Digital Commons Network^™

Sex, But Not Spontaneous Cardiovagal Baroreflex Sensitivity, Predicts Tolerance To Simulated Hemorrhage, Caitlin Jarrard, Joseph C. Watso, Zachary J. Mckenna, Josh Foster, Whitley C. Atkins, Mu Huang, Gilbert Moralez, Craig G. Crandall

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Some, but not all studies, suggest that spontaneous cardiovagal baroreflex sensitivity (cBRS; i.e., autonomic control of heart rate) is lower in females. However, it is unknown whether cBRS values are associated with hemorrhagic tolerance, which has repeatedly been demonstrated to be lower in females. PURPOSE: Therefore, the purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that resting spontaneous cBRS is lower in females and that cBRS is associated with differences in hemorrhagic tolerance between the sexes. METHODS: 25 females (age: 26 ± 6 years) and 27 males (age: 30 ± 5 years) completed a progressive lower-body negative pressure (LBNP …

Relationships Between Anthropometric Variables And The Internal Carotid Blood Flow, Alexandra M. Blades, Jose M. Moris, Ryan Curtis, Christian J. Chang, Vineet K. Paidisetty, Garett Petty, Yunsuk Koh

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Assessment of peak systolic velocity (PSV) of the internal carotid artery (ICA) is utilized to examine stroke-symptomatic individuals for ICA stenosis. While a sedentary lifestyle is a common risk factor for ICA stenosis, a deeper understanding of how body composition affects ICA blood flow could provide insights before symptoms appear. PURPOSE: To examine the relationship between ICA blood flow and body composition variables. METHODS: ICA blood flow was assessed in eight healthy males (21.88 ± 2.25 years) on three different days to control for possible diurnal variability that could affect blood flow. Participants abstained from caffeine and physical activity for …

Describing Visceral Fat Via Girth And Skinfold Measurements, Ryan C. Curtis Jr., Jose M. Moris, Alexandra Blades, Christian J. Chang, Vineet K. Paidisetty, Garett Petty, Yunsuk Koh

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

While girth ratios (GR), such as waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), and body fat percentage (BF%) have been widely used to describe visceral fat (VF), the applicability of skinfold (SF) measurements has been given less attention for the same purpose. PURPOSE: This study examined the associations between BF%, GR, SF, and VF. METHODS: Sixty healthy participants (38 males and 22 females, age = 21.23 ± 4.37 years, BMI = 24.87 ± 3.02 kg/m2, BF% = 19.70 ± 7.28%) participated in the study. Girth ratios, including WHtR and WHR, were assessed using a Gulick tape specifically at the level …

The Prevalence Of Burnout And Musculoskeletal Disorders In Physician Associates Students, Maeve E. Gobeyn, Tal Amasay, Randi Cooperman, Vered Arbel, Michelle Etchebaster

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Physician Associate, formerly known as Physician Assistant, (PA) is a growing occupation that originated in the 1960s. Previous research focused on the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders and burnout in nursing, nursing students, PA, and ubiquitously assumed among many healthcare professionals; however, burnout and musculoskeletal disorders are under-researched in PA students. PURPOSE: To investigate the prevalence of burnout and musculoskeletal disorders in Physician Associate students. METHODS: This study was conducted at a private university in Florida. Twelve PA students participated in the study, nine females and three males (mean age 26.3 ± 1.8 years; mean height 166.6 ± 7.6 …

Curcumin Mitigates Neuropathic-Induce Muscle Atrophy By Suppressing Camk2/Nf-Kb Pathway, Casey Appell, Nigel Jiwan, Chwan-Li Shen, Hui-Ying Luk

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Neuropathy can induce inflammation that results in muscle atrophy. Curcumin has been shown to exert an anti-inflammatory effect, preserving muscle mass in diabetic rats. However, the mechanism of curcumin to preserve muscle mass in neuropathy is not known. PURPOSE: To examine the effect of curcumin on the intramuscular inflammation and muscle cross-sectional area (CSA) in a neuropathy rodent model. METHODS: Twelve rats were randomly assigned to three groups: sham (CON), spinal nerve ligation (SNL), and SNL+100curcumin/kg BW (100CUR). The right (R) lumbosacral section (i.e., L5/L6) of the spinal cord was ligated (SNL and 100CUR) or sham surgery (CON) was performed, …

