Digital Commons Network^™

Females Experience Greater Relative But Similar Absolute Neuromuscular Fatigue Than Males During A Ramp-Incremental Exercise Test, Jeff Moore, Daniel T. Cannon, Harry B. Rossiter Facsm, Carrie Ferguson

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Sex differences in pulmonary, cardiovascular, or neuromuscular function may affect the development of neuromuscular fatigue and the primary mechanism of exercise intolerance. Unlike the standard cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET), the musculo-cardio-pulmonary exercise test (mCPET) uses isokinetic power (Piso) to directly assess neuromuscular performance and fatigue. PURPOSE: : To examine sex differences in neuromuscular performance and fatigue during mCPET. We hypothesize that compared to females, males will have greater power (baseline Piso), lower capacity to aerobically support their available muscle power (lower aerobic power index; API), greater reduction in Piso per watt of work performed (higher fatigue index; FI), be …

Blood Flow Restriction Training Effects On Pennation Angles, Jack Cadden, Julia Burke, Lindsey Cho, Luke Honari, Chadney Lim, Todd C. Shoepe

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Pennation angle (PA) represents the angle between muscle fibers and the force-generating axis of the muscle. Blood flow resistance (BFR) training involves the occlusion of venous blood flow in working muscles to promote muscular growth signaling with reduced training intensity. PURPOSE: The purpose is to examine if hypertrophy through BFR may result in PA alterations to accommodate muscle fiber volume alterations. METHODS: Males (N=11, 20.35±1.59 yrs, 177.97±9.22 cm, 83.66±20.69 kg), and females (N=12, 23.20±9.53 yrs, 164.60±6.42 cm, 63.2±10.65 kg) participated in resistance training with BFR for 3 times/week, for 8 weeks at 60% occlusion pressure, at 30% of one-repetition maximum …

Acute Effects Of Cycling-Induced Fatigue On Walking Gait In Endurance Athletes, Jonathan Pineda, James Engebretson, Jillian Trilevsky, Christiane R. O'Hara, Scott Hazelwood

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Previous studies have shown that the transition from cycling to running is less biomechanically efficient than a stand-alone run, which makes triathletes more susceptible to injury and inhibits performance. While several studies have examined the effects of cycling on running gait, little is known about its impact on walking gait. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine any changes in muscle recruitment and hip and knee kinetics and kinematics during walking of endurance athletes under cycling-induced fatigue conditions. METHODS: Six college-aged women performed two conditions walking across force plates, heel strike to heel strike, with their …

Anthropometric And Physiological Determinants Of Maximal Fat Oxidation During Graded Exercise, Zachary Rodgers, Austin Hayhurst, Alec Clawson, Easton Gray, Haden Van Orden, Lindsay Saunders, Nicolas Clark

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Maximal fat oxidation (MFO), assessed via a graded exercise test (GXT), also known as the FATMAX test, demonstrates considerable inter-individual variability due to factors such as metabolic efficiency, body composition, and physiological responses to exercise. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the factors driving this variability, including fasting blood glucose (FBG), hydration status, anthropometric measures, and cardiorespiratory fitness. METHODS: Male participants (N = 41; BMI = 25.0 ± 4.2 kg/m²) underwent a graded exercise test (GXT) to exhaustion using an electromagnetically braked cycle ergometer. The GXT protocol began with a 10-minute warm-up at …

Psychologic Contribution To Non-Local Fatigue, Jack R. Bakker, Brock Sheehan, Parker R. Draney, Jackson J. Foukas, Nelson F. Brown, Anthony Ciccone

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Non-local fatigue occurs when one muscle group causes the fatigue of a different muscle group within a training session. This phenomenon is commonly studied among exercise physiologists who have potentially overlooked the possibility of a psychological effect of knowingly participating in what is supposed to be a fatigue study. PURPOSE: Therefore, the purpose of the study is to determine what subjects think will happen to lower body performance when upper body exercises are added, and if that affects the actual non-local fatigue result. METHODS: One lower-body workout (LB) consisted of five sets of leg extension (quadriceps only exercise) …

