Digital Commons Network^™

If We Tear It Down, We Might Build You A New One: The Troublesome Use Of Eminent Domain And Urban Neighborhood Swimming Pools, Steven N. Waller Ph.D., James H. Bemiller

International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education

Public swimming pools are a vital part of America’s recreation and sport culture since the early 1900’s. Municipal swimming pools were initially built to provide recreation and hygiene to urban communities, regardless of race or class. However, a complex history of segregation, civil unrest, suburbanization, and funding challenges has resulted in a significant decline in public pools, depriving many communities of vital recreational spaces. In many communities, options for sustaining the operation of swimming pools have resulted in pool closures. Unfortunately, once swimming pools close, especially those in aging neighborhoods in central city areas, they are seldom resurrected. They quickly …

Promising Practices For Increasing The Number Of Equity-Owed Lifeguards In Canada And The United States Of America, Sofia Pantano, Audrey R. Giles

International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education

Currently a shortage of lifeguards exists in Canada and the United States (US) (Frommer, 2023; Santucci, 2024), and those who are working as lifeguards often do not reflect the diversity of the communities they serve (Martinez, 2020). Increasing the number of lifeguards from equity-owed groups is a potential way of increasing the lifeguard workforce and decreasing the shortage of workers in these important roles, as well as a moral imperative. In this paper I explore challenges to and promising practices aimed at increasing the representation of members equity-owed groups in lifeguarding. I begin with an overview of lifeguarding in Canada …

Adopting Stuart Hall’S “Race, The Floating Signifier” As A Conceptual Framework Within Aquatic Research And Education, Kurt J. Cordice

International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education

During his 1997 lecture at Goldsmiths College in London, Stuart Hall, renowned for his contributions to sociology and cultural studies, offered his argument that the concept of race functions as a Floating Signifier. In this essay, Stuart Hall’s Race, the Floating Signifier is presented as a strong conceptual framework to support more accurate and effective positioning of race as an important consideration within aquatic research and education. Evidence from a range of disciplines, including historical research, is presented to establish both the importance and challenge of race within aquatic research and education. This evidence is also used to demonstrate …

Building Swimming Skills In A Community Based Program For Black Youth: An Evaluation, Tyler Lennon Md, Mph, Ashley Hayes Mph, Leonardo Barrera Mph, Amy Hill Ms, Mph, Andy Miner, Michelle Macy Md, Ms

International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education

Black youth in the United States disproportionately experience fatal drowning at rates up to five times higher than their white peers. Eliminating these inequities requires new approaches that address historical and structural barriers of learning to swim. The objective of this study was to evaluate the three-week long swimming component of a community-based discovery program to empower Black youth in Evanston, IL. Participants were Black youth ages 8-10 years enrolled in summer 2023 and 2024. Swim skills were assessed by instructors using the Pictorial Scale of Perceived Water Competence (PSPWC). Caregiver surveys, collected post-intervention, also assessed perceived changes in swim …

An Innovative Approach Addressing Childhood Drowning: Making Use Of Collegiate Aquatic Facilities And Expertise, Gennette Cordova, Natasha Lloyd, Chezik Tsunoda

International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education

The silent epidemic of childhood drowning, and the racial disparities associated with it require scalable and innovative approaches that both break cycles of exclusion and circumvent our societal tendency to overlook drowning as a matter in need of urgent resolution. No More Under, a Seattle-based water safety organization whose mission is to eradicate childhood drowning, has launched the Swim Safely Series. The series is a national program uniquely poised to overcome the various barriers associated with racial and socioeconomic drowning disparities by tapping into underutilized collegiate aquatic spaces and merging water safety with mentorship and social intervention.

An Examination Of The Experiences Of An African American Male Diver On A Power Four Swim Team: An Elite Interview, Steven N. Waller Ph.D., Tiffany M. Quash Ph.D.

