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Assessing Accuracy Of Smartwatch-Based Estimation Of Maximum Oxygen Consumption Using Different Watches, Chelsea Seifert, Jenna O'Dell, Aaron Canham, Shae Harris, Shelly Weise

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Maximal oxygen consumption (VO_2max) is a predictor of overall health and a key measure of cardiovascular fitness and aerobic capacity. As wearable technology advances, smartwatches are increasingly used to track cardiovascular health metrics. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the validity and reliability of maximal oxygen consumption estimates from two leading smartwatches. METHODS: 15 participants (11M, 4F), aged 19-29 (23.8±3.2) years, were recruited and met inclusion criteria for the study. VO_2max for all participants was determined in a controlled laboratory environment using a metabolic gas analyzer. Subjects completed a graded exercise test on a …

Force And Gait Mechanics At Reduced Body Weight On A Lower Body Positive Pressure Treadmill, Julia Paige Phillips, Eesha Gudiseva, Silvio Polly Da Costa Valladao, Thomas Andre

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(7): 239-250, 2025. Lower body positive pressure treadmills (LBPPT) have gained increasing attention due to their potential applications in sports training, rehabilitation, and biomechanics research. However, there is limited understanding of how differing body weight percentages influence gait and force production. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between force and gait parameters at different body weight percentages on a LBPPT. Twenty-seven healthy participants completed a series of walking, jogging, and running trials at three different body weight conditions: 100%, 90%, and 75%. Gait parameters, including cadence, stride length, stance time, and ground reaction force, …

Equipping Exercise Science Students With Motivational Interviewing Skills For Real-World Client Interactions, Jessica A. Albers

Educational Practices in Kinesiology

Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a widely recognized communication technique originally developed to treat addictive behaviors. Its application has expanded to various health domains, including exercise science, where it is used to enhance client motivation and adherence to health behaviors. However, despite its proven efficacy, exercise science students often struggle to see the relevance of MI to their future careers, particularly outside of roles focused on health coaching. This teaching and learning resource aims to bridge the gap between MI theory and its practical application for exercise science students. This resource aims to equip students with the communication tools necessary for …

Learn By Doing: A Cure Approach To Teaching Exercise Testing And Prescription, Zakkoyya H. Lewis

Educational Practices in Kinesiology

The purpose of this paper is to outline a course-based undergraduate research experience (CURE) for exercise testing and prescription. The CURE is a non-human research study aimed to evaluate whether readily available fitness applications (apps) follow the Frequency-Intensity- Time-Type (FITT) principle for exercise prescription. The CURE is intended to be incorporated into an in-person introductory level course over the final month of the term. Through the project, students will develop a research question and hypothesis, conduct a literature review of related research, appraise fitness apps, and congregate the results. The overall structure of the CURE is a mini-lecture from the …

The Effects Of A Carbohydrate Mouth Rinse On Soccer-Specific Skills Following A Morning High-Intensity Practice, Lynnsey R. Bowling, Eric M. Scudamore, J Brian Church, Veronika Scudamore

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(6): 215-224, 2025. Carbohydrate mouth rinse (CMR) is suggested to improve aerobic, anaerobic, and skill-related performance. The current study examined the influence of CMR on soccer-specific skills in 13 faster collegiate female soccer players. Athletes completed a control (CON) and two counterbalanced, double-blind experimental sessions. Sessions consisted of a warm-up, high-intensity soccer practice, followed by four soccer-specific skill tests. During the experimental sessions participants rinsed with a color-and-taste-matched CMR or placebo (PLA) solution before the skill tests. Thirst sensation (TS), rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and heart rate (HR) were assessed throughout sessions. Performance scores …

Prevalence Of Exercise Dependence Among High-Intensity Functional Training Practitioners: A Cross-Sectional Analysis, Beatriz E O M R P Da Silva, Marcio Boniatti

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(4): 206-214, 2025. The objective was to explore the prevalence of exercise dependence (ED) risk among regular HIFT exercisers. Secondary objectives include exploring the prevalence of injuries within this population and examining the potential association between ED risk and injury prevalence. This cross-sectional study was conducted in a city in southern Brazil and included HIFT practitioners. ED was evaluated using the Exercise Dependence Scale-Revised (EDS-R). The primary outcome was the prevalence of ED risk. The final analysis included 64 HIFT practitioners, of whom the majority were female (n = 35; 54.7%). The mean EDS-R …

No Differences In Lactate Threshold Across The Menstrual Cycle In Untrained Females, Bianca Alvarenga Rambo Galletti, Grant Chesbro, Rebecca Larson

