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Metabolic And Lipid Biomarkers As Correlates Of Pulmonary Function In Middle-Aged Non-Smokers, Carson Greenwood, Mandy E. Parra, Micheal Luera, Olivia Russell, Leroy Bolden, Craig Hermans, Jeffrey Forsse, Tomas J. Chapman-Lopez Feb 2026

Metabolic And Lipid Biomarkers As Correlates Of Pulmonary Function In Middle-Aged Non-Smokers, Carson Greenwood, Mandy E. Parra, Micheal Luera, Olivia Russell, Leroy Bolden, Craig Hermans, Jeffrey Forsse, Tomas J. Chapman-Lopez

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Pulmonary function testing is widely used to assess respiratory health and detect early functional decline. While relationships between lung function and systemic biomarkers have been described in clinical populations, limited data exist examining these associations in metabolically healthy adults without diagnosed chronic disease. PURPOSE: To examine the relationships between blood-based metabolic, lipid, renal, and hematologic biomarkers and pulmonary function in middle-aged, metabolically healthy adults. METHODS: Participants were recruited through a university-based health outreach program conducted between 2020 and 2024. Inclusion criteria included participants aged between 40 – 65 years, non-smoking status, and absence of diagnosed pulmonary, cardiovascular, renal, …


Age-Related Increases In Visceral Adiposity And The Dominant Role Of Lean Mass In Pulmonary Function In Non-Smoking Women, Emily J. Swaringen, Mandy Parra, Micheal Luera, Olivia Russell, Leroy Bolden, Craig Hermans, Jeffrey Forsse, Tomas J. Chapman-Lopez Feb 2026

Age-Related Increases In Visceral Adiposity And The Dominant Role Of Lean Mass In Pulmonary Function In Non-Smoking Women, Emily J. Swaringen, Mandy Parra, Micheal Luera, Olivia Russell, Leroy Bolden, Craig Hermans, Jeffrey Forsse, Tomas J. Chapman-Lopez

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Aging in women is accompanied by changes in body composition, including shifts in regional fat distribution and lean mass, which may influence pulmonary function. However, the relative contributions of adiposity and lean mass to pulmonary outcomes in healthy non-smoking women remain unclear. PURPOSE: To examine age-related differences in trunk adiposity and to determine the relationships between body composition and pulmonary function in healthy non-smoking adult women. METHODS: One-hundred fourteen non-smoking women were included and stratified into younger (18–39 years, n = 53) and middle-aged (40–64 years, n = 61) groups. Body composition was assessed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, …


Mediating Factors Of Exercise Identity And Perceived Stress, Cydni M. Miller, Kameron Sanders, Jada Mendoza, Brooke Walsh, Jasmine Hamilton Feb 2026

Mediating Factors Of Exercise Identity And Perceived Stress, Cydni M. Miller, Kameron Sanders, Jada Mendoza, Brooke Walsh, Jasmine Hamilton

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

As we continue to traverse influences of the post COVID-19 public health environment, there have been noted effects associated with mental and physical health. Stress and anxiety can lead to burnout and have negative physical effects on the body. Research indicated that increases in exercise participation may reduce burnout among college students (Chen et al., 2022). For college students, access to resources such as recreational centers may help to alleviate the negative effects of anxiety. Physical activity has also been shown to improve the relationship between self-image and esteem (Gan & Jiang, 2024). PURPOSE: This study sought to explore the …


Effects Of Palm Cooling On Anaerobic Cycling Performance, Bronwyn R. Banks Feb 2026

Effects Of Palm Cooling On Anaerobic Cycling Performance, Bronwyn R. Banks

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

PURPOSE:  To determine if palm cooling had a positive effect on repeated bouts of Wingate Anaerobic Test (WAnT). METHODS: Nineteen college students (18 – 23 years of age) attended a randomized crossover designed trail to perform three bouts WAnT (lower body) test which consisted of 30s bouts. During the control (CON) trial sessions, the resistance was dropped to 7.5% of body mass (kg) at the start of the 30 second(s) all-out sprint, followed by 3 min cycling at 20W. During the cooling intervention (PC) session, a palm cooling (Apex Cooling) device was used between bouts. Participants were instructed to hold …


