Health and Physical Education Commons^™

An Emg Comparison Of Muscle Recruitment Associated With The Wide Grip Pull-Up And The Lat Pull-Down Exercise, Marla S. Bauermeister

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to describe and compare the prime mover muscles used in the wide grip pull-up and lat pull-down exercises. Ten Western Michigan University students performed the 2 exercises, using a resistance equal to their body weight for 3 sets of 3 repetitions, with 2 min rest between sets. The 2nd repetition of each set was analyzed for each exercise. Research variables included phases (concentric, coupling, and eccentric), exercises, trials, and muscles. The dependent variables were relative time to peak recruitment, peak recruitment, and phase time. Findings revealed that the concentric and eccentric phases were slower …

The Effects Of Chromium Picolinate Supplementation On Body Fat, Lean Body Mass, And Respiratory Exchange Ratio, Matthew K. Beaty

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects, on college-age males, of ingesting chromium picolinate over a 6-week period when administered as a supplement to their diet. Fifty males, ages 18 to 25 years, had their respiratory exchange ratio (R), body fat percentage, and lean body mass measured prior to and following a 6-week supplementation period. Subjects were randomly placed into a chromium, placebo, or control group. All subjects were instructed to maintain daily activities. Analysis of variance revealed no significant differences in R values, body fat percentage, or lean body mass among the chromium, placebo, or control …

Challenges Of Wellness Programming In Midwest Colleges And Universities, Patricia Vanmierlo

Masters Theses

This study was conducted to investigate challenges associated with programming wellness activities in the university setting. Telephone interviews were conducted with 50 college/university wellness program coordinators in the Midwest United States. Campus Recreation/Recreational Sports employed 72% of the respondents, the remainder were employed by Athletics, Health Services, Physical Education, or a combination of those listed. Likert scales were used to gauge degree of barrier severity and amount of collaboration with various university departments. Ninety-eight percent of coordinators work with professionals outside of the department in which they were employed. The departments that most often collaborate include Campus Recreation, Health Services, …

A Comparative Analysis Of The Vertical And Plyometric Style Depth Jump Using Electromyography (Emg), Robert M. Conatser

Masters Theses

The purpose of this investigation was to compare temporal data during the phases of jumping. Eight NCAA, Di vision I football players completed four jumps: three depth jumps from heights of 0.15 m, 0.30 m, and 0.46 m, and a standing vertical jump. Subjects were grouped according to height jumped. The dependent variables were phase time, amortization time, and time to peak EMG. Surface EMG synchronized with high speed video was used to analyze the response of six muscles used in the jumping movement. Findings indicated that subjects who consistently jumped higher spent more time in each phase of the …

The Effect Of External Heat And Humidity On Levels Of Perceived Exertion While Performing A Submaximal Bicycle Test, Erika E. Hanselman

Masters Theses

The effect of changes in environmental conditions on perception of the intensity of exercise using the Borg scale for rating of perceived exertion (RPE) was the focus of this study. Subjects (n= 10) recruited opportunistically from graduate classes in the Health, Physical Education and Recreation Department performed the test in a climate control chamber located in the Exercise Physiology lab at Western Michigan University. The submaximal test followed the protocol established by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM, 1991).

Each subject performed each of the four conditions three times. Conditions were assigned in random order to each subject. Perceived …

The Use Of Selected Anthropometric Measures In The Prediction Of A One-Repetition Maximum For The Bench Press Weight-Lifting Exercise, Gerald L. Thomas

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to determine if selected anthropometric measures would accurately predict a one-repetition maximum (1RM) for the bench press. Sixty-two college students, 29 males and 33 females, were measured on six selected anthropometric variables and the criterion measure, a 1RM for the bench press. The independent variables were upper arm circumference, chest circumference, wrist circumference, lean body mass, and a 10-repetitions maximum (10RM). Pearson product moment correlations and multiple regression analyses were calculated for all subjects and for each gender. Regression equations involving a number of different combinations of variables were explored. The results indicated the …

