Digital Commons Network^™

Application Of The Sports Technology Research Network Validation Framework To Evaluate Wearable Heart Rate Monitors For The Management Of Parkinson's Disease​, Hayley E. Whitney, Victoria Wagner, Hope Flanegin, Ryan Gross, Dhruv Seshadri

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Parkinson’s disease (PD) affects over 6.1 million people worldwide and is characterized by progressive dopaminergic neurodegeneration in the substantia nigra, contributing to motor symptoms and reduced quality of life. Aerobic exercise at intensities near 80% HRmax promotes dopamine release and neuroplasticity, making heart rate (HR)-guided training a promising therapeutic strategy. Although the Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) is commonly used to estimate intensity, it lacks precision for monitoring real-time training load. Wearable HR monitors offer an objective alternative; however, limited validation exists in exercise contexts relevant to clinical populations such as PD. PURPOSE: To assess the accuracy of three commercial …

Evaluating Qualitative Data To Develop Injury Prevention Routines Among Adolescent Softball Players, Malayna H. Leopold, Hayley E. Whitney, Joseph Amitrano, Jesssica Warner, Dhruv Seshadri

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Overuse injuries are a growing concern in adolescent softball, with harmful consequences on both physical health and
well-being. Yet, age-specific trends and risk patterns remain understudied. This study used mixed methods, surveys, and
interviews to explore injury prevalence, risk factors, and lived experiences across developmental stages. PURPOSE: To
investigate the prevalence and risk of overuse injuries in youth softball athletes. The study emphasized trends by age and
playing history among adolescent athletes. METHODS: In this IRB-approved study (#2115411-6), softball athletes ages 8-
16 were grouped into three cohorts (8-10, 11-13, 14-16). A total of 14 athletes completed in-person surveys at …

Association Between Pelvic Tilt And Lower Extremity Range Of Motion In Division I Student-Athletes, David Wang, Admar Calovini, Jake Finkelstein, Lia Karas, Roger Gerland, Katie Sell, Jamie Ghigiarelli, Ofra Pottorf

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Pelvic alignment has a critical role in maintaining efficient biomechanics during athletic performance. Alterations in pelvic tilt (PT) can influence force distribution through the lower extremity kinetic chain, potentially increasing injury risk. Limited joint range of motion (ROM) may contribute to compensatory pelvic positioning and stability deficits. Understanding the interconnectivity between PT and lower extremity ROM may offer insight into movement patterns and potential injury risk. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between PT and ROM for right and left ankle dorsiflexion (ADF-R and ADF-L, respectively), hip internal rotation (IR) and external rotation (ER), …

Relationship Between Pelvic Tilt And Landing Mechanics In Division I Male And Female Student Athletes, Admar Calovini, David Wang, Katie Sell, Lia Karas, Cristina Leek, Kelly Shaver, Adam Gonzalez, Jamie Ghigiarelli, Ofra Pottorf

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

The pelvic-hip complex serves as a central component in the kinetic chain, facilitating load distribution and linking the upper and lower body. Prior research has indicated that atypical pelvic tilt (PT) is associated with compensatory activation in surrounding musculature, however the relationship between PT and landing mechanics is sparse. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between landing mechanics and PT in Division I male and female student athletes. METHODS: During a preseason screening, 331 student athletes (167 male: 19.9 ± 1.5 y, 1.8 ± 0.1 m, 82.5 ± 11.4 kg and 164 female: …

Comparison Of Upper-Body Y-Balance Test Scores And Hand Grip Strength In Active-Duty Law Enforcement Officers, Madison Heffern, Joshua Zincke, Sonam Lhakey, Lana Rose, Max Gibson, Andrew Ammazzalorso, Andrew Zalot, Julia Catanzano, Katie Sell, Ofra Pottorf

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Hand grip strength (HGS) is often associated with upper body strength and shoulder stability. The UB Y-Balance test (YBTUB) can also be used to assess stability of the upper extremities, as well as dynamic balance and mobility. Despite the related outcomes, published research on the relationship between these two measures in law enforcement officers is scarce. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between HGS and YBTUB in active law enforcement officers. METHODS: Twenty right-handed, active, male law enforcement officers (39.4 ± 9.1 y, 178.4 ± 7.2 cm, 93.2 ± 12.2 kg) volunteered to complete measures …

Relationship Between Body Composition, Vertical Jump, And Push-Up Scores In Active-Duty Law Enforcement Officers, Jessie Hirsch, Jake Finkelstein, Aur Azulay, Erika Shakur, Max Gibson, George Gilbert, Admar Calovini, Katie Sell