The Effects Of Blood Flow Restriction On Endothelial Function: Pilot Study, Manuel Gomez, Carlos Saenz, Stephanie R. Maldonado, Steven D. Alva, Xochitl Apodaca, Roberto Torres, Marcelo Chauvet, Alvaro N. Gurovich Feb 2026

The Effects Of Blood Flow Restriction On Endothelial Function: Pilot Study, Manuel Gomez, Carlos Saenz, Stephanie R. Maldonado, Steven D. Alva, Xochitl Apodaca, Roberto Torres, Marcelo Chauvet, Alvaro N. Gurovich

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Blood flow restriction has increased in popularity as it has shown promising results in combination with resistance exercise. However, the effects of BFR with endurance exercise and its effects on endothelial function are limitedly known. PURPOSE: To examine if blood flow restriction during exercise affected endothelial function, measured via flow-mediated dilation (FMD) before and after exercise. METHODS: 5 apparently young healthy subjects completed two exercise visits. During the first visit, subjects completed a cardiopulmonary exercise test with a graded exercise test protocol to determine lactate thresholds. During the second visit, subjects performed 30 min of cycling with unilateral …


Examining The Association Between Lower-Body Bone Mineral Composition And Ground Reaction Force In American Football Players, Fatima Alonso, Michael Oldham, Vipa Bernhardt, Brian Jones, Bronwyn Banks, Joshua Nate, Karla Pegueros, Nikita Strogalev, Ouays Bakcha, Stephanie Tapia, Veronika Kramarenko, Dylan T. Sabo Feb 2026

Examining The Association Between Lower-Body Bone Mineral Composition And Ground Reaction Force In American Football Players, Fatima Alonso, Michael Oldham, Vipa Bernhardt, Brian Jones, Bronwyn Banks, Joshua Nate, Karla Pegueros, Nikita Strogalev, Ouays Bakcha, Stephanie Tapia, Veronika Kramarenko, Dylan T. Sabo

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Mechanical loading is a primary determinant of skeletal adaptation, particularly in collision-based sports such as American football. PURPOSE: The purpose was to examine the relationship between lower body bone mineral characteristics and unilateral ground reaction force production in male athletes. The study was conducted to examine whether force-production capacity is related to skeletal mineralization and limb asymmetry. METHODS: One hundred and ten American football athletes participated in the study.  Lower body bone mineral composition (BMC), lean mass index, and limb asymmetry were measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). A unilateral vertical jump test was performed using the DARI Motion ® …


Strength & Structure: Do Special Olympic Athletes Possess Similar Muscle Quality In The Upper Appendages To Age-Related General Populations, Ian C. Longoria, Misty Kesterson, Marcus D. Thompson, Don Melrose, Maricella A. Maldonaldo, Ronald L. Snarr Feb 2026

Strength & Structure: Do Special Olympic Athletes Possess Similar Muscle Quality In The Upper Appendages To Age-Related General Populations, Ian C. Longoria, Misty Kesterson, Marcus D. Thompson, Don Melrose, Maricella A. Maldonaldo, Ronald L. Snarr

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Individuals with intellectual and physical disabilities face accelerated musculoskeletal aging and increased sarcopenia, leading to functional limitations and health risks. Some common metrics looked at while trying to understand relative strength in individuals are body composition and hand grip. Studies have shown males and females with the similar muscle structure often show similar muscle strength. Muscular strength has a substantial impact on individuals’ daily activities, physical health, and performance in the context of sport. Despite its potential value, research has yet to determine the muscle quality index (MQI) for individuals that compete within the between adults with and without intellectual …


Neuromuscular And Body Composition Associations With Estradiol Throughout The Lifespan, Braden A. Wright, Tomas Chapman-Lopez, Micheal Luera, Jaci Kelly, Christine M. Florez, Lem Taylor, Darryn Willoughby, Mandy E. Parra Feb 2026