International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education

Despite the incremental increase in the number of Black people who are learning to swim, the number of Black divers has not kept pace. In the NCAA Database, swimmers and divers were not segmented; thus, they all appear in the category of “swimming” by race and sex. When viewing the 2024 Division I NCAA Demographics Database, 89 (.02%) of 4307 student-athletes participating in swimming were Black women. For men, the data is equally dismal, revealing that 81 (.03%) of 2,608 student-athletes who were identified as swimmers were Black. The purpose of this research note is to examine the developmental experiences …

The Impacts Of Sports Specialization On Youth Development, Madison M. Allen

Honors Thesis

To this date, there has been a rise in the professionalism of youth sports, which has increased the competitiveness and likelihood of early specialization in young athletes. While this allows youth athletes to have recognition at a young age, many athletes experience negative effects that inhibit their ability to make it to the elite level at a later age. Sports specialization can be defined as the participation and/or training of one sport year-round, typically excluding participation in all other sports. Current research suggests that sports specialization can contribute to injury and musculoskeletal disorders, impact motor skills and coordination, and cause …

Empowering Youth Tackle Football Athletes: A Content Analysis Of Nonlinear Pedagogy’S Influence On Autonomy And Practical Applications In Youth Tackle Football, Benjamin Jay Andelman

Masters Theses

Youth tackle football offers an environment that promotes both positive mental and physical benefits for young athletes. Despite the positive benefits associated with sports, participation is on the decline. The content analysis found connections between the prevailing prescriptive coaching methods in youth tackle football and the adverse mental effects on young athletes. This study, utilizing a qualitative content analysis of existing academic literature, proposes a practical application of Nonlinear Pedagogical principles in the youth tackle football practice context to develop a coaching model that promotes athlete autonomy, thereby increasing positive mental benefits for the youth athlete. Leveraging Ecological Dynamics, Constraints-Led …

Engaging In Movement At Work: Exploring Engagement And Physical Activity., Spencer A. Cavan

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

High levels of employee engagement provide organizations competitive advantages such as increased customer satisfaction, profits, and employee productivity. Despite potential benefits, the number of engaged employees is declining and organizations need to find innovative ways to enhance engagement. Emerging evidence suggests workplace physical activity may generate organizational benefits extending beyond health improvement. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate perceptions of engagement among employees participating in a physical activity intervention at work. A qualitative design, guided by phenomenology, examined perceptions of workplace physical activity and perceived levels of engagement, as well as constraints related to involvement among university …

Sports And Physical Activity Of Poles In The Context Of Good Health And Well-Being As A Sustainable Development Goal, Elżbieta Biernat, Monika Piątkowska, Robert Podstawski

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Investing in physical activity (PA) is vital for achieving sustainable development goals. We examine PA trends in Poland using data from Eurobarometer surveys conducted in 2013, 2017, and 2022. In 2022, 64.6% of Poles did not participate in sports, and 41.8% did not engage in non-sport PA. There is a concerning trend of increasing inactivity in sports (Chi²_2022/2017 = 34.64; p < 0.001; Chi²_2017/2013 = 56.98; p < 0.001) and non-sports PA (Chi²_2022/2017 = 18.3, p < 0.01 and Chi²_2017/2013 = 16.95, p < 0.01). Participation in sport and PA is influenced by individual, inter-personal, environmental, political, and global factors. Notably, there is an upward trend in interpersonal (e.g., club membership, volunteering), environmental (e.g., PA in parks/nature, at home), and political (e.g., dissatisfaction with local government actions) factors. Government intervention is crucial and requires: (1) establishment of an institution for leadership and advocacy of PA, (2) adoption of a cross-sectoral approach for a coordinated change, and (3) increased in-vestment in monitoring systems to track the impact of interventions. These actions are essential for fostering a more active and healthier population in Poland.

The Menstrual Cycle And Exercise Performance: A Literature Review, Reagan E. Burchill

Honors Thesis

This literature review will examine the current research investigating the relationship between the female menstrual cycle, exercise performance, and exercise instruction. The menstrual cycle is a physiological series of events that includes specific hormones at each stage. These hormones may play a role in how females recover from exercise. This is particularly significant when considering the hormonal fluctuations across the female menstrual cycle, which influence recovery, injury risk, and exercise performance. This could indicate that the suggestions doctors and exercise trainers present to females may not be as beneficial for their health because the research is not specifically tailored to …

Evaluation Of Online Information On The Cold Shock Response To Accidental Immersion In Cold Water, Adam Wilson, Heather Massey, Clare M. Eglin

International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education

Many of the UK open water accidental deaths have been attributed to the initial responses to cold water immersion (CWI) collectively known as the cold shock response (CSR). The aim of this study was to analyse the publicly available internet information on CWI and CSR for accuracy and quality compared to the ‘gold standard’ published, peer-reviewed research. Seventy-eight webpages which provided information in English on unexpected CWI and CSR were evaluated. Webpages were accessible, widely available, and had appropriate readability scores. Webpage accuracy was suboptimal including only presenting on average 10 (range 3-16) CSR components out of 19. Quality of …

