Life Sciences Commons^™

Mechanical Characterization And Modeling Of Rat Myocardia Under The Influence Of Epirubicin, Abdallah Mahmoud Alkhaiyat

Theses and Dissertations

Cancer remains a predominant health challenge that is responsible for a significant portion of global morbidity and mortality. Epirubicin (EPI), a chemotherapeutic anti-cancer drug, has shown remarkable efficacy in combating various malignancies. However, it is known to have undesirable side effects on the heart, collectively referred to as cardiotoxicity. This research investigates the adverse effects of chemotherapy on cardiac contractility through an in vitro examination of the mechanics of healthy and infarcted animal heart tissues. Electrically stimulated slices of rat ventricular tissue were tested using an isometric force measurement tissue bath. The tissue slices were subjected to uniaxial stretching, allowing …

Physical And Psychophysiological Responses To Self-Selected Music In Individuals With Parkinson's Disease, Sophia Porrill

ETDs from 2020-2029

Exercise is a cornerstone adjunct therapy for people with Parkinson’s Disease (PwP). However, exercise capacity is often impaired by non-motor processes including decreased motivation, arousal, and physical effort. Self-selected music (SSM) has been shown to improve motivation and arousal state in healthy individuals thereby leading to increases in exercise capacity. Whether these positive effects of SSM translate to PwP is unclear. The purpose of this study was to measure 1) the psychophysiological effects of SSM at rest, and 2) psychophysiological and physical responses during a 6-minute walk test (6MWT) in PwP. In a counterbalanced crossover manner, PwP (n=12) completed resting …

Effects Of Leucine Supplementation On Athletic Performance, Central Fatigue, And Serum Metabolism In Endurance Athletes: A Randomized Controlled Trial And Targeted Metabolomics Study, Tieying Li, Wei Xu, Jun Chen, Zhaobo Kan, Xuemei Sui, Zhiguang Zhao, Qirong Wang

Faculty Publications

Objectives: We aimed to investigate the effects of 6 weeks of leucine supplementation on athletic performance, central fatigue, and serum metabolome in endurance athletes, and to provide valuable insights into nutritional strategies for endurance athletes. Methods: Twenty cross-country skiers were recruited and randomized into 2 groups: the placebo (PLA) group and the leucine (LEU) group. Subjects were given leucine (8.5 g) + sucrose (14 g) or only sucrose (14 g) supplements twice each day from Monday to Saturday for 6 weeks. Test parameters include body composition, aerobic capacity, isokinetic muscle strength, blood biochemistry, and targeted metabolomics. Results: After intervention, compared …

More Than A Prescription: The Need For Behavioral Theory To Guide Exercise Interventions For Osteoarthritis - A Narrative Review, Christine Pellegrini, Lisa C. Carlesso, Daniel K. White

Faculty Publications

Objective

Design

Results

Supervised Resistance Training In An Individual With Glioblastoma Undergoing Chemoradiation: A Case Report, Bruce Nakfoor, Ciaran Fairman Ph.D., Cscs, Cet

Faculty Publications

Introduction:

Exercise has demonstrated safety and efficacy in mitigating treatment-related symptoms across cancer populations; however, evidence in neuro-oncology remains limited, particularly during active chemoradiation.

Methods:

We report the case of a 63-year-old individual with newly diagnosed glioblastoma, experiencing symptoms of fatigue, balance issues, headaches, and memory loss, who initiated a 12-week supervised resistance training program during concurrent chemoradiation. Assessments at baseline and post-intervention included physical function and quality-of-life outcomes.

Results:

Adherence was 56% (20/36 sessions), and no adverse events occurred. The patient showed improvements in 6-minute walk distance and short physical performance battery score that exceeded established minimal clinically important …

Strength In Numbers: Exploring The Link Between Upper Body Muscular Strength And Academic Achievement In Youth, Julian A. Reed, Marsha Dowda Drph, Russell R. Pate Ph.D.

Faculty Publications

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to examine the associations between upper body strength and endurance (UMSE) and academic achievement in youth.

Design

Cross-sectional study included 5th (N = 25,025) and 8th grade (N = 14,988) students in South Carolina.

