Health and Physical Education Commons^™

Association Between Coaching Behavior Styles And Athlete Well-Being: A Systematic Review, Matthew Benavides, Olivia Evola, Devjja V. Joshi, Arpita M. Bedarkar, Amerigo Rossi

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Coaching behavior plays a critical role in shaping athlete outcomes, including motivation, performance, satisfaction, and burnout. PURPOSE: Evaluates how different coaching styles are associated with athlete well-being and the psychological mechanisms involved. METHODS: A detailed search of ProQuest, Gale and EBSCO databases was done. Five peer-reviewed studies that met the inclusion criteria of college student athletes competing in NCAA or NAIA in the US or Canada and studies involving the coaching styles of either autocratic, democratic, transformational, congruent leadership or intrinsic motivation were systematically reviewed. 1,900 athletes were evaluated in the included studies of relationships between coaching behaviors and student …

The Effect Of Different Post-Activation Potentiation Protocols On Peak Muscle Torque During Knee Extension, Kaileb Bayliss, Steven Prince, Casi Helbig

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Post-activation potentiation is an important tool to utilize when trying to optimize exercise and sport performance. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to analyze different protocol lengths to determine if the post-activation potentiation effect can still manifest after just 1 specific warm up set vs. multiple specific warm up sets. METHODS: Subjects included eighteen college students from Texas Lutheran University with a mean age of 21.67 years (+/-2.70), height of 66.68 inches (+/-3.12), and weight of 176.56 pounds (+/-44.77). The subjects started the first session with a GWU that manifested as a 5 minute walk on an …

Aerobic Capacity And Maximal Work Performance In Firefighters: The Role Of Age And Body Composition In Occupational Health Risk, Payton E. Miller, Michael Conner, Grant M. Tinsley, Drew E. Gonzalez, Christine M. Florez, Carina M. Velasquez, Kelly Hines, Jacob A. Mota

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Firefighting requires repeated bouts of high-intensity physical work performed under extreme environmental conditions, placing substantial strain on the cardiovascular and musculoskeletal systems. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of on-duty firefighter fatalities, with the majority of deaths occurring among firefighters aged 40 years and older. Physiological characteristics such as age and body composition influence aerobic capacity and maximal work performance, both of which are critical and essential while performing strenuous operations. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine how age, sex, and body composition affect aerobic capacity (VO_2peak) and maximal work capacity (W_{max …}

Correlations Between Lower Body Plyometrics And Sprint Speed, Andrew Burnett, Casi Helbig

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Speed and power are attributes that every athlete strives to improve. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine which of four plyometric tests correlated to sprint speed. METHODS: The subjects were 37 Texas Lutheran University baseball players. Participants performed a vertical jump, broad jump, triple broad jump, and 4-jump vertical test along with a thirty-yard sprint. Before each test, the subjects were put through the same dynamic warmup that was created by the experimenter. A vertical jump mat was used to measure both the vertical jump and the four jump vertical test. The vertical jump test …

Does Perceived Competence And Practice Type Influence Motor Performance In Softball Pitchers Developing A New Pitch Type?, Anthony W. Fava, Matthew Miller, Emily Sauers, Gretchen Oliver

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Competence-based motivation frameworks use perceived self-confidence (PSC) to explain performance outcomes. Although PSC has been associated with improved performance on fundamental motor skills, PSC can also be task specific and may change depending on particular contexts within a sport. PURPOSE: To assess whether PSC influenced motor performance in softball pitchers developing a new pitch type under two different practice types. METHODS: Fifty adolescent-aged softball pitchers participated. Pitchers were randomly assigned into two practice types: Constraints-led Approach (CLA), (14.9±1.2y,64.8±10.1kg,1.69±0.1m), and Traditional (Trad), (14.5±1.0y, 65.4±11.4kg, 1.67±0.1m). Recruited pitchers indicated the drop ball (DB) was not their ‘go-to’ pitch nor was …

Effect Of Lower Leg Air Compression On Systemic Blood Pressure, Kimberly Livingston, John D. Smith

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Given the critical role of blood pressure monitoring in clinical settings and the widespread use of compression therapy, it is important to clarify whether and how leg compression devices influence blood pressure. PURPOSE: To examine blood pressure and heart rate responses to intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC). METHODS: Participants (n=21, age=24.3±8.0 yrs, ht=164.1±7.4 cm, wt=69.5±15.2 kg) reclined on a chair and rested for 5 minutes after which blood pressure and heart rate was measured using an Omron automatized device. An air compression therapy boot was used on the right and left legs using a circulation mode on the maximum setting for …

Effect Of Walking With Weighted Vest On Gait Mechanics And Energy Expenditure, Nicholas Becerra, John D. Smith

