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Effects Of Acute Caffeine Ingestion On Physical Performance And Skill Execution In Volleyball Players: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Raoof Negaresh, Shihab Aldin A. Al-Riyami, Alireza Paahoo, Rastegar Hoseini, Juan Del Coso

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(6): 922-948, 2025. It is well established that oral caffeine administration (3-9 mg/kg) is ergogenic, enhancing numerous aspects of physical performance including strength and power. However, the extent to which these effects translate to volleyball-specific skills remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to systematically review the effects of acute caffeine ingestion on performance outcomes in volleyball-specific actions. A systematic review of published studies was conducted using scientific databases from their inception through December 2024 (registered in PROSPERO, CRD420251006314). We included studies with blinded crossover experimental designs that compared caffeine ingestion to a placebo …

Difference In Knee Joint Structure And Lower Extremity Functioning Among People With Varying Severity Of Knee Osteoarthritis: A Cross-Sectional Study, Shubham Tawade, Rajani Mullerpatan Dr., Bela Agarwal Dr.

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(5): 910-921, 2025. Osteoarthritis (OA) is a highly prevalent musculoskeletal condition. It is reported that knee OA progressively affects lower-extremity functioning. Evidence is lacking on when there is a substantial decline in function and whether this trend differs between males and females and disease severity. This study aimed to examine influence of gender and increasing grade of knee OA on lower-extremity function. Following Institutional Ethical Committee approval and signed-informed consent, 115 participants (57-males, 58-females), aged 40-65 years, with diagnosed knee OA (grade 1-4) were recruited. Lower-extremity function was studied using reliable and valid outcome …

Biddle Physical Ability Test (Bpat) Performance By Attempt In Southern California Structural Firefighter Candidates, Robert G. Lockie, Joseph Dulla, Jennifer Meloni, Kristina A. Ross, Robin (Rob) Marc Orr, J. Jay Dawes, Tomas J. Ruvalcaba

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(8): 895-909, 2025. The Biddle Physical Ability Test (BPAT) is a job task simulation that must be completed in ≤9:34 min:s by structural firefighter candidates to be accepted to a fire training academy. This study investigated the influence of prior attempts on BPAT time. Retrospective analysis was conducted on 1435 male and 72 female candidates. All participants received equivalent instruction on how to complete the BPAT which incorporated: dry hose drag; charged hose drag; halyard raise; roof walk; attic crawl; roof ventilation; victim removal; ladder removal and carry; stair climb with hose bundle; crawling search; …

Change In Free-Living Daily Steps Does Not Affect Vo2max Adaptation In Response To A Supervised Aerobic Walking Program In Females Ages 18-45, Catherine L. Jarrett, Brandon J. Sawyer, Wesley Tucker, Dharini M. Bhammar, Justin R. Ryder, Siddhartha Angadi, Glenn A. Gaesser

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(5): 852-863, 2025. We hypothesized that an increase in nonexercise physical activity (NEPA), assessed by daily steps outside of steps accrued during supervised exercise training sessions, would be positively correlated with the change in VO_2max. Females ages 18-45 yr (n = 44; 30 ± 7 yr; 67.7 ± 18.3 kg; 24.9 ± 6.4 kg/m²) completed 36 supervised training sessions on a motorized treadmill (3 sessions/week, 30 min/session) over 12 weeks, at 70% VO_2max (80% max heart rate). VO_2max was assessed at baseline, 4, 8, and 12 weeks, and …

Validity And Reliability Of The 'Feelfit®' Accelerometer In Evaluating Physical Activity And Sedentary Time In Children: A Comparative Study With Two Different Accelerometers, Songdhasn Chinapong, Korntawat Klinchan, Hanif Abdul Rahman, Michael Chia, Waris Wongpipit, Jetsada Arnin, Areekul Amornsriwatanakul

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(2): 794-810, 2025. Accurate physical activity (PA) measurement is crucial for public health surveillance. While self-report questionnaires are commonly used, they have limitations, especially in young children. An affordable and user-friendly device like Feelfit® offers a promising alternative particularly for countries with limited research resources. This study aimed to evaluate Feelfit®’s performance against the widely used ActiGraph® accelerometer in measuring PA among children. A quasi-experimental design was applied. Thirty-nine children (19 boys; 20 girls; aged 11.4 ± 0.5 years) wore both Feelfit® and ActiGraph® during sequentially specified activities of varying intensity ranging from sedentary to …

