Prep Monitoring, Coaching Presence, And Competitive Anxiety In Bodybuilders,
2026
University of North Texas
Prep Monitoring, Coaching Presence, And Competitive Anxiety In Bodybuilders, Rafael E. Cachutt, Samantha S. Dardaman, Christian O. Quintero, Stephen E. Rowden, Maddox B. Utter, Scott B. Martin
International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings
Competitive bodybuilding involves severe dietary restriction, high training demands, and constant evaluation of physique-related outcomes. Within the sport, it is common for competitors to engage in intensive prep monitoring behaviors such as tracking caloric intake and training load to support contest preparation. As contest prep practices may tax attentional resources and disrupt emotional regulation of competitors, some athletes utilize formal coaching to assist with performance monitoring while others engage in self-coaching strategies. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine sport anxiety levels amongst competitive bodybuilders who engage in prep monitoring behaviors. Additionally, the contribution of coaching presence was …
Lat Pulldown Load Velocity Profiling In Upper-Body Dominant Athletes: A Preliminary Report,
2026
Texas A&M University
Lat Pulldown Load Velocity Profiling In Upper-Body Dominant Athletes: A Preliminary Report, Darian B. Hastings, Benjamin P. Doyle, John D. Tebbetts, Bryan B. Crutcher, J Bryan Mann
International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings
The lat pulldown (LPD) is a common strength exercise aimed to improve maximal strength and power of the latissimus dorsi, the primary agonist muscle for vertical pulling patterns common in sports such as swimming and sport climbing. There is limited research supporting the use of load velocity profiling of the LPD exercise for determining maximal vertical pulling power in upper-body dominant athletes and using these profiles to predict sport-specific performance capabilities. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to validate the use of load velocity profiling of the LPD exercise as a predictive measure of vertical pulling power in upper-body …
Aerobic Capacity And Maximal Work Performance In Firefighters: The Role Of Age And Body Composition In Occupational Health Risk,
2026
Texas Tech University
Aerobic Capacity And Maximal Work Performance In Firefighters: The Role Of Age And Body Composition In Occupational Health Risk, Payton E. Miller, Michael Conner, Grant M. Tinsley, Drew E. Gonzalez, Christine M. Florez, Carina M. Velasquez, Kelly Hines, Jacob A. Mota
International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings
Firefighting requires repeated bouts of high-intensity physical work performed under extreme environmental conditions, placing substantial strain on the cardiovascular and musculoskeletal systems. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of on-duty firefighter fatalities, with the majority of deaths occurring among firefighters aged 40 years and older. Physiological characteristics such as age and body composition influence aerobic capacity and maximal work performance, both of which are critical and essential while performing strenuous operations. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine how age, sex, and body composition affect aerobic capacity (VO2peak) and maximal work capacity (Wmax …
The Role Of Attentional Focus In Ergometer Rowing Performance,
2026
Southwestern University
The Role Of Attentional Focus In Ergometer Rowing Performance, Ana C. Morales Elizondo, Tatiana Zhuravleva
International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings
The effects of internal attentional cues versus external attentional cues have produced inconclusive findings regarding which attentional cue is more beneficial (Newmann, et al. 2020). Recent research has found a holistic approach that improves performance and learning in discrete tasks like vertical jumps; however, it has not been investigated with continuous tasks like rowing. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of internal, external, and holistic attentional cues on ergometer rowing performance. METHODS: Thirty-seven participants performed a six-minute ergometer rowing task across three different sessions, with at least 48 hours between each session, in a counterbalanced …
How Self-Talk Affects Performance Among Ncaa Division Iii Female Athletes,
2026
Schreiner University
How Self-Talk Affects Performance Among Ncaa Division Iii Female Athletes, Micah Rabey, Briannah Mejias, Giana Hilliard, Cambryn Holloway, Matt Robinson, Kristen Mcalexander
International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings
Self-talk alters mental toughness, emotional control, and behavioral reactions, and can affect an athlete’s cognitive and psychological condition throughout training, competition, and practice. Few studies have examined the role of self-talk specifically among female athletes and no known study has measured its effects among female athletes at the NCAA Division III level. PURPOSE: Examine how NCAA Division III female student athletes describe the role of self-talk in their athletic performance and identify specific ways they perceive self-talk, its functions during training and competition, and its impact on focus, motivation, confidence, and overall performance. METHODS: In the Fall of 2025, modified …