The Effect Of The Active Ankle Brace On Ground Reaction Forces, Andrew D. Howell

Masters Theses

The problem of this study was to determine the effect an ankle brace worn for stability had on ground reaction forces. Ground reaction forces present when performing a step down from a height of 8.0 in. while wearing an Active Ankle Brace were compared to the ground reaction forces when not wearing the brace. Subjects (N=50) were randomly assigned to a testing condition. A metronome set at a rate of 100 bpm controlled the walking cadence of the subjects. Subjects were told to walk with a normal gait pattern, at the required cadence, and to use a heel strike landing. …

Prevention Of Head And Neck Injuries At The High School Level Of Football: Implementation Levels And Perceived Importance Of Established Recommendations, Jill D. Heikkila

Masters Theses

The occurrence of head and neck injury in football has prompted various authorities to outline recommendations which can be used as a guideline for the prevention of such injuries. The seven recommendations included for study in this research were classroom education of athletes, correct technique emphasis, enforcement of established rules, conditioning of neck musculature, medical coverage of events, athletic training services, and the proper fit of helmets. The primary purpose of this study was to determine whether coaches of high school football programs were implementing the commonly cited recommendations for preventing head and neck injuries. In addition to levels of …

The Effect Of Step Height On Energy Cost Using A Stairmaster 4000pt, Bruce Patnoudes

Masters Theses

The study determined if energy cost or heart rate was affected by Stairmaster 4000PT users stepping at lower than the prescribed 8.0 in. recommended by the manufacturer. Eight women participated in the study. Subjects exercised on the Stairmaster 4000PT using three different step heights; 4.0 in., 6.0 in., and 8.0 in. The condition order was randomized to minimize bias. Subjects stepped with a metronome to regulate step height.

The findings indicated that a lower than recommended step height did not affect energy cost or heart rate.

It was concluded that users may step at any of the three step heights …

Biomechanical Analysis Of The Volleyball Overhand Floater Serve, Jian Lu

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to investigate biomechanical factors associated with successful overhand floater serves. Specifically, the study investigated the kinematics of the server at ball-hand contact. Six subjects performed floater serves for this investigation. Subjects served three trials under each of the following conditions: (a) short and long serves and (b) three ball-valve positions at ball-hand contact. Threedimensional cinematographic methods were used to obtain the data. Descriptive statistics were utilized to compare floater and nonfloater serves with respect to distance and ball-valve position. The results showed that (a) more long serves were classified as floater compared to short …

Kinematic Analysis Of Sprinting With And Without The Speed Chute, Douglas Roy West

Masters Theses

The problem under investigation was to determine if kinematic differences existed when sprinting with and without the speed chute. Eight Western Michigan University Track and Field Athletes were filmed at 100 frames per second as they sprinted two trials with and without the speed chute.

Three ANOVAs and descriptive statistics were used to evaluate the effects of sprinting with and without the speed chute. Descriptive statistics provided information for numerous dependent variables. Although statistically significant differences (R < .05) existed between sprinting with and without the speed chute, those differences may not be practical for the coach to use in terms of evaluation of sprinting technique, because the differences would be difficult for the human eye to see. Therefore, the speed chute may be a viable training tool as kinematics were only minimally affected.

Investigation Of Past Performance And Sources Of Motivation On Team And Self-Efficacy Of Collegiate Soccer Players, Kevin P. Demers

Masters Theses

This study investigated the relationship between past performance and sources of motivation on team and self-efficacy of collegiate soccer players. The subjects of this study were 92 male collegiate soccer players who participated in MIAA competition in the fall of 1992. Data were collected from team and self-efficacy questionnaires modified for this study. A sport motivation scale from Butt's (1987) Sport Protocol was also used to collect data. The findings of this study indicated that (a) past performance is the primary variable in predicting team efficacy; (b) the coach's rating of player ability was a stronger source of self-efficacy than …

Attitudes Of Occupational Therapy Students Toward The Mentally Disabled, Patricia Mccarthy

Masters Theses

Thirty-nine undergraduate occupational therapy and fifty-seven entry-level graduate occupational therapy students from eight randomly selected academic programs were surveyed using the Opinions About Mental Illness Scales ([OMI], Cohen and Struening, 1959) and the Mental Health Information Questionnaire ([MHIQ], Nunnally, 1961). Results revealed that both student groups’ knowledge toward the mentally disabled was more similar to the general public’s knowledge. Using a one-tailed t-test to compare the MHIQ factors revealed there was no statistically significant difference between the occupational therapy student groups.

