Digital Commons Network^™

Associations Between Serum And Skeletal Muscle Androgens And Androgen Receptor-Associated Biomarkers, Lean Body Mass, And Muscular Strength, Derek Flores, Thomas D. Cardaci, Dillon Harris, Steven B. Machek, Darryn Willoughby

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

The relationships between lean body mass (LBM), muscular strength, androgens, and several androgen receptor (AR)-associated biomarkers are sparsely described. PURPOSE: To examine any potential correlations linking these aforementioned factors. METHODS: 10 resistance-trained males were recruited for this crossover study, each assessing their leg and bench press one-repetition maximums (1RM) and body composition before completing two volume- and intensity-equated resistance training sessions separated by 7-10 days. Serum and skeletal muscle tissue samples were acquired in each session at baseline, 3-hours, and 24-hours post-exercise to assess circulating and muscle androgens (testosterone [TST] and dihydrotestosterone [DHT]), AR protein content and gene …

Effect Of Sex And Age On Knee Strength In Young Athletes: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Hui Gao, Xiaoquan Luo

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 17(6): 1461-1477, 2024. The purpose was to summarize the studies examining knee strength in young athletes and provide valuable insights into the magnitude of changes in knee flexion and extension strength during the transition from pre-puberty to puberty among male and female athletes. The literature search was conducted through Cochrane Library, Embase, PubMed, Web of Science. Cohen’s effect size (ES) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were computed using a random effects model. While comparing males and females, as well as pre-puberty and puberty stages, we conducted subgroup analyses for pre-puberty versus puberty and for males …

Ua80/1 Memorandum Of Understanding, W Club, Athletics (Wku)

University Organizations

Memorandum of Understanding between the W Club and WKU Athletics regarding support offered by WKU Athletics to W Club.

Ua80/1 Agenda, W Club

University Organizations

Agenda of the August 2024 W Club Board of Directors meeting.

Variables Associated With The Effectiveness Of Ball Possession In At-Home Futsal Matches, Márcio Aparecido Rinaldo, Edirley Guimarães De Souza, Karina Alves Silva, Bruno Marques Fidelis, Tarlyson Regioli De Angelis, Paulo Cesar Cardoso, Vinícius Flávio Milanez, Solange De Paula Ramos

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 17(6): 916-928, 2024. This study aims to identify contextual situations (score, game time, the interaction between teammates and opponents, start and restart plays) that increase the odds ratio of maintenance of ball possession and scoring a goal. Twenty professional futsal players were evaluated in seven home official matches. The games were filmed to analyze the offensive actions. In total, 828 attacking plays were analyzed. The absence of defensive pressure from the opponent resulted in a greater odds ratio (OR) for loss of ball possession (OR = 1.7, 95% CI = 1.7 to 2.2), but also …

Ua80/1 Agenda, W Club

University Organizations

Agenda of the June 2024 W Club Board of Directors meeting.

Empowerher: A Pilot Study To Increase Physical Activity And Strength Through Powerbuilding, Aspen E. Streetman, Murry T. Streetman, Halle N. Brin, Emily L. Mailey, Katie M. Heinrich

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 17(8): 750-767, 2024. Engaging in empowering exercise develops movement competency (MC) and strength and supports physical health, mental well-being, and quality of life. Powerbuilding combines powerlifting and bodybuilding to increase physical activity (PA), MC, and strength. To our knowledge, powerbuilding has not been explored as an exercise intervention. This pilot study investigated the impact of an eight-week powerbuilding intervention on women’s PA, MC, strength, and empowerment. Eighteen women aged 25.1±9.8 with no powerbuilding experience participated in the intervention, meeting three times weekly for one hour. PA and MC were assessed pre- and post-intervention. Three-repetition maximum …

Ua12/2/1 College Heights Herald: Ways Of The Future, Wku Student Affairs

WKU Administration Documents

Magazine edition of the College Heights Herald for the period April 8 - May 5, 2024.

