Education Commons^™

Implementing Person-Centered Planning In Stem To Enhance Self-Determination And Self-Advocacy For Transitioning High School Students With Disabilities, Lynda Shanahan

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation investigated person-centered planning as an evidence-based approach for high school students with disabilities. The primary objective of this research was first to determine the impact of person-centered planning on the development of self-advocacy and self-determination skills among high-functioning students with disabilities embedded in a special education STEM curriculum, and to explore students' perceptions of transition services. To address this objective, the study employed a Mixed-Methods Action Research Design, consisting of focus group interviews with 11th- and 12th-grade high school students with disabilities. This study drew on a transformative theoretical framework grounded in quality-of-life and communities-of-practice theories. Key findings …

2026-01-12 Message From The President, Morehead State University. Office Of The Provost.

Staff Congress Records

Message sent on January 12, 2026 by the President to the campus community regarding upcoming dates of importance, congratulatory recognitions, and the New Carnegie Designation.

自己に対するパイロットスタディ・レポート（研究者用）, Yoshihiko Ariizumi

Spiritual Proficiency

霊的成長における戦略的自己調整：認知と情動への影響 本パイロットスタディは、構造化された霊的介入が個人の認知プロセスおよび情動調整にいかなる影響を及ぼすかを検証したものである。叙述的報告（アカウンタビリティ）、聖典の主体的適用、および賛美歌を用いた「認知的スイッチ」といったメタ認知的ツールを導入した結果、学習効率の飛躍的な向上と、負の情動からの回復時間の短縮が実証された。本研究の結論として、霊的体験は単なる偶発事ではなく、意図的な環境設定と内省の習慣化によって「生起確率を制御可能な現象」であることが示唆された。

自己に対するパイロットスタディ・レポート（学生用）, Yoshihiko Ariizumi

Spiritual Proficiency

人生をレベルアップさせる「心のセルフケア」の科学

毎日の雑音に振り回されたり、集中力が続かなかったりすることはありませんか？この研究は、シンプルな4週間の習慣が、いかにしてあなたの脳の処理能力と「心の回復力」を加速させるかを調査したものです。チェックリストや心の「切り替えスイッチ」を使うことで、日常のイライラを感謝に変え、さらには難しい学習の効率を大幅にアップさせることが可能になります。これは単なる精神論ではなく、忙しい毎日の中で自分を冷静に保ち、可能性を最大限に引き出すための実践的な「システム」の提案です。

Report On A Self-Directed Pilot Study (For Students), Yoshihiko Ariizumi

Spiritual Proficiency

Level Up Your Life: The Science of Spiritual Growth

Ever feel like you're stuck in "mental noise" or struggling to stay focused? This study explores how a simple 4-week routine can literally "accelerate" your brain and emotional resilience. By using checklists and specific mental "switches," I found that we can turn daily frustrations into moments of gratitude and even boost our ability to learn complex subjects. This isn't just about faith; it's about a practical "system" to help you stay calm, sharp, and connected to your higher purpose in a busy world.

Kindergarten Teachers’ Experiences And Training With Critical Reflection To Support Adaptive Teaching, Tessa Cushman

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The problem that was addressed in this study is that kindergarten teachers often lack training in critical reflection as part of their adaptive teaching practice. Despite much research on critical reflection, there was a lack of knowledge regarding training kindergarten teachers receive on critical reflection and how they use it to adapt their teaching. The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of kindergarten teachers regarding the training they received on critical reflection and the support they felt they needed to implement critical reflection for an adaptive teaching practice. Schön’s reflective practice theory was the conceptual framework for …

Faith-Based Organizations In Foreign Aid (Forfa) Codebook, Susan Turner Haynes

Faculty Works

This codebook was designed to guide undergraduate students in coding the faith status of USAID Grant recipients and is being made available to facilitate further use in the classroom. Please contact the author for any inquiries ([email protected]).

Play-Based Curriculum, Marina E. Prawdzik

Masters Projects

This project addresses the drastic decline of play and play-based learning in public education early childhood settings. Kindergarten classrooms have shifted their focus more to academics in the form of lecture based learning and lessons, rather than play based learning techniques. Because of this, children are lacking in cognitive development, physical development and social and emotional development and growth. This project includes research from within the state of Michigan, research within the United States as a whole, and research about play based learning from other countries such as Nigeria, Mexico, South Africa, Kenya, Finland, and Germany.

