Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Digital Commons Network™

Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Western Kentucky University

Discipline
Keyword
Publication Year
Publication
Publication Type
File Type

Articles 61 - 90 of 16401

Full-Text Articles in Entire DC Network

A Comparison Of The Energetic Cost Of Walking With And Without A 10-Pound Weighted Vest, Aaliyah R. Brown, Dustin P. Joubert Feb 2026

A Comparison Of The Energetic Cost Of Walking With And Without A 10-Pound Weighted Vest, Aaliyah R. Brown, Dustin P. Joubert

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Walking is a widely utilized mode of aerobic exercise for improving cardiovascular health and increasing energy expenditure. Wearing a relatively light, weighted vest during walking exercise has recently grown in popularity. Despite this, it is unclear how these weighted vests impact the physiological workload or metabolic demand during walking. PURPOSE: Compare the energetic cost and cardiovascular response of walking with and without a 10-lb weighted vest. METHODS: Following screening and consent, 9 subjects (29 ± 15 years, 72.8 ± 16.5 kg, 7 female and 2 male) completed a single walking exercise session. Subjects first completed a 10-minute warm-up …


Individuals Who Use E-Cigarettes Exhibit Reduced Sleep Duration And Longer Sleep Onset Latency: A Preliminary Report, Summer R. Franklin, Kimberly M. Jacob, Kaeda B. Reamer, Erica M. Filep Dr., Amiee M. Griffis, Joshua E. Gonzalez Feb 2026

Individuals Who Use E-Cigarettes Exhibit Reduced Sleep Duration And Longer Sleep Onset Latency: A Preliminary Report, Summer R. Franklin, Kimberly M. Jacob, Kaeda B. Reamer, Erica M. Filep Dr., Amiee M. Griffis, Joshua E. Gonzalez

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Cross-sectional survey-based studies have indicated that individuals who use e-cigarettes are more likely to report insufficient sleep. However, there is a lack of objective information on how e-cigarettes influence sleep. Insufficient sleep is associated with the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and may compound the CVD risks already associated with e-cigarette use. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to objectively compare the sleep of individuals who use e-cigarettes and healthy controls. We tested the hypothesis that individuals who use e-cigarettes would have shorter sleep duration and longer sleep onset latency times. METHODS: The sleep behaviors of 29 healthy adult …


The Effect Of Different Post-Activation Potentiation Protocols On Peak Muscle Torque During Knee Extension, Kaileb Bayliss, Steven Prince, Casi Helbig Feb 2026

The Effect Of Different Post-Activation Potentiation Protocols On Peak Muscle Torque During Knee Extension, Kaileb Bayliss, Steven Prince, Casi Helbig

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Post-activation potentiation is an important tool to utilize when trying to optimize exercise and sport performance. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to analyze different protocol lengths to determine if the post-activation potentiation effect can still manifest after just 1 specific warm up set vs. multiple specific warm up sets. METHODS: Subjects included eighteen college students from Texas Lutheran University with a mean age of 21.67 years (+/-2.70), height of 66.68 inches (+/-3.12), and weight of 176.56 pounds (+/-44.77). The subjects started the first session with a GWU that manifested as a 5 minute walk on an …


Carbohydrate Effects On Cycling Time To Exhaustion Following Exercise-Induced Glycogen Depletion: Preliminary Data, Ross Moody, Nicole Cipriano, Macilynn E. Coles, Jason Stephens, Sarah Deemer Feb 2026

Carbohydrate Effects On Cycling Time To Exhaustion Following Exercise-Induced Glycogen Depletion: Preliminary Data, Ross Moody, Nicole Cipriano, Macilynn E. Coles, Jason Stephens, Sarah Deemer

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

PURPOSE: In recent years, there has been a rise in the popularity of zero sugar sports drinks which contain fewer calories (from reduced carbohydrate (CHO) content), while maintaining identical electrolyte content. However, substantial evidence demonstrates that CHO consumption before or during exercise enhances performance and supports recovery. Because zero-sugar sports drinks contain only a fraction of the carbohydrate found in traditional full-sugar formulations, they may be less effective for supporting recovery and subsequent performance following muscle-fatiguing exercise. This study investigates whether consuming a full sugar (CHO+), a zero-sugar (CHO-), or water drink following lower-body muscle fatiguing exercise improves cycling …


