Life Sciences Commons^™

Impression Motivations And Mental Health In Collegiate Athletes And Musicians: The Benefits Of Promoting Virtues, Mary L. Inman, Olufemi A. Oluyedun, Erin Moran, Brendyn Mroz, Madison Mccreery

Faculty Publications

This study identifies two key impression-management motivations that arise in public settings: promoting virtues and preventing harm to one’s image. We explored their impact on mental health—specifically, socially-based perfectionism and depressive symptoms. Drawing from regulatory-focus theory, we predicted promotion motivations would predict strong mental health, prevention motivations would predict poor mental health, and promotion motivations would buffer against the negative effects of prevention motivations. Collegiate athletes and musicians (N = 262) completed validated measures of impression motivation, perfectionism, and depressive symptoms. Results revealed that athletes reported lower levels of perfectionism and depressive symptoms than did musicians. Across both groups, …

Low Energy Availability Prevalence, Dietary Habits, And Sleep In Female Army Rotc Cadets, Hannah K. Eberhardt, Brandon D. Willingham, Matthew F. Brisebois, Patrick G. Saracino

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(6): 1030-1046, 2025. Low energy availability (LEA) results in numerous health and performance decrements. While a high prevalence of LEA and sleep disturbance has been observed in male Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) cadets, no data exists in females. This study aimed to determine LEA prevalence, dietary habits, and sleep quantity and quality in female U.S. ROTC cadets. Following an overnight fast, ten cadets (22±4 yrs, 166.0±6.1 cm, 67.1±9.1 kg, 26.1±6.2% body fat, 49.2±4.8 kg fat-free mass (FFM)) had their body composition and resting metabolic rate measured. Validated questionnaires assessed LEA symptoms and sleep. …

Effect Of Fiber Structure Heterogeneity On The Estimation Of Material Parameters For Cardiac Scar Tissue Mechanics, Desmond Maximilian Flanagan

All ETDs from UAB

Over one million Americans suffer from myocardial infarction (MI) per year. After MI, the heart muscle is replaced by scar, whose mechanical properties play a critical role in outcomes for surviving patients. Previously, Caggiano et al. induced MI in rats, and ex-tracted the scar tissue samples for microscopy and mechanical testing. Building on this, we investigate the effect of incorporating microscopy-derived fiber heterogeneity on the estimation of stress and material parameters. We studied the effect of fiber orientation heterogeneity on the mechanical characteriza-tion of scar tissues using finite element models (FEM) that replicated biaxial tests. We used three constitutive models—Mooney-Rivlin, …

Accelerations And Emg Differences Between Isocaloric High-Incline Walking And Level-Grade Jogging, Taj Krieger, Motoki Sato, Lex Gidley, Justus Ortega, Eli Lankford

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(7): 995-1009, 2025. High-incline walking is a popular mode of exercise and often serves as an alternative to level-grade running for improving cardiovascular fitness. This study examined the muscle activation and biomechanical differences between high-incline walking (HIW) at a 20% grade and level-grade jogging (LGJ) at matched exercise intensities. Nineteen physically inactive adults (18-31 years) participated. Participants completed two isocaloric exercise trials (HIW and LGJ), each lasting ten minutes. EMG data were obtained from eight muscles: biceps femoris (BF), gluteus maximus (GM), lateral gastrocnemius (LG), tibialis anterior (TA), vastus lateralis (VL), anterior deltoid (AD), erector …

Editorial: A Step-By-Step Statistical Decision Framework For A Gender-Inclusive Approach In Sport And Exercise Science Research, James W. Navalta, Dustin W. Davis, Jafra D. Thomas, Whitley J. Stone

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(1): 1010-1029, 2025. The conflation of sex and gender in sport and exercise science research has led to gaps in representation and understanding of gender-inclusive outcomes. This invited editorial presents a framework to guide researchers in conducting statistical analyses that account for multiple gender identities beyond the traditional binary classification. The invited editorial guides deliberation on whether to test for sex or gender differences in sport or exercise science research. It prompts investigators to answer the question, “Is there a valid, literature-supported rationale for investigating sex or gender differences?” If “yes”, we propose approaches that …