Beyond The Classroom: Physiological Stress Of Academic Travel, Whitley J. Stone, Paula Upright, Stacey Forsythe

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Long-distance travel is often celebrated as an opportunity for growth, but its physiological and cognitive consequences are rarely addressed in academic contexts. PURPOSE: This study investigated the physiological and cognitive effects of long-distance travel on university students journeying from the Southeastern U.S. to Hawaii. METHODS: Using a repeated measures design, participants were assessed at baseline (pre-travel) and across the first four days on island (post-travel). RESULTS: Results from a repeated measures ANOVA revealed significant disruptions in cardiovascular and stress markers. Average daily heart rate increased markedly across the trip (F(4,56)=12.96, pn=38 participants for CRF, n=71 for PSS, n=124 …

A Multi-Stage Pilot Study To Develop Procedures To Examine Diversity, Equity & Inclusivity (Dei) Statements Within Kinesiology Journal Submission Guidelines, Vivianne Felker, Zoe Howard, Jafra D. Thomas, Shannon R. Siegel, Shiina Tsuchiya, Jorge Portillo, Deanna Jun, Alexis V. Willing, Jill M. Maples, James W. Navalta, Matthew J. Garver, Joel D. Reece, Dustin W. Davis

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

While diversity, equity, and inclusivity (DEI) principles support ethically responsible, cost-effective, evidence-supported health promotion and performance interventions, they are rarely addressed within published biomedical/behavioral science research, including in kinesiology. PURPOSE: Because journal submission guidelines could increase integration of DEI principles’ application, we sought to develop a valid and reliable procedure to quantify DEI statements within kinesiology-related journal submission guidelines. METHODS: The pilot study was conducted between 2023 and 2025. Faculty investigators developed a codebook with good content validity (100% consensus achieved), then the primary faculty investigators produced a written protocol and coding form to standardize the coding process. …

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 …

Muscle Damage Across Menstrual Cycle Phase, Jeromea "Jiji" Pollock Ph.D.

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

The Muscle Damage Across Menstrual Cycle Phase (MuDAM) study examined estrogen’s critical role in muscle recovery after muscle damage to the knee flexors. Knee flexor strength plays a critical role as antagonist muscles to provide stability to the knee joint during the deceleration phase of sprinting, particularly during change of direction movements. PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to identify the rate of delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS), pain, and performance during Phase 1 (low levels of estrogen and low levels of progesterone); Phase 2 (peak levels of estrogen and low levels of progesterone); and Phase 4 (peak levels …

Anticipation Effects On Landing Error Scoring System Performance: Highlighting The Influence Of Athletic Status And Sex, Heather E. Hinton, Melanie D. Hernandez, Warren O. Forbes

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Removing the element of anticipation has previously shown to lead to worse performance on the Landing Error Scoring System (LESS) field test. It is unknown if sex or athletic status contributes to this phenomenon. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of sex and athletic status on LESS performance with and without the element of anticipation. METHODS: Twenty-six participants performed five anticipated and five unanticipated trials of the LESS. For the anticipated LESS trials, participants were given specific instructions to perform a drop jump task, similar to the standard LESS assessment. Unanticipated LESS trials consisted of …

Effect Of Load Carriage On Grf, Lower Body Biomechanics, And Physiology, Oakley Slade, Megan Astle, Stetson Mcclellan, Brad Theel, Dallan Bye, Tyler Standifird, Shane Draper

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Rucking has gained in popularity over the past several years due to accessibility, affordability, functionality, and wide-ranging health benefits. Despite its popularity, there are several unknown biomechanical and physiological areas that remain underexplored. PURPOSE: Investigate the effects varying loads and inclines have on biomechanical and physiological factors. METHODS: Fifteen recreationally active individuals were randomly assigned to six different conditions on the treadmill. Treadmill conditions consisted of being unweighted or wearing a weighted pack while walking 1.5 m/s inclined (4.5 degrees), declined (-4.5), or flat. The weight of the ruck was relative to the participant's mass and heart rate (HR) in …

