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Army Combat Fitness Test Performance By Sex In Rotc Cadets, Kevin Lee Withrow, J. Jay Dawes, Robin (Rob) Marc Orr, Robert G. Lockie

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

The U.S. Department of Defense recently opened all combat jobs to women. The Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) is the U.S. Army’s new assessment for measuring a soldier’s ability to execute combat-related tasks. However, issues have been raised at a national level relative to the impacts of the ACFT on female personnel. As the Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) is the initial entry point for many future Army officers, it is important to analyze how male and female cadets compare in their physical abilities. PURPOSE: To investigate the between-sex differences in ACFT performance in cadets from one program. METHODS …

Reverting To A Healthier Diet Or Employing An Aerobic Exercise Regime Independently Restore Muscle Fiber Phenotype Disturbed By High-Fat Diet In Muscle Of Mice, Nathan Serrano, Harkaran S. Sodhi, Kailin Johnsson, Laurel B. Winslow, Layla Al-Nakkash, Christos S. Katsanos

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Obesity affects roughly 42% of the US population. High fat/high sugar diets (HFHS) often referred to as “western diet” contributes to this prevalence. Diet-induced obesity results in impaired metabolic responses and associated disease states (i.e., Type 2 Diabetes). Metabolic impairments in diet-induced obesity are a result of changes in muscle metabolism, and changes in muscle fiber phenotype, which is determined by the isoform-content of the protein myosin heavy chain (MHC). Fast muscle fiber phenotype (i.e. type IIb in mice) is characterized by lower capacity for utilization of lipids, implicated in the pathogenesis of Type 2 Diabetes. Regular exercise shifts MHC …

Body Composition And Fitness Characteristics From Structural Firefighters In A Health And Wellness Program: Differences According To Injury Status And Location, Tomas J. Ruvalcaba, Daniel Higuera, Robin (Rob) Marc Orr, J. Jay Dawes, Kristina A. Ross, Robert G. Lockie

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Structural firefighting can put firefighters at an elevated risk for injury. Numerous health and fitness characteristics (body composition, flexibility, muscular strength and endurance, aerobic capacity) can influence the performance of fireground operations, and could help prevent injury in firefighters. PURPOSE: To analyze the differences in health and fitness between healthy firefighters, and firefighters who reported a current upper-body, lower-body, or back injury. METHODS: Archival data from structural firefighters in a health and wellness program was investigated (258 males; 12 females). Body composition data included height; body mass; body mass index (BMI); body fat percentage; fat and lean body mass; waist …

Comparison Of Flights Climbed Between Garmin And Fitbit Devices, Javen Miguel, Alan Garcia, Melissa Strehlow, Dustin W. Davis, Jeff Montes, James W. Navalta

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

With exercise device technology and consumer interest in the field growing, it is important for users to be confident that their wearable fitness devices accurately track their flights climbed. Two manufacturers of devices that track flights climbed are Garmin and Fitbit. Comparing the measurements of flights climbed between devices from these two manufacturers is important to inform consumers as they decide which device to purchase for flight-related activities. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare the measurements of flights climbed between the Garmin fēnix 5 and Fitbit Versa 2. METHODS: Eight participants (6M, 2F, 29 ± 8 yrs, …

Effect Of Exercise In Sync With Circadian Preference On Migraine Load In Migraineurs, Elias M. Malek, Graham Mcginnis, James Navalta

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Migraines are the most common cause of chronic pain. Effective, non-pharmacological strategies to reduce migraine load are needed. Exercise is an effective strategy, but it is unclear how exercise timing and temporal preference (chronotype)factors modulate the laudatory effects of exercise. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of exercising in-sync or out-of-sync with one’s chronotype on migraine load. Methods: Participants were 7 sedentary individuals who experienced migraines 8+ times per month (age = 34 ± 11 yrs, 167 ± 8 cm, 99 ± 26 kg). Participants were categorized into morning- or evening-types based …

Fit (And Healthy) For Duty: Lipid Profiles And Fitness Relationships From Police Officers In A Health And Wellness Program, Robert G. Lockie, Robin (Rob) Marc Orr, J. Jay Dawes