International Journal of Exercise Science

IInternational Journal of Exercise Science 18(8): 193-205, 2025. In addition to maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max), the Lactate Threshold (LT) is the other major determinant of aerobic exercise performance. This study examined the effects of the menstrual cycle (MC) phase on the LT in untrained females. Eight females and 8 males completed a LT test on a cycle ergometer. The tests were performed across three MC phases: early follicular (EF; menses), ovulatory (O), and mid-luteal (ML). The male participants (control group) were randomly assigned visits at similar time intervals as a regular 28-day cycle. Blood lactate was obtained during the …

Testing As Teaching: A Model For Fitness Assessment Practice And Service-Learning In Exercise Physiology Laboratory Education, Marc Apkarian

Educational Practices in Kinesiology

This resource is intended to provide a model for fitness assessment practice to promote student learning in an undergraduate exercise physiology laboratory course. The goal is for students to gain practical experience in fitness assessment procedures, both through skills practice and service-learning opportunities. The inclusion of an assignment requiring a specified number of assessments to be completed within the term requires additional student practice opportunities. Instruction, demonstration, and initial practice of tests associated with health-related physical fitness components must occur early in the course, so as to permit sufficient opportunities, in class or outside of class, over the remainder of …

Longitudinal Analysis Of Subsequent Musculoskeletal Injuries And Predictive Value Of Index Injuries In Collegiate Women's Field Hockey, Blake O'Neil, Paul Mentele, Xavier Smith, Katherine Pohlgeers, Ernest Rimer, Andreas Stamatis

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(5): 182-192, 2025. This study investigates the longitudinal patterns of musculoskeletal injuries in an NCAA field hockey team, emphasizing the predictive value of index injuries on subsequent injury rates. Analyzing a dataset from a women’s collegiate field hockey team, this research monitored 810 injuries across 124 athletes from 2008 to 2024. The study categorized injuries as local, nonlocal, and recurrent, employing a negative binomial regression to assess the impact of index injuries on the total number of career injuries. Results indicated that ankle sprains, hamstring strains, and back strains significantly predicted the total number of …

Mission Success: Mastering Muscle Function Through Humanoid Analysis, Amber M. Chelette

Educational Practices in Kinesiology

Knowledge of muscle function and human movement are essential skills of all kinesiology students. In the humanoid activity, teams are challenged to determine whether a muscle is essential to the successful development of a humanoid being sent to Mars. This activity provides a significant learning experience regarding muscle anatomy, function, and movement analysis. The humanoid activity is intended for use in a face-to-face upper-level kinesiology anatomy or movement analysis course and best implemented with class sizes of 20-30 students. The total time commitment is approximately 45 minutes.

Observing The Relationship Between Additional Measures Of Handgrip Strength And The 6-Minute Push Test In Ambulatory Young Adults, Eric Naugle, Megan Nelson, Ryan Mcgrath, Matthew Kilgas, Lukus Klawitter

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(5): 170-181, 2025. Manual wheelchair users have been shown to have low functional capacity and limited ability to perform activities of daily living. Conventional protocols for assessing physical attributes such as muscle function in this population have unique boundaries such as expensive testing equipment and procedures not specific to wheelchair propulsion. The measurement of muscle function using electronic handgrip dynamometry has shown promise in assessing additional characteristics beyond strength capacity alone. This study aimed to determine the correlations of electronic handgrip dynamometry derived strength, time to peak force generation, fatigability (22.40±10.12%), isometric control, and asymmetry …

Gps External Load Metric Data And Game Performance In Ncaa Division I Women’S Lacrosse Athletes: A Longitudinal Study, Rachel M. Lifson, Xavier Smith, Ernest Rimer, Andreas Stamatis

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(8): 130-146, 2025. This study investigates the relationship between GPS-derived external load metrics and game performance (win/loss) in NCAA Division I women’s lacrosse athletes. Utilizing data from three seasons (2022-2024), the study analyzed 1,687 observations from 54 players to identify key performance indicators correlating with game outcomes. GPS metrics including Total Distance (TD), High-Speed Distance (HSD), Very High-Speed Efforts (VHSE), Total Player Load (TPL), High Inertial Movement Analysis (High IMAs), and Total Acceleration Load (TAL) were assessed. Multivariate logistic regression results indicate that VHSE is the most significant predictor of game success, with VHSE showing …

