Life Sciences Commons^™

Diagnostic Ultrasound Shows Preferential Activation Of Rectus Abdominis Segments With Exercises Targeting Upper Versus Lower Segments., Aaron P. Gomirato, Sylvain G. Grenier

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 16(1): 1077-1086, 2023. Preferential activation of rectus abdominis sections during crunch or leg lifts has long been disputed. The objectives of this study were to both explore the activation of the rectus abdominis during these exercises. This study used a randomised independent measures design utilising both EMG and diagnostic ultrasound to record changes in rectus abdominis activity. Fifteen participants each performed multiple repetitions of a 45° crunch, a 90° sit-up, and finally a 90° leg raise, sufficient for an 8-second ultrasound recording utilising M-mode of all four unilateral abdominal segments during each of the exercises, …

Identifying Consistent Metrics From The Force-Time Curve Of The Countermovement Jump In Combat Fighters And Physically Active Men., Alexandre Reis Pires Ferreira, Victor Macedo, Daniel Boullosa, Amilton Vieira

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 16(4): 1038-1051, 2023. We investigated the consistency of metrics obtained from the unweighting, braking, propulsive, and landing phases of the countermovement (CMJ) force-time curve in combat fighters and physically active men. Combat fighters (n=21) and physically actives (n=21) were tested for three days (2-7 days apart). Participants performed four maximal CMJ separated by 1-min for between-day comparisons. From force-time recording, the consistency of 16 CMJ metrics (peak and mean ground reaction forces (GRF), net impulse, and duration from each phase) was investigated using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and typical error (CV_TE). We …

Towards The Development Of A System Dynamics Model For The Prediction Of Lower Extremity Injuries., Nikolaos I. Liveris, George Papageorgiou, Elias Tsepis, Konstantinos Fousekis, Charis Tsarbou, Sofia A. Xergia

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 16(3): 1052-1065, 2023. Acute noncontact Lower Extremity (LE) injuries constitute a significant problem in team sports. Despite extensive research, current knowledge on the risk factors of LE injuries is limited to static simplistic models of instantaneous cause and effect relationships ignoring the time dimension and the embedded complexity of LE injuries. Even though complex systems approaches have been used in various cases to improve policy and intervention effectiveness, there is limited research on predicting and managing LE injuries. This creates an opportunity to fill the gap in the current literature by applying the System Dynamics …

Attenuation Of Neuromuscular Fatigue By Ischemic Preconditioning With Moderate Cuff Pressure Is Not Related To Muscle Oxygen Saturation In Men, Anderson Meireles, Hiago Leandro Rodrigues De Souza, Rhaí André Arriel, Guilherme Guedes Silva Ribeiro, Alex Batista Rodrigues, Géssyca De Oliveira, Bernardo Ide, Mauro Heleno Chagas, Moacir Marocolo

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 16(2): 1025-1037, 2023. Ischemic preconditioning (IPC) has been an excellent strategy for enhancing sports performance recovery, although there is still no consensus on the ideal protocol. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of IPC with different cuff pressures (low pressure, medium pressure, and high pressure) on the attenuation of neuromuscular fatigue after an isometric test protocol. And to verify whether this improvement was related to muscle oxygen saturation during the test protocol. Thirty males (18-35 years old) with experience in resistance training were allocated to three different groups: low pressure (20 mmHg), medium …

The Effect Of Outdoor And Indoor Group Exercise Classes On Psychological Stress In College Students: A Pilot Study With Randomization, Raeann C. Bramwell, Aspen E. Streetman, Gina Besenyi

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 16(5): 1012-1024, 2023. Emerging evidence suggests that outdoor group exercise may reduce stress more than indoor group exercise because the outdoor environment provides unique mental health benefits. Stress leads to illnesses and diseases, but exercise mitigates harmful impacts. This study explored differences in perceived stress and outdoor physical activity participation among college students in an indoor or outdoor group exercise class. Data were collected pre-, mid- (after four sessions), and post-intervention (after eight sessions). Seventeen participants indicated an interest in the study, but 13 signed up. Participants completed a four-week group exercise intervention that met …