Prep Monitoring, Coaching Presence, And Competitive Anxiety In Bodybuilders, Rafael E. Cachutt, Samantha S. Dardaman, Christian O. Quintero, Stephen E. Rowden, Maddox B. Utter, Scott B. Martin Feb 2026

Prep Monitoring, Coaching Presence, And Competitive Anxiety In Bodybuilders, Rafael E. Cachutt, Samantha S. Dardaman, Christian O. Quintero, Stephen E. Rowden, Maddox B. Utter, Scott B. Martin

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Competitive bodybuilding involves severe dietary restriction, high training demands, and constant evaluation of physique-related outcomes. Within the sport, it is common for competitors to engage in intensive prep monitoring behaviors such as tracking caloric intake and training load to support contest preparation. As contest prep practices may tax attentional resources and disrupt emotional regulation of competitors, some athletes utilize formal coaching to assist with performance monitoring while others engage in self-coaching strategies. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine sport anxiety levels amongst competitive bodybuilders who engage in prep monitoring behaviors. Additionally, the contribution of coaching presence was …


Comparable Whole-Body Bone Mineral Density And Lean Mass In Older Recreational Pickleball Participants And Younger Sedentary Women: A Pilot Feasibility Study, Guillermo Perez, Kamila Naranjo, Ayah R. Elshafie, Pamela Gonzalez, Hashim A. Elshafie, Victoria Garcia, Areli Cisneros, Jabeth Azpeitia, Rebekah D. Schlatter, Ulku Karabulut Feb 2026

Comparable Whole-Body Bone Mineral Density And Lean Mass In Older Recreational Pickleball Participants And Younger Sedentary Women: A Pilot Feasibility Study, Guillermo Perez, Kamila Naranjo, Ayah R. Elshafie, Pamela Gonzalez, Hashim A. Elshafie, Victoria Garcia, Areli Cisneros, Jabeth Azpeitia, Rebekah D. Schlatter, Ulku Karabulut

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Age-related declines in bone mineral density, lean mass, and muscular power contribute to increased risk of functional impairment in women. Recreational pickleball involves dynamic, weight-bearing movements that may support musculoskeletal health; however, laboratory-based comparisons across age groups remain limited. PURPOSE: This pilot study evaluated the feasibility of laboratory-based assessment of whole-body bone mineral density (BMD), body composition, and lower-body power in recreational pickleball participants and sedentary women and explored preliminary age-adjusted group differences. METHODS: Ten women participated (5 sedentary; 5 recreational pickleball participants ≥2 sessions/week). Mean age was 31.6 years in sedentary women and 63.6 years in pickleball …


Evaluating Nfpa 1580 And Nfpa 1582 Occupational Readiness Standards Via Physiological Profiling And Discriminative Analyses, Taylor Benard, Regan Lariviere, Michael Conner, Micheil Spillane, Steven E. Martin, Drew E. Gonzalez Feb 2026

Evaluating Nfpa 1580 And Nfpa 1582 Occupational Readiness Standards Via Physiological Profiling And Discriminative Analyses, Taylor Benard, Regan Lariviere, Michael Conner, Micheil Spillane, Steven E. Martin, Drew E. Gonzalez

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Firefighters are currently assessed using NFPA 1582 standards based on job-specific aerobic capacity. Recent shifts to broad percentile categories raise concerns that these criteria may be less strict and misclassify firefighters as fit. As more are deemed ready, there's worry that lowering fitness thresholds could weaken high-risk readiness screening occupation. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine how effectively NFPA 1580 and NFPA 1582 occupational readiness standards stratify firefighter fitness and discriminate pass/fail status using physiological and performance-based measures. METHODS: Archival data from annual clinical tests on 144 FFs were analyzed. FFs were classified per NFPA …


Do Greater Years Of Service Subject The Firefighter To Poor Physical Performance And Body Composition Profiling?, Regan Lariviere, Taylor Benard, Michael Conner, Micheil Spillane, Steven E. Martin, Drew E. Gonzalez Feb 2026

Do Greater Years Of Service Subject The Firefighter To Poor Physical Performance And Body Composition Profiling?, Regan Lariviere, Taylor Benard, Michael Conner, Micheil Spillane, Steven E. Martin, Drew E. Gonzalez

