Sports Sciences Commons^™

The Effects Of Blue Light Exposure On Measures Of Lower-Body Strength And Power, Noah Reinertz, Brett Crossland Dr, Rigby B. Rhett, Alvis Hunter

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Recently blue light exposure at night has received negative attention due to its ability to interrupt the sleep-wake cycle through reducing melatonin production and increasing alertness. However, when individuals are exposed to blue light in the morning a number of positive benefits have been observed such as; decreases in depressive symptoms, increases in cognitive function, decreases in reaction time, and increases in alertness. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine if blue light exposure in the early morning was capable of increasing measures of lower-body strength and power. METHODS: A repeated measures crossover design was used …

Optimal Ranges Of Training Load And Recovery Status Prior To The Game To Maximize Game-Day Performance In Soccer, Cherish Keeney, Kelly B. Elliott, Jan-Joseph S. Rolloque, Ruben Moya, Kathryn E. Southall, Kealey J. Wohlgemuth, Jacob A. Mota, Yasuki Sekiguchi

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Identifying ideal ranges of training load (TL) and recovery status before soccer games is essential to maximize game-day performance. PURPOSE: To determine how accumulative TL and subjective fatigue affect performance during the game. METHODS: Twenty-one male semi-professional soccer players (mean ± standard deviation; age: 22 ± 2 years; mass: 77.3 ± 6.9 kg) wore a player tracking device to monitor TL during each practice and game. A 7-day accumulation of high speed running and sprinting (HSR+Sprint, ³12.30 mph), total distance (TD), low acceleration (Low_ACC: 0.50-1.99 m×s^-2), and high acceleration (High_ACC: 2.00-50.00 m×s …

Medicine Balls Training In The Sequence Of Complex Handball Training Versus Only Handball Training: Effects On Physical Fitness In Pre-Adolescence Female Handball Players, Natalia Chukhlantseva

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Introduction: The inclusion of the training process of pre-adolescent female athletes with additional means helps to optimize exercise influences. The study aims to estimate the influence of a 16-week program of handball training with medicine balls in comparison with a program of handball training on the physical and special training of beginner handball players. Methods: Female athletes were randomly divided into an experimental (n = 30; 11.23 ±0.41 years) and a control (n = 32; 10.99 ± 0.4 years) group. Training sessions of both groups were conducted according to the existing curriculum, but the experimental group replaced part …

Effects Of Acute Late Sleep Restriction On Strength, Power, And Running Speed In Recreationally Active Females, Karolina Iznerowicz, Jared W. Coburn, Sydney Leisz, Trevor Gillum, Michael Robinson, William Boyer

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Previous research suggests that late sleep restriction (SR) paired with exercise in the morning does not have a significant impact on sport performance measures. However, this evidence is based on research conducted primarily in males. PURPOSE: To examine the effects of late sleep restriction on measures of strength, speed, and power among recreationally active females. METHODS: Twenty-three (23) recreationally active (aerobic physical activity and resistance exercise at least three times a week for six months) females participated in this study (mean age 21.5 years, BMI 23 kg/m²). A randomized, cross-over design was used under two conditions, recommended sleep …

Peak Power Changes During A Countermovement Jump Following Treadmill And Cycling High-Intensity Interval Training, Michael G. Maregne, Juliet Moore, E Todd Schroeder

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Within activities involving jumping, peak power can be a significant factor to consider when assessing an athlete’s overall physical performance. By investigating different modalities of exercise, it is possible to discover potential benefits or flaws in certain workout regimens that may influence jump performance. In turn, this could influence how physical trainers, athletes, and recreationally active people approach their exercise routine to maximize performance. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the changes in peak jump power during a countermovement jump (CMJ) immediately following and 1-hour post high-intensity interval training (HIIT) using high-impact (running) and low-impact (cycling) …

Biomechanical Indicators Of Steeplechase Hurdle Success, Luke Vankeersbilck, Luke Johnston, Iain Hunter

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

The steeplechase is a long-distance running event that requires competitors to jump over 28 hurdles and 7 water jumps over the course of the race. This frequent jumping means that hurdling technique is important and the ability to maintain speed over the barriers can help a runner succeed. PURPOSE: To determine which variables predict maintenance of speed while hurdling in the steeplechase. METHODS: Data were collected at the USATF outdoor championships and Olympic Trials from 2011 to 2023 for both men and women. A Sony video camera running at 120 Hz was used to evaluate several aspects of …