Comparison Of Virtual Vs. Traditional Cycling Exercise On Perceived Duration And Exercise Enjoyment: A Pilot Study, Kyle W. Reason, Lauren G. Killen, T. Scott Lyons, Jean A. Helm Allen, Matt Green

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(2): 147-157, 2025. Participating in regular physical activity has been shown to increases one’s quality of life. Individuals may choose not to participate in regular physical activity because of a perceived lack of time and enjoyment. With the potential of these barriers to decrease exercise adherence, the purpose of this study was to compare perceived exercise duration and enjoyment between a virtually interactive stationary bike and a clamped workload on a standard non-interactive stationary bike. Thirteen active participants completed a VO₂ peak test and four counterbalanced trials (two 20-min, two 40-min) with one trial …

A Comparison Of Brief Resistance And Aerobic Exercise Bouts On Cognitive Processing Speed In Young Adults, Jamie Ambriz, Amber M. Shipherd, Robert J. Kowalsky

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(4): 119-129, 2025. Research has found even a brief bout of exercise to be beneficial for improving processing speed. However, there is a lack of research directly comparing the effect of exercise modalities on processing speed. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of a single brief bout of resistance exercise to aerobic exercise on cognitive processing speed in young adults. A total of 29 young adults ranging from 20-34 years of age (22.59±2.86 years) participated in a familiarization session followed by two randomized exercise conditions (aerobic, resistance). Each moderate-intensity exercise condition …

Strength Training Can Modulate Urinary Adipokine Levels In Healthy Young Males, Marcelo Henrique Salviano De Faria, Lucélia Scarabeli Silva Barroso, Antonio Felipe Souza-Gomes, João Luís Vieira Monteiro De Barros, Adriana Maria Kakehasi, Erica Leandro Marciano Vieira, Ana Cristina Simões E Silva, Albená Nunes Silva

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(2): 107-118, 2025. Adipose tissue stores energy in fat-rich adipocytes, which can produce and release several adipokines and modulate body metabolism. Exercise may induce adipokine production in adipocytes; however, the relationship between the two remains unclear. Few studies have shown the relationship between adipokines and strength training. Thus, we aimed to evaluate the acute and chronic effects of strength training (ST) on urinary adiponectin, leptin, and resistin levels. Twelve untrained young men (23.42 ± 2.67 years) were included in this study. Body composition was evaluated at baseline and after completing of the training protocol using …

Sport Participation Positively Associated With Balance Confidence And Well-Being In Transtibial Amputees, Lucas Hudson, Paolo Sanzo, Carlos Zerpa, Taryn Klarner

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 17(5): 1663-1678, 2024. Transtibial amputation (TTA) is the removal of the lower leg often resulting in pain, mental health issues, and a more sedentary lifestyle that lacks physical activity (PA). Low balance confidence and other factors related to the physical and psychosocial adaptation to amputation could contribute to why people with TTA actively avoid PA. Studies have investigated lower extremity amputations and barriers to PA in general, but none have focused solely on transtibial amputation and its relationship with PA participation and avoidance habits. To address this issue, 21 participants with TTA (14 male, 6 …

Compressive Pantyhose Mitigates Muscle Fatigue In Ballet-Specific Test: A Pilot Study, Gustavo R. Mota, Jeffer Eidi Sasaki, Mirelly Rangel Rocha, Pedro Augusto Bianchi Da Fonseca, Bernardo Ide, Kazushige Goto, Donizete Oliveira, Moacir Marocolo

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(2): 92-106, 2025. Compression garments, utilized in sports and exercise for performance enhancement and recovery, lack sufficient well-controlled studies to overcome any potential placebo effect. Therefore, we tested whether wearing compressive pantyhose (CP) during the Ballet-specific aerobic fitness test (BAFT) would influence performance, recovery, physiological, and perceptual indicators. Additionally, this pilot study tested the feasibility of the research procedures and informed adjustments for the main study. Nine young classical ballerinas attended two sessions on different days: a) wearing CP (pressure of 20-30 mmHg) or b) wearing a placebo pantyhose ([PLA] no compression, containing an illusory …

Comparison Of Cardiorespiratory Fitness Testing Measures In Children, Trey R. Naylor, Mariana V. Jacobs, Michael C. Taylor Jr., Jody L. Clasey

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(8): 65-78, 2025. There is currently an exponential increase in the prevalence of childhood obesity thus warranting the demand to appropriately measure and evaluate cardiorespiratory fitness within educational settings. The aims of this study were to (1) compare measured peak oxygen consumption (VO₂peak), heart rate peak (HRpeak), and 1-min heart rate recovery (HRRec) responses obtained using a GXTmax and the PACER test; and (2) compare the VO₂peak from the GXTmax and PACER test to a PACER prediction equation (ScottEqua). Methods: This study included 32 (16 boys) children. Despite not having maturational …