Neuromuscular And Body Composition Associations With Estradiol Throughout The Lifespan, Braden A. Wright, Tomas Chapman-Lopez, Micheal Luera, Jaci Kelly, Christine M. Florez, Lem Taylor, Darryn Willoughby, Mandy E. Parra

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Many studies have sought to understand estradiol withdrawal throughout the female lifecycle and its role in the brain and cognitive function, while little is known about its specific role at the neuromuscular junction and body composition. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to examine estradiol as a predictor of DXA- derived fat-free mass (FFM), lower body muscle quality (MQ), total fat mass (FM), and maximal muscle activation (EMGRMS). METHODS: This is a secondary analysis from an existing data set using a cross-sectional design of eleven untrained women (pre-menopausal, n=6; age=23.3±4.3 years; height=160.6±8.3 cm; weight=60.5±11.6 kg; …


Delayed Recovery Of Force Production In A Dehydrated State Following Muscle Damage, Amar Vaela, Casey Appell, Trinity N. Domonkos, Karina Olvera, Sarah Walper, Christian Hoebelheinrich, Seth Bernardino, Jalyn Dunlap, Larry Munger, Hui-Ying Luk Feb 2026

Delayed Recovery Of Force Production In A Dehydrated State Following Muscle Damage, Amar Vaela, Casey Appell, Trinity N. Domonkos, Karina Olvera, Sarah Walper, Christian Hoebelheinrich, Seth Bernardino, Jalyn Dunlap, Larry Munger, Hui-Ying Luk

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Following eccentric exercise-induced muscle damage, knee extensor strength is substantially reduced but typically recovers toward baseline within 48-72 hours in healthy adults. Previous studies have not determined whether hydration status influences recovery following muscle damage, despite evidence that a 46.4% of university students are dehydrated, and 59% with inadequate water intake. Suggesting a high likelihood of suboptimal hydration at baseline. Although dehydration has been shown to negatively impact force production, its influence on post-exercise damage remains unclear. However, it is unclear whether dehydration alters the recovery of force production following muscle-damaging exercise. PURPOSE: To determine the effect of dehydration …


How Physically Active Are U.S. Adults?: Comparing National Estimatesphysical Activity Levels Of U.S. Adults Across Multiple National Datasets, Jinwon Choung, Ayland Letsinger Feb 2026

How Physically Active Are U.S. Adults?: Comparing National Estimatesphysical Activity Levels Of U.S. Adults Across Multiple National Datasets, Jinwon Choung, Ayland Letsinger

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

National estimates of physical activity are used to evaluate population behavior and inform public health guidelines. However, estimates may vary depending on whether physical activity is assessed using self-reported surveys or accelerometer-based measures. PURPOSE: This cross-sectional study was to characterize population-level estimates of weekly moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and physical activity guideline adherence (≥ 150 min/week) among U.S. adults across multiple nationally representative U.S. population-based physical activity data sources. METHODS: A PubMed literature search revealed five databases: NHANES, NHIS, BRFSS, Add Health, and All of Us, using the most recent survey cycles from each database and accelerometer-based physical …


Dehydration Delays Recovery Of Muscular Power And Balance Following Exercise-Induced Muscle Damage, Julia Macias-Mendez, Casey Appell, Trinity N. Domonkos, Karina Olvera, Sarah Walper, Jalyn Dunlap, Larry Munger, Hui-Ying Luk Feb 2026

Dehydration Delays Recovery Of Muscular Power And Balance Following Exercise-Induced Muscle Damage, Julia Macias-Mendez, Casey Appell, Trinity N. Domonkos, Karina Olvera, Sarah Walper, Jalyn Dunlap, Larry Munger, Hui-Ying Luk