Characteristics Of The Efficiency Of Actions Of Top-Level Goalkeepers In Soccer, Andrzej Szwarc, Michał Chamera, Henryk Duda, Daniel Memmert, Lukasz Radziminski

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

The aim of this study was to present the characteristics of the actions efficiency in elite goalkeepers. 54 observations of 25 goalkeepers participating in 27 matches of the World and the European Championships and the Africa Cup of Nations and Copa America held in the years 2014–2019 were included. The study applied a method of observation. Game data were registered on a self-developed observation sheet. Goalkeepers’ activity, effectiveness, and reliability with a view to implementing the objectives of the game were analyzed in offensive and in defense. It was found that in the elite goalkeepers’ game, offensive actions constitute 62% …

The Effects Of Acute Fasting On Anaerobic Performance In Naia Softball Players, Emily J. Sauers, Madison A. Garza, Jennifer M. Estrada

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Intermittent fasting has become a popular method for athletes to help manage body weight. Additionally, athletes with early morning athletic practice often omit breakfast and arrive in a fasted state. It is unclear how fasting impacts performance in softball players. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate anaerobic performance in NAIA Softball players following an overnight fast. METHODS: Eight NAIA female softball players participated in this randomized cross-over study. Athletes were on the active roster at Our Lady of the Lake University. Athletes were 20.7 ± 0.5 years old, 163.1 ± 2.1 cm tall, 151.5 ± 10.0 lb. …

Sublingual Caffeine Supplementation And Its Effects On Physical Performance Measures In Highly Fit United States Military Personnel, Reggie B. O'Hara

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Caffeine is a commonly used countermeasure to combat sleep deprivation and alleviate physiological and psychological performance degradations in highly trained military personnel operating in extreme environments for extending periods. Although the mechanisms of action of caffeine are well described in the literature, the ergogenic effects of caffeine are variable based on the individual’s nutritional status, sensitivity to caffeine, genetics, dose, timing, and overall physical condition. PURPOSE: To explore the effects of moderate doses of sublingual caffeine on physical performance measures and perceptions of fatigue in highly fit U.S. military personnel. METHODS: A convenience sample of eleven highly trained, …

How Does Maximal Aerobic Capacity Predict The Performance Of Rotc Cadets On The Acft, Ruth Larson, Annika Grams, Sofia Harman, Sara Thomasson, Kaitlyn Wabakken, Katelynn Brock, Payton Price, Anthony Acevedo, Zachary Zeigler

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

The Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) is a newly developed test that assesses the combat readiness of U.S. Army soldiers. Maximal aerobic capacity (VO_2max) characteristics vary between soldiers and have the ability to affect performance outcomes. The purpose of this cross-sectional study is to determine if VO_2max can predict performance outcomes of the ACFT in ROTC cadets. Methods: ROTC cadets (44 males, 15 females; aged 21.06 ± 3.6 years) completed the 6-event ACFT (3-repetition maximum trap-bar deadlift [MDL], standing power toss [SPT], hand-release pushups [HRPU], sprint-drag-carry shuttle run [SDC], plank [PLK], and 2-mile run [2MR]). The cadets …

Novel Application Of A Performance Prediction Model During Altered Running Gait Strategies, Oluchi Ibe, Robert Musci, Jenevieve L. Roper

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Currently, there is limited research demonstrating that gait retraining can significantly impact running economy and subsequent running performance in distance runners with most of the research showing no or minimal change. Recently, a novel model was developed that predicts running performance based on changes in running economy but has not previously been applied when altering running gait strategies. PURPOSE: The goal of the study was to determine the effect of altering running strategy on predicted running performance in distance runners through application of this novel prediction model. METHODS: Fifteen male (n=10; Age: 22.2 ± 4.9 years; Height: 177.7 ± 7.4 …

Assessing The Validity Of A Performance Prediction Model For Use With Gait Retraining, Christian Faltas, Robert Musci, Jenevieve L. Roper

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

A common strategy that athletic trainers and high-performance athletes use to manage and treat running-related injuries is gait retraining. However, the research is equivocal on how gait retraining can affect running economy and subsequent running performance in distance runners. A new prediction model was developed that predicts running performance based on oxygen consumption changes, however, it is unclear if this model is valid and can accurately be used to predict running performance as a result of gait retraining. PURPOSE: The goal of the study was to determine the validity of the performance prediction model, particularly when applied to gait …

Sled-Pull Training Improves Maximal Horizontal Velocity In Collegiate Male And Female Soccer Players, Atithi K. Multani, John A. Brasher, Robert J. Rovetti, Junyuan Lin, Robert V. Musci, Jenevieve L. Roper