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Firefighters face higher CVD risks from stress, aging, and irregular activity. Years of experience (YXP) also worsen health by accelerating age-related declines in body composition, biomarkers, and performance. However, studies on performance across experience levels are limited assessed. PURPOSE: To profile various physical performance and body composition parameters by YXP-related groupings among FFs. METHODS: Archival data from annual clinical testing of 142 FFs were analyzed. Groups were defined as those with <2.5, 2.5 to 5, 5 to 10, 10-15, and >15 YXP. General linear models (GLM) were employed for both multivariate and univariate analyses, utilizing Fisher’s Least Significant Difference tests. To evaluate pairwise mean comparisons and post-hoc …


Lat Pulldown Load Velocity Profiling In Upper-Body Dominant Athletes: A Preliminary Report, Darian B. Hastings, Benjamin P. Doyle, John D. Tebbetts, Bryan B. Crutcher, J Bryan Mann Feb 2026

Lat Pulldown Load Velocity Profiling In Upper-Body Dominant Athletes: A Preliminary Report, Darian B. Hastings, Benjamin P. Doyle, John D. Tebbetts, Bryan B. Crutcher, J Bryan Mann

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

The lat pulldown (LPD) is a common strength exercise aimed to improve maximal strength and power of the latissimus dorsi, the primary agonist muscle for vertical pulling patterns common in sports such as swimming and sport climbing. There is limited research supporting the use of load velocity profiling of the LPD exercise for determining maximal vertical pulling power in upper-body dominant athletes and using these profiles to predict sport-specific performance capabilities. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to validate the use of load velocity profiling of the LPD exercise as a predictive measure of vertical pulling power in upper-body …


Aerobic Capacity And Maximal Work Performance In Firefighters: The Role Of Age And Body Composition In Occupational Health Risk, Payton E. Miller, Michael Conner, Grant M. Tinsley, Drew E. Gonzalez, Christine M. Florez, Carina M. Velasquez, Kelly Hines, Jacob A. Mota Feb 2026

Aerobic Capacity And Maximal Work Performance In Firefighters: The Role Of Age And Body Composition In Occupational Health Risk, Payton E. Miller, Michael Conner, Grant M. Tinsley, Drew E. Gonzalez, Christine M. Florez, Carina M. Velasquez, Kelly Hines, Jacob A. Mota

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Firefighting requires repeated bouts of high-intensity physical work performed under extreme environmental conditions, placing substantial strain on the cardiovascular and musculoskeletal systems. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of on-duty firefighter fatalities, with the majority of deaths occurring among firefighters aged 40 years and older. Physiological characteristics such as age and body composition influence aerobic capacity and maximal work performance, both of which are critical and essential while performing strenuous operations. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine how age, sex, and body composition affect aerobic capacity (VO2peak) and maximal work capacity (Wmax …


From Sit To Fit: Evaluating Active Workstations At Southwestern University, Caylin Damron, Lily Mcwhorter, Vanessa Mikan Phd Feb 2026

From Sit To Fit: Evaluating Active Workstations At Southwestern University, Caylin Damron, Lily Mcwhorter, Vanessa Mikan Phd

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Prolonged sedentary behavior among university students, faculty, and staff is associated with increased risk of chronic disease, poorer mental well-being, and diminished academic and occupational performance. As institutions seek practical strategies to integrate movement into the day, active workstations (e.g., sit-to-stand desks and desk bikes) have emerged as a promising approach to reduce sitting time while supporting productivity and overall health. PURPOSE: To evaluate the use of active workstations among the Southwestern University community and examine their perceived impact on physical activity levels, productivity and focus, stress and anxiety, and overall sedentary behavior. METHODS: Twenty-six participants (faculty, staff, and students) …


The Role Of Attentional Focus In Ergometer Rowing Performance, Ana C. Morales Elizondo, Tatiana Zhuravleva Feb 2026

The Role Of Attentional Focus In Ergometer Rowing Performance, Ana C. Morales Elizondo, Tatiana Zhuravleva

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

The effects of internal attentional cues versus external attentional cues have produced inconclusive findings regarding which attentional cue is more beneficial (Newmann, et al. 2020). Recent research has found a holistic approach that improves performance and learning in discrete tasks like vertical jumps; however, it has not been investigated with continuous tasks like rowing. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of internal, external, and holistic attentional cues on ergometer rowing performance. METHODS: Thirty-seven participants performed a six-minute ergometer rowing task across three different sessions, with at least 48 hours between each session, in a counterbalanced …


