Digital Commons Network^™

Restrictive Breathing Mask Reduces Total Repetitions In Resistance-Trained Males: An Ongoing Study, Thomas Andre, Joshua J. Gann, Paul S. Hwang, Emily Ziperman, Matthew O. Mccullough 3853819, Ashley Bascom, Brooke Roemer, Darryn Willoughby Phd

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Recently a popular exercise training device has been developed, which has been promoted by companies as a training aid, known as a restrictive breathing mask (RBM).The RBM is designed to simulate training at higher altitudes and has become commonplace for individuals to utilize during resistance-training sessions. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of a RBM on muscle performance and perceptual measures in resistance-trained males. METHODS: A cross-over study design was utilized in 9 resistance-trained males with performance trials separated by 7 days. A baseline strength testing session was completed for 12RM for squat, leg press, …

Effects Of Type 1 Diabetes On The Mechanoreflex In Rats, Elizabeth A. Garcia, Audrey J. Stone

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Mechanical allodynia is present as early as four days post streptozotocin (STZ) injection in type 1 diabetic (T1DM) rats. This is thought to occur through mechanisms affecting the same thin fiber afferents that evoke the mechanoreflex. PURPOSE: In this study, we attempted to determine the effects of T1DM on the mechanoreflex. METHODS: We injected (i.p.) 50 mg/kg of Streptozotocin (STZ) or the vehicle (CTL) in either sex Sprague Dawley rat and waited 1 week (STZ: BW=258±31 g, glucose=448±88 mg/dL, HbA1C=6.4±1.0%; CTL: BW=318±54 g, glucose=175±48 mg/dL, HbA1C=4.3±0.2%). On the day of experiment, the right jugular vein and both carotid …

Physiological And Fitness Adaptations Following Eight Weeks Of Crossfit® Exercise, Matthew F. Brisebois, Todd J. Castleberry, Christopher J. Irvine, Sarah E. Deemer, Brandon R. Rigby

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Over the past decade, CrossFit® has been rapidly growing in popularity. There are currently over 5,000 CrossFit® gyms around the world and the number of gyms is increasing each year. Health professionals are unable to provide clear recommendations for CrossFit® due to the limited amount of existing research that includes the program as an exercise intervention. PURPOSE: To characterize the cardiorespiratory responses, body composition, and other health-related physical fitness parameters before and after 8 weeks of CrossFit® exercise in sedentary adults. METHODS: Fourteen participants, including men (n = 4; age = 30 ± 8 yrs; height = 176.03 …

Accuracy Of Fitbit Activity Trackers During Walking In A Controlled Setting, Jose L. Gamez Jr., Ivan A. Figueroa, Jesus P. Gonzalez, Perla Leyva, Naomi D. Lucio, Vanessa E. Salazar, Cindy L. Salazar, Merrill D. Funk

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Activity trackers are widely used to measure daily physical activity. Many devices have been shown to measure steps more accurately at higher intensities, however, it is also important to determine the accuracy of these new devices at measuring steps while walking at a pace similar to that used during most daily activities. PURPOSE: To assess the accuracy of 6 popular activity trackers at measuring steps while walking on a treadmill. METHODS: Twenty-six college students (Mean±SD; 22.1±3.7yrs; 25.1±4.0kg/m²; 13 male) walked 500 steps at 3mph on a treadmill while wearing 6 different activity trackers (Pedometer, Fitbit Blaze, Charge …

Exercise Does Not Stimulate Citrate Synthase Activity In Cachectic Muscle, Sarah Senger, Kira Pamerleau, Derek Wallace, Paul Rivas, Nicholas Musi, A. Pratrap Kumar, Darpan I. Patel

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Cachexia causes metabolic alterations in skeletal muscle mitochondria stimulated by inflammatory imbalance towards pro-inflammatory signaling. Previous work by our group has demonstrated that exercise significantly increases muscle mass in cases of advanced tumors in transgenic mice. Furthermore, we have discovered that the natural product Nexrutine® has anti-inflammatory properties which can be beneficial in protecting mitochondria. PURPOSE: To compare the effects of exercise and Nexrutine® on mitochondrial density in skeletal muscle taken from transgenic adenocarcinoma of the mouse prostate (TRAMP) models. METHODS: This project is a continuation of a larger study investigating the effects of exercise and Nexrutine® on the attenuation …

