Health and Physical Education Commons^™

Effects Of Acute Sleep Reduction And Aerobic Exercise On Metabolic Function In Healthy Adults, Eric Lessard, Gracie Dupuis, Jocelyn Kaveney, Braden Wilson, Grahm Mcginnis, Ryan Perkins

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

INTRODUCTION: The number of adults who receive insufficient sleep is progressively increasing, impacting the established relationship between sleep and metabolic function. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of acute sleep reduction on metabolic variables at rest and during 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 …

Correlational Analysis Between Fat-Free Mass And Physical Performance In College Students, Rhea Misra, Giselle Murillo, Fraz Tahir, Tianou Zhang

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Fat-free mass (FFM), the body’s metabolically active tissue excluding fat, plays a critical role in strength, endurance, and overall physical performance. PURPOSE: The objective of this study is to investigate the association between FFM and physical performance in college students. METHODS: FFM was evaluated using the BodPod in a sample of 21 male and 12 female students. Various performance metrics were measured, including handgrip strength, aerobic capacity (via VO₂max test), anaerobic capacity (peak power and peak force through Wingate test), vertical jump height, and broad jump distance. Spearman correlations were used to evaluate correlations between FFM and performance …

Interleukin-6 As A Mediator Of Circadian And Sex Differences In Exercise-Induced Stat3 And Autophagy Signaling, Srushti Wagh, Ariana Khzarjyan, Joshua Corpuz, Elias M. Malek, Charli Aguilar, Michael Dial, Paula Martinez, Graham Mcginnis

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Circadian rhythms are highly conserved across tissues and play an important role in regulating how the heart responds to physiological and pathological stress. Exercise is known to be cardioprotective, yet the impact of exercise timing on molecular signaling is still being explored. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is an exercise-induced cytokine which has been shown to be important to cardioprotection and metabolism. It is currently unknown how exercise timing modulates the IL-6 signaling pathway in the heart.

PURPOSE: To investigate how time-of-day and IL-6 influence exercise-induced activation of STAT3 and its downstream signaling pathways in male and female mouse hearts.

METHODS: Wild-type and …

Comparison Of Lower Limb Sagittal Plane Kinematics Measured Using Opencap And Traditional Mocap During Single Limb Squat Analysis In Patients Post-Aclr, Alexander Chen, Jiaqi Wang, Susan Sigward, Willa Ma, Grace Choi

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

OpenCap (Stanford University) uses standard smartphone cameras and computer vision algorithms to estimate joint kinematics without markers. With affordable equipment and reasonable setup procedures, it may provide an alternative to visual assessment of movement impairments in the clinic. Subtle alterations in joint kinematics can be relevant to the interpretation of recovery progress following musculoskeletal injury or surgery such as anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLr). It is important to understand the level of agreement between new tools for assessment and gold standard kinematic measures. PURPOSE: To determine concurrent validity of kinematic data collected using OpenCap and gold standard technologies during …

The Effect Of Fatigue On Hip, Knee, And Ankle Kinetics During Rear Foot-Elevated Split Squats, Sara C. Mills, Jaime Alvarado, Tyler Lindholm, Michele Leblanc Facsm

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Rear foot-elevated split squats (RFESS) are a widely used movement to increase lower body strength, but little is known about how fatigue alters joint torque demands across the ankle, knee, and hip. Previous research has shown that fatigue changes kinematics during RFESS, increasing hip and knee motion while reducing ankle movement, but the effect on joint torques remains unclear. PURPOSE: To examine the effects of fatigue on ankle, knee, and hip torque in the sagittal and frontal planes during the eccentric and concentric phases of the RFESS in active females aged 18–25. METHODS: Participants performed repeated body weight RFESS until …

High-Dose Sodium Supplementation On Hydration And Thermoregulatory Responses While Cycling In The Heat, Melani Kelly

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Sodium is commonly included in sports beverages to promote hydration and support carbohydrate (CHO) absorption, typically at concentrations of ~270-400mg. Recently, high-dose sodium supplements, often approaching 1000mg and lacking CHO, have entered the market with minimal evidence to support their use. PURPOSE: Investigate how hydration and thermoregulatory responses change during cycling in the heat when consuming a supplement containing 810mg of sodium. METHODS: Twenty recreationally active participants (15 males, 5 females; age = 23.4 ± 2.8) completed a 2-h bout of cycling in an environmental chamber (37.3℃, 59.1 ± 4.4% relative humidity) on two occasions separated by > 7 …