The Effect Of Heat Acclimatization And Heat Acclimation On Endurance Trained Athlete Substrate Utilization, Jacob T. Richardson, Yasuki Sekiguchi, Courteney L. Benjamin, Alan T. Ky, Douglas Casa

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Heat acclimatization (HAz) and Heat Acclimation (HA) are important strategies to induce thermoregulatory adaptations to mitigate negative impact of heat stress. However, despite improving endurance performance, few studies explore their impact on substrate utilization. PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of HAz and HA on endurance athlete substrate utilization during submaximal exercise in the heat. METHODS: Fourteen endurance-trained male athletes (mean ± SD; age, 33 ± 9 years; body mass, 70.9 ± 10.1 kg; height, 177.7 ± 6.4 cm; VO_2max, 59.3 ± 7.4 ml·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹; % body fat, 8.5% ± 3.9%) participated in this …

Effects Of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation On Energy Expenditure And Oxygen Consumption, Victoria M. Rocha, Jehu Apaflo, Gabriel Narvaez, Ali Mossayebi, Joshua Labadah, Sudip Bajpeyi

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Exercise is beneficial to improve metabolic diseases such as obesity and type 2 diabetes. Physical activity results in an increase in energy expenditure (EE) and oxygen consumption due to increased energy demand. Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) is an alternative strategy to induce muscle contraction. Our previous work have shown that NMES induced muscle contraction can improve metabolic health in an overweight and obese population. However, it is not known whether NMES induced muscle contraction leads to greater energy expenditure. PUPROSE: To determine the effect of NMES induced muscle contraction on energy expenditure and oxygen consumption. METHODS: Eighteen sedentary overweight/obese men …

The Effect Of Body Composition Methodology On Resulting Energy Availability Assessments, Madelin R. Siedler, Christian Rodriguez, Matthew T. Stratton, Patrick S. Harty, Dale Keith, Jacob Green, Jake Boykin, Sarah White, Abegale D. Williams, Gabrielle Dehaven, Grant M. Tinsley

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Energy availability (EA) is defined as the total daily energy available to an individual after accounting for that expended during exercise and standardized to fat-free mass (FFM). Generally, EA values less than 30 kcal/kg FFM/day are considered “low” and have been associated with deleterious effects on reproductive and hormonal health in females. However, it is unclear whether the method used to estimate FFM influences the resulting EA values to a degree that may affect interpretation and clinical decision-making. PURPOSE: To determine the effect of FFM values derived from various methods of body composition assessment on the resulting range and interpretation …

The Influence Of Tabata And Energy Replenishment On Post-Exercise Metabolic Recovery: A Pilot Analysis, Tiffani Neuville, James Rowe Dr, Vivyan Gonzalez

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

PURPOSE: Compare post-exercise metabolic recovery of individuals who, to recover from Tabata, drink 1) water (W), 2) 100% carbohydrate (CHO), or 3) 65% - 35% protein-carbohydrate (PRO-CHO). METHODS: Participants were recreationally active individuals (n = 21) who performed Tabata (TB) in the form of 1) full body calisthenics (FB) and 2) treadmill running (TR). Participants were randomly assigned to complete TB either with W (n=7), CHO (n=7), or PRO-CHO (n=7). Participants completed each of the three bouts in randomized order on three separate days. One bout involved sitting with no energy replenishment (rest). A second bout had the participants …

Electrical Stimulation While Resistance Training Leads To Greater Gains In Muscle Mass And Strength, Gabriel Narvaez, Jehu Apaflo, Amy Wagler, Sudip Bajpeyi

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Resistance training (RT) has long been shown to increase muscle strength and muscle mass and is widely recommended for people of all ages and ability levels. Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) is an involuntary mode of inducing muscle contractions that has been used to prevent muscle immobility, weakness, strength loss, and muscle loss in rehabilitative settings. However, the additive effects of NMES and RT are not well established. PURPOSE:. To determine if superimposing neuromuscular electrical stimulation during a resistance training intervention elicits greater gains in muscle strength and/or muscle mass than resistance training being performed alone. METHODS: An electronic …