• Anderson, Alexandria. Letter from the Editor – Science, Technology & Business
• Anderson, Alexandria. Women in STEM Make Advances
• Novoselia, Mariia. Turnover on Fountain Square: Local Businesses Share Concerns & Success Stories
• SOKY Rentals Offers New Apartments
• Walk2Campus: Where Home Meets Community
• Bush, Camden. Can a Baseball Team Reduce Their Goals to a Math Problem?
• Hawkins, Kaylee. Student Business Owners Share Experiences – Gatara Townsend, Andrew Garrett, Brittiny Sadler
• Ivory, Larkin. Bikewalk BG, WKU CHHS Offer Chances for Healthy Lifestyle – Health & Human Services

Change In Academic Self-Efficacy Across Gender And Year In School For Undergraduate Sport Management Students, Jarid Morton

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Academic self-efficacy (ASE) is a construct derived from social cognitive theory developed to assess an individuals perceived competence in academia. It has been found to significantly relate to academic achievement. Students scoring higher in ASE are more likely to obtain higher cumulative grade point averages and higher test scores. Studies assessing ASE have examined degree programs such as science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (i.e., STEM), business, and the humanities. Despite the wide scope of fields studied, sport management programs have yet to be assessed. This study aims to fill this gap. Part of the study aimed to construct a valid …

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

WKU Administration Documents

Spring 2024 Talisman:

• Hunter, Leah. Pulse
• Muscutt, Carson. High on Bluegrass – Jordan Riehm
• Meyers, Jeffrey. Science of Movement – Exercise Science
• Murray, Debra. Pasture to Plate – Agriculture
• Murray, Debra. Vegetarian Tortilla Soup
• Coffee, Bobbi. Passion, Pain, Curiosity – Innovation Campus
• Story, Miriam. Drafts of a Postcard (October 2023)
• Johnston, Katelyn. Beyond Sound – Deaf
• Hunter, Leah. One Good Week – Madison Weis
• Alali, Cecilia. Crafted Cadence – Speech Team
• Blankenship, Alisa. Loving You
• Sandlin, Ellie. Here After – Death
• Booth, Pandora. Rooted in Rhythm – Step Shows
• Booth, Pandora. Horoscopes
• Pulse Playlist

Ua80/1 Wku Athletic Hall Of Fame Review Guidelines, W Club

University Organizations

Nomination and review procedures for selection of athletes for WKU Athletic Hall of Fame.

Ua80/1 Meeting Agenda & Minutes, W Club

University Organizations

Agenda and minutes of the April 2024 W Club Board of Directors meeting.

Ua80/1 Bylaws, W Club

University Organizations

W Club bylaws as approved in April 2024.

Ua80/1 Proposed Bylaws, W Club

University Organizations

Proposed bylaws for W Club.

Ua80/1 Meeting Agenda & Minutes, W Club

University Organizations

Agenda and minutes of the March 2024 W Club Board of Directors meeting.

Ua80/1 Lifetime Membership List, W Club

University Organizations

W Club lifetime membership list as of February 28, 2024.

Strengthening First Responders’ Coaching Proficiency Through A Peer Fitness Leader Workshop: A Preliminary Efficacy Trial, Sarah N. Lanham, Thomas R. Nagel, Haresh Rochani, Bridget F. Melton, Richard E. Cleveland

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 17(3): 298-307, 2024. First responders require physical fitness to perform dangerous tasks in unpredictable environments. To promote physical fitness among first responders, many agencies use a peer fitness leader (PFL) approach; however, resources for the fitness, wellness, and health of PFLs are often minimal. This study’s purpose was to investigate the effectiveness of a training workshop to increase PFL’s training knowledge and coaching comfort (CC). Thirty-six PFLs (Experience: 14.6 ± 9.1 yrs; Age: 41.0 ± 9.8 yrs; BMI: 28.9 ± 7.0 kg·m^-2) attended a one-day workshop. Paired samples t-tests assessed for differences …

Evaluating Rotc Cadets Nutritional Competency, Dietary Habits, And Overall Health, James L. Lilly, Sarah E. Johnson, Adriana Gil, Broderick Dickerson, Ryan J. Sowinski, Steven E. Martin, Drew E. Gonzalez

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) cadets regularly have highly stressful and physically demanding training, making adequate nutritional knowledge and eating habits essential for optimal health and physical performance. However, there is limited work looking at the ROTC cadet’s nutritional knowledge, dietary patterns, and perceived health. PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate ROTC cadets' nutrition knowledge and perceived health. METHODS: Cross-sectional data were obtained from 174 ROTC cadets regarding nutritional knowledge and self-reported health via validated paper-based questionnaires, including the Perceived Barriers to Healthy Eating and a General Sports Nutrition Questionnaire. The questionnaire data were analyzed using SPSS version …

Heart Rate Reserve Is Associated With Quality Of Life, Willing Demott, John Manning, Jennifer M. Yentes

