Digital Commons Network^™

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 …

Newsletter, Wku Staff Senate

Staff Council

Newsletter created by WKU Staff Council to report on work accomplished.

Alfred Russel Wallace Notes 35. Natural Selection By Evolution., Charles H. Smith

Faculty/Staff Personal Papers

Alfred Russel Wallace (1823?1913) is remembered, with Charles Darwin, as the co-originator of the concept of evolution by natural selection. But Wallace’s framing of the idea increasingly became one in which natural selection itself was regarded as a law of nature, not a theory per se.

Alfred Russel Wallace Notes 34. Did Alfred Russel Wallace’S Chief Assistant From His Expedition To The Malay Archipelago Really Name Himself Ali Wallace?, George Beccaloni, Charles H. Smith Editor

Faculty/Staff Personal Papers

In 1907, Thomas Barbour met Alfred Russel Wallace’s former chief assistant Ali on Ternate Island, Indonesia. Ali apparently told him that he had adopted “Wallace” as his second name. This claim has been questioned by historian John van Wyhe and anthropologist Gerrell Drawhorn, probably because it appeared unprecedented. However, this was not an isolated example; in 1872, John Thomas Cockerell recorded that a man from the Aru Islands, Indonesia, employed by Wallace in 1857, along with his eldest son, had similarly adopted “Wallace” as part of their personal names.

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

University NAGPRA and Tribal Relations Committee

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

Comparison Of A Low Load Eccentric Training Protocol And A Static Stretching Protocol On Hamstring Muscle Flexibility, Nancy Henderson, Haley Worst, Ryan Decarreau, Dixie Edalgo, Hunter Lewis, James Rowe

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(8): 263-274, 2025. The purpose of this study was to compare eccentric strengthening to static stretching for increasing hamstring flexibility. Sixty-three asymptomatic participants were recruited via convenience sampling. Nineteen participants did not meet the inclusion criteria, thus leaving 44 participants. Inclusion criteria included hamstring tightness defined using the passive knee extension test (PKE). Exclusion criteria included a history of any lower extremity injury, including hamstring injury, within the past 12 months. Participants were randomized into one of three groups: Nordic Hamstring Exercise (NHE) eccentric group, static hamstring stretching, or control group. Hamstring flexibility was assessed, …

Learn By Doing: A Flipped Classroom Approach To Teaching Exercise Testing And Prescription, Zakkoyya H. Lewis

Educational Practices in Kinesiology

The purpose of this paper is to describe a case-study based flipped classroom approach for teaching exercise testing and prescription. The goal of this approach is to provide students with supervised “real world” experience while also exposing students to diverse populations (e.g. health, age, culture, employment, ability). Students will complete a client interview, conduct a complete fitness assessment included a graded exercise test, and develop an individualized exercise prescription. The flipped classroom is intended to be incorporated into an in-person advanced level course, ideally less than 20 students per section. Completion of an introductory level exercise testing and prescription course …

Effects Of A Sprint Post-Activation Performance Enhancement Stimulus On Discus Throw Performance In Collegiate Division I Throwers: A Pilot Study, Reagan Hulet, Mark Debeliso Phd, Marcus M. Lawrence

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(3): 251-262, 2025. No study has determined the impact a sprinting potentiating stimulus has on discus throwing performance in collegiate throwers. To test the hypothesis, that compared to a dynamic warm-up alone (DyWU), a dynamic warm-up with a multi-set sprinting potentiating stimulus (DyWU+SPR) would enhance discus throw performance. 12 NCAA Division I thrower athletes (18-25 year) randomly completed two sessions separated by at least 48 hours. One session involved a standardized dynamic warm-up (DyWU) and the other session involved a DyWU with multiple sets of a sprinting post-activation performance enhancement (PAPE) stimulus (DyWU+SPR), with both …

Barefoot Running Alters Spatiotemporal Nonlinear Variability Compared To Shod, Vincent Narvaez, Miranda Gonzalez, Katarina Behrens, Paige Coghill, Bryon C. Applequist