The Impact Of Tendon Structure And Pain-Related Fear On Pain Outcomes In Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy Following Resistance Exercise, Kameron Mortazavi, Matthew Heindel, Oscar Vila-Dieguez, Lori Michener

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Rotator cuff (RC) tendinopathy is a leading cause of shoulder pain which is defined by damage to tendon structure. Resistance exercise is a known effective intervention for RC tendinopathy intended to restore deficits in tendon structure. However, outcomes are highly variable and are often related to fear of moving and/or hurting their shoulder, known as pain-related fear. No study has defined the relative contributions of tendon structure and pain-related fear to pain outcomes following resistance exercise. PURPOSE: Define the relative contributions of pain-related fear and tendon structure to patient-reported pain outcomes following 8-weeks of resistance exercise. METHODS: Participants …

Effect Of Prolonged Water Immersion On Isometric Mid-Thigh Pull Performance: A Feasibility Study And Preliminary Analysis, Joonsun Park, Landon Corbett, Justus Rammell, Talin Louder

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Water immersion may enhance muscle strength by increasing cerebral blood flow and activating the cerebral cortex due to an upwardly directed hydrostatic pressure gradient. Early evidence shows that grip strength improves when individuals are partially immersed in water compared to on land. However, it remains unclear whether this effect can be confirmed under conditions involving the activation of a larger muscle mass. PURPOSE: The purpose was to investigate the effects of prolonged water immersion on lower-extremity maximal isometric strength using the isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP) test. METHODS: Six male recreationally active young adults (age = 24.3 ± 3.4 …

Effects Of Different Caffeine Doses On Fat Oxidation And Cardiovascular Response During Exercise At Fatmax In Overweight/Obese Female College Students, Zhigang Gong, Shihong Yu, Yuquan Ding, Huiying Zhou, Siping Xin, Tianou Zhang

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Caffeine is commonly used among athletes for its performance-enhancing effects. However, its impact on fat oxidation in overweight/obese individuals during exercise at maximal fat oxidation intensity (FAT_max) is not well understood. PURPOSE: To examine the effects of different doses of acute caffeine ingestion on fat oxidation and cardiovascular response in overweight/obese female college students during exercise at FAT_max. METHODS: Eleven overweight/obese female college students participated in four trials after ingesting caffeine (3 mg/kg, 5 mg/kg, 9 mg/kg) or a placebo (cellulose). Each trial included 1 hour of rest and 40 minutes of continuous running at FAT …

The Concurrent Validity And Reliability Of An In-Lab Markerless Motion Capture System In Assessing Joint Kinematics Of The Competitive Tennis Player: A Pilot Study, Bryant Alexis Valle, Kristen Snyman, Brian Wilson, Arnel L. Aguinaldo

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Marker-based (MB) motion capture systems are considered the gold standard in biomechanics, but markerless (ML) systems, such as Theia3D, offer potential for more accessible and time-efficient data collection. However, the validity and reliability of ML systems in accurately capturing joint angular velocities in dynamic movements, such as tennis serves, is not well established. The PURPOSE of this pilot study was to evaluate the concurrent validity and reliability of an in-lab ML system in measuring joint angular velocities in competitive tennis players, compared to an MB system. METHODS: Nine collegiate tennis players performed serves while both MB and ML systems …

The Effect Of Ankle And Hallux Positioning On Hallux Force Production, Mickelle Maccabe, Tanner Krupp, Joshua Sponbeck, Wayne Johnson, Dustin Bruening

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

The foot is not simply a rigid lever, but contributes substantially to movement energetics, primarily through muscle-tendon dynamics. However, more research is needed to understand how the small muscles of the foot generate and regulate force production. PURPOSE: We quantified the effects of ankle and hallux positioning on hallux flexion force production, isolating the contribution of the flexor hallucis longus (FHL) and brevis (FHB). We hypothesized the FHL length changes would influence hallux force. METHODS: Eighteen healthy adult volunteers participated with written consent. Participants assumed each of four testing positions on a custom-built isometric toe flexion force sensor: ankle …