Methods

Academic achievement was measured using a statewide assessment and classified into two categories (meets/exceeds standards or does not meet/approaches standards). Achievement in mathematics and English Language Arts was assessed. UMSE was measured as part of the South Carolina FitnessGram project and expressed as Healthy Fitness Zone (HFZ) or Needs Improvement – Health Risk. Student demographic characteristics were derived …

Cv: Sterling Richards, Sterling Richards

Health Sciences Department Curricula Vitae

No abstract provided.

Dual-Task Effects On Spatiotemporal, Kinematic, And Kinetic Parameters And Their Variability During Running, Hsiang-Ling Teng, Jo Armour Smith, Will F.W. Wu

Physical Therapy Faculty Articles and Research

Background

Running in real-world environments often requires using cognitive resources simultaneously with the motor task (dual tasking, DT). Limited existing evidence suggests that DT reduces running speed. Movement variability is essential for a healthy, adaptable motor system. DT has been shown to affect movement variability during walking. Nonetheless, it remains unclear how DT affects spatiotemporal, kinematic, and kinetic parameters and their variability during running.

Research question

Does DT affect spatiotemporal, kinematic, and kinetic measures and their variability during running? Does running speed influence DT effects?

Methods

Thirty-one asymptomatic runners participated in this cross-sectional study. Three-dimensional running biomechanics were recorded while …

20% Caloric Restriction Did Not Impact Bone Health Nor Exercise-Induced Elevations In Bone Mass In Young Female Rats, Ken D. Sumida, Brady Slater, Haley Folta, Kassandra Lee, Sarina Karwande, Quinton Wong, S. Victoria Jaque, Frank Frisch

Health Sciences and Kinesiology Faculty Articles

The purpose of this study was to determine if a 6-week 20% caloric restrictive (CR) diet, with or without resistance training, would impact bone health in growing young female rats. Forty female rats (~ 5 wks old) were randomly divided into the following groups: baseline (n = 8), sedentary fed a normal diet (N, n = 8), sedentary fed a 20% CR diet (D, n = 8), resistance trained fed a normal diet (NT, n = 8), and resistance trained fed a 20% CR diet (DT, n = 8). The exercise groups were conditioned to climb a vertical ladder …

Wavelet-Based Mechanomyographic Intensity Responses To Sustained Tasks Anchored To Low Versus High Ratings Of Perceived Exertion, Dolores G. Ortega, Robert W. Smith, Jocelyn E. Arnett, Tyler J. Neltner, Trevor D. Roberts, Justin S. Pioske, Richard J. Schmidt, Terry J. Housh

Journal for Sports Neuroscience

Purpose: This study examined the effects of sustained, isometric forearm flexion tasks anchored to ratings of perceived exertion of 2 (RPE2_FT) versus 8 (RPE8_FT) on the wavelet-based mechanomyographic (MMG) intensity responses from pretest and posttest maximal voluntary isometric contractions (MVICs) as well as the time course of changes in the MMG intensity responses throughout the sustained tasks. Methods: Eleven men (mean±SD: age=20.9±2.3 yrs) performed MVICs before and after the sustained tasks. The wavelet analyses decomposed the MMG signals onto a set of 11 wavelet bands (WBs). Repeated measures ANOVAs were used to analyze the MMG intensity …

A196: Prediction Of Cardiovascular Function Improvement Based On Wearable Device Motion Monitoring And Otnmanba-Bilstm Model, Yixuan Li, Lan Zheng

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

Cardiovascular diseases are among the leading chronic health conditions worldwide, with prolonged physical inactivity or improper exercise increasing the risk of their occurrence. Existing studies suggest that well-structured exercise interventions can significantly enhance cardiac function and improve the adaptability of the cardiovascular system. However, accurately predicting the long-term impact of different exercise durations and intensities on heart health remains challenging due to individual physiological differences, exercise habits, and lifestyle factors. This study employs a data-driven approach to develop a predictive model based on wearable device motion monitoring data, aiming to elucidate the dynamic relationship between exercise and cardiovascular health and …

A197: Perceptual Behavior And Social Interaction Of Chinese College Students Toward Esports, Xianhua Luo

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

Social exchange theory (SET) has been extensively used to recognize students’ perceptual behavior (PB) and social interaction (SI). Research has examined the potential factors of recognition and socialization against the economic factors in individual evaluation, seeking rewards or avoiding costs in relationships. The positive impact of PB and SI is a significant experimental approach to studying social psychology. Therefore, the processes of individuals’ perceptual behavior and their social interactions in Esports might address this research gap. Hence, the purposes of this study were to explain the PBs and SIs toward Esports among college students in China. Method: 341college students were …

