Life Sciences Commons^™

Establishing A Normative Respiratory Baseline For Diaphragmatic Breathing In The Geriatric Population, Madison M. Jensen, Connor J. Wright, Ty K. Hacking, James D. Mead, Ulrike Mitchell, Lauren Adams

Library/Life Sciences Undergraduate Poster Competition 2024

Respiratory function can be assessed through lung volume measurements such as tidal volume and vital capacity. It can also be assessed by measuring diaphragm mobility and thickness. The diaphragm is a muscle that contributes up to 75% of normal lung ventilation. It averages 1-2 cm of excursion during quiet breathing; this increases significantly to about 7-11 cm during forced breathing. Aging has influences on respiratory function. Diaphragmatic muscle strength decreases, and lung function, capacity, and compliance also decline. There is a steadily growing elderly population in the US and globally. Due to an aging population and the significance respiratory function …

Ultrasound Imaging Of Abductor Hallucis Volume Demonstrated By Strong Agreement With Mri, Jacob Willes, Aaron W. Johnson

Library/Life Sciences Undergraduate Poster Competition 2024

Due to the complexity of assessing the individual strength and function of certain deep small muscles within the body such intrinsic foot muscles, ultrasound (US) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may provide a means to appropriately evaluate these muscles. Assessing foot muscles using US and MRI provides a unique and important model to compare muscle volume. Since intrinsic foot muscles are crucial for function and mobility while influencing quality of life, being able to accurately measure foot muscle volume is important. For example, the tracking of atrophy or hypertrophy due to disease or therapeutic intervention. While MRI is often considered …

The Effects Of Short-Term Removal Of Exercise On Flow Mediated Dilation In Older Adults: Preliminary Data, Joel E. Harden, Leryn Reynolds Ph.D.

College of Education & Professional Studies (Darden) Posters

Endothelial function is negatively associated with decreased risk of cardiovascular disease. Previous studies demonstrate that endothelial function is improved through exercise, and that young, active adults experience impaired endothelial function following short-term physical inactivity interventions. Whether this occurs in older, active adults who may be more prone to bouts of inactivity is unknown. This study determined if endothelial function, as measured by flow-mediated dilation (FMD), was impaired in active, older adults following removal of exercise for 5 days compared to active, young adults. To examine this, popliteal and brachial artery FMD were measured at baseline and during days 3 and …

The Effectiveness Of Using Motor Imagery As An Alternative To Exercise For Improving Mental Health, Madelyn Colbert

Undergraduate Research Symposium Podium Presentations

Exercise shown to improve mental health in variety of health histories. MIT shown to improve physical health in a variety of conditions when tested alone. Mental health problems and SUD have high comorbidity rates. Exercise shown to be effective recovery therapy for SUD.

Changes In Health Behaviors By Gender During A Global Pandemic, Anthony Costarella

Celebration of Scholarship 2022

As we emerge from Covid-19 pandemic, many people struggle to return to normal, leading us to ask what changes have occurred as a result of the virus and social distancing. We have observed 471 million people suffer with Covid-19, lost 6.08 million lives to the virus, and learned how the virus works as well as how to fight it, yet very little is known about the impact of the virus and its countermeasures on our health habits. PURPOSE: To examine the effect of gender on changes in health behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: Eight hundred and sixty-six subjects (70.8% …

The Metabolic Effects Of Exercise And A Pre-Exercise Snack During A 30-Hour Fast, Katelynn Hales, Hil'ilei Chan, Landon S. Deru, Jake Moss, Bruce W. Bailey Ph.D.