Acute Effects Of Different Set Configurations On Neuromuscular, Metabolic, And Perceptual Responses In Young Women, Francisco Dalton-Alves, Lígia Martins, Witalo Kassiano, Mário Simim, Alexandre I. A. Medeiros, Cláudio De O. Assumpção

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 16(4): 974-986, 2023. We compared neuromuscular, metabolic, and perceptual responses between different resistance training configurations in young women. In a counterbalanced randomized order, 13 young women performed the following protocols in separate sessions (sets x repetitions): traditional (TRAD): 5x10, 90-s of rest interval between sets; more frequent and shorter total rest (FSR): 10x5, 30-s of rest interval between sets. The sessions were composed of leg press exercise with the same intensity. Force (maximum voluntary isometric contraction [MVIC]) and metabolic (lactate concentration) responses were measured pre- and post-resistance training sessions. The rating of perceived exertion (RPE) …

Does Beta-Alanine Supplementation Potentiate Muscle Performance Following 6 Weeks Of Blood Flow Restriction Or Traditional Resistance Training?, Kassiana De Araujo Pessoa, Jason Michael Cholewa, Rayssa Sousa-Silva, Xia Zhi, Alessandro M. Zagatto, Antonio Herbert Lancha-Jr, Jakob D. Lauver, Fabricio Eduardo Rossi, Nelo Zanchi

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 16(2): 999-1011, 2023. We aimed to compare the effects of beta-alanine on Traditional Resistance Training (TRAD) or Blood Flow Restriction Training (BFR). Methods: 19 subjects were randomly allocated to a Placebo (n = 10) or beta-alanine (n = 9) group. Subjects from both groups were trained unilaterally (unilateral arm curl) for six weeks, and each arm was trained using a different paradigm (BFR or TRAD). One repetition maximum (1RM) test measurements were performed before and after the strength training program. Work output was accessed as the total weight lifted (repetitions × weight lifted …

A New, Simple And Practical Approach To Increase The Effects Of Aerobic Exercise On Serum Levels Of Neurotrophic Factors In Adult Males, Mahdi Bahramnejad, Vahid Valipour Dehnou, Rasoul Eslami

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 16(2): 932-941, 2023. Environmental enrichment (EE) is defined as a combination of complex inanimate and social stimulation. Physical activity and EE may augment the beneficial effects of each other. This study aimed to assess the effects of running in an enriched environment on neurotrophic factors in adult males. Twelve volunteer adult males (age 26.75 ± 5.34 yrs, body mass 70.72 ± 8.61 kg, height 172.50 ± 5.68 cm, VO_2max 56.8 ± 2.93) completed two sessions, each consisted of one hour of running at an intensity of 12-13 on the Borg Scale. One session was …

Performance Kinetics During Repeated Sprints Is Influenced By Knowledge Of Task Endpoint And Associated Peripheral Fatigue, François Billaut, Marie R. Demers, Andrew Hibbert

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 16(1): 987-998, 2023. The regulation of exercise intensity allows an athlete to perform an exercise in the fastest possible time while avoiding debilitating neuromuscular fatigue development. This phenomenon is less studied during intermittent activities. To investigate anticipatory and real-time regulation of motor output and neuromuscular fatigue during repeated-sprint exercise, twelve males randomly performed one (S1), two (S2), four (S4) and six (S6) sets of five 5-s cycling sprints. Mechanical work and electromyographic activity were assessed during sprints. Potentiated quadriceps twitch force (ΔQ_tw,pot) and central activation ratio (Q_CAR) were quantified from response …

The Effects Of Postural Education Or Corrective Exercise On The Craniovertebral Angle In Young Adults With Forward Head Posture: A Randomized Controlled Trial, David A. Titcomb, Bridget F. Melton, Theresa Miyashita, Helen W. Bland

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 16(1): 954-973, 2023. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of three different intervention strategies, postural education (PE) and two corrective exercise programs (CEPs), on the craniovertebral angle (CVA) in young adults with forward head posture (FHP). A prospective four-arm parallel randomized controlled trial with repeated measures was performed. Seventy-nine healthy young adults (55 women, 24 men; mean age: 20.08 ± 2.19 years) with FHP were randomized into four groups: PE group, self-myofascial release + stretching group (SMRS), self-myofascial release + stretching + strengthening group (SMRSS), and a control group (CG). Participant …