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Running has been an important aspect of human life for thousands of years. Running continues to be a very popular activity among nearly all non-sedentary, healthy individuals. Modern athletic shoes are designed to reduce impact forces on the foot, and ultimately the body. Shoe manufacturers accomplish this by providing a cushioned shoe midsole to absorb the impact forces (Yu & Kramer, 2021). The contrast of the cushioned shoe compared to the stiffness of barefoot running has great influence on ones running mechanics. The barefoot runner often adopts a forefoot or midfoot striking pattern while decreasing their overall vertical ground reaction …

Using Detrended Fluctuation Analysis To Determine The Effects Of Footwear On Postural Dynamics In Children, Samantha Martinez, Crystal S. Trevino, Bryon C. Applequist

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

ABSTRACT

Footwear, particularly stiff-soled shoes, can impact postural control in young children during a critical period of motor development. While proprioception plays a key role in maintaining balance, shoes may restrict natural movement, potentially affecting overall posture and proprioceptive abilities. This study examines how stiff-soled footwear influences postural control during quiet standing in children. PURPOSE: This study aimed to explore the influence of stiff-soled footwear on postural control in young children by analyzing balance and stability during quiet standing. Specifically, we assessed whether wearing footwear with various degrees of stiffness influenced the temporal correlations of center of pressure (COP). …

Treadmill Training Program For A Non-Ambulatory Individual With Spastic Quadriplegic Cerebral Palsy, Krysta V. Rivero Romero, Vanessa Mikan Phd, Edward Merritt

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

CASE HISTORY: 26-year-old Caucasian male. Primary medical history includes spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy, otherwise negative health history. Presented to human performance laboratory for case study of pre- and post-exercise training cardiorespiratory fitness testing. PHYSICAL EXAM: Patient examination indicated bilateral upper and lower limb contractures, and bilateral upper and lower limb spasticity. Hyperlordosis was also noted. Patient had a limited range of motion across hip, knee, and ankle, and was unable to walk without support on a motorized treadmill. DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSES: General: Alert and oriented. Neural: spastic upper and lower extremities. Musculoskeletal: upper and lower extremity contractures. TESTS & RESULTS …

Mitochondrial Function In T-Cells: The Impact Of Cardiorespiratory Fitness And Body Fat In Men And Women, Nathan Fuentes, Emily Lavoy, Charlie Hodgman, Rebeka Hunt, Justin Crane, Micheal Herskowitz

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

PURPOSE: Determine whether T-cell mitochondria differ in women and men categorized by cardiorespiratory fitness and percent body fat. METHODS: 9 women (age: (mean ± standard deviation) 29.2 ± 6.8 years) and 17 men (age: 28.0 ± 6.3 years) visited our laboratory for a body fat scan, donate blood sample and complete a VO2max test. For the VO2max test, participants were fitted with a heart rate monitor and a mask for breath analysis with a metabolic cart. Participants cycled on bicycle ergometer with the resistance increased 20 watts/minute until volitional exhaustion. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated and stained …

Examining The Relationship Between Sprinting, Drop Jump, And Vertical Jump Flight Times In Collegiate Track Athletes, Michelle Aldana

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

INTRODUCTION: Flight time during sprints, drop jumps, and vertical jumps is commonly used to evaluate athletic performance and neuromuscular function. While all three metrics reflect rapid force production, their relationships across different athletic movements remain unclear. PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the correlations between sprint step flight time, bilateral drop jump flight time, and bilateral vertical jump flight time in male and female Division I collegiate track athletes. METHODS: A group of 33 collegiate track athletes (males = 14, females = 19) who compete in sprinting, hurdles, or jumping events performed three drop jumps, three vertical jumps, three 30m …

Evaluation Of The Effect Of Antibiotics On Glucose, Insulin, Homa, And Hba1c In People With Low Versus People With High Visceral Fat, Ashlyn Dooley, Melissa Fernandez-Alonso, Angela Berry, Matthew Loritz, Anne George, Jessica Mrosla, Olivia Landis, Ryan R. Porter, Elisa Marroquin, Sarah Mckinley-Barnard

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

It is well known that obesity is a comorbidity for most of the leading causes of death. Recently, gut microbiota research has been shown to be a potential mechanism to regulate body weight. Synbiotics combine probiotics and prebiotics to improve microbiota survival and activity. The synbiotic used in this study includes oligosaccharide-degrading probiotics, butyrate producers, and a prebiotic dietary fiber. Antibiotics have also been given with the intention to increase the number of available bacterial niches and subsequently enhance the engraftment of the newly introduced bacteria. Little research exists to determine the effects antibiotic ingestion may have on glucose, insulin, …