Library/Life Sciences Undergraduate Poster Competition 2022

As incidence rates of chronic illnesses continue to increase, many pharmacological and lifestyle interventions have been undertaken to pinpoint effective treatment and prevention tools to combat them. One such intervention of recent interest includes the use of fasting. Ketones, a product of fat breakdown, are thought to be a key player in some of the health benefits achieved through fasting. Despite potential benefits, adhering to a fasting regimen can be difficult. While it is generally well-tolerated, some experience negative side effects,² indicating potential issues with long-term adherence. Heilbronn et al. suggest that a small meal on fasting days may be …

Validity Of Ultrasound Imaging For Intrinsic Foot Muscle Cross-Sectional Area Measurements Demonstrated By Strong Agreement With Mri, Dallin C. Swanson, Joshua K. Sponbeck, Derek A. Swanson, Connor D. Stephens, Steven P. Allen, Ulrike H. Mitchell, James D. George, A. Wayne Johnson

Library/Life Sciences Undergraduate Poster Competition 2022

Intrinsic foot muscles maintain foot structural integrity and contribute to functional movement, posture and balance Thus, assessing intrinsic foot muscle size and strength are important One way to assess strength of a muscle is by measuring its cross sectional area ( Magnetic resonance imaging ( and ultrasound ( are two modalities allowing for visualization of these muscle bodies MRI has been shown to accurately image the individual muscles but is costly and time consuming US imaging may provide an alternative that is less costly and more readily available The purpose of this study was to investigate the validity and reproducibility …

Low-Cost Prosthetic Feet For Underserved Populations: A Comparison Of Gait Analysis And Mechanical Stiffness, Kaleigh Renninger, Brevin Banks, Dustin A. Bruening

Library/Life Sciences Undergraduate Poster Competition 2022

• Lower limb loss is an ongoing cause of disability throughout the world.
• Despite advancements in prosthetic technologies, there are numerous underserved populations in need of effective low-cost prosthetic foot options.

The Effects Of Exercise On Inflammatory Biomarkers Over A 36-H Fast, Austin F. Duersch, Bruce W. Bailey, Landon S. Deru, Jacob Coleman, Hunter Chamberlain, Spencer Cleverly

Library/Life Sciences Undergraduate Poster Competition 2022

Diet-induced chronic inflammation has become a popular point of discussion over recent years in lifestyle medicine as studies have uncovered the effects that inflammation markers have on chronic diseases including heart disease, diabetes, and arthritis. Each time we eat, an immune response is stimulated resulting in increased levels of inflammatory biomarkers.1,2 Interventions to help lower inflammation could help promote longevity and decrease risk of chronic diseases. This study assessed the impact of an acute 36h fast with and without exercise at the beginning on inflammatory biomarkers IL-6, C-peptide, GIP, MCP-1, and TNF-alpha.

Exercise Interventions For Relieving Anxiety Symptoms For People With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review, Kathryn Riis

College of Health Sciences Posters

Background: Clinical anxiety is a common comorbidity in people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The focus of interventional therapies tends to be activities which improve gross motor function, communication, social interactions, and other behavioral skills. Certain forms of exercise have been successful in lowering anxiety levels while improving physical function.

Objective: The purpose of this systematic review was to examine the effectiveness of the use of exercise as an intervention to reduce anxiety in people with ASD.

Methods: Two databases, PubMed and Medline, were searched utilizing key terms. This yielded 35 articles for review. PRISMA systematic search procedures identified 9 …

The Impact Of Muscular Strength On Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors, Joel E. Harden, Leryn J. Reynolds, Patrick B. Wilson, Gena R. Gerstner

College of Education & Professional Studies (Darden) Posters

The purpose of this study was to determine the associations between isokinetic leg muscular strength and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factor characterizations in Americans aged 50 and older. Using a publicly available dataset from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), a secondary analysis was conducted on participants (males ≥50 yrs; females ≥55 yrs; N=10,858) pooled from 1999 to 2002. CVD risk factors were determined using the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) cutoff values. CVD risk factor characterization was determined by creating CVD risk factor profiles (i.e., the total number of CVD risk factors an individual possesses), then …

Synthetic Hagfish Slime Mimetics: Mechanical Characterization, Hayden Johns, Spencer Walker

Fall Student Research Symposium 2021

Hagfish are ancient animals that eject a slime when attacked by predators. The slime that the hagfish emit is almost entirely composed of water but protein strands within the slime cause the slime to have incredible strength. However, these protein strands will be formed synthetically for the purposes of our experiment. To defend against foes, the Navy launches plastic ropes into the propellers of enemy warships in order to decrease the thrust of the motors. In a push to find a more biodegradable solution, the utilization of hagfish slime has shown great promise in stopping propellers.While we know that the …