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Police work can place officers at risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Sedentary activities, stress, shift work, sleep loss, reduced physical activity, and poor dietary choices contribute to this risk. Lipid profiles (total cholesterol, low-density lipoproteins [LDL], high-density lipoproteins [HDL], triglycerides) can indicate CVD risk. PURPOSE: To detail the lipid profiles of police officers from a health and wellness program in 2018-2019, and correlate lipid profiles with fitness. METHODS: Archival data for officers from 2 years of the program were analyzed (2018: 169 males, 39 females; 2019: 194 males, 43 females). Bloodwork (total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, triglycerides) was collected in a …

Validity Of Garmin Devices While Ascending And Descending Flights Of Stairs, Alan V. Garcia, Melissa Strehlow, Dustin W. Davis, Javen Miguel, Jeff Montes, James W. Navalta

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

The use of wearable technology to track physical activity is popular among fitness enthusiasts and the general public. There are many brands that offer a variety of devices. One popular brand is Garmin. The validity of Garmin’s wrist-worn devices in measuring step counts in various settings, such as walking up and down a staircase, is unclear. PURPOSE: The purpose of the present study was to determine if two devices, the Garmin fēnix 5 and Garmin vívosmart HR record valid measures of step count when ascending and descending flights of stairs at three different speeds. METHODS: Eight participants (n=8) were tested …

Validity Of Average Heart Rate And Energy Expenditure In Polar Oh1 And Verity Sense While Self-Paced Walking, Nathaniel Bodell, Bryson Carrier, Damian Gil, Wyatt Fullmer, Kyle Cruz, Charli D. Aguilar, Dustin W. Davis, Elias M. Malek, Jeff Montes, Jacob W. Manning, James W. Navalta, Marcus M. Lawrence, Mark Debeliso Phd

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Walking is the most widely used form of exercise. Advancements in wearable technology allow for the estimation of steps and energy consumption. Polar is a leading brand in wearable technology. The Polar OH1 and Verity Sense are commonly used optical sensors for activity tracking. It is unknown as to whether these devices provide a valid estimate of average heart rate (HR) and energy expenditure (EE) while walking. PURPOSE: The purpose of this investigation was to determine the validity of the Polar OH1 and Verity Sense during self-paced walking. METHODS: Twenty participants (n=10 female, n=10 male; 23.5 ± 6.48 years) participated …

Time Spent Jogging/Running And Telomere Length In 5805 U.S. Adults, Christina M. Blackmon, Larry A. Tucker

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

A scientifically accepted measure of biological aging is the length of telomeres. Telomeres shorten with each year of life. Although age is the primary driving force, lifestyle can also have a substantial effect on telomere length. PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate the degree to which minutes spent jogging or running per week accounted for differences in leukocyte telomere length (LTL) in a randomly selected sample of 5805 U.S. adults. METHODS: A cross-sectional design was employed using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) and findings are generalizable to the U.S. adult population. Time …

The Effect Of Percussive Massage On Skeletal Muscle Mitochondrial Fat Oxidation And Thigh Fat Thickness, Mohadeseh Ahmadi

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Nutrition and exercise are well-established modalities for the induction of fat loss. However, it is important that alternative methods of fat reduction be investigated whether as supplementary treatments to traditional methods or stand-alone interventions, as a significant portion of the population is unable to participate in exercise training or undergo effective diet programs. Some studies have shown that daily whole-body massage can limit body fat deposition in infants, as well as young and middle-aged adults. While most studies have investigated the effects of traditional massage modalities in which massage is applied by a massage therapist using touch to manipulate the …

Effect Of 4-Week Creatine Monohydrate Supplementation On Absolute Strength In Trained And Untrained Healthy Adults, Carson C. Vollmer, Brittany K. Sanchez

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Creatine monohydrate (CrM) is a synthetic form of creatine which has similar effects on the body as compared to the endogenous form. Creatine is used by the body to supply rapid ATP to muscles for contractile movements and is regularly obtained in the diet, primarily from meat products, or synthesized by the liver at a 24-hour turnover rate of approximately 1-2 g/day. Creatine supplementation is commonly used with the intention of improving muscular strength and hypertrophy for athletic performance along with enhanced recovery time, injury prevention, rehabilitation, and potential neuroprotective benefits. PURPOSE: The specific aim of this study is …

Validity Of Fitbit Devices While Ascending And Descending Flights Of Stairs, Melissa Strehlow, Alan Garcia, Dustin W. Davis, Javen Miguel, Jeff Montes, James W. Navalta