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Dehydration can impair performance by reducing muscular power and balance. However, the effect of dehydration on muscular functional power and balance recovery following muscle damage remains unclear. Dehydration is common following strenuous exercise and may exacerbate muscle damage–related impairments in neuromuscular function, potentially delaying recovery of power and balance. PURPOSE: To examine whether dehydration influences skeletal muscle functional power and balance recovery following eccentric exercise-induced muscle damage in recreationally active men. METHODS: Seven recreationally active men (21±3yrs, 173.4±7.4cm, 170.5±25.9kg, lean mass 60.9±10.4kg, %fat 25.0±0.6%) completed two identical unilateral maximal eccentric knee extension exercise protocols (EKE; 10 sets × …


Late Life Aerobic Exercise Mitigates Age-Related Declines In Physical Function In Male And Female Rats, Dillon R. Harris, Quinten W. Pigg, Daniela S. Inoue, Andreea Trache, Mariana Janini Gomes Feb 2026

Late Life Aerobic Exercise Mitigates Age-Related Declines In Physical Function In Male And Female Rats, Dillon R. Harris, Quinten W. Pigg, Daniela S. Inoue, Andreea Trache, Mariana Janini Gomes

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

While lifelong aerobic exercise (AE) is touted to counteract various age-related health detriments, the efficacy of AE initiated late in life remains unknown. PURPOSE: To investigate whether late life AE can reverse age-related physical and muscle decline in rats. METHODS: 52 male (M; n=22) and female (F; n=24) Fischer 344 rats (3- and 21-months) were randomly assigned in sedentary (SED) or exercise (EX) groups, composing 4 experimental groups per sex: Young SED (n=11; 6M, 5F) Young EX (n=12; 6M, 6F), Old SED (n=12; 5M, 7F) and Old EX (n=12; 6M, 6F). Prior to and after training, all animals underwent a …


Goal Versus Win Orientation On Maximal Grip Strength, Cole Thompson, Wyatt Wilson, Casi Helbig Feb 2026

Goal Versus Win Orientation On Maximal Grip Strength, Cole Thompson, Wyatt Wilson, Casi Helbig

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Competition is a major factor in human effort and performance. In discussing the competitive aspects of achievement, there are two major orientations: goal orientation, involving personal improvement and mastery, and win orientation, in which the competitive endeavor resides in outperforming others and winning. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of goal orientation and win orientation on maximal grip strength performance. METHODS: Twenty-nine college students participated in this study. Each subject performed a pretest with one maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) testing grip strength using a calibrated hand dynamometer for 3-5 seconds to achieve baselines. …


Neuromuscular Performance Changes Using The Countermovement Jump In Division Iii Female Basketball: Game Vs. Practice, Mathis Rollin, Rachel Okoye, Jaci Kelly, Lem Taylor Feb 2026

Neuromuscular Performance Changes Using The Countermovement Jump In Division Iii Female Basketball: Game Vs. Practice, Mathis Rollin, Rachel Okoye, Jaci Kelly, Lem Taylor

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Proper assessment of daily training readiness in sport performance is imperative to maximize performance during games and competition. Fatigue between practices and games in NCAA DIII female basketball players has yet to be investigated which could provide valuable information in the differences in fatigue patterns thus leading to optimized program design. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study aimed to investigate pre-post changes in neuromuscular performance using the countermovement jump (CMJ) in Division III female basketball players and its associated differences from a practice and a game. METHODS: Eleven Division III female basketball players (n=11, 20±1.41 years; 171.52±7.48 cm; 73.53±12.04) participated …


The Influence Of Music And Social Interaction On Physiological Responses And Perceived Enjoyment During Hiit And Bfr Performance, Martha Villanueva, Gabriela Segura, Francisco Almaguer, Marco Arriaga, Ulku Karabulut, Sue Anne Chew, Murat Karabulut Feb 2026

The Influence Of Music And Social Interaction On Physiological Responses And Perceived Enjoyment During Hiit And Bfr Performance, Martha Villanueva, Gabriela Segura, Francisco Almaguer, Marco Arriaga, Ulku Karabulut, Sue Anne Chew, Murat Karabulut