Increasing Trunk Mass Evokes Lower Extremity Biomechanical Plasticity During Stair Descent, Alexis Nelson, Hailey Fong, Alex Carnall, Melissa J. Puppa, Derek Beeler, Cris Stickley, William M. Mihalko, Douglas W. Powell

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 16(1): 942-953, 2023. The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of simulated changes in body mass on lower extremity joint work and relative joint contributions during stair descent. Ten healthy recreationally active college-age participants performed five stair descent trials in each of five loading conditions: no added load and with an additional 5%, 10%, 15% and 20% of their body weight. Three-dimensional ankle, knee and hip joint powers were calculated using a six degree-of-freedom model in Visual3D (C-Motion Inc., Germantown, MD, USA). Sagittal plane joint work was calculated as the joint power …

Microglial Response To Glucocorticoids During Chronic Sleep Fragmentation, Christian Chelson

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Sleep is one of the body’s greatest and most basic needs. Chronic sleep loss (<6 hours a day) is linked to many cardiovascular issues, diabetes, and inflammatory conditions and has been shown to lower life expectancy. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a complication that causes sleep fragmentation in >8% of adults from developed countries, and many with OSA may be unaware of their condition. Having long-term OSA is linked to neuroinflammation caused by activated microglia in the brain, but the mechanics of this inflammation are not well understood. It is known that glucocorticoids, steroid hormones produced and released from the adrenal glands, have a suppressive effect on microglia. The purpose of this study is to explore the role that glucocorticoids have upon microglia activation induced by chronic sleep fragmentation (SF). C57BL/6J mice were …

Behavioral Response To Conspecific Sounds In Loricariid Catfishes (Pterygoplichtys Pardalis And Otocinclus Vittatus), Hephzibah Obafunmiso

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Sound production is a means of communication among many fish species. In fishes, sound is produced through various mechanisms, but in the family Loricariidae, known as armored suckermouth catfishes, sound is produced primarily through pectoral fin spine stridulation. Previous experiments have described the sounds produced and shown the mechanism of sound production in two species of loricariid catfishes, Pterygoplichthys gibbiceps and Otocinclus affinis, but the functional significance of loricariid sounds is still unknown. To address this question, I examined the behavioral responses of Pterygoplichthys pardalis and Otocinclus vittatus to conspecific calls. Individual fish (N=10 for P. pardalis) or groups …

A Comparison Of Computational Perfusion Imaging Techniques, Shaharina Shoha

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Dynamic contrast agent magnetic resonance perfusion imaging plays a vital role in various medical applications, including tumor grading, distinguishing between tumor types, guiding procedures, and evaluating treatment efficacy. Extracting essential biological parameters, such as cerebral blood flow (CBF), cerebral blood volume (CBV), and mean transit time (MTT), from acquired imaging data is crucial for making critical treatment decisions. However, the accuracy of these parameters can be compromised by the inherent noise and artifacts present in the source images.

This thesis focuses on addressing the challenges associated with parameter estimation in dynamic contrast agent magnetic resonance perfusion imaging. Specifically, we aim …

Utilizing Show Cave Tours To Assess Nonformal Karst Education Outcomes In Youth, Matthew Wisenden

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Karst landscapes are regions with geological features such as caves created by the dissolution of predominantly carbonate bedrock. The aesthetic, historical, and ecological significance of karst areas results in human modification of some caves to allow public visitation as ‘show caves.’ While show caves can experience higher levels of anthropogenic degradation than non-commercialized caves, they can also be integral to regional economic, societal, and environmental wellbeing. Moreover, show caves serve as primary platforms for disseminating karst education. School fieldtrips to show caves offer a unique setting for assessing karst-related environmental learning outcomes in children through a nonformal education setting. By …

A Phylogenetic Analysis Of The Leuctra Ferruginea (Walker 1852) Species Group (Plecoptera: Leuctridae), Madison Layer

