Digital Commons Network^™

The Difference In Muscle Quality And Torque Production Between Sprinters And Jumpers In Ncaa Division I Track Athletes, Ciriany Arrazola, Alexandra Brojanac, Ryan Dunn, Marcos Keefe, Mario I. Hernandez, Ty Palmer, Yasuki Sekiguchi

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Jumping and sprinting events place mechanical demand on the neuromuscular system, which may result in event-specific differences in muscle quality and strength. Purpose: This study investigated differences in muscle quality, measured by echo intensity (EI), and strength, measured by peak torque (PT), between NCAA Division I jumpers and sprinters. Methods: Twenty-three NCAA Division I jumpers and short sprinters (15 females, 8 males; mean±SD, age: 20±1.5 years, body mass 64.3±10.4 kg, height 172.9±9.0 cm) completed the assessment of EI for the rectus femoris (RF) and hamstrings using ultrasound and isometric maximal voluntary contraction to measure PT for knee extensor and flexor. …

Evaluating Self-Reported Dietary Habits And Barriers Among Rotc Cadets Across Training Type And Frequency, Olivia J. Haskell, Sarah E. Johnson, Sheyla Leon, Michael Conner, Lisa C. Colvin, Steven E. Martin, Drew E. Gonzalez

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) cadets are emerging tactical athletes balancing academics and physical training. While physical readiness is emphasized, little is known about how cadets’ food-choice values and dietary habits vary across training modes and frequency. Understanding these patterns is vital, as diet influences body composition, performance, recovery, and long-term health in early military career development. PURPOSE: To investigate the dietary habits and food-choice values of ROTC cadets based on their weekly resistance, aerobic, and concurrent training frequency. METHODS: Cross-sectional data were obtained from 184 ROTC and Corps of Cadets regarding the following validated questionnaires: Food Choice …

Comparison Of Bimanual Force And Movement Coordination In Parkinson’S Disease, Ananya Luthria, Madison M. Weinrich, Deanna M. Kennedy

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Visually guided bimanual coordination requires precise temporal coupling and accurate scaling of motor output to meet task-specific demands. In Parkinson’s disease (PD), impairments in sensorimotor integration may limit the ability to generate correct force- or movement-based outputs, particularly under multi-frequency coordination constraints. Differences in neural and mechanical control requirements between force-based and movement-based tasks may differentially impact performance in this population. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine whether individuals with PD can meet the accuracy demands imposed by Lissajous-guided multi-frequency (1:2) bimanual coordination, and to compare temporal and output accuracy between force-based and movement-based task conditions. …

Validity Of Hand-To-Foot And Foot-To-Foot Consumer-Grade Bioimpedance Analysis For Body Composition Estimation, Adhirath Malladi, Carina M. Velasquez, Christine M. Florez, Ainsley E. Way, Madison H. Sullivan, Julia Whitson, Reva Ann Rudolph, Grant M. Tinsley, John Alexander

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Consumer-grade bioimpedance analysis (BIA) devices are inexpensive and widely accessible, providing rapid, noninvasive body composition estimates that are frequently used in fitness and clinical settings to monitor changes over time. However, their validity for estimating body fat percentage relative to laboratory methods such as dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) remains uncertain. PURPOSE: To evaluate the validity of hand-to-foot and foot-to-foot measurements for two widely used consumer-grade BIA devices when estimating body fat percentage compared with DXA and to determine whether the BIA–DXA difference changes across the range of body fat percentage (i.e., BF%-dependent error/proportional bias). METHODS: Eighty-three healthy adults, including 50 …

Sex-Specific Perceptual Adaptations To Heat Acclimation In Highly Trained Endurance Runners, Rachel R. Roberts, Marcos S. Keefe, Mario I. Hernandez, Ryan A. Dunn, Yasuki Sekiguchi

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Multiple training sessions in a hot environment (i.e. heat acclimation [HA]) elicit beneficial perceptual adaptations that prepare an individual for future heat stress. However, it remains unclear if high-level male and female endurance athletes respond differently in the magnitude of perceptual adaptation. PURPOSE: Investigate sex-specific responses in perceptual measures following HA compared to training in temperate conditions. METHODS: 18 highly trained endurance runners (males: n = 8, age: 21 ± 3 years, body mass: 74.3 ± 11.3 kg, maximal oxygen uptake [VO_2peak]: 66.5 ± 11.0 mL∙kg^-1∙min^-1; females: n = 10, age: 24 …