Age-Related Change In Children’S Physical Activity And Sedentary Time: The International Children’S Accelerometry Database (Icad), Andrew J. Atkin, Lauren B. Sherar, Ulf Ekelund, Bjorge H. Hansen, Lars Bo Andersen, Sigmund Anderssen, Susi Kriemler, Soyang Kwon, Peter L. Kristensen, Niels Wedderopp, Kate Northstone, Russell Jago, Russell R. Pate Ph.D., Jardena J. Puder, Jo Salmon, Luis B. Sardinha, Esther M.F. Van Sluijs

Faculty Publications

Background

Many young people fail to achieve the minimum recommended amount of physical activity to benefit their health. Understanding the nature of age-related changes in behaviour and how this varies for population sub-groups is informative for intervention design. The aim of this study was to describe age-related changes in physical activity and sedentary time and examine variability in patterns of change across demographic sub-groups.

Methods

Data are from 13 studies in the International Children’s Accelerometry Database (ICAD), all of which provided ≥2 waves of waist-worn accelerometer data. Annual change in sedentary time, light intensity physical activity (LPA) and moderate to …

The Effect Of A Kn95 Mask On High-Intensity Interval Training Performance, Physiological Response, And Perception, David Kenny, Payton Stanziani, Holly Chambers, Madison Vinovrski, Isabel Allocco, Jack Fisher, Morgan Raley, Kyle S. Beyer

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(3): 984-994, 2025. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of a KN95 mask on the performance, physiological response, and perception of high-intensity interval training (HIIT). Twenty college-aged participants (Male: 10, Female: 10) completed a two-visit, crossover, counterbalanced study. The HIIT workout included four 1-minute “all-out” intervals at 3.5% of body mass with 4-minute rest intervals, performed with or without a KN95 mask. Following HIIT, participants remained on the cycle ergometer for a 15-minute recovery period. For each interval, peak power and average power were recorded. Throughout the HIIT workout and recovery, …

Evaluating The Impact Of Zoa Energy Drink On Muscular Strength, Psychomotor Vigilance, And Mood In Active Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial, Jose J. Rojas, Jason M. Curtis, Flavia F. Pereira, Cassandra Evans, Kaelan Jones, Alyana Andal, Juan Carlos Santana, Hena Thakkar, Jose Antonio

Journal for Sports Neuroscience

This study evaluates the effects of ZOA Energy Drink, a commercially available energy beverage, on muscular strength, sustained attention, and mood in exercise-trained individuals. Using a randomized, blinded, two-arm design, 24 participants (15 males, 9 females; age = 31.8 ± 8.4 years) were assigned to consume either ZOA Energy Drink or a caffeine-matched placebo. The primary outcomes included psychomotor vigilance (PVT), mood state (POMS), handgrip strength, and push-up performance. Baseline body composition was also assessed using bioelectrical impedance.

Results revealed no statistically significant differences between the ZOA and the caffeine matched control groups in psychomotor vigilance (p = 0.155), mood …

Performance Fatigability At Task Failure And Beyond: Distinct Patterns Of Recovery Following Constant Load Versus Intermittent Cycling Exercise, Zachary J. Mcclean, Keenan Macdougall, Matthew J. Jordan, Danilo Iannetta, Martin Macinnis, Saied J. Aboodarda

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(7): 971-983, 2025. The total work completed during an exercise session is often assumed to be the primary factor influencing the kinetics of post-exercise recovery. However, the duration of work and rest periods during high intensity interval training (HIIT) have been shown to impact the magnitude of physiological stress and could also impact post-exercise recovery. The aim of this study was to characterize the recovery time course of neuromuscular function following work-to-rest matched HIIT protocols with different work interval durations and conducted to task failure. Participants (n=12, n=6 females) completed a ramp incremental exercise test …

Positive Changes In Functional Capacity, Muscle Strength And Body Composition After Short Time Of Resistance Training Periodization In Older Women: A Quasi-Experimental Study, Ericles Vieira

