Digital Commons Network^™

Effects Of Lactate On Corticospinal Excitability: A Scoping Review, Jess T. Gibson, Hudson J. Barr, Shaun G. Boe

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 17(2): 1429-1443, 2024. Aerobic exercise has been shown to impact corticospinal excitability (CSE), however the mechanism(s) by which this occurs is unclear. Some evidence suggests an increase in blood lactate concentration resulting from exercise may be what is driving these changes in corticospinal excitability. The extent of literature examining this effect and whether it is consistent across the literature is unknown. As such, the objective of this scoping review was to summarize the existing literature examining the effect of lactate on corticospinal excitability and to determine any trend(s) in the effect. Embase, CINAHL, Medline, SPORTDiscus, …

Ua19/16/2 Basketball Press Releases, Wku Athletic Media Relations

WKU Administration Documents

Press releases and game statistics for WKU men's basketball team from August to December 2024.

Newsletter, Wku Staff Senate

Staff Council

Newsletter created by WKU Staff Council to report on work accomplished.

Ua12/2/2 Talisman: Legacy, Wku Student Affairs

WKU Administration Documents

Fall 2024 Talisman:

• Our Mission
• Harrington, Ragan & Cecilia Alali. Legacy
• Muscutt, Carson. The Spirit of Western – Big Red
• Hardesty, Emma. Beyond the Letters – Fraternities & Sororities
• Lein, Samantha. The Iceberg Beneath You – Poem
• Pollard, Evynn. Echoes of the Past – Jonesville
• Sutton, Avery. Tasting Tradition – Recipes
• Phelps, Brett. The Hill
• Colovos, Christina. Pale Blue Dot – Poem
• Rainwater, Riley & Carson Muscutt. Marking Time – Marching Band
• Vickers, Abigail. Grassroots – Political Campaigns
• Muscutt, Carson. Horoscopes
• Legacy Issue 17 Playlist
• Lasting Impact

Effectiveness Of A Fast- Vs. Slow-Velocity Training On Load-Velocity Characteristics In Older Adults: A Pilot Study, Blake Murphy, Kelley Hammond, Leland Barker, Mae Grahek, Mikayla Grocki, Jake A. Siedlik, Mitchel Magrini

International Journal of Exercise Science

Resistance training at fast velocities is suggested to be more effective for improving muscular strength and movement speed compared slow, heavy training. This study aimed to examine the effects of a fast-velocity (FVRT) compared to a slow-velocity (SVRT) resistance training program on maximal strength, maximal movement speed, and load-velocity characteristics in older adults. Nineteen community-dwelling older adults were randomly assigned to either the FVRT or SVRT group and completed a twice weekly, progressive resistance training protocol for 8-weeks. Both groups were instructed to move the weight “as fast as possible” and received movement velocity biofeedback. Absolute (1RM_ABS) and …

Influence Of Fatigue On The Modification Of Biomechanical Parameters In Endurance Running: A Systematic Review, Javier Olaya-Cuartero, Berta Lopez-Arbues, Jose M. Jimenez-Olmedo, Lamberto Villalon-Gasch

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 17(1): 1377-1391, 2024. Fatigue accumulated during the practice of endurance running can be understood as the decrease in sports performance caused by physical exertion. Since fatigue can manifest itself in multiple ways, its influence is difficult to understand, and many authors propose different studies with the aim of obtaining firm conclusions. Thus, the aim of this systematic review was to analyze the effect of fatigue on the modification of biomechanical parameters to mitigate adverse effects and optimize positive adaptations to training. A systematic review was carried out using scientific research papers from specific sport science …

The Effects Of High-Intensity Functional Training On The Perceptions Of Exercise In Middle-Aged Females: A Pilot Study, Halle N. Brin, Baylie G. Sigmund, Nathan D. Dicks, Kathryn J. Deshaw, Tanis J. Walch, Michael J. Carper, Allison M. Barry

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 17(5): 1392-1405, 2024. The high prevalence of obesity and physical inactivity in the U.S. is a public health crisis. This study aims to examine the effects of high-intensity functional training (HIFT) on exercise perceptions and physiological changes in inactive females. A pre-test and post-test, quasi-experimental design was conducted with inactive, middle-aged females (n = 8) participating in an 8-week supervised and verified intervention (2-week High-Intensity Interval Training, 6-weeks HIFT). The Health Belief Model Scale for Exercise (HBMS-E) survey was completed pre-intervention, post-intervention, and 4-week follow-up to assess exercise perceptions. Pre- and post-intervention physiological assessments …