The Effect Of Concussion History On Lower Extremity Injury Risk In High School And Collegiate Athletes: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Vanessa Ramirez, Ryan Mccann, Eric Schussler, Jessica Martinez

College of Health Sciences Posters

Sport-related concussions are a prevalent injury that result in sensorimotor dysfunction and altered neuromuscular control. Individuals recovering from a concussion display decreased postural sway during balance assessment and may possess prolonged balance deficits after return-to-play (RTP). Athletes who are experiencing impairments following RTP after a concussion may be at increased risk of lower extremity (LE) injury. The purpose of this study was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies examining risk of LE musculoskeletal injury following a concussion in high school and collegiate athletes. An electronic database search of PubMed, CINAHL, MEDLINE, and SPORTDiscus was conducted on November …

Self-Selected Maximum But Not Jogging Speed Decreases With Age In Male And Female Runners, Heather Hamilton, Rumit Singh Kakar

College of Health Sciences Posters

Introduction: Running velocity decreases with age, likely resulting from physiological and musculoskeletal changes associated with aging. Females experience a more rapid decline in physical performance during middle age than males, therefore it is important to consider separate-sex analyses when studying running biomechanics and running-related injury. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between age and different running speeds separately for female and male runners.

Methods: Male (n=33) and female (n=46) runners (ages 18–65 years) ran at their self-selected JOG (long distance) and MAX (maximal running) pace on a treadmill. Running velocity was recorded. Simple linear regression was …

Trunk Kinematics Using Musculoskeletal Modeling During Range Of Motion Tasks, Maryam Moeini, Ruth M. Higgins, Hunter Bennett, Stacie Ringleb

College of Health Sciences Posters

A spine model can be used to predict post-spinal fusion motion needed to perform physical activities in individuals with scoliosis. Full body lumbar spine (FBLS) model (Raabi et al., 2016) allows for modeling lumbar spine and pelvis movement and was validated for jogging. However, like other existing adult spine models, FBLS model does not allow for a motion providing thoracic and spine. Purpose: To adapt the FBLS model for simulating thoracic, lumbar and pelvis motion during trunk rotation in all 3 planes of motion. Methods: Since T12-L1 in FBLS model is designed as a dependent joint (axial rotation analogous to …

Evidence For The Use Of Dynamic Maximum Normalization Method Of Muscle Activation During Weight Back Squats, Eva Maddox, Hunter J. Bennett

College of Education & Professional Studies (Darden) Posters

The purpose of this study was to evaluate intra and inter-participant variability and reliability of muscle activations when analyzed using maximum voluntary isometric contractions (MVIC) and dynamic maximum (DMVC) normalization methods. Muscle activations were collected on twenty-seven participants (13 females, 14 males) performing one-repetition maximum (1RM) and submaximum (80%) back squats. Data from submaximum squats were normalized to MVICs and DMVCs. Data were compared using intra-class correlations over two testing days, variance ratio, and coefficients of variation. Mixed-model ANOVAs were used to elucidate the influence on intra- (method) and inter- (sex) subject variability. Reliability levels were good for rectus femoris …

Validity Of The Actigraph Gt9x Accelerometer Step-Count Function In Adults With Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction, Jonathan D. Kenyon, Hayley Billingsley, Natalie J. Bohmke, Danielle Kirkman, Salvatore Carbone, Youngdeok Kim

Graduate Research Posters

Low physical activity is associated with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Step-counts, a measure of physical activity, can be measured via accelerometry. To date, few studies have examined validity of accelerometer-derived step-counts in the adults with HFpEF.

PURPOSE To assess criterion validity of the Actigraph GT9X accelerometer step-count function in adults with HFpEF via ankle, waist, and wrist placement, compared with manually counted, directly observed steps.

