitness program. Purpose: This investigation explores female college students’ views of their experience in CHAARG. Understanding how to engage more women in strength training and healthy lifestyles may fuel increased adherence rates. Methods: Q methodology will be used to investigate the viewpoints of female students’ members in a large Midwest …

Effects Of A Strength Training Intervention And Quality Of Life: Case Study On A Sedentary Adult Female, Lucas Frazier

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

The purpose of the project is to evaluate physiological and quality of life changes in a

sedentary, senior-aged (55 or older) female using a six-week strength training

intervention. This case study will instruct how to perform a push-pull-legs split

routine by going to the gym three times per week. Prior to the six week intervention,

both quantitative and qualitative variables will be collected to assess baseline data,

including the subject’s resting heart rate, resting blood pressure, grip strength, one-

repetition maximum on seven whole body exercises (dumbbell bicep curl, tricep

pushdown, barbell bench press, wide-grip lat pull-down, seated dumbbell press, …

The Push For The Extra Edge In Sports, Logan Green

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

The goals and objectives of this research project are to examine the reasoning behind the parents’ decision to provide extra opportunities for their children when they get involved in sports. The second goal and objective are to examine whether or not specialization in a single sport is increased due to the incentive to be the best at a specific sport and if there are any negative consequences due to the specialization aspect. The motivations for this work and for this research stem from the fact of pure interest and curiousness. By working at a sports performance gym, I have always …

Åstrand-Rhyming And Ymca: A Compare And Contrast Literature Review Of Two Submaximal Cycle Ergometer Tests, Sean Roberts

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

In the world of exercise prescription there are two major protocols that are used to test an individual’s aerobic capacity at a submaximal intensity using a stationary bicycle. These protocols require participants to exercise at a constant work rate until a specified hear rate is reached. Data can then be analyzed to determine the participant’s aerobic capacity. The objective of this literature review is to look at these two tests – the Åstrand-Rhyming cycle ergometer test (ARCET) and the YMCA cycle ergometer test – and determine if one is better than the other for different populations and which one an …

Comparison Of Blindfolded Vs. Non Blindfolded Vertical Jump Tests, Christian Thomas Evans

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

The purpose of this study was to compare test results between blindfolded and non- blindfolded male and female participants during the vertical jump test. We hypothesized that non-blindfolded participants will score higher than blindfolded participants, and males will have higher test scores than females, though no research currently exists comparing these conditions. The study population consisted of 40 apparently healthy individuals ages 18-45, lacking any physical limitations that prevented them from being able to perform a vertical jump test. Participants were recruited from The University of Akron campus by word of mouth in the classes held in InfoCision Stadium. Each …

Fabrication And Characterization Of Nanofiber Nylon-6-Mwcnt As An Electrochemical Sensor For Sodium Ions Concentration Detection In Sweat, Kelsey Mills

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Fabrication and characterization nylon-6-MWCNT nanofiber as an electrochemical sensor to detect sodium ion concentrations specifically in sweat. Using contact angle to determine surface morphology and chronoamperometry testing to identify ideal sensor conditions, tests optimized parameters like weight percent of nylon or other polymers, carbon nanotube (CNT) isomer, and solution concentration to determine reproducibility of functional sensors. Utilizing the electric qualities of carbon nanotubes partnered with the sodium ion selectivity of calixarene treatment and polymers unique properties like flexibility and scalability create open an arena for optimizing sodium ion sensors for further development for functional prototypes. Morphology tests showed that the …

The Effect Of Swimming Exercise On Amount And Quality Of Sleep For Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Kayla E. Wilson

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) may alter not only cognitive but also physical aspects of individuals. One physical element that is commonly impacted by ASD is sleep pattern. In fact, there is a large margin of sleep disturbances in the ASD population compared to typically functioning individuals. PURPOSE: To examine the effect of various levels of physical activity intensity in an aquatic setting and the impact on sleep quality. The question in focus is simply, “What is the effect of swimming exercise on quality and amount of sleep for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder?” METHODS: Guardians of children with Autism Spectrum …

Females, Perceptions, And Strength Training, Victoria Kanel, Alexandria Rellinger

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Performing a regular strength training routine leads to a plethora of beneficial physiological and psychological changes. A gender disparity exists with participation rates of strength training. There is a possible discrepancy in knowledge and education provided to males and females based on their physical activity and exercise backgrounds. The design of this study is an effort to better understand potential barriers females may experience and serve as a needs-assessment tool to identify females’ views of strength training participation. This study sought to explore views of strength training among females and to determine if consensus exists and how views may aid …

Exploring The Correlation Between Cognitive Awareness Of Body Composition And Perceived Ventilatory Threshold, Erica Schrader

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Purpose

Seventeen subjects from The University of Akron Women's Soccer team were selected to participate in a study that assessed the correlation between body composition and perceived ventilatory threshold (VT). We compared several anthropometric measurements with results from a VO2max test.