The Influence Of Different Modes Of Tabata On Post-Exercise Metabolic Recovery, Leroy K. Bolden, Vivyan Gonzalez, Tiffani Neuville, James Rowe

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

PURPOSE: Evaluate post-exercise metabolic recovery of individuals who perform Tabata as 1) full body calisthenics (FB) and 2) treadmill running (TR) and compare those responses to when no exercise is performed (rest). METHODS: Recreationally active men (M) (n=9) and women (W) (n=16) (age=22.1±1.8yrs; body mass=70.2± 14.0 kg; body fat%=28.9±6.9; BMI=24.2±3.8) performed each of 3 bouts on separate days with at least 7 days in between each bout. Rest consisted of sitting quietly for 25 minutes. FB was performing 25 minutes of repeated cycles of body calisthenics at vigorous effort for 20 seconds followed with 10 seconds of rest. TR involved …

Obesity Contributes To An Attenuated Spontaneous Baroreflex Sensitivity In Ucd-Type 2 Diabetic Rats, Milena Samora, Yu Huo, Richard K. Mcculler, Suchit Chidurala, James Graham, Kimber L. Stanhope, Peter J. Havel D.V.M., Ph.D., Audrey J. Stone, Michelle L. Harrison

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Previous studies suggest impaired baroreflex function in individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D), which is critically important since it leads to an increased risk for adverse cardiovascular events. Currently, the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. The baroreflex, essential for maintaining blood pressure homeostasis, can also be influenced by several risk factors, one of which is obesity. Obesity has been shown to markedly decrease baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) in non-diabetic individuals, and given that the majority of T2D patients are obese, it is likely that impairment in baroreflex function in T2D is mainly driven by obesity. PURPOSE: To investigate the effects …

Impact Of Habitual Water Intake On Muscle Quality And Total Body Water-A Pilot Study, Kelly B. Elliott, Alan T. Ky, Casey Appell, Ryan Dunn, Nigel Jiwan, Cherish Dunlap, Ganesh C. Tallam, Hui-Ying Luk, Yasuki Sekiguchi

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Proper hydration is essential for critical health and performance functions, such as muscle function and body fluid balance. The effect of acute hydration status has been studied on health and muscle performance; however, the effect of habitual water intake on muscle quality and total body water between high and low consumption has not been examined. PURPOSE: To determine the impact of habitual water intake on muscle quality and total body water. METHODS: Eleven women (age: 27.6±7.9 years; mass: 60.3±10.8 kg) provided a five-day dietary food log to categorize them into HIGH or LOW daily total water intake (TWI). …

Postprandial And Fasting Lipopolysaccharide Levels In Healthy Hispanic Residents Of Southeast Texas With Positive Family History Of Type 2 Diabetes, Amanda J. Wheeler, Yu Lun Tai, Smaran Marupudi, Ryan D. Russell

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

PURPOSE: Healthy people with a family history (FH+) of type 2 diabetes (T2D) display impaired metabolic and microvascular function prior to glucose intolerance, and are at greater risk for developing T2D. While mechanisms to explain this disparity are lacking, it is possible that intestinal permeability plays a role, as it is also linked with insulin resistance, glucose intolerance, and chronic inflammation. Lipopolysaccharides (LPS) act as an outer membrane component of gram-negative bacteria in intestines and play a role in inflammation and chronic disease when in circulation, thus serving as a surrogate measure of intestinal permeability. However, the link between FH+ …

The Effect Of Geranylgeraniol On Satellite Cells Myogenic State In Type 2 Diabetic Rats, Nigel C. Jiwan, Casey R. Appell, Raoul Sterling, Chwan-Li Shen, Hui-Ying Luk