Relationships Between Postural Balance Performance And Muscle Morphology Of The Quadriceps In Healthy Older Men, Alexandra L. Khartabil, Ty B. Palmer

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

ABSTRACT

Ultrasound-derived morphological measures of quadriceps cross-sectional area (CSA) and echo intensity (EI) are often used to assess lower-body muscle size and quality in older adults. Muscle CSA and EI of the quadriceps have been shown to be significantly correlated with physical performance outcomes, including gait speed and vertical jump power; however, their association with postural balance performance remains unclear. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships between unilateral postural balance performance and quadriceps muscle morphology (CSA and EI) in older men. METHODS: Fourteen healthy older men (mean ± SD: age = 69 ± 6 years; …

Sex Differences In The Perceptual Responses While Performing Intermittent Absolute Exercise In Warm And Hot Environments, Caitlin C. Sassetti, Mario I. Hernandez, Alexandra P. Brojanac, Tyler B. Mccollum, Rachel R. Roberts, Yasuki Sekiguchi

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

With the recent increases in global temperatures and women working in tactical positions, understanding if sex-specific responses to hotter environments are present is crucial. However, it is currently unclear if females experience different perceptual responses to warm and hot environments compared to males while performing the same absolute exercise workload. PURPOSE: To investigate the sex differences in perceptual responses in warm and hot environments while performing the same absolute exercise workload. METHODS: Physically active eleven males (age: 23±5 yrs, body mass: 72±8 kg, height: 175±8 cm, estimated maximal oxygen uptake [VO2max]: 51.6±5.9 ml⋅kg^-1⋅min^-1) and …

Agreement Of Skeletal Muscle Mass Estimates Between Professional And Consumer-Grade Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis, Julia A. Whitson, Carina M. Velasquez, Christine M. Florez, Ainsley E. Way, Madison H. Sullivan, Reva Ann Rudolph, John Alexander, Adhirath Malladi, Grant M. Tinsley

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Skeletal muscle mass (SMM) is a useful variable for evaluating overall fitness and detecting conditions like sarcopenia and cachexia. While several validated laboratory and clinical devices (including magnetic resonance imaging, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, and laboratory-grade bioimpedance devices) are adept at SMM assessment, such measures may prove inaccessible or cost-prohibitive to the average person. Consumer-grade bioimpedance analyzers seek to bridge this gap and provide affordable, accurate body composition information. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare the validity of skeletal muscle mass (SMM) assessment by a consumer-available hand-to-foot bioimpedance analyzer between females and males, using a professional-grade device as …

Hand-To-Foot Consumer-Grade Bioelectrical Impedance Shows Better Accuracy Than A Foot-To-Foot Analyzer, Madison H. Sullivan, Ainsley Way, Carina M. Velasquez, Christine M. Florez, Julia Whitson, John Alexander, Adhirath Malladi, Grant M. Tinsley

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Multi-frequency bioelectrical impedance analysis (MFBIA) is a widely available and noninvasive method used in body composition analysis. Tanita is a well-defined company that produces many MFBIA devices, ranging from consumer- to professional-grade. Tanita MFBIA devices use either hand-to-foot or foot-to-foot electrode arrangements, which may lead to different results for components such as body fat percentage (BFP). With MFBIA becoming more common and available, it is important to determine the accuracy of these different hardware configurations of MFBIA analyzers. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare two consumer-grade MFBIA devices differing in electrode arrangement to a laboratory-grade MFBIA …

Accumlated Thermal And Cardiovascular Load Are Unaffected By Sauna Bathing Timing Relative To Exercise, Isabel J. Richardson, Marcos S. Keefe, Tyler B. Mccollum, Alexandra P. Brojanac, Yasuki Sekiguchi

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Sauna bathing is a recovery strategy driven by increased thermal load and can be used before or after exercise, highlighting the need to understand how thermal load relates to exercise timing. However, accompanyingcardiovascular load may compromise physiological benefits, warranting investigation into sauna timing to identify an optimal balance between thermal and cardiovascular load. PURPOSE: Examine differences in thermal and cardiovascular load across different timing strategies of sauna bathing relative to exercise. METHODS: 8 recreationally active participants (males: n = 7; females; n = 1; age: 29 ± 5 years; body mass: 72.5 ± 7.1 kg; height: 174.3 ± 7.7 cm) …