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(7): 949-970, 2025. We investigated the effects of a new approach with mixed session periodization resistance training (MSP) on functional performance, muscular strength, and body composition in older women. Twenty-one participants were tested before and after the intervention (10 weeks) and were allocated for convenience into two groups according to their available time; our schedule made two classes available, one at 6 a.m. (MSP), and one at 7 a.m. (active group-control). Results were analyzed through a mixed-model analysis with repeated measures. There was a group vs. time interaction for timed up and go (p < 0.001, η_{p …}

Physical Function And Pain As Predictors Of Movement Behaviors In Adults With Arthritis, Scott Jamieson, Sarah Wilcox Phd, Chih-Hsiang Yang Ph.D., Ye Sil Kim Phd, Christine Pellegrini Ph.D.

Faculty Publications

Purpose

Design

Setting

Subjects

Measures

Analysis …

P.L.A.Y. For All Pilot: Effects Of A Community-Based, Inclusive After-School Program On Physical Activity And Motor-Skill Outcomes, Allison R. Tsuchida, Karl-Richard Hennebach, Erin E. Centeio

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

After-school programs for physical activity (PA) can contribute to helping children and youth achieve the suggested 60 minutes a day of PA. Previous research also suggests that developing motor competency can positively impact long-term PA participation. Additionally, parent and peer support can help children and youth overcome barriers to PA participation. The primary purpose of this pilot research study was to determine the effects of an inclusive after-school program on PA levels and motor-skill outcomes for children with and without disabilities. A secondary purpose was to examine parental support for physical activity and children’s physical activity and motor skills. 38 …

Effects Of Acute Caffeine Ingestion On Physical Performance And Skill Execution In Volleyball Players: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Raoof Negaresh, Shihab Aldin A. Al-Riyami, Alireza Paahoo, Rastegar Hoseini, Juan Del Coso

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(6): 922-948, 2025. It is well established that oral caffeine administration (3-9 mg/kg) is ergogenic, enhancing numerous aspects of physical performance including strength and power. However, the extent to which these effects translate to volleyball-specific skills remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to systematically review the effects of acute caffeine ingestion on performance outcomes in volleyball-specific actions. A systematic review of published studies was conducted using scientific databases from their inception through December 2024 (registered in PROSPERO, CRD420251006314). We included studies with blinded crossover experimental designs that compared caffeine ingestion to a placebo …

Satellite Cells Choreograph An Immune Cell-Fibrogenic Cell Circuit During Mechanical Loading In Geriatric Skeletal Muscle, Nicholas T. Thomas, Camille R. Brightwell, Allison M. Owen, Alexander R. Keeble, Sabin Khadgi, Yuan Wen, Christopher S. Fry, Kevin Murach

Health, Human Performance and Recreation Faculty Publications and Presentations

Muscle stem cells, or satellite cells (SCs), decline in number throughout the lifespan and may become senescent in very old age. Whether and how remaining SCs contribute to muscle adaptation in the oldest-old is unclear. Using acute mechanical overload in geriatric SC replete and depleted mice (28-month-old) combined with single-cell RNA-sequencing, we show: (i) subsets of geriatric SCs display signs of senescence as well as normal fate progression during overload, (ii) SCs express markers that may contribute to the regulation of innervation, (iii) the presence of SCs during overload enhances global intercellular communication and increases mRNA levels of the cell …

Cardiovascular And Aortic Wave Reflection Responses To Evening Binge Alcohol Consumption, Grant Thivierge, Ian Greenlund, Jeremy Bigalke, Carl Smoot, Jason R. Carter, John J. Durocher

Michigan Tech Publications

Evening binge alcohol consumption contributes to sleep disruption and autonomic dysregulation that persists into the following morning. However, its impact on morning-after arterial stiffness and aortic wave reflection remains unknown. Using a randomized, crossover, fluid-controlled design, we hypothesized that heart rate (HR), carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV), aortic augmentation index (AIx), and aortic pulsatile load (APL) would be increased acutely after binge drinking at night (study 1) and the morning-after binge drinking (study 2). Participants (n=33, 18 females, 15 males, age 25±1 years, BMI: 27±1 kg/m) completed binge alcohol (4-5 drink equivalent) and fluid control protocols. Study 1 examined cardiovascular …