A214: Effects Of Tai Chi And Brisk Walking On Sensation In Pn Elders, Qiongqiu Zhao, Qipeng Song

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

Peripheral neuropathy (PN) is a prevalent neurological disorder, affecting 26–39.2% of adults aged 65 and older due to peripheral nerve degeneration and associated conditions like diabetes. PN leads to sensory impairments, including diminished tactile sensation, increased fall risk, and mobility issues. Tai Chi (TC) is a low-impact exercise shown to enhance sensory function and balance in healthy older adults, but its effects on PN patients remain unclear. Brisk walking (BW) is a widely recommended exercise for older adults, yet its impact on sensory function in PN is not well-established. This study compares TC and BW interventions on tactile sensation in …

Variances In Power Output Of Female Athletes During The Menstrual Phases, Julia L. Allen

Masters Theses

The purpose of this research was to examine if there are any variances in a female athlete’s ability to produce power, that could be correlated with the menstrual cycle phases. The study observed three elite female athletes throughout 13 weeks, collecting relative propulsive power and relative braking power data from their vertical jump performances which occurred multiple times a week. At the end of the 13 weeks, participating athletes were asked to download their personal Oura Ring data. The Oura data points included in this study were used to identify and measure several physiological factors such as menstrual cycle day, …

A Quantitative Analysis Examining The Impact Of Recreation Sports On The Overall Wellness Of Undergraduate Students At The University Of Louisiana At Lafayette, Kathryn "K-Lynn" Mckey

Doctoral Dissertations

The overarching question guiding this research study was, how does the use of university recreational sports facilities and resources impact reported wellness across the eight dimensions of wellness among undergraduate students? This study answered this question by examining literature, reviewing specific dimensions of wellness, and evaluating ways to determine if physical activity affects overall wellness for undergraduate students. According to the literature, approximately half of undergraduate students do not meet the daily recommendation for physical activity. Research suggests healthier students have greater retention rates, higher grade point averages (GPA), and demonstrate better mental health. To better support students’ needs, universities …

A088: Best Core Stability Training Program For Lower Limb Dysfunction In Stroke Patients: A Network Meta-Analysis, Kaiqi Zheng, Dan Wang, Guoliang Liang, Chunyun Deng

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

Stroke is the third leading cause of disability and the second leading cause of death among adults. Lower limb dysfunction caused by stroke significantly impairs patients' quality of life. Numerous studies have demonstrated that core stability training (CST) can effectively improve lower limb function in stroke patients, and combining CST with other rehabilitation approaches may yield better therapeutic outcomes. This study aims to identify the most effective CST-based combined intervention for treating lower limb dysfunction in stroke patients. Method: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published up to July 22, 2024, were searched from PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, CNKI, …

A090: Development And Efficacy Evaluation Of Virtual Reality (Vr)-Based Personalized Exercise Prescriptions For Perimenopausal Women, Runze Zhu, Zekai Wu

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

Perimenopausal women (aged 45–54) frequently experience climacteric symptoms such as vasomotor disturbances, osteoporosis, and cardiovascular risks due to declining ovarian function and estrogen levels. Approximately 75% of women report varying degrees of discomfort, with 80% exhibiting at least one symptom (e.g., sleep disorders, mood fluctuations). Conventional exercise prescriptions often lack specificity to address individual health disparities and comorbidities (e.g., osteoporosis, metabolic dysfunction). This study aimed to develop a virtual reality (VR)-based personalized exercise prescription system to enhance exercise adherence through immersive experiences and evaluate its efficacy in alleviating perimenopausal physiological and psychological symptoms. A personalized exercise prescription generation system was …

A098: Artificial Intelligence Empowers Exercise And Health For The Elderly: Opportunities, Challenges, And Pathways For Implementation, Yaohong Wang, Ke Wang, Yangguiyi Zhao

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

In the context of accelerated global aging and rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) technology, AI technology provides a new paradigm for improving sports and health management services in the field of elderly care and quality of life. This study aims to reveal the core value of AI technology, analyze the current practical challenges of AI empowerment, and build multidimensional pathways for implementation to promote the coordinated development of healthy aging and technological innovation. Through literature analysis, case studies, and expert interviews, this study systematically explores the application of AI technology in the field of exercise and health of the …