The Effect Of Footwear And Speed On Nonlinear Variability Of Runners, Kaleb Luna, Becca Henicke, Bryon C. Applequist

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

The high incidence of foot and lower leg injury in adult walkers and runners and its relationship with footwear is a problem that has been investigated exhaustively (Barnes & Smith, 1994; Herzog, 2012; Knapik et al., 2014; Tancred, 1996).Traditionally, measures such as stride length, step length, step width, stride time and step time, as well as kinematic (joint angles) and kinetic (forces) measures have been used to quantify gait (Chang et al., 2006, Diop et al., 2005, Diop et al., 2004, Samson et al., 2009). These measures are important, but may not reveal the mechanism, or mechanisms affecting gait. Many …

Validity Of Jump Height Using An Athlete Monitoring Wearable, Drew J. Smith, Kuan Chen, James B. Mann, Jennifer M. Yentes

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Wearables for player monitoring have become common in collegiate and professional sports. Teams utilize wearable technology to gather volume and intensity data from practice and games throughout a season. Wearable data can be used as an objective marker to indicate when an athlete has met or exceeded a volume threshold. Inaccurate data could lead to improper modifications in training that could negatively impact player performance during a season. A frequently used metric to monitor athletes is jump height; however, like many other metrics calculated by player monitoring wearables, the validity is unknown. PURPOSE: To test the validity of jump …

Balance Control During Stair Descent In Older Adults, David Wyatt

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Falls during step descent are a significant risk for older adults, often hindering independence in daily activities such as stair descent and stepping off curbs. This study examines the effects of gait width and foot angle on stability and control during step descent. PURPOSE: To determine whether a wider gait with a 30-degree foot angle improves stability and reduces the risk of falls, thereby supporting safer and more independent mobility in older adults. METHODS: Participants aged 18-25 and 70-79, with no known gait impairments or balance disorders, performed a 14 cm step descent using a normal gait and a wider …

Changes In Phase Angle And Lean Body Mass During 6-Week Offseason Mesocycle In Collegiate Club Rugby Players, Alexis Rodriguez, Brandon Large, Tyler Large, Jmya Hughes, Micheil Spillane

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Phase angle (PhA) is the relationship between reactance (Xc) and resistance ratio (R) current that flows through the cellular tissue, which can be measured via Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA) when measuring body composition. Due to the availability and ease of use, phase angle has been adopted and used in clinical nutrition to track various disease states, from malnutrition to cancer cachexia, and other muscle-wasting diseases. Since PhA reflects cellular water content and rapid changes in cellular health, applications for athlete performance tracking have shown promise. Resistance training is highly effective for enhancing PhA when adopting high-intensity volumes and durations for …

The Effect Of A Short-Term Antibiotic Cycle On Blood Biomarkers In Adults With Overweight And Obesity, Anne George, Melissa Fernandez Alonso, Ashlyn Dooley, Matthew Loritz, Jessica Mrosla, Olivia Landis, Katelyn Harnen, Genevieve Aiwonegbe, Meggan Duncan, Angela Berry, Jaidyn Hooper, Sarah Mckinley-Barnard, Elisa Marroquine, Ryan R. Porter

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

It has been demonstrated in previous literature that early-life antibiotic exposure may contribute to metabolic dysfunction related to the development of overweight and obesity later in life. More recent studies suggest an additional relationship between antibiotic exposure beyond early life and obesity, as well as insulin resistance. However, there are a limited number of studies reporting the effects of short-term antibiotic exposure on insulin resistance and other blood biomarkers. PURPOSE: This study investigates the effects of short-term antibiotic exposure on insulin resistance and other blood biomarkers. METHODS: This study is part of a larger ongoing investigation examining the …

Shoe Heel-Toe Drop Affects Running Economy, Kaleigh Renninger, Owen N. Beck

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

In distance running, using less metabolic energy at a given speed improves endurance performance. Athletes can decrease their metabolic energy expenditure during running (improve their running economy) by improving their running mechanics. One way to elicit economical running mechanics is to use running shoes with specific characteristics, such as the ideal heel-toe drop. Wearing shoes with a higher heel-toe drop increases ankle plantar flexion, in turn decreasing the operating lengths of the underlying calf muscles. Given that producing force with muscles at shorter operating lengths increases their metabolic energy expenditure, we hypothesized that running in shoes with a higher heel-toe …