The Role Of The Exerkine Apelin In Age-Related Sarcopenia, Dillon R. Harris, Quinten W. Pigg, Daniela S. Inoue, Mariana Janini Gomes

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Apelin is an exercise-induced peptide that declines with age and is positively associated with exercise-induced benefits in older individuals. This molecule may therein have a potential role in combatting sarcopenia—age-related progressive loss of muscle mass and strength—when combined with exercise; however, the molecular mechanisms behind its autocrine function remain unclear. PURPOSE: To investigate how aerobic exercise impacts skeletal muscle apelin signaling, focusing on its potential in counteracting the age-related loss of skeletal muscle. METHODS: 22 Fisher 344 male rats (3- and 21-month-old) were obtained from NIA rodent colonies. Experimental groups were randomly divided: young sedentary (Y, n=5); young …

Acute Vs. Chronic Response To Doxorubicin Treatment With Endurance Training In Non-Tumor-Bearing Rats, Quinten W. Pigg, Dillon Harris, Daniela Sayuri Inoue, Bertha F. Polegato, Carol R. Tonon, Mariana Janini Gomes

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Doxorubicin (DOX) is a chemotherapy agent widely used to treat many types of cancer; however, DOX use is limited due to its adverse effects. While cardiotoxicity is the most well-recognized issue, skeletal muscle wasting and weakness is another significant adverse effect that can decrease quality of life, manifested clinically through weakness and exercise intolerance. PURPOSE: We aimed to investigate the effects of DOX treatment on exercise intolerance and muscle function in preclinical models of both acute and chronic effects of chemotherapy using non-tumor-bearing rats. We also investigated the preventive and therapeutic effects of endurance training in these models. METHODS: …

Position-Specific Insights Into Weekly Training Load Variability In Soccer Athletes, Tyler B. Mccollum, Alexandra Brojanac, Erica Hollis, Jan-Joseph S. Rolloque, Yasuki Sekiguchi

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Monitoring training load (TL) is vital for optimizing athletic performance and reducing risk of injury by identifying changes in a player's condition and workload. However, there is limited literature comparing player positions and analyzing weekly workloads in relation to internal and external load metrics. PURPOSE: (1) Compare accumulated load and training monotony in external and internal load metrics between the first (1H) and second halves (2H) of the season; (2) analyze variations in these indicators by playing positions. METHODS: 38 semi-professional players (age: 23±2.05 years; height: 186.61±44.88 cm; weight: 77.23±10.29 kg) playing in 5 positions (central defender (CD=5), …

Examining The Relationship Between Competition Stress And Performance In Collegiate Rodeo Bronc Riders Through Salivary Cortisol And Heart Rate, Tyler K. Handley, Jennifer L. Zoller, Chelsie J. Huseman, Lisa Colvin, William Storer, Amanda Baxter

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Competition stress significantly impacts the performance of athletes across various sports. Despite its unique demands, stress in rodeo athletes remains underexplored, largely due to the sport's nomadic and individualistic nature and its prior lack of mainstream attention. While comparisons can be drawn between the intermittent structure of rodeo and mainstream sports like baseball or football, the recent surge in rodeo's popularity has increased interest in optimizing athlete performance. PUROSE: The aim of this study was to identify and compare salivary cortisol concentration (SCC) and physical workloads experienced by riders and horses in practice and competition settings. Additionally, the study aims …

Comparison Of Ncaa D1 Women’S Basketball Game Day And Previous Practice Training Loads, Kyle Jean, Karissa A. Mesquita, David Clark, Yasuki Sekiguchi

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Game day training loads in NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball players differ significantly from practice loads, emphasizing the intense physical demands of competition. Analyzing these variations is crucial for optimizing training strategies, balancing workload, and enhancing recovery. PURPOSE: Examining the game day and the previous week training load before each game in NCAA D1 Women’s Basketball players. METHODS: Eleven females (Age: 22±2years, Height: 183.41±8.92cm, Weight: 84.62±18.78kg) NCAA D1 Women’s Basketball players donned accelerometer units for games and practices from October 2023 through March 2024. Variables collected by the units include Total Distance, Duration, Accumulated Acceleration Load, High Speed …