Understanding The Effects Of Training On Brain And Muscle Hemodynamics During Exercise-Induced Muscle Fatigue, Aqueen Lenon, Christine Dy, Stefan Keslacy

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

BACKGROUND: While the muscle fatigue during weightlifting exercise is well-documented, the relationship of brain/muscle activity are less known. PURPOSE: to investigate the changes in oxygenation levels in the brain and muscles during resistance training, comparing these effects between athletes (ATH) and sedentary (SED) individuals. METHODS: 24 participants (14 SED, 10 ATH) were recruited. The bench press protocol included four sets of twelve repetitions at a weight corresponding to a Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE) of 6. Oxygenation levels in prefrontal cortex and the right triceps muscle were continuously monitored using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) (Oxymon Mk III). NIRS data …

Intensity Over Effort: Exercise Prescription Strategies For Glycemic Control, Oscar Chavez Jr., Marissa Ramirez, Jacob Dawes, Isaac Chapman, Kosar Valaei, Maja Gebauer, Christine Mermier, Jonathan Little Facsm, Luotao Lin, Gretchen Ray, Roberto M. Alvidrez, Zachary Mang, Fabiano T. Amorim, Valmor Tricoli, Flavio De Castro Magalhaes

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

ABSTRACT

Resistance exercise (RE) is effective in mitigating the development of type 2 diabetes (T2D) and prediabetes, but long-term adherence is low in these populations. Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices are important tools in clinical practices to assist glycemic control. Previous meta-analysis shows the functionality of CGM devices among different exercise modalities but mentions the lack of studies with controlled diet and physical activity levels in free-living conditions. PURPOSE: To examine whether perceived effort during RE influences glycemic control and psychological outcomes in individuals with prediabetes and T2D using CGM under free-living conditions. METHODS: In randomized order, 25 …

Dexterity Assessment Scores Vary With Controller Type But Not Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Player Skill, Jacob D. Cervantes, Dillon Harris, Zachary R. Mcfadden, Steven B. Machek

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Within the expanding Esports industry, competitive Super Smash Bros Ultimate (SSBU) players require high neuromotor execution. They consequently select controllers and permit functional modifications to match the individual precision and dexterity preferences within their playstyle. PURPOSE: To examine how skill level and controller preference impact dexterity scores in SSBU players of differing skill relative to each other and non-gamers. METHODS: 56 (22 male casual CAS; 24y ± 4; play >4 hr per week, 15 male ES; 24y ± 4; top 150 globally- ranked competitive SSBU players, and 19 non-gamer controls NG; 24y ± 5; 16F/3M) subjects voluntarily participated …

Different Glycemic Control Responses In Women And Men With Type 2 Diabetes And Prediabetes To Resistance Exercise, Kosar Valaei, Oscar Chavez Jr., Marissa Ramirez, Jacob D. Dawes, Isaac Chapman, Maja Gebauer, Christine M. Mermier, Jonathan Little, Luotao Lin, Gretchen M. Ray, Roberto Mota, Zachary A. Mang, Fabiano Amorim, Valmor Tricoli, Flavio De Castro Magalhaes

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Resistance exercise (RE) is recommended for individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and prediabetes to improve glycemic control, but sex differences remain unclear. PURPOSE: To investigate sex-related differences in glycemic responses to RE in individuals with T2D and prediabetes METHODS: Twenty-five participants (12 males, 13 females, 36–78 year) with T2D or prediabetes completed four randomized crossover sessions: a high-intensity (HI) RE session (3 sets × 8 reps, 75%-1RM, 120 seconds interval), a rest-redistribution (RR) RE session (6 sets × 4 reps, 75%-1RM, 60 seconds interval), a low-load (LL) RE session (3 sets × 16 reps, 37.5%-1RM, 103 seconds …

Trunk Rotational Range Of Motion And Abdominal Oblique Strength In High School And Collegiate Baseball Pitchers: Implications For Performance And Energy Flow, Belinda Aldern, Arnel Aguinaldo, Avery Takata, Antonio Squillante

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

BACKGROUND: Baseball pitching requires complex sequencing of the kinetic chain, with the trunk serving as an integral role for linking the lower body to the upper body. Despite past research on energy flow in pitching, there is an increased need to study age-specific performance. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine differences in Trunk Rotational Range of Motion (TRROM) and Abdominal Oblique Strength (AOS) between high school and collegiate baseball pitchers and how these variables relate to performance and mechanical energy flow through the lumbosacral (L5S1) joint. METHODS: 12 High School and 12 Collegiate aged pitchers …