Differences In Fitness Between Cadet And General Population Firefighter Academy Recruits, Scott D. Brau, David Cornell, Benjamin J. Mendelson, Rudi A. Marciniak, Kyle Ebersole

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(8): 774-793, 2025. This longitudinal study explored entry route- and age-related fitness differences between cadet (CR) and general population (GR) firefighter recruits. Fitness data were collected from eight separate firefighter recruit academy cohorts (N = 317; 122 CR, 195 GR; 27.17 ± 7.58 yrs, 177.30 ± 8.72 cm, 88.65 ± 17.78 kg). In the first week of the academy, recruits completed an assessment battery including: body composition via skinfold measures to estimate body fat (BF, %) and fat-free mass (FFM, kg); aerobic fitness (VO_2peak, mL· kg^-1· min^-1) and …

Associations Of Laboratory- And Field- Derived Measurements Of Critical Power With W’-Kinetics During 40-Km Cycling Time Trial Performances, Dewey Luke Wilkins, Robert W. Pettitt, Julie Taylor, Mark Kramer

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(8): 757-773, 2025. This study aimed to establish whether a laboratory (lab) based 3-minute all-out (3MT) protocol and a field-based 3MT protocol would yield similar peak power (P_max), critical power (CP), and curvature constant (W’) profiles and the implications of parameter estimation for informing a 40-km time trial (TT) performance. Nine competitive male cyclists (mean ± SD: age 36.5 ± 10.42 y, mass = 80.5 ± 10.6 kg, height 1.8 ± 0.1 m) completed two 3MTs on separate days, as well as a 40-km time trial. Both lab and field-based protocols evoked similar …

Exploring Changes In Body Composition Before And After A National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Football Season Of Marching Artists, Noelle J. Smith, Brett Nickerson, Ronald L. Snarr, Matt P. Brancaleone

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(8): 727-735, 2025. The purpose of this study was to observe the changes in body composition of collegiate marching band artists after a competitive season NCAA Division I football season. Thirty-seven marching artists (7 females, 31 males; age: 21.5 (1.4) years; height: 177.2 (9.5) cm had body fat percentage (BF%), fat mass (FM), android adiposity, gynoid adiposity, bone mineral content (BMC), and lean soft tissue (LST) measured before and after a competitive season of Division I football. Body composition measures were conducted using single-frequency bioelectrical impedance analysis device (Quantum IV, RJL systems, Clinton MI). Pre- …

Accuracy Of Anthropometric Equations In Estimating Body Fat Percentage In Transgender Men Undergoing Gender-Affirming Hormone Therapy, Barbara Buosi, Yana Barros Hara, Rodolfo André Dellagrana, Rafael Martins Da Costa, Mateus Rossato

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(1): 686-694, 2025. Transgender people may opt for the use of sex steroids and, in some cases, hormone blockers, which can lead to changes in body fat distribution. The aim of this study was to verify the accuracy of anthropometric equations to estimate the body density (BD) of transgender men who are undergoing Gender-Affirming Hormone Therapy (GAHT). Four transgender men (25-32 years old), who had performed GAHT for at least six months and used the hormone testosterone cypionate participated in the study. The reference criteria for BD was air displacement plethysmography (ADP). In addition, BD …

Firefighters Versus Law Enforcement Officers: A Comparison Of Cardiovascular Disease Risk, Bethany C. Guerra, Steven E. Martin, Lisa C. Colvin, J. Jay Dawes, Matthew J. Mcallister, Drew E. Gonzalez

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(6): 659-671, 2025. Firefighters (FFs) and law enforcement officers (LEOs) have heightened cardiovascular disease (CVD), with data suggesting that ≈45% of on-duty FF fatalities are related to CVD, while LEOs have a 1.7 times higher CVD prevalence than the general public. This study compared CVD risk biomarkers, fitness, and body composition between FFs and LEOs. Ninety-eight career, structural male FFs (age = 35.1±9.6 yrs; weight = 94.3±15.4 kg; height = 178.4±13.2 cm) and seventy-three career LEOs (age = 41.4±9.0 yrs; weight = 92.3±16.8 kg; height = 179.6±8.1 cm) from local departments were studied. Participants completed …

The Effect Of Breakfast On A Resistance Training Session And Response In Female Collegiate Athletes, Haley Roberts, Yvette Figueroa, Jennifer Bunn, Patrick Davis