Both student groups’ OMI factor scores were similar to an expert group for Factors A B, and D; however, …

A Comparison Of Two Resistance Training Programs On Gains In Strength And Endurance, Pamela S. Canavan

Masters Theses

The purpose of the study was to find how two different resistance training programs would contribute to each subject's overall fitness level. Fifty-five subjects were tested to determine their 1RM and the maximum number of repetitions performed at 60% of 1RM. Subjects were then divided into three training groups: control (N=19) , strength (N=20) , and endurance (N=16). The strength group performed three sets of five repetitions each and two sets of three repetitions. The endurance group performed three sets of 15 repetitions. At the completion of the six week training programs, the subjects were retested. A significant difference was …

Perceptions Of Lifeguard Training Programs From Park District Aquatic Managers In Illinois, Erika L. Smith

Masters Theses

The responses from park district personnel concerning the American Red Cross Lifeguard Training program (ARCLTP) and the Ellis & Associates National Pool and Waterpark Lifeguard Training program (E&ALTP) were examined and analyzed in this study. Subjects were employees from park districts, which are members of the Illinois Association of Park Districts and/or the Illinois Park & Recreation Association. Data were collected by a questionnaire, which measured each lifeguard training program's rescue procedures in terms of: l) emergency action plans, 2) communication systems, 3) entries, 4) approaches, 5) rescues, 6) risk management and 7) legalistic concerns. Demographic data were analyzed by …

The Effect Of Varying Weightload Intensities On Biceps Curl Technique, Jeffrey C. Gailhouse

Masters Theses

This study described biomechanical deviations from proper biceps curl technique specifically in the shoulder, trunk, body and knee angles, that occurred in response to varying intensities of an individual's 1 RM (repetition maximum). Ten college age males participated in the study. Subjects were required to perform one repetition at 60%, 70%, 80%, 90% and 100% of his 1 RM. The only differentiating factor was the order in which the five intensities were performed. Condition order was randomized to minimize bias. Movement was filmed with a high-speed motion picture camera, digitized and then analyzed with computer software.

The findings indicated that …

The R Value At Vo2 Max During Maximal Graded Exercise Treadmill Tests Of Coronary Artery Diseased And Nondiseased Subjects, Sherry S. Williams

Masters Theses

This study examined the R value at VO2 max during maximal graded treadmill exercise tests to determine if it was a reliable indicator of VO2 max and could therefore be used as a test termination criterion. The subjects in this study were 160 coronary artery diseased (CAD) patients and 170 nondiseased individuals. Data were collected from existing stress test records. The R value was also analyzed to determine if proportions of diseased and nondiseased subjects were the same. The time it took 100 CAD patients to reach VO2 max and exhaustion once R rose above 1.00 was also examined.

The …

Performance Prediction In Track And Field, Ted James Dabbs

Masters Theses

The study investigated the degree to which predicting performance in track and field relates to individual performances of track athletes. Predictive scores were determined for 26 male and 14 female athletes using prediction equations and test procedures developed by Henson, Turner, and Lacourse (1989a; 1989b). Predictive scores were compared to athletes' individual event point scores published in International Amateur Athletic Federation (IAAF) men's and women's multi-event scoring tables ("Scoring Table for Men's," 1962; "Scoring Table for Women's," 1971).

Each subject's height, weight and age were recorded as well as performances on the following tests: vertical jump, standing long jump, five …

A Comparison Of Percent Body Fat Calculated By Three Methods: Hydrostatic Weighing, Skinfolds, And Near Infrared Technique, James W. Hill

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to determine the validity of the near infrared technique for assessing body composition. Hydrostatic weighing was used as the criterion measure to which skinfold technique and near infrared technique (as measured by the Futrex-5000) were compared. Two hundred subjects (115 females, 85 males) had their body composition assessed by the three techniques. The intraclass reliability of the Futrex-5000 was measured at r = .997. The Pearson product-moment correlation between hydrostatic weighing and the Futrex-5000 was r = .71 p < .01. The mean percent body fat derived from hydrostatic weighing was 19.3% compared to 21.6% for the Futrex-5000. At test indicated a significant difference between the mean percent body fats calculated by hydrostatic weighing and the Futrex-5000, t(160) = -5.21, p < .01. This study indicated that the Futrex-5000 was not as valid as either skinfold technique or hydrostatic weighing.