Examining Changes In Pain Sensitivity Following 8 Minutes Of Cycling At Varying Exercise Intensities, Brandi B. Antonio, Jeffrey Stout, Danielle Sterner, Abigail Anderson, David Fukuda

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 17(7): 1337-1351, 2024. This study assessed the effect of an eight-minute cycling intervention using varying intensities on exercise-induced hypoalgesia (EIH). The main objective of this study was to examine the effect of varying intensities on pressure pain threshold (PPT) and heat pain threshold (HPT) at the thigh and forearm, tested pre- and post-cycling intervention. Healthy male participants (n = 16) performed a graded exercise test on a cycle ergometer to establish their peak power output (PPO). In subsequent visits, participants completed five different 8-minute cycling interventions, with intensities randomly assigned to one of three …

Perceptions Of Peer And Parental Support: Feasibility Of A Physical Activity Intervention For Adolescent Girls, Avery G. Douglas, Deirdre Dlugonski, Johanna M. Hoch

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 17(5): 1352-1360, 2024. Physical activity (PA) has a wide range of health benefits. Children with high levels of social support are more likely to achieve adequate levels of PA. The purposes of this pilot study were to examine the impact of an after-school intervention on perceived peer and parental support among adolescent girls and to identify correlates of support to explore in future studies to increase PA. Seventeen low-active girls in 6th–7th grade were recruited from a local middle school to participate in an 8-week intervention where they were exposed to various types of PA …

Inter-Individual Responses To Acute Resistance Training In The Blood Pressure Dipping Response In Normotensive And Hypertensive Men, Elizabeth Carpio-Rivera, José Moncada-Jiménez, Alejandro Salicetti-Fonseca, Andrea Solera-Herrera

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 17(3): 1361-1376, 2024. The blood pressure dipping response to acute resistance training exercise (RTE) is scarce in the literature. We determined the inter-individual blood pressure (BP) dipping variability of normotensive (NT) and hypertensive (HT) men completing two modalities of a single session of RTE. Volunteers (NT n = 21, HT n = 20) underwent a non-exercise control (CTRL), RTE high-sets low-repetitions (HSLR), and RTE high-repetitions low-sets (HRLS) conditions. Twenty-four-hour ambulatory BP monitoring recorded diurnal and nocturnal systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) BP. Non-significant interactions were found between the category of individuals and the experimental conditions …

Physiological And Psychological Differences Between 20% Grade Incline-Walking And Level-Grade Jogging At Isocaloric Intensity, Motoki Sato, Taj Krieger, Alexis D. Gidley, Brianne Weaver, Craig A. Johnson, David E. Lankford

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 17(6): 1318-1336, 2024. High-incline walking is a relatively new trend with little comparative information. This study compared physiological and psychological differences between high-incline walking at 20% grade (HIW) and level-grade jogging (LGJ) at isocaloric intensities in young adults. Twenty-two participants (M = 11, F = 11) aged 19–31 years completed the study. Participants completed HIW and LGJ on a treadmill for twenty minutes on two separate occasions and matched at isocaloric intensities. Rating of perceived exertion (RPE), maintainability (HCM), and affective valence using the Feeling Scale (FS) were measured at minutes 2, 10, and 20. …

Comparison Of Lower Limb Mass, Thigh Circumference, And Balance Ability After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction And In Control Participants, Micah B. Hebert, Laura L. Dill, Paul T. Stuhr, Deanna J. Schmidt

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 17(1): 1306-1317, 2024. Injury of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in the knee is common, with up to 250,000 cases annually in the United States. Such injuries can lead to muscle atrophy, impaired balance, and limited movement. This study aimed to compare the lower limbs of individuals with ACL reconstruction to a Control group. We hypothesized that ACL participants would exhibit greater asymmetry between lower limbs as compared to Controls. Data were collected from 12 ACL participants and 30 Control participants. Measurements included lower limb muscle mass assessed using bioelectrical impedance, thigh circumference at 10 …

Validity And Reliability Of A Linear Position Transducer To Measure Barbell Velocity, Duration, And Displacement During The Bench Press, Anthony G. Pinzone, Ryan W. Gant, Jennifer Rivera, Edward Z. Pelka, Emily C. Tagesen, Modesto A. Lebron, Adam R. Jajtner

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 17(7): 1294-1305, 2024. This investigation evaluated validity and reliability of the HUMAC360 linear position transducer (LPT) compared to the Tendo Sport Weightlifting Analyzer (TENDO) for measuring mean velocity (MV), peak velocity (PV), and displacement (D) during the bench press. Seventeen recreationally active individuals completed three visits. During visit one, participants were assessed for their one repetition maximum (1RM) bench press. During subsequent visits, participants completed two sets of three repetitions of bench press at 30, 50, 60, and 70% 1RM. The HUMAC and TENDO measured MV, PV, and D simultaneously, while the HUMAC also measured …