Sex-Specific Responses In Sleep Metrics Throughout Heat Acclimation In Highly Trained Endurance Runners, Sophia Waller, Marcos S. Keefe, Tyler B. Mccollum, Ryan A. Dunn, Yasuki Sekiguchi

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Training in a hot environment (heat acclimation) elicits beneficial physiological and thermoregulatory adaptations that enhance subsequent exercise in the heat; however, additional strain from exertional heat stress may negatively influence sleep duration and quality. Although sex differences in sleep have been observed relative to exercise, it remains unclear if training in the heat exacerbates sex-specific responses. PURPOSE: Investigate the effect of heat acclimation on sleep in highly trained male and female endurance runners compared to training in a temperate environment. METHODS: 17 highly trained endurance runners (males: n = 8, age, 21 ± 3 years, maximal oxygen uptake …

Thermography-Derived Skin Temperature Metrics Reflect Physiological And Perceptual Recovery, Tyler Mccollum, Marcos Keefe, Alexandra Brojanac, Isabel J. Richardson, Sophia J. Waller, Yasuki Sekiguchi

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Monitoring recovery following fatiguing exercise requires tools that are sensitive to both physiological and perceptual stress while remaining practical for applied settings. Infrared thermography has emerged as a promising, non-invasive technique, yet its association with established recovery outcomes has not been fully elucidated. PURPOSE: To investigate the association between thermography-measured skin temperature with physiological and perceptual recovery metrics. METHODS: Eight recreationally active individuals (mean ± standard deviation; age: 29 ± 5yrs, height: 174.3 ± 7.7, weight: 72.5 ± 7.1kg) completed a whole-body fatiguing exercise protocol with either pre-exercise sauna, post-exercise sauna, or no sauna bathing in a randomized and counterbalanced …

Do Cardiovascular Disease Risk Indices Differ Based On The Body Roundness Index Among First Responders?, Samantha Umfrid, Michael Conner, Steven E. Martin, Matthew J. Mcallister, Drew E. Gonzalez

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

First responders need simple, cost-effective health assessments to reduce cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. The Body Roundness Index (BRI) has emerged as a potential tool for evaluating health over the past decade, but has not yet been used among first responder groups. PURPOSE: We compared CVD risk biomarkers across BRI quartile groups. METHODS: Archival data from annual clinical testing on 170 first responders were analyzed. The BRI was categorized into quartiles: Q1 (<3.1), Q2 (3.1-3.7), Q3 (3.7-4.6), and Q4 (>4.6). The 2013 Thomas et al. equation calculated BRI, using waist circumference (Wc) and height (Ht): BRI = 364.2 – 365.5 x √[1 – ((Wc/2π)² / …

Effect Of Acute Sleep Fragmentation On Skeletal Muscle Blood Flow During Handgrip Exercise, Gabriel Narvaez, Joaquin Gonzales

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Sleep fragmentation (arousals from sleep) has been shown to impair vascular function due to elevated inflammation and oxidative stress. Previous research on this topic has focused on resting vascular function, with little information available about the effect of poor sleep on hyperemic responses to exercise. PURPOSE: To test the hypothesis that acute sleep fragmentation impairs skeletal muscle blood flow during exercise. METHODS: Fifteen adults (7F, 8M, age- 25 ± 5 y, BMI 23.5 ± 2.5 kg/m2) participated in a randomized crossover study that included one night of habitual sleep and one night of sleep fragmentation separated by at least 7 …

Determining The Predictors Of Rate Of Core Temperature Rise In Physically Active Men And Women, Mario I. Hernandez, Alexandra P. Brojanac, Tyler B. Mccollum, Rachel R. Roberts, Caitlin C. Sassetti, Yasuki Sekiguchi

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

With increasing global temperatures and interest in sports participation, more physically active men and women are exposed to hotter temperatures. To ensure the safety of these individuals, it is essential to identify the predictors of the rate of core temperature rise. PURPOSE: To determine the predictors of the rate of core temperature rise between males and females while exercising in warm and hot environments. METHODS: Physically active eleven males (age: 23±5 yrs, body mass: 72±8 kg, height: 175±8 cm, estimated maximal oxygen uptake [VO_2max]: 51.6±5.9 ml⋅kg^-1⋅min^-1) and six females (age: 27±8 yrs, …