Acute Effects Of Carbon Fiber Plate Insoles On Drop-Jump Performance And Force Characteristics In Recreationally Trained Adults,
2026
Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi
Acute Effects Of Carbon Fiber Plate Insoles On Drop-Jump Performance And Force Characteristics In Recreationally Trained Adults, Becca Henicke, Boram Lim
International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings
Carbon fiber plate insoles (CFPI) are designed to increase footwear stiffness and may improve elastic energy utilization during human locomotion. However, most research has focused on CFPI effects in running and sprinting, particularly endurance running, with limited evidence examining their impact on plyometric performance that relies heavily on the stretch-shortening cycle (SSC), a key mechanism underlying many sports movements. Because SSC involves a rapid eccentric-to-concentric transition that stores and releases elastic energy, the drop jump provides a practical model to assess SSC efficiency with and without CFPI. PURPOSE: To examine the effects of CFPI on SSC efficiency and jump …
Correlations Between Lower Body Plyometrics And Sprint Speed,
2026
Texas Lutheran University
Correlations Between Lower Body Plyometrics And Sprint Speed, Andrew Burnett, Casi Helbig
International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings
Speed and power are attributes that every athlete strives to improve. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine which of four plyometric tests correlated to sprint speed. METHODS: The subjects were 37 Texas Lutheran University baseball players. Participants performed a vertical jump, broad jump, triple broad jump, and 4-jump vertical test along with a thirty-yard sprint. Before each test, the subjects were put through the same dynamic warmup that was created by the experimenter. A vertical jump mat was used to measure both the vertical jump and the four jump vertical test. The vertical jump test …
Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome,
2026
Hardin-Simmons University
Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome, Baili Deaver, Joseph Friederich, Chuck Ruot, Lindsay Spindler
International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings
CLINICAL PRESENTATION & EXAM: The primary characteristic of this condition is anterior patellar pain that worsens when the knee is put in a flexed, weight-bearing position. Patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) typically experience pain or stiffness during prolonged periods of sitting or when the patient descends stairs. Some of the most common forms of examination include examining a patient's gait, posture, and footwear. The patient should be asked about their current activity level, previous knee surgery or injuries, and recent changes in activity. Occasionally, knee buckling may occur due to weakness or pain in the quadriceps, resulting in …
Preliminary Data On The Effect Of Exercise Time Of Day In Sedentary Young Adult Females,
2026
Stephen F. Austin State University
Preliminary Data On The Effect Of Exercise Time Of Day In Sedentary Young Adult Females, Autum Andrusick, Julia Martin, Robyn T. Whitehead, Malcolm T. Whitehead
International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings
Research studies investigating the time of day that individuals engage in exercise have not specifically targeted sedentary females or their preferred time of day to engage in exercise. Previously published studies have implemented cohorts that include both males and females and/or have focused on hormonal influences and daily patterns. Perceived energy and activation levels (for example: active, calm, and sleepy) have yet to be investigated as determinants of exercise time of day preference factors. PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to determine if exercise time of day effects mood in sedentary adult females. METHODS: Eight females aged 23 ± …
Does Perceived Competence And Practice Type Influence Motor Performance In Softball Pitchers Developing A New Pitch Type?,
2026
Our Lady of the Lake University - San Antonio
Does Perceived Competence And Practice Type Influence Motor Performance In Softball Pitchers Developing A New Pitch Type?, Anthony W. Fava, Matthew Miller, Emily Sauers, Gretchen Oliver
International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings
Competence-based motivation frameworks use perceived self-confidence (PSC) to explain performance outcomes. Although PSC has been associated with improved performance on fundamental motor skills, PSC can also be task specific and may change depending on particular contexts within a sport. PURPOSE: To assess whether PSC influenced motor performance in softball pitchers developing a new pitch type under two different practice types. METHODS: Fifty adolescent-aged softball pitchers participated. Pitchers were randomly assigned into two practice types: Constraints-led Approach (CLA), (14.9±1.2y,64.8±10.1kg,1.69±0.1m), and Traditional (Trad), (14.5±1.0y, 65.4±11.4kg, 1.67±0.1m). Recruited pitchers indicated the drop ball (DB) was not their ‘go-to’ pitch nor was …
Effect Of Lower Leg Air Compression On Systemic Blood Pressure,
2026
Texas A&M University-San Antonio
Effect Of Lower Leg Air Compression On Systemic Blood Pressure, Kimberly Livingston, John D. Smith
