Digital Commons Network^™

Demonstrating The Effects Of Blood Flow Restriction During Online Strength Training In Older Adults, Daniela Presta, Emma Hsiaowen Chen, Dimitri Tiganos

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) training entails limiting perfusion to specific body areas, allowing low-intensity exercise to simulate the effects of high-intensity workouts. Combining BFR and online exercise classes is a novel way of potentially improving both effectiveness and accessibility of training to an older population. It is essential to maintain strength as we age in order to avoid or manage physiological conditions like sarcopenia and osteoporosis. PURPOSE: To investigate whether five weeks of online low-intensity resistance training, with or without BFR, leads to improvements in strength among older adults. METHODS: Men and women (mean age = 70 ± …

Mitigating Social Media Addiction And Screen Time Among Female Dancers: A Longitudinal Study On Mental Toughness Intervention Effects, Corey Hunter, Andreas Stamatis

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

The pervasive nature of social media has significantly impacted the lifestyle and well-being of university students. The role of mental toughness (MT) in mitigating compulsive digital behaviors is unknown. PURPOSE: To explore the efficacy of an MT intervention in reducing social media addiction and phone screen time among female athletes, while also delineating the distribution of screen time across various digital activities. METHODS: Nineteen female dancers participated in weekly MT workshops with a focus on minimizing social media dependency and screen time, utilizing the Social Media Addiction Scale – Student Form and iPhone usage data collected bi-weekly over …

Reevaluating Team-Based Mental Skills Training: Insights From Ncaa Soccer Players’ Mental Toughness Development, Mateo Gonzalez, Alex Rothstein, Andrew Augustus, Andreas Stamatis

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Mental toughness (MT) encompasses attributes pivotal for athletic performance in the face of challenges. The effects of team-based mental skills training (MST) interventions on MT's diverse components remain insufficiently explored. PURPOSE: To evaluate the effectiveness of team-based MST workshops on enhancing the various dimensions of MT. METHODS: NCAA Division I male soccer players (N = 18) volunteered for the study. Based on a preliminary assessment, three MST workshops were conducted, focusing on the three key MT dimensions with the lowest team average scores, namely facing adversity, buoyancy, and optimistic style. The Mental Toughness Index, …

Heart Rate Response To Maximal Exercise In A Participant With C8 Spinal Cord Injury, Jessie Hirsch, Alex Rothstein, Norbert Holowat Jr, Michele Aquino, Amerigo Rossi, John P. Handrakis

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Motor, sensory, and autonomic dysfunction are a common sequela after spinal cord injury (SCI) and typically impair cardiovascular responses to exercise. However, some individuals with cervical SCI (tetraplegia) and “complete” motor and sensory injury (AIS A) demonstrate the ability to increase heart rate (HR) above the limit achievable by vagal withdrawal alone (~110 bpm). PURPOSE: The purpose of this test was to highlight the unexpected HR response to a continuous graded exercise test. (GXT) in a wheelchair athlete with tetraplegia. METHODS: A 26-year-old male with tetraplegia after a SCI (classification neurological level of injury (NLI) C8, AIS A) …

Chronic Exertional Compartment Syndrome — Female Soccer Player, Bernie Acevedo, Nikolaos Gravvanis, Alex Rothstein, Jennifer Daily, Andreas Stamatis

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

HISTORY: An 18-year-old female soccer player reported experiencing a dull ache and sensation of tightness in her right leg, accompanied by a burning pain, during a match. Post-match, she noticed tingling in the dorsal aspect of her right foot. The athlete sought consultation from a general practitioner (GP), who found no evidence of tenderness or swelling during the clinical assessment. The GP recommended rest and prescribed anti-inflammatory medication.

PHYSICAL EXAMINATION: Persistent discomfort and significant weakness in dorsiflexion prompted the athlete to consult an orthopedic physician. Clinical examination revealed no localized pain or other symptoms. Initial radiographs were unremarkable. …

Replication Crisis In Sport And Exercise Science, Zacharias Papadakis, Jennifer Murphy

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

In Sport and Exercise Science (SES), 82% of published studies report significant findings indicating these studies have a robust research design that examines true effects with high statistical power. However, small sample sizes and underpowered designs are common in SES. Related literature in psychology reports that only 37% of replicated effects yield similar results to the original. Replication studies in SES are still rare, raising concerns about the overwhelming reported significant findings despite the small sample sizes. PURPOSE: To replicate the findings of a published SES study and compare results. METHODS: Based on the criteria published by Murphy …