Differences In Perceived Readiness To Train Between Two Menstrual Cycle Phases In Division Ii Female Athletes, Noah Reinertz, Brett Crossland Dr

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Recently, the effects of the menstrual cycle (MC) and hormonal fluctuations on performance outcomes and training readiness have received significant research focus, leading to the potential for more individualized and informed approaches in athlete training. Training readiness refers to an athlete´s state of balance between their current training load, fatigue, and potential risk of injury or illness. The MC is divided into two phases (± 28 days), commencing with the follicular or proliferative phase (days 1 to 13) followed by the luteal phase, also known as the secretory phase (days 14 to 28). Its hormonal fluctuation throughout the cycle can …

Rock: The Mission Statement, Gabriella Guinn, Vanessa Mikan Phd

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Equine assisted therapy can include many other types of therapies such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, as well as mental, emotional, and behavioral assistance. Riding a horse has been shown to improve coordination, gait, and increase head and trunk control in individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The horse's smooth, natural gait can help provide a rhythmic and repetitive pattern similar to a human’s natural gait, allowing those who are wheelchair bound to feel the movement of walking. The calming presence of a horse can reduce the feeling of anxiety for many individuals such as veterans struggling with the effects …

Relationship Of Hip Range Of Motion And Peak Braking Force In Diii Female Athletes, Katyanna Colburn, Nikolas Keratsopoulos, Jaci Kelly, Kindyle Brennan, Peggie Williamson, Laurel Proulx, Mandy E. Parra

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Pelvic floor (PF) dysfunctions have a wide variety of symptoms, with urinary incontinence (UI) being one of the most common in elite level sports. Symptoms of PF dysfunction often reduce the number of women participating in athletics and can prevent them from ideal levels of physical activity. Previous studies have shown hip strength does correlate with SUI severity in the general population, but correlation of hip function and landing kinematics has not been made in athletes that undergo more impact than the general population. This study may help to identify PF preliminary indicators of dysfunction in female athletes by understanding …

Assessment Of Estimated Pulse Wave Velocity And Body Roundness Index Among First Responders, Asma-Maria El-Tayssoun, Jillian Liebert, Steven E. Martin, Drew E. Gonzalez

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

First responders have a heightened cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Estimated pulse wave velocity (ePWV) and body roundness index (BRI) are associated with CVD risk. These parameters may provide a more comprehensive insight into the risk of CVD and premature mortality than conventional parameters (i.e., blood lipids). PURPOSE: This study assessed the relationship between ePWV, BRI, and several conventional CVD risk, fitness, and body composition parameters and compared these variables between sub-first responder groups. METHODS: One hundred and seventy-one (n=171) first responders (98 firefighters [FF] and 73 law enforcement officers[LEO]) completed a battery of clinical testing during …

Thermoregulatory Differences Between Uniform Types In Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Esther Coronado, Brett Crossland Dr

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is a grappling-based martial art that emphasizes ground fighting and submission techniques. The uniforms worn in BJJ, commonly known as the gi and no-gi, play a crucial role in both training and competition. The gi uniform is similar to a jacket and pants, and make of heavy cotton while the no-gi is similar to lightweight shirt and shorts worn in a number of sporting endeavors. The differences in uniform also result in differences in energy output as the techniques utilized to gain an advantage between the uniform types differs. For instance, gi grappling utilizes the actual uniform …

The Comparison Of Time To Peak Rapid Force Production In Division One Collegiate Male Football, Track, And Basketball Players, Anthony M. Rogers Jr, Matthew P. Gonzalez, Samuel Montalvo, Sandor Dorgo

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Sports such as football (FB), track (TR), and basketball (BB) use movements that require rapid force development in order to be successful. An athlete’s ability to generate power is vital for performance in these sports. While many studies have looked at rapid force development in one sport, there is a paucity of research when comparing athletes across different sports for their time to peak force development. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare male FB, BB, and TR athletes’ time to peak force and rate of development performance. METHODS: A total of 138 athletes (n=14 BB, n=108 FB, …