An Analysis Of Health Related Fitness Practices In The Michigan Secondary School Physical Education Curriculum, D. Robert Salmon

Masters Theses

This study investigated the emphasis placed on health-related fitness in Michigan's secondary school physical education system. Information for this study was gathered from questionnaires. A total of 707 questionnaires was sent out, with 421 returned, representing a response rate of 59%. Analyzed variables included: (a) psychomotor, (b) cognitive, (c) socio-economic, (d) frequency, (e) geographical regions, (f) class size, (g) faculty, (h) public/private education, (i) facilities, and (j) evaluation tests. Statistical analyses included percentages, frequencies, and chi squares.

The findings from this study indicated that only two variables, (c) socioeconomic, and (j) evaluation, had a significant effect on fitness education. It …

Comparison Of Body Assessment Using Bioelectrical Impedance And Skinfold Measurements In The Critically Ill, Elizabeth Mae Gohlke

Masters Theses

This investigation compared two body fat assessment techniques, skinfold thicknesses and bioelectrical impedance, in an elderly population. Ten healthy adults and ten critically ill adults, aged 55-93 years, were tested. The body fat measurements were taken over a two-week period. Electrolyte levels, sodium and potassium, and hydration status were monitored. Intraclass reliability coefficients were calculated using a repeated measures analysis design (ANOVA). Bioelectrical impedance was not found to be a reliable method for estimating body composition in this study; reliability coefficients were R =.83, R =.98, R =.83, and R =.32 for healthy males, healthy females, critically ill males, and …

An Examination Of The Effectiveness Of Teaching Nonverbal Sensitivity To Students In An Occupational Therapy Curriculum, Darla Kathleen Schurmeier

Masters Theses

The effectiveness of teaching nonverbal communication skills to undergraduate students in an occupational therapy curriculum at Western Michigan University was explored by testing students just entering the program and students leaving the campus for their fieldwork experiences. A control group was made up of undergraduate students from curricula that did not purposely teach sensitivity to nonverbal cues. The 50 subjects were tested using the Profile of Nonverbal Sensitivity (PONS; Rosenthal, Hall, DiMatteo, Rogers, & Archer, 1979). Comparisons were made between PONS scores and the subject's area of study, length of time in the program, gender and age. Results showed that …

Differences In Values And Goals Of Occupational Therapy Students, Margaret A. Danka

Masters Theses

This study compared professional values and goals of three levels of occupational therapy students: (1) seniors in baccalaureate programs (n = 337), (2) students in professional master's programs (n = 95), and (3) students in post-professional master's programs (n = 62). Demographic characteristics and factors influencing career choice were also examined.

Significant differences were found among the three student groups for three professional goals: (1) contributing to theory, (2) doing research, and (3) educating occupational therapy students, and four professional values: (1) intellectual stimulation, (2) exciting life, (3) comfortable life, and (4) helpfulness. The demographic differences among the three student …

Kinematic Considerations Of Elite Alpine Slalom Ski Racers, David Andrew Goodwin

Masters Theses

This study described specific kinematic parameters associated with success on the international level in alpine slalom ski racing. Sixteen male athletes representing twelve countries comprised the subject pool. Subject selection was based on finish position in the men's special slalom at the 1989 World Alpine Ski Championships in Vail, Colorado. Cinematographical records were analyzed by a method known as direct linear transformation.