Jumping For Joy... Or Not? Examining The Effects Of Ncaa-Regulated Caffeine Dose On Vertical Jump Performance, Roy Shohat, Maya Caon, Samuel Vilmeau, Samuel Norwood, Vinicius Ribeiro, Claire Egret, Tal Amasay, Vassilios Panoutsakopoulos, Zacharias Papadakis

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Caffeine is a popular ergogenic aid, potentially enhancing performance in high-intensity power movements like jumping. The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) removed caffeine from its banned list, but the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) restricts caffeine intake (5 mg/kg). Past research has examined the effects of caffeine supplementation on vertical jumping performance, since comprises reliable physical fitness test, but mixed results were reported. PURPOSE: This study examined the effects of caffeine at the NCAA limit on vertical jump performance in real-world training conditions. METHODS: Forty collegiate Division II athletes (Male = 22) from sports like basketball, volleyball, soccer, tennis, …

Can Test Familiarity Improve Performance On The National Hockey League Combine? A Case Study Analysis., Katie Sell, Jamie Ghigiarelli, Adam Gonzalez, Jon Diflorio, Paul Perticone

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Test performance in athletes can be impacted by familiarity with test procedure, the environment in which testing is taking place, and perceived competency for achieving the desired outcome. However, there is a dearth of research on these factors in elite athletes. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to familiarize an elite-level ice hockey player with the protocols required in the National Hockey League Combine (NHL-C) and compare these tests results to his performance on the NHL-C. METHODS: An 18-year old ice-hockey player (who was invited to the NHL-C in 2023) volunteered to complete a battery of fitness testing eight …

Perceived Recovery States And Physical Fitness In Reserve Officers’ Training Corps Cadets, Lianne Emanuel, Jessie Hirsch, James Bodendorf, Amy Loin, Gregory Ioannides, Aliya Catanzarita, Tarek Harhash, Joseph Schnatter, Isaac Stein, Sean Kane, Julianne Rung, Katie Sell

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) cadets are challenged mentally, emotionally, and physically with the physical fitness requirements (e.g., Army Combat Fitness Test or ACFT) required within their military science curriculum. Common physical fitness tests such as those for strength, power, and balance can provide insight into the recovery and readiness status of tactical athletes. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between scores on the Short Recovery and Stress Scale (SRSS) and performance on a physical fitness test battery assessing balance, mobility, body composition, muscular strength, and power in collegiate ROTC cadets. METHODS: Seventeen ROTC cadets …

Comparing The Effect Of N-95 Vs Surgical Mask Use On Resting Metabolic Data Change, Robert Steinberg, Alexander Rothstein, Amerigo Rossi, Alyssa Hillian, Joanne Difrancisco-Donoghue

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Face masks reduce the spread of viral respiratory particles, however, their impact on respiratory physiology requires further research. Previous studies reported reduced gas exchange when wearing a surgical mask, however, breath-by-breath data has not been analyzed. PURPOSE: To compare physiological changes when wearing an N95 mask and surgical mask at rest. Variables measured include oxygen consumption (VO2), carbon dioxide ventilation (VC02), respiratory exchange ratio (RER), heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), minute ventilation (MV), and discomfort. METHODS: 42 subjects ages 18-55 (19 men; age 22.98±3.83) were recruited. Exclusion criteria was a history of metabolic disease/claustrophobia. Respiratory and metabolic data was …

Effects Of Electrical Exercise On Self-Reported Depression And Quality Of Life In Those With Spinal Cord Injury, Aj Barber, Eric Heidorn, John Mcdaniel, Cody S. Dulaney

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

One of the most common psychological disorders that occur as a result of spinal cord injury (SCI) is depression along with reductions in quality of life. Moreover, depression is correlated with quality of life. It is increasingly apparent that exercise offers an accessible and non-pharmacological intervention to ease depressive symptoms and improve quality of life. Unfortunately, access to meaningful exercise options remains challenging to those with mobility impairments such as those seen with SCI. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to assess the chronic engagement of home-based electrical stimulation exercise (ESE) on self-reported depression and quality of life …

Effects Of Electrical Exercise And Affect On Self-Reported Anxiety In Those With Spinal Cord Injury, John Zimmerman, Eric Heidorn, John Mcdaniel, Cody S. Dulaney

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Those who have incurred a spinal cord injury (SCI) have severe and immediate changes to their lifestyle. Those with SCI have reported reduced levels of positive affect and no change in negative affect compared to controls. Also, those with SCI may have reduced opportunities for engaging in meaningful exercise either due to mobility or equipment access limitations. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to assess the chronic engagement of home-based electrical stimulation exercise (ESE) on self-reported anxiety and positive and negative affect. METHODS: 9 individuals with ASIA A or B SCI were recruited for this study. Participants …