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Weighted vests are used in many different types of exercises to increase difficulty/intensity. The distribution of weight matters when it comes to performance (Gerhart et al. 2020), and if weight is not distributed properly, then balance may be affected, thereby changing gait and further increasing energy expenditure. Others have also suggested increasing the load of the weighted vest can decrease pH level within the body (Martínez-Noguera, et al. 2024), however it is unclear is changes in gait are contributing to this increased effort. PURPOSE: to investigate the effect of using a weighted vest while walking on a treadmill has …

Effect Of A Bungee Tension System On Physiological And Gait Variables While Walking, Adriana F. Oviedo, Gary Guerra, John D. Smith

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Unloaded treadmill walking has shown to improve motor function, balance and locomotion ability. This type of mechanism is commonly used in rehabilitation and therapy settings and is becoming more popular. PURPOSE: To examine two different bungee attachments on oxygen consumption (VO₂), heart rate (HR), rating of perceived exertion (RPE Borg’s 6-20, VAS) and gait. METHODS: Participants (n=21, age=22.0±2.7 yrs, ht=66.4±2.9 in, wt=166.3±26.5 lbs) walked on a treadmill at three mph for 10 min while interfaced with an oxygen analyzer and APDM Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) gait sensors without unweighting (NU), unweighted with a intermediate tension bungee …

Which Sex Hormone Markers Best Predict Bone Mineral Density? A Nhanes 2013-2014 Analysis, Katarina Kozakova, Elina Satlik, Sarah E. Little-Letsinger

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Osteoporosis is a silent disease that is typically not diagnosed until after a fracture has occurred. Identifying biomarkers routinely collected by physicians can serve as a simple and effective screening approach to detect osteoporosis before debilitating fractures occur. The ratio of total estradiol to total testosterone (E_T x10)/T_T has been proposed as a biomarker associated with bone mineral density (BMD). To further improve predictive power, we propose a ratio of estradiol to free testosterone (E_T/T_F), rather than total, to account for the difference in hormone bioavailability. PURPOSE: The present analysis compares the association …

Effects Of Palm Cooling On Anaerobic Cycling Performance, Bronwyn R. Banks

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

PURPOSE:  To determine if palm cooling had a positive effect on repeated bouts of Wingate Anaerobic Test (WAnT). METHODS: Nineteen college students (18 – 23 years of age) attended a randomized crossover designed trail to perform three bouts WAnT (lower body) test which consisted of 30s bouts. During the control (CON) trial sessions, the resistance was dropped to 7.5% of body mass (kg) at the start of the 30 second(s) all-out sprint, followed by 3 min cycling at 20W. During the cooling intervention (PC) session, a palm cooling (Apex Cooling) device was used between bouts. Participants were instructed to hold …

Late Life Aerobic Exercise Mitigates Age-Related Declines In Physical Function In Male And Female Rats, Dillon R. Harris, Quinten W. Pigg, Daniela S. Inoue, Andreea Trache, Mariana Janini Gomes

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

While lifelong aerobic exercise (AE) is touted to counteract various age-related health detriments, the efficacy of AE initiated late in life remains unknown. PURPOSE: To investigate whether late life AE can reverse age-related physical and muscle decline in rats. METHODS: 52 male (M; n=22) and female (F; n=24) Fischer 344 rats (3- and 21-months) were randomly assigned in sedentary (SED) or exercise (EX) groups, composing 4 experimental groups per sex: Young SED (n=11; 6M, 5F) Young EX (n=12; 6M, 6F), Old SED (n=12; 5M, 7F) and Old EX (n=12; 6M, 6F). Prior to and after training, all animals underwent a …

Goal Versus Win Orientation On Maximal Grip Strength, Cole Thompson, Wyatt Wilson, Casi Helbig

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Competition is a major factor in human effort and performance. In discussing the competitive aspects of achievement, there are two major orientations: goal orientation, involving personal improvement and mastery, and win orientation, in which the competitive endeavor resides in outperforming others and winning. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of goal orientation and win orientation on maximal grip strength performance. METHODS: Twenty-nine college students participated in this study. Each subject performed a pretest with one maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) testing grip strength using a calibrated hand dynamometer for 3-5 seconds to achieve baselines. …

Equine Assisted Services Versus Horse Simulator Activity For Functional Ability In Parkinson's Disease, Ryen Browning, Lauren Crabb, Vanessa Mikan

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder associated with impairments in balance, mobility, and postural control, leading to increased fall risk and reduced functional independence. Rhythmic, movement-based interventions benefit motor function in PD. Horse simulator devices, such as the Miracolt, replicate the multidimensional pelvic motion of horseback riding and may provide a safe and accessible therapeutic option. PURPOSE: To examine the effects of a short-term Miracolt horse simulator intervention on balance and functional mobility in individuals with PD. METHODS: Individuals with a clinical diagnosis of PD were recruited from community-based organizations. Participants completed three consecutive 20-minute sessions using the …

Compensatory Reserve Measurement: A Tool To Assess Skeletal Muscle Fatigue, Claudette Joe, Antoine Ferguson, Khizra Khan, Barsha Khadka, Victor Convertino Ph.D., Joni A. Mettler Ph.D.