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Leuctra Stephens, 1836 is a genus of Plecoptera (Leuctridae) distributed widely across the Northern Hemisphere, with approximately 210 species reported from eastern North America, Europe, northern Africa, and sporadically across Asia. Eastern North America harbors a small proportion of the global Leuctra fauna (ca. 15% = 31 species), most of which occur in the ancient Appalachian Mountains and unglaciated landscapes in the southeastern USA. Nearctic Leuctra species, except for L. moha and L. crossi, have been divided into five species groups based on external male morphological characteristics. Current phylogenies of Nearctic Leuctra are partial and preliminary, and no comprehensive …

Assessing The Effect Of Reservoirs On Gene Flow In The Southern Two-Lined Salamander (Eurycea Cirrigera), Anna Favalon

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Biodiversity is an essential component of natural environmental dynamics. Unfortunately, diversity is threatened by human activities and relies on conservation efforts. An important aspect of biodiversity conservation lies in protecting population connectivity and gene flow. In the mid-1900s, many Kentucky rivers were dammed, creating deep, lentic reservoirs in the valleys once occupied by dynamic, lotic rivers. For species inhabiting the rivers and associated tributaries, the central reservoirs may reduce connectivity among populations and impose a barrier to gene flow. The connectivity of populations on landscapes altered by the creation of reservoirs can be assessed by merging the principles of landscape …

Characterization Of Legionella Pneumophila Effector Proteins, Lneb And Mava, Kayode Adeyemi

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

The crucial virulence factor of accidental human pathogen Legionella pneumophila during the course of Legionnaire disease is the over 300 effector proteins secreted from its Dot/Icm secretion system. Eukaryotic host cells usually elicit an arsenal of immune responses against invading L. pneumophila. Nonetheless, the bacteria unexpectedly subvert these defense mechanisms to survive and proliferate unhindered in the host. Although some effector proteins have been proposed to play a significant role in this host-pathogen interaction, many still need to be characterized. The LneB and MavA proteins are examples of those effectors that need characterization. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the …

Mammalian & Avian Community Response To African Elephant (Loxodonta Africana) Habitat Modification In Southeastern Kenya, Dakota Vaccaro

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

African elephants (Loxodonta africana) play a significant role in the modification of their habitat, foremost by decreasing woody vegetation cover and density and in some parts of Africa high elephant densities damage small sanctuaries and preserves. For wildlife that depend on forested patches, this increased modification could lead to displacement and/or decreases in abundance. If suitable habitat is not available elsewhere, elephants and other wildlife may move closer to humans in search of resources, which can result in increased human-wildlife conflict. Evaluating this impact was one of the goals of the Elephants and Sustainable Agriculture in Kenya (ESAK) …

Physical Profile Of Air Force Special Warfare Trainees, Kim A. Feeney, Bridget F. Melton, Helen W. Bland, Greg A. Ryan, Cody R. Butler

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 16(4): 924-931, 2023. Physical fitness testing in the military is commonly used to assess whether service members are physically capable of performing the diverse physical tasks that may be required for their job. Body composition can influence an individual’s ability to physically perform. This study aimed to analyze the general physical profile of U.S. Air Force (USAF) special warfare candidates by assessing body composition results and physical assessment scores collected over the past four years. Male candidates (n = 1036) were 18.2 years to 39.5 years of age (M = 23.5, SD = …

Test-Retest Reliability Of A 4-Minute All-Out Critical Force Test In Rock Climbers, Zachary J. Mcclean, Keenan Macdougall, Jared R. Fletcher, Saied J. Aboodarda, Brian R. Macintosh

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 16(4): 912-923, 2023. The purpose of this study was to assess the test-retest reliability of a 4-minute all-out critical force test in well-trained rock climbers. Thirteen rock climbers (n=4 females) completed a familiarization session and two all-out critical force tests on different days. During each trial, participants completed 24 repetitions of 7s right-handed, maximal effort hangs from a 20mm edge interspersed with 3 s rest. The end-test force (EF; i.e., critical force), impulse above EF (IEF), and peak force achieved durin g the test were analyzed with paired t-tests to determine differences between trials. Intraclass …

