Life Sciences Commons^™

Quantifying Physical Function: Moving Towards A New Definition And Better Assessment, Anthony Campitelli

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Though poor physical function (PF) and disability are two of the most impactful problems facing older adults today, the field of kinesiology has not yet devised a method of measuring PF, thus limiting investigations with the potential to lead to improved PF interventions and assessments. This dissertation aimed to develop a single, continuous measure of PF using a latent variable modeling approach, and then use the generated scores to evaluate the role of lower body muscular power in PF assessment and to construct an improved PF assessment battery for predicting overall PF. Each aim of this dissertation was addressed through …

The Effect Of Gentle Yoga On Average Daily Step Count, Francesca Dagrosa

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

While walking is a widely accessible form of exercise that is highly effective at increasing overall wellness (Kadir et al., 2019; Zhao et al., 2015) and is a recommended form of physical activity for overweight and obese individuals, studies still indicate low step counts and levels of physical activity in people with obesity (Shultz et al., 2011). Sedentary overweight individuals may avoid walking for several reasons, including physiological and/or biomechanical factors that make walking more difficult. This study attempted to explore and address these avoidant behaviors by employing a single-case ABAB reversal design to implement bi-weekly gentle yoga sessions over …

Partial Immersion Using Body Bags For Treating Exertional Hyperthermia, Diane Zashin

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Context: Research suggests that ATs lack compliance with EHS management and do not adopt gold-standard recommendations for EHS. Body bags filled with ice and water may offer an alternative method of cold-water immersion (CWI) that is more portable and accessible than rigid cold tubs. Anecdotally, this treatment has been used successfully in ambulances and at mass participation events for exertional heat illness treatment. The purpose of this study was to determine whole-body cooling rates when using body bags (BB) to facilitate partial CWI to treat exertional hyperthermia. Methods: Nine (8 male) participants (24 ± 4y, 175 ± 7cm, 83.6 ± …

Gym Sexual Harassment And Bystander Intervention: An Application Of The Reasoned Action Approach, Eric Schisler

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Objective. The purpose of this study was to modify and validate an instrument to examine factors associated with being an active bystander when witnessing sexual harassment at a gym or fitness center. Using Fishbein and Ajzen’s Reasoned Action Approach (RAA), this study aimed to better understand the influence of a person’s attitude, social norms, and perceived behavioral control (PBC) on their intention to be an active bystander when witness to someone being sexually harassed at the gym in the next 30 days. Methodology. This study utilized an exploratory sequential mixed methods design, with phase one taking place between June and …

The Effects Of Instructed Task Prioritization On Dual-Task Cost In Older Adults, Megan D. Jones

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Concurrently performing motor and cognitive tasks, also known as dual-tasking (DT), is a daily activity being shown to produce decrements in gait and cognitive performance in older adults (OA) (Bootsma-van der Wiel et al., 2003; CDC, 2023; Kenny et al., 2017). Determining if OAs can cognitively flex attention allocation between motor and cognitive tasks during DT activities offers insight into how to educate older adults on improving activities of daily life (Della Sala et al., 1995; Mac-Auliffe et al., 2021; Montero-Odasso et al., 2012). Purpose: To evaluate changes in DTC in older adults during DT walking with instructed task prioritization …

Evaluating The Effects Of A Noninvasive, Commercial-Grade Neurofeedback Technology And Mindfulness On Sleep Quality In Elite Athletes, Sydney Anne Hammit

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Abstract Proper sleep is a vital element in the lives of elite athletes due to its effects on recovery, performance, and mental and emotional health. However, despite the importance of sleep quality, elite athletes are experiencing notable difficulties with both sleep quantity and quality. While sleep is necessary for all individuals, it is specifically essential for elite athletes. Sleep quality issues can be accompanied by both physical and psychological struggles, which is concerning for the population of elite athletes who are struggling with sleep quality at higher rates than the general population. Despite the increasing awareness of sleep quality struggles …

A Cross-Sectional Study On The Impact Of The Covid-19 Pandemic On Sport-Related Concussion Clinical Presentation Within Adolescents And Adults, Emily Mcindoe