Food Insecurity. A Factor In Criminal Behavior?, Jerrod Brown, Jeremiah Schimp, Leanne Skehan, Janina Cich

Nutritional Neurocriminology Today

This article examines how food insecurity and limited access to nutritionally adequate foods impair cognitive function, emotional regulation, decision-making, and impulse control. Emerging research purports that individuals experiencing food insecurity face increased risks of mental and physical health problems, violent behavior, delinquency, heightened childhood vulnerability, and criminal justice involvement across the lifespan. The article advocates for increased awareness, routine screening, and specialized training for professionals in mental health, social services, and the criminal justice system to address food insecurity, thereby supporting long-term policy and community-level strategies that reduce criminal behavior and improve outcomes for vulnerable populations.

The Impact Of Emotional Factors On The Functioning Of Selected Muscles: Facial Muscles, Trapezius Muscle, Diaphragm And Therapy Suggestions For Physiotherapists. A Systematic Review, Kacper Chojowski, Wojciech Janik, Piotr Steuer, Maciej Tomik, Michał Kuszewski

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: Extensive research has identified muscles that are particularly susceptible to emotional stimuli, namely the facial muscles, trapezius, and diaphragm. These muscles can respond to emotional stimuli by affecting the viscoelastic properties of muscles, especially stiffness. This study attempts to identify suggestions in evidence-based physiotherapy (EBP) for treating muscles that are particularly susceptible to emotions. Materials and methods: In order to achieve the goals, studies available in PubMed, PEDro, and Elsevier and Springer databases were analyzed. In the critical literature review, the following word combinations were selected: "muscle psychological stress," "muscle tonus stress," "trapezius stress," "diaphragm stress," "facial muscles stress." …

Can Physical Activity Improve Students' Stem Achievement? Results Of The Lithuanian Study Of Students In Grades 5–8, Agne Brandisauskiene, Julius Venskus, Egle Kemeryte-Ivanauskiene

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Abstract: Background: Recognising the importance of physical activity for students' overall well-being and cognitive functioning, this study aims to investigate the relationship between the achievement of students in grades 5–8 in STEM subjects and their non-formal physical activity. Materials and Methods: The data for this study were gathered from the Lithuanian school management system. To categorize the marks into STEM subjects and non-formal physical sport activities, a RoBeRTa pre-trained model, a tool based on Natural Language Processing (NLP), was utilized. For the hypothesis testing of non-normally distributed data, the Mann–Whitney U test was employed. Results: The results of study show …

Evaluating Rate Of Perceived Exertion And Heart Rate In High School Weight Training Students For Assessing, Enhancing, And Maintaining Health-Related Fitness, Nicholas Searcy

Theses and Dissertations

This mixed-methods study evaluated the relationship between rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and heart rate (HR) among high school weight-training students during circuit training sessions. The purpose of this study was to determine whether RPE could serve as a practical method for gauging moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) among high school weight-training students while allowing students to assess and enhance their health-related components of fitness. Participants were high school students enrolled in weight-training classes who completed upper- and lower-body circuit training sessions over a 4-week period, or a total of 16 school days. RPE was self-reported using Borg’s CR10 …

Addressing Mental Health In College Athletics: Developing A Mindfulness-Centered Curricular Intervention For Student-Athletes And Coaches, Douglas W. Lampman

Electronic Theses & Dissertations (2024 - present)

Rising rates of mental health concerns among collegiate student-athletes have intensified calls for a more holistic approach to athlete development and well-being.  While student-athletes regularly interact with coaches and educators, few curricular interventions explicitly address mental and emotional wellness in the athletic context.

The purpose of this qualitative study was to examine the development, implementation, and perceived impact of a mindfulness-centered approach and curriculum.  This curriculum is designed explicitly for collegiate student-athletes and coaches.  Grounded in mindfulness-based pedagogy, the curriculum addressed stress management, emotion regulation, interpersonal relationships, performance anxiety, and personal growth.

