Health and Physical Education Commons^™

Non-Linear Relationship Between Mental Toughness And Anxiety In Ncaa Athletes: Unexpected Mid-Range Vulnerability, Gabriel Rollins, Ernest Rimer, Xavier Smith, Nathan Wells, Brett Hayes, Jennifer Daily, Christopher Peters, Andreas Stamatis

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Elite athletes often experience various anxiety symptoms and disorders that, if left untreated, can negatively impact their mental well-being, psychological functioning, and athletic performance. While mental toughness (MT) is generally viewed as advantageous in terms of mental health (MH) outcomes, previous research has suggested that excessively high MT levels may lead to maladaptive behaviors, such as ignoring injuries or delaying help-seeking, which can exacerbate MH challenges. Lately, official organizations (e.g., NCAA) have emphasized the need for structured and regular MH screening (e.g., anxiety) of elite athletes. PURPOSE: To investigate the relationship between MT and anxiety in NCAA student-athletes, specifically …

Vascular Responses During Steady-State Exercise In Adults With Type 1 Diabetes, Ruby A. Nyarko, Ashlesha D. Dalve, Justo Perez Iii, Pratima V. Kumar, Jasdeep Kaur

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is associated with widespread hyperglycemia-induced vascular damage, which affects both conduit and resistance arteries. This damage has been demonstrated by impaired vasodilatory responses to a 5-minute ischemic stimulus (flow-mediated dilation) and infusion of pharmacological vasodilators in patients with T1D. However, whether this vascular impairment affects blood flow regulation during steady-state exercise in T1D remains unclear. PURPOSE: Herein, we tested the hypothesis that adults with T1D would exhibit blunted forearm blood flow (FBF) and forearm vascular conductance (FVC) during steady-state rhythmic handgrip exercise (RHG), compared to age-matched healthy controls. METHODS: We studied 27 adults (15 …

Examining The Relationship Of E-Cigarette Vapor Exposure And Exercise Performance In Aerobically Trained Rats, Miranda N. Farrar, Nancy Morales

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Electronic cigarettes, or e-cigarettes, are alternatives to traditional cigarettes and they are rapidly growing in popularity. These electronic nicotine delivery systems heat up nicotine and vehicle liquids to deliver nicotine to the user via vapor rather than smoke. Although they are touted as a “healthier” alternative to smoking, vape use is associated with changes in heart rate and blood pressure, increased lung inflammation, and reduced mucociliary clearance. Such physiological changes may have an effect on exercise performance and athletic ability. PURPOSE: This study’s purpose was twofold: to train rats to successfully run on a treadmill, and to evaluate the …

Low-Energy Cooling Strategies To Mitigate Thermal Strain Of Older Adults Exposed To Very Hot-Dry Heat, Isa A. Farooqi, Zachary J. Mckenna, Whitley C. Atkins, Elizabeth A. Gideon, Craig G. Crandall

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Extreme heat causes morbidity and mortality, particularly among older adults. Although air conditioning can mitigate heat strain, it may be inaccessible due to limited resources, high costs, or power outages. Consequently, cooling strategies other than air-conditioning are needed to mitigate excessive elevations in core temperature and cardiovascular strain in this population. While electric fans offer a low-cost and widely available intervention, their effectiveness in very hot conditions is minimized due to potential increases in heat gain and dehydration. In contrast, skin wetting is a promising low-cost and energy-free cooling strategy that enhances evaporative heat loss. PURPOSE: We tested the hypotheses …

Reliability Of Handgrip Strength Measurements And Their Relationship With Physical Performance Outcomes In Older Women, Alexandra Khartabil, Ty B. Palmer

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Handgrip strength measurements, such as peak force and rate of force development (RFD), are effective parameters at characterizing the strength capacities of numerous muscle groups in the upper and lower extremities. Previous studies have determined the reliability of handgrip peak force and RFD in young, college-aged adults. However, the reliability of these measurements in older adults remains unclear. It is also unclear if these measurements are associated with performance during sit-to-stand and medicine ball throw tests. PURPOSE: The primary aim of this study was to examine the reliability of handgrip peak force and RFD measurements in older women. A secondary …

Music Enhances Motor Cortex Excitability In Physically Active Individuals, Anupama Thapa, Ana Carolina Panhan, Erin Lally, Joosung Kim

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Music is often used by exercisers and benefits physical performance. The positive effects of music on physical function are induced by the changes in motor cortex excitability while listening to music. Recent studies reveal that modulation of brain excitability in the hand is increased by music but is likely dependent on the characteristics of music tempo, preference, and the individual’s motivational state. No study has explicitly investigated whether music perceived as motivating for exercise creates changes in motor cortex excitability of the quadriceps. PURPOSE: This randomized crossover study examines the effect of the preferred music on motor cortex excitability …

Changes In Gait Patterns: Indicators Of Increased Fall Risk Across Diverse Age Groups, Diego Diaz-Vega, Heontae Kim, Ho Han, Jungyu Lee, Fatima Siddiqua