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Introduction. The COVID-19 pandemic spanned across the globe in March 2020 and has since significantly impacted human life. There is evidence that supports symptom exacerbation and an increase in anxiety and depression in clinical presentation post-COVID-19 pandemic compared to pre-COVID-19 for multiple medical diagnoses. These medical diagnoses include migraines, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and mild cognitive impairment. The effect that the pandemic had on the clinical presentation of sports-related concussions is understudied. It is possible that the COVID-19 pandemic has altered the clinical presentation of concussions as seen in other medical diagnoses. Given the increased reporting of …

The Relationship Between Upper Body Muscular Power And Objectively Measured Physical Function In Healthy Older Adults, Jordan Stroope

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The population of older adults is growing rapidly worldwide. There are significant challenges associated with an aging population, many of which are related to declining physical function. Muscular power has previously been postulated as an important physical characteristic for preserving physical function, however, much of the research has measured lower body muscular power against functional outcomes. The importance of upper body muscular power (UBMP) for physical function outcomes is less clear, thus, this study sought to examine that relationship. Forty-two older adults between the ages of 50 – 70 (avg = 60.5 years  5.7) were recruited for the current …

Temporal Effects Of Acute Moderate Intensity Physical Activity On Working Memory Performance In Young Adults, Kimberly Loy Seibold

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

An ample amount of research suggests that increases in physical activity in young adults could help improve memory and cognitive functions which may aid in academic success (Johnson & Loprinzi, 2019; Perini et al., 2016). A sufficient working memory is critical to learning because it allows us to temporarily store and compare multiple informational items at one time to form a new concept or solve a problem (Cowan, 2013). The purpose of this study was to examine the temporal effects of acute moderate intensity physical activity on working memory in young adults. This study utilized a within-groups (repeated measures) cross-over …

Sex Differences In Cancer Cachexia And A Novel Mitochondrial Target For Cancer-Induced Muscle Wasting, Seongkyun Lim

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Cancer cachexia (CC) is a devastating wasting syndrome characterized by marked weight loss including skeletal muscle atrophy that affects approximately 80% of cancer patients. Current therapeutic treatments including pharmacological and nutritional intervention are insufficient to prevent or reverse it. Prior studies demonstrated lower muscle mass, impaired muscle function, and mitochondrial health in the development of CC. Specifically, mitochondrial fusion protein, Optic atrophy 1 (OPA1) which plays a significant role in skeletal muscle health, is suppressed in the development of CC. Furthermore, most pre-clinical CC studies were mainly focused on males although there are distinct phenotypical differences in skeletal muscle between …

Examining The Effects Of Oral Contraceptive Use On Thermoregulation, Whitley C. Atkins

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Purpose: The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the effects of combined (estradiol and progestin) monophasic oral contraceptive pill (OCP) use on thermoregulation. Further, we sought to evaluate OCP use on acute rehydration post-exercise in the heat using recommended rehydration guidelines. Methods: Twelve healthy, aerobically trained (VO2peak = 47.8 ± 4.7 mL/kg/min), long term female oral contraceptive users completed a familiarization trial and two experimental days separated by ≥ 7 days. The two experimental trials were identical except for the hormone dosing phase. One trial was completed during the third week of active pill dosing (ACT) and one during …

Predictors Of Peak Elbow Valgus Torque In Collegiate Baseball Pitchers, Adam Richard Nebel

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Context: The incidence of UCL tears in baseball is at an all-time high. ATs are in the position to identify those at risk and potentially prevent injury to the UCL. In baseball, research has associated elbow valgus torque as a potential predictor of injury risk. However, markerless analysis has not assessed possible predictors of injury to the UCL in baseball players. Objective: Identify the kinematic factors that influence peak elbow valgus torque through the sequence of a fastball pitch. Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Field study performed in university’s pitching development center. Participants: Division 1 collegiate baseball pitchers (N=21; 17RHP, 4LHP; …

Evaluating The Effects Of Cardiorespiratory Fitness Level And Gender On Outcomes Of The Buffalo Concussion Bike Test, Katie Stephenson