Using a multi-tiered qualitative design, data were collected …

From Fog To Function: An Occupational Therapist's Guide To Evaluating And Treating Cancer-Related Cognitive Impairments, Lauren E. Toner

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

Cancer – related cognitive impairment (CRCI) is a common side effect of cancer treatment that interferes with cancer survivors’ occupational performance, independence, and quality of life. Despite its high prevalence, CRCI remains under recognized and inconsistently addressed within oncology care. About 70% of individuals diagnosed with cancer report cognitive changes during or after treatment, yet many do not receive treatment. Occupational therapists are clinically trained to evaluate and treat functional cognition, activities of daily activities, instrumental activities of daily living, and client centered goals, positioning them as key providers in addressing CRCI. However, limited occupational therapy specific resources have hindered …

Comparing Strength Testing Measures And The Association Of Strength And Body Composition In Young Children, Abigayle R. Spong

Theses and Dissertations--Kinesiology and Health Promotion

Muscle strength is an important component of physical fitness; however, measuring it with isokinetic dynamometry (IKD) is expensive and requires dedicated space. Handheld dynamometry (HHD) provides a practical alternative for field and clinical settings. Thus, the purpose of this study was to compare peak knee flexion and extension torque measured by IKD and HHD in 37 children (ages 5-11 years) and examine relationships with body composition. Participants completed a RAMPing protocol at 90^o knee flexion consisting of two warm-up contractions at 50% and 75% effort followed by three maximal voluntary isometric contractions. Body composition was assessed via DXA scans. …

Perceptions And Practices Of Incorporating Student-Centered Menu Items In School Meals, Kristi L. Lewis Phd, Rdn

Institute of Child Nutrition, Applied Research Division

Student-centered menu planning prioritizes learners’ preferences, nutritional needs, cultural relevance, and engagement in the development of school nutrition program offerings. Menus that reflect student preferences and incorporate student input are associated with increased meal participation and consumption. This study examined school nutrition professionals’ perceptions, best practices, and strategies for incorporating students’ voices into school-based menu planning and modification.

Using a participatory research approach, school nutrition professionals, administrators, United States Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service representatives, and State agency staff participated as expert panelists and survey respondents. A literature review and qualitative expert panel responses informed the development of …

Meeting The Challenges Of Serving Scratch-Prepared Foods In School Nutrition Programs, Keith Rushing Phd, Rd, Ruaa Al Juboori Phd, Mackinsey Shahan Phd, Rdn

Institute of Child Nutrition, Applied Research Division

The increasing prevalence of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) in children’s diets presents a significant public health concern due to associations with obesity, metabolic disorders, poor cardiometabolic health, and reduced academic performance. Scratch cooking in school meal programs has emerged as a promising strategy for improving meal quality by emphasizing preparation from basic, minimally processed ingredients. Although research indicates that scratch-prepared meals can improve nutritional quality and student acceptance, implementation remains challenging due to operational, financial, and workforce barriers.

The purpose of this study was to identify challenges school nutrition professionals face when offering scratch-prepared meals, assess the national prevalence of these …

An Evaluation Of Aquatic Interventions To Support Increased Physical Fitness Levels For Children With Cerebral Palsy, Grace Kasberger

Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects

This study was designed to determine the most appropriate aquatic interventions to best improve physical fitness levels in children with cerebral palsy (CP). Children with CP often experience reduced aerobic capacity, muscular strength, and functional mobility, which can limit participation in traditional land-based physical activities such as walking and playing. Aquatic environments provide safe and resistance-based environments that can reduce joint loading, spasticity, and provide training. This systematic review examined a variety of different aquatic interventions (e.g. HIIT, aerobic based, strength training, flexibility, and the Halliwick Method) to improve physical fitness in children with CP. Data collection focused on outcomes …

A Chronic Pain Self-Management Quality Improvement Bundle For Veterans, Srijana D. Baniya

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Scholarly Projects

Introduction: Veterans often face challenges accessing care services due to limited awareness of available resources for support, Self-care, and mental health (Harding et al., 2019; Patel et al., 2024). Given the high prevalence of Chronic pain and opioid use in this population, Self-management (SM) education and non-pharmacologic interventions are required to address the biological, psychological, and social effects of pain (Bair et al., 2015; Mumba et al., 2024; Nahin, 2017; Higgins et al., 2020). This Quality improvement project aims to determine whether implementing an evidence-based SM bundle for chronic pain improved Pain severity scores and increased understanding of SM strategies. …

Competitive Dance And The Adolescent’S Body: Considering Pedagogical Approaches To Teaching Competitive Dancers, Catri E. G. Barba

Dance (MFA) Theses

Diving into the past and researching for the future, this thesis explores the development and perpetuation of hyper-sexualized adolescent bodies through the competitive dance scene. Drawing on dance theorists, educational theorists, and embodied research (i.e., the author’s body archive), this thesis explores how the competition gaze is performed for and by a capitalist patriarchy. Specifically, this thesis critically reflects on the author’s career as a young competitive dancer in the greater Los Angeles, California, area during the 1990s and 2000s, as well as a competition dance instructor and K-12 educator for two decades, and how those personal experiences have shaped …

Creating An Effective Video Case-Based Teaching Tool To Enhance Undergraduate Clinical Skills, Tyler Kam

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

No abstract provided.