Using The Revised Bloom’S Taxonomy For Advanced Graded Exercise Testing In Clinical And Sport Performance Based Courses, M. Landram

Educational Practices in Kinesiology

Determining functional capacity (FC) is a critical aspect of performance and clinical measures. In this lab students will propose, complete, and evaluate the success of a graded exercise test (GXT) of their own design. This lab is intended for upper-level students who have been exposed to both maximal and submaximal exercise testing. Because of the nature of FC testing, this is an in-person activity; however, there may be ways to convert this into an online space as case studies or rely solely on submax estimations. Depending on the types of tests being performed, a 50-minute class can complete 2 tests …

A Qualitative Evaluation Of Exercise Habits And Stress Management Strategies Among Exercise Physiology Freshmen, Lori A. Sherlock, E J. Ryan, Miriam E. Leary

Educational Practices in Kinesiology

Transitional phases of life (i.e., the passage from high school to college) can promote heightened stress levels resulting in physical and mental challenges. College students are at an elevated risk for common mental health disorders with 20-45% of all college students being impacted within a given year. This may be, in part, due to their exposure to a multitude of new stressors related to academics, social challenges, personal concerns, and economic issues. Therefore, the purpose of this qualitative study was to examine exercise habits and stress management strategies among incoming freshmen in an exercise physiology program. The overall goal of …

The Influence Of Hip Position On Neck Kinematics And Muscle Activity In Healthy And Non-Specific Neck Pain Subjects, Enrique Lopez, Everett Lohman, Noha Daher, Mansoor Alameri, Robert Dudley

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 17(1): 1280-1293, 2024. Neck pain is a widespread problem in society with many variables influencing its cause. The angle of the hip may influence the kinematics of the neck in addition to the myoelectrical activation of the surrounding musculature that contributes to the development of neck pain. The purpose of this study was to investigate the changes in spinal inclination angles and muscle activity in the neck using a 10 deg wedge in a forward slope, neutral and rear slope seated position. Forty subjects were recruited for this study. Each subject sat at a workstation …

Validity, Reliability, And Sensitivity Of A Commercially Available Barbell Velocity Measuring Device When Performing Selected Exercises., Daniel J. Lawson, Alex A. Olmos, Cody A. Stahl, Marcel Lopes Dos Santos, Jacob R. Goodin, J. Jay Dawes

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 17(4): 1250-1279, 2024. The aim of this study was to determine the validity, reliability, and sensitivity of a new linear position transducer (LPT) device (RepOne) to a previously validated LPT (Tendo) during the barbell back squat and bench press exercises. Fourteen recreationally resistance-trained individuals (7 males and 7 females) performed three repetitions for the back squat and bench press at loads ranging from 30–90% 1RM. Both devices recorded average (ACV) and peak (PCV) concentric velocities concurrently for every repetition at each load. Significant correlations were observed between RepOne and Tendo during the back squat (PCV: …

Effects Of Technique And Dummy Mass On Law Enforcement-Specific Body Drags: Testing And Training Implications, Matthew R. Moreno, J. Jay Dawes, Robin (Rob) Marc Orr, Joseph M. Dulla, Robert G. Lockie

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 17(4): 1235-1249, 2024. Current law enforcement body drag tests may use dummy masses that are underweight compared to current population norms. This study aimed to determine differences in 74.84-kg and 90.72-kg body drag times when performed with a standard (pick up and stand with dummy prior to dragging), adapted (incorporation of time to lift dummy to standing), and preferred (drag with any technique) technique. Forty-three (24 males, 19 females) physically-active, healthy civilians (surrogate population for police recruits) completed drags over 9.75 m with 74.84-kg and 90.72-kg dummies using the three techniques previously stated. A 2 …

Newsletter, Wku Staff Senate

Staff Council

Newsletter created by WKU Staff Council to report on work accomplished.