Optimizing Hip And Knee Assistance For Walking And Sit-To-Stand Transitions: An Intrinsic Muscle Mechanics Based Predictive Approach, Neethan Ratnakumar

Dissertations

As the global population ages, the demand for wearable assistive technologies continues to rise, driven by their potential to enhance mobility and independence in older adults. Effectively designed controllers for lower-limb exoskeletons to assist sit-to-stand (STS) and walking are crucial for delivering efficient, safe, and comfortable assistance during daily activities. Traditionally, controller optimization involves biomechanical modeling and user-specific customization. Musculoskeletal simulations play a central role in this process by providing insights into human-exoskeleton interaction dynamics, thereby informing and refining control strategies.

This work presents a simulation-driven approach for developing exoskeleton controllers for walking and STS using two distinct methods: optimal …

Difference In Knee Joint Structure And Lower Extremity Functioning Among People With Varying Severity Of Knee Osteoarthritis: A Cross-Sectional Study, Shubham Tawade, Rajani Mullerpatan Dr., Bela Agarwal Dr.

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(5): 910-921, 2025. Osteoarthritis (OA) is a highly prevalent musculoskeletal condition. It is reported that knee OA progressively affects lower-extremity functioning. Evidence is lacking on when there is a substantial decline in function and whether this trend differs between males and females and disease severity. This study aimed to examine influence of gender and increasing grade of knee OA on lower-extremity function. Following Institutional Ethical Committee approval and signed-informed consent, 115 participants (57-males, 58-females), aged 40-65 years, with diagnosed knee OA (grade 1-4) were recruited. Lower-extremity function was studied using reliable and valid outcome …

Biddle Physical Ability Test (Bpat) Performance By Attempt In Southern California Structural Firefighter Candidates, Robert G. Lockie, Joseph Dulla, Jennifer Meloni, Kristina A. Ross, Robin (Rob) Marc Orr, J. Jay Dawes, Tomas J. Ruvalcaba

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(8): 895-909, 2025. The Biddle Physical Ability Test (BPAT) is a job task simulation that must be completed in ≤9:34 min:s by structural firefighter candidates to be accepted to a fire training academy. This study investigated the influence of prior attempts on BPAT time. Retrospective analysis was conducted on 1435 male and 72 female candidates. All participants received equivalent instruction on how to complete the BPAT which incorporated: dry hose drag; charged hose drag; halyard raise; roof walk; attic crawl; roof ventilation; victim removal; ladder removal and carry; stair climb with hose bundle; crawling search; …

The Illusion Of Internal Models In Biological Movement, Madhur Mangalam

Journal Articles

The concept of internal models dominates contemporary theories of sensorimotor control, with researchers across neurosciences, specifically motor control, routinely explaining observed behaviors through computational representations that supposedly exist within the nervous system. In this perspective, I present a critical examination of internal model frameworks in sensorimotor control. I argue that representational approaches mischaracterize biological systems for several fundamental reasons: (1) Internal models require homuncular interpreters, creating infinite regress problems; (2) The purported neural implementations of internal models remain empirically elusive despite decades of research; (3) Biological movement systems exhibit multiscale, nonlinear, and non-Gaussian dynamics that fundamentally defy reduction to conventional …

Rear Leg-Derived Moment Contributes To Resistance Against Hip Extension In Bulgarian Split Squats, Hiroshi Arakawa, Hikaru Nakashima, Xuanrui Li, Michiya Tanimoto

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(7): 881-894, 2025. The Bulgarian split squat (BSS) is a unilateral exercise that emphasizes hip extension more than knee extension, compared to other squat variations. This study aimed to (1) empirically verify the existence of the rear leg-derived moment (M_RL)—a theoretically plausible but previously untested external resistive hip moment acting against the net hip extension moment (M_HE) of the front leg—and (2) examine how stance width and forward trunk-leaning angles affect M_RL during the BSS. Nine trained male participants performed bodyweight BSS under two stance conditions (wide and narrow) and …