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

A resilient person is less susceptible to injury and loss of function following a perturbation because they are capable of recovering quickly from physical and cognitive difficulties. One way to estimate resilience is through the measurement of reserve, which is defined as the difference between resting or baseline capacity and maximal capacity. An individual’s reserve capacity may depend on several factors such as quality of life. PURPOSE: Determine the relationship between heart rate reserve and components of quality of life. METHODS: Eleven middle-aged (59.3 ± 4.3 yrs) and seven older adults (70.0 ± 3.7 yrs) completed a Bruce protocol exercise …

The Influence Of Age On Hip Extension Strength Characteristics And Vertical Jump Power, Tyler R. Cole, Kayla P. Sisneros, Evan B. Johnson, Lilly M. Frans, Ty B. Palmer

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Hip extension strength characteristics, such as peak torque and rate of torque development (RTD), are important measurements relevant to functional performance. Declines in functional performance are commonly reported as a consequence of aging. However, few studies have investigated the influence of age on hip extension peak torque and RTD. PURPOSE: This study aimed to compare hip extension peak torque and RTD characteristics between young and older women. A secondary aim was to determine the correlations between these characteristics and vertical jump (VJ) power. METHODS: Ten young (age = 22 ± 3 years) and ten older (68 ± 10 …

The Acute Effects Of Carrying A Heavy Grocery Bag On Handgrip Rapid Strength In Young And Older Women, Lilly M. Frans, Kayla P. Sisneros, Evan Johnson, Tyler R. Cole, Ty B. Palmer

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Declines in handgrip rapid strength characteristics, which include rate of force development (RFD), are commonly reported as a consequence of aging. These declines have been shown to have a detrimental effect on the functional performance abilities of older adults. Such an effect may be amplified by a further decrease in handgrip RFD as a result of fatigue. Evidence suggests that carrying a heavy grocery bag can elicit fatigue-induced changes in muscle activity and cardiovascular parameters. It is unclear if carrying a heavy grocery bag will elicit fatigue-induced changes in handgrip RFD. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to …

Relationship Between Body Composition, Body Fat Distribution, And Blood Lipids Among Law Enforcement Officers: Part 1, Jacob Broeckel, Megan Leonard, Anisha Patel, Broderick L. Dickerson, Ryan J. Sowinski, Matthew J. Mcallister, Drew E. Gonzalez, Steven E. Martin

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Law enforcement officers (LEOs) have a high-stress occupation which is prone to cardiovascular disease (CVD). In fact, data suggest that LEOs have a 1.7-fold higher CVD prevalence versus the general public, in addition to 40.5% of LEOs being classified as obese. However, research is lacking regarding the relationship between body composition, body fat distribution, and blood lipid panels as it pertains to CVD risk in LEOs. PURPOSE: To determine if body composition and fat distribution measures correlate with predictive lipid markers in LEOs. METHODS: Forty-three LEOs (age = 41.7±9.6 yrs; weight = 91.9±15.4 kg; height = 179.8±8.7 cm; …

Self-Reported Dietary Habits And Barriers Among Rotc Cadets, Sarah E. Johnson, Adriana Gil, Broderick Dickerson, James L. Lilly, Ryan J. Sowinski, Steven E. Martin, Drew E. Gonzalez

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) cadets' highly demanding lifestyle may negatively impact health and performance. Reports also suggest they are at risk for poor nutrition, i.e., low energy availability or not meeting Military Dietary Reference Intakes. Still, there are limited data on the barriers to proper nutrition and eating habits among ROTC cadets. PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the dietary habits of ROTC cadets and the factors or barriers influencing them. METHODS: Cross-sectional data were obtained from 173 ROTC cadets about nutritional habits, factors, and barriers via validated paper-based questionnaires including; the Perceived Barriers to Healthy Eating, …

Changes In Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors Over 2 Years Among Law Enforcement Officers, Lauryn Hawkins, David Torres Jr., Broderick Dickerson, Ryan J. Sowinski, Drew E. Gonzalez, Steven E. Martin

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Law enforcement officers (LEOs) have heightened cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk due to the nature of their occupations. Data suggests CVD is 1.7 times more prevalent when compared to the general public. Considering the numerous stressors that LEOs face, which exacerbate their CVD risk, it is important to consider annual monitoring of the risk factors (i.e., obesity, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, etc.). PURPOSE: To examine cardiovascular health parameters in male and female LEOs over two years. METHODS: Twenty-one LEOs (entry demographics: age = 43.5±10.0 yrs; weight = 92.9±15.4 kg; height = 176.8±9.1 cm), from a local police department, were studied from annual clinical …

Relationship Between Body Composition, Body Fat Distribution, And Blood Lipids Among Law Enforcement Officers: Part 2, Megan Leonard, Adriana Gil, Broderick Dickerson, Ryan Sowinski, Matthew J. Mcallister, Drew E. Gonzalez, Steven E. Martin