A Flexible Training Approach To Improving Concurrent Training Outcomes In Remote Trainees, Christopher Bonilla, Justin R. Kilian, Robert L. Herron

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(8): 43-55, 2025. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a flexible, trainee-driven training program in improving concurrent training outcomes for individuals training remotely. The study employed a repeated-measures, parallel group design with 18 participants randomized into either a control group with fixed workouts or an experimental group with flexible workout selection based on perceived readiness. Participants were recreationally trained at baseline. Over a 16-week period, both groups completed assessments of strength and endurance, including deadlift, push-ups, and a two-mile run. The results indicated no significant difference in overall fitness improvements between the two …

The Effects Of Augmented Feedback, Focus Of Attention, And Monetary Reward On Vertical Jump Height: A Replication Study, Javad Bakhshinejad, Jasmin C. Hutchinson, Jennifer Murphy, Lydia Trainor, Sarah Friedman, Nicholas Coker

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(7): 13-26, 2025. Reproducibility and replicability of published empirical scientific evidence are fundamental for verifying key findings, identifying errors and/or boundary conditions, and upholding rigorous research standards. For this replication study, the primary goal was to assess the replicability of the findings from Wälchli et al. (2016), which investigated the role of augmented feedback (AF), external focus of attention (EF), and reward (RE), as well as a combination of these conditions on countermovement jump height. The original study sample included 18 resistance-trained male and female participants, while this replication included 38 (19 male, 19 female). …

Yoga Vs. Static Stretching: Recovery Impact On Male Athletes’ Post-Hiit Heart Rate, Respiratory Rate, Blood Pressure, And Heart Rate Variability Analysis, Haruthai Petviset Dr., Sasima Pakulanon Dr., Suppalerk Rusmeeroj, Buris Rukdang

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(6): 79-91, 2025. Heart rate and heart rate variability indicate an athlete's cardiovascular recovery and autonomic balance after intense exercise. While stretching aids recovery, its effects on autonomic balance are inconsistent. Yoga’s combination of postures, breathing, and relaxation may further activate the parasympathetic system, making it a promising tool for sports recovery. This study employed a crossover design to examine the effects of yoga and stretching on post 30-min session of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) recovery in male athletes. Twenty athletes of Mae Fah Luang University (Age 20.95±0.99 years old, VO2max 42.53±4.79 ml/kg/min) were given …

An Exploratory Study Comparing The Metabolic Responses Between The 12-3-30 Treadmill Workout And Self-Paced Treadmill Running, Michael W.H. Wong, Dustin W. Davis, Olivia R. Perez, Bianca Weyers, Devin Green, Alan Garcia, James W. Navalta

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(6): 56-64, 2025. The fitness movement in the United States has evolved substantially since its emergence in the late 20th century, with social media platforms like YouTube and TikTok now playing a pivotal role in disseminating fitness programs and associated claims. One program that has gained considerable popularity is the 12-3-30 treadmill workout (12-3-30), which involves walking at a 12% grade at 3 mph for 30 minutes. Despite widespread claims about its effectiveness in burning fat and calories, there is a lack of peer-reviewed scientific studies evaluating these claims. The present study investigated metabolic responses …

The Psychometric Performance Of State Mindfulness Scales Around Sitting And Walking On Desert Trails: A Pilot Study, Dustin W. Davis, Elias M. Malek, Rob Salatto, Marcus M. Lawrence, Jacob W. Manning, Mark Debeliso, Merrill R. Landers, Graham Mcginnis, James W. Navalta

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(4): 27-42, 2025. State mindfulness is a dynamic construct reflecting current mindfulness, or purposeful attention to the present moment with openness, non-judgment, non-reactivity, and acceptance. Despite its popularity and research in psychology and medicine, measuring state mindfulness remains a challenge. Validity and reliability of the State Mindfulness Scale (SMS) and State Mindfulness Scale for Physical Activity (SMS-PA) in applied settings like nature require more data to be established. This pilot study aimed to evaluate these scales and introduce a new, one-item scale, the Visual Analog Scale-Mindfulness (VAS-M), for quicker mindfulness assessment. Participants completed the SMS, …

The Relationship Between Lower-Body Flexibility And Running Performance In A Half Marathon Downhill Running Event, Logan Petty, Marcus M. Lawrence

