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Impacts Of Perceived Trauma On Occupational Performance Among Firefighters And Law Enforcement Officers, Pedro Caniz, Ashley Khanhkham, Steven E. Martin, Lisa C. Colvin, Michael Conner, Drew Gonzalez

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

First responders (FRs) frequently face traumatic incidents, which can lead to posttraumatic stress, emotional exhaustion, and decreased job performance. Although tactical teams are more vulnerable to trauma-related mental health problems, there is limited research on how perceived trauma and coping self-efficacy influence perceived barriers to seeking help. PURPOSE: To assess perceived trauma exposure, symptom severity, coping self-efficacy, and help-seeking barriers among U.S. FRs. METHODS: A nationwide online survey was distributed via email and social media to recruit active FRs. The survey collected demographic data, years of service, trauma exposure, the PTSD Diagnostic Scale for DSM-5 (PDS-5), and the …

Impact Of Body Mass Index On Non-Conventional Physiological Stress, Oxidative Stress, And Inflammatory Biomarkers Among Fire Responders, Natania Hsyung, Samantha Umfrid, Michael Conner, Steven E. Martin, Lisa C. Colvin, Matthew J. Mcallister, Drew Gonzalez

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Firefighters and responders face stress from activity, irregular hours, and hazards, raising obesity and cardiometabolic risks. Higher BMI is linked to inflammation and oxidative stress, but few studies examine these in tactical groups using unconventional biomarkers. Studying BMI-related markers could identify early signs of stress and aid in developing tailored wellness program strategies. PURPOSE: Archival data for 170 (n = 170) first responders were analyzed from annual clinical testing. BMI groups were considered. The first responders were stratified into three BMI groups: “healthy” (18.5–24.9 kg/m2), “overweight” (25.0–29.9 kg/m²), and “obese” (≥30.0 kg/m2). General linear models (GLM) were …

Bone Mineral Density In Physique- Focused And Non-Physique Focused Female Collegiate Athletes: Associations With Reds Risk Factors, Diana E. Kolb, Nicole L. Cipriano, Ross A. Moody, Jason A. Stephens, Martin R. Lindley, Megan E. Ware, Lydia K. Caldwell, Sarah Deemer

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Bone mineral density (BMD) is a critical indicator of skeletal health and long-term injury risk in athletic populations. Female athletes are susceptible to changes in BMD due to sport-specific training demands, hormonal dysregulation, and energy availability. PURPOSE: The present study aimed to compare BMD between physique focused (PF) and non-physique focused (NPF) female collegiate athletes and assess the prevalence of various risk factors associated with Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDs) across both groups. METHODS: Thirty-three female athletes were evaluated for BMD via Dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA), REDs risk using the CAT2, and anthropometric measurements, blood biomarkers, the Eating Disorder …

Fitness Profiles Of Firefighters Who Reported Workers' Compensation: Are Those Who Filed Fit For Duty, Sage A. Newman, Kaitlyn J. Mchahan, Kelly Hines, Newman Brian, Micheil Spillane, Michael J. Conner, Drew Gonzalez

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Firefighting demands physical resilience, such as good aerobic capacity (AC) and a healthy body composition, to prevent injuries. Excess fat and low lean mass increase MSK injury risk, mainly strains and sprains. Knowing AC and body factors linked to injuries can help reduce the risk of strain. PURPOSE: We compared the AC profiles of those who filed for workers' compensation (WC) to those who did not. METHODS: Archival data for four hundred and ninety-nine (n = 499) career male (n = 466) and female (n = 28) firefighters were analyzed from annual clinical testing. AC profiles (i.e., VO …

Evaluating The Relationship Between Nutrition Knowledge And Dietary Guideline Adherence In Rotc Cadets, Sheyla Leon, Michael J. Conner, Lisa C. Colvin, Steven E. Martin, Stella L. Volpe, Drew Gonzalez