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

While exercise is essential for health, motivational barriers often limit regular participation in exercise. This study investigated strategies to enhance exercise engagement by examining the impact of music and social interaction. PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of music and social interaction on hemodynamic, perceptual, and neuroendocrine responses during high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and blood flow restriction (BFR) training. METHODS: Twenty recreationally active adults (age=22.5 ± 2.3 years) completed a randomized within-participant study involving five sessions: a familiarization, individual HIIT (HIIT-I), group HIIT (HIIT-G), individual BFR (BFR-I), and group BFR (BFR-G). Sessions consisted of whole-body exercises. Researchers recorded heart …


Equine Assisted Services Versus Horse Simulator Activity For Functional Ability In Parkinson's Disease, Ryen Browning, Lauren Crabb, Vanessa Mikan Feb 2026

Equine Assisted Services Versus Horse Simulator Activity For Functional Ability In Parkinson's Disease, Ryen Browning, Lauren Crabb, Vanessa Mikan

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder associated with impairments in balance, mobility, and postural control, leading to increased fall risk and reduced functional independence. Rhythmic, movement-based interventions benefit motor function in PD. Horse simulator devices, such as the Miracolt, replicate the multidimensional pelvic motion of horseback riding and may provide a safe and accessible therapeutic option. PURPOSE: To examine the effects of a short-term Miracolt horse simulator intervention on balance and functional mobility in individuals with PD. METHODS: Individuals with a clinical diagnosis of PD were recruited from community-based organizations. Participants completed three consecutive 20-minute sessions using the …


Compensatory Reserve Measurement: A Tool To Assess Skeletal Muscle Fatigue, Claudette Joe, Antoine Ferguson, Khizra Khan, Barsha Khadka, Victor Convertino Ph.D., Joni A. Mettler Ph.D. Feb 2026

Compensatory Reserve Measurement: A Tool To Assess Skeletal Muscle Fatigue, Claudette Joe, Antoine Ferguson, Khizra Khan, Barsha Khadka, Victor Convertino Ph.D., Joni A. Mettler Ph.D.

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Compensatory reserve measurement (CRM) is a metric of all physiological mechanisms that sustain adequate oxygen perfusion to working muscles. We hypothesized that CRM would track muscular fatigue. PURPOSE: To assess patterns of CRM and muscular torque output during repeated maximal effort fatiguing muscular contractions and during recovery and to examine the relationship between CRM and torque output. METHODS: Twenty-nine healthy physically active participants (age: 21.9 ± 0.4 yr) performed a muscular fatigue task consisting of 4 sets (S) x 20 repetitions (R) of maximal isometric knee extension contractions on an isokinetic dynamometer. Each contraction was held 10s with a …


Individuals With Knee Osteoarthritis Experience Lower Sarcopenia-Related Quality Of Life, Stalin Sabu, Joosung Kim Ph.D., Anupama Thapa, Ana Panhan Ph.D., Joni A. Mettler Ph.D. Feb 2026

Individuals With Knee Osteoarthritis Experience Lower Sarcopenia-Related Quality Of Life, Stalin Sabu, Joosung Kim Ph.D., Anupama Thapa, Ana Panhan Ph.D., Joni A. Mettler Ph.D.

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a degenerative joint disease that is prevalent in older adults and is associated with pain, reduced mobility, and functional limitations that can negatively impact quality of life (QoL). Sarcopenia, a condition characterized by a progressive loss of muscle mass, strength, and physical function, is frequently observed in individuals with KOA and may further exacerbate functional decline. Sarcopenia-related quality of life (SarQoL) is a validated tool for assessing QoL in patients with sarcopenia; however, it has not yet been explored in individuals with KOA. Better understanding the impact of sarcopenia-related factors on QoL in KOA may help …


Improving Finger Dexterity For Dressing Independence In An Adult With Cerebral Palsy: A Task-Specific Training Case Study, Andrew J. Sinor, Vanessa Mikan Phd Feb 2026

Improving Finger Dexterity For Dressing Independence In An Adult With Cerebral Palsy: A Task-Specific Training Case Study, Andrew J. Sinor, Vanessa Mikan Phd