16-Week Physical Transition From Professional Mma To Tactical Firefighting: A Case Study, Cole D. Smeester, Gabriel J. Sanders, Corey Peacock, Jose Antonio

Journal for Sports Neuroscience

Firefighters, whose occupation involves intense physical, mental, and environmental demands, must be physically and mentally prepared to perform job-specific tasks effectively and safely. Nearly half of all injuries sustained on and off the fireground are musculoskeletal, highlighting issues in the preparation and maintenance strategies for work preparedness among firefighters. This case study examines the effectiveness of a 16-week conventional, conjugate strength and conditioning model on a fire recruit transitioning from a career as a professional MMA fighter. Specific data metrics were used to assess increases in firefighter-specific performance (i.e., EPAT time and body composition). After the 16-week program, the participant …

Idmatch Bike Fitting Enhances Power Output In Recreational Cyclists: A Pilot Study, Evan T. Hoyt, Gregory N. Ruegsegger

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(2): 864-880, 2025. Optimizing bike position is essential for enhancing cycling performance, improving comfort, and reducing injury risk. This study examined the acute effects of a bike fit using the idmatch^® system on power output, rate of perceived exertion (RPE), and discomfort in recreational cyclists. Twelve participants (10 males, 2 females; 37.0 ± 9.4 years) underwent an idmatch system bike fit, which employs three-dimensional motion capture to optimize rider position. Cyclists completed a six-second peak power test (PPT6) and a 20-minute functional threshold power (FTP) test before and after the fit. Performance metrics (power, …

The Complexity Of Promoting Physical Activity In English State Primary Schools: An In-Depth Qualitative Analysis Of The Role Of Social Context, Robert Walker, Danielle House, Alice Porter, Ruth Salway, Simona Kent-Saisch, Michael Beets Ph.D., David Revalds Lubans, Frank De Vocht, Russell Jago

Faculty Publications

Background

Primary schools present an opportunity to equitably promote physical activity. To date, school-based interventions have had limited success. Contextual differences between schools could be a key factor that contributes to this lack of impact. However, the elements that constitute a school’s social context (i.e. the organisational, political, cultural, and sociodemographic characteristics) and how they might impact on primary school physical activity are unclear. The aims of this study were to conduct an in-depth qualitative analysis of state primary school social context related to physical activity and, using this analysis, provide recommendations for policy and practice.

Methods

We conducted one-to-one …

The Effects Of Exercise Training In A Novel Full-Body Compression Garment On Anaerobic Performance In Healthy Men, Benjamin W. Cunningham, Mikayla M. Reese, Jesse M. Jansen, Benjamin S. Minier, Curtis A. Cornell, Faith C. Benedict, Joshua T. Mayne, Justin A. O'Dell, Gabriel M. Lysak, James R. Sackett

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(8): 836-851, 2025. Although acutely donning compression garments improves several markers of athletic performance, the effects of training in compression garments remains largely unexplored. Thus, this study aimed to determine the effects of exercise training while donning a novel full-body compression garment on multiple measures of anaerobic performance. Sixteen sedentary males (age: 21±3 y; BMI: 25±3 kg/m²) completed 4 weeks of training with (CG; n=8) or without (CON; n=8) a novel full-body compression garment. Subjects performed a 40m sprint (time and velocity), a 5-repetition maximum barbell back squat (barbell weight and serratus anterior …

Change In Free-Living Daily Steps Does Not Affect Vo2max Adaptation In Response To A Supervised Aerobic Walking Program In Females Ages 18-45, Catherine L. Jarrett, Brandon J. Sawyer, Wesley Tucker, Dharini M. Bhammar, Justin R. Ryder, Siddhartha Angadi, Glenn A. Gaesser

