Digital Commons Network^™

Effects Of Hydrogen-Infused Water On Endurance Performance, Body Hydration Biomarkers, And Health-Related Quality Of Life In Collegiate Athletes (Hydro2eau): A Randomized-Controlled Clinical Trial, Jovan Kuzmanovic, Nikola Todorovic, Marijana Ranisavljev, David Nedeljkovic, Sergej M. Ostojic

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: Hydrogen-infused water (HIW) has attracted considerable interest over the past two decades due to its potential health benefits. However, its effects on exercise performance and hydration biomarkers remain inadequately explored, particularly in physically active populations such as collegiate athletes. This study aimed to investigate the impact of medium-term HIW supplementation on running performance, hydration biomarkers, and health-related quality of life in collegiate athletes. Methods: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial was conducted with twelve collegiate athletes (age: 25.1 ± 3.5 years, six female). Participants consumed 660 mL daily of either HIW (300 µmol/L dihydrogen) or control water (0 µmol/L …

Evaluating The Discus Throw As An Ancient Greek Combat Training Tool Through Modern Performance Metrics, Daniel R. Porter

All Graduate Reports and Creative Projects, Fall 2023 to Present

This study’s purpose was to explore the correlations between peak velocity in a rotational throw with a medicine ball, peak force (PF) and rate of force development (RFD) in an isometric mid-thigh pull, time to failure in a plank test, and peak velocity in a sword thrust task, which was also tested for reliability. Twenty-seven recreationally trained male participants between the ages of 18-35 completed the study. The sword thrust task was significantly correlated with the medicine ball throw (p = 0.012, r = 0.475, r² = 0.226, 95% CI [0.724, 0.116]) and PF (p = 0.045, r …

A Treatise On Tool Development: The Arthroscope’S Cultural, Technological, And Metascientific Translation, Montgomery F. Waterer

Honors Theses

The arthroscope was a revolutionary development in the fields of medicine, engineering, and ethics. There are many valuable lessons to be learned from the story of its development and translation that are relevant to the future of medicine and society. Beginning with a brief description of the tool’s design, this paper will examine a period within the history of the arthroscope. This window contains multiple innovators and ends with the life and work of Dr. Robert Jackson. In examining the relevant historical facts of its development, this paper will then briefly address the importance of sports medicine in the development …

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 …

The Impact Of Emotional Factors On The Functioning Of Selected Muscles: Facial Muscles, Trapezius Muscle, Diaphragm And Therapy Suggestions For Physiotherapists. A Systematic Review, Kacper Chojowski, Wojciech Janik, Piotr Steuer, Maciej Tomik, Michał Kuszewski

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: Extensive research has identified muscles that are particularly susceptible to emotional stimuli, namely the facial muscles, trapezius, and diaphragm. These muscles can respond to emotional stimuli by affecting the viscoelastic properties of muscles, especially stiffness. This study attempts to identify suggestions in evidence-based physiotherapy (EBP) for treating muscles that are particularly susceptible to emotions. Materials and methods: In order to achieve the goals, studies available in PubMed, PEDro, and Elsevier and Springer databases were analyzed. In the critical literature review, the following word combinations were selected: "muscle psychological stress," "muscle tonus stress," "trapezius stress," "diaphragm stress," "facial muscles stress." …

Influence Of Prior Alkalosis Or Acidosis On Physiological Responses During Passive Hyperthermia, Jacky Soo, Shernise Ng, Chris Abbiss, Olivier Girard, Mohammed Ihsan

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

This study manipulated the blood pH of participants to be mildly acidic or basic prior to passive hyperthermia to examine its effects on thermoregulatory and chemo-regulatory responses, including ventilatory parameters, rectal temperature (Tre) and thermal perception. Twelve healthy males attended three experimental sessions in a double-blind, randomised, counterbalanced design. Passive hyperthermia was induced by hot water immersion at 40°C following the consumption of corn starch (placebo; PLA), ammonium chloride (AC) or sodium bicarbonate (SB). Compared with PLA, SB consumption increased blood pH and HCO3⁻, whilst AC decreased both blood pH and HCO3⁻ (all P <  0.001). Specifically, minute ventilation was unchanged following SB (11.0 ± 3.7 L min⁻¹) but …

The Evolution Of Sprinting Performance: Technological And Regulatory Influences From 1976 To 2024, Dariusz Tadeusz Skalski, Magdalena Prończuk, Kinga Łosińska, Ewelina Lulińska, Joanna Motowidło, Petr Stastny, Adam Maszczyk, Grzegorz Trybek