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

The force velocity profile (FvP), which details the capacity to sprint and accelerate, is a determinant of success in soccer. To date, no data exist that details the FvP of male and female collegiate Division I soccer players. Further, there is limited insight on how training interventions may modify the FvP of either males or females. PURPOSE: The aim of this investigation was to compare FvP between collegiate male and female athletes and assess the efficacy of a 12-week sled pull training intervention. METHODS: 17 male (20.17 ± 1.38 yrs) and 12 female (19.75 ± 1.05 yrs) soccer …

Sled-Pull Training Protocol Increases Critical Speed In Female Collegiate Soccer Players, Andrew J. Hartz, John A. Brasher, Jenevieve L. Roper, Robert V. Musci

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Critical speed (CS) is the speed one can sustain while maintaining blood lactate, phosphocreatine, and oxygen uptake levels. “Distance capacity beyond CS” (D’) is the reserve an athlete can draw from to run faster than their CS. By increasing CS and D’, athletes can sustain a faster threshold pace (CS) and have a greater sprint capacity (D’). Unlike distance traveled and speed, which do not reflect the metabolic strain of an exercise, CS and D’ assess the relative intensity of an activity to provide individualized inter- and intra-competition insight. PURPOSE: This investigation evaluated CS and D’ among men and women …

The Effects Of A Multi-Ingredient Supplement On Various Cognitive Measures, Jason M. Curtis, Cassandra Evans, Veronica Mekhail, Paulina Czartoryski, Juan Carlos Santana, Jose Antonio

Journal for Sports Neuroscience

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of a multi-ingredient pre-workout supplement (MIPS) on mental and physical performance. Seventeen exercise-trained men (n = 7) and women (n=10) completed this randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, counterbalanced, crossover trial. Participants consumed either a multi-ingredient pre-workout supplement (MIPS) or a placebo in a randomized, counterbalanced order. Forty-five minutes post-consumption, the following assessments were conducted: psychomotor vigilance test (PVT), Profile of Mood States (POMS), Stroop test, vertical jump test, and a Cold pressor test. There was a one-week washout period between assessments. There were significant differences in the incongruent task for the Stroop …

Effects Of A 4-Week Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback Intervention On Psychological And Performance Variables In Student-Athletes: A Pilot Study, Samantha R. Weber, Zachary K. Winkelmann, Eva V. Monsma, Shawn M. Arent, Toni Torres-Mcgehee

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

PURPOSE: To examine the effects of a 4-week biofeedback intervention on coherence, psychological, and performance variables in collegiate student-athletes. METHODS: Thirteen student-athletes were randomly assigned to the intervention (one weekly biofeedback session for 4-weeks) or control group (no sessions). Data were collected at pre and post-intervention using weekly averaged coherence scores, psychological measures for depression, arousal, stress, resiliency, and performance outcome measures. RESULTS: A 3 (Time) x 4 (Week average) repeated measures ANOVA was independently conducted to examine differences between time and weekly coherence average for coherence scores. No significant differences were found for “at rest”, pre, or post-practice coherence …

The Effect Of Rest Interval Length On The Repetitions Recovery During Lower Body Resistance Exercises, Hamid Arazi, Morteza Sangdevini, Mohammad Reza Hossein Abadi, Amin Sohbatzadeh

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: The purpose of the current study was to compare the effect of two different rest intervals on the number of repetitions performed in lower body resistance exercises in consecutive sets. Material/Methods: 12 trained men (age 22.85 ±1.7 yrs; height 175.63 ±4.6 cm; weight 75.54 ±4.8 kg) volunteered to participate in the study. The subjects completed two experimental sessions that consisted of 6 lower body exercises for 3 sets with 8RM (repetition maximum) load. The two experimental sessions differed only in the length of the rest interval between the sets and exercises: one session with 1-minute and the other sessions …

Study Regarding The Role Of Motivation In The Sport Performance Activities, Paul Florian Dragos

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: What does it mean to be motivated? This is a question often formulated by psychologists and other researchers of human behavior. However it is a question which interests more or less managers and coaches, but the produced effects can be determinative for the activity of sports performance at all levels. Material/Methods: The present work aims to analyze the measurements in which the actions connected to athletes’ motivation , undertaken by sports organizations, influence and support their activities in order to increase performance. For this purpose we used the literature survey, a questionnaire, data analysis and data processing. This research …

The Efficiency Of Executing Technical Actions By Female Volleyball Players Depending On Their Positions On The Court, Karol Cieminski