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Background: Accurate assessment of concussion is crucial for creating a treatment plan. The Buffalo Concussion Bike Test (BCBT) is a 30-minute graded exercise protocol for a stationary bicycle. Previously this assessment has been reportedly used to screen for exercise intolerance secondary to autonomic dysfunction; however, the original purpose of the assessment was to find a sub-symptom threshold for exercise rehabilitation during concussion recovery. Starting resistance for the BCBT protocol is based solely on body mass. Other factors such as cardiorespiratory fitness level and sex have been noted to effect outcomes on similar assessments and are not considered in the BCBT …

Implementing An Exercise Referral Scheme For Promoting Physical Activity In University Mental Health Care, Bryce Daniels

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Introduction. Mental health symptoms and conditions are prevalent and increasing on college campuses with anxiety and depression having the highest increases in prevalence. Many college students are also physically inactive which is problematic as physical activity benefits mental health. Exercise referral schemes (ERS) can promote physical activity, though no studies have investigated the implementation of an ERS within a college counseling center. Purpose. The purpose of this dissertation was to investigate the implementation of an ERS for promoting physical activity in university mental health care. Methods. Study 1 used a qualitative descriptive design of 14 certified counselors to explore perceptions …

Growth Differentiation Factor 5 Is A Paracrine Regulator Of Sarcopenic Obesity, Landen W. Saling

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Sarcopenic obesity attributes to skeletal muscle loss more than sarcopenia and obesity alone. Individuals with SO suffer from the comorbidity of excess body fat and concurrent muscle mass loss due to aging. Growth differentiation factors (Gdfs) have never been recognized as playing a role in skeletal muscle maintenance in those with SO. Specifically, Gdf5, has been recognized as playing a part in Bone Morphogenic Protein signaling to activate protein synthesis and deactivate protein degradation via SMAD 1/5/8 and SMAD 4 complex. Using RNA sequencing, Gdf5 was identified as being significantly upregulated in SO mice. Purpose: To determine the cellular role …

Role Of Sex Differences On Cancer Cachexia Progression And Fibrosis During Cancer Cachexia Development, Wesley Haynie

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Cancer cachexia is a multifactorial wasting syndrome characterized by losses in bodymass >5% and occurs in approximately 80% of all cancer patients. Chronic inflammation and fibrosis play roles in cancer cachexia and a greater understanding of these contributing pathways to this pathology will pave the way for potential therapeutic avenues. While inflammation and fibrosis have been researched in various models of cancer cachexia, little to no studies have been performed in both sexes as most previous studies focus on males. PURPOSE The purpose of these studies is to investigate the role of fibrosis on cancer cachexia development as well as …

A Time-Course Characterization Of Muscle Function And Mitochondrial Markers During Colorectal Cancer-Induced Cachexia In Tumor-Bearing Male Mice, Ana Cabrera Ayuso

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Cachexia is a multisystemic and multifactorial syndrome prevalent in cancer patients. It is clinically defined by involuntary loss of >5% weight in a six-month window, despite nutritional interventions. A negative energy balance characterizes cancer cachexia (CC), it is associated with weakness and fatigue in skeletal muscle. Impaired muscle function is associated with lower quality of life in cancer patients. Defects in mitochondrial function are strongly associated with muscle wasting. This study explored muscular contractile function and mitochondrial quality control (MQC) markers in soleus, gastrocnemius, and tibialis anterior (TA) muscles of C26-induced male tumor-bearing mice during a 25-day time course. It …

A Radiographic Investigation Of Anthropometrics, Neck Posture, And Neck Strength In Individuals With Enlarged External Occipital Protuberances, Caleb Burruss

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Overview: Enlarged external occipital protuberances (EEOPs) are found in 41% of young adults. These EEOPs have the potential to lead to pain throughout life and possibly surgery. Little is known of the pathophysiology or characteristics that could lead to these EEOPs. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to use radiographic measurements to investigate how anthropometrics, neck posture and neck strength in flexion and extension differ between those with and without an EEOP. Methods: 80 radiographs from three different studies were digitized and the marking of landmarks performed in ImageJ. The cut-off for an EEOP was established as any EOP …