Demonstrating The Effects Of Blood Flow Restriction During Online Strength Training In Older Adults, Daniela Presta

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) training entails limiting perfusion to specific body areas, allowing low-intensity exercise to simulate the effects of high-intensity workouts. Combining BFR and online exercise classes is a novel way of potentially improving both effectiveness and accessibility of training to an older population. It is essential to maintain strength as people age in order to avoid or manage physiological conditions like sarcopenia and osteoporosis. PURPOSE: To investigate if in five weeks of online low-intensity resistance training, improvements in strength will be greater among the older adults wearing BFR straps. METHODS: Men and women (mean age = …

Association Between Social Media Use, Muscle Dysmorphic Disorder And Psychological Health In Urban College Students, Andy Velasco-Arriola, Galila Werber-Zion

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

The online fitness industry has expanded significantly in recent years. Since 2014, TikTok, Instagram and Snapchat have also grown tremendously, resulting in young adults spending hours scrolling on their smartphones looking at perceived ideal-body images. Muscle dysmorphia is a form of body disorder indicated by a pathological desire for increased muscle mass. Among American college students, the most prevalent diagnosed mental health problems are anxiety disorder and/or depression. PURPOSE: This pilot study evaluated the relationship between social media use, psychological health, and muscle dysmorphic disorder in ethnically diverse students attending an urban commuter college. METHODS: Forty-three students (mean age = …

The Effectiveness And Perceptions Of Three Moderate Intensity Walking Cadence Aids And Their Effects On Affective States: A Mixed Methods Study, Daniel Brown, Phillip Gray, Julie Doherty, Ellen Ea Simpson

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 17(5): 531-550, 2024. Substantial health benefits can be derived from walking at a moderate intensity cadence. To help regulate this cadence, three distinct aids exist 1) self-perception; 2) cadence prescription; 3) auditory cues. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness and explore perceptions of these aids to promote moderate intensity walking and effects on affective states, thereby addressing an important research gap. Individualised moderate relative intensity waking cadence was determined for participants (n = 23, M_age = 26.35, SD = 10.11). A convergent mixed-methods design was employed. A within-persons repeated measures design was used …

The Immediate Effects Of Dry Cupping The Lumbar Paraspinals On Range Of Motion And Temperature, Natasha Scavarelli, Paolo Sanzo

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 17(3): 551-564, 2024. Dry cupping is a therapeutic modality proposed to produce a negative pressure, stretching the skin and underlying tissue. This mechanism is said to promote regional blood flow of oxygenated blood and causing a physiological stretch in the tissue, allowing it to elongate and potentially changing skin temperature. The possible effects of the application to the lumbar spine paraspinal muscles, however, has not been thoroughly examined. The purpose of this pilot study was to explore the immediate effects of dry cupping the lumbar paraspinals on lumbar spine range of motion (ROM) and overlying …

Nutrient Intake, Performance, And Body Composition Of Preseason Wrestlers, Gregory-James Coapstick, Allison Barry, Crystal Levesque, Marni Shoemaker

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 17(2): 517-530, 2024. College athletes, especially in weight class sports, often experience energy deficits. Athletes competing in weight class sports such as wrestling are at greatest risk for deficiencies and little is known about the relationships between body composition, nutrient intake, and performance in these athletes. The purposes of this study were to (1) quantify macronutrient and micronutrient intake of pre-season male collegiate wrestlers and compare to estimated needs, and (2) examine relationships among nutritional intakes, body composition, and performance measurements of strength and anaerobic capacity. Male Division I wrestlers (n = 11, age: …

Influence Of Ambient Temperature On Autonomic Nerve Function And Peripheral Sensation From Moderate-Intensity Treadmill Exercise, Sunao Wada, Mh Mahbub, Natsu Yamaguchi, Ryosuke Hase, Tsuyoshi Tanabe

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 17(2): 491-503, 2024. Objective: The main objective was to ascertain the acute responses in autonomic nervous activity and peripheral sensation induced by moderate-intensity treadmill exercise performed under different ambient temperatures. Methods: Twelve young healthy subjects underwent three sessions of moderate-intensity treadmill exercise (warming, 5 min and running, 25 min), on different days under 10°C, 20°C and 30°C room temperatures. Pre- and post-intervention, heart rate variability (HRV) and plantar vibrotactile perception threshold (VPT) were measured. Additionally, rate of perceived exertion (RPE) was recorded after intervention. Results: In comparison with the corresponding baseline values, after intervention, low …