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Gait patterns, including measures such as velocity, step length differential, and various temporal aspects of the gait cycle, are essential indicators of an individual's mobility and balance. With aging, changes in these gait metrics are commonly observed and are closely linked to an increased risk of falls. However, detailed evidence on gait changes across different age groups remains limited, particularly in healthy adults. PURPOSE: The primary aim of this study is to identify key gait metrics and evaluate their potential as indicators of increased fall risk across diverse age groups. METHODS: A total of 252 healthy adults aged …

Accumulated Seasonal Effects Of External Training Load On Performance, Sydnei Mooring, Harsh Buddhadev, Mayrena I. Hernandez, Jennifer Bunn

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

External training load (ETL), which characterizes the mechanical stress sustained during physical activity, is a key determinant of athletic performance. Understanding seasonal variations in ETL provides valuable insight for optimizing performance and reducing overuse injury risk in volleyball, a sport heavily reliant on vertical jumping actions. PURPOSE: To examine seasonal variations in ETL and performance metrics in high school volleyball athletes, with a specific focus on jump-related mechanical variables. METHODS: This study involved secondary analysis of data collected during a prospective observational study of a 6A high school volleyball team competing in the 2021 Texas University Interscholastic League. Data from …

The Effect Of Menstrual Cycle Phase On Igf-1 And Myostatin After An Acute Bout Of Anaerobic Exercise: A Preliminary Analysis, Kelsi R. Lambright, Cayla Clark, Ashley Latchford, Edwin J. Davila, Dan E. Newmire

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Hormonal fluctuations throughout the menstrual cycle influence various physiological processes, including skeletal muscle metabolism. Understanding how anabolic and catabolic pathways respond to anaerobic exercise in females is crucial for uncovering the mechanisms behind muscle adaptations. The limited research on the influence of menstrual cycle fluctuations on muscle metabolism underscores the need for this study and further exploration of exercise physiology in females. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of menstrual cycle phases on the anabolic hormone-insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and the catabolic regulator myostatin (GDF-8) in response to a bout of anaerobic exercise in eumenorrheic …

Body Composition Impacts Jump Performance In D1 Athletes, Veronika Kramarenko, Vipa Bernhardt, Michael D. Oldham, Brian Jones, Ouays Bakcha, Chaehyun Byun, Cheyenne Martinez, Joseph Mcclain, Marshall Tousant

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

INTRODUCTION: Body composition is critical in athletic performance, influencing metrics such as jump height and force production. Variations in body composition, such as increased lean tissue mass and reduced fat mass, have been identified as strong predictors of superior jump performance due to their positive effects on power-to-weight ratios and reduced injury risk (MacDonald et al., 2013). Lean mass is strongly correlated with improved jump performance, as greater lean mass enhances muscle cross-sectional area and, consequently, the force and power generated during physical activities like countermovement jumps (CMJ) (Stephenson et al., 2015). Low body fat percentages are generally associated with …

Developing An Evidence-Based Model For Healthy Stride Length Prediction, Jungyu Lee, Ho Han, Heontae Kim, Diego Diaz-Vega

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Stride length is a vital health indicator, reflecting physical fitness and mobility status. Although several existing formulas aim to estimate stride length, many are limited by a lack of scientific validation, especially among healthy, active adults. This study addresses these limitations by developing a validated model based on healthy adults without known mobility impairments, aiming to establish a more accurate, clinically useful standard for stride length estimation. The model provides a reference range for healthy stride length, usable as a tool to identify individuals at risk of mobility issues. PURPOSE: To develop an evidence-based model for predicting stride length …

Pre- To Post-Season Changes In Body Composition And Movement Quality And Quantity In D1 Football Players, Brian Jones, Ouays Bakcha, Chaehyun Byun, Veronika Kramarenko, Cheyenne Martinez, Joseph Mcclain, Marshall Tousant, Vipa Bernhardt, Michael D. Oldham

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

INTRODUCTION: Body composition may influence an individual's movement efficiency and performance outcomes. Lower body fat percentage may enable individuals, either sedentary or athletic, to perform movements more efficiently, while greater total lean mass may enhance performance in strength and power-related activities. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to analyze the changes in collegiate football players’ total lean mass and body fat percentage, as well as movement quantity and quality measures from preseason to postseason. METHODS: Data from a larger study were analyzed for this project. Division 1 male football players (n= 72, 19.6 ± 1.4 yrs) …

The Relationship Between Handgrip Strength And Cardiovascular Risk Factors In Older Women, Adriana N. Guerrero, Emily Sauers

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Cardiovascular disease is the leading causes of death in the world. Several clinical trials have found that handgrip strength is associated with lower cardiovascular risk and related death. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between cardiovascular risk factors and handgrip strength. METHODS: Subjects for this study included 8 women from the Congregation of Devine Providence (78.13+7.79 yrs) at Our Lady of the Lake University. Preliminary measures included a medical history questionnaire and the CHAMPS physical activity questionnaire. On the first day of testing, subjects arrived fasted between 7-9am. After a 5-minute rest, blood pressure and …