Isolation Of Mitochondrial Dna To Investigate Mitochondrial Genome Turnover In Skeletal Muscle, Kathryn Spry, Morgan Daniel, Clover D. Crenshaw, Robert Musci

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

The quality of mitochondrial function is an essential part of cellular health. However, mutations occur within the cell during the metabolic processes of replication, repair, respiration and turnover. A build up of these mutations can cause mitochondrial dysfunction, which in turn leads to cell, tissue and eventually organismal dysfunction. Disease such as sarcopenia and cardiovascular disease are prime examples of the results of this process. Thus, better understanding mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) turnover rates could contribute to a decreased risk of disease. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to 1) outline a procedure to isolate pure mtDNA from frozen …

Pilot Study: Impact Of Full-Body Muscle Contractions On Glucose Regulation By Activity Level, Charles Reyes, Erica Quillen, Christian Gonzalez, Rana Soussan, Janet Dionicio, Gabriela Oritz, Jermey Lohmann, Celeste Perez, Riley Garrett, Sebastian Castillo, Nathan Berio, Christian Ho, Anthony Pena, Anne Yang, Minhyuk Kwon

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Muscle contractions help regulate blood glucose by promoting uptake in the muscle cells. However, modern sedentary (low activity level) lifestyles significantly reduce opportunities for muscle contractions. PURPOSE: This study examined whether brief full-body muscle contractions could effectively alter glucose regulation with responses differing by activity level. METHODS: Three High-Active individuals (HA; 3100 ± 1002 MET-minute/week, 24 ± 5.7 years, 1 woman) and 3 Low-Active individuals (LA;129 ± 152 MET-minute/week, 19 ± 1.4 years, 1 woman) performed randomized and counterbalanced tasks involving brief full-body muscle contraction and non-contraction tasks. The contraction task consisted of 3 sets of 15s fully-body …

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 …

Face And Content Validation Analysis Of The Professional Pain Preparation Questionnaire For Use In Physical Therapist Education, Rodiel Kirby Baloy Ii

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Introduction Physical therapy educational preparation for the management of individuals in pain may be determined based on the themes of: (1) level of academic preparation, (2) educational hours spent in studying pain, including additional postgraduate training and certification, and (3) clinical experience. This study assessed the face and content validity of a tool, the Professional Pain Preparation Questionnaire (PPP-Q) to assess pain expert perception as to the value and relevance of each of the identified domains. Methods 12 respondents were recruited for face validity, and 5 experts were recruited for content validity. Descriptive statistics, specifically frequency and percentage were used …

Preliminary Findings: Evaluating The Effects Of Palmar Cooling On Upper Body Resistance Training Performance, Jake J. Heydon, Bailey Mclagan, E Todd Schroeder

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

PURPOSE: Fatigue can impair single-session performance, thereby limiting long-term adaptations in resistance training. Palmar cooling (PC) may improve thermoregulation by targeting arteriovenous anastomoses in the hands, potentially delaying fatigue and increasing work capacity. This study aims to assess whether PC during rest intervals can delay the onset of fatigue and improve work capacity during upper-body resistance training.

METHODS: Three male NCAA Division I throwers (age 21.3 ± 1.2 yrs; BMI 32.1 ± 0.017) participated in this randomized crossover pilot study. Participants completed two experimental sessions following an initial 10RM test for the seated barbell overhead press. Participants performed four sets …

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 …

Under Pressure: Floor-To-Stage Heart Rate Differences In Elite Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Players, Ashley Holland, Dillon Harris, Zachary R. Mcfadden, Steven B. Machek

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Background: The growing Esports industry features high stakes competition and large-scale viewership. Competitors in titles such as Super Smash Bros. Ultimate (SSBU) may experience increased performance anxiety indicators like elevated heart rate especially when placed into spotlighted stage matches, both live streamed and recorded in front of a live audience. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine if heart rate elevations differ between competitive play on stage relative to the floor of a double-elimination style tournament bracket. Methods: Four internationally ranked SSBU players (24±1y; 4M) wore chest-based heart rate monitors throughout a double-elimination bracket.A 2-way (Bracket [Winners, Losers] …