Neutrophil- And Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cell-Conditioned Medias Cause Myotube Atrophy And Alter The Myotube Transcriptome, Heidi Disbrow, Jonathan Specht, Michael Deyhle

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Cancer-related inflammation and altered hematopoiesis leads to increased neutrophil and myeloid-derived suppressor cell (MDSC) production and reduced lymphoid and erythroid cell production. Recently, we found cells bearing a surface antigen belonging to both MDSCs and neutrophils accumulate in skeletal muscle and contribute to atrophy that occurs in cancer cachexia. It is unknown if these cells cause skeletal muscle atrophy directly, or if MDSCs and neutrophils impact atrophy differently. The PURPOSE of this study was to explore the direct effects of neutrophil- and MDSC-conditioned media relative to control medium on myotube atrophy and transcriptome.METHODS: Neutrophils were isolated from the …

Changes Of Achilles Tendon Size Across Different Running Races: A Preliminary Study, Summer S. Hollifield, Joshua Sponbeck, Lee J Hinkle, Alyson Radford, Camille Nguyen, Aaron W. Johnson

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

A common form of physical activity is running. However, a large percentage of runners will injure a lower extremity tendon. Ultrasound imaging provides useful insight on tendon health and prevalence of structural changes. Previous research in younger adults has shown the Achilles tendon (AT) thins over the course of a distance run. This suggests that tendon structure may become altered based on the distance and surface of the course. Research studies have also found that a greater than 20% increase in AT thickness from the proximal calcaneous to the thickest portion of the tendon is associated with tendinopathy. PURPOSE: To …

Effect Of Lower-Body Vs Whole-Body Resistance Exercise On Vastus Lateralis Deoxygenated Hemoglobin, Brock J. Sheehan, Jack Bakker, Jackson J. Foukas, Nelson F. Brown, Parker R. Draney, Anthony Ciccone

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Non-local fatigue occurs when one muscle group causes the fatigue of a different muscle group within a training session. This phenomenon may be explained by an increase in deoxygenated hemoglobin due to the competition of oxygenated blood between muscle groups. PURPOSE: Therefore the purpose of the study was to determine if adding upper body exercises to a lower body workout results in a significant difference in vastus lateralis deoxygenated hemoglobin values compared to lower body only. METHODS: One lower-body workout (LB) consisted of five sets of leg extension (quadriceps only exercise) at 90% of their maximum strength with …

Movement Velocity In The Sit-To-Stand Task In Adults With Prader-Willi Syndrome, Martina M. Ricabar, Rubin Daniela, Derek Pamukoff

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a rare congenital disorder that leads to obesity and poor muscular development, making daily tasks like raising from a chair difficult. The key parameters to successfully transitioning from sitting to standing are lower limb power and balance. PURPOSE: This study aims to determine differences in velocity during the sit-to-stand (STS) in adults with PWS and examine its relationship to muscular force. METHODS: Participants were ten adults with PWS [7M/3F; 18-40 y/o], ten with obesity [7M/3F; 18-40 y/o], and ten with normal weight (NW) [7M/3F; 18-40 y/o]. A motion camera analysis system collected biomechanical data from reflective …

Exploring The Efficacy Of Sodium Bicarbonate Supplementation On Reducing Markers Of Acute Kidney Injury (Aki) During Physical Work In The Heat, Brooke Butterick, Raul Freire, Jonathan Specht, Fabiano Amorim, Jason Siegler

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Many workers worldwide are exposed to prolonged and hazardous heat stress, physical activity, or a combination of both. Adverse environmental conditions can worsen the physical impacts of occupations such as mining, farm work, construction, and wildland firefighting, making these laborers susceptible to acute kidney injury (AKI). Although underexplored in reducing AKI from work and heat stress, sodium bicarbonate (SB) has been shown to increase plasma volume and decrease oxidative and inflammatory markers, suggesting the potential for reducing the incidence of AKI during work in the heat.PURPOSE: To investigate the efficacy of SB supplementation on mitigating AKI during physical …