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Limited data exist on the overall and sports nutrition knowledge among Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) cadets across different body mass index (BMI) categories. PURPOSE: We compared the general and sports nutrition knowledge of ROTC cadets across BMI groups. METHODS: Cross-sectional data from 184 ROTC cadets were analyzed using questionnaires like PBHE, FCQ, and REAPS. BMI grouped cadets: underweight (<18.5 kg/m²), healthy (18.5–24.9), overweight (25.0–29.9), and obese (≥30.0)—normality tests (Shapiro-Wilk for underweight, overweight, obese; Kolmogorov-Smirnov for healthy) assessed data distribution. Due to deviations from normality, Welch’s ANOVA tested group differences, with Games-Howell post hoc. Effect sizes were measured by eta squared (η2): 0.01 small, 0.06 medium, 0.14 large. Pairwise BMI differences were presented as mean differences with 95% CIs. RESULTS: Differences were noted among BMI groups (as tallied totals and percentages) in knowledge of general nutrition (p=0.026; η2 = 0.071), fluid intake (p=0.048; η2 = 0.064), and sports nutrition (p=0.048; η2 = 0.056). Games-Howell post hoc …

Beyond Age And Fitness: Modeling Metabolic And Vascular Predictors Of Vo₂Max In Firefighters Using Glm And Gam Approaches, Yuhang Liu, Michael J. Conner, Newman Brian, Lisa C. Colvin, Steven E. Martin, Drew Gonzalez

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

While aerobic capacity (VO₂max) is vital for cardiovascular and metabolic health, limited evidence exists on how physical performance, body composition, and biochemical markers jointly predict aerobic fitness in firefighters. Combining these indicators may improve understanding of VO₂max variability and aid strategy development to reduce cardiometabolic risk. PURPOSE: This study investigates how body composition, physical performance, and blood biomarkers relate to VO₂max in firefighters, with the aim of developing predictive models to optimize health and performance. METHODS: 170 firefighters were analyzed. Variance inflation factors (VIFs) were used to check predictor independence. General linear …

How Do Firefighters Differ Between Years Of Fire Service Experience: Part 2 – Body Composition Profiles, Nathaniel D. Rhoades, Michael J. Conner, Jacob A. Mota, Payton E. Miller, Steven E. Martin, Lisa C. Colvin, Drew E. Gonzalez

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Firefighters (FF) face a higher risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) due to aging, job-related stress, and irregular physical activity. Years of experience (YXP) in the fire service have been shown to have a unique impact on FF health and performance; however, profiling the differences between those with less or more YXP has not yet been assessed. PURPOSE: To examine YXP-related differences in conventional body composition parameters among firefighters. METHODS: Archival data from annual clinical testing of 142 male firefighters were analyzed (33.4±8.6 years; 29.3±4.1 kg/m2; 38.8±6.9 mL/kg/min). Groups were considered to be those with <5 YXP and >5 YXP. General linear …

Do Body Composition And Cardiovascular Fitness Differ By Gender In Firefighters?, Giuliet L. Kibler, Kelly Hines, Michael J. Conner, Lisa C. Colvin, Steven E. Martin, Drew E. Gonzalez

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Firefighters (FF) endure substantial cardiovascular stress during their occupational tasks; yet, males and females differ in cardiovascular fitness (CRF) due to biological factors. The differences in body composition (BC) and CRF among FFs remain unclear. PURPOSE: To compare gender-specific outcomes in body BC and cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) of FF. METHODS: BC assessments via BIA and CPET on a cycle ergometer for 509 FF were analyzed from annual clinical testing. Gender was self-reported as follows: female (n = 29), male (n = 476), or other (n = 4). BC metrics, including body fat, lean body mass, skeletal muscle …

How Do Firefighters Differ Between Years Of Fire Service Experience: Part 1 - Physical Fitness Profiles, Ian Bivins, Michael J. Conner, Jacob A. Mota, Payton Miller, Steven E. Martin, Lisa C. Colvin, Drew Gonzalez