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Compensatory reserve measurement (CRM) is a metric of all physiological mechanisms that sustain adequate oxygen perfusion to working muscles. We hypothesized that CRM would track muscular fatigue. PURPOSE: To assess patterns of CRM and muscular torque output during repeated maximal effort fatiguing muscular contractions and during recovery and to examine the relationship between CRM and torque output. METHODS: Twenty-nine healthy physically active participants (age: 21.9 ± 0.4 yr) performed a muscular fatigue task consisting of 4 sets (S) x 20 repetitions (R) of maximal isometric knee extension contractions on an isokinetic dynamometer. Each contraction was held 10s with a …

Surviving The Cure: Modeling The Long-Term Consequences Of Chemotherapy, Rachel R. Chiella, Jaden Wells, Sajedeh B. Tabrizi, Savannah V. Rauschendorfer, Cory Dungan, Michael P. Wiggs

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Due to advances in treatment protocols, survival rates for childhood cancers have improved significantly over the past several decades, with five-year survival now reaching 85%. However, survivorship often comes at a cost, as exposure to intensive chemotherapy impairs skeletal muscle health, reducing quality of life and increasing the risk of early mortality. The CHOP regimen, comprising cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone, is a backbone combination used in the treatment of childhood non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Previous data from our lab demonstrates that CHOP causes acute and reductions in growth and muscle size in juvenile mice, yet data on long-term outcomes remain limited. …

Calculation Of A Conversion Factor To Estimate Anaerobic Energy In Trained Men And Women Runners, Austin B. Shaw, Ethan J. Hein, Brady C. Mclain, Jacob L. Mcnary, Sarah E. Deemer, Lydia K. Caldwell, David W. Hill

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Accurate quantification of anaerobic energy contribution is crucial for sport performance and bioenergetics research. A recently popularized method estimates anaerobic contribution and capacity from a single exercise test by multiplying post-exercise blood lactate by an oxygen equivalent (O₂–Eq–Lac; historically 2.7–3.3 mL·kg^–1·mM^–1). Foundational studies have empirically derived this conversion factor across modalities: two have reported 3.0–3.3 mL·kg^–1·mM^–1 for running, two have obtained 2.7 mL·kg^–1·mM^–1 for swimming, and one has determined 3.0 mL·kg^–1·mM^–1 for cycling. These studies are based on physiological assumptions (e.g., the caloric equivalent …

Investigating The Effectiveness And Benefits Of A 3d Printed Ladder For Rat Resistance Training Compared To A Previously Published Model, Raghav D. Sharma

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

PURPOSE: To document and assess the training of rats using a new design and 3D printed ladder. The results were compared to the same rats climbing a ladder which is similar to ladders used in the majority of previous research. The rungs of the previous ladder were in the shape of a cylinder whereas the new model had rectangular flat steps. Rats were expected to exhibit different biomechanics while climbing the two different ladder models. In the new model we expected rats to use plant and push climbing (PPC) where rats put their entire foot on the step and push …

The Effects Of Physical Activity On Bone Health In Women As They Age, Shannon A. Matthews, Deborah Rhea, Phil Esposito, Ryan Porter

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Osteoporosis affects one in three women over 50, often resulting in fractures that impair mobility and quality of life. Although bone mass and density decline with age, achieving higher peak values before menopause may reduce this risk. Physical activity (PA) is a modifiable factor in skeletal integrity, yet its impact across life stages remains underexplored. Since 80–90% of peak bone mass is accrued by age 16, PA during adolescence and early adulthood is critical. Few studies have examined how specific PA patterns during these periods relate to adult bone health in pre‑menopausal women. PURPOSE: To investigate the relationship between early‑life …

Effect Of Acute Sleep Fragmentation On Skeletal Muscle Blood Flow During Handgrip Exercise, Gabriel Narvaez, Joaquin Gonzales

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Sleep fragmentation (arousals from sleep) has been shown to impair vascular function due to elevated inflammation and oxidative stress. Previous research on this topic has focused on resting vascular function, with little information available about the effect of poor sleep on hyperemic responses to exercise. PURPOSE: To test the hypothesis that acute sleep fragmentation impairs skeletal muscle blood flow during exercise. METHODS: Fifteen adults (7F, 8M, age- 25 ± 5 y, BMI 23.5 ± 2.5 kg/m2) participated in a randomized crossover study that included one night of habitual sleep and one night of sleep fragmentation separated by at least 7 …