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

CASE HISTORY: 27-year-old Caucasian male diagnosed with spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy (CP) presented with long-standing difficulty performing dressing-related tasks requiring fine motor control, including buttoning and zipper manipulation. These limitations reduced independence in activities of daily living despite the use of compensatory strategies. The purpose of this case study was to evaluate the effects of a task-specific fine motor training intervention targeting dressing-related dexterity. PHYSICAL EXAM: Baseline functional assessment demonstrated impaired finger isolation, slowed movement speed, increased spasticity within both fingers and carpus, and reduced coordination, with greater impairment in the non-dominant (L) hand. DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSES: Fine motor impairment secondary …


Contraction-Evoked Pain And Its Association With Strength And Function In Knee Osteoarthritis, Usha Devkota, Neha Barve, Joni A. Mettler Ph.D, Joosung Kim Feb 2026

Contraction-Evoked Pain And Its Association With Strength And Function In Knee Osteoarthritis, Usha Devkota, Neha Barve, Joni A. Mettler Ph.D, Joosung Kim

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Knee strength deficits have been associated with pain and impaired physical function in individuals with knee osteoarthritis (KOA). Isometric maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) testing using a dynamometer is considered as the gold standard for assessing quadriceps and hamstring strength. However, it remains unclear how pain is experienced during knee strength testing and how it relates to functional performance and strength outcomes in individuals with KOA. PURPOSE: To determine the presence of knee pain during knee extension and flexion of MVC in individuals with KOA, and to assess its relationship with physical performance. METHODS: Fourteen individuals with KOA (58.1 ± 11.5 …


Relationship Between Dari Overall Scores And Physical Ability Test (Pat) Performance In Police Cadets, Brian Jones, Vipa Bernhardt, Michael D. Oldham, Hussien Jabai, Bronwyn Banks, Fatima Alonso, Joshua Nate, Karla Pegueros, Nikita Strogalev, Ouays Bakcha, Stephanie Tapia Ochoa, Veronika Kramarenko Feb 2026

Relationship Between Dari Overall Scores And Physical Ability Test (Pat) Performance In Police Cadets, Brian Jones, Vipa Bernhardt, Michael D. Oldham, Hussien Jabai, Bronwyn Banks, Fatima Alonso, Joshua Nate, Karla Pegueros, Nikita Strogalev, Ouays Bakcha, Stephanie Tapia Ochoa, Veronika Kramarenko

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Tactical personnel must perform physically demanding tasks requiring agility, endurance, and coordination. Although the Physical Ability Test (PAT) assesses occupational readiness and reflects performance, it doesn’t capture underlying movement quality that affects readiness or injury risk. The DARI Motion System® utilizes markerless 3D motion capture to generate an Overall Score (0–1000) combining movement quality and performance metrics. Markerless systems have shown reliable joint-motion measurement in tactical settings. PURPOSE: To determine whether DARI ® Overall scores predict PAT performance and to identify a threshold associated with achieving the 97-second benchmark. METHODS: Police cadets (n = 49) completed DARI …


Delay In Increased Muscle Cross Sectional Area After Muscle Damage While Dehydrated, Sarah Walper, Casey Appell, Trinity Domonkos, Karina Olvera, Seth Bernardino, Jalyn Dunlap, Larry Munger, Hui-Ying Luk Feb 2026

Delay In Increased Muscle Cross Sectional Area After Muscle Damage While Dehydrated, Sarah Walper, Casey Appell, Trinity Domonkos, Karina Olvera, Seth Bernardino, Jalyn Dunlap, Larry Munger, Hui-Ying Luk

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

When muscles are damaged, the tears in the muscle fibers triggers an immune response and muscles experience inflammation. Inflammation increases WBC in the muscles to repair the micro tears. Muscle inflammation can be assessed by measuring the cross-sectional area (CSA) via ultrasound images. PURPOSE: To examine the effect of hydration status during recovery on muscle swelling after muscle damaging exercise. METHODS: Six recreationally active men (19 ± 1yr, 169.8 ± 8.3cm, 79.5 ± 11.7kg, Lean mass 58.6 ± 13.0kg, %body fat 28.3 ± 6.5%) completed two bouts of an identical muscle damaging exercise (DAM-EX) under a hydrated state and underwent …