Remote Activation Of A Connected Mobile-Health Application After A Clinical Exercise Physiology Consultation Within A Preventive Cardiology Practice, Theodore I. Nania, Frank T. Paul Iii, Dennis Fitz-Patrick, Regis I. Fernandes M.D., Robert Scales

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Connected mobile-Health (CmH) is an innovative healthcare model where clinicians use a shared mobile device application (app) and supportive technology to monitor and deliver care remotely. PURPOSE: This investigation pilot tested the feasibility of integrating a CmH communication platform into a preventive cardiology practice within a large integrated healthcare system. METHODS: A 6-month retrospective chart review of electronic medical records was conducted to identify the adoption of CmH in a self-selected group of patients after receiving a 1-hour in-person consultation from a graduate-level Clinical Exercise Physiologist (CEP). Exercise counseling included a short-term progressive home exercise prescription with instruction on how …

Observation Of Emerging Hand Preference Reflected In Hemispheric Eeg Patterns In Infants With Typical Development, Kashish H. Chainani, Riley Elmer, Erika G. Mora, Beth A. Smith

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

ABSTRACT

Reaching behavior in infants typically emerges around 4 months of age. Neural mechanisms reflected in reaching behavior are crucial for understanding brain organization, cognitive processing, and typical neuromotor development.

PURPOSE:

This study investigates the relationship between emerging hand bias and hemispheric electroencephalography (EEG) activity in infants with typical development. We hypothesize that within subjects, brain activation (EEG relative power) will be greater in the left hemisphere (C3) in infants with right reach bias (RB) and greater in the right hemisphere (C4) in infants with left reach bias (LB), with no significant differences between hemispheres for infants with no reach …

Relationships Between Depression And Body Composition In Collegiate Athletes And Non-Athletes, Aysha W. Cunningham, Keegan Pulford-Thorpe, Edward Kerr Iii, Tamara Hew-Butler

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Up to 62.9% of the general college student population report depression. Whether or not collegiate athletes have higher or lower depression scores remains unclear. PURPOSE: To 1) determine the incidence of depression at a midwestern university and 2) explore relationships between depression and body composition in collegiate athletes and non-athletes. METHODS: A convenience sample of student-athletes and non-athletes, from a NCAA Division II school, were screened for depression using the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression – Revised (CESD-R) scale. The threshold for depression was ≥16. Total body composition was assessed using a dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scanner (Hologic, Horizon …

The Effects Of Altitude Hypoxia In Simulated Racing, Yahtziri Martinez, Daniela Torres, Evelin Ramirez Nila, Nathaniel Bodell

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

High-altitude environments impair physical and cognitive performance due to reduced oxygen availability. While hypoxia’s effects on endurance and cognition are well-documented, little is known about its impact on simulated racing performance, which may inform preparation for motorsport events held at altitude. PURPOSE: To examine the acute effects of simulated moderate altitude (~2,500 m) on performance, physiology, and cognition during a simulated racing task. METHODS: Thirteen healthy participants (mean age = 24.15 ± 5.83 y) completed two randomized crossover sessions one week apart: normoxia (~500 m) and hypoxia (~2,500 m), simulated with the Hypoxico Everest II. Outcome measures included …

Acute Effects Of Backpack Load Carriage On Vascular Stiffness And Pinch Strength, Madison Mower, Sean C. Newcomer, Osmar Pinto Neto, Deborah L. Feairheller, Deanna J. Schmidt

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Backpack load carriage has been shown to affect upper limb microvascular blood flow, nerve conduction and fine motor skills. But to the best of our knowledge Pulse Wave Analysis (PWA) measurements have yet to be reported pre- and post-carriage. PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to investigate the acute effects of backpack carriage on vascular stiffness and hand function which may inform injury prevention strategies for individuals in physically demanding occupations requiring backpack carriage. METHODS: Thirteen healthy participants (5 F, 8 M; mean ± SD of 27.1 ± 7.4 yrs, 80.1 ± 19.8 kg) recruited as a …

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 …