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(5): 852-863, 2025. We hypothesized that an increase in nonexercise physical activity (NEPA), assessed by daily steps outside of steps accrued during supervised exercise training sessions, would be positively correlated with the change in VO_2max. Females ages 18-45 yr (n = 44; 30 ± 7 yr; 67.7 ± 18.3 kg; 24.9 ± 6.4 kg/m²) completed 36 supervised training sessions on a motorized treadmill (3 sessions/week, 30 min/session) over 12 weeks, at 70% VO_2max (80% max heart rate). VO_2max was assessed at baseline, 4, 8, and 12 weeks, and …

Advancing Rfid Systems: From Head Orientation To Robotic Localization Using Passive Tags, Guilherme Ricardo Mendes Da Silva Barreto De Figueiredo

Doctoral Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Development, Validation, And Applicability Of A Race-Specific Insulin Sensitivity Estimator (Rise) In Youth And Young Adults, Wonhee Cho

Dissertations - ALL

Parallel to the escalating rate of overweight and obesity in the youth and young adult population, the incidence and prevalence of type 2 diabetes are also mounting, presenting significant public health problems. Among the various pathophysiological factors, insulin sensitivity has emerged as a critical risk factor for impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and type 2 diabetes in youth. Despite the pivotal role of insulin sensitivity in the development and progression of these conditions, current methodologies for its assessment, such as the hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp and intravenous glucose tolerance test, are limited by their invasive methods, high cost, and unsuitability for use in …

Menopause-Related Changes In Sleep And The Associations With Cardiometabolic Health: A Narrative Review, Joshua R. Sparks, Xuewen Wang Ph.D., Faha

Faculty Publications

This narrative review examines the complex relationship between sleep changes during the menopausal transition and cardiometabolic risks. The most common complaint about sleep is increased awakenings during sleep. Other complaints include having trouble falling asleep, waking up too early, insufficient and non-restorative sleep, and overall poor quality. Sleep determined using objective methods also indicates that greater awakenings after sleep onset are associated with the period of menopausal transition. Polysomnography recordings suggest physiological hyperarousal during sleep. Changes in other sleep metrics, such as sleep latency and sleep duration, are less consistent, and some studies suggest they may not worsen during the …

Unrecognized And Unreported Concussions Among Community Rugby Players, Rachael Wittmer, Thomas A. Buckley, Charles Buz Swanik, Katelyn M. Costantini, Lisa Ryan, Ed Daly, Regan E. King, Arryana J. Daniels, Katherine J. Hunzinger

Department of Exercise Science Faculty Papers

This study examined the prevalence of intentionally unreported and potentially unrecognized concussions in community rugby players and whether nondisclosure reasons vary by sex, position, or playing history. An online survey was completed by 1037 players (41.0% female; mean age 31.6 ± 11.3 years; 10.1 ± 8.1 years playing) who reported diagnosed, unreported, and unrecognized concussions. Poisson regression models estimated prevalence ratios (PRs), and Fisher's exact tests compared reasons for nondisclosure. The diagnosed, unreported, and unrecognized concussion rates were 66.5%, 32.4%, and 42.2%, respectively. Players with diagnosed concussions had a 7.2-fold higher prevalence of nondisclosure and a 2.3-fold higher prevalence of …

Comprehensive Fitness Assessment In A Professional Military Education Cohort: A Cross-Sectional Study, Daniel J. Lawson, Russell K. Lowell, C. Brooks Mobley, Katherine Frick, Nicholas C. Bordonie, Kaitlyn G. Clouse, Cameron D. Ott, Harrison C. Dimick, Nicholas R. Mauldin, Joellen M. Sefton

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(8): 811-835, 2025. Military personnel face rigorous physical and cognitive demands critical for operational readiness and long-term health. This study evaluated body composition, cognitive performance, and physical fitness metrics in non-entry-level service members to inform tailored fitness interventions. This cross-sectional study analyzed data from Air Command Staff College personnel (N = 307; 89 females, 218 males; age: 37 ± 5 years) at Air University, Maxwell Air Force Base. Participants completed assessments for body composition (body mass index [BMI], body fat percentage [%BF], fat mass index [FMI], fat-free mass index [FFMI]), flexibility (sit-and-reach test, functional reach …