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: This study examines the progression of sprinting performance across the 100m, 200m, and 400m events from 1976 to 2024, highlighting the influence of technological advancements and regulatory changes. Over the past decades, sprinting has been significantly shaped by developments in track surfaces, footwear technology, training methodologies, and regulatory frameworks. Understanding these factors is essential for assessing how sprint times have evolved and what future trends might emerge. Materials and methods: Utilizing a comprehensive dataset from international athletics federations, this research applies time series analysis, regression modeling, and variance testing to assess trends, gender disparities, and performance variability. Data sources …

Plant-Based Protein Associated With Lower Body Fat Percentage In Division Iii Female Athletes, J Kim, M Frennett, W Hoerle, J Lockwood, L Cryer, S Ives Facsm, C Kotarsky

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

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Menstrual Cycle Phase Effects On Exercise Thermoregulation And Performance In The Heat, Kailei J. Eustis

All Master's Theses

Hormone fluctuations across the menstrual cycle (MC) may influence physiological responses. This study examined whether thermoregulatory measures differ across MC phases, and if these changes impact running performance in the heat. Ten eumenorrheic adults completed two treadmill runs in simulated conditions (wet bulb globe temperature 31.7 ± 1.4°C) during early follicular (EF) and midluteal (ML) phases. First 45min was a constant self-selected light pace followed by a 15min performance test for distance. Core temperature (Tc), mean skin temperature (Ts), heart rate (HR), perceived exertion (RPE), thermal perception (THERM), and comfort perception (COMF) were assessed every 5min. Sweat perception (SP), sweat …

Effectiveness Of Using Soft Exosuit In Stroke Case To Improve Walking Speed And Endurance, Aditya Denny Pratama, Rakha Shidqi Widyadhana

Jurnal Fisioterapi Terapan Indonesia

Stroke is a clinically defined syndrome of acute, focal nerve discharge caused by vascular injury (infarction, hemorrhage) of the central nervous system. Punches can cause damage to the brain and affect a person's ability to walk, balance and coordinate movements. Impaired gait is common in stroke cases, often resulting in poor recovery of mobility and inability to carry out daily activities without assistance. One of the interventions that can be used is a soft exosuit. This method can help overcome walking problems in stroke patients where soft exosuits are used to increase walking speed and walking endurance. The purpose of …

Identification Of Core Competencies For Exercise Oncology Professionals: A Delphi Study Of United States And Australian Participants, Mary A. Kennedy, Kelley Covington Wood, Anna Campbell, Melanie Potiaumpai, Christopher M. Wilson, Anna L. Schwartz, Jessica Gorzelitz, Maxime Caru, Kathryn H. Schmitz

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Introduction: Integration of exercise into standard oncology care requires a highly skilled workforce of exercise professionals; however, competency requirements have not kept pace with advancements in the field. Therefore, the aim of this study was to obtain consensus on core competencies required for an exercise professional to be qualified to work with adults undergoing active cancer treatment. Materials and Methods: A three-round modified electronic Delphi process was used. In Round 1, an international group of 64 exercise oncology stakeholders (i.e., exercise oncology professionals (n = 29), clinical referrers (n = 21), and people with lived experience (n = 14)) responded …

The Biochemical And Metabolic Impact Of 8-Weeks Of Intermittent Energy Restriction On Resistance-Trained Adults: A Pilot Study, Dillon Wells

Masters Theses, 2020-current

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of refeeds and diet breaks on biochemical, body composition, and resting metabolic rate (RMR) measures during an energy-restricted diet.

Methods: Resistance-trained men between the ages of 18-45 participated in an 8-week IER weight loss diet plan. Participants were randomly assigned to one of two dietary intervention groups: Group 1 received two days/week of refeeds (REF), and Group 2 received a one-week diet break every two weeks (BRK). All participants followed a standardized volume weight training protocol. Baseline and post-intervention dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scans and blood measures were conducted …

Using Noninvasive Calibrated Cuff Plethysmography To Observe The Effects Of Cold-Water Immersion On Arterial Compliance, Rita M. Grigorian

Biomedical Engineering: Graduate Reports and Projects

As the prevalence of cardiovascular diseases continues to exponentially grow in populations across the globe, the necessity of determining underlying factors, effective methods of diagnoses, and universally available preventive measures also grows. Early detection of endothelial dysfunction, a proven precursor of cardiovascular diseases, can be extremely impactful in encouraging preventative measures and early intervention before medical conditions become chronic. In recent years, ice plunging, a form of cryotherapy involving full body immersion in cold water, has gained popularity within circles of fitness and health practitioners, gaining the interest of people of all backgrounds. Certain parallels observed between the human physiological …

Localized Pain And Fatigue During Recovery From Submaximal Resistance Exercise In People With Fibromyalgia, Giovanni Berardi, Christine Eble, Sandra K. Hunter, Marie K. Hoeger Bement

Exercise Science Faculty Research and Publications

Objective

Exercise is recommended as a main treatment in fibromyalgia. However, many people have limited exercise tolerance and report exacerbated pain and fatigue during and following a bout of exercise. This study examined the local and systemic changes in perceived pain and fatigue during exercise and through the 3-day recovery following isometric and concentric exercises in people with and without fibromyalgia.