How Self-Talk Affects Performance Among Ncaa Division Iii Female Athletes, Micah Rabey, Briannah Mejias, Giana Hilliard, Cambryn Holloway, Matt Robinson, Kristen Mcalexander Feb 2026

How Self-Talk Affects Performance Among Ncaa Division Iii Female Athletes, Micah Rabey, Briannah Mejias, Giana Hilliard, Cambryn Holloway, Matt Robinson, Kristen Mcalexander

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Self-talk alters mental toughness, emotional control, and behavioral reactions, and can affect an athlete’s cognitive and psychological condition throughout training, competition, and practice. Few studies have examined the role of self-talk specifically among female athletes and no known study has measured its effects among female athletes at the NCAA Division III level. PURPOSE: Examine how NCAA Division III female student athletes describe the role of self-talk in their athletic performance and identify specific ways they perceive self-talk, its functions during training and competition, and its impact on focus, motivation, confidence, and overall performance. METHODS: In the Fall of 2025, modified …


Acute Effects Of Carbon Fiber Plate Insoles On Drop-Jump Performance And Force Characteristics In Recreationally Trained Adults, Becca Henicke, Boram Lim Feb 2026

Acute Effects Of Carbon Fiber Plate Insoles On Drop-Jump Performance And Force Characteristics In Recreationally Trained Adults, Becca Henicke, Boram Lim

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Carbon fiber plate insoles (CFPI) are designed to increase footwear stiffness and may improve elastic energy utilization during human locomotion. However, most research has focused on CFPI effects in running and sprinting, particularly endurance running, with limited evidence examining their impact on plyometric performance that relies heavily on the stretch-shortening cycle (SSC), a key mechanism underlying many sports movements.  Because SSC involves a rapid eccentric-to-concentric transition that stores and releases elastic energy, the drop jump provides a practical model to assess SSC efficiency with and without CFPI. PURPOSE: To examine the effects of CFPI on SSC efficiency and jump …


Relationships Between Autonomic Dysfunction In Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus And Circulating Sex Hormones In Male Rats, Arianna Lopez, Milena Samora, Ali Mossayebi, Maryam Zilaei Bouri, Lindsay Thompson, Elena Moralesgrahl, Dana Sheinhaus, Andrea Gore, Michelle L. Harrison, Audrey J. Stone Feb 2026

Relationships Between Autonomic Dysfunction In Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus And Circulating Sex Hormones In Male Rats, Arianna Lopez, Milena Samora, Ali Mossayebi, Maryam Zilaei Bouri, Lindsay Thompson, Elena Moralesgrahl, Dana Sheinhaus, Andrea Gore, Michelle L. Harrison, Audrey J. Stone

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) is associated with a temporal exaggerated exercise pressor reflex in rats. Previous studies suggest that T1D can alter sex hormones and that supplementation of sex hormones attenuates a normal exercise pressor reflex. PURPOSE: To determine circulating concentrations of sex hormones, specifically estradiol (E), progesterone (P4), and testosterone (T), during different stages of T1D and compare those findings to the exercise pressor reflex evoked by the same male rats. METHODS: Experiments were performed in male Sprague-Dawley T1D (induced via streptozotocin (STZ)) or healthy rats (n= 39). Terminal experiments were conducted at 1-week (early) …


Effects Of Mandated Physical Activity Courses And Motivation To Exercise In Undergraduate College Students, Kyla L. Welch, Melissa D. Long Feb 2026

Effects Of Mandated Physical Activity Courses And Motivation To Exercise In Undergraduate College Students, Kyla L. Welch, Melissa D. Long

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Physical education and physical activity play essential roles in both the education system and in the development of lifelong healthy habits. Regular physical activity, in conjunction with a well-balanced diet, can contribute to various physical and mental wellness benefits, particularly when supported from an educational standpoint that encourages practical application. However, overall physical activity levels and general health have declined in the past several decades. This is especially concerning within the young adult population, including those attending university. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine various factors influencing exercise motivation and perceived physical and mental health in …


Correlations Between Lower Body Plyometrics And Sprint Speed, Andrew Burnett, Casi Helbig Feb 2026

Correlations Between Lower Body Plyometrics And Sprint Speed, Andrew Burnett, Casi Helbig