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Firefighters (FF) face a higher risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) due to aging, job-related stress, and irregular physical activity. Years of experience (YXP) in the fire service have been shown to have a unique impact on FF health and performance; however, profiling the differences between those with less or more YXP has not yet been assessed. PURPOSE: To examine years of experience-related differences in conventional physical fitness parameters among FFs. METHODS: Archival data from annual clinical testing of 142 FFs were analyzed. Groups were defined as those with 5 YXP. General linear models (GLM) were used for multivariate …

Evaluating Self-Reported Dietary Habits And Barriers Among Rotc Cadets Across Body Mass Index Classifications, Sarah E. Johnson, Sheyla Leon, Michael Conner, Lisa Colvin, Steven Martin, Stella Volpe, Drew Gonzalez

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Limited data exist on the overall and sports nutrition knowledge among Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) cadets across different body mass index (BMI) categories. PURPOSE: We aimed to study ROTC cadets' dietary habits and barriers across BMI groups. METHODS: Cross-sectional data were obtained from 184 ROTC cadets regarding validated questionnaires, such as the Perceived Barriers to Healthy Eating (PBHE), Food Choice Questionnaire (FCQ), and Rapid Eating Assessment for Participants-Short Version (REAPS). The cadets were stratified into body mass index (BMI) groups: underweight (RESULTS: Chi-square analyses showed BMI-related differences in responses to REAPS' breakfast skipping question (χ²=14.289, p=0.027, V=0.199), …

Evaluating The Relationship Between Nutrition Knowledge And Dietary Guideline Adherence In Rotc Cadets, Emily C. Holbrook, Sheyla Leon, Michael J. Conner, Lisa C. Colvin, Steve E. Martin, Tabbetha Lopez, Stella L. Volpe, Drew E. Gonzalez

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

There is limited research on the nutrition knowledge of Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) cadets compared to their adherence to recommended dietary guidelines. PURPOSE: We assessed the nutrition knowledge of ROTC cadets and examined its association with dietary intake. METHODS: Cross-sectional data were obtained from 206 ROTC cadets regarding sports performance and nutrition supplementation knowledge via the validated paper-based questionnaire, Nutrition Knowledge Questionnaire for Athletes (NKQA), and Rapid Eating Assessment for Participants [shortened version] (REAP-S). The questionnaire data were analyzed with a Chi-Square test for overall response in the NKQA and REAP-S. The correct responses (as percentages) for …

Acute Effect Of A Proprietary Blend Of L-Arginine And Antioxidants On Glp-1 Release, Katelyn M. Harnen

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) is a key gut hormone regulating glucose homeostasis and satiety. L-Arginine has previously shown to elevate GLP-1 levels, which correlated with improved glucose tolerance and reduced energy intake. PURPOSE: This triple-blind, crossover, placebo-controlled randomized study aimed to assess the impact of a proprietary blend of L-arginine and antioxidants on active GLP-1 concentration postprandially, satiety, and meal intake. METHODS: 16 participants with overweight or obesity completed the 3 conditions: a Placebo, a Low-Dose, and a High-Dose. Serum samples were collected at 8 time points over 2h to assess active GLP-1 levels. Supplements were consumed at time 0, …

Assessing The Influence Of Electrode Placement On Body Composition Measures From Bioimpedance Technologies, Carina M. Velasquez, Christine M. Florez, Christian Rodriguez, Madelin R. Siedler, Matthew T. Stratton, Patrick S. Harty, Ainsley E. Way, Madison H. Sullivan, Grant M. Tinsley

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

A variety of laboratory-based methods have been utilized to assess body composition. However, technical and physiological variations can influence the estimates from these devices. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to assess the within- and between-day reliability of bioimpedance spectroscopy (BIS) and single-frequency bioelectrical impedance analysis (SFBIA), with varying electrode placement, for estimates of body fat percentage (BF%), fat-free mass (FFM), and fat mass (FM). METHODS: Eighteen healthy young adults (mean ± SD; age = 25.7 ± 7.5 years; BMI = 22.4 ± 2.3 kg/m²) completed two visits to the laboratory for BIS and SFBIA …

