Digital Commons Network^™

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 …

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

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

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

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

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

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

When The Game Takes A Toll: Acute Flank Pain And Hematuria In A High School Athlete, Carolyn Miller Do, Awais Chaudary Md, Kyle Leonard Md, Bob Jones M.Ed., Atc

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

GNYACSM Clinical Case Abstract

When the Game Takes a Toll: Acute Flank Pain and Hematuria in a High School Athlete

C. MILLER DO, A. CHAUDARY MD, K. LEONARD MD, & B. JONES M.ED., ATC

Saratoga Hospital Family Medicine Residency, Saratoga Springs New York

Category: Professional

Advisor / Mentor: Back, Ephraim [email protected]

ABSTRACT

CASE HISTORY: A 16 year old male presented to the ER with left sided flank pain and hematuria. Three days prior he was tackled during a football game and immediately had pain on his side. Heating, stretching and taking Tylenol did not improve symptoms. He did not practice …

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 = …

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

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

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

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

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

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

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

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

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

TESTS & RESULTS: Initial X-rays …

Displaced Distal Fibular Avulsion Fracture In A Collegiate Men’S Volleyball Athlete, Carly J. Bemusdaffer, Antonella V. Schwarz

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

CASE HISTORY: A 22-year-old Division II Collegiate men’s volleyball athlete presented with acute trauma to his left ankle after excessive inversion. No reported recent injuries or disorders affecting ankle or lower extremity, demonstrates partial ability to weight bear and experiencing moderate discomfort. PHYSICAL EXAM: Orthopedic assessment revealed left lateral ankle swelling, ecchymosis, and an open laceration, with no palpable tenderness. A comprehensive lower extremity evaluation identified muscle weakness across all muscle groups and substantially restricted ankle range of motion. Evaluating clinician referred athlete to orthopedic doctor, who recommended X-rays (Figure 1) and an MRI. DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSES: ATFL …

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

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

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

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

International Journal of Exercise Science

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

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

Mahurin Honors College Capstone Experience/Thesis Projects

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

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

WKU Administration Documents

Spring 2025 Talisman:

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

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

International Journal of Exercise Science

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

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 …

The Effects Of Palm Cooling On Repeat Sprint Ability Following A Fatigue Inducing Protocol In Collegiate Female Athletes, Ella Wrabley, Britta Lagerquist, Grace Smith, Rachel Jones, Madeline Mcneilly, Jeff Buxton, Hayden Gerhart, Phillip Prins

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(3): 415-426, 2025. Cooling glabrous skin sites, such as the palms, can mitigate core body temperature rise and delay fatigue during physical activity, potentially enhancing performance. However, research on palm cooling (PC) in female athletes remains limited, and existing devices are often costly or impractical. This study evaluated the effects of PC using a novel, cost-effective portable device on repeat sprint ability in female collegiate athletes after a fatiguing protocol. Twenty female athletes (age: 20.1±1.4 years; height: 166.7±6.9 cm; mass: 66.6±9.8 kg; BMI: 24.0±3.9 kg/m²; body fat: 24.9±4.6%) participated in a randomized crossover study. Sessions …

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 + …

Ua19/16/2 Ahletics Press Releases, Wku Athletic Media Relations

WKU Administration Documents

Press releases regarding general activities of the WKU Athletics Department for spring 2025.

Alfred Russel Wallace Notes 36. Wallace, Evolution And Providence., Charles H. Smith

Faculty/Staff Personal Papers

One of Alfred Russel Wallace’s most important contributions to thought was his identification of the key role provident behavior assumes in human evolution. In this essay I set out the way this idea influenced his thought process after 1864, and especially how it affected his appreciation of the possible role of spiritualism in evolution.

March 27, 2025 Nagpra And Tribal Relations Committee Meeting Minutes, Bryan Morey

University NAGPRA and Tribal Relations Committee

Minutes from the March 27, 2025 meeting of Western Kentucky University's NAGPRA and Tribal Relations Committee. The meeting was conducted via Zoom.