Methods

Forty-seven participants with a physician diagnosis of fibromyalgia (44 women; mean age [SD] = 51.3 [12.3] years; mean body mass index [SD] = 30.2 [6.9]) and 47 controls (44 women; mean age [SD] = 52.5 [14.7] years; mean …

The Effect Of Training Status On Exercise Performance And Oxygen Uptake Responses To Beetroot Juice Supplementation In Cyclists, Haley Mcvannel

Masters Theses, 2020-current

Purpose: To determine if cardiovascular fitness, assessed by peak oxygen consumption (VO_2peak),influences the physiological and performance effects of beetroot juice (BRJ) supplementation and to explore if recent training habits independently influence this response. Methods: Thirteen male and female cyclists completed two graded exercise tests to assess cardiovascular fitness and four, seven-day experimental phases. Five subjects were classified as high fitness (VO_2peak: 65.9 ± 4.5 mL∙kg^-1∙min^-1) and eight as lower fitness (VO_2peak: 44.2 ± 7.0 mL∙kg^-1∙min^-1). Subjects consumed 140 ml of concentrated BRJ or placebo the last …

Health Consequences Of Low Energy Availability In Females And Their Underlying Physiological Mechanisms, Grace Parry

Senior Honors Theses

Low energy availability (LEA) is a state in which energy intake is insufficient to support energy expenditure while maintaining energy balance, which has been shown to result in gastrointestinal distress, immunosuppression, reduced metabolic rate, menstrual dysfunction, diminished bone health, and impaired cardiovascular function in females. Alterations to the microbiome and mucosal lining may propagate gastrointestinal complaints and compromised immune function associated with LEA. The pathophysiology of LEA is otherwise largely driven by hormonal adaptations. Diminished production of thyroid hormones is known to contribute to reduced metabolic rate. Decreases in leptin and insulin and increases in ghrelin disrupt reproductive function through …

Small Demos, Big Impacts When Teaching Exercise Physiology, Erin White

Educational Practices in Kinesiology

Comprehension of exercise physiology topics as an undergraduate student can be difficult. Thus, finding creative ways to present material can improve student comprehension and retention. The purpose of the three demonstrations presented will teach three concepts to lower-division students in an undergraduate Exercise Physiology course (prerequisite knowledge in college-level Human Anatomy and Human Physiology courses). These demonstrations take place in-person, in the classroom, with an estimated total time commitment of approximately10 minutes. The purpose of demonstrations 1 and 2 will aid students in differentiating between Golgi Tendon Organs (Demonstration 1) and muscle spindles (Demonstration 2), including their location and protective …

An Examination Of Kinanthropometric And Physical Injury Risk Factors In Elite Australian Football, Callum J. Mccaskie

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

Kinanthropometric assessment is an integral part of understanding an athlete’s physical profile and readiness for competition. This typically includes a variety of different assessments which serve to quantify body shape, proportion, and composition in a bid to understand human physiology. Common assessments include stature, body mass, limb ratios, body circumferences, body mass index, skinfold testing, body composition testing, and musculoskeletal morphological evaluations. Specifically, kinanthropometric evaluations have involved the characterisation of athletes according to sport, sex, competition level and playing position. While this has provided researchers and practitioners with greater insight into athletic phenotypes, more purposeful kinanthropometric assessments which focus on …

Reliability And Validity Of A Commercial Running Power Meter To Indicate Metabolic Workload During Endurance Running, James Harris Hudgins Iii

Theses and Dissertations--Kinesiology and Health Promotion

Commercial running power (RP) meters may provide endurance runners and coaches with improved precision for monitoring running intensity. Cyclists rely upon the relationship between cycling power and metabolic demand to regulate physiological intensity during training and racing, independent of changes in the physical environment (e.g., terrain, wind). Research demonstrates strong reliability and validity for a specific RP meter to indicate metabolic demand within controlled running conditions. However, several potential influences on this relationship have not been investigated. Therefore, four studies were conducted with the following aims:

- Study 1: Determine the inter-limb reliability and validity of a single-limb-based RP meter …