Investigating The Impact Of Circuit Training In The Heat On Sleep And Recovery, Alexandra P. Brojanac, Mario I. Hernandez, Jenna R. King, Yasuki Sekiguchi, Ryan A. Dunn

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Acute exertional heat exposure can disrupt sleep and recovery, though adaptation may occur with multiple heat exposures to mitigate this negative effect. PURPOSE: This study investigates the effects of circuit training in the heat on post-exercise sleep and recovery. METHODS: Seven trained men (Mean±SD; age: 23±3 yrs, height: 175.9±11.5 cm, weight: 82.0±16.4 kg) completed 5 days of circuit training in the heat (35°C, 40% relative humidity), which consisted of 40 min of sprinting, and upper and lower body functional exercises. Objective sleep and recovery were monitored with a wearable fitness monitoring device on each night during the study period. Additionally, …

The Effects Of Multiple Circuit Training Sessions In Hot Compared To Thermoneutral Environmental Conditions On Environmental Symptomology, Jenna King, Ryan Dunn, Alexandra Brojanac, Mario Hernandez, Yasuki Sekiguchi

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Heat acclimation (HA) protocols have been under constant development since the 20th century, with the optimal HA approach yet to be determined. Adaptations from traditional approaches likely favor aerobic performance due to the nature of low- to moderate-intensity, endurance-based exercise in the heat. However, individuals involved in team sports, military personnel, and occupational workers may benefit from adaptations induced by a HA protocol that is more sport-/activity-specific. PURPOSE: To investigate differences in environmental symptomatology during a circuit training session in the heat (35°C; 40% relative humidity [RH]) following short-term (5 day) circuit training in hot and thermoneutral environmental conditions. METHODS: …

Expanding Understanding Of Age-Related Differences In Cardiorespiratory Fitness And Body Composition Among Firefighters: A Single, Large-Scale, Metropolitan-Departmental Study, Jisun Chun, Kelly Hines, Michael J. Conner, Brian Newman, Lisa C. Colvin, Steven E. Martin, Drew E. Gonzalez

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

While prior research has examined age-related changes in small firefighter (FF) cohorts, large-scale analyses are needed to clarify the effects of aging on cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and body composition (BC). PURPOSE: To examine age-related differences in CRF and BC among FF across four age groups. METHODS: Four hundred and ninety-nine FF completed a cycle ergometer cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) and bioelectrical impedance via an InBody BC assessment. Age group sizes were as follows: 20-29s = 62; 30-39s = 162; 40-49s = 153; and 50+ = 122. A general linear model (GLM) was used to evaluate the effects of …

Associations Between Body Roundness Index And Cardiovascular Disease Risk Indices Among First Responders?, Raed Alfaleet, Samantha Umfrid, Michael Conner, Steven E. Martin, Matthew J. Mcallister, Lisa C. Colvin, Drew E. Gonzalez

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

First responders are in critical need of simple and cost-effective methods for pragmatic health assessments to help mitigate the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). The Body Roundness Index (BRI) has emerged over the last decade as a potential tool for assessing overall health. However, this method has yet to be applied among first responder groups. PURPOSE: We compared CVD risk biomarkers across BRI quartile groups. METHODS: Archival data for 170 (n = 170) first responders were analyzed from annual clinical testing. The BRI was used categorically; participants were grouped into quartiles as follows: Q1 (<3.1), Q2 (3.1 – 3.7), Q3 (3.7 – 4.6), and Q4 (>4.6). To calculate …

Impact Of Age On Non-Conventional Physiological Stress, Oxidative Stress, And Inflammatory Biomarkers Among First Responders, Ethan C. Mccarty, Samantha Umfrid, Michael Conner, Steven E. Martin, Lisa C. Colvin, Matthew J. Mcallister, Drew E. Gonzalez

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Previous studies have examined age-related CVD risk factors in small first-responder (FR) groups but haven't explored how age influences non-traditional stress markers and inflammation biomarkers. PURPOSE: To examine age-related differences in non-conventional physiological stress, oxidative stress, and inflammatory biomarkers among FRs. METHODS: Archival data for 170 FRs were analyzed from annual clinical testing. Age groups were 20-39 years and 40 years and above. General linear models (GLMs) were used to evaluate the effects of age group and occupational group on blood and salivary biomarkers: advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP), C-reactive protein (CRP), blood cortisol (CORT), salivary cortisol (sCORT), …