Effects Of Virtual Reality-Based Mirror Therapy On Upper Extremity Motor Function, Manual Performance And Gross Manual Dexterity Among Stroke Patients: A Meta-Analysis, Fouzia Hussain, Mahnoor Khursheed, Sumera Afzal, Muhammad Usman Khan, Ahad Hasan, Meeran Hasnain

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 17(7): 1219-1234, 2024. In recent years, innovative technologies have gained prominence in stroke patient rehabilitation worldwide, with virtual reality-based mirror therapy (VRBMT) emerging as a notable example. Hence, the present study aims to determine the efficacy of VRBMT on upper extremity motor function, manual performance, and gross manual dexterity among stroke patients. The systematic search utilized Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome, and Design (PICOD) paradigm, and the study searched was based on 2012-2023, utilizing different databases. The meta-analysis data was evaluated using MedCalc version 18.11.3. The Pooled effect size mean was statistically examined using a fixed …

Beyond The Buzz: Do Energy Drinks Offer More Than Caffeine For Mental And Physical Tasks?, Flavia F. Pereira, Jose Antonio, Cassandra Evans, Jose Rojas, Jason M. Curtis

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 17(2): 1208-1218, 2024. Energy drinks are marketed for enhancing mental and physical performance, often containing ingredients beyond caffeine. This study investigated whether an energy drink (ED), Gorilla Mind, exerted greater effects on sustained attention, mood, handgrip strength, and push-up performance than a caffeine-matched control drink (CAF) in exercise-trained individuals (n = 21, age: 22 ± 5.9 years). In a randomized, counterbalanced, crossover design, participants first completed tests assessing mood (Profile of Mood States; POMS), sustained attention (Psychomotor Vigilance Test; PVT), handgrip strength (HG), and 1-minute maximum push-up performance (PU). They then consumed either an ED …

Effects Of Simulated Equestrian Therapy In Improving Motor Proficiency Among Down Syndrome Children- A Randomized Controlled Trial, Maha Siddiqui, Sumaira Imran Farooqui Prof.Dr, Jaza Rizvi Ms., Bashir Ahmed Soomro Dr., Muhammad Usman Khan Mr

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 17(1): 1193-1207, 2024. The objective of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of Simulated Equestrian Therapy and Neuro-Motor Therapy in improving Motor Proficiency among Down syndrome children using a double-blinded Randomized Controlled Trial. This study was conducted at Dar-ul-Sukun Institute and Dr. Ziauddin Hospital from April to September 2023 by enrolling a total of 56 participants with Down syndrome (DS) after obtaining informed, voluntary assent from the guardians of the participants. Each participant was allocated randomly to the treatment group (n = 28) that received Simulated Equestrian Therapy (SET) and the control group …

Reliability Of The Instrumented Modified Clinical Test Of Sensory Interaction On Balance Using A Virtual Balance Device, Sonia N. Young, Elizabeth S. Norris, Thomas Shifflett, Daniel Nisbet, Brady Saunders, Caleb Driver

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 17(1): 1183-1192, 2024. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the test-retest reliability of the instrumented version of the modified Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction on Balance (i-mCTSIB) using the VirtuSense VirtuBalance System™ (VSTBalance), a virtual balance device, in healthy young adults. Fifty-four subjects aged 20–27 years (Mean age 23.07, SD ± 1.6), participated in the study. A one-group design was utilized. Three trials of the i-mCTSIB were performed on two separate days to measure the mean sway velocity of the trunk under four conditions. Within-day reliability of trials 1–3 was estimated with intraclass …

The Relationships Between Upper And Lower Extremity Muscle Strength, Rate Of Force Development, And Fatigue In Adults, Matthew Langford, Kyle J. Hackney, Sarah Andrew, Joshua Batesole, Maren Berntson, Kennedy Black, Tyler Hoang, Lukus Klawitter, William J. Kraemer, Ryan Mcgrath

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 17(4): 1155-1166, 2024. Electronic handgrip dynamometry allows for multiple muscle function aspects to be feasibly measured, yet their relationship with lower extremity muscle function is unknown. We sought to determine the relationships between upper and lower extremity mechanical isometric muscle strength, rate of force development (RFD), and endurance by limb dominance in resistance trained adults. The analytic sample included 30 adults aged 32.1 ± 13.5 years. An electronic handgrip dynamometer ascertained upper extremity strength capacity, RFD, and endurance. Lower extremity strength, RFD, and endurance were collected with the isometric feature on an isokinetic knee dynamometer. …

Do Surrogate Markers Of Cardiorespiratory Fitness Predict Individual Changes In Vo2peak? A Randomized Controlled Trial, John R.M. Renwick, Nicholas Preobrazenski, Michael Del Giudice, Brendon J. Gurd

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 17(4): 1134-1154, 2024. The purpose of the current study was to test the hypothesis that individual response classification for surrogate markers of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) will agree with response classification for VO_2peak. Surrogate markers of CRF were time to fatigue on treadmill test (TTF), time trial performance (3kTT), resting heart rate (RHR), submaximal heart rate (SubmaxHR), and submaximal ratings of perceived exertion (SubmaxRPE). Twenty-five participants were randomized into a high-intensity interval training (HIIT: n = 14) group or non-exercise control group (CTL: n = 11). Training consisted of four weeks of high-intensity interval …