Dietary Nitrate Supplementation Worsens Resistance Exercise Performance In Resistance-Trained Females, Sydney N. Brennan, Raymond T. Gerardo, Trevor J. Molnar, Justin M. Foster, Ryan Tran, Kyle S. Geppert, Christopher B. Sottile, Michael Egiazarian, Abigail F. Ballhagen, Stewart D. Gonzalez, Adam Pennell, Rachel Tan

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Dietary nitrate supplementation appears to preferentially target type II muscle fibers for beneficial effects; however, research examining the efficacy of nitrate in females and resistance exercise is scarce. PURPOSE: To investigate if dietary nitrate, provided as concentrated nitrate-rich beetroot juice (BR), improved resistance exercise performance in back squat and bench press compared to nitrate-depleted beetroot juice (PL) in resistance-trained females. METHODS: Eighteen resistance-trained females aged reported to the lab for a total of four visits over a 2-week period. Participants performed a one repetition maximum protocol (1RM) and familiarization to the experimental protocol, and were assigned in a randomized, double-blind …

Evaluating The Accuracy Of Sex-Dependent Algorithms In Commercial Wrist-Worn Wearables For Exercise Energy Expenditure, Olivia R. Perez, Dustin W. Davis, Michael W. H. Wong, James W. Navalta Facsm

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Commercial wrist-worn wearable devices are popular among sports and health enthusiasts. Energy expenditure (EE) is a valuable measurement returned from these devices, but the accuracy is variable. A gap exists in sport and exercise science concerning sex-specific accuracy and input algorithms. Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the sex-specific validity of five commercial wrist-worn wearable devices in estimating exercise EE, with indirect calorimetry as the criterion. Methods: 97 adult participants were outfitted with two devices (n = 20 per device), one set to the "female" sex option on the right wrist and the other set to the "male" sex …

Effects Of Acute And Multi-Day Beetroot Juice Supplementation On Power And Velocity Of Ncaa Division I Baseball Players, Justin M. Foster, Raymond T. Gerardo, Sydney N. Brennan, Trevor J. Molnar, Ryan Tran, Kyle S. Geppert, Christopher B. Sottile, Michael Egiazarian, Abigail F. Ballhagen, Stewart D. Gonzalez, Adam Pennell, Rachel Tan

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Dietary nitrate supplementation can enhance power via modulating type II muscle fiber contractility; however, no study has examined the ergogenic potential of nitrate in elite level power-based athletes that heavily rely on type II muscle fiber activation such as baseball players. Moreover, there are no nitrate dosing guidelines available for elite level athletes. PURPOSE: To investigate if acute and multi-day nitrate supplementation influences power and velocity during barbell back squat and barbell bench press in elite level baseball players. METHODS: Eighteen male collegiate baseball athletes (NCAA Division I) reported to the laboratory for 6 visits over ~8 weeks, and were …

Effect Of Sodium Bicarbonate On Gastrointestinal Injury During Repeated Sprints In The Heat, Ozan Kumbasar, Jonathan W. Specht, Marissa Ramirez, Jennifer Raef, Mackenzie Schwartz, Alyssa R. Bailly, Oscar Chavez Jr., Jade X. Dawson, Jessica Apodaca, Raul Freire, Withley C. Atkins, Flávio De Castro Magalhães, Jason Siegler, Fabiano T. Amorim

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Sodium bicarbonate (SB) is a widely used supplement that can enhance repeat sprint performance; however, a common side effect is gastrointestinal (GI) distress. Exercise in the heat can cause intestinal injury and endotoxemia, but no study has examined whether SB heightens this injury. PURPOSE: To determine whether SB ingestion exacerbates intestinal discomfort, injury, and endotoxemia during repeated sprints in the heat. METHODS: Ten endurance-trained athletes (6 male) completed randomized, counterbalanced, double-blind trials in which they ingested capsules containing SB (0.2 g·kg⁻¹ body mass) or placebo following a high-carbohydrate meal. The trials consisted of a 22-min warm-up followed by …