Impacts Of Perceived Trauma On Occupational Performance Among Firefighters And Law Enforcement Officers, Pedro Caniz, Ashley Khanhkham, Steven E. Martin, Lisa C. Colvin, Michael Conner, Drew Gonzalez

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

First responders (FRs) frequently face traumatic incidents, which can lead to posttraumatic stress, emotional exhaustion, and decreased job performance. Although tactical teams are more vulnerable to trauma-related mental health problems, there is limited research on how perceived trauma and coping self-efficacy influence perceived barriers to seeking help. PURPOSE: To assess perceived trauma exposure, symptom severity, coping self-efficacy, and help-seeking barriers among U.S. FRs. METHODS: A nationwide online survey was distributed via email and social media to recruit active FRs. The survey collected demographic data, years of service, trauma exposure, the PTSD Diagnostic Scale for DSM-5 (PDS-5), and the …

Impact Of Body Mass Index On Non-Conventional Physiological Stress, Oxidative Stress, And Inflammatory Biomarkers Among Fire Responders, Natania Hsyung, Samantha Umfrid, Michael Conner, Steven E. Martin, Lisa C. Colvin, Matthew J. Mcallister, Drew Gonzalez

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Firefighters and responders face stress from activity, irregular hours, and hazards, raising obesity and cardiometabolic risks. Higher BMI is linked to inflammation and oxidative stress, but few studies examine these in tactical groups using unconventional biomarkers. Studying BMI-related markers could identify early signs of stress and aid in developing tailored wellness program strategies. PURPOSE: Archival data for 170 (n = 170) first responders were analyzed from annual clinical testing. BMI groups were considered. The first responders were stratified into three BMI groups: “healthy” (18.5–24.9 kg/m2), “overweight” (25.0–29.9 kg/m²), and “obese” (≥30.0 kg/m2). General linear models (GLM) were …

Fitness Profiles Of Firefighters Who Reported Workers' Compensation: Are Those Who Filed Fit For Duty, Sage A. Newman, Kaitlyn J. Mchahan, Kelly Hines, Newman Brian, Micheil Spillane, Michael J. Conner, Drew Gonzalez

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Firefighting demands physical resilience, such as good aerobic capacity (AC) and a healthy body composition, to prevent injuries. Excess fat and low lean mass increase MSK injury risk, mainly strains and sprains. Knowing AC and body factors linked to injuries can help reduce the risk of strain. PURPOSE: We compared the AC profiles of those who filed for workers' compensation (WC) to those who did not. METHODS: Archival data for four hundred and ninety-nine (n = 499) career male (n = 466) and female (n = 28) firefighters were analyzed from annual clinical testing. AC profiles (i.e., VO …

Influence Of Auditory Noise And Weighted Vests On Stance Phase Kinetics In Children With Autism, Michael J. Stewart, Mia D. Hite, John R. Harry

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often demonstrate atypical sensory processing (i.e., hyper- and hypo-sensitivities to auditory stimuli). Such deficits may influence motor coordination while walking in everyday environments. Weighted vests are commonly used by clinicians as a sensory integration therapy technique intended to primarily remediate behavioral responses. Despite its potential to positively influence walking mechanics, weighted vests have only been examined to a limited extent. In addition, the influence of auditory noise during walking has been largely understudied during gait regardless of its association with atypical sensory processing. Understanding stance phase kinetics may help characterize heterogenous responses to sensory …

Evaluating The Relationship Between Nutrition Knowledge And Dietary Guideline Adherence In Rotc Cadets, Sheyla Leon, Michael J. Conner, Lisa C. Colvin, Steven E. Martin, Stella L. Volpe, Drew Gonzalez