METHODS Six adults with HFpEF (age: 57.2 ± 9.4 y; African American: 50%; females: 100%) completed a cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) on a treadmill while wearing synchronized GT9X accelerometers on the ankle, …

The Effect Of Physical Activity On Stress In University Students, Faculty, And Staff And How The Covid-19 Pandemic Affected These Variables, Zachary Parisi

2021 Honors Symposium

INTRODUCTION
• Physical activity has been shown in both college aged and broader aged sample sizes as providing health benefits in different areas from mental functioning to increasing VO2 max.
• Changes in DASS-21 made it difficult to have a large enough sample size
• Students who meet the recommendations for vigorous physical activity were less likely to report poor mental health and perceived stress when compared to other students who did not meet those recommendations.
• Within 10 days of COVID-19 being declared a pandemic, there was a 5.5% decrease in mean steps, and within 30 days there was …

The Effects Of Interventions On The Physical And Mental Health Of Undergraduate Engineering Students In North America, Jillian Prince

2021 Honors Symposium

Background
• Stress-induced mental illnesses are common in many undergraduate engineering students
• These can include anxiety, depression, lack of motivation, poor self-regulation, and poor sleeping habits
• Ailments such as these result in decreased retention, lower grades, less cognitive understanding of material, and poor physical and mental health

Purpose
To investigate the effects of interventions on the physical and mental health of undergraduate engineering students in North America to determine what interventions are most successful.

Effects Of Increased Attention Allocation On Postural Stability Related To History Of Concussion, Nicholas Reilly, Jessica Prebor, Jacquelyn Moxey, Eric Schussler

College of Health Sciences Posters

Postural instability is among the most common symptoms associated with concussion. However, clinical screenings for concussion are heavily reliant on self-reports of cognitive symptoms such as nausea and headache to determine if a full recovery has been achieved. The objective of this study was to determine if impairments of postural stability that are associated with the acute stages of concussion persist beyond the current clinical standards for determination of recovery from concussion. Fifty-four healthy participants were recruited for the study and divided based on whether they reported having no history of concussion (n = 27) or whether they had been …

Relationships Between Injury-Related Fear, Balance Self-Efficacy, And Dynamic Balance Performance In Those With Chronic Ankle Instability, Ashley M. B. Suttmiller, Kelly Johnson, Ryan S. Mccann

College of Health Sciences Posters

Interactions between sensory-perceptual and motor-behavioral impairments in individuals with chronic ankle instability (CAI) are important for successful assessment and treatment of CAI. One of the most consistently reported motor-behavioral impairments is poor reach performance in a dynamic balance task. Injury-related fear is recognized as an important sensory-perceptual impairment, and those with injury-related fears may engage in protective movement strategies found to be associated with reach deficits. Injury-related fear may also impact one’s perception of ability, or self-efficacy, which has demonstrated positive associations with balance performance in other populations, but these relationships have yet to be investigated in the CAI population. …

Evaluation Of Balance And A Timed Walk On Ankle Brachial Pressure Index And Potential Blood Measures Of Cardiovascular Health, Hannah M. Twiddy, Patrick B. Wilson, Leyrn Reynolds

College of Education & Professional Studies (Darden) Posters

Clinicians are focused on ways to preserve function, independence, and quality of life in the aging adult population. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S.[1]. Thus, assessing the extent of this disease is a high priority in preserving health throughout the lifespan. When determining risk of cardiovascular (CV) disease, functional assessments are recognized as a way to embed function-focused care into assessing disease risk [2]. Ankle-brachial pressure index (ABPI) is a non-invasive reliable predictor for identifying cardiovascular disease risk and mortality [3]. Thus, the purpose was to evaluate the association between functional assessments and ankle brachial …

The Effects Of Physical Exercise On Salivary Microrna Levels, Thomas R. Campbell, Jessica C. Martinez, Noah L. Robertson, Felicia G. Clements, Emily N. Valle, Wyclef Etiennet, Audrey C. Ferguson, Klye J. Kelleran