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) is associated with chronic inflammation, which can contribute to impaired satellite cells (SC) myogenic state that may result in muscle atrophy. Geranylgeraniol (GGOH) has shown to prevent muscle atrophy, reduce inflammatory markers, and increase SC content; however, the effect of GGOH on SC myogenic state in T2D rats is not known. PURPOSE: To examine the effects of GGOH on SC myogenic state and muscle cross-sectional area (CSA) in T2D rats. METHODS: 21 Sprague-Dawley rats were fed a control diet (CON; n=7), a high-fat diet with 35 mg/kg of streptozotocin (HFD; n=7), and HFD with 800mg/kg …

Randomized Pilot Study Examining The Impact Of An Online, Non-Restrictive Diet Among Working Adults, Diana Kolb, Stephanie Silveira Dr., Ec Synkowski

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

There is a growing interest in health promotion emphasizing diet quality, specifically increased intake of fruits and vegetables, as a more effective approach for improving health outcomes. Recent studies examined ways to decrease fatigue in the workplace, some showing improved diet quality helps performance in the work environment. PURPOSE: This randomized pilot study aimed to test an online, non-restrictive diet among a sample of full-time employees at the University of North Texas. The primary research question asked if the diet program improved general health indicators: body fat percentage(BF%), body weight, and waist circumference(WC). METHODS: Twenty-three participants were randomized …

Gendered Dietary Supplements: Does The Marketing Reflect Different Formulations?, Alexandra P. Brojanac, Grant M. Tinsley, Madelin R. Siedler

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Many dietary supplements are marketed with gendered terms, such as “for her” and “for him.” However, whether these statements reflect different nutrient contents of products and a biological basis has not been systematically examined. PURPOSE: The purpose of this analysis was to compare the micronutrient content of dietary supplements that are sold in separate forms based on gendered marketing. METHODS: The National Institutes of Health Dietary Supplements Label Database (DSLD) was searched using gendered terms, such as “hers,” “her,” “women,” “his,” “him,” and “men.” Eighty-nine pairs of micronutrient-containing products that were commercially available as a women’s version and a men’s …

Alpha-Cyclodextrin-Containing Beverages For Hydration Enhancement In Humans, Ethan G. Tinoco, Madelin Siedler, Christian Rodriguez, Sarah White, Gabrielle Dehaven, Alexandra Brojanac, Patrick Harty, Matthew Stratton, Jacob Green, Jake Boykin, Abegale Williams, Grant M. Tinsley, Dale Keith

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

A substantial portion of the world’s population may be inadequately hydrated, and dehydration is associated with several disease states and acute impairments in exercise performance. As such, there is continued interest in novel strategies to promote adequate hydration. The carbohydrate alpha-cyclodextrin has recently been shown to enhance water uptake through human aquaporins expressed in a single-cell model and promote longevity in model multicellular organisms. However, there is no relevant human research examining the potential hydrating effects of alpha-cyclodextrin-containing beverages. PURPOSE: To determine if novel beverage formulations containing alpha-cyclodextrin improve a bioimpedance-based hydration marker in humans. METHODS: In a …

The Effects Of Acute Fasting On Anaerobic Performance In Naia Softball Players, Emily J. Sauers, Madison A. Garza, Jennifer M. Estrada

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Intermittent fasting has become a popular method for athletes to help manage body weight. Additionally, athletes with early morning athletic practice often omit breakfast and arrive in a fasted state. It is unclear how fasting impacts performance in softball players. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate anaerobic performance in NAIA Softball players following an overnight fast. METHODS: Eight NAIA female softball players participated in this randomized cross-over study. Athletes were on the active roster at Our Lady of the Lake University. Athletes were 20.7 ± 0.5 years old, 163.1 ± 2.1 cm tall, 151.5 ± 10.0 lb. …

Physiological Stress Responses To A Live-Fire Training Evolution In Career Firefighters, Drew E. Gonzalez, Sarah E. Johnson, Courtney C. Dillard, Ryan J. Sowinski, Steven E. Martin, Lisa C. Colvin, Matthew J. Mcallister

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Firefighters have a physically demanding job that exposes them to many specific and unique stressors, which contribute to cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk (i.e., cardiovascular strain, inflammation, and oxidative stress) or even mortality. At present, the literature lacks data evaluating these physiological stress responses amongst firefighters in any realistic or simulated scenarios, such as a live-fire training evolution (LFTE). Given the elevated risk of premature mortality, there is a critical need to better understand the physiological stress responses to an LFTE. This information could aid in developing nutritional, training, and other various interventions to mitigate stress load and reduce the incidence …