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., …

Comparative Effects Of Exercise And Glp-1 Ras On Type 2 Diabetic Rat Model: A Systematic Review, Sumera Afzal, Hira Attique Dr., Abdul Hameed Dr., Sumaira Imran Farooqui Prof.Dr, Sofia Amjad Dr.

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(6): 363-378, 2025. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) is a major health problem worldwide having life-threatening complications causing mortality and a rise in prevalence. Effective treatment strategies are vital for managing diabetes and its associated complications including cardiovascular disease (CVD), nephropathy, neuropathy, and retinopathy. This systematic review aims to evaluate effective treatment approaches, focusing on the comparative effects of exercise and GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) in T2D rat models. Current pharmacological therapies primarily target glycemic control and insulin sensitivity. However, there is a growing concern in non-traditional approaches that involve exercise and GLP-1 RAs for …

Shielding The Skull: Exploring The Influence Of Facial Protection, Impact Location And Neck Stiffness On Hockey Helmet Safety During A Linear Impact, Leigh Jeffries, Dr.Meilan Liu, Dr. Paolo Sanzo, Dr. Eryk Przysucha, Dr. Carlos Zerpa

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(7): 343-362, 2025. https://doi.org/10.70252/REVL1750 Originally designed to mitigate skull fractures and traumatic brain injuries in hockey players, hockey helmets have now become a critical focus for further research due to the rise in mild traumatic brain injuries. With the sport's evolution introducing stronger and faster players, new approaches that incorporate facial shielding in helmet technology and enhance athletes’ neck strength are needed to reduce concussion risks. This study pursued two primary objectives. Firstly, it sought to determine if a hockey helmet's stiffness fluctuated at different contact locations during static compression with the inclusion of facial …

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 …

Perceived Changes In Physical Activity, Sedentary Behavior, And Stress During The Pandemic Predict Current Levels Of These Same Variables, Gretchen E. Elsey, Jessica L. Smith-Ricketts, David Kohan, Andrew Lepp, Jacob E. Barkley

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(4): 306-315, 2025. The COVID-19 pandemic and its associated restrictions placed on daily life may have negatively impacted overall physical and psychological health as well as health behaviors such as decreased physical activity and increased sedentary behavior. It is important to understand if these potential changes during the pandemic may be predictive of current health behaviors where pandemic-related restrictions are no longer being implemented. This study aimed to assess the relationships between perceived changes in physical activity, sitting, and stress during the COVID-19 pandemic to current measures of these same variables. In April 2022, participants …

The Effects Of Intermittent Sprint Training On Running Economy And Leg Stiffness In Highly Trained Runners, Drew Thibault, Connor Ellis, Garrett B. Toms, Allison Schaefer, David Titcomb

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(5): 290-305, 2025. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of once-weekly sprint training on running economy (RE) and leg stiffness (LS) in highly trained athletes (12 M, 13 F, mean age 24.8 ± 7.1). Participants were recruited based on weekly exercise volume (minimum 4 hours) and athletic ability calculated by World Athletics score (minimum 500). RE and LS were evaluated at three velocities before and after 12 weeks of once-weekly sprint training. On average, participants experienced a non-statistically significant improvement in RE (average percent change -2.0 ± 5.6%, -1.2 ± 5.2%, …

Treatment Related Exercise And Supportive Care Needs Of People Living With And Beyond Breast Cancer, Elise Legault, Dominique Matthys, Lise Gauvin, Isabelle Doré, Alain Steve Comtois Phd, François B. Tournoux Dr, Paula A. B. Ribeiro

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(5): 276-289, 2025. People living with and beyond breast cancer (LWBBC) experience different side effects relative to the type of medical treatments they received which may influence their needs for additional supportive care. Investigating people LWBBC’s needs according to treatment regimen may guide decision making about supportive care priorities. The study’s objectives were to identify individuals LWBBC’s needs for supportive care and to determine exercise program participation facilitators according to treatment type. A survey assessing the needs for supportive care and exercise facilitators was distributed on the Facebook pages of five non-profit Canadian cancer organizations …