Dietary Nitrate Supplementation Worsens Resistance Exercise Performance In Resistance-Trained Females, Sydney N. Brennan, Raymond T. Gerardo, Trevor J. Molnar, Justin M. Foster, Ryan Tran, Kyle S. Geppert, Christopher B. Sottile, Michael Egiazarian, Abigail F. Ballhagen, Stewart D. Gonzalez, Adam Pennell, Rachel Tan

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Dietary nitrate supplementation appears to preferentially target type II muscle fibers for beneficial effects; however, research examining the efficacy of nitrate in females and resistance exercise is scarce. PURPOSE: To investigate if dietary nitrate, provided as concentrated nitrate-rich beetroot juice (BR), improved resistance exercise performance in back squat and bench press compared to nitrate-depleted beetroot juice (PL) in resistance-trained females. METHODS: Eighteen resistance-trained females aged reported to the lab for a total of four visits over a 2-week period. Participants performed a one repetition maximum protocol (1RM) and familiarization to the experimental protocol, and were assigned in a randomized, double-blind …

Acute And Chronic Dietary Nitrate Supplementation On Resistance Exercise Performance In Healthy Resistance-Trained Adults., Trevor J. Molnar, Sydney N. Brennan, Justin M. Foster, Ryan Tran, Raymond T. Gerardo, Kyle S. Geppert, Christopher B. Sottile, Michael Egiazarian, Abigail F. Ballhagen, Stewart D. Gonzalez, Adam Pennell, Rachel Tan

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

The efficacy of dietary nitrate supplementation for enhancing resistance exercise remains unclear, and nitrate dosing guidelines are relatively unexplored. PURPOSE: To determine whether acute and chronic dietary nitrate supplementation, provided in the form of nitrate-rich beetroot juice (BR), can improve resistance exercise performance in resistance-trained males. METHODS: Thirty-six resistance-trained males and females will be recruited. Participants will complete a standardized one-repetition maximum (1RM) test in barbell back squat and barbell bench press and a familiarization prior to experimental visits. In a randomized, double-blind, controlled, fashion, participants will complete two conditions of 14-day supplementation periods to consume: (1) nitrate-depleted beetroot juice …

Stair Stepping And Peripheral Heating With Negative Pressure Improve Postprandial Glucose In Sleep Restricted Young Adults, Sabrina S. Stringfellow, Rachel Demonteverde, Jeff Moore, Jochen Kressler

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Sleep restriction (SR) impairs glycemic control, elevating the postprandial blood glucose (BG) response, an independent predictor of morbidity and mortality. Stair stepping and peripheral heating with negative pressure have been shown to acutely improve glycemic indices but have not been tested after SR. PURPOSE: To examine if stair stepping or peripheral heating with negative pressure improve postprandial BG after SR. We hypothesized 1-minute of brief, low-effort stair stepping and 60 min peripheral heating with negative pressure would improve postprandial glucose in sleep restricted (≤4 hours) young adults. METHODS: Participants (N=24; 22 (2) y; 13 female; 23.8 (5) kg/m2) performed a …

Susceptibility To Eccentric Contractions-Induced Locomotor Muscle Injury In Cigarette Smoke-Exposed Mice, David Tran, Leonardo Nogueira

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Chronic exposure to tobacco cigarette smoke (CS) leads to pulmonary damage, inflammation, exercise intolerance, and skeletal muscle contractile and repair dysfunction, as our group has shown that CS exposure also delays muscle repair after eccentric contractions. This study investigated whether chronic CS exposure increases the susceptibility of locomotor muscles to injury from a session of eccentric contractions, as previous studies have shown that smokers have a greater risk of muscle injuries. Methods: Young adult (8 weeks old) wild-type mice (C57BL/6J, IACUC 25-071, n=24) were exposed to daily periods of CS or air (as controls) for eight consecutive weeks. After the …

Empowering Black Girls Through Joy, Strength, And Sisterhood: The Smart Fit Girls, Black Girl Joy Program, Alexis O. Pope, Kellie Amanda Walters