Pharmacological Inhibition Of Mtor And Erk1/2 Resulted In Attenuated Protein Synthesis Rates In Differentiated C2c12 Myoblasts In A Similar Fashion To In Vivo Rodent Studies., John W. Deaver, Colleen L. O'Reilly, Stephen F. Crouse, James D. Fluckey

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Fractional protein synthesis rates have long been used as in indicator of acute alterations in the anabolic state of various tissues. Through the use of a number of stable and isotopic tracer methodologies, the measurement of fractional synthesis rates (FSR) in vivo has become a staple of skeletal muscle physiology. Through the application of a deuterium oxide tracer, this project sought to measure pharmacological perturbations in fractional synthesis rates in culture in differentiated C2C12 murine myotubes. PURPOSE: To assess myofibrillar protein FSR in differentiated C2C12 murine myotubes following pharmacological inhibition of rapamycin-sensitive (mTOR) or -insensitive (ERK1/2) pathways, and how …

The Valsalva Maneuver For Assessment Of Cardiovagal Baroreflex Sensitivity, Carmen Campalans, Carsten Flores-Hansen, Scott Matjeka, Clarissa Quezada, Donovan L. Fogt, William H. Cooke

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

The cardiovagal baroreflex is fundamental to understanding normal autonomic neural function, but can be difficult to assess. PURPOSE: In this study, we highlight the utility of the Valsalva maneuver for the assessment of cardiovagal baroreflex sensitivity during both vagal inhibition and activation. METHODS: Thirteen supine male subjects (21 ± .7 yrs; 173 ± 2 cm; 78 ± 4 kg) were instrumented with an electrocardiogram and a finger photoplethysmograph (Finometer, to assess beat-by-beat arterial pressure). Subjects then exhaled against resistance to an expiratory pressure of 40 mmHg for 15 s followed by a 2-min recovery. Subjects performed three trials, and we …

Characterization Of Protein Metabolism In Undifferentiated And Differentiated Murine Muscle Tissue, Jessica M. Cardin, John W. Deaver, Colleen L. O'Reilly, Stephen F. Crouse, James D. Fluckey

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

The emergence of cell culture experiments have greatly expanded the understanding of skeletal muscle physiology. However, there is a paucity of data regarding the behaviors of cells grown in culture at various stages versus in vivo. This preliminary set of studies was designed to assess alterations of anabolic responses between undifferentiated and differentiated muscle tissue in [high] and [low] glucose media along with varying dosages of insulin. Purpose: Determine if there is a disparity in fractional synthesis rates (FSR) between C2C12 myoblasts and myotubes with varying levels of insulin and in [high] (4.5g/L) and [low] glucose (2.75 g/L) media. …

Physical Activity, Park, Nature Trail Usage Among Students, Faculty And Staff At A Mid-Sized University, Samuel Ryan Sims, Bakeyah Nelson, Kristen Lanza, Joseph Lozano, Tom Kartrude, William Amonette

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Physical activity (PA) is a vital component of a healthy lifestyle. There is strong evidence demonstrating an association between PA and reduced risk of many chronic diseases, increasing in prevalence and incidence in the United States. PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to determine the PA levels of the students, faculty, and staff members of a mid-sized state university and how usage of a nature center and community park facilitated PA. METHODS: An observational, cross-sectional survey design was used to complete the study objectives. The 20-minute survey was distributed online using Survey Monkey to all faculty, staff …

Partial Or Complete Unloading Of Skeletal Muscle Leads To Specific Alterations Of Anabolic Signal Transduction, Colleen L. Oreilly, J William Deaver, Michael P. Wiggs, Florence Lima, Joshua M. Swift, Elizabeth S. Greene, Susan A. Bloomfield, James D. Fluckey

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Consequences of disuse atrophy of skeletal muscle observed during spaceflight on astronaut health and performance are a focal point of space research. Decrements of both muscle mass and protein synthesis rates have been observed with exposure to varying muscle loading environments (1G > partial loading > 0G), and most of the reduced muscle mass can be attributed to diminished rates of synthesis. However, specific mechanisms behind unloading-dependent reductions of protein synthesis are not well defined.