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Law enforcement officers (LEOs) have a high-stress occupation, which is prone to cardiovascular disease (CVD). Data suggest a 1.7-fold higher CVD prevalence versus the general public, in addition to 40.5% of LEOs being classified as obese. Emerging evidence suggests that lipid-related atherosclerotic risk may be better captured by including advanced blood lipid panels (i.e., cholesterol particle type and size). However, there needs to be more research regarding the relationship between body composition, body fat distribution, and advanced blood lipid panels concerning CVD risk in LEOs. PURPOSE: To determine if body composition and fat distribution measures correlate with predictive advanced …

Self-Reported Dietary Habits And Barriers Among First Responders, Adriana Gil, Ryan J. Sowinski, Kristen Mackenzie-Shalders, Steven E. Martin, Robin (Rob) Marc Orr, Drew E. Gonzalez

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Firefighters (FFs) and law enforcement officers (LEOs) have a high, lifestyle-related, risk for health conditions such as cardiovascular disease (CVD). Nutritional intervention has been identified as a critical area to improve these risk factors. However, there are limited data regarding the dietary habits and barriers of FFs and LEOs. PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the dietary habits of first responders and the factors or barriers influencing them. METHODS: Cross-sectional data were obtained from 21 first responders regarding nutritional habits, factors, and barriers via validated paper-based questionnaires which include; the Perceived Barriers to Healthy Eating, Food Choice Questionnaire, …

Traditional Football Training Groups Assessed By Sprint Performance, Kelly Hines, Drew E. Gonzalez, Steven E. Martin, J Bryan Mann

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Linear speed has historically and continues to be used to predict success in both collegiate and professional football. During a training session to improve on linear speed, players are split into traditional position groups of bigs, big skills, and skills. PURPOSE: Determine if traditional position groups are effective groupings based on 40-yard dash times. METHODS: Subjects (n=495) were members of an institution’s American football team. The subjects completed two trials of a 40-yard sprint assessment starting from a three-point stance with a recovery period of five minutes in between. RESULTS: There were statistical differences between the traditional …

Driving Entrainment Of Locomotor And Respiratory Systems To Determine Metabolic Efficiency, Michael T. Young, Jennifer M. Yentes, Kuanting Chen

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Many biological rhythms, including breathing and locomotor rhythms, are interconnected through a phenomenon known as coupling. Locomotor respiratory coupling (LRC) is quantified using a ratio of stride cycles to breaths. For example, an entrained LRC ratio of two strides to one breathing cycle, is a typical ratio humans use while walking. While various ratios have been recorded, previous research has suggested that not deviating from a particular ratio is associated with low energy expenditure. However, recent research challenges the assumption that stronger LRC correlates with lower energy expenditure, but rather, LRC variability is associated with lower energy expenditure. In addition, …

Effects Of Endurance Training On Skeletal Muscle Mass And Inflammation In A Rat Model Of Heart Failure, Aaron Garcia, Dillon Harris, Quinten Pigg, Daniela Sayuri Inoue, Mariana Janini Gomes

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Chronic disease states including heart failure (HF) often lead to reduced physical activity, resulting in disuse and low-level systemic inflammation, which contribute to the decline in muscle mass and function. An important goal of therapy in HF patients is to counteract or prevent the development of skeletal muscle alterations in order to restore a normal functional capacity. Exercise is an established means of improving exercise capacity and quality of life in patients with HF. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the impact of an endurance program on skeletal muscle mass and inflammation in a rat model of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH)-induced …

The Effect Of Capsaicin On Peak Force And Rate Of Force Developement In Resistance-Trained Men - A Pilot Study, Jalyn Dunlap, Nigel Jiwan, Casey Appell, Andrew Schindel, Jon Berrios, Savannah Adjetey, Mia Uriegas, Hui-Ying Luk

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Capsaicin (CAP) is a robust stimulator of transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1), which promotes calcium (Ca²⁺) efflux from the sarcoplasmic reticulum and can potentiate cross-bridge formation that has the potential to affect peak force and rate of force development (RFD). However, its effect on overall lower body strength is limited. PURPOSE: To determine the effect of acute CAP consumption on peak force and RFD in resistance-trained men. METHODS: Resistance-trained men (n=5; age: 22±2years, mass: 80.9±11.9kg; height: 177.3±6.6cm) were supplemented either with 2.4mg of CAP or placebo (PL; microcrystalline cellulose). Prior to (PRE) and 45 minutes …