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(6): 591-609, 2025. Breakfast consumption has been shown to be an essential component to a healthy lifestyle in various populations, yet research in this area is limited among female athletes. This study aimed to examine the effect of breakfast consumption on collegiate female athletes during a resistance training session and their nutritional habits throughout the remainder of the day. Twenty-three female collegiate Division I athletes (basketball, volleyball, bowling, and soccer) during the offseason participated in this cross-over study. The study included three visits: baseline measures for heart rate (HR), blood glucose (BG), salivary cortisol (SC), …

A Descriptive Analysis Of The Current State Of Peace Officer Standards And Training Physical Fitness Requirements Across The Usa, Robert G. Lockie, Joseph Dulla

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(8): 543-560, 2025. Many law enforcement organizations are experiencing recruitment and retention challenges, of which physical fitness can be a factor. The study purpose was to collate information from Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Commission staff in each USA state to document current fitness mandates and policies for recruits/officers. A 10-question survey was allocated to an appropriate representative from every state POST organization. The survey collected information regarding minimum state-mandated fitness standards for academy entry and exit; minimum state-mandated requirements for fitness programming, including safety plans; education/training requirements for fitness training instructors; and minimum …

Physiological And Biomechanical Responses To Indoor Cycling With And Without The Ability To Sway, Alina P. Swafford, James W. Navalta, Julia Freedman Silvernail, Nancy Lough, John A. Mercer

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(7): 531-542, 2025. The purpose of this study was to understand whether or not physiological and biomechanical measures were influenced by cycling sway and intensity. Participants (n=13; 24.9±6.5 years; 1.7±0.1 m; 64.7±11.2 kg) completed two submaximal-effort cycling conditions using a stationary smart bike placed on a rocker board: 1) cycling with the rocker board set to allow sway (unblocked); 2) cycling with blocks placed in the rocker board to prevent sway (blocked). The order conditions were counterbalanced, and each condition was 12-mins. For each condition, four intensity levels were completed. Prior to testing, target power …

Associations Between Eating Attitudes And Dietary Intake Patterns In Physically Active Men And Women, N Chiu, J Goulart, A Sterczala, K Mroz, B Nindl Facsm, K Koltun

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

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Baseline Data: Sex Differences In Human Performance, D Desio, K Snyder, W Erickson, J Galati, K Otersen, S Campbell Facsm

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

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Acute Physiological And Performance Effects Of A Novel Energy-Dense Ketogenic Bar On 10k Running Performance, Z Furry, A Buga, J Buxton, J Muench, C Hannon, A Bryarly, D Stonel, D D'Agostino, A Koutnik, J Volek, P Prins

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

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Fall Risk In Community-Dwelling Elderly: A Potential Role Of Physical Activity In Counteracting Age-Related Impairment, M Kushkestani, M Moghadassi, M Bates

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

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Assessing Variability In Exercise Energy Expenditure Measurements: A Pilot Study, Philip W. Eng

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

GNYACSM Original Research Abstract

Assessing Variability in Exercise Energy Expenditure Measurements: A Pilot Study

PHILIP ENG MS; KATHRYN WHYTE, PHD RDN

New York Nutrition Obesity Research Center, Department of Medicine,

Department of Pediatrics, Division of Molecular Genetics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center; New York City, NEW YORK

Category: Graduate

Advisor / Mentor: Whyte, Kathryn ([email protected])

ABSTRACT

Whole-room indirect calorimetry (WRIC) serves as the gold standard for measuring human energy expenditure (EE) including 24hr EE and its components. It has been applied to multiple research fields to determine EE in energy balance studies. Due to response times in WRIC, for exercise …

Comparison Of Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry And Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis For Assessing Fat-Free Mass In Older Adults, Sandra L. Rios, Bridget A. Mcfadden, Noberto Quiles, Anoop Balachandran

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

ABSTRACT

Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) is frequently used to assess sarcopenia and muscle mass in older adults. However, DXA is expensive, requires a licensed X-ray technician, and involves radiation exposure. In contrast, multi-frequency Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA) is quick, less-costly, requires no expertise, and does not involve radiation. Despite these practical advantages, comparative studies of DXA and BIA in healthy older adults are limited. PURPOSE: We compared DXA vs BIA for fat-free mass assessment and associations with power and strength in community-living older adults. METHODS: Community-dwelling older adults (N = 13, mean age = 68.5 years, 75% females) underwent both …