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Limited data exist on the overall and sports nutrition knowledge among Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) cadets across different body mass index (BMI) categories. PURPOSE: We compared the general and sports nutrition knowledge of ROTC cadets across BMI groups. METHODS: Cross-sectional data from 184 ROTC cadets were analyzed using questionnaires like PBHE, FCQ, and REAPS. BMI grouped cadets: underweight (<18.5 kg/m²), healthy (18.5–24.9), overweight (25.0–29.9), and obese (≥30.0)—normality tests (Shapiro-Wilk for underweight, overweight, obese; Kolmogorov-Smirnov for healthy) assessed data distribution. Due to deviations from normality, Welch’s ANOVA tested group differences, with Games-Howell post hoc. Effect sizes were measured by eta squared (η2): 0.01 small, 0.06 medium, 0.14 large. Pairwise BMI differences were presented as mean differences with 95% CIs. RESULTS: Differences were noted among BMI groups (as tallied totals and percentages) in knowledge of general nutrition (p=0.026; η2 = 0.071), fluid intake (p=0.048; η2 = 0.064), and sports nutrition (p=0.048; η2 = 0.056). Games-Howell post hoc …

Beyond Age And Fitness: Modeling Metabolic And Vascular Predictors Of Vo₂Max In Firefighters Using Glm And Gam Approaches, Yuhang Liu, Michael J. Conner, Newman Brian, Lisa C. Colvin, Steven E. Martin, Drew Gonzalez

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

While aerobic capacity (VO₂max) is vital for cardiovascular and metabolic health, limited evidence exists on how physical performance, body composition, and biochemical markers jointly predict aerobic fitness in firefighters. Combining these indicators may improve understanding of VO₂max variability and aid strategy development to reduce cardiometabolic risk. PURPOSE: This study investigates how body composition, physical performance, and blood biomarkers relate to VO₂max in firefighters, with the aim of developing predictive models to optimize health and performance. METHODS: 170 firefighters were analyzed. Variance inflation factors (VIFs) were used to check predictor independence. General linear …

How Do Firefighters Differ Between Years Of Fire Service Experience: Part 2 – Body Composition Profiles, Nathaniel D. Rhoades, Michael J. Conner, Jacob A. Mota, Payton E. Miller, Steven E. Martin, Lisa C. Colvin, Drew E. Gonzalez

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

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

Do Body Composition And Cardiovascular Fitness Differ By Gender In Firefighters?, Giuliet L. Kibler, Kelly Hines, Michael J. Conner, Lisa C. Colvin, Steven E. Martin, Drew E. Gonzalez

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Firefighters (FF) endure substantial cardiovascular stress during their occupational tasks; yet, males and females differ in cardiovascular fitness (CRF) due to biological factors. The differences in body composition (BC) and CRF among FFs remain unclear. PURPOSE: To compare gender-specific outcomes in body BC and cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) of FF. METHODS: BC assessments via BIA and CPET on a cycle ergometer for 509 FF were analyzed from annual clinical testing. Gender was self-reported as follows: female (n = 29), male (n = 476), or other (n = 4). BC metrics, including body fat, lean body mass, skeletal muscle …

How Do Firefighters Differ Between Years Of Fire Service Experience: Part 1 - Physical Fitness Profiles, Ian Bivins, Michael J. Conner, Jacob A. Mota, Payton Miller, Steven E. Martin, Lisa C. Colvin, Drew Gonzalez

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Firefighters (FF) face a higher risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) due to aging, job-related stress, and irregular physical activity. Years of experience (YXP) in the fire service have been shown to have a unique impact on FF health and performance; however, profiling the differences between those with less or more YXP has not yet been assessed. PURPOSE: To examine years of experience-related differences in conventional physical fitness parameters among FFs. METHODS: Archival data from annual clinical testing of 142 FFs were analyzed. Groups were defined as those with 5 YXP. General linear models (GLM) were used for multivariate …

Evaluating Self-Reported Dietary Habits And Barriers Among Rotc Cadets Across Body Mass Index Classifications, Sarah E. Johnson, Sheyla Leon, Michael Conner, Lisa Colvin, Steven Martin, Stella Volpe, Drew Gonzalez

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Limited data exist on the overall and sports nutrition knowledge among Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) cadets across different body mass index (BMI) categories. PURPOSE: We aimed to study ROTC cadets' dietary habits and barriers across BMI groups. METHODS: Cross-sectional data were obtained from 184 ROTC cadets regarding validated questionnaires, such as the Perceived Barriers to Healthy Eating (PBHE), Food Choice Questionnaire (FCQ), and Rapid Eating Assessment for Participants-Short Version (REAPS). The cadets were stratified into body mass index (BMI) groups: underweight (RESULTS: Chi-square analyses showed BMI-related differences in responses to REAPS' breakfast skipping question (χ²=14.289, p=0.027, V=0.199), …