Comparison Of Olympic And Safety Squat Bar Barbells On Force, Velocity, And Rating Of Perceived Exertion During Acute High-Intensity Back Squats In Recreationally Trained Men, Noah Staheli, Jeffrey C. Cowley, Marcus M. Lawrence

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 17(7): 1120-1133, 2024. This study examined using a traditional Olympic (OL) or safety squat bar (SSB) barbell on force, velocity, and perceived exertion during an acute session of high-intensity back squats in adults. Twelve recreationally trained men (23.0±2.6 years; 88.3±19.1 kg) randomly completed two sessions of 3 sets of 6 repetitions at the same absolute load using the OL barbell or SSB barbell. Force and velocity were measured on every repetition and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) was assessed for each set. A two-way ANOVA (set x barbell) with repeated measures and Sidak post-hoc test …

Therapeutic Importance Of Exercise In Neuroplasticity In Adults With Neurological Pathology: Systematic Review, Sara Valverde Cardoso, Sofia Rita Fernandes, Maria Teresa Tomás

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 17(1): 1105-1119, 2024. Neuroplasticity is an essential mechanism by which the nervous system shapes and adapts according to functional requirements. Evidence suggests that physical exercise induces a cascade of cellular processes that favours brain plasticity. The Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) is a neurotrophin closely linked to neuroplasticity that can be increased due to exercise. To verify the effects of therapeutic exercise on neuroplasticity and/or peripheral BDNF levels in neurological conditions in adults, such as stroke, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases and mild cognitive impairment and address its clinical relevance in the treatment of neurological dysfunctions. …

What To Wear? A Lab Using Activity Monitors For Exercise Programming What To Wear? A Lab Using Activity Monitors For Exercise Programming, Debra Stroiney, Salvatore Ferranti

Educational Practices in Kinesiology

One responsibility of exercise professionals involves offering clients current information about contemporary fitness trends and technology. The purpose of this lab activity is to enhance experience and understanding of different Physical Activity (PA) Monitors. This lab assesses the accuracy and usability of different PA monitors by comparing data on step count, calories, and distance walked manually. Objectives include applying behavior change theories to exercise adherence, understanding the importance of exercise documentation, computing metabolic calculations for exercise intensity and caloric expenditure, and evaluating PA monitors. This lab is intended to be conducted in person and can be completed in a class …

The Prevalence Of Stress Fractures And The Associated Leaf-Q Responses, Self-Reported Exercise Volume And Dietary Behaviors In Female Recreational Runners, Malorie Wilwand, Kelly Pritchett, Marissa Miles, Robert Pritchett, Abigail Larson

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 17(2): 1092-1104, 2024. Previous research suggests a high prevalence of low energy availability (LEA) and stress fractures (SF) among competitive female endurance athletes. However, much less is known about these issues among recreational female runners. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and number of self-reported SF and risk of LEA among noncompetitive, recreationally active female runners, aged 18 – 25 years. Additionally, it compared characteristics between females with a history of multiple SF vs. one or no SF, and between those ‘at risk’ vs. ‘not at risk’ of LEA. Female recreational runners (n=485) completed …

The Cadet Athlete Physical Training Intervention (Capti): A 16-Week Periodized Program To Remediate Underdeveloped Tactical Athletes At A Senior Military College, Margaret T. Thornton, Amy S. Welch, Scott Caulfield, Rachele M. Pojednic

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 17(4): 1083-1091, 2024. Approximately half of military recruits fail the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT), and 70% of all injuries in the US military are musculoskeletal in nature. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether underdeveloped musculoskeletal and cardiovascular fitness levels and subsequent APFT scores of senior military college cadets could be improved by a novel, evidence-based Cadet Athlete Physical Training Intervention (CAPTI) compared to the current Remedial Physical Training program (RPT). Cadets failing the APFT (total score < 180, or < 60 in scored sit-ups, pushups or run time, respectively) participated in a 16-week remedial training program including either CAPTI (periodized full body calisthenic and varied-technique cardiovascular training, along with mobility training and mental health and wellbeing sessions), or a traditional, event-specific remedial training program (RPT). CAPTI was randomly assigned to one of three battalions, while the others received RPT. One hundred and thirty-eight cadets (n = 70 CAPTI, n = 68 RPT) participated in the study. After training, 82.9% …