PURPOSE: To determine whether or not alterations of anabolic signal transduction was responsible for the changes previously observed in fractional synthesis rates with specific gravitational loading …

Comparison Of Smartphone Pedometer Apps On A Treadmill Versus Outdoors, Ivan A. Figueroa, Jesus P. Gonzalez, Perla Leyva, Jose L. Gamez, Naomi Lucio, Vanessa E. Salazar, Cindy L. Salazar, Miriam Garcia, Merrill D. Funk

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Previous research has focused on the accuracy of smartphone pedometer apps in laboratory settings, however less information is available in outdoor (free living) environments. PURPOSE: Determine the accuracy of 5 smartphone apps at recording steps at a walking speed in a laboratory versus an outdoor setting. METHODS: Twenty-three healthy college students consented (Mean±SD; 22±3.8yrs; BMI 24.9±4.13kg/m²) to participate in 2 separate visits. During the first visit participants walked 500 steps at 3mph on a treadmill while wearing a pedometer and a smartphone placed in the pocket using 5 pedometer apps concurrently (Moves, Google Fit (G-Fit), Runtastic, Accupedo, S-Health). …

Complexities Of The Body Weight Screening Experience: A Qualitative Analysis, Delaney Day, Alyssa Abreu, Eric J. Jones, Mark Faries

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force and NIH emphasize the use of weight-related screenings as a means to increase motivation of overweight/obese individuals to manage body weight. Yet, little is known about individual responses to receiving such screenings, which could inform future research. PURPOSE: To examine the acute, qualitative responses to a common body weight and composition screening in a sample of women classified as ‘overfat’ by a validated body fat percentage (BF%) cutoff. METHODS: Of 14 volunteers responding to a study ad assessing personal experience to a weight screening, 10 women (30.21 ± 16.64 years; 39.39% ± 6.60%; 28.25 …

Nexrutine® Mimics Exercise Preservation Of Muscle In Tramp Mice By Decreasing Proteolysis-Inducing Factor, Derek J. Wallace, Sarah Senger, Kira Pamerleau, Darpan Patel

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Cachexia is an adverse effect of prostate cancer (PCa) characterized by skeletal muscle loss which significantly impacts mortality and quality of life. Recently, proteolysis-inducing factor (PIF) mediated activation of the ubiquitin proteasome system has been identified as a potential target for treating cachexia. Oncologists encourage nutritional and physical intercession to improve outcomes, however, it is unclear how these interventions impact PIF activity. PURPOSE: To test the hypothesis that Nexrutine^® (a natural bark extract of the Amur cork tree with anti-inflammatory capabilities) and exercise can independently attenuate muscle loss in a transgenic adenocarcinoma of mouse prostate (TRAMP) model by modulating …

Acute Effects Of Aerobic Exercise With Blood Flow Restriction On Pulse Wave Velocity In Females, Brittany N. Esparza, Margarita Gonzalez, Patrick Murphy, Murat Karabulut

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

PURPOSE: To investigate the acute effects of a 20-minute walk/run at 40% VO2 with and without blood flow restriction on pulse wave velocity (PWV). METHODS: Seventeen female subjects, between the ages of 18 and 40, signed informed consent and were familiarized with the study protocol, on the same day measurements were assessed: height, weight, body composition, and thigh circumference. Followed by each subject performing the Bruce Protocol on a treadmill. Subjects were asked to come back to the lab hydrated and 8 hours fasted on two different days (separated by at least 48 hours). After reaching hydration, participants …

Performance Related Hemodynamic Responses To Aerobic Exercise Across Different Stages Of The Menstrual Cycle, Patrick Gage Murphy, Danny Dominguez, Brittany Esparza, Murat Karabulut

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

The female menstrual cycle affects various physiological variables that may impact performance. The cyclical nature could lead to differences across the entire cycle and therefore it may be beneficial to recommend the timing of an individuals cycle in coherence with a performance event. PURPOSE: To examine the physiological changes, especially body water and hemodynamic measures that occur in females across their respective menstrual cycles in response to aerobic performance. METHODS: Eleven females (age = 21.2 ± 1.4 yrs) performed four sessions of aerobic activity at 75% of their calculated VO2 max as determined by the Bruce Protocol. The speed for …