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

With wearable technology becoming increasingly popular, devices that provide valid step counts during physical activities are important for people trying to accumulate a certain number of steps, as is a common goal when trying to become more active. One of the most popular manufacturers of wearable devices in the world is Fitbit. It is not clear if wrist-worn Fitbit devices provide valid step counts while ascending and descending flights of stairs at different speeds. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the validity of step counts by the wrist-worn Fitbit Charge and Fitbit Versa 2 while walking …

Cannabis And Cannabidiol Use In Active Individuals: A Survey Of Timing And Reasons For Use, Matthew M. Schubert, Jamie E. Hibbert, Richard Armenta, Erik A. Willis, Whitney Ogle

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

The use of cannabis for medicinal and recreational purposes is widespread across the globe. However, relatively little is known regarding the use of cannabis and its constituents among athletic populations. PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to examine timing of cannabis use relative to exercise, reasons for use, forms of consumption, and sources of information in active adults. METHODS: This cross-sectional survey was administered electronically beginning in September 2020. Participants were recruited through social media advertisements, email blasts, and word of mouth. Data were collected on health and exercise habits, use of cannabis/cannabidiol (CBD), reasons for use, …

The Role Of Physical Activity In The Relationship Between Sitting Time And Insulin Resistance, Kayla Parker, Larry A. Tucker

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

PURPOSE: The primary objective of the present study was to determine the role of physical activity in the relationship between sitting time and insulin resistance in 7,092 randomly selected U.S. adults. METHODS: Cross-sectional data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), 2011-2018, were used to answer the research question. NHANES data for 2019-2020 were not available because of COVID. Participants were selected using a multi-stage, random sampling strategy. Subjects reported average sitting time, quantified as the number of minutes spent per day sitting. Insulin resistance was determined using HOMA-IR (homeostatic model assessment). HOMA-IR is the most common measure …

Effect Of Exercise In Sync With Circadian Preference On Classification Of Response And Non-Response In Migraineurs, James W. Navalta, Graham R. Mcginnis, Elias M. Malek

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

It is estimated that 36 million individuals in the U.S. suffer from migraines. While pharmacological treatments are most often prescribed, adverse side effects cause nearly 70% to delay or avoid taking medication. Treatments such as exercise, that have fewer side effects than medications, are needed. While exercise is effective, not all migraineurs benefit (40% were classified as non-responders in one study), indicating certain aspects should be evaluated. The PURPOSE was to determine if exercise prescribed at a time-of-day in synchrony versus out of synchrony with circadian preference (chronotype) affected responder versus non-responder status when considering monthly migraine load. METHODS: …

Investigation Of Swimming Economy While Wearing Different Triathlon Wetsuit Styles At Submaximal Front Crawl Swimming, Boram Lim, Alejandro Villalobos, George Crocker, John Mercer Dr.

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Triathlon wetsuits commonly use for the potential benefits of swimming performance and thermoregulation. Triathletes may select different wetsuit styles depending on many factors (e.g., temperature regulation swimming technique, body type, and training purpose). However, there is a lack of empirical evidence of how different wetsuit styles affect the physiological responses to swimming. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the physiological responses during submaximal intensity front crawl swimming using different wetsuit styles. METHODS: Fourteen participants (n=6 men, n=8 women; all recreational triathletes or swimmers) completed a swimming graded exercise test wearing a swimsuit only to determine …

Estrogen Receptor Alpha Controls Mitochondrial Function And Metabolic Homeostasis, And Is Critical For Exercise-Induced Improvements In Metabolism, Alexia M. Joseph

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Skeletal muscle is an important tissue responsible for locomotion, oxidative metabolism, and insulin-stimulated glucose disposal. Because exercise is the most effective means to combat metabolic dysfunction and prevent the progression of type 2 diabetes, our laboratory is interested in understanding the molecular transducers underlying the health benefits of exercise. Previous work by our group has shown that muscle ESR1/ERα expression is correlated with indices of metabolic health, and Esr1 expression in muscle is induced following exercise training.