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Speed and power are attributes that every athlete strives to improve. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine which of four plyometric tests correlated to sprint speed. METHODS: The subjects were 37 Texas Lutheran University baseball players. Participants performed a vertical jump, broad jump, triple broad jump, and 4-jump vertical test along with a thirty-yard sprint. Before each test, the subjects were put through the same dynamic warmup that was created by the experimenter. A vertical jump mat was used to measure both the vertical jump and the four jump vertical test. The vertical jump test …


Asic3 In Skeletal Muscle Contributes To The Exaggerated Exercise Pressor Reflex In Type 1 Diabetic Rats, Ali Mossayebi, Peter Niehaus, Ariana N. Lopez, Michelle L. Harrison, Audrey J. Stone Feb 2026

Asic3 In Skeletal Muscle Contributes To The Exaggerated Exercise Pressor Reflex In Type 1 Diabetic Rats, Ali Mossayebi, Peter Niehaus, Ariana N. Lopez, Michelle L. Harrison, Audrey J. Stone

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Individuals with type 1 diabetes (T1D) experience exaggerated blood pressure responses during exercise. Acid-sensing ion channel 3 (ASIC3), expressed on thinly myelinated afferents, contributes to the exercise pressor reflex under healthy conditions and is implicated in T1D-related neuropathy. Although it has been shown that pharmacological blockade of ASIC3 attenuates the exercise pressor reflex in cardiovascular disease, its role in T1D remains unknown. PURPOSE:Investigate the role of ASIC3 in the exercise pressor reflex in T1D rats. We hypothesized that local blockade of ASIC3 in skeletal muscle would normalize the exaggerated reflex cardiovascular responses to static muscle contraction. METHODS: Adult male …


A Clinical Teaching Of Tibial Stress Fractures, Jeremiah A. Camacho, Ethan Lewis, Lindsay Spindler, Chuck Ruot Feb 2026

A Clinical Teaching Of Tibial Stress Fractures, Jeremiah A. Camacho, Ethan Lewis, Lindsay Spindler, Chuck Ruot

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

CLINICAL PRESENTATION & EXAM: Patients present pain and tenderness at a specific point on the leg that progresses in severity over a period of weeks to months. Most tibial stress fractures occur in the middle to lower one-third of the bone on the posterior-medial side, where compressive forces are the greatest. Pain may also be felt in the anterior region of the bone, which is under constant stress due to the activation of the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles. The pain is associated with an increase in impact activities such as running or jumping. Fractures tend to arise 8 to …


The Effect Of White Willow Bark On Athletic Performance Recovery Following Resistance Training- A Pilot Study, Brandie C. Cheshier, Bert H. Jacobson, John Shireman Feb 2026

The Effect Of White Willow Bark On Athletic Performance Recovery Following Resistance Training- A Pilot Study, Brandie C. Cheshier, Bert H. Jacobson, John Shireman

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Athletic performance is often hindered by the detrimental effects of delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). DOMS is discomfort that occurs within 8-24hrs and peaks within 24-72 hrs. following unaccustomed and or high-intensity exercise. White willow bark (WWB) is a nutritional supplement that is believed to have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties but without the risk of adverse GI effects. PURPOSE: The purpose of this investigation was to determine if WWB attenuates DOMS soreness and preserves athletic performance. METHODS: Twenty-five healthy adults were randomly assigned to 798 mg oral WWB (salicin) per day (n=11) or placebo (n=14) for 5 days …


How Do Firefighters Differ Between Years Of Fire Service Experience: Part 3 – Blood Biomarker Profiles, Jonah C. White, Michael Conner, Jacob A. Mota, Payton Miller, Steven E. Martin, Lisa C. Colvin, Drew E. Gonzalez Feb 2026

How Do Firefighters Differ Between Years Of Fire Service Experience: Part 3 – Blood Biomarker Profiles, Jonah C. White, Michael Conner, Jacob A. Mota, Payton Miller, Steven E. Martin, Lisa C. Colvin, Drew E. Gonzalez