Narrative Inquiry: Life Experiences Of Elite Athletes, Sarah Elizabeth Brown

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Elite athletes face numerous personal and professional pressures and high-stress experiences; however, there is a gap in the literature connecting identity development with these life experiences. Using narrative inquiry analysis with six emerging adult athletes competing at professional and Olympic levels, this study identified self-narratives they created from life experiences within the context of sport and analyzed when these meanings were formed. Athletes described experiences causing great psychological disturbances as a normal risk within their sport and needing to regulate or compartmentalize their emotions to get through those experiences. Participants discussed various roles they play within their team but lacked …

Sex-Based Differences In Acvr2b And Grb10 Expression In Skeletal Muscle During Induced Cancer Cachexia And Disuse, Lauren Martinez

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Background: Muscle atrophy is the shrinkage of muscle fibers that are largely maintained by a balance of protein synthesis and degradation. Imbalances in protein synthesis and degradation are observed in different muscle atrophy disorders such as cancer cachexia and disuse. These forms of muscle atrophy produce distinct wasting pathologies that are influenced by biological sex. Activin receptor type-2B (ACVR2B) and Growth factor receptor-bound protein 10 (GRB10) have been identified as genes that potentially regulate muscle mass while also displaying sexually dimorphic differences. Purpose: To examine the influence of ACVR2B and GRB10 throughout the development of cancer cachexia and disuse-induced atrophy …

Classroom Physical Activity Breaks Effect On Executive Function And Academic Achievement In Elementary School Students, Mark A. Bjornsen

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Objectives: There were three aims in conducting this pilot study. First, determine the Plus Minus Task assessment's reliability to measure the executive function of shifting. Second, determine the feasibility and acceptability of CPAB by students and teachers. Finally, determine the preliminary dose-response of acute physical activity on shifting in elementary students. Methods: This was a pilot study of a classroom physical activity break intervention. Utilizing a withinsubject, cross-over design, students participated in a practice day and then all three treatment conditions: a 10-minute seated lesson (control condition) and 5 and 10 minutes (experimental conditions) of classroom physical activity breaks. A …

Mitochondrial Contributions To Disuse Atrophy: Let’S Talk About Sex, Megan Rosa-Caldwell

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Skeletal muscle atrophy is a hallmark of many pathologies and is associated with disease prognosis, quality of life, and mortality. Specifically, lack of contractile activity of the muscle can result in disuse-associated atrophy. Disuse-induced atrophy is a common phenomenon in intensive care unit (ICU) patients and significantly impacts patient prognosis and ability to transition of out of intensive care. However, effective therapeutics to mitigate disuse-associated atrophy do not exist, clearly demonstrating the scientific and clinical need to further understand mechanisms contributing to disuse atrophy. In particular, a significant portion of the scientific literature has utilized male models, yet there is …

Visualizing Interdisciplinary Collaborations Within Exercise Science: A Pilot Study, Elizabeth Bjornsen

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Exercise science is a growing field with sub-disciplines exploring various aspects of physical activity. Diverse perspectives allow the field to answer complex research questions, but little is known about the collaborative nature of exercise science today. Research practices have implications on undergraduate curriculum, likely incorporating experiential knowledge into course subject matter and providing diverse experiences for students entering the workforce. Therefore, the purpose of the pilot study is to visualize and quantify interdisciplinary collaborations within exercise science. Journal citation analysis and an adaptation of social networking theory were utilized to examine collaborative practices of exercise science faculty at the University …

The Role Of Protein Degradation In Cancer Cachexia In Female Tumor Bearing Mice, Noah Thomas

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Background: Cancer is a leading cause of death in the world in which half of the people affected by this disease die from its effects. Cancer-cachexia is a syndrome associated with the significant loss of skeletal muscle mass and function, which cannot be fully reversed by nutritional intervention alone and in turn, impairs the host. Cancer-cachexia affects 50-80% of cancer patients and is a primary cause of death accounting for 20-40% of cancer related deaths. Efforts to reverse the effects of cancer-related cachexia have been largely unsuccessful and have primarily focused on the late stages of CC. Methods: Lewis Lung …