The Effect Of Mental Imagery On Free Throw Shooting Percentage, Kaydon Jackson, Kadyn Hall, Casi Helbig

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Mental imagery is a cognitive process involving the internal simulation of sensory experiences without external stimuli and is commonly used in sport performance preparation. When structured and deliberately practiced, mental imagery can enhance skill acquisition and performance outcomes PURPOSE: This study investigated whether PETTLEP-guided mental imagery (Physical, Environment, Task, Timing, Learning, Emotion, Perspective), performed without any physical practice, could enhance free-throw accuracy. METHODS: Twenty collegiate baseball players were randomly assigned to a PETTLEP imagery group (n=10) or a control group (n=10). Over two weeks, the experimental group participated in five guided mental imagery sessions, each lasting five minutes, while the …

Body Composition Of Older Active Adults: The Huntsman Senior Games Study, Abby M. Hansen, Dale R. Wagner Facsm, Heather Feeny, Paxton Catillon, Alyssa Mcnutt, Elizabeth Cafferty, Ben Taylor, Matthew Densley, Nicolas Clark, Andrew Creer

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Body composition variables are important when it comes to studying athletic performance. With an aging population, being actively engaged in athletic competition in one’s “golden years” is more common than in previous generations. However, there is a lack of normative data for senior athletes relative to their younger counterparts. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to analyze the correlation between age and both body fat percentage (%BF) and fat-free mass index (FFMI) in senior athletes and classify the percentile ranks of these body composition variables. METHODS: Data were collected using an InBody 770 Multi-Frequency Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis machine. Data …

The Association Between Muscular Strength And C-Reactive Protein Among Post-Menopausal Women: Effect Modification By Hormone Replacement Therapy, Sarah Krager, Bethany Barone-Gibbs, Amanda Paluch, Samantha Ehrlich, Amy Miller, William Boyer

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Previous studies suggest that the inflammatory marker C-reactive protein (CRP) may be elevated in post-menopausal women taking hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Muscular strength is associated with more favorable CRP profiles. However, this association has not been examined among post-menopausal women on HRT. PURPOSE: This study aims to examine the association of lower leg strength and CRP while considering potential effect modification by HRT using a representative sample of U.S. adults. METHODS: The final sample (n=1,238) included post-menopausal women (≥50 years) who participated in the 1999-2002 National Health and Examination Survey (NHANES). CRP was examined continuously and categorically (/dl vs 3-10 …

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. …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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] …

Feasibility Of A Remotely Delivered High Intensity Functional Training Program In Individuals With Post-Stroke Aphasia, Lauren Cervantes, Amelia Harrelson, Ferdaus Ghafury, Christian Thompson

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

ABSTRACT Exercise boosts physical health in clinical populations, and high intensity training (HIT) has been found to improve fitness to a greater and faster degree than moderate intensity training. However, there is a lack of research on the feasibility and safety of remotely delivered HIT in chronic stroke survivors, and particularly those with aphasia. PURPOSE We studied the safety and feasibility of Aphasia Physical Exercise (APEX), a remotely delivered HIT program for those with post—stroke aphasia. We measured feasibility by avoidance of adverse events (e.g., injuries), high adherence rates and participants' ability to meet the prescribed exercise intensity during individual …

The Knowledge Gap In Secondary Physical Education Teachers In Resistance Training Implementation, Erin K. Furtak

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

The previous opinion has been that resistance training can have adverse effects on youth and adolescents. In many physical education classes, resistance training is not taught to students. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to understand the education history, current teaching practices, and knowledge of secondary physical education teachers in resistance training principles. The results of this study can be used to determine the gaps in knowledge and create further training for in-service teachers and update curricula within credential programs. METHODS: A 35-item survey and a 35-item knowledge assessment were sent to teachers across the state of California via …

Anthropometric Normalization Applies To Elbow Varus Torque, But Not Ulnar Collateral Ligament Properties In Collegiate Pitchers, Dylan Bakhshi, Adam J. Barrack

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Elbow varus torque (EVT) is used as a surrogate measure for ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) injury risk in baseball pitching. EVT is often normalized to pitcher anthropometrics to account for body size, but it is unclear if these are appropriate. If UCL structure is not related to body size, normalizing EVT to body size may compromise its relevance to injury risk. This study examined whether body size is associated with EVT or UCL structure to determine if body size is an appropriate ratio normalization for both EVT and underlying UCL structure in collegiate baseball players.

METHODS: 38 …