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Firefighters (FF) face a higher risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) due to aging, job-related stress, and irregular physical activity. Years of experience (YXP) in the fire service have been shown to have a unique impact on FF health and performance; however, profiling the differences between those with less or more YXP has not yet been assessed. PURPOSE: To examine YXP-related differences in conventional blood cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk biomarkers among firefighters. METHODS: Archival data from annual clinical testing of 142 male firefighters were analyzed (33.4±8.6 years; 29.3±4.1 kg/m2; 38.8±6.9 mL/kg/min). Groups were defined as those with <5 YXP and >5 YXP. …


Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome, Baili Deaver, Joseph Friederich, Chuck Ruot, Lindsay Spindler Feb 2026

Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome, Baili Deaver, Joseph Friederich, Chuck Ruot, Lindsay Spindler

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

CLINICAL PRESENTATION & EXAM: The primary characteristic of this condition is anterior patellar pain that worsens when the knee is put in a flexed, weight-bearing position. Patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) typically experience pain or stiffness during prolonged periods of sitting or when the patient descends stairs. Some of the most common forms of examination include examining a patient's gait, posture, and footwear. The patient should be asked about their current activity level, previous knee surgery or injuries, and recent changes in activity. Occasionally, knee buckling may occur due to weakness or pain in the quadriceps, resulting in …


Occupational Intensity And Bone Mineral Density In Premenopausal Women, Ashlyn R. Dooley, Elizabeth Y. Vezzetti, Jaden M. Nelson, Ryan R. Porter, Shannon A. Matthews Feb 2026

Occupational Intensity And Bone Mineral Density In Premenopausal Women, Ashlyn R. Dooley, Elizabeth Y. Vezzetti, Jaden M. Nelson, Ryan R. Porter, Shannon A. Matthews

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Bone Mineral Density (BMD) is measured through DEXA scans and shows the concentration of minerals in a volume of bone area which is used as an indicator for fracture, osteopenia, and osteoporosis risk. Women who are in the peri and post-menopausal phase are at higher risk of bone related issues due to the hormonal profile changes. BMD can be remodeled by continual loading of stress from mechanics, posture, and movement patterns, usually and most effectively by physical activity (PA). While PA is generally prescribed to increase BMD, occupation often accounts for a substantial portion of an individual’s daily activity. The …


Influence Of Aging And Exercise On Immune Blood Cells And Muscle Strength In Female Rats, Advait V. Dadi Jr, Dillon Harris, Quinten Pigg, Daniela Sayuri Inoue, Mariana Janini Gomes Feb 2026

Influence Of Aging And Exercise On Immune Blood Cells And Muscle Strength In Female Rats, Advait V. Dadi Jr, Dillon Harris, Quinten Pigg, Daniela Sayuri Inoue, Mariana Janini Gomes

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Aging is associated with alterations in immune cell profiles and declines in skeletal muscle function, which together contribute to increased vulnerability to disease and functional impairment. While aerobic exercise is known to improve muscle function and immune health, the effects of initiating exercise later in life, particularly in females, remain poorly understood. PURPOSE: This study examined the effects of aging and late-life aerobic training on blood cell counts and forelimb grip strength in female rats. METHODS: 20 female Fisher 344 rats were assigned into three experimental groups: Young (Y, 3 months (y, n = 6), Old (O, 21 …


Comparing The Effects Of Acute Participation In Target Practice Versus Active Shooter Virtual Reality Training On Stress Biomarkers, Annelise N. Gaitan, Ashlyn S. Dearman, Lipika Shakya, Hunter Martaindale, Matthew J. Mcallister Feb 2026

Comparing The Effects Of Acute Participation In Target Practice Versus Active Shooter Virtual Reality Training On Stress Biomarkers, Annelise N. Gaitan, Ashlyn S. Dearman, Lipika Shakya, Hunter Martaindale, Matthew J. Mcallister

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Active-shooter events represent extreme stressors that can trigger significant physiological stress responses. Virtual reality (VR) enables these threats to be simulated safely and consistently, allowing investigation of stress biomarker patterns over time. PURPOSE: This preliminary study examined differences in physiological and subjective stress responses during acute virtual reality (VR) training between target practice (TP) and active shooter (AS) groups, to determine whether training mode influences physiological and subjective stress biomarkers. METHODS: Thirty participants were randomly assigned to a control (TP) or experimental (AS) group and completed a high-stress VR simulation. The TP group was instructed to shoot targets …


Effect Of Lower Leg Compression On Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness, Kassady N. Salazar, John D. Smith Feb 2026