Physical And Psychological Changes In U.S. Air Force Rotc Cadets Throughout The Star Training Program, Sarah Parnell, Hunter Haynes, Sheena Puleali'i, Molly F. Johnson, Maria G. Kaylor, Andrew Addison, Austin J. Graybeal Feb 2026

Physical And Psychological Changes In U.S. Air Force Rotc Cadets Throughout The Star Training Program, Sarah Parnell, Hunter Haynes, Sheena Puleali'i, Molly F. Johnson, Maria G. Kaylor, Andrew Addison, Austin J. Graybeal

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

PURPOSE: U.S. Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC) cadets face unique military preparedness pressures that may heighten risk for negative body image and maladaptive eating behaviors. Such behavioral and body image concerns can meaningfully undermine health, performance, and readiness, yet remain underexplored relative to physical outcomes in pre-military populations. This study examined longitudinal changes in body composition and physical fitness assessment (PFA) scores alongside various psychosocial factors across a 12-week S&C program in AFROTC cadets. METHODS: Forty-six AFROTC cadets (21 F, 25 M; age: 20±3y; BMI: 24.0±3.9kg/m²; BF%: 26.1±8.2%) completed the Supporting Tactical Athletes for Readiness (STAR) …


Exercise Training Attenuates Cd8 T Cell Exhaustion, But Not Glucose Intolerance, Following Weight Cycling, Okechukwu K. Oforka, Emily C. Lavoy, Heather L. Caslin Feb 2026

Exercise Training Attenuates Cd8 T Cell Exhaustion, But Not Glucose Intolerance, Following Weight Cycling, Okechukwu K. Oforka, Emily C. Lavoy, Heather L. Caslin

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Obesity increases the risk of glucose intolerance and CD8 T cell exhaustion, which indicates an impaired immune function. While weight loss mitigates these risks, most individuals regain weight (weight cycling), which worsens both conditions. Exercise training protects against glucose intolerance and attenuates T cell exhaustion, but its protective role during weight cycling remains unclear. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine whether exercise training can prevent glucose intolerance and attenuate CD8 T cell exhaustion following weight cycling in mice. METHODS: Forty-eight C57Bl/6 mice were used for the study. Lean and obese groups were elicited using diet. …


Comparison Between Actual And Predicted Sweat Rates In Burn Survivors Using A Predictive Model For Fluid Replacement, Timothy P. Schaefer, Elizabeth A. Gideon, Erin M. Harper, Zachary J. Mckenna, Rachel M. Cottle, Ollie Jay, Craig G. Crandall Feb 2026

Comparison Between Actual And Predicted Sweat Rates In Burn Survivors Using A Predictive Model For Fluid Replacement, Timothy P. Schaefer, Elizabeth A. Gideon, Erin M. Harper, Zachary J. Mckenna, Rachel M. Cottle, Ollie Jay, Craig G. Crandall

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Sweating is a primary physiological response necessary to regulate body temperature in hot environments. Recent literature identifies a correlation between multiple variables (i.e., height and weight, environmental temperature, humidity, intensity and duration of exercise, and venue of exercise) and the rate of sweat loss during physical activity in healthy participants. These findings were then used to create a model to predict fluid loss via sweat, and thus the fluid replacement necessary to rehydrate during and following exercise (sweatratecalculator.com). Importantly, this calculator was modeled with data from uninjured, healthy individuals and therefore may not be accurate for burn survivors. Grafted skin …


Habitual Physical Activity Moderates The Association Between Psychological Stress And Nocturnal Heart Rate In Young Adults, Joelle Becker, Jeremy A. Bigalke, Jason R. Carter Feb 2026

Habitual Physical Activity Moderates The Association Between Psychological Stress And Nocturnal Heart Rate In Young Adults, Joelle Becker, Jeremy A. Bigalke, Jason R. Carter