International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings
Given the critical role of blood pressure monitoring in clinical settings and the widespread use of compression therapy, it is important to clarify whether and how leg compression devices influence blood pressure. PURPOSE: To examine blood pressure and heart rate responses to intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC). METHODS: Participants (n=21, age=24.3±8.0 yrs, ht=164.1±7.4 cm, wt=69.5±15.2 kg) reclined on a chair and rested for 5 minutes after which blood pressure and heart rate was measured using an Omron automatized device. An air compression therapy boot was used on the right and left legs using a circulation mode on the maximum setting for …
Association Between Habitual Sleep Duration Variability And Cardiovascular Reactivity To Mental Stress,
2026
Baylor University
Association Between Habitual Sleep Duration Variability And Cardiovascular Reactivity To Mental Stress, Anjana Chepur, Jeremy A. Bigalke, Jason R. Carter
International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings
Nightly variability in sleep duration is an independent predictor of cardiovascular risk, yet the physiological mechanisms underlying this association remain unclear. Few investigations have focused on whether variability in habitual sleep duration influences autonomic and cardiovascular responses to acute stress. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine whether habitual variability in nightly sleep duration predicts autonomic and cardiovascular reactivity to acute psychosocial stress, as measured by blood pressure, heart rate, and heart rate variability (HRV) changes during the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST). We hypothesized that individuals with greater sleep duration variability would exhibit exaggerated autonomic and cardiovascular …
Effect Of Walking With Weighted Vest On Gait Mechanics And Energy Expenditure,
2026
Texas A&M University-San Antonio
Effect Of Walking With Weighted Vest On Gait Mechanics And Energy Expenditure, Nicholas Becerra, John D. Smith
International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings
Weighted vests are used in many different types of exercises to increase difficulty/intensity. The distribution of weight matters when it comes to performance (Gerhart et al. 2020), and if weight is not distributed properly, then balance may be affected, thereby changing gait and further increasing energy expenditure. Others have also suggested increasing the load of the weighted vest can decrease pH level within the body (Martínez-Noguera, et al. 2024), however it is unclear is changes in gait are contributing to this increased effort. PURPOSE: to investigate the effect of using a weighted vest while walking on a treadmill has …
Skeletal Muscle Mass Estimation By Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry And Bioimpedance Techniques In Muscular, Resistance-Trained Adults,
2026
Texas Tech University
Skeletal Muscle Mass Estimation By Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry And Bioimpedance Techniques In Muscular, Resistance-Trained Adults, John R. Alexander, Christian Rodriguez, Christine M. Florez, Ethan G. Tinoco, Julia Whitson, Carina M. Velasquez, Grant M. Tinsley
International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings
Skeletal muscle mass (SMM) is an important body composition metric in clinical and research settings. However, criterion methods such as magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography are largely inaccessible, so surrogate methods such as dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and bioelectrical impedance are used to estimate SMM. The agreement of these surrogate estimates may be impacted by physiological characteristics of the specific populations being evaluated. PURPOSE: To compare SMM estimates derived from DXA and bioimpedance methods using differing prediction equations within a sample of muscular, resistance-trained adults. METHODS: Forty participants (23 M, 17 F; [mean ± SD] age: 28.1 …
Effect Of A Bungee Tension System On Physiological And Gait Variables While Walking,
2026
Texas A&M University-San Antonio
Effect Of A Bungee Tension System On Physiological And Gait Variables While Walking, Adriana F. Oviedo, Gary Guerra, John D. Smith
International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings
Unloaded treadmill walking has shown to improve motor function, balance and locomotion ability. This type of mechanism is commonly used in rehabilitation and therapy settings and is becoming more popular. PURPOSE: To examine two different bungee attachments on oxygen consumption (VO2), heart rate (HR), rating of perceived exertion (RPE Borg’s 6-20, VAS) and gait. METHODS: Participants (n=21, age=22.0±2.7 yrs, ht=66.4±2.9 in, wt=166.3±26.5 lbs) walked on a treadmill at three mph for 10 min while interfaced with an oxygen analyzer and APDM Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) gait sensors without unweighting (NU), unweighted with a intermediate tension bungee …
Psychological And Physiological Effects Of Acute Cold Exposure Following Bouts Of Intense Exercise,
2026
Baylor University
Psychological And Physiological Effects Of Acute Cold Exposure Following Bouts Of Intense Exercise, Blake E. Wright, Leroy Bolden, Cory Smith, Andrew Gallucci