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Physical fitness plays a crucial role in the performance and health of law enforcement officers, who frequently face physically demanding situations in the line of duty. Body composition, strength, and power are key components of physical readiness that influence efficient movement, yet their relationship remains underexplored in law enforcement personnel. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between body composition (BC), countermovement jump (CMJ), and push-up (PU) scores in active-duty law enforcement officers. METHODS: Twenty-two active male law enforcement officers (40.5 ± 9.4 y, 178.5 ± 6.9 cm, 93.5 ± 11.7 kg) completed a …

Normative Lower-Body Y-Balance Test Scores In Active-Duty Law Enforcement Officers, Andrew Zalot, Andrew Ammazzalorso, Sonum Lhakey, Jessie Hirsch, Nicole Mccrea, Jake Dauplaise, Halema Gafurova, Will Davi, Ofra Pottorf, Katie Sell

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

The lower-body Y-Balance Test (YBT-LQ) is a closed-chain, functional assessment used to measure balance, mobility, and lower-extremity (LE) stability. Performance on this test can reflect asymmetries in mobility, stability, and proprioceptive control. These attributes may be influenced by occupational demands and physical training habits in tactical populations such as law enforcement officers. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to identify normative scores for the YBT-LQ in active-duty law enforcement personnel. Establishing reference values for this tactical population may provide a foundation for injury risk awareness and prevention strategies. METHODS: Twenty-three active-duty male law enforcement officers (40.4 ± 9.2 y; …

Differences In Hand Grip Strength In Division I Male Student-Athletes Across Multiple Sports, Julia Catanzano, David Wang, Max Gibson, Emmalee Mikulis, Victoria Bellas, Gia Englezos, Ofra Pottorf, Douglas Melgar, Jamie Ghigiarelli, Katie Sell

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Hand grip strength (HGS) is often used as a marker of hand and forearm muscular strength, but also as an indirect gauge of upper-body muscular strength and shoulder stability. For sport athletes that utilize grasping actions (e.g., tennis, lacrosse, wrestling), HGS measures can be used to help guide programming to increase strength and stability of the upper extremity and to monitor progress through rehabilitation programs following upper extremity injury. However normative values for HGS for different sport athletes are scarce. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare potential differences between bilateral HGS across multiple sports in Division …

Mental Toughness As A Predictor Of Employee Engagement In Healthcare Leadership: Preliminary Findings From A Multi-Session Intervention, Spencer Cavan, Andreas Stamatis

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Engagement is a critical factor in both the performance and well-being of healthcare workforce, yet strategies to sustain it remain underdeveloped. Drawing from organizational psychology, a top-down approach can accelerate cultural and behavioral change across systems. Mental toughness (MT), a performance psychology construct associated with a mindset of purposefulness, efficiency, and flexibility, may serve as an actionable tool for leaders to enhance engagement within high-pressure environments, such as healthcare. PURPOSE: To examine the relationship between MT and engagement among senior hospital staff participating in a multi-session MT workshop – the focus is on whether MT predicts engagement and influences specific …

Mental Toughness And Neuromuscular Strength: A Parsimonious Model From A Multisystem Perspective, Kaela Walker, Tomas Chapman-Lopez, Andrew Gallucci, Leroy Bolden, Olivia Russell, Alex Rothstein, Jeff S. Forsse, Andreas Stamatis

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Mental Toughness (MT) is a trainable capacity that supports consistent performance under pressure. Conceptually grounded in purposefulness, efficiency, and flexibility, MT is increasingly examined through a multisystem lens, including physiological function. Yet, specific physical indicators that meaningfully relate to MT remain unclear. PURPOSE: To identify physiological predictors of MT in healthy adults. METHODS: Eighty-four adults (M = 84; 44.7 ± 14.8 years; BMI = 26.8 ± 5.2; %BF = 24.2 ± 7.2) completed the Mental Toughness Index (MTI). Candidate predictors included VO₂max (Bruce Protocol), resting heart rate (RHR), % body fat and BMI (via DEXA), right-hand grip strength …

Mental Toughness And Physiological Function: An Exploratory Analysis Of Multisystem Correlates In Healthy Adults, Charles Siguenza, Tomas Chapman-Lopez, Andrew Gallucci, Leroy Bolden, Olivia Russell, Alex Rothstein, Jeff S. Forsse, Andreas Stamatis

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Mental Toughness (MT) is associated with a mindset of purposefulness, efficiency, and flexibility under stress. Although traditionally conceptualized as a psychological construct, emerging frameworks in psychophysiological toughness and mind-body integration suggest that MT may also be associated with or reflect variation in physical systems. This study explores whether MT can be meaningfully modeled within a multisystem framework of physiological and metabolic function. PURPOSE: To examine the extent to which physiological performance, metabolic health, and body composition predict MT in healthy adults. METHODS: Eighty-four adults (M = 84; 44.7 ± 14.8 years; BMI = 26.8 ± 5.2; %BF = …