Preliminary Study: Leucine Supplementation Exacerbates Muscle Wasting Independent Of The Ubiquitin-Proteasome System, Katarina Bejarano

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Cancer cachexia is the rapid, drastic loss of muscle mass associated with cancer and is not reversible by conventional nutritional means (Brown et al., 2018; Brown et al., 2017). It occurs in ~80% of cancer patients and is responsible for 20-40% of cancer-related deaths (Brown et al., 2018; Brown et al., 2017). This condition leaves patients with fatigue, functional impairment, reduced quality of life, and a decrease in survival rates. Cachexia occurs through an imbalance between protein degradation and protein synthesis (Brown et al., 2018), which is associated with inflammation and altered metabolic processes.

Several studies have investigated the effects …

The Effects Of Group Fitness Classes On Self-Efficacy, Katherine Dalton

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Self-efficacy is one of the largest predictors of behavior, when related to exercise studies have shown that self-efficacy can predict drop-out rates within six months of being an exercise program (Middelkamp, et. al., 2016; Sallis, et. al., 1988). College students have the biggest decline in physical activity when compared to other stages of life (Buckworth, 2001; Grubbs & Carter, 2002). University recreation centers provide group fitness classes for students to promote physical activity. Minimal research has been done to show the impact that group fitness classes has on student life. This study aimed to show the impact of group fitness …

The Reliability And Validity Of The 30-15 Intermittent Field Test With A Ball, Kathleen Paulsen

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine the reliability and validity of the 30-15 Intermittent Field Test (30-15IFT) with and without a ball and to determine differences across these two methods in female soccer players. Twenty-four collegiate female soccer players participated in this study (19.46 ± 1.22 years; 167.01 ± 7.23 cm; 60.95 ± 7.84 kg). Players performed one trial of the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery (YYIR) test, three trials of the 30-15IFT, and three trials of the 30-15IFT with a ball (30-15IFT-B), separated by a minimum of 48 hours. Maximal intermittent running velocity (VIFT), heart rate at exhaustion (HRpeak), …

Assessing The Repeatability Of Clinical Tests In People With And Without Flexion-Induced Neck Pain, Ashton Human

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The accessibility of mobile technology has improved productivity but can contribute to musculoskeletal disorders due to the posture associated with using such devices. Neck flexion, a posture assumed by smartphone users, has been shown as a risk factor for the development of clinical neck pain if sustained for prolonged periods. Determining the individuals who are naturally more predisposed to develop flexion-induced neck pain can aid in the prevention and treatment of musculoskeletal disorders. The purpose of this thesis is to assess the repeatability of clinical tests between trials over the course of two days in young adults who do and …

Serum Myostatin And Igf-1 As Biomarkers Of Sarcopenia: A Proof-Of-Concept Design, Ashley Binns

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The population comprising older adults is growing exponentially, as are healthcare related costs. Nearly $20 billion is annually expensed by older adults for health-related issues affiliated with age-related decline in skeletal muscle mass. Yet, diagnostic criteria are not readily utilized in clinical practice. PURPOSE: Therefore, the purpose of this study was to provide evidence for use of blood biomarkers (myostatin, IGF-1) to predict appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM) among middle-aged and older adults. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 106 individuals (n = 68 females; n = 38 males) aged ≥ 40 years of age (60.1 ± 11.1 y) …

Influence Of Heating And Biological Sex On Vascular Dysfunction Associated With Long-Duration Sitting And Standing, Aaron Richard Caldwell

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Purpose: The purpose of these studies was to determine if arterial angulations (through sitting or standing), shear stress (through local heating), or a combination of these factors affected vascular function. Moreover, this studied estimated the magnitude of the effect that biological sex has on these vascular responses. Methods: Twenty-six healthy, young (18-40 years old) males (n=13) and females (n=13) completed two experimental trials (2-h sitting and 2-h standing). In a randomized fashion, one leg was passively heated in order to increase shear rate. Following a 48-h washout, participants returned to the laboratory to complete the other trial. Flow-mediated dilation (FMD) …