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 …

Exploring The Incidence Of Synthetic Versus Non-Synthetic Cannabinoid-Induced Psychosis: A Scoping Review, Ruaa Al-Juboori, Zachariah Francois, Precious Patrick Edet, Marie Barnard

Faculty and Student Publications

Cannabinoids, including synthetic and non-synthetic variants, are associated with diverse mental health outcomes including the development of psychotic symptoms. While non-synthetic cannabinoids such as THC are well-studied, the stronger affinity of synthetic cannabinoids for cannabinoid receptors may lead to more severe and unpredictable health outcomes, including acute psychosis. Therefore, the objective of this scoping review is to investigate if the literature reported differences in the incidence of synthetic cannabinoid-induced psychosis versus non-synthetic cannabinoid-induced psychosis and quantify these differences if present. Following the JBI guidelines for scoping reviews, we will conduct a literature search across multiple databases including PubMed, PsycINFO, Scopus, …

Relationship Between Fluid Intake, Hydration Status And Cortisol Dynamics In Healthy, Young Adult Males, Mitchell E. Zaplatosch, Laurie Wideman, Jessica Mcneil, Jesse Sims, William M. Adams

Faculty Articles

Background: Previous studies have identified links between fluid intake, hydration related hormones and cortisol measured at one timepoint but have not considered how hydration may influence cortisol dynamics throughout the day. This study assessed associations between hydration status (copeptin, urinary osmolality, urine volume) and habitual fluid intake with cortisol dynamics.

Methods: The day before (DB) a 6-h laboratory visit, 29 male participants (age, 23±4y; BMI, 25.5 ± 4.3 kg/m2; body fat, 17.3 ± 9.3 %) provided 24-h urine samples and a fasted blood sample for hydration status assessment, recorded their 24-h fluid intake for three days prior, and provided 10 …

Parting Thoughts Li, Tracy L. Mainieri

Faculty Publications - Kinesiology and Recreation

This Paring Thoughts reflects on how leisure scholars could use their expertise to preserve or increase the humanity in higher education policies related to sabbatical leave and beyond.

The Cost Of A Playing Surface: Artificial Turf Versus Natural Grass, Tyler Whitaker

Emerging Writers

The debate between whether artificial grass or natural grass is better has recently gained popularity among sports advocates and athletes. The immediate explanation for this surge of popularity can be indicated by the increased concerns regarding environmental conservation, health concerns, and growing costs. Previous research has shown that the choice between the two surfaces often depends on specific needs and preferences, each having their own unique advantages and disadvantages. Natural grass is often portrayed as being the safest option when it comes to playing because of its longevity in use and other factors. This has contributed to the overall discussion …

Exploring Law Enforcement Officers' Experiences With Athletic Trainers And Work-Related Injury, Stephanie H. Clines, Rubie Gaudette, Amanda Wheeler, Jennifer Ostrowsk

Athletic Training Faculty Publications

Law enforcement is an emerging clinical setting for athletic trainers (ATs), yet little is known regarding law enforcement officers (LEOs) perceptions of the profession. This qualitative study following a general inductive approach explored LEOs' experiences with musculoskeletal injury and their interactions with ATs. Seven officers (N = 7) participated in one-on-one semi-structured interviews. Three themes emerged: (1) roles and responsibilities of ATs, (2) education and training, and (3) impact of injury on LEOs. While participants viewed ATs positively, they demonstrated limited understanding of the profession's scope and expertise. Participants commonly described managing musculoskeletal injuries on their own due to …

The Effects Of The Image Attributes Of Golf Star Athletes Supported By Adult Amateur Golfers On Sports Participation Desire And Continuation Intention, Ji-Hye Yang, Ga Young Kim, Hye Jin Yang, Chulhwan Choi, Chul-Ho Bum

Human Movement Studies & Special Education Faculty Publications

The image attributes of sports star athletes demonstrate positive effects on sports fans' psychological factors. In the context of golf, fans are also influenced by the players they support, experiencing a range of emotions. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the effects of the image attributes of golf star athletes—supported by adult amateur golfers—on the desire for sports participation and the intention to continue. This study involved 356 adult amateur golfers in Korea (253 male, 103 female). Questionnaires were used to measure participants' perceptions of image attributes, their desire for sports participation, and their intention to continue participating in the …