The Relationship Of Visceral Adipose Tissue With Markers Of Energy Homeostasis Following Weight-Loss, Marcus A. Breden, Bryan K. Smith, Matthew P. Harris, Brooke Burgess, Adam Gloeckner, Melody D. Phillips, Joshua S. Wooten

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Excess levels of adipose tissue, in particular visceral adipose tissue (VAT), is closely associated with the metabolic syndrome and dysregulation of energy homeostasis. It is hypothesized that leptin resistance results in overconsumption of calories and reduced satiety. Recently, brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), beyond functioning in learning and memory, is shown to play a role in energy homeostasis via its positive satiety effects on the hypothalamus. However, it remains to be elucidated how changes in visceral adipose tissue are associated with changes in circulating leptin and BDNF after weight-loss. PURPOSE: To identify changes in adiposity and circulating leptin and …

Dxa Body Composition Is Weakly Related To Blood Lipids, Blood Pressure, And Glucose In Firefighters, Kalen A. Johnson

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Current published data are inconclusive regarding whether DXA body composition measures of fat, lean, and regional fat mass are predictive of other CVD risk factors. PURPOSE: To determine if DXA measures can be used in a cardiovascular risk-predictive manner to indicate unhealthy levels of circulating lipoproteins in firefighters. METHODS: 256 male firefighters (age=35±10; ht=179±6.6 cm; wt=94±16 kg; BMI=29.9±4.6; fat mass=27.5±10.4 kg; lean mass=63±7.5 kg; gynoid%fat=28.7±6.5%; android%fat=36±11.3%; glucose=85±12.9 mg/dL; SBP=128±9 mmHg) underwent an annual cardiovascular risk profile screening and DXA scan; resting BP was also measured. We drew fasting blood samples, analyzed by a clinically certified lab, to determine glucose, HDL, …

Physician Assistant Students’ Perceptions Of The Fitness Industry And Lifestyle Medicine, Alyssa Abreu, Sarah-Ann Keyes, Mark Faries

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

With nearly two-thirds of all chronic disease having a lifestyle cause, there is spurred interest in curricular changes for Physician Assistants (PA) and other medical providers to learn Lifestyle Medicine (LM) - the therapeutic use of lifestyle changes to prevent, treat and reverse disease. A key competency in LM practice involves an interdisciplinary approach, including aid from fitness professionals. Yet, perceptions of the fitness industry might hinder such a relationship. PURPOSE: To assess PA students' knowledge of LM and perceptions of the fitness industry, to guide curriculum implementation efforts. METHODS: An online survey was advertised to all PA students at …

Dexa Body Composition And Cardiovascular Risk Factors Weakly Related In Police Officers, Alison Mcguire, Stephen F. Crouse, Steven E. Martin, Allison Donnell, Daniel Mohnke, John S. Green Ph.D.

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

There is currently little research on whether fat mass and distribution is a predictive factor of cardiovascular risk. PURPOSE: To determine if obesity measures, such as fat mass and distribution (android vs gynoid), could be used to predict cardiovascular risk, particularly lipid levels, systolic blood pressure (SBP) and blood glucose. Our hypothesis was that fat mass is not an accurate predictor of these cardiovascular risk factors. METHODS: 182 police officers (166 males, 16 females; age 37.6±8.1 yrs; ht 1.7±0.1 m; wt 92.2±17.8 kg; BMI 28.9±4.8) were part of an annual cardiovascular risk profile testing group. We measured resting heart rate …

Associations Of Objectively Measured Light-Intensity Activity On Metabolic Risk Factors In Female Adults, Matthew O. Mccullough, Megan E. Mcclendon, Thomas L. Andre, Michelle R. Umstattd, Cindy Wu, Shana M. Walsh, Rodney G. Bowden

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Metabolic syndrome (MetSy) has been defined as a collection of metabolic irregularities that increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and all-cause mortality. Women are at an even greater risk for developing MetSy when compared to men with prevalence increasing with age. Moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) has shown consistent association with decreases in risk of MetSy; however, light physical activity (LPA) has been studied less often in comparison. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine relationships between accelerometer-determined LPA and MetSy risk factors (waist circumference (WC), glucose, high density lipoprotein (HDL), triglycerides, systolic blood …