Does Swearing Improve Exercise Performance And Pain Tolerance?: Cultural Perspective, Jide Yinka Adebiyi, Christos Kyrillou, Elijah Martinez, Anika Patel, Emily Payne, Linsheng Chen, Daroonwan Suksom, Hirofumi Tanaka

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Swearing is often generated by self or received from others (e.g., coaches) during physical exertion for various reasons including punctuating the passion, releasing frustration, and resetting the mind. However, the effects of swearing and yelling on exercise performance and pain tolerance remain largely unexplored. Additionally, it is unknown whether individuals from different cultures experience varying degrees of impact of yelling and swearing. PURPOSE: We determined the impact of self-generated and observer-generated swearing and yelling on exercise performance and pain tolerance in individuals living in the US where swearing is often used and heard and in Thailand where such occurrence is …

Identifying The Level Of Physical Activity (Pa) In Hospitality & Tourism, Kinesiology, And Recreation Students, Erick Kong, Dal-Hyun Moon, Alexandra Sandoval

ICHRIE Research Reports

Purpose – This study examines the impact of COVID-19 on Physical Activity (PA) on hospitality & tourism, kinesiology, and recreation students at California State University. The findings will help understand a direct impact on what is needed to be in place on campus in order to support and promote normal levels of PA as recommended by the World Health Organization.

Methodology/Design/Approach – PA was measured by a modified version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaires (IPAQ) questionnaire. There were 116 students that participated in this study, respondents were mostly students who are majoring in hospitality & tourism, kinesiology, and recreation. …

Teaching Sprinting As A Specialized Skill In Elementary Physical Education, Dillon R. Martinez, Scott Klepadlo

Essays in Education

This article highlights the gap between current physical grade-level outcomes and the practical implementation of sprinting instruction in elementary schools. This emphasizes the need for higher education institutions to learn from practicing elementary teachers, who have successfully incorporated sprinting into their elementary curricula. While pre-service physical education teachers are not typically taught how to teach sprinting as a specialized skill, some elementary PE teachers have developed effective methods for doing so. This article suggests that higher education practitioners should examine these practitioners to inform and improve their teacher preparation programs. This paper outlines several practical applications currently used in elementary …

Use Of Simulation In Dietetic Internships: A Qualitative Exploration Of Program Director Attitudes And Motivations, Theresa B. O'Reilly, Amy J. Nwora, Megan Whelan, Mary-Pat Maciolek

Journal of Dietetic Education

The use of simulation holds promise for the future of dietetics education for its use as an alternative for up to 30% of the 1,000 supervised practice hours for the training of Registered Dietitian Nutritionists. Even more so, simulation is a teaching tool. When done well, simulation can challenge students in a safe environment where they can receive constructive feedback from expert guides and meaningfully reflect on their learning. The purpose of this study was to interview dietetic internship (DI) program directors on their attitudes and motivations on the use of simulation in their programs, targeting the heavily program-congested states …

The Impact Of Using A Step-Counting Wristband On Promoting Physical Activity Before And During The Blessed Month Of Ramadan, Saleh M. Hammad, Sief Addeen Saqr

An-Najah University Journal for Research - B (Humanities)

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the impact of using a step-counting wristband on motivating physical activity before and during the holy month of Ramadan. Methods: The researchers used the experimental method in its quasi-experimental form due to its suitability for the nature and objectives of the study. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) was used to collect study data, along with the health app from Apple to calculate step counts over the six months preceding the study and during the application period. Additionally, a dummy technological wristband was utilized, explained to the sample participants as functioning to count steps …

Efektivitas Full Body Stretching Dan Edukasi Manual Handling Digital Terhadap Keluhan Musculoskeletal Disorders Pekerja Yantek, Nadia Rosalinda, Anita Sulistyorini, Marji Marji, Supriyadi Supriyadi, Tika Dwi Tama

National Journal of Occupational Health and Safety

Occupational Diseases (PAK) in the form of pain complaints in the skeletal system that cause the work process are called Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs). PT. PLN Yantek workers are at risk of experiencing MSDs complaints because the work is done manually and the work posture is less ergonomic. This study aimed to analyze the effect of implementing full-body stretch and digital-based manual handling education and to assess its effectiveness on MSDs. The study used a quasi-experimental method with a one-group pretest-posttest design involving 26 Yantek workers. The intervention was given at 10 meetings, MSDs complaints were measured using the Nordic Body …

What Women Intercollegiate Coaches Say: Decision-Making Factors When Navigating Career Choices, Courtney Boucher, Nicole M. Lavoi

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

To address misconceptions about the lack of women in sport coaching, factors influencing intercollegiate women coaches' career decisions, including their choices to leave positions, apply for new ones, and accept or deny job offers were explored. Utilizing a multi-level analysis underpinned by critical feminist theory, a comprehensive understanding of the systemic and structural barriers women coaches faced, as well as the strategies they employed to navigate their careers were illuminated. Key findings revealed that unequal pay, lack of administrative support, insufficient resources, and pervasive gender biases significantly impacted women's career choices. The importance of supportive workplace environments, flexible working conditions, …