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Psychological stress can lead to nocturnal hyperarousal and sleep disruption. However, the extent to which habitual physical activity buffers stress-related effects on sleep and hyperarousal remains unclear. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine whether habitual physical activity moderates the relationship between habitual stress, sleep duration, and nocturnal heart rate (HR). We hypothesized that habitual physical activity would moderate the relationship between stress, sleep, and HR. Specifically, higher stress would be associated with shorter total sleep time and elevated HR primarily among individuals with lower physical activity, whereas more physically active individuals would experience smaller stress-related reductions in …


Boxing For Fitness And Parkinson's Disease, Kaitlyn E. Rzasnicki, Elaina M. Seeley, Vanessa Mikan Phd Feb 2026

Boxing For Fitness And Parkinson's Disease, Kaitlyn E. Rzasnicki, Elaina M. Seeley, Vanessa Mikan Phd

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects over 6 million people every year and has diverse cognitive and physical symptoms, such as tremors, postural instability, depression, etc. Exercise is known as a valuable intervention for maintaining and alleviating some motor symptoms in PD. Specifically, boxing classes are becoming an increasingly popular treatment for PD due to its ability to combine aerobic training, coordination, strength training, and cognitive engagement. PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of a 4-week boxing program on balance, gait, and quality of life in individuals diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. METHODS: This study consisted of two components. …


Chronic Exercise And Its Effect On Happiness And Anxiety, Daylah Vega, London K. Suarez, Adriana N. Guerrero, Michael V. Maspero, Daiana M. Jones, Emily J. Sauers Feb 2026

Chronic Exercise And Its Effect On Happiness And Anxiety, Daylah Vega, London K. Suarez, Adriana N. Guerrero, Michael V. Maspero, Daiana M. Jones, Emily J. Sauers

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Physical activity has been widely researched and demonstrated to play a crucial role in benefiting individuals' mental health.  As sedentary behaviors begin to rise with upcoming generations, it is important to understand the effects chronic exercise has on an individual's physiological process in order to enhance overall wellbeing.  PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of a 6-week Exercise is Medicine on Campus program on happiness and anxiety. METHODS: Sixty-seven participants from OLLU agreed to participate in this endeavor; all participants were placed in 18 fitness teams for the duration of the challenge. Thirty …


Efficacy Of A Health Coaching Intervention, Hannah K. Hutson, Alison Phillips Reichter, Katherine E. Riley Feb 2026

Efficacy Of A Health Coaching Intervention, Hannah K. Hutson, Alison Phillips Reichter, Katherine E. Riley

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Health coaching is an evidence-based, humanistic intervention that involves individualized goal setting and accountability to improve a client’s lifestyle behaviors, such as physical activity (PA). Health coaching integrates tenets of Self-Determination Theory, a commonly utilized theory to support behavior change interventions; it posits that humans have three basic psychological needs – competence, autonomy, and relatedness – which facilitate self-determined motivation and positive health and well-being outcomes. In particular, perceived competence indicates the need to feel skilled and develop mastery over tasks. This influences overall motivation, well-being outcomes, and health behaviors. Low levels of perceived competence may undermine health behaviors and …


What Are Active People Made Of? Identifying Key Biological Correlates Of Physical Activity In Nationally Representative Databases, Isaac R. Ramos, Pratik Patil, Ayland C. Letsinger Feb 2026

What Are Active People Made Of? Identifying Key Biological Correlates Of Physical Activity In Nationally Representative Databases, Isaac R. Ramos, Pratik Patil, Ayland C. Letsinger

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Despite widespread awareness of the health benefits of physical activity, more than three-quarters of U.S. adults fail to meet national physical activity guidelines. Biological correlates may contribute to persistent differences in physical activity engagement beyond sociodemographic factors. PURPOSE: To identify biological correlates of physical activity levels in nationally representative U.S. adults. METHODS: Data were collected from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2021-2023 cycle. Physical activity was assessed using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire and was expressed as minutes per week of leisure time moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA), with vigorous activity weighted by a …