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(3): 1-12, 2025. Although previous studies examining treadmill or relatively flat overground running events have found relationships for running performance and flexibility, no study has examined these outcomes during downhill events, including between sexes. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine if a relationship exists between lower body flexibility and running performance in recreational adult male and female distance runners competing in a downhill half marathon race. Recreational (n=11 male, n=19 female) adult distance runners completed this study. On the day prior to the race, participants performed a standardized warm-up, …

“You Shall Be As Gods”: Xenogears, Gnosticism, And Gaming On The Mystical Marketplace At The Turn Of The Millennium, Alexander Sutton

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

This thesis explores the role of Christian Gnosticism in the Japanese role-playing video game (JRPG) Xenogears, developed by Square Co. Ltd. and released in Japan and the United States in 1998. In tracing its historical context, development, and localization I argue that Xenogears is an important text in the history of mediated religion in global popular culture. In comparing the game’s narrative against ancient Christian Gnostic texts such as The Apocryphon of John, The Reality of the Rulers, and the Gospel of Judas, I show how the game harmonized, mediated, and reproduced ancient Gnostic mysticism for its players to emulate. …

An Evaluation Of Reinforcement Learning Algorithms In Video Game Development, Isaac Lockwood

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Reinforcement Learning (RL) has demonstrated substantial promise for creating adaptive, responsive AI in complex environments such as video games. Yet despite growing academic interest, industry adoption remains limited due to computational overhead, reward-design challenges, and unpredictable AI behaviors. This thesis investigates how RL algorithms—specifically Advantage Actor-Critic (A2C), Deep Q-Network (DQN), and Proximal Policy Optimization (PPO)—can be applied to three different genres of video games. Those being first-person shooter (fps), fighting, and strategy.

Through a combination of scenario-based experimentation and comprehensive analysis, this work explores the feasibility and design considerations crucial for integrating RL-driven AI into commercial games. Key factors examined …

A Review Of The Validity Of The Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule 2, Keegan Cundiff

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a multifaceted condition that affects individuals in unique ways. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC, 2020), people with ASD have a neurological disorder that impacts communication, social interaction, and behavior. One common ASD evaluation tool is the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule 2 (ADOS-2), which helps a clinician decide if the student exhibits social and communication skills expected of someone with or without ASD. Since ASD is a disorder for which symptoms need to be present within the early developmental period, it is common for schools and pediatricians to be initial sources of referral …

“I’M Anywhere In The Country That Has A National Park”: Seasonal National Park Service Employee Organizational Identification Targets, Rachel Taylor

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Organizational Identification research is well established and explores the concept of individual oneness to a larger human collective yet often focuses on traditional types of work. Seasonal work carried out by National Park Service (NPS) employees is a non-traditional form of work entirely dependent on the organization's needs in a particular season, typically summer. Literature regarding seasonal work often focuses on types of hospitality organizations, rather than the NPS. This study sought to understand how the unique situation of seasonal workers may have influenced their identification with multiple organizational targets. Through qualitative interviews with 12 individuals who have been seasonal …

Striking Similarities: An Exploration Of The Relationship Between Tap Dance And Ballet, Shannon Maloney

Mahurin Honors College Capstone Experience/Thesis Projects

This research explores the relationship between tap dance and ballet, two genres of dance often viewed as polar opposites—if they are considered to have any relationship at all. Qualitative research methods were used throughout this process, including consulting texts and videos, conducting ethnographic research by attending the Woodshed Experience tap dance intensive, and choreographing a dance work featuring both tap and ballet dancers. This project investigates the relationship between the genres in the areas of technique, choreography, and pedagogy. There is significant overlap in the techniques of tap dance and ballet in the areas of musicality, polyrhythmic expression, isolated muscle …

Off The Clock But Still At Work: Investigating The Relationship Between Workplace Incivility And Behavioral Disengagement, Doug Brown

Mahurin Honors College Capstone Experience/Thesis Projects

This thesis investigated the relationship between workplace incivility and behavioral disengagement, using emotional appraisal as a mediating factor. Data was collected through a survey method via Prolific. Using the transactional model of stress, I hypothesized that experienced incivility will be positively associated with behavioral disengagement as a coping mechanism. Additionally, I hypothesized that emotional appraisal would mediate the relationship between experienced workplace incivility and behavioral disengagement. By using a mediation model to test these hypotheses I aim to increase the understanding of workplace incivility and its negative impacts on individuals and the workplace as a whole. Results of the study …