Reduced Serum Concentrations Of Reactive Oxygen And Nitrogen Species Following Strenuous Exercise In The Heat Are Not Associ-Ated With An Upregulation In Serum Antioxidative Capacity, Sebastian Keller, Hannah Lisa Notbohm, Wilhelm Bloch, Moritz Schumann

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Introduction: Reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) are produced as a response to exercise and play a part in guiding the adaptive response to physical training. Exercise in the heat has been shown to further increase accumulation of RONS in systemic circulation; however, a high antioxidative response or heat acclimatization mechanisms could attenuate this response. In a previous study, we found reduced RONS concentrations in trained athletes following strenuous cycling in the heat. Therefore, this secondary analysis assessed whether these reduced RONS serum concentrations are induced by an increased serum antioxidant capacity. Methods: Twelve male cyclists (V̇O_2peak: 60 …

Modeling The Oxidative Metabolic Breakdown Of Ethanol And Its Effects On The Cardiovascular System, Jessica F. Farfan, Allan Knox, Grady Hanrahan

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Chronic ethanol consumption contributes to the global prevalence’s of cardiovascular disease by mechanisms involving an inflammatory response and consequent lipid peroxidation. Cytochrome p450 is a part of the microsomal ethanol oxidizing system (MEOS) and can utilize iron complexes and the reductant NADPH to catalyze the breakdown of acute/chronic ethanol consumption. However, efficacy of MEOS to prevent cardiovascular burden induced by ethanol consumption is not clear. PURPOSE: To demonstrate the response of the cardiovascular system in response to the oxidative metabolic breakdown of ethanol via MEOS. METHODS: An extensive literature search provided data to develop a mechanistic model of the metabolism …

Body Composition And Performance Associations With Common Carotid Artery Hemodynamics And Stiffness Indices In Males And Females, Lavleen Sandhu, Zaria Opara, Michael Diaz, Gabriel Hernandez, Octavia Gosnell, Louise Kelly Phd, Allan Knox Phd, Jie Liu Phd

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Sex differences in physiological parameters are being increasingly recognized as a robust prognostic factor in individuals at risk or suffering from cardiovascular disease. Body composition and physical performance measures of cardiorespiratory fitness and muscular strength are strongly associated with overall vascular health. PURPOSE: This study aimed to determine if body composition and physical performance measures were related to common carotid artery (CCA) hemodynamics and stiffness in males and females. METHODS: College-aged males and females who were free from cardiovascular risk factors performed a maximal oxygen consumption test (VO_2max) via indirect calorimetry and a maximal leg strength …

Common Carotid Artery Hemodynamic And Stiffness Responses To Acute And Repeated Bouts Of High Intensity Cardiorespiratory And Resistance Exercise, Zaria S. Opara, Michael Diaz, Lavleen Sandhu, Gabriel Hernandez, Octavia Gosnel, Louise Kelly Ph.D, Jie Liu Md, Ph.D, Allan Knox Ph.D

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

High intensity exercise is a popular mode of physical activity amongst professional and recreational athletes. The physiological stress induced by intense cardiorespiratory and muscular strengthening exercise has clinically relevant cardiovascular benefits. However, the immediate cerebrovascular response to acute and repeated bouts of intense exercise has yet to be determined. PURPOSE: To observe the hemodynamic and stiffness indexes of the common carotid artery (CCA) in response to acute and repeated bouts of cardiorespiratory and resistance exercise. METHODS: Participants (n=28) performed a maximal oxygen consumption test (VO_2max), leg strength test (1RM), a sprint interval session (SIS, all out …

Peripheral And Cerebral Arterial Hemodynamic And Mechanical Responses To A Maximal Oxygen Consumption Exercise Test In Males And Females, Octavia Gosnell, Zaria Opara, Michael Diaz, Lavleen Sandhu, Gabriel Hernandez, Louise Kelly, Jie Liu, Allan Knox

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Variations in physiological responses to exercise between males and females have been identified by previous investigations. Maximal oxygen consumption tests (VO_2max) are widely used for exercise prescription within the professional and recreational capacity, in addition to providing insight of overall cardiovascular and pulmonary health. However, the specific response of multiple components of the arterial network have yet to be established and compared within males and females. PURPOSE: To determine the hemodynamic and mechanical responses of the brachial artery (BA), the common carotid artery (CCA), and the internal carotid artery (ICA) to VO_2max. METHODS: College-aged …

Quantifying Crossfit®: Potential Solutions For Monitoring Multimodal Workloads And Identifying Training Targets, Gerald T. Mangine, Tucker R. Seay