The Effects Of A High-Carbohydrate Versus A High-Fat Shake On Heart Rate Variability When Used To Interrupt A 38-Hour Fast, Madeline Macievic, Cameron Jacobson, Bruce Bailey

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Heart rate variability (HRV) indicates the heart’s capacity to respond to stimuli from the autonomic nervous system. While previous research has explored the cardiovascular effects of fasting and food intake, the impact of the post-fast meal on cardiovascular health remains understudied.PURPOSE: This study aims to investigate how the macronutrient composition of a post-fast meal affects the autonomic nervous system, as measured by HRV.METHODS: Twenty-seven individuals (12 females and 15 males) participated in three separate 38-hour water-only fasts, each separated by a rest period of 6 to 10 days. Two of the three fasts were interrupted after 24 hours …

Feasibility Of Implementing An Older Adult Resistance Training Program In A Community Setting, Cody Antonio, Lynn Horiguchi, Eileen Nunez-Ortiz, Russell Chen, Zakoyya Lewis Dr., Lara Killick Dr.

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

The innovative OYO fitness gym device has the capacity to offer an inclusive resistance training experience for older adults, provided that the internal and external validity of the OYO exercise program is established. PURPOSE: Our purpose is to report the feasibility of implementing this 8-week program at a community senior center in a predominantly Spanish-speaking metropolitan area. METHODS: Feasibility is evaluated through measures of fidelity which include participant demographics, participant responsiveness, quality of delivery, adherence to the Program Manual, and pre-to-post changes in physical function. RESULTS: Twenty-three individuals consented for participation. Two participants completed the full 8-week program with an …

Feasibility Of A Random-Action Target System For Enhancing Performance Of Experienced Shooters In High-Pressure Scenarios, Mariana Castro, Andreas Stamatis, Ali Boolani, Matthew L. Smith

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Effective firearm performance demands accuracy and rapid decision-making, especially for law enforcement, competitive shooters, and military personnel. Traditional training often lacks real-world cognitive challenges, such as decision speed and response inhibition under pressure. This study addresses this gap by incorporating cognitive realism into firearm training to improve shooters’ ability to manage the speed-accuracy trade-off (SAT), where balancing quick reactions with precision is critical to avoid errors in unpredictable scenarios. PURPOSE: To evaluate the feasibility of a non-anticipatory, random-action target system (RATS) by collecting preliminary data on its impact on shooting performance, focusing on accuracy, omission, and commission rates among experienced …

Enhancing Mental Toughness In Medical Students Facing Academic Challenges: A Pilot Intervention, Roy Shohat, Zacharias Papadakis, Shorye Durrett, Andreas Stamatis

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Medical students who experience challenges in meeting course requirements often face significant academic pressures, which can include repeating the semester, repeating the academic year, or potential dismissal from the program. Mental toughness (MT) is a performance psychology construct that equips individuals with the skills to face adversity and persist towards their goals, whether in sports or academics. MT is crucial for managing stress and maintaining performance under high pressure, thereby supporting optimal human performance. Psychological Skills Training (PST) systematically develops mental skills, including MT, and is structured into three phases: education, acquisition, and practice. The education phase is the most …

Pilot Study Analyzing The Effects Of Acute Indian Club Swinging On Strength, Endurance, And Mobility, Shane Phillips, Alex Rothstein

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

ABSTRACT

Indian club swinging (ICS) is a training modality with a rich history; however, there is a lack of research demonstrating its physical benefits. PURPOSE: This study examined the acute impact of an 8-minute bout of ICS on shoulder mobility, isokinetic strength (IKS) and endurance (IKE). METHODS: 7 participants Age: 22.5 (±2.6)yrs, Height: 166.7 (±11.7)cm, Weight: 80.3 (±19.4)kg, without a history of upper extremity injury in the past year attended 8 1-hour practice sessions to introduce proper ICS technique. Participants were familiarized with the testing battery and attended 2 randomized experimental sessions during which participants performed either an …