Methods

Each participant was taken through a set of resting measurements such as height, weight, waist and neck circumference. Body composition was then estimated using the air displacement method or BodPod. Subjects were fitted with heart rate monitors and masks for a VO2max test. Subjects were read a script explaining them what a VT is, and was told to …

The Effect Of Foot Strike In Female Runners, Courtney Dockry

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Abstract

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to determine if heel and forefoot striking influence on the amount and type of injuries in recreational female distance runners between the ages of 18 and 25. In addition, shoe type and training intensity were analyzed in relation to injury. METHODS: A quantitative, cross-sectional study was conducted anonymously utilizing The University of Akron’s Qualtrics survey tool. The survey was adopted based on Goss and Gross (2012). The survey was sent via email to members of the Zips Running Club, as well as other runners who fit the criteria to participate …

Physical Therapy And The Integration Of Dry Needling, Katie Montgomery

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

This research paper analyzes how the field of Physical Therapy has grown and evolved in the United States over the last sixty years. It also explores the education process of becoming a therapist, the responsibilities it entails, and the different treatment interventions therapist can use by taking a deeper look at the integration of dry needling techniques into the field of Physical Therapy.

Dry needling is defined and different techniques being utilized in the field currently are explained. Also discussed are locations where physical therapists are legally allowed to perform dry needling in the United States, the certification process, precautions …

Exploring The Correlation Between Cognitive Awareness Of Body Composition And Perceived Ventilatory Threshold, Erica Schrader

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Purpose

Seventeen subjects were selected from The University of Akron Women's Soccer team to participate in a study that assessed the correlation between body composition and perceived ventilatory threshold.

Methods

All resting measurements were taken on the subjects. These measurements included height, weight, waist circumference, and neck circumference. Body composition was then estimated by using the BodPod. Subjects were fitted with a Polar heart rate monitor and a mask for the VO₂max test was appropriately fitted and assembled for each participant. Each participant were then read a script to explain to them what a ventilatory threshold (VT) is, …

Examination Of Hamstring Flexibility And Maximal Sprint Speed, Zach J. Guiser

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Abstract

Purpose

Maximal sprinting ability is a highly sought after trait in athletes. Many studies have been performed in an effort to determine the factors of sprinting ability, such as the vertical jump, squatting ability, and others. However, very limited research has been performed on the relationship between flexibility and maximal sprinting speed. The vast majority of research done involving hamstring flexibility and performance involves the acute effects of stretching on performance, or the relationship between flexibility and injury prevention. The purpose of this study is to determine the relationship between hamstring flexibility and maximal sprinting speed.

Methods

This study …

Comparison Of Physiological Adaptations In Highly Trained Aerobic Endurance Athletes And Highly Trained Resistance Athletes, Sarah Falbo

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

ABSTRACT

Purpose: To compare the physiological differences between highly trained resistance and aerobic athletes (who perform five or more hours per week of resistance or aerobic exercise).

Methods: Participants had resting heart rate, blood pressure and lactate taken before entering the BOD POD to get body fat percentage. Then a five minute warm up on a cycle ergometer before doing the VO2 max treadmill test following the Bruce Protocol. At the completion of the VO2 max treadmill test, participants had heart rate recorded from the heart rate monitor, blood pressure and lactate were taken immediately after the max test. The …

A Comparison Of Changes In Women's Cardiovascular Fitness And Body Composition After Performance In Zumba, Tabata, And Cycling, Kristi N. Kester

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Aerobic group exercise is important to prevent against cardiovascular, pulmonary, and metabolic diseases. Regular exercise can help to reduce the risk of these diseases and premature death. Group exercise classes have shown to be effective in reducing weight, blood pressure, and body composition Further research is necessary to evaluate the effectiveness of these aerobic group exercise classes to one another. PURPOSE: To evaluate and compare the potential health benefits that may occur for women who participate in regular group exercise classes at the Kohl Family YMCA. METHODS: A surrey and body measurements were taken of females enrolled an eight-week aerobic …

Comparison Of Perceived Exertion While Exercising At The Same Intensity On Land And Aquatic Treadmills, Amanda D. Montemayor, Iris A. Javersak

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

The purpose of this study was to determine if at the same intensity, two separate modalities of exercise could be perceived to have different difficulties. The modalities chosen for this study were underwater treadmill versus land treadmill. It was hypothesized that at the same sub maximal protocol, the underwater treadmill would be perceived as easier than the land treadmill. Both an objective measure, heart rate, and a subjective measure, a 10-point Borg rate of perceived exertion (RPE) scale (Borg, 1982), were used. Ten healthy University of Akron students from the ages 19-23 were used for this study. The students did …

Hypertension Prevalence In College Seniors, Eric Beaujon, Jared Mooney

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

The purpose of this study was to explore factors that may predispose college seniors to pre-hypertensive or hypertensive blood pressures. This study was done by taking students' blood pressures and administering a self reported survey to all participants asking about predisposing factors. Results indicated that none of the students tested exhibited hypertensive blood pressures, but five of them had pre-hypertensive blood pressures. Factors that seemed to correlate with the pre-hypertensive students included commute time, having changed majors during their college career, alcohol consumption, hours worked per week and post graduation plans (or lack thereof).