Sacral Stress Fracture — Wrestling, Billal Siddiq, Nikolaos Gravvanis, Charalampos Kyratzoglou, Brett Hayes, Andreas Stamatis

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

CASE HISTORY: During preseason, a 35-year-old wrestler complained of pain in his lower back concurrently with a tingling sensation in the left thigh and buttocks. PHYSICAL EXAM: The wrestler was examined by a physical therapist (PT) and, while discussing prior medical history, the athlete mentioned a previous diagnosis of a mild herniated disk (Grade 1). Upon clinical examination, the athlete demonstrated a full range of motion with some discomfort in passive hip extension. The PT suggested rest and rehabilitation through electrical stimulation, alongside the strengthening of the lumbar spine and hip abductor muscles. Ten days later, the athlete …

Sublingual Caffeine Supplementation And Its Effects On Physical Performance Measures In Highly Fit United States Military Personnel, Reggie B. O'Hara

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Caffeine is a commonly used countermeasure to combat sleep deprivation and alleviate physiological and psychological performance degradations in highly trained military personnel operating in extreme environments for extending periods. Although the mechanisms of action of caffeine are well described in the literature, the ergogenic effects of caffeine are variable based on the individual’s nutritional status, sensitivity to caffeine, genetics, dose, timing, and overall physical condition. PURPOSE: To explore the effects of moderate doses of sublingual caffeine on physical performance measures and perceptions of fatigue in highly fit U.S. military personnel. METHODS: A convenience sample of eleven highly trained, …

Pupil Dilation Differences When Playing Valorant Under Practice And Competition Conditions: A Case Study, Ryan Szuch, Cody S. Dulaney, Sergi Garcia Retortillo, Andreas Stamatis

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Esports have been growing faster than any other sport in history. Esports are video games that are played in official competitions and usually fall into a major genre, such as fighting games, real-time strategy, multiplayer online battle arena games, or first-person shooters (FPS). Valorant is an FPS. Advances in technology have now made a new class of information, namely biofeedback, readily available. An example of biofeedback is pupil size, which is an indirect measure of the amount of material under active processing and sympathetic/parasympathetic activity. Eye behavior is considered crucial in FPS games. Relevant research is scarce in this specific …

Femur Stress Fracture - Marathon, Bill Siddiq, Nikolaos Gravvanis, Lisa A. Vicencio, Andreas Stamatis

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

HISTORY: During a race, a 35-year-old marathon runner complained of experiencing dull, achy pain in the right groin. After the race, he occasionally experienced radiating pain in the right thigh. The athlete was examined by a general practitioner (GP). During the clinical evaluation, the athlete had no signs of tenderness or swelling. The GP suggested rest and prescribed anti-inflammatory medication.

PHYSICAL EXAMINATION: Ten days later, during training, the athlete felt the same discomfort after a challenging training session. He, then, decided to see an orthopedic physician. At the clinical examination, there was no localized pain. Focal pain was present during …

Sleep, Diet, And Physical Activity During Covid-19: Practitioners Should Be Aware Of Considerable Individual Differences, Thomas Wigger, Hiroki Matsuo, Ryan Mccarthy, Emily Locke, Grant Morgan, Joel Martin, Ali Boolani, Andreas Stamatis

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) for prolonged periods of time is related to cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF). Sleep quality (SQ) can be operationally defined from components, such as sleep efficiency and sleep-onset latency. Diet is operationally defined as the quantity and quality of nutrient intake. CRF, SQ, and diet are related to all-cause mortality. During the COVID-19 health crisis, non-pharmaceutical interventions (curfews, stay-at-home orders) disrupted people’s lifestyles, including sleep, diet, and physical activity (PA). PURPOSE: To analyze MVPA, diet, and SQ trends over time and variations in changes over time during COVID-19. METHODS: PA (in mins/week), diet (via REAP-S), and SQ (via …