Influence Of Auditory Input On Mood States During A 30-Minute Self-Paced Walk, Maya Caon, Andreas Stamatis, Zacharias Papadakis, Ali Boolani

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

The therapeutic effects of self-paced walking on mood enhancement are well-documented; yet, existing literature predominantly examines laboratory-based protocols that fail to incorporate auditory stimuli as a potential modulator of mood states. PURPOSE: To investigate the influence of various auditory inputs on mood states during a 30-minute bout of self-paced walking. METHODS: A randomized controlled crossover design was employed (n = 24; 9 males; M_age: 23.04). Participants performed four 30-minute walking bouts around a track while wearing noise-cancelling headphones delivering one of four conditions: positive auditory input, negative auditory input, self-selected music, or silence. Mood states …

The Physiological And Emotional Responses To Esports Across Different Populations, Christopher Miranda, Daniel Olatundun, Antonio Evola, Frank Billero, Joseph Sauchelli

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Purpose

The study investigated the impact of virtual shooting task on physiological and psychological parameters in various demographics, including sex, athletic status, and gaming experience.

Methods

31 participants were recruited to perform two continuous 1.5-minute virtual target-shooting tasks from a virtual distance of 60 meters and rested for three minutes before and after gameplay. Continuous VO₂, VCO_2, and heart rate were recorded. Psychological states were assessed using the Short Stress State Questionnaire (SSSQ), filled out before and after the gaming session. The athletic status was confirmed during the recruitment process. Participants who were athletes were directly recruited …

Effects Of Peer-Led Resistance Training On The Physical And Psychological Health Of Urban College Students, Rosselyn A. Charris, Galila Werber-Zion

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Mental health challenges, particularly anxiety and depression, are common among American college students. Participating in cardiorespiratory exercise is known to improve psychological health. However, the effects of exclusive resistance training (RT) on psychological functioning, particularly among diverse, inner-city undergraduates, remain underexplored.

PURPOSE: The current study examined whether participation in a 10-week, peer-led resistance training (RT) program could produce measurable improvements in both physical and psychological health.

METHODS: Inactive students (RT: n = 19; control: n = 13; mean age = 20.4 ± 2.8 years) participated in either a 10-week, peer-based resistance training (RT) program or a no-exercise control group at …

Longitudinal Effects Of Graduate Allied Health Education On Physical And Mental Health, Kelly Warren

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Student wellness represents an ongoing focus in academia. Allied health professional (AHP) students complete educational tracks that are rigorous, placing them at risk for impact to physical and mental wellness. Previous data support such changes in this population and poor student wellness may contribute to weak academic performance, attrition, and quality of life.

PURPOSE: This study evaluated the impact of the AHP program on the physical, mental, and sleep health of 1st year graduate AHP students.

METHODS: Graduate students (n=29; 30% men, 70% women) in the Stony Brook School of Health Professions participated across 3 timepoints (T01-Baseline/Sept, T02-Feb and T03-Jun) …

Intermittent Hypoxic Breathing With Exercise Mimics Hypoxic Training Spo2 And Improves Waist Circumference And Rmr In Obese Women, Gina Brindisi, Aj Fisher, Adrienne Reid, Adrienne Herrenbruck, Jessie Hirsch, Alexander Rothstein

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: The obesity epidemic is currently overwhelming our healthcare system. Nutrition and exercise therapy are two suggested strategies to manage obesity, but do not always provide a reliable situation for all affected. Increasing exercise efficacy while decreasing the impact and volume of exercise may reduce the risk of injury in obese individuals. PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the effects of utilizing a hypoxic breathing protocol, including the impact on body composition, skeletal muscle strength, resting metabolic rate, and blood oxygen (SpO2) values, in obese women (ages 40-65) in order to add evidence to support the use of an …