Dietary Enrichment Of Fish-Oils Attenuates Diet-Induced Obesity And Hepatic Steatosis, Dakota R. Kamm, Megan L. Schaller, Matthew P. Harris, Kenneth A. Witt, Karin E. Sandoval, Joshua S. Wooten

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is characterized by the accumulation of excess hepatic fat, exceeding 5% of total liver mass. NAFLD is present in one-third of Americans and up to 90% in those who are obese. NAFLD develops largely in part to consumption of a Western diet, defined as 40-60% kcal from saturated fats; however, a diet rich in fish-oils may prevent and reverse the development of steatosis. PURPOSE: To determine the effects of fish oils on the development of NAFLD. METHODS: C57BL/6 (n=91) mice were randomly assigned to four dietary groups for 32-weeks: 10% lard (LFL), 10% …

Assessing The Qualitative Validity Of A Non-Invasive Ultrasound Technique For Estimating Muscle Glycogen Change, Jakob R. Allen

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Intramuscular glycogen is a primary fuel source for intense exercise and the use of an invasive muscle biopsy is still the gold-standard of measurement. PURPOSE: To assess the qualitative validity of a proprietary algorithm from ultrasound images (MuscleSound^®)(MS) for determination of intramuscular glycogen concentration compared to the body of literature reporting muscle glycogen depletion from exercise and subsequent recovery. METHODS: 12 healthy recreational students (n=1 female) (25.5 ± 1.2y, 74.0 ± 2.6kg, 174 ± 4.48cm) were recruited from campus for participation in this study. Subjects performed six bouts of six-minute efforts on a stationary cycle ergometer at 84% …

Effects Of Multi-Ingredient Pre-Workout Supplements On Repetitions-In-Reserve And Subjective Measures Of Energy, Fatigue, And Focus During Lower-Body Resistance Exercise, Amy Hurtado, Matthew Hamm, Jose G. Pineda, Austin Martin, Austin Cross, Victor Uribe, Ty B. Palmer, Grant Tinsley

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Approximately 50% of the U.S. population regularly consumes dietary supplements to enhance their health and well-being. One popular category of dietary supplements is called “pre-workout” supplements, which claims to increase subjective feelings of energy and exercise performance. PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to examine whether two commercially available pre-workout supplements could beneficially modify resistance exercise-specific perceived exertion and subjective measures of energy, focus, and fatigue during an acute bout of lower-body resistance exercise. METHODS: This was a counterbalanced, double blind, placebo-controlled trial. Resistance-trained (i.e. 2+ hours per week of weight training over the past 6 months) females and …

Omega-3 Supplementation, Menstrual Cycle, And Acute Eccentric Exercise On Plasma Lipid Profiles, Mehul D. Nathubhai, Sarah Mckinley Barnard Phd, Yonghyeon Jo, Darryn Willoughby Phd, Yunsuk Koh Phd

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Omega-3 fatty acids supplementation and the menstrual cycle may independently influence plasma lipids and lipoproteins following acute exercise. PURPOSE: The current study investigated the effects of dietary fish oil supplement and acute eccentric exercise on plasma lipids and lipoproteins during two different phases of the menstrual cycle [mid-follicular (MF) vs. mid-luteal phase (ML)]. METHODS: As a double-blind, placebo-controlled design, 22 healthy young females (age= 20.86±1.39 years) volunteered. Participants were randomly assigned to either the fish oil (N=11) or the placebo (N=11) group. The fish oil group took a total of 6 capsules of fish oil per day (6g …

Validity Of Wrist-Worn Physical Activity Monitors To Measure Heart Rate, Jacelyn C. Patton, Terri E. Shay, Martin G. Schmidt, Brook L. Massey, Alexander S. Davis, Nicolas Giovannitti, Merrill D. Funk, Robert S. Thiebaud

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Numerous physical activity monitors exist and are used to track and improve fitness levels. Due to the increasing popularity of these devices, newer products have been developed that measure heart rate (HR) at the wrist. Little is known about how accurate these devices are at measuring HR at the wrist and how they compare to each other. PURPOSE: To determine how accurately HR was measured by three different wrist-worn physical activity monitors. METHODS: Recreationally active men (n=9) and women (n=3) participated in this study. The average age and weight of participants was 22 ± 3 years and 73.9 ± 12 …