Older Adults With Osteoarthritis: Higher Mental Toughness Associated With Greater Improvement In Knee Pain/Functionality, Levi Sochia, Alexandra Spinou, Konstantinos G. Tsigaridis, Hiroki Matsuo, Grant Morgan, Andreas Stamatis

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Older adults (the least physically active of all age groups) have a high prevalence of knee pathologies, such as osteoarthritis (OA). Physical activity (PA) is essential for managing OA through its anabolic, lipolytic, and anti-inflammatory effects. Pain and functional limitations can present challenges when performing PA. Mental toughness (MT) is associated with higher success when pursuing exercise/PA goals, but little is known about its role in rehabilitation settings. MT has been primarily researched cross sectionally. MT can be developed. PURPOSE: To examine the relationship between MT and knee pain/functionality via a longitudinal design in older adults with OA who underwent …

Grit Explained 29.4% Of The Variability In Mental Toughness Of Student-Athletes: Perseverance Was Primarily Responsible, Madeline Taylor, Hiroki Matsuo, Grant Morgan, Zacharias Papadakis, Ali Boolani, Andreas Stamatis

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Grit is a dispositional concept applied to individuals pursuing a singular objective. Mental toughness (MT) is a state-like concept, crucial when pursuing multiple goals. Although frequently used interchangeably due to commonalities (purposefulness, perseverance), both these conceptually distinct Positive Psychology constructs have been positively associated with athletic performance indicators. PURPOSE: To examine the relationship between grit with MT in a sample of student-athletes. METHODS: The student-athletes (n = 39; female = 29) reported playing one of many sports: football, basketball, golf, volleyball, rowing, acrobatics & tumbling, soccer, baseball, hockey, tennis, track & field, and softball. Grit levels were assessed through …

Barriers To Adopting Lifestyle Behaviors Under The Prism Of Lifestyle Medicine, Janyll Barber, Zacharias Papadakis, Matthew Manierre, Ali Boolani, Andreas Stamatis

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

According to the ACSM, lifestyle medicine (LM) is in the top 20 worldwide fitness trends for 2022. The LM pillars of a plant-based diet, physical activity, adequate sleep, stress management, social interactions, and avoidance of risky substances have been proposed as effective strategies for preventing and treating chronic conditions. However, implementing lifestyle behavioral changes to improve noncommunicable chronic disease outcomes has still been problematic. Individuals’ mental and physical status has been suggested as a key component in closing the gap between the intention to adopt a healthy lifestyle and actually adopting that behavior. PURPOSE: To examine the associations of …

Measuring Mental Toughness In Firefighters: Preliminary Results On The Concurrent Validity Of Two Inventories, Peter Beitia, Andreas Stamatis, Zacharias Papadakis

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Mental toughness (MT) research is predominantly cross-sectional and based on self-assessment. MT has been consistently positively associated with performance metrics when investigated in stressful and demanding environments, such as sports and tactical. The Sports Mental Toughness Questionnaire (SMTQ) has been used extensively in sports, while the Military Training Mental Toughness Inventory (MTMTI) in the military. In firefighting, MT research is scarce. There is no firefighting-specific MT instrument. Firefighters are considered tactical athletes. PURPOSE: To examine the concurrent validity of SMTQ and MTMTI in firefighters via a repeated-measure design. METHODS: Male firefighters from two departments (n = 14; Age: 29.0 …

Strength Versus Deficit Educational-Based Mental Toughness Interventions On Mental Health Of Female Student-Athletes, Lindsay Guzzetta, Zacharias Papadakis, Grant Morgan, Andreas Stamatis

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Educational-based psychological skills training (PST) is effective in terms of Mental Health (MH) outcomes. Mental toughness (MT), a Positive Psychology construct, is positively associated with MH. Sports training emphasizes working on the weaknesses of the athlete. Positive Psychology is rooted in strength-based interventions. In Applied Sports Positive Psychology, where females are underrepresented, the two approaches appear contradictory. PURPOSE: To examine the effects of deficit- versus strength-based MT interventions on MH levels of female collegiate athletes. METHODS: Out of the 161 female athletes of a SUNYAC institution, 95 participated. MH scores were collected via the Mental Health Continuum Short …