Enhancing Occupational Therapy Education In Cancer Rehabilitation​, Elizabeth A. Dorn

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

This doctoral capstone project aimed to enhance entry-level occupational therapy (OT) education by developing and evaluating evidence-based instructional materials addressing musculoskeletal and oncology rehabilitation within a doctorate curriculum. Designed as an oncology-focused experience, the project involved a two-phase approach: (1) testing educational techniques by implementation and evaluation of an elbow pathology lecture and lab, and (2) development of an asynchronous oncology rehabilitation unit informed by outcomes from the initial phase. The project was guided by the ASSURE instructional design model and emphasized active, visual, and case-based learning strategies to support clinical reasoning.

Student outcomes were assessed using pre- and post-lecture …

Competencies, Knowledge, And Skills Of Effective School Nutrition Program Directors, Kymberle Gordon Phd, Jane Peterson Phd Rdn

Institute of Child Nutrition, Applied Research Division

Abstract
School nutrition program directors play a vital leadership role in ensuring school meal programs operate efficiently, effectively, and in compliance with federal, state, and local requirements. Competencies, knowledge, and skills (CKS) frameworks support these professionals by defining performance expectations, guiding professional development, and strengthening leadership capacity. The most recent CKS resource for school nutrition program directors was published in 2010, and substantial changes in regulatory requirements, operational complexity, workforce conditions, and leadership expectations have created a need for revision.

This study aimed to identify and validate the competencies, knowledge, and skills required for effective school nutrition program directors in …

Examining Any Differences Between Genders’ Activity Levels During Recess, Kara M. Wells

2026 Honors Symposium

Physical activity in children is significant for all aspects of their development, including cognitive, physical, emotional, and social aspects. Recess is important for children to be given a designated time to exercise and get physical activity. For some children, recess is the only time they get to exercise in a day. This study aims to examine differences in activity levels between genders at Leverett Elementary School. It is important to know if there is a disparity between boys and girls at recess, so that educators, parents, and administrators can work to bridge any gaps and ensure that all kids are …

Health Matters: Advancing Pediatric Health Equity Through Accessible And Engaging Health Literacy Activity Books, Lorraine Sheldon

2026

This poster describes the development and implementation of the Health Matters activity book series, a health literacy initiative designed to provide engaging, accessible, and developmentally appropriate health education for pediatric patients and their families. Through multidisciplinary collaboration, audience-centered design, and distribution across more than 30 departments, the project demonstrates how interactive educational materials can advance pediatric health equity, support family engagement, and improve health literacy outcomes.

Visual Aids And Numeracy In Healthcare: Leveraging The Drawing Effect, Zephyr J. Markley

Capstone Showcase

Healthcare decisions often require patients to interpret numerical risk information under stress, yet many struggle with low numeracy, which can distort comprehension and undermine informed consent. Well-designed visual aids can improve diagnostic inference, calibrate confidence, and support better choices, especially for patients with limited numeracy, but their impact depends on whether users can actually interpret the format accurately. Drawing may further enhance these tools by adding a tactile, generative layer that engages visual, semantic, and motoric processing while helping patients organize information into concrete models.

Passive visual aids appear useful but limited because they often position patients as observers rather …

Promoting Postpartum Maternal Self-Efficacy Through Prenatal Pelvic Floor Health And Sensory Modulation Education, Cate Smith

Occupational Therapy | OTD Capstone Projects

Pelvic floor therapy, also called pelvic floor health care, is an emerging field for occupational therapy practitioners. Pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) is a common health outcome after pregnancy and childbirth. Although most women receive consistent prenatal health care, they do not receive the education they need to manage symptoms of PFD such as incontinence, pain, and sensory dysregulation during the postpartum period. Occupational therapy can play a meaningful role in educating and supporting women during the prenatal period, postpartum healing, and role acquisition. This doctoral capstone project researched educational strategies to improve self-efficacy among perinatal women. Albert Bandura defines self-efficacy …