PURPOSE: Determine whether genetic overexpression of Esr1 to mimic transcript induction by physical activity is sufficient to produce favorable metabolic changes …

Validation Of The Garmin Fenix 6s Maximal Oxygen Consumption (Vo2max) Estimate, Macy M. Helm, Bryson Carrier, Dustin W. Davis, Kyle Cruz, Brenna Barrios, James W. Navalta

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Commercially available fitness watches provide recreational athletes insight into aerobic fitness. The Garmin fēnix. 6S (GF) is a recently released multisport watch that provides estimations related to aerobic and endurance performance, including maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max). VO2max is an important physiological metric to determine aerobic capacity, structure training, and anticipate race performance. PURPOSE: Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the validity and accuracy of the GF’s prediction of VO2max in the general population compared to lab-based measurements. METHODS: 20 healthy participants (9 male, 11 female, 24 土 5.4 years, 30.45 土 21.79 km run/wk) participated in two …

Validity Of Average Heart Rate And Energy Expenditure In Polar Oh1 And Verity Sense While Self-Paced Running, Damian Gil, Bryson Carrier, Wyatt Fullmer, Kyle Cruz, Charli D. Aguilar, Dustin W. Davis, Elias M. Malek, Nathaniel Bodell, Jeff Montes, Jacob W. Manning, James W. Navalta, Marcus M. Lawrence, Mark Debeliso Phd

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Running is one of the most common forms of exercise in the world today. Technological advancements have contributed to the rise in the usage of wearable technology. Polar is a household name leading this amelioration of wearable technology. The Polar OH1 and Verity Sense are two of the typical models used to measure heart rate and energy expenditure, however, the validity of these devices have yet to be investigated. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the validity of the Polar OH1 and the Verity Sense during self-paced running. METHODS: Twenty participants (n=10 female, n=10 male; …

Validity Of Average Heart Rate And Energy Expenditure In Polar Armband Devices While Self-Paced Biking, Wyatt B. Fullmer, Bryson Carrier, Elias Malek, Damian Gil, Kyle Cruz, Charli Aguilar, Dustin Davis, Nathaniel Bodell, Jeff Montes, Jake Manning, Mark Debeliso, Facsm, James Navalta, Facsm, Marcus M. Lawrence

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Wearable technology has become an increasingly utilized tool to track various aspects of physical activity amongst fitness enthusiasts and the general public. Polar is a common brand that is utilized, and many use the devices for a variety of modalities, like walking, running, or biking. However, the validity of Polar’s armband optical devices in estimating average heart rate (HR) and energy expenditure (EE) while biking is unknown. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine if two devices, the Polar OH1 and Polar Verity Sense, record valid measures of average HR and EE while self-paced biking. METHODS: Twenty participants …

Validity Of The K5 Wearable Metabolic System During The Ymca Bench Press Test - A Pilot Study, Kyle Cruz, James W. Navalta, Dustin W. Davis, Bryson Carrier

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

The accelerated advancements in exercise technology have resulted in the development of wearable metabolic units, allowing measurements to occur outside traditional laboratories. The validation of new equipment is essential in various applications. PURPOSE: The pilot study's purpose was to validate the metabolic measurements of the COSMED K5 wearable metabolic system against the criterion Parvo Medics TrueOne 2400 during a modified YMCA Bench Press Test. METHODS: Nine resistance weight-trained participants (six male, three female, age 29.3 ± 8.0 yrs, 78.1 ± 13.8 kg, 173.3 ± 11.5 cm) performed two identical tests on the same day. Because of equipment warm-up times, the …

Assessing The Validity Of Several Heart Rate Monitors In Wearable Technology While Mountain Biking, Bryson Carrier, R. W. Salatto, Dustin W. Davis, Jacquelyn V.L. Sertic, Brenna Barrios, Peyton Cater, James W. Navalta

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

The development of fitness trackers and other wearable technology designed for health and fitness purposes is growing in popularity and sophistication every day. These devices have the ability to measure or estimate a variety of physiological and physical variables, such as step count, energy expenditure, VO2max, lactate threshold, heart rate, stride length, vertical oscillation, ground contact time, blood oxygen saturation (via pulse oximetry), and many others. PURPOSE: In order to properly use these devices, independent validation needs to take place to determine the device’s accuracy and ability to properly measure or estimate each variable. Therefore, the purpose of this …

The Effects Of Meditative And Mindful Walking On Mental And Cardiovascular Health, Dustin W. Davis, Bryson Carrier, Kyle Cruz, Brenna Barrios, James W. Navalta Facsm

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Poor mental and cardiovascular health are major problems that are alleviated by novel non-pharmacological modalities such as mindful exercise. The effects of two modalities, meditative and mindful walking, are inconclusive. PURPOSE: The primary purpose of the present study was to synthesize the primary literature on meditative and mindful walking to determine their effects on mental and cardiovascular health. The secondary purpose was to assess the quality of the relevant, published research studies. METHODS: A rigorous systematic review was conducted as per the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. The full protocol is registered in PROSPERO …