Hydroband: The Continuous Hydration Monitoring System, Karina E. Atkinson, Catherine P. Benedict

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Dehydration is defined as a mild, moderate, or extreme loss of water in the body. It can result in fever, muscle cramps, headaches, dizziness, or heat stroke in athletes. Ways to determine hydration levels include analysis of the urine, blood, or sweat, body weight changes, skin elasticity tests, and increases in core temperature. Patent search, research journals, and outside studies in the health and fitness market showed that a convenient and continuous hydration monitoring system was not available. Changes in core body temperature proved to be the quickest way to measure hydration levels. The HydroBand system is geared towards athletes …

The Effect Of Therapeutic Horseback Riding On Balance And Self-Efficacy In Children With Developmental Disabilities, Alexandra Smola, Lauren Hurley

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Therapeutic horseback riding (THR) has positive health related outcomes in children with developmental disabilities. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of a 10-week THR intervention on balance and task-specific self-efficacy in children with developmental disabilities. Bandura’s social cognitive theory and the physical stress theory guided the quasi-experimental study. A pre-test post-test design (N=20) was implemented with a 10-week THR class at a riding center in Midwest United States. The first research question was: In children with developmental disabilities ages 5 to 18, does one 10-week session of THR affect balance? With time 1 balance mean at …

Comparing Personal Training And Strength And Conditioning Certifications Across Multiple Organizations, Quentin Cieslinski

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Personal training is a largely growing field in the health and fitness industry. There are many different personal training and strength and conditioning certifications that accredit comprehension in the field, and it is often tough to make a decision on which certification to choose. PURPOSE: To centralize information on some of the most well known and sought after personal training and strength and conditioning certifications. METHODS: Research was conducted through the online database SPORTDiscus, on certifying organizations’ websites, and through various other online resources. Categories that were research included educational requirements, cost of certification, NCCA accreditation, time to complete certification …

Factors Affecting Injury History And Their Overall Impact On Athletic Performance In Distance Runners, Trevor Norris

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Distance running is a very precise mechanism of many intricate movements and abilities of the body. The amount of miles that a distance runner must run puts a lot of very intense stresses on one’s body. These stresses often appear at the bone level and lead to many injuries such as stress reactions and stress fractures but also may play important roles in tissue damages such as strains and pulls. In this study, we used division one college distance runners and examined many intricacies between their level of fitness and overall composition. These include looking at imbalances, dominant traits, and …

Cleveland's Bitter Pill: A Diagnosis Of Injured Title Dreams And Die-Hard Fans, Joseph Congeni, Thomas Bacher

University of Akron Press Publications

This collection of stories examines Cleveland's athletic teams and injuries that have hindered their quests for championships. From rotator cuffs to knee ligaments, from sprained ankles to sprained backs, and from broken legs to broken arms, Cleveland's misery has taken some of its best athletes and immobilized them at inopportune times. Shaq gave fans his inside dominance and his ailing thumb in 2010. Herb Score was a blazing lefthander until he took a line drive to the face in 1957. When the Las Vegas oddsmakers picked the Browns to win the Super Bowl in 1988, Bernie Kosar's arm injury derailed …

Puzzling Your Puzzler, Samantha Brown

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

The following is summarizing a proposed experimental study based on current literature review and research to evaluate a new interventional therapy for the treatment of concussion compared to current therapeutic practices.

Background and Purpose: Concussions have become a major concern in the medical field in recent years. Several research studies have been conducted to learn the signs and symptoms regarding concussions. Recent literature has found that the signs and symptoms of a concussion are similar to those of patients suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. Treating Alzheimer’s disease has changed in recent years. Research has found that mental rehabilitation, also known as …

Water Treadmill Versus Land Treadmill Training Effects On Leg Strength And Cardiovascular Endurance, Michelle E. Hudson Ms.

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Underwater treadmill running can be used as a means of reducing musculoskeletal loading while maintaining a training intensity equal to that of land running. A variety of cardiovascular benefits are seen in water running, such as greater increases in stroke volume and cardiac output than on land. Additionally, increased drag while water running can significantly improve force production. PURPOSE: To investigate if differences exist between underwater treadmill and land treadmill running on leg strength and cardiovascular endurance through a case study of two 22 year old sedentary males. METHODS: An 8-week aerobic training program was designed incorporating water …