Progressive Arm Cycling Ergometry With 3- And 5-Minute Stage Durations Yields Similar Estimates Of Substrate Oxidation In Healthy Adults, Todd A. Astorino Ph.D, Zachary Jordan, Cristian Gonzales, Carly Schuerger, Muhammed M. Atakan

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 17(2): 468-479, 2024. Arm cycling ergometry (ACE) leads to a lower maximal oxygen uptake (VO₂max) than cycling which is related to a smaller active muscle mass. This study compared estimates of fat and carbohydrate oxidation (FOx and CHOOx) between progressive exercise protocols varying in stage duration in an attempt to create a standard exercise protocol for determining substrate metabolism using ACE. Four men and seven women (age = 24 ± 9 yr) unfamiliar with ACE completed incremental exercise to determine peak power output and VO₂peak. During two subsequent sessions completed after …

Influence Of Physical Activity Including Squat Exposure On Trunk Muscle Strength And Labour Outcome In Pregnant Women, Rajal Savla, Rajani Mullerpatan, Bela Agarwal, Victoria Kuttan, Sushil Kumar

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 17(1): 504-516, 2024. Daily living physical activities of rural pregnant women, across most continents in the world, involve adoption of high-flexion postures like deep-squat. Deep-squat elicits substantial activation of major trunk and lower extremity muscles. Adequate strength of trunk muscles is known to facilitate forward-downward propulsion of baby during labour. Therefore, current study aimed to explore influence of overall physical activity including squat exposure on trunk and lower-extremity muscle strength and labour outcomes in rural and urban primigravida women. Twenty-eight primi-gravida women were stratified into 2 groups: rural habitual-squatters (n=14) and urban non-squatters (n=14). Daily …

The Quantification Of Muscle Activation During The Loaded Carry Movement Pattern, Samuel H. Ellestad, Thomas P. Holcomb, Alexis M. Swiergol, Michael E. Holmstrup Phd, Jeremy R. Dicus

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 17(1): 480-490, 2024. The ‘loaded carry’ is a popular resistance training activity that activates core musculature across multiple movement planes while the body is in locomotion. ‘Hold’ exercises are similar to carry exercises but lack the locomotive aspect. Both carry and hold exercises can be completed bilaterally (farmer’s carry (FC) and hold (FH)) or unilaterally (suitcase carry (SC) and hold (SH)). A deeper understanding of muscle activation between the FC and SC and intensity-matched FH and SH might improve their application. Healthy, college-aged individuals were recruited and surface electromyography of the rectus abdominis (RA), external …

Ua12/2/1 College Heights Herald: Big Red By Ai, Wku Student Affairs

WKU Administration Documents

Magazine edition of the College Heights Herald for the period March 3 - April 8, 2024.

• Big Red, Is That You?
• Anderson, Alexandria. Letter from the Editor - Artificial Intelligence
• Phelps, Maggie. What is AI? - Artificial Intelligence
• AI’s Impact on Higher Education
• Reed, Bailey. Students Share Opinions on AI
• Abney, Shayla. WKU Faculty Discuss AI in Courses
• Hawkins, Kaylee. AI’s Impact on Blackboard Ultra
• Randolph, Eli. AI Recreates a WKU Tour
• Shaw, Cameron. WKU Department of Political Science Hosts Dead President’s Tour

The Effects Of Lower Leg Compression Garments On Lower Extremity Sports Injuries, Subjective Fatigue And Biomechanical Variables: A Systematic Review With Meta-Analysis, Thierry P.C. Franke, Hetty Hofstede, Anke Van Den Broek, Bionka M.A. Huisstede Dr.

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 17(6): 445-467, 2024. The objective of this study was to systematically review the literature on the effect of CGs versus non-CGs (such as regular socks) or versus placebo garments on 1) the incidence of lower extremity sports injuries and 2) subjective ratings of fatigue and biomechanical variables in athletes at participating in any sport that required any level of running performance, given that fatigue-related biomechanical alterations may increase the risk of sports injuries. This study was a systematic review with meta-analyses. PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Cochrane, PEDro, and Scopus were searched for eligible studies until 7 …

Ua64/2 The Challenge: Magazine For The Center For Gifted Studies (No. 56 Spring 2024), Elizabeth Joyce Editor

Gifted Studies Publications

Magazine created by and about the WKU Center for Gifted Studies.