College of Health Sciences Posters

Diagnosing concussions provides challenges for healthcare professionals due to current diagnostic protocols utilizing subjective input from patients. Recent studies have shown relationships between specific salivary microRNA levels and concussions, but it is unknown if this is due to concussive forces or physical exertion. Analysis of this distinction may contribute to further confirming the relationship of concussions and microRNA, improving techniques for objective assessments of concussion. Objective: To measure the effects of physical exertion through exercise on specific salivary microRNA. Methods: Twenty non-intercollegiate athletes (10:M, 10:F) were recruited for this case series. After ensuring the participants received a minimum of 6-hours …

Analysis Of The Activation Of Upper Extremity Muscles During Various Chest Press Modalities, Jamison Christian, Sydney Gothart, Harrison Graham, Katelyn Barganier

Research Horizons Day Posters

No abstract provided.

Determining Risk Factors For Neck Pain Development Due To Smartphone Use Using The Pain Pressure Threshold Test, Sally Barnes

2020 Honors Symposium

BACKGROUND
• Smartphone use has become increasingly popular recently, especially in the young adult population.
• Neck flexion, the most common position when using a smartphone, has previously been linked to neck pain development.

RESEARCH QUESTION:
• Is thirty minutes of smartphone use linked to neck pain development?

Determining Muscle Fatigue From Reading A Smartphone With The Cervical Extensor Fatigue Test, Sarah Davis

2020 Honors Symposium

Background
• Smartphone use has led to pain and injuries associated with neck flexion while looking down.
• It is important to identify exactly how neck flexion during smartphone use leads to neck pain and muscle fatigue.

Purpose
• To measure the effects of neck flexion on neck endurance during smartphone use.

Effects Of Asthma On Lung Function, Aerobic Fitness, And Physical Activity In Young Adults, Trey Deal

2020 Honors Symposium

INTRODUCTION
• Asthma is one of the most commonly diagnosed conditions in the United States, affecting 25 million individuals
• 90% of individuals with asthma will experience exercise-induced bronchoconstriction while performing physical activity (AAFA, 2015)
• In one study, 70% of the participants in the asthma group were classified as “predominantly sedentary” (Hul et al., 2016)
• In one survey, 20% of parents of children with asthma stated they believed exercise is dangerous for their child (Lang, Butz, Duggan, and Serwint, 2004)

OBJECTIVES
• To determine if physical activity differs between those with or without asthma
• To determine if …

El Baloncesto Es Vida: A Look Into Strength And Conditioning, Physical Therapy, And Coaching During My Internship Abroad, Jessica Doublesin

2020 Honors Symposium

An experience abroad can help a person grow in confidence and knowledge and allow them to immerse themselves in a new culture. During my time in Valencia, Spain, I was able to work at a youth basketball club, CB L’Horta Godella, alongside the club’s strength and conditioning coaches and the physical therapist and be a coach for the young athletes. The fact that I lived with a Spanish family and had an open mindset towards making friends and exploring new things allowed me to grow closer to the culture in Spain. By using my knowledge and passion for sports and …

The Relationship Between Glucose Levels And Physical Activity, Rebecca Eberle

2020 Honors Symposium

INTRODUCTION
• Elevated glucose levels can increase the risk for disease
• Physical activity behaviors are associated with glucose levels
• Limited research on young adults and their glucose levels compared to activity

OBJECTIVES
• To complete a cross sectional study and determine associations between fasting glucose with physical activity, and fitness

Hunger Regulation Before And After A Bout Of Exercise, Lindsay Spitaletto

2020 Honors Symposium

INTRODUCTION
• Obesity is an epidemic in the United States (Kim, et. al., 2016).
• Research suggests exercise aids in preventing risk factors that lead to obesity (Cercato, Fonseca, 2019 and Blundell, et. al., 2015).
• Exercise affects appetite regulation, but few studies have explored the effect of exercise on energy intake (Schoeller, et. Al, 1997).

OBJECTIVES
•Compare appetite level changes pre-and post-exercise bout using a Visual Analog Scale (VAS)
•Compare energy intake (food consumption) pre-and post-exercise bout using two 24hour food recalls