A096: Artificial Intelligence Empowering Physical Education In Higher Education: Logical Tensions And Practical Pathways, Yangguiyi Zhao, Ke Wang, Yaohong Wang

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

Driven by the strategies of “education digitalization” and “integration of sports and education”, artificial intelligence (AI) technology is reshaping the core values and practical pathways of physical education in higher education. As AI empowers the construction of university sports systems, it has become a key driving force in addressing the challenges of traditional physical education and responding to educational needs. However, AI-driven educational innovation is not a linear evolution; the interplay of its internal logical tensions and external practical constraints necessitates systematic research and pathway exploration. Method: This study systematically explores the multidimensional tensions and coordinated development pathways of artificial …

A095: Blocking Factors And Precision Strategies Of Digital-Driven Governance: Modernization Of Elderly Sports Public Services, Fangfang Yang

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

The application of digital technology in the field of sports public services for the elderly presents numerous problems and difficulties. This paper attempts to explore precision strategies for the governance modernization of sports public services for the elderly, driven by digital technology. Analyzing the blocking factors of governance capacity modernization of sports public services driven by digital technologypractical significance for achieving universal health and the construction of a Healthy China. Literature review, expert interviews, and logical analysis. 1. Blocking Factors of Digital-Driven Governance Modernization of Sports Public Services for the Elderly: 1) Weak awareness of digital governance in elderly sports …

A099: Sports-Medicine Integration Treatment Behaviors In Obese College Students: Current Status, Effectiveness, And Influencing Factors, Yunan Li, Dongyue Wei, Shanping Chen, Zhiwei Hu

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

Obesity among college students has become a critical public health issue, impacting their physical and mental health. Sports-Medicine Integration (SMI), an innovative intervention, shows promise for obesity treatment. This study explores the characteristics, effects, and influencing factors of SMI treatments among students, offering insights to improve health literacy and promote holistic well-being in universities. Method: This study employed the "SMI Cognitive Situation Scale" (Gao Shangshang, 2020), the "Exercise Motivation Scale" (Chen Shanping, 2013), and a self-designed "Obesity Treatment Behavior Scale" to survey 1,225 non-physical education majors from general higher education institutions. Data were analyzed using SPSS 29.0. Descriptive statistics assessed …

A109: Analysis Of Optimization Pathways For The Structure Of Sports Consumption In The Digital Economy, Xinran Cui

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

With the rapid development of the digital economy, the structure of sports consumption is undergoing profound transformations. Traditional sports consumption models can no longer meet the increasingly diversified and personalized demands of consumers. The integration of digital technologies presents new opportunities for the transformation of the sports industry. This study aims to explore how digital technologies can optimize the structure of sports consumption, enhance consumer experiences, and promote the sustainable development of the sports industry. Based on survey data from 524 Chinese residents (282 females and 242 males), this study employs statistical analysis using SPSS to conduct an in-depth examination …

A108: Multidimensional Examination Of The Construction Of The "Educational Joint Community" In School Pe In China, Yefei Fan, Liang Wang

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

The "educational joint community" (EJC) is a working mode that aims at the healthy and happy growth of primary and secondary school students. Taking schools as the core, regions as the main body, and resources as the link, it promotes effective collaboration among families, schools, and society. The construction of the EJC in school PE in China represents an inevitable choice for achieving high-quality development. It is also an inexorable trend in the pursuit of the national strategies of building a strong sports nation and an education nation. This development is not only in line with the current educational reform …

A104: Explainable Ai-Driven Multimodal Biomechanics Analysis Of Cheerleading Rotational Skills: A Framework For Real-Time Performance Optimization, Jingyi Chen

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

Current cheerleading skill assessment predominantly relies on coaches' subjective evaluations, lacking quantifiable biomechanical benchmarks. Although electromyography and ground reaction forces provide critical neuromuscular and kinetic insights, their computational integration for automated motion quality assessment remains underdeveloped in aesthetic sports. This study systematically investigates the Tour à la Seconde through explainable machine learning, establishing an interpretable human-AI collaboration framework to bridge empirical coaching knowledge with data-driven biomechanical diagnostics. Twenty-eight elite athletes (18-22 years, 3+ years training) performed standardized Tour à la Seconde while synchronized 14-lead EMG (2000Hz) and triaxial force plate data were captured. Biomechanical feature engineering encompassed: Neuromuscular dynamics: RMS …