Open Access Publishing Fund Collection

The design of high-intensity functional training (HIFT; e. g., CrossFit^®) workouts and targeted physiological trait(s) vary on any given training day, week, or cycle. Daily workouts are typically comprised of different modality and exercise combinations that are prescribed across a wide range of intensities and durations. The only consistent aspect appears to be the common instruction to maximize effort and workout density by either completing “as many repetitions as possible” within a time limit (e.g., AMRAP, Tabata) or a list of exercises as quickly as possible. However, because effort can vary within and across workouts, the impact on …

Effects Of Reciprocal Inhibition And Whole-Body Relaxation On Persistent Inward Currents Estimated By Two Different Methods, Ricardo N.O. Mesquita, Janet L. Taylor, Gabriel S. Trajano, Jakob Škarabot, Aleš Holobar, Basílio A. M. Gonçalves, Anthony J. Blazevich

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Persistent inward currents (PICs) are crucial for initiation, acceleration, and maintenance of motoneuron firing. As PICs are highly sensitive to synaptic inhibition and facilitated by serotonin and noradrenaline, we hypothesised that both reciprocal inhibition (RI) induced by antagonist nerve stimulation and whole-bodyrelaxation (WBR) would reduce PICs in humans. To test this, we estimated PICs using the well-established paired motor unit (MU) technique. High-density surface electromyograms were recorded from gastrocnemius medialis during voluntary, isometric 20-s ramp, plantarflexor contractions and decomposed into MU discharges to calculate delta frequency (ΔF). Moreover, another technique (VibStim), which evokes involuntary contractions proposed to result from PIC …

Oxygen Deprivation Masks For Training, Brittany M. Hanlon

Student Publications

Oxygen deprivation masks are being advertised towards athletes as a piece of fitness equipment that can simulate the effects of high altitude, as well as a respiratory muscle training device. Studies that investigated the claims as to whether ODMs increased VO2max and improved endurance were looked into. Experimental data did not find that the use of these masks increased VO2max, nor was there any supporting data to prove that it improved endurance. The function of ODMs as a training tool to increase respiratory muscle strength was also examined. There were contradicting results between the three different studies examined. One study …

Incidence Of Injuries In The Opinion Of Young Volleyball Players And Ways To Prevent Them, Monika Opanowska, Barbara Wilk, Malgorzata Kusmierczyk, Karol Opanowski

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: The aim of the research was to establish the types and incidence of motor organ injuries in young volleyball players and to indicate methods of preventing them. Material/Methods: The research was carried out in a population of 70 volleyball players aged 16-19, students of the Sports Championships Schools No. 2 and 3 in Gdansk, players of the Lotos Trefl Gdansk sports club. The employed method was a diagnostic survey based on an original questionnaire entitled "The Characteristics of Motor Organ Injuries in Young People Aged 16-19 Who Train Volleyball." Results: 85.7% adolescent players experienced different motor organ injuries, the …

An Analysis Of The Correlation Between Kinesthetic Differentiation Capacity And The Maximum Force Level In Lower Limbs, Dariusz Harmacinski, Tadeusz Stefaniak, Anna Burdukiewicz, Jadwiga Pietraszewska, Aleksandra Stachon, Justyna Andrzejewska, Krystyna Chromik, Kazimierz Witkowski, Jarosław Maslinski

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: Among specific coordination abilities, kinesthetic differentiation capacity of movement belongs to the most crucial factors fostering rational human behavior in the surrounding environment. The capacity is universal – indispensable in nearly all sports disciplines. One of the most important constituent elements of kinesthetic differentiation is the so-called “force sense,” defined as differentiation of movement with respect to administering appropriate force. The authors of the study analyzed the correlation between the maximum force level in lower limbs and the accuracy of applying a targeted force value. Material/Methods: The study was conducted on 54 participants, students from the University School of …

Effect Of Training On Morphological, Physiological And Biochemical Variables Of U-19 Soccer Players, Indranil Manna, Gulshan Lal Khanna, Prakash Chandra Dhara

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: The purpose of the study was to find out the effect of training on selected morphological, physiological and biochemical variables in soccer players under 19 years of age. Material/Methods: A total of 30 Indian male soccer players under 19 years of age (age: 16.00–18.99 yr) volunteered for this study. The training sessions were divided into 2 phases (i) Preparatory Phase (PP, 8 weeks) and (ii) Competitive Phase (CP, 4 weeks). The training programme consisted of aerobic, anaerobic and skill development, and was completed 4 hrs/day; 5 days/week. Selected morphological, physiological and biochemical variables were measured at zero level (baseline …