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: The aim of the study was to determine differences in the efficiency of executing technical actions by female volleyball players taking into account their positions on the court. Material/Methods: The research material comprised results of the efficiency of female volleyball players’ technical actions (n = 98) participating in the 2015 Women’s European Volleyball Championship. The subjects were divided into five groups: receivers, middle blockers, spikers, setters, and liberoes. The following technical actions were analysed: attack, block, serve, and receiving a serve. In order to determine the differences between the studied groups, statistical tests were used. The Scheffe test was …

Differences Between Official And Non-Official Matches In Worst-Case Scenarios In Elite Futsal Players, Konstantinos Spyrou, Tomás T. Freitas, Elena Marín-Cascales, Rubén Herrero-Carrasco, Pedro E. Alcaraz

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: ‪This study aimed to compare the worst-case scenarios (WCS) between official (OFF) and non-official (Non-OFF) matches, in different time-periods in an elite futsal team. Material and methods: Twenty-six games were divided into OFF (n = 13) and Non-OFF (n = 13). The WCS were calculated using: two methods, rolling averages (ROLL) and fixed-periods (FIX); four-length epochs (30-s, 1-, 3-, and 5-min); and player load per minute (PL·min-1). Results: Considering ROLL, significant and small differences were found in PL·min-1, with higher intensity in 30-s (p = 0.001; ES = -0.53) and 1-min (p = 0.001; ES = -0.47) in OFF …

Lifeguard Performance Skills: A Systematic Review, Paulo Santiago, Filipe Maia, Sandra Santiago, Daniel Duarte, Pedro Teques

International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education

Drowning is one of the leading causes of death worldwide and lifeguards’ action can be regarded as a significant contribution to change that reality. In this regard, the purpose of this systematic review was to identify factors associated with lifeguards’ performance. After extensive research on PsycArticles, PsicBooks, PsycInfo, SportDiscus, Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus and SportDiscus databases, containing the keywords “lifeguard” AND “performance”, “lifeguard” AND “skills” and “lifeguard” AND “drowning”, we obtained 429 research articles. After eliminating duplicates, excluding those that had no relevance to the study, and screening against set criteria, a total of five articles were fully reviewed. …

Unilateral Handgrip Holds To Failure Result In Sex-Dependent Contralateral Facilitation, Caleb C. Voskuil, Taylor K. Dinyer-Mcneely, Pasquale J. Succi, Marilyn S. Campbell, Mark G. Abel, Haley C. Bergstrom

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

There can be differences in fatigue characteristics between men and women. In some cases, these differences may be manifested in unique strength responses in the fatigued and non-fatigued limbs following a unilateral fatiguing task. PURPOSE: This study examined changes in maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) force following dominant (Dm) and nondominant (NDm) unilateral, isometric handgrip holds to failure (HTF) for the exercised ipsilateral (IPS) and non-exercised contralateral (CT) limbs. Sex- and hand- (Dm vs NDm) dependent responses in HTF time, performance fatiguability (PF, %D in MVIC) for the exercised IPS limb, as well as changes in MVIC force for the …

Effect Of Treadmill Surface Stiffness On The Running Economy Benefits Of A Highly-Cushioned Racing Shoe: A Pilot Study, Zane A. Thornton, Dustin P. Joubert

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Running economy (RE) is defined as the oxygen consumption (VO₂) at a given running speed. The Nike Vaporfly line of racing shoes, which includes more compliant and resilient midsole foam and a carbon-fiber plate, have been shown to improve RE during treadmill testing. Previous research suggests that RE in general is worse on treadmills with stiffer running platforms. However, it is unclear if the magnitude of the RE benefits provided by these new shoes relative to a control shoe differ based on treadmill stiffness. Given that some treadmill platforms allow more flex or compliance, this may be an …

The Effect Of Sport-Specific Resistance Training On Athletic Performance Outcomes Of College Rodeo Athletes, Kenneth L. Bowen Jr.