International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings
Background: Thermal strain results from extreme temperature exposures and is common among athletes that create conflicting physiological responses. However, little is known on how rapidly shifting the body from a heat-dissipating to a heat-conserving state impacts human physiologically and psychologically. Purpose: To assess the physiological and psychological effects of thermal strain on collegiate football players. Methods: 18 Division I collegiate football players (19.72y ± 1.36) participated in the study during one full contact practice in the spring semester. Participants reported to the athletic training room 15-minutes before practice to have a Zephyr sensor placed in the midaxillary line. Participants also …
Which Sex Hormone Markers Best Predict Bone Mineral Density? A Nhanes 2013-2014 Analysis,
2026
University of Texas at Austin
Which Sex Hormone Markers Best Predict Bone Mineral Density? A Nhanes 2013-2014 Analysis, Katarina Kozakova, Elina Satlik, Sarah E. Little-Letsinger
International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings
Osteoporosis is a silent disease that is typically not diagnosed until after a fracture has occurred. Identifying biomarkers routinely collected by physicians can serve as a simple and effective screening approach to detect osteoporosis before debilitating fractures occur. The ratio of total estradiol to total testosterone (ET x10)/TT has been proposed as a biomarker associated with bone mineral density (BMD). To further improve predictive power, we propose a ratio of estradiol to free testosterone (ET/TF), rather than total, to account for the difference in hormone bioavailability. PURPOSE: The present analysis compares the association …
Dehydration Alters Pbmc Inflammatory Propensity That Impair Myoblast Fusion: An Ex-Vivo Approach,
2026
Texas Tech University
Dehydration Alters Pbmc Inflammatory Propensity That Impair Myoblast Fusion: An Ex-Vivo Approach, Casey Appell, Trinity N. Domonkos, Karina Olvera, Sarah Walper, Christian J. Hoebelheinrich, Larry Munger, Danielle Levitt, Hui-Ying Luk
International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings
Muscle recovery from damage requires satellite cell activation to myoblasts and subsequent myoblast fusion, processes that are influenced, by immune-muscle crosstalk. In this context, the inflammatory propensity of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), may alter myoblast fusion. In vitro studies have shown that hyperosmotic stress alters PBMC inflammatory potency. However, the effect of dehydration (elevated plasma osmolality) on PBMC inflammatory propensity, and its impact on myoblast fusion is unknown. PURPOSE: To determine the effect of dehydration following muscle damage on PBMC inflammatory propensity to alter myoblast fusion using an ex-vivo model. METHODS: Active men (n=4, 19±1yr, 173.4±7.6cm, 84.3±11.6kg) …
The Effect Of 8-Weeks Of Exercise Training On Metabolic Health And Continuous Glucose Monitoring Metrics Among Insulin Sensitive And Resistant Adults,
2026
The University of Texas at El Paso
The Effect Of 8-Weeks Of Exercise Training On Metabolic Health And Continuous Glucose Monitoring Metrics Among Insulin Sensitive And Resistant Adults, Joshua Labadah, Adrian Ordaz, Seyram Azagloh, Richard Vazquez, Jehu N. Apaflo, Sudip Bajpeyi
International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings
An elevated homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR) ≥ 2.5 is commonly used to classify insulin resistance (IR). IR is a well-established precursor to the development of diabetes and other metabolic diseases. Exercise is a well-established intervention for the improvement of metabolic health but the comparison of the effect of exercise among IR and insulin sensitive (IS) non-diabetic adults with the use continuous glucose monitoring has not been adequately studied. PURPOSE: To determine if non-diabetic individuals with insulin resistance have attenuated improvement in exercise-induced improvement in metabolic health and CGM metrics of glycemic control in comparison to …
Pre-Exercise Positive Mood Affect Predicts Blunted Lymphocyte Mobilization And Faster Recovery After Acute Exercise (Caare Secondary Analysis),
2026
University of Houston
Pre-Exercise Positive Mood Affect Predicts Blunted Lymphocyte Mobilization And Faster Recovery After Acute Exercise (Caare Secondary Analysis), Arman M. Rasti, Melissa Markofski
International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings
Acute exercise mobilizes lymphocytes and monocytes into circulation and alters cortisol, but it is not known whether psychological states before exercise shape immune responses in adults, or whether cortisol mediates any associations between mood and immune mobilization. PURPOSE: To test whether baseline affect and total mood disturbance (TMD) predict lymphocyte/monocyte mobilization and 1-h recovery after aerobic training (AT) and resistance training (RT), whether they predict cortisol responses, and whether cortisol mediates mood–immune links. METHODS: This is a secondary analysis of data from a randomized, complete crossover study in which adults completed both an AT and a RT session. Composite affect …