Effect Of Lower Leg Compression On Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness, Kassady N. Salazar, John D. Smith

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Compression therapy, particularly in the form of compression boots, has a longstanding history in both clinical and athletic settings as a method to enhance circulation and promote recovery. PURPOSE: To examine the effectiveness of pneumatic air compression therapy in reducing delated onset muscle soreness (DOMS). METHODS: Participants (n=24, age=22.7±5.3 yrs, ht=165.3±11.9 cm, wt=74.7±14.2 kg) performed a set of calf raises to exhaustion on a riser in front of a Smith machine at 70 repetitions per minutes while holding a dumbbell (males = 10 lbs, females = 5 lbs). After a 2-minute break, this was again performed but without the …


Preliminary Data On The Effect Of Exercise Time Of Day In Sedentary Young Adult Females, Autum Andrusick, Julia Martin, Robyn T. Whitehead, Malcolm T. Whitehead Feb 2026

Preliminary Data On The Effect Of Exercise Time Of Day In Sedentary Young Adult Females, Autum Andrusick, Julia Martin, Robyn T. Whitehead, Malcolm T. Whitehead

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Research studies investigating the time of day that individuals engage in exercise have not specifically targeted sedentary females or their preferred time of day to engage in exercise. Previously published studies have implemented cohorts that include both males and females and/or have focused on hormonal influences and daily patterns. Perceived energy and activation levels (for example: active, calm, and sleepy) have yet to be investigated as determinants of exercise time of day preference factors. PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to determine if exercise time of day effects mood in sedentary adult females. METHODS: Eight females aged 23 ± …


Does Perceived Competence And Practice Type Influence Motor Performance In Softball Pitchers Developing A New Pitch Type?, Anthony W. Fava, Matthew Miller, Emily Sauers, Gretchen Oliver Feb 2026

Does Perceived Competence And Practice Type Influence Motor Performance In Softball Pitchers Developing A New Pitch Type?, Anthony W. Fava, Matthew Miller, Emily Sauers, Gretchen Oliver

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Competence-based motivation frameworks use perceived self-confidence (PSC) to explain performance outcomes. Although PSC has been associated with improved performance on fundamental motor skills, PSC can also be task specific and may change depending on particular contexts within a sport. PURPOSE: To assess whether PSC influenced motor performance in softball pitchers developing a new pitch type under two different practice types. METHODS: Fifty adolescent-aged softball pitchers participated. Pitchers were randomly assigned into two practice types: Constraints-led Approach (CLA), (14.9±1.2y,64.8±10.1kg,1.69±0.1m), and Traditional (Trad), (14.5±1.0y, 65.4±11.4kg, 1.67±0.1m). Recruited pitchers indicated the drop ball (DB) was not their ‘go-to’ pitch nor was …


Jones Fracture, Chloe Birnbaum, Maryn Campbell, Lindsay Spindler, Chuck Ruot Feb 2026

Jones Fracture, Chloe Birnbaum, Maryn Campbell, Lindsay Spindler, Chuck Ruot

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

CLINICAL PRESENTATION & EXAM: The Jones Fracture can present to physicians as an ankle sprain and is more common in individuals with high arches. Depending on the severity of the fracture, the patient may experience tenderness to touch, discoloration and swelling, and difficulty walking. During a physical examination, the patient may recall the moment of trauma or pain in the area where the fracture ultimately occurs. A patient will complain of sudden, sharp pain on the outside of the foot during physical activity. ANATOMY & PATHOLOGY: The Jones Fracture is a fracture of the fifth metatarsal, named by Sir …


Effect Of Lower Leg Air Compression On Systemic Blood Pressure, Kimberly Livingston, John D. Smith Feb 2026

Effect Of Lower Leg Air Compression On Systemic Blood Pressure, Kimberly Livingston, John D. Smith

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Given the critical role of blood pressure monitoring in clinical settings and the widespread use of compression therapy, it is important to clarify whether and how leg compression devices influence blood pressure. PURPOSE: To examine blood pressure and heart rate responses to intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC). METHODS: Participants (n=21, age=24.3±8.0 yrs, ht=164.1±7.4 cm, wt=69.5±15.2 kg) reclined on a chair and rested for 5 minutes after which blood pressure and heart rate was measured using an Omron automatized device. An air compression therapy boot was used on the right and left legs using a circulation mode on the maximum setting for …