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

BACKGROUND: Compared to adolescent boys, girls are more likely to be obese, sedentary, and experience psychosocial distress such as depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. Physical activity (PA) is strongly linked to psychosocial well-being, particularly in girls, yet girls of color face fewer opportunities to engage in structured PA programs. PURPOSE: Smart Fit Girls, Black Girl Joy (SFG BGJ) is a culturally immersive 7-week program combining PA, nutrition, and psychosocial lessons to strengthen psychosocial well-being in Black middle school girls. METHODS: A mixed-methods design was used with 6th–8th graders in the Long Beach Unified School District. Quantitative data was collected …

Concurrent Heart Rate Validity And Reliability Of Polar Verity Sense Devices During Light And Moderate Intensity Resistance Training In Recreationally Active Adults, Kynlee Sperry, Catalina Kerwin, Juni Timmins, Jamaal Bovell, Jose Vasquez, Satereh (Star) Zarei, Jeff Guzman, Nathaniel Bodell, James W. Navalta Facsm, Marcus M. Lawrence

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Our laboratory previously determined that while wrist-worn wearable technology devices (e.g. Garmin watches) are not valid or reliable for heart rate, bicep-worn wearable technology devices (e.g., Polar Verity Sense) were valid and reliable for heart rate during light intensity resistance training (RT). However, these devices have never been tested for validity or reliability with varied intensities during resistance training. PURPOSE: To determine the concurrent validity and reliability of identical Polar Verity Sense bicep-worn devices to assess valid measures of average and maximum heart rate (HR) during light and moderately heavy RT. METHODS: Twenty adults (n=16 male, n=4 female, age: 25.65±8.59 …

The Impact Of Deadlift Exercise Intensity On Rating Of Perceived Exertion, Perceived Fatigue And Anxiety During An Acute Session In Recreationally Active Adults, Juni Timmins, Kynlee Sperry, Catalina Kerwin, Jae Bovell, Jose Vasquez, Setareh Zarei, Jeff Guzman, Nathaniel Bodell, James W. Navalta Facsm, Marcus M. Lawrence

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Most literature examining the influence of exercise intensity on anxiety symptoms has been aerobic training and has found high-intensity efforts to be more beneficial than low-intensity on reducing symptoms. Yet, no study has directly assessed resistance training exercise intensity on anxiety symptoms and other perceptual outcomes acutely. PURPOSE: To determine the impact of deadlift exercise intensity on rating of perceived exertion (RPE), perceived fatigue and anxiety during an acute session. METHODS: 20 recreationally active adults (n=4 females, n=16 males, age: 25.7±8.6 yrs; mass: 92.8±29.7 kg; height: 179.4±9.8 cm) completed 4 sets of 6 repetitions of the deadlift exercise at a …

The Impact Of Resistance Exercise Intensity And Position Of Wrist-Worn Wearable Technology Devices Measuring Heart Rate Validity During An Acute Session In Recreationally Active Adults, Catalina M. Kerwin, Jae Bovell, Kynlee Sperry, Juni Timmins, Jose Vasquez, Setareh Zarei, Jeff Guzman, Nathaniel Bodell, James W. Navalta Facsm, Marcus M. Lawrence

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Wearable technology is widely used in recreational exercise. We recently found that wrist-worn devices (e.g., Garmin Instinct) were not valid or reliable for measuring average or maximal heart rate (HR) during resistance training (RT). We postulated that lack of accuracy could be due to the intensity of RT or even positioning of the device on the wrist. PURPOSE: To determine the impact of RT intensity or wrist position on average or maximal HR validity and reliability of identical wrist-worn Garmin Instincts. METHODS: 21 recreationally active adults (n=4 females, n=17 males, age: 25.7±8.6 yrs; mass: 92.8±29.7 kg; height: 179.4±9.8 cm) completed …

Healthy Eating And Army Combat Fitness Performance: The Mediating Roles Of Vo2 Max And Lean Body Mass, Lillian M. Tang, Anthony Acevedo, Zachary Zeigler