The findings of the study indicated that: (a) hip and knee joint angles of the turning leg must approximate 1.80 to 1.83 radians and 1.82 to 2.21 radians, respectively, for efficiency in this turn; (b) a decrease in …

The Effects Of Aerobic Conditioning Upon The Resting Metabolic Rate, Marti R. Davis

Masters Theses

This study com pared the metabolic rate following an exercise bout to the resting metabolic rate (RM R) established in pretesting procedures for twelve college age females. The only factor differentiating the groups was length o f the training period (one week, two weeks, four weeks, and five weeks). Training took place on a Bosch cycle ergometer three times a week, for 30 minutes each session, at 70 to 85 percent o f the subjects' heart rate reserve (HRR). Breath analysis was measured on a Beckman Metabolic Cart in both pretesting and post-testing procedures.

The findings indicated that aerobic exercise, …

The Effects Of Nautilus Circuit Weight Training On Aerobic Capacity, Rhonda M. Ludwig

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to identify whether Nautilus Circuit Training effected maximal oxygen uptake (VO₂max) levels of novice weight trainers. Fourteen college age male and female subjects (18-23 years old) from physical education classes at Western Michigan University participated in a six week Nautilus Training Program (NTP). Each subject performed a pre and post maximal treadmill graded exercise test to determine VO₂max levels. A randomized block ANOVA design was used to analyze the dependent variable, VO₂max. The mean of the pre-test VO₂max level (42.83 ml x O₂/kg/min) was …

A Biomechanical Analysis Of The Effect Wear Patterns Of Running Shoes Have On Kinematic Variables Of The Lower Extremities, Audrey E. Randall

Masters Theses

The purpose of the study was to investigate the relationship between wear patterns of running shoes and selected kinematic variables of the lower extremities. Statistical analyses were completed by using a case study design for two male subjects. Subjects were filmed for ten strides on six different sessions over a three-month period. A two-way ANOVA design, with repeated measures, evaluated the dependent variables: (a) footstrike, (b) midstance and (c) toeoff phases. The degree of change was determined by digitizing ten points on the body. A University of California, Los Angeles, BMDP2V statistical package was used to determine differences between means. …

Treatment Techniques To Encourage Lip Closure And Decrease Drooling In Cerebral Palsy, Kim M. Samelstad

Masters Theses

This study was designed to test the effectiveness of oral sensorimotor techniques in decreasing drooling. A withdrawal a₁-b-a₂ design was used with two subjects diagnosed as having mental retardation and cerebral palsy. The baseline phase consisted of 20 minute sessions of play, followed by a 45 minute period during which the subjects wore a bib. The treatment phase was identical to the baseline phase except that the 20 minutes of play was replaced with 20 minutes of treatment. The treatment techniques that were used included the following: light touch to the midline of the lips, maintained pressure …

A Biomechanical Analysis Of Running Variances Due To Physiological Fatigue Among Highly Skilled Female Distance Runners, Alison B. Stanford

Masters Theses

The problem of the study was to investigate the effect of physiological fatigue upon mechanical alterations in running. The investigation involved a biomedical analysis of kinematic parameters which compared running mechanics of subjects both fresh and fatigued.

The study revealed numerous alterations in running mechanics associated with fatigue. Maximum vertical displacement of the body's center of gravity was found during the toe-off phase and was significantly less during fatigue. Stride lengths were found to be as much as 2.72 feet shorter during fatigue and stride times as great as .42 seconds shorter. Extension of the support leg was less and …

Menstrual Cycle Status, Body Composition And Dietary Characteristics Of Female Collegiate Gymnasts, Dance-Majors And Non-Athletes, Robyn Lesley Mills

Masters Theses

This study investigated the incidence of regular menstrual cycles, secondary amenorrhea and oligomenorrhea in collegiate female gymnasts, dance-majors and non-athletes. Menstrual cycle characteristics and eating attitudes were surveyed by questionnaire. Dietary status was determined by a 5 day dietary diary, and body composition was measured by hydrostatic weighing to determine the relationship of these variables with menstrual cycle status.

The frequency of amenorrhea, oligomenorrhea and regular cycles differed significantly (p<.05) between activity groups. The gymnasts reported the highest incidence of amenorrhea (16%) and oligomenorrhea (32%). A significant difference (p<.05) was found between activity groups for age at menarche, percent body fat, dietary status and eating attitudes.

Statistical analysis of the main effect of menstrual cycle status showed a significant difference for caloric intake and eating attitudes. The amenorrheic subjects consumed fewer calories and scored higher on …