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Resistance training yields significant improvements to athletic performance outcomes among multiple sports. A sport-specific approach for resistance produces greater adaptation and transfer to various sports. However, few studies have examined the potential benefit of sport-specific resistance training for the sport of rodeo. PURPOSE: The aim of the current investigation was to assess the effect of sport-specific resistance training on athletic performance outcomes of rodeo athletes. METHODS: Seventeen college rodeo athletes (12 females; 5 males) participated in an 8-week, 3-days per week, sport-specific resistance training program. Muscle cross sectional area (CSA), mid-thigh pull maximal isometric voluntary contraction (MVC), height (HT), …

Current State Of Sleep-Related Performance Optimization Interventions For The E-Sports Industry, Allison Joy Brager, Guido Simonelli

Journal for Sports Neuroscience

Abstract: The e-sports industry is rapidly expanding but despite industry growth, there are existing gaps in knowledge regarding holistic and pharmacological performance enhancement strategies. The current commentary focuses on the current state of performance intervention strategies that target sleep/wake and circadian timing systems. These performance intervention strategies are based on the current state of sleep/wake health and research portfolios of Army research laboratories. The intent is to provide a foundation for future research efforts directly targeting sleep/wake and circadian timing systems in order to optimize and enhance e-sports performance at both the individual and group levels.

Efficient Method Of Delivery For Powdered Supplement Or Placebo For An Outdoor Exercise Investigation, R W. Salatto, Dustin W. Davis, Bryson Carrier, Brenna Barrios, Jacquelyn Sertic, Peyton Cater, James W. Navalta

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology

• Researchers often encounter issues while attempting to deliver complete doses of a desired supplement/placebo when conducting research in outdoor environments. The problem faced by our research team was how to efficiently deliver 6.4 grams of Beta Alanine (BA) powder to subjects while conducting a hiking study on a windy trail in Southern Utah. To minimize the potential impact of the weather, and to maximize the efficiency of delivery, we determined a premixed bolus of BA contained in individual commercially available 8oz water bottles was the most efficient delivery method. The purpose of this article is to detail the development and …

Higher Muscle Tissue Oxygenation When Exposed To Hypobaric Hypoxia Than Normobaric Hypoxia, Christina N. Angeli, Robert J. Shute, Dustin R. Slivka

Journal of Human Performance in Extreme Environments

There has been recent debate on the potential difference in physiological response between exposure to simulated altitude (normobaric hypoxia) and terrestrial altitude (hypobaric hypoxia). Purpose: To determine the difference in the physiological response to normobaric and hypobaric hypoxia during exercise. Methods: Eight recreationally active subjects (27 ± 5 y old, 73.1 ± 7.4 kg body weight, 170.6 ± 6.7 cm height, and 19.3 ± 9.2 % body fat) completed incremental cycling exercise to volitional fatigue in three separate environments: normobaric normoxia (NN; 350 m), normobaric hypoxia (NH; simulated 3094 m), and hypobaric hypoxia (HH; 3094 m). Heart rate, blood oxygen …

Running Economy Strongly Related To Ground Contact Time Imbalances, Aaron D. Piper, Erica G. Knowles, Nicholas A. Guerra, Eric J. Jones, Dustin P. Joubert

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Running economy (RE) can be defined as the oxygen consumption or caloric unit cost required to move at a specific velocity. In addition to a runner’s maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) and lactate threshold (LT), RE is a key endurance performance determinant. Better RE is advantageous as it represents the ability to run at a lower relative percentage of VO2max at a given speed and reduces the rate of energy depletion. Ground contact time (GCT) has been associated with RE, however it has not been established how GCT imbalances between feet impact economy. Purpose: Determine the relationship between cadence, GCT, and …

Habitual Heat Exposure And Acclimatization Associated With Athletic Performance In The Multistage Marathon Des Sables, Leonidas G. Ioannou, Lydia Tsoutsoubi, Lars Nybo, Georgios I. Tsianos, Andreas D. Flouris

Journal of Human Performance in Extreme Environments

Introduction

The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of heat acclimatization on athletic performance during the 7-day Marathon des Sables (MdS) which takes place in the Sahara Desert.

Methods

Anonymous data for nationality and average running speed (km/h) of all runners who ran the MdS during the period 2000–2015 were collected from the official website of the race and other related websites. Average maximum temperature for each runner’s country during the month preceding the MdS was collected from www.weatherbase.com. Athletes were divided into two Torigin groups as follows: 25 to 15°C (i.e., cold countries) and 15 to …

The Relationship Between Heart Rate Variability And Skeletal Muscle Damage In Female Collegiate Athletes, Brett Crossland, Matt Sokoloski, Brandon R. Rigby

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Heart rate variability (HRV) is an accurate indicator of sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system activity. With athletes, HRV analysis can be a useful tool in analyzing the readiness to train, recovery status, and chronic adaptations to training, and overtraining. Skeletal muscle damage, which can be an outcome of overtraining, may be assessed using biomarkers in the blood, including creatine kinase (CK). The relationship between skeletal muscle damage and measures of HRV with regards to performance is not known. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the relationships between HRV measures and serum CK concentrations. A secondary purpose …