Implementing Meta-Session Autoregulation Strategies For Exercise- A Scoping Review, Adam Ibrahim, Cory T. Beaumont, Kelley Strohacker

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 17(5): 382-404, 2024. Meta-session autoregulation, a person-adaptive form of exercise prescription that adjusts training variables according to daily fluctuations in performance considering an individual’s daily fitness, fatigue, and readiness-to-exercise is commonly used in sports-related training and may be beneficial for non-athlete populations to promote exercise adherence. To guide refinement of meta-session autoregulation, it is crucial to examine the existing literature and synthesize how these procedures have been practically implemented. Following PRIMSA guidelines a scoping review of two databases was conducted from August 2021 to September 2021 to identify and summarize the selected measures of readiness-to-exercise …

Maximal Aerobic Capacity As A Predictor Of Performance On Acft Total Score Of Rotc Cadets, Anthony M. Acevedo, Zachary Zeigler, Bridget F. Melton

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 17(4): 429-437, 2024. The Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) is a newly developed test that assesses the combat readiness of U.S. Army soldiers. The purpose of this cross-sectional study is to determine if VO_2max can predict performance outcomes of the ACFT in ROTC cadets. This understanding can provide a better understanding of the aerobic demands of the ACFT. Cadets (50 males, 14 females; aged 21.43 ± 4.10 years) completed the 6-event ACFT (maximum trap-bar deadlift [MDL], standing power throw [SPT], hand-release pushups [HRPU], sprint-drag-carry shuttle run [SDC], plank [PLK], and 2-mile run [2MR]). The …

Influence Of Body Composition On Functional Movement Among Police Officers, Stacy L. Gnacinski, Frankie Porter, Madison N. Renner, Tessa Laska

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 17(4): 418-428, 2024. Research indicates that the Functional Movement Screen (FMS) can be used to measure functional movement quality and characterize musculoskeletal injury risk in tactical populations. Although body composition has been linked to chronic disease in police officers, the link between body composition and functional movement quality has not been explored in this population. As such, the purposes of the study were to examine: (a) the effect of body mass index (BMI) on functional movement, and (b) determine the significance of fat mass (FM) and fat free mass (FFM) in predicting functional movement among …

Maximal Running Speed And Critical Speed Are Positively Related To Phase Angle In Healthy Young Adults, Trevor Short, Paulette Yamada

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 17(4): 405-417, 2024. Phase Angle (PhA), derived from bioelectrical impedance analysis, is a measurement of cellular resistance to electrical current and a non-invasive tool to monitor neuromuscular performance. The relationship between PhA and components of athletic performance is not fully understood. The purpose of this study was to determine if maximal running speed, critical speed (CS), and/or D prime (D’) derived from a 3-minute all-out-test (3MAOT) correlates to PhA, reactance (Xc), or resistance (R). Sixty-one (male n=35, female n=26) healthy young adults (23.4±3.9 years) completed bioelectrical impedance analysis (Inbody770) and a 3MAOT. The correlations between …

The Effect Of Stroboscopic Vision Training On Blind-Folded Straight-Line Walking, Saira Talwar, Johneric W. Smith, John Lamberth

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 17(1): 438-444, 2024. Stroboscopic vision training has shown to improve visual-motor controland dynamic visual acuity in sport performance;however, no studies have considered using this training to enhance kinesthetic awareness during walking, applicable to high fall-risk populations. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of stroboscopic vision training on blind-folded straight-line walking. Methods: Thirty-seven college-aged healthy participants (age: 20.14 ± 1.23 years; females: N = 32, males: N = 5) completed this study. In this pre-posttest quasi-experimental investigation, participants with no epileptic or balance disorder history completed a four-week progressive stroboscopic vision …

A Meta-Analysis Of Randomized Controlled Trials On The Effects Of Photobiomodulation Therapy On Running Performance, Ana Paula Do Nascimento, Adriano Valmozino Da Silva, Juliano Casonatto, Andreo Fernando Aguiar

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 17(4): 327-342, 2024. Objective: To conduct a meta-analysis to investigate the effects of Photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy on running performance. Introduction: PBM has recently been advocated as a valuable non-pharmacological ergogenic strategy, however, the efficacy of PBM on running performance remains unproven. Methods: A computerized literature search was conducted until June 2023. The databases searched were PubMed/Medline, Embase, Scopus, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science. Inclusion/exclusion criteria were determined through the PICO process. The running variables analyzed were time-trial or time-to-exhaustion. Results were combined with the standardized mean differences (SMD) and the 95% confidence intervals. Results: Twelve …