Sit-To-Stand Power,Grip Strength, And Performance Outcomes In Older Adults, Leno Benny, Anoop T. Balachandran, Norberto N. Quiles

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

GNYACSM Original Research Abstract

Sit-to-Stand Power,Grip strength, and Performance Outcomes in Older Adults

LENO BENNY, RENEE LUSTIN, NORBERTO QUILES & ANOOP T. BALACHANDRAN

Exercise and Aging Lab, Department of Family, Nutrition and Exercise Sciences, Queens College, The City University of New York, Flushing, NY

Category: Graduate

Advisor / Mentor: Balachandran, Anoop T. ([email protected])

ABSTRACT

Hand grip strength is widely used as a marker for strength and sarcopenia in older adults. Although power is more strongly associated with physical performance, power testing is sparingly used due to high cost, expertise required and portability issues. The sit-to-stand power test is a low-cost,fairly …

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 = …

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 …

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 …

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 + …

Cardiometabolic Risk Factors Associated With Physical Fitness And Activity Levels: An Exploratory Study Of Us College Students, Keegan T. Peterson, Gabrielle Barraco, Jennifer Niessner, Melissa Rodgers, Melissa Bopp

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(8): 379-393, 2025. College students are a vulnerable population at risk of developing and/or experiencing poor physical fitness and insufficient physical activity (PA) levels, both associated with poor cardiometabolic health. Thus, this study assessed the association of physical fitness and domain-specific PA levels on cardiometabolic risk factors (CMRFs) among college students. A volunteer sample of students enrolled in general health and wellness courses at a large, Northeastern U.S. institution from Spring 2023 – Spring 2024 (n=1418, 69.0% male, 89.9% non-Hispanic White) completed an objective health assessment as part of a required course assignment. CMRFs (e.g., …

Do Cheaters Prosper? Effect Of Externally Supplied Momentum During Resistance Training On Measures Of Upper Body Muscle Hypertrophy, Francesca Augustin, Jeff Nippard, Alec Pinero, Alysson Enes, Adam Mohan, Max Sapuppo, Max Coleman, Milo Wolf, Patroklos Androulakis Korakakis, Paul Swinton, Brad Schoenfeld

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(3): 329-342, 2025. Exercise technique, defined as the controlled execution of bodily movements to ensure an exercise effectively targets specific muscle groups while minimizing the risk of injury, is a resistance training (RT) variable frequently highlighted as critical to successful RT program outcomes, with proper technique suggested to play a role in maximizing muscle development. This study examined the effects of externally applied momentum on RT-induced muscular adaptations in the upper extremities. Thirty young adults were recruited to participate in a within-participant design, with one limb randomly allocated to perform biceps curls and triceps pushdowns …

Dark Chocolate Elevates Resting Energy Expenditure In Postmenopausal Women, Aubrey L. Johnson, Michael Webster

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(6): 316-328, 2025. Several recent reports have indicated positive health benefits of consuming (-)-epicatechin-rich cocoa products. Postmenopausal women are predisposed to reduced metabolism due to decreased levels and activity of the sex hormones estrogen, progesterone, and estradiol. The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of dark chocolate consumption on resting and exercise metabolism in postmenopausal women. Using a randomized, double-blind design, 26 postmenopausal participants were assigned to a 30-day supplementation with 20-g per day of 72% dark chocolate (DC) or calorically matched white chocolate (WC). Before supplementation, participants underwent two control trials …

Effects Of A Sprint Post-Activation Performance Enhancement Stimulus On Discus Throw Performance In Collegiate Division I Throwers: A Pilot Study, Reagan Hulet, Mark Debeliso Phd, Marcus M. Lawrence

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(3): 251-262, 2025. No study has determined the impact a sprinting potentiating stimulus has on discus throwing performance in collegiate throwers. To test the hypothesis, that compared to a dynamic warm-up alone (DyWU), a dynamic warm-up with a multi-set sprinting potentiating stimulus (DyWU+SPR) would enhance discus throw performance. 12 NCAA Division I thrower athletes (18-25 year) randomly completed two sessions separated by at least 48 hours. One session involved a standardized dynamic warm-up (DyWU) and the other session involved a DyWU with multiple sets of a sprinting post-activation performance enhancement (PAPE) stimulus (DyWU+SPR), with both …