Gender-Based Differences In Olympic Lift Velocity And Reactive Jump Metrics: Longitudinal Data From Collegiate Jumpers, Lance Mcmurrin, Paul A. Mentele, Chad Workman, Halee Hudson, Robert Thurnhoffer, Andreas Stamatis

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Strength and conditioning professionals routinely collect performance data from velocity- and power-based assessments. However, turning that data into longitudinal insights remains a challenge. This study presents a practical example of how training data can be leveraged to support data-informed programming decisions. PURPOSE: To examine the relationship between Olympic lift performance and unilateral depth jump performance in collegiate jumpers, and whether this relationship differs by gender. METHODS: Thirteen NCAA Division I track and field athletes (n = 7 women; n = 6 men) from long, triple, and high jump events participated. Athletes completed repeated testing over a 14-month …

Program-Level Evaluation Of One-On-One And Team-Based Mental Performance Services Among Collegiate Student-Athletes, Andreas Stamatis, Katie Nichols, Lindsey Gastinger, Andrew Augustus, Jasmine Oates

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Student-athletes navigate complex physical, psychological, and social demands, prompting increased integration of mental performance (MP) services in collegiate athletics. However, program-level evaluations remain limited. PURPOSE: To assess the effects of one-on-one and team-based MP services on student-athlete outcomes during the Fall 2024 semester. METHODS: A total of 128 student-athletes (22% response rate) completed a post-season Qualtrics survey. Of these, 82 participated in one-on-one sessions and 68 in team sessions. Self-reported pre- and post-intervention ratings were collected retrospectively in Spring 2025 using custom 10-point Likert-type items assessing athletic performance, mindset, well-being, leadership, sport experience, and team culture. Paired-sample …

The Role Of Social Cohesion In Predicting Athlete Engagement: Moderating Effects Of Team-Based Vs. One-On-One Mental Toughness Sessions, Antonio Ticas, Spencer Cavan, Alex Rothstein, Andreas Stamatis

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Social cohesion, the interpersonal attraction and relationships among team members, are often positively associated with athlete engagement. Mental toughness (MT) is linked to both social cohesion and engagement, but how different MT session formats influence this relationship remains unclear. Individual consulting allows for greater customization, tailoring mental skills training to an athlete’s specific needs. However, a combination of individual and group consulting is recommended. PURPOSE: To examine whether social cohesion predicts engagement and how session format (team-based vs. one-on-one) moderates this relationship. METHODS: Twenty-four female collegiate dancers participated in a repeated-measures study with 107 observations. Participants engaged in …

Mental Toughness, Session Format, And Athlete Engagement: A Repeated-Measures Analysis In Collegiate Dancers, Gina Brindisi, Spencer Cavan, Alex Rothstein, Andreas Stamatis

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Preliminary results demonstrate mental toughness (MT) is key to sustaining athlete engagement, but how training formats influence this relationship is less understood. Team sessions are more generalized while personalized coaching is more customized. A combination of individual and group consulting is recommended. PURPOSE: To examine the direct relationship between MT and athlete engagement and assess whether session format moderates this effect. METHODS: Both team and one-on-one sessions were designed to develop a mentally tough mindset and were carried out by the same practitioner. Team sessions focused on foundational knowledge applicable to all participants. One-on-one sessions allowed for personalized …

Injuries Preceding Severe Knee Tear Injuries In Collegiate Athletes, Victoria Wood, Kevin Addison, Paul A. Mentele, Andreas Stamatis

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Severe knee injuries in collegiate athletes pose significant challenges in sports medicine. Although extensive research exists on the outcomes of these injuries, little is known about the preceding injury patterns that may predispose athletes to severe knee tears. A thorough examination of antecedent injuries may uncover valuable insights, equipping all involved parties (e.g., team doctor, athletic trainer, physical therapist, strength and conditioning coach) with the information needed to craft targeted prevention and monitoring strategies. PURPOSE: To identify common injury patterns preceding severe knee injuries in collegiate athletes. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted using de-identified injury data spanning …

Posterior Thigh Injury—Field Hockey, Leah G. Simpson, Nikolaos Gravvanis, Andreas Stamatis