A117: Using Bertopic Modeling To Explore Physical Education Utilizing Ict, Qian Sun, Hanjoo Lee, Shutong Liu, Youngbin Cho, Jungmin Kim

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

Physical education (PE) plays a vital role in student well-being, but China’s traditional PE faces rigid curricula, simplistic assessments, and uneven urban-rural teaching quality. Since the 2017 Next Generation Artificial Intelligence Development Plan, China has promoted ICT integration into PE. Technologies like big data, AI, and VR offer personalized teaching and data-driven practices, aligning with China’s push for innovation-driven development. However, the impact of ICT-integrated PE on physical activity and learning outcomes remains unclear. This study uses BERTopic to analyze research trends and key themes, offering insights for future research and policy. Method: A literature review was conducted using the …

A118: Hypoxic Exercise Suppresses Khk Gene To Improve Cardiac Function On A High Fructose Diet, Xu Ping, Lan Zheng

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

Up-regulation of KHK activation on a high fructose diet is positively associated with the subsequent development of several metabolic diseases, including high fructose diet-induced heart disease. Hypoxic exercise is considered an effective means of treating and preventing metabolic diseases and improving cardiac function. However, it is unclear whether the link between hypoxic exercise and high fructose-induced heart disease exists. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the link between the modulation of KHK by hypoxic exercise and high fructose diet heart disease. Method: Three hundred virgin flies of the wild-type W1118 strain were collected and randomly assigned to …

A113: Smart Assessment In University Pe Teaching, Zhifei Zhang

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

With the development of educational information and intelligence, the evaluation and improvement of teaching effectiveness in university physical education (PE) have become a research focus. Traditional assessment methods struggle to comprehensively reflect teaching outcomes, while smart technologies offer new approaches for precise evaluation. This study aims to construct a smart technology-based assessment model for university PE teaching effectiveness and explore its practical application to promote innovative development in PE teaching. This study adopts a quasi-experimental design, involving 300 PE teachers and 1500 students from five universities in China. The experimental group used a smart assessment system (including wearable devices and …

A114: The Impact Of Online Screen Sedentary Behaviors On Depressive Symptoms Among Children And Adolescents, Mingming Guo, Wenle Chen, Junkai Zhang

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

Previous research suggests that screen-based sedentary behaviors increase the risk of depressive symptoms among children and adolescents. However, the specific associations between various online screen sedentary behaviors and depressive symptoms remain unclear. Therefore, this study conducted a two-year nationwide cross-sectional survey to examine how different types of online screen behaviors affect depressive symptoms in children and adolescents. Method: Drawing on data from the China Family Panel Studies (CFPS), a total of 4,289 students aged 10–18 years (2,001 females) were surveyed in 2020 and 2022. Depressive symptoms were measured using the Centre for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D8). The frequency of …

A121: The Relationship Between Muscle Activation, Co-Activation, And Leg-Spring Stiffness In Recreational Runners, Shiqin Chen, Xiaohuan Tan, Shouxin Jiang, Fei Li

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

In running, the organism needs to select appropriate muscle activation strategies to modulate leg-spring stiffness to achieve a high level of exercise performance. However, direct evidence regarding the relationship between leg-spring stiffness, muscle activation, and co-activation during running remains limited. Therefore, we aimed to explore the relationship between muscle (co) activation and leg-spring stiffness (leg stiffness and vertical stiffness) in recreational runners. Method: Twenty-nine male recreational runners (age: 21 ± 1.17 yr, height: 1.80 ± 0.06 m, weight: 72.13 ± 9.91 kg) ran at 12 km/h while kinematic data, ground reaction forces, and surface electromyography signals were collected for nine …

A116: Resistance Training Vs. Moderate-Intensity Continuous Training On Cognitive Function In Nafld Patients, Yineng Tan, Xueying He, Jianyu Gan, Dapeng Bao

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) is the most common chronic liver disease globally, with a prevalence of nearly 30%. It is closely related to cognitive dysfunction, which significantly impacts quality of life. Recent studies suggest that exercise therapy (aerobic/resistance training) can improve metabolic abnormalities in NAFLD, yet its effects on cognitive function remain controversial. Moderate-Intensity Continuous Training (MICT) may have advantages over Resistance Training (RT) in modulating lipid metabolism, though RT might be more feasible for specific groups. This study compares the effects of 6 weeks of MICT and RT on cognitive functions (verbal memory, visuospatial ability, executive function, and …