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

ABSTRACT

Optimal physical performance in military personnel is influenced by both lifestyle behaviors and physiological attributes. PURPOSE: To examine whether lean body mass and VO2 max mediate the relationship between healthy eating and Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) performance. METHODS: Eighty-nine ROTC cadets (age range: 18-24 years) completed assessments of healthy eating (Healthy Eating Index), VO2 max, lean body mass (kg), and ACFT scores. Covariates included age, gender, and ROTC activity level. Mediation analysis was conducted using PROCESS v5.0 in SPSS with 5,000 bootstrap samples. RESULTS: Healthy eating significantly predicted ACFT scores (direct effect = 1.42, p …

Neuromuscular Performance In Strength Or Endurance Trained Individuals: Construct Validity Of Mcpet Variables, Jeff Moore, Paolina Chavez Ibarra, Daniel T. Cannon, Harry B. Rossiter Facsm, Carrie Ferguson

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

The musculo-cardiopulmonary exercise test (mCPET) assesses neuromuscular performance during a standard ramp-incremental cycle ergometer exercise test using the addition of brief (5s), maximal effort isokinetic cycling power (Piso) measurements at baseline and intolerance. mCPET quantifies 4 additional variables: maximum voluntary isokinetic power (Baseline Piso); the fraction of Baseline Piso achieved at V̇O₂peak (Aerobic Power Index, API); neuromuscular fatigability between baseline and intolerance Piso (Fatigue Index, FI); and the difference between peak ramp power and Piso at intolerance (Power Reserve, PR), reflecting the degree neuromuscular performance limits the exercise. PURPOSE: To determine construct validity of the mCPET using …

Time-Of-Day And Sex-Dependent Effects Of Exercise On Cardiometabolic Health In Mice With Social Jetlag, Graham R. Mcginnis

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Physiology has adapted to function on a 24 hour time scale, referred to as the circadian rhythm. Operating outside of this time scale leads to circadian rhythm disruption, which invariably leads to pathological outcomes. Social jetlag (SJL), a common form of circadian rhythm disruption, occurs when an individual’s sleep/wake schedule differs throughout the week (i.e. – staying up late on the weekends), and has been associated with obesity and cardiovascular disease. Exercise is a potential intervention to prevent SJL-induced impairments, but the time of day at which exercise is most effective is unknown.

PURPOSE: Determine if early or late phase …

Acute Sleep Reduction Impairs Heart Rate Variability And Heart Rate Recovery Following Aerobic Exercise In Healthy Adults, Jocelyn Kaveney, Gracie Dupuis, Eric Lessard, Braden Wilson, Grahm Mcginnis, Ryan Perkins

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

INTRODUCTION: According to the CDC, ~35% of American adults are receiving an inadequate amount of sleep (/night). PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the effects of acute sleep reduction on heart rate variability (HRV) and heart rate recovery (HRR) following aerobic exercise. METHODS: Healthy, active adults (n=11; 26.4±5.4 yr; 45% female) were screened to ensure eligibility (i.e., meeting the CDC’s sleep recommendations of 7-9hr/night, apparently healthy, recreationally active, and non-smoking), characterize body composition via DXA and measure maximal cardiovascular capacity (VO2max). Utilizing a within subjects, repeated measures design, participants completed an initial 7d period of habitual sleep (CON) followed …

Validation Of Polar Sense Monitor Over Tattooed Skin, Rodolfo I. Mejia

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

The prevalence of tattoos has increased over the years, and, correspondingly, wearable technology, especially heart rate wearables. The signal from the heart rate wearables may be affected by the permanent ink on the skin because of previous validation studies excluding people with tattoos. PURPOSE: Examine the validity of heart rate monitors on people with arm tattoos. METHODS: 20 participants were recruited for this study. There were three conditions in the study that included heart rate measurements at rest, self-paced walking, and self-paced jogging. The Polar H10 and the Polar Verity Sense armband were used as the heart rate monitors. The …