Feasibility Of An Exercise Program To Improve Well-Being In A Middle School Setting: A Pilot Study, Jessie Hirsch, Yana Kostova, Melissa Dimartino, Alexander Rothstein, Amerigo Rossi

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Physical inactivity has become a major public health concern. Regular physical activity (PA) has been shown to improve health outcomes and well-being among adolescents, but more research is necessary to understand the feasibility of a physical activity program in a school setting. PURPOSE: This pilot study examined the effects of a two-week daily PA program compared to a stretching program and a washout period. METHODS: 40 middle-school students participated in this randomized counter-balanced study (Age: 12.2 ± 0.9 yrs, BMI: 20.1 ± 4.3 kg/m²). Participants were randomized into 2 groups: two weeks of daily 40 minutes …

Effects Of Navy Officer Development School On Body Composition In Hpsp Medical Students, Xing Fan, Anna Weissenberg, Shelly Lim, Christine Kurien, Joanne Donoghue

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: This pilot study compared changes in body composition and strength in medical students enrolled in the Navy Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP) who attended Officer Development School, before training, after training, and follow-up. Exploring the possible future application to both medical students and stationary Navy ratings.

METHODS: An ABA quasi-experimental design was used to measure body composition using dual X-ray absorptiometry (iDXA), and strength measured by hand dynamometer. Measurements were collected 5 weeks before training, before departure, upon return, then 5 weeks later. The physical training during officer development school involves 1.5 miles run, push-ups, plank, …

Chronic Lumbar Radiculopathy With Superior Cluneal And Superior Gluteal Neuropathy, Feras Atassi, Vered Arbel, Aditi Gupte, Tal Amasay

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

CASE HISTORY: A 39-year-old female presenting with chronic left lower back pain radiating down the leg and affecting the gluteal region. The pain is described as burning and is accompanied by atrophy of the left gluteal muscles. Additional symptoms included muscle weakness and sharp spasms. Functional movements of daily living aggravated pain. PHYSICAL EXAM: Examination identified a decrease in the circumference of the left thigh, tenderness in the Left gluteal region and anterolaterally hip joint, a decrease in ROM of the lumbar spine, muscle weakness on the left lower extremity, and antalgic gait pattern. DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSES: Lumbar Radiculopathy, Labral Tear …

Feasibility Of A Cardio-Oncology Tele-Rehabilitiation Program In Pediatric Patients With Cancer, Inga Zimba, Ruskin S. Del Mundo, Mary E. Mccown, Elena J. Ladas, Vidhu V. Thaker, Pooja S. Vyas, Michael A. Fremed, Aimee M. Layton

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Childhood cancer survivors are eight times more likely to die of heart disease than people who have never had cancer. Exercise during treatment has been found to help protect the heart against the harmful effects of treatment and reduce the risk of developing heart disease in early adulthood. There is insufficient data on the feasibility of delivering cardio- oncology rehabilitation (CORE) in an outpatient telehealth setting. PURPOSE: This study aims to pilot the feasibility and safety of tele- CORE in children ages 10-15 years old. METHODS: Pediatric cancer survivors who underwent cancer treatment participated in this study. Participants performed a …

Preseason Training: A Catalyst For Body Composition Changes In Ncaa Dii Women's Basketball Players, Jared Ward, Maya Caon, Zacharias Papadakis

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Preseason training is essential for preparing NCAA Division II women's collegiate basketball players for the demands of their season. Given the limited time and strict regulations imposed by NCAA Division II rules, teams must optimize their workouts. While strength and conditioning are prioritized, the impact on body composition during this short period remains uncertain. PURPOSE: This study evaluated the effectiveness of a four-week preseason training program in improving body composition among student athletes. METHODS: The impact of a structured training regimen on body composition in 16 female athletes (M=20.6 years, SD=1.79) was evaluated by a comprehensive assessment of lean body …