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

CASE HISTORY: A 25-year-old female field hockey player experienced acute left groin pain radiating to her thigh during a game, lasting only a few minutes. An initial evaluation by a general practitioner revealed no specific symptoms or clinical signs; the athlete was advised to rest and prescribed anti-inflammatory medication. PHYSICAL EXAM: During a subsequent training session, the patient reported pain extending to the posterior thigh. The clinical examination noted non-specific pain radiating from the groin to adjacent regions, with occasional lateral and posterior extension. DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSES: Piriformis syndrome; Nerve radiculopathy; Quadratus femoris tendinopathy; Labral tear

TESTS & RESULTS: Initial X-rays …

Principal Component Analysis Of Force Plate Variables From Collegiate Athlete Countermovement Jumps, Halle M. Baisas, Ian Imery, Paul A. Mentele, Andreas Stamatis

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Despite widespread use of countermovement jump (CMJ) assessments in athletic performance testing, research has focused on isolated kinetic metrics without addressing redundancy among variables. This oversight can obscure data interpretation and limit CMJ utility in sports performance analysis. Principal component analysis (PCA) offers a means to distill complex, multivariate data into key performance indicators. PURPOSE: To evaluate PCA outcomes on kinetic variables recorded during CMJ assessments to reduce data dimensionality and identify redundant measures. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of kinetic force data from dual force plate assessments was performed on 7,404 trials from 308 collegiate athletes (male = 127, …

Fitbit-Measured Activity, Self-Efficacy, And Psychological Health In Diverse Urban Exercise Science College Students, Bray Ilori, Rosselyn Charris, Galila Werber-Zion

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Exercise Science students are expected to engage in physical activity (PA) and model healthy behaviors by meeting the recommended total energy expenditure of ≥500–1,000 MET-min·wk⁻¹. York College of the City University of New York serves a diverse undergraduate population, with 52% living below the NYC poverty line, and many students balancing academics with employment. PURPOSE: This pilot study aimed to assess whether Exercise Science students at York College meet recommended PA levels and to examine the effect of PA on psychological health and self-efficacy. METHODS: Twelve students (4 females, 8 males; age = 23.6 ± 2.9) participated in the study. …

Enhancing Mental Toughness And Strength And Conditioning Performance In Collegiate Athletes Through Pressure Training, Chad Workman, Andreas Stamatis

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(4): 456-469, 2025. This study is the first to investigate the role of mental toughness (MT) in predicting strength and conditioning (S&C) performance outcomes and the impact of pressure training (PT) on MT development among NCAA athletes. A women’s Division I field hockey team (n = 15) participated in five 1-hour sessions focused on psychological skills training to enhance MT, followed by two S&C sessions under PT conditions. Using the Mental Toughness Index, MT was assessed after the workshops/before PT and following PT. Regression analysis revealed that pre-PT MT scores predicted S&C performance outcomes …

Newsletter, Wku Staff Senate

Staff Council

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

Elevating Educators: The Role Of Sponsorship In Fostering Teacher Engagement, Recognition, And Retention, Justin Mitchell

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Teacher burnout and attrition have become pressing concerns in education, particularly after the COVID-19 pandemic. The demands on educators have increased, yet systemic supports have often remained stagnant, leading to disengagement and decreased participation in extracurricular activities. This study examined the role of teacher sponsorship of extracurricular activities in fostering teacher engagement, recognition, and retention within a rural Title I middle school. Using an improvement science framework, this research explored how teachers’ involvement in extracurricular activities impacts their connection to the school community and whether targeted interventions such as professional learning communities and recognition initiatives can enhance teacher participation and …

The Impact Of Prenatal Yoga On Hip Mobility And Delivery Outcomes, Zoe Avery

Mahurin Honors College Capstone Experience/Thesis Projects

Yoga has been shown to decrease lumbar pain, improve maternal mental health, and improve delivery outcomes. While there are many well-established benefits of yoga, the mechanism by which yoga elicits these improvements is unclear. One potential mechanism that has not been studied is through improvements in hip mobility. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to test the effect of prenatal yoga on hip mobility. The secondary aim was to determine the relationship between hip mobility and pregnancy outcomes. METHODS: Hip mobility via hip internal and external range of motion and hip flexor muscle length was measured in pregnant females …

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

WKU Administration Documents

Spring 2025 Talisman:

• Alali, Cecilia & Ragan Harrington. Connection
• Hardesty, Emma. On a Roll – Dungeons & Dragons
• Muscutt, Carson. Grinding Through Life – Molotov Skateshop
• Cox, Kate. Stopwatch
• Harrington, Ragan. 1 Campus, 7 Strangers – Logan Hesse, Nicholas Basile, Spencer Winterbottom, Alliyah Jones, Alex Gehring, Annie McClurg, Rowan Finley
• Vickers, Abigail. Forged in Combat – Mixed Martial Arts
• Wood-Morris, Oli. Survivors to Neighbors – Bosnian Refugees
• Jordan, Shylin. Severed Roots
• Bivens, Emily. Behind the Screen – Social Media
• Dean, Clarissa. Shear Talent – Shake Rag Barbershop
• Sutton, Avery. For the Love of the Old – Thrift Shopping
• Phelps, Maggie. …