Community Perspectives On Spinal Cord Injury In Rugby Union: Facts And Fears, Nicole Merrick, Marelise Badenhorst, Ashlee Morgan, Lauren Fortington

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Introduction: The sport of rugby union, henceforth rugby, is associated with a risk of spinal cord injury (SCI). Perceived risks can impact participation. Understanding community perspectives on rugby-related SCI may provide insight for addressing concerns around risk. The aim of this study was to explore community perspectives through social media discussion about SCI in rugby union. Methods: Posts about SCI in rugby union were identified using the advanced search function on Twitter. Data (content as original post, retweet, quote tweet and comments) were included if focused on Rugby Union and written in English. Inclusion dates (July 2018 to June 2019) …

Associations Between Serum And Skeletal Muscle Androgens And Androgen Receptor-Associated Biomarkers, Lean Body Mass, And Muscular Strength, Derek Flores, Thomas D. Cardaci, Dillon Harris, Steven B. Machek, Darryn Willoughby

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

The relationships between lean body mass (LBM), muscular strength, androgens, and several androgen receptor (AR)-associated biomarkers are sparsely described. PURPOSE: To examine any potential correlations linking these aforementioned factors. METHODS: 10 resistance-trained males were recruited for this crossover study, each assessing their leg and bench press one-repetition maximums (1RM) and body composition before completing two volume- and intensity-equated resistance training sessions separated by 7-10 days. Serum and skeletal muscle tissue samples were acquired in each session at baseline, 3-hours, and 24-hours post-exercise to assess circulating and muscle androgens (testosterone [TST] and dihydrotestosterone [DHT]), AR protein content and gene …

Major Injuries Sustained In Towable Watersports, Elijah J. Klein

Honors Thesis

Towable watersports are activities where a participant is being pulled by a motorized watercraft while wearing or holding onto a floating device. Watersports come with many known risks such as drowning, whiplash, and fatigue; however, other injuries are often overlooked or misunderstood. With this thesis, I aimed to explore injury records pertaining to towable watersports and attempted to identify prevalent injury trends in wakeboarding, waterskiing, and water tubing. Using the National Electronic Injury Survey System (NEISS), a public database with yearly injury records, I compiled information related to the relevant sports from 2013 to 2022. Included with the data is …

Sports Science: An Entrepreneurial Venture, Nicole J. Jones

Senior Honors Projects

In sports science, ensuring maximum athlete safety and optimizing data utilization are pivotal yet leave room for further work. My project, Unbeaten SafeWare, addresses these critical issues by focusing on two primary concerns: preventing heat-related and cardiac illnesses, which are significant causes of athlete fatalities, and enhancing the transparency and utility of sports data. This initiative involves developing a shirt integrated with sensors to monitor vital signs and an athlete management system to handle data input, storage, analysis, and accessibility for athletes.

The project has advanced through the efforts of a multidisciplinary team, which includes biomedical engineering undergraduates, two faculty …

Kinetic And Kinematic Effect Of Flag-Carrying On Referee Agility And Sprinting Performance, William Reed

Master's Theses

Within competitive soccer, assistant referees are expected to keep up with the top speed of players on the field, despite being hindered mechanically by a flag held down at their side. This ability to keep up with speed-of-play can determine effectiveness of calls on the field, yet while being tested, referees are not required to replicate the game-like state of flag-carrying. The purpose of this study was to examine kinetic and kinematic effects of flag-carrying within sprinting and change-of-direction performance in assistant referees to better inform training programs and testing protocols. 18 male referees (mean age 32.11 ± 9.08 years) …

‘You Have To Respect The Water’: Participant Experiences Of Appreciating And Managing The Risks Associated With Open Water Swimming – A Rapid Ethnographic Study, Mark A. Christie, David Elliott

International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education

Open water swimming (OWS) has rapidly grown in popularity, driven by the purported health benefits of cold-water immersion. A paucity of research remains specifically considering the notable risks inherent in OWS participation, and a lack of qualitative research on freshwater swimming experiences, and safety-related issues therein. This rapid ethnographic study, based at a dedicated OWS lake in the UK, conducted semi-structured interviews with OWS participants (n=17; female=11, male=6). Two core themes emerged: environmental issues impacting OWS experiences and behaviours; and knowledge and education of OWS which highlighted safe/unsafe practices, levels of education for managing risks, personal preparedness, swimming solo/with others, …