Acute Responses To High Intensity Interval Exercise And Moderate Aerobic Exercise On Anaerobically And Aerobically Trained Athletes, Stephanie M. Holloway, Matthew V. Bliss, Christopher M. Hearon

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) is emerging as the popular method of training recently for its ability to deliver an exercise that still elicits almost the same health benefits, when compared to traditional methods of training. Those who are trained possess higher lactate thresholds than those who are not trained. However, there is little research on males whom are trained as anaerobically or aerobically, and their differences on lactate or blood glucose recovery. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to compare the acute effects of high intensity interval exercise and moderate aerobic exercise on lactic acid and blood glucose …

The Acute Effects Of A Dynamic Whole Body Vibration Warm-Up Combined With Blood Flow Restriction On Muscle Peak Torque, Vertical Jump Power, Heart Rate (Hr), And Blood Pressure (Bp), Maria F. De La Rosa Miss, Juanita Deese, Briana Hoysick, Alondra Chapa

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Warm-ups are crucial for minimizing risks, such as injuries, and increasing performance. Performing warm-ups on a Whole Body Vibration (WBV) platform have shown to improve performance and strength by recruiting reflex triggered contractions. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to observe the effects of dynamic whole body vibration with blood flow restriction on muscle peak torque (strength) and vertical jump power. METHODS: Eight females (Mean ± STDEV age = 21.8 ± 4.3 years; height = 159.7 ± 4.6 cm; Weight = 58.0 ± 16.0 kg) and eight males (Mean ± STDEV age = 21.8 ± 2.9 years; height = …

Plasma Glucose And Lipid Profiles Following High-Fat Diet And Acute Aerobic Exercise, Benjamin Son, Yonghyeon Jo, Ashton Waddell, Eric O'Neal, Yunsuk Koh

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

PURPOSE: To examine the effects of a 3-week high-fat (HF) diet on plasma glucose, lipids, and lipoproteins following an acute bout of aerobic exercise in middle-aged men. METHODS: Physically active (non-elite, competitive marathon runners), male participants (N=8, age=39.5±9.9 years) volunteered for the study. Participants maintained their habitual high-carbohydrate (HC) diet (60-70% caloric intake from carbohydrate) prior to switching to the HF diet (70% caloric intake from fat, not exceeding 50g of carbohydrates) for 3 weeks. At the end of each diet trial, participants performed an acute bout of aerobic exercise, which consisted of running at varying paces (personal …

Improvement In Heart Rate Variability During Mild Cognitive Task Following Concussion, Madison S. Ferraro, Mu Huang, Justin Michael Frantz, Tonia Sabo, Kathleen Bell, Sushmita Purkayastha

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Cognitive rest is widely recommended following concussion until symptoms resolve. Unlike return-to-play protocols, there is a lack of clear guideline for return-to-learn in student athletes. Heart rate variability (HRV) is an index of cardiac health and reduced HRV is associated with disturbances in the autonomic nervous system (ANS) following concussion. PURPOSE: Therefore, the purpose of our study was to examine ANS modulation utilizing HRV at rest and during mild cognitive task in concussed and non-injured control athletes. METHODS: Nineteen collegiate athletes (20 ± 1 years) with a physician-diagnosed sports-related concussion were enrolled in the study acutely (4 ± …

Cerebral Vasoreactivity Is Impaired Beyond Symptom Resolution Following Concussion In Collegiate Athletes, Justin Michael Frantz, Madison Ferraro, Tonia Sabo, Peter F. Davis, Kathleen Bell, Sushmita Purkayastha

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Compromised cerebral blood flow (CBF) regulation is linked to impaired functional outcome following concussion. Cerebral vasoreactivity (CVR), an important mechanism in CBF regulation, is the ability of cerebral blood vessels to alter blood flow during dynamic changes in arterial carbon-dioxide (CO₂). PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine CVR in an ongoing prospective cohort of collegiate athletes during acute (day-3) and sub-acute (day-21) phases following concussion and compare them with non-injured athletes. METHODS: Sixteen male and female collegiate athletes (21±1 years) with sports-related concussion and 16 sports matched non-injured controls (21±1 years) were enrolled in …