Evaluation Of Valid Vo2max Criteria For Graded Exercise Testing In Cancer Survivors, Daniel Y.K. Shackelford, Jessica M. Brown, Rhianna N. Patel

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(5): 443-455, 2025. Cardiovascular fitness (VO_2max) predicts all-cause mortality and is vital to assess in cancer survivors (CS) for individualized exercise prescriptions. Metabolic carts confirm VO_2max with respiratory exchange ratio (RER) >1.10; other VO_2max criteria include ≤10 beats/minute of maximal predicted heart rate and/or a rating of perceived exertion (RPE) of >8 on the Modified Borg Scale. Another suggested criterion is respiratory frequency (Rf) > 40 breaths per minute. These criteria are assumed applicable for all populations, but due to cancer-related toxicities, frequency and validity of traditional VO_2max criteria usage in …

Tracy Bryant For Wku Staff Senate, Tracy Bryant

Staff Council

Campaign email soliciting votes for Tracy Bryant

Relationships Between Performance In The Frequency Speed Kick Test, Heart Rate Variability, And Body Composition In Amateur Muay Thai Fighters, Antonio Beira De Andrade Junior, Elena Marie Peixoto Ruthes De Andrade, Patrícia Dos Santos Vigário, Cesar Antonio Luchesa, João Eduardo De Azevedo Vieira, Igor Ramathur Telles De Jesus, Agnaldo Jose Lopes

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(6): 428-442, 2025. In martial arts, heart rate variability (HRV) measurements can potentially be used to assess injury risk and susceptibility to fatigue. Muay Thai uses the Frequency Speed of Kick Test (FSKT) to measure kick speed, but it is unknown whether better fitness results in improved autonomic function and body composition, which may affect athletic performance and recovery. We aimed to evaluate the correlations between FSKT, HRV, and body composition measures in amateur Muay Thai fighters. This is a cross-sectional study with 37 Muay Thai fighters. They underwent FSKT-10s and multiple FSKT to measure …

Ua12/2/1 College Heights Herald, Vol. 100, No. 3, Wku Student Affairs

WKU Administration Documents

Magazine edition of the College Heights Herald for the period February 17 - April 20, 2025.

• Wilborn, Price. You Matter & You Are Not Alone
• Smith, Kane. Peggy Crowe Reflects on Counseling Center in Face of Staff Shortages
• Stafford, Hallie. Help with Horses – New Beginnings Therapeutic Horse Riding
• Hawkins, Kaylee. How a WKU Professor Helps Improve Student Mental Health – Jay Gabbard, National Alliance on Mental Illness Recovery Support Group
• McMahon, Jake. More Than a Coach – Brent Chumbley, Track & Field
• Simpson, Libby. WKU’s American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Brings Mental Health Into the Light
• Hardesty, Emma. Trans …

Age Of Anaerobic, Aerobic, And Skill-Based Olympic Athletes 1988 - 2024, Corban J. Ruiz, Iliana G. Hernandez, Edward K. Merritt

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(3): 404-414, 2025. The age at which athletes compete at a high-level provides understanding of human physiology, development, aging and skill refinement. The Olympics, with high-level performances across events with differing metabolic demands, provide unique data for analysis of optimal performance age given the type of performance required. The aim of this study was to classify Olympic events from 1988-2024 into aerobic, anaerobic, mixed, or skill, and compare male and female athlete ages in each classification. Events of maximal effort under 2-minutes duration were classified as anaerobic. Events longer than 5 minutes were classified as …

Does Body Mass Index Affect Postural Control In Adults?, Taylor Kruse, Andrew Shim, Ian Bonder

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(7): 394-403, 2025. Obese adults are faced with greater challenges to maintaining balance compared to their healthy-weight counterparts. Due in part to the ongoing national and global obesity epidemic, it’s imperative to identify if body mass index (BMI) could negatively affect postural control and balance. The purpose of this study was to determine if CoP scores displayed a significant relationship with BMI in healthy adults. Cross-sectional, archival data from 225 adults (40 males; 185 females; age 29.6 + 14.25 years; weight 77.95 + 21.33 kilograms [kg]; height 168.43 + 0.66 centimeters [cm]; BMI 27.52 + …