The Effects Of Ankle Taping On Measures Of Ground Reaction Forces And Jump Height During A Sport-Specific Vertical Jump In Youth Basketball Players, Michelle Pratola, Paolo Sanzo

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 16(6): 898-911, 2023. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of ankle taping using zinc oxide tape versus no tape to measure ground reaction forces (GRF) and vertical jump height during a sport-specific vertical jump test in youth basketball players. Participants were recruited through purposive sampling and completed a basketball specific vertical jump test with and without zinc oxide tape. Mean sway velocity, 95% ellipse area, and path length were measured using the AMTI© force platform and vertical jump height using a Vertec© device. A paired t-test with a significance level of …

Mas And Mans Predicts Repeated Sprint Ability In Youth Soccer Players, Jørgen D. Olsen, Henrik R. Rognhaug, Daniel Kvamme, Øyvind Støren, Eva Maria Støa

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 16(6): 846-854, 2023. The study investigated the impact of maximal aerobic speed (MAS) and maximal anaerobic sprint (MANS) on repeated sprint ability (RSA) in soccer. Methods: 17 amateur-to semi-professional soccer players, age 19 (± 4) years, were tested for maximal oxygen consumption (VO_2max), oxygen cost of running (C_r), RSA consisting of 15×20m sprint each divided by a 100 seconds dribble track, and 40-meter sprint performance. MAS was calculated as VO_2max × C_r ⁻¹, and MANS was defined as the highest velocity in the 40-meter sprint. Results: There was …

Carbon Fiber Insoles Enhance Perception Of Performance Despite Variable Objective Outcomes: Specific To The Moderately Active Individual, Erin E. Dierickx, Cody R. Butler, Robert A. Huggins, Emma Zuk, Lea C. Mason, Lindsay J. Distefano, Douglas J. Casa

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 16(4): 885-897, 2023. Carbon fiber insoles (CFIs) may benefit performance in elite athletes, however, their use in moderately active individuals has been adopted without evidence supporting such enhancements in this population. Fifteen male subjects performed vertical jump (VJ) and repeat treadmill sprint tests before and after a VO_2peak while wearing 1) CFIs and 2) control insoles (CON). Subjects completed a subjective survey regarding their perceived performance abilities for both conditions. There were no significant differences between CFIs and CON in VJ height, sprint distance, heart rate following sprints; and rate of oxygen consumption, perceived …

Body Composition (Dxa) And Maximal Strength Of Powerlifters: A Descriptive Quantitative And Longitudinal Study, Pierre-Marc Ferland, Jérémie Charron, Mathieu Brisebois-Boies, Fanie St-Jean Miron, Alain Steve Comtois Phd

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 16(4): 828-845, 2023. The purpose of this study was to present the relationships between maximal strength and body composition and to conduct yearly follow-ups presenting the chronic effects of maximal strength training on body composition. Thirty-four (age = 28.8 ± 8.7 yrs) classic powerlifters (M = 21; F = 13) completed at least one Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DXA) 43.97 ± 23.93 days after a sanctioned international powerlifting federation affiliate competition (Squat + Bench Press + Deadlift = Total (kg)). In addition, thirteen subjects (n = 13) completed at least one yearly follow up. Paired …

The Acute Effect Of Tissue Flossing On Pain, Function, And Perception Of Movement, Christopher Kelly, Zachary Oliveri, Joseph Saladino, Joseph Senatore, Amy Kamat, Jordan Zarour, Peter C. Douris

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 16(3): 855-865, 2023. Tissue flossing (TF) is a novel device that has been shown to cause peripheral compression and concurrent change in joint range of motion, perception of mobility and muscular performance. However, the effect of tissue flossing on pain, perception of mobility and function at the elbow joint has not been thoroughly investigated. The purpose of this pilot study was to examine the acute effect of TF on pain and upper extremity functional performance in subjects with musculoskeletal-related complaints of pain surrounding the elbow joint. We utilized a randomized crossover design. Nine resistance trained …

The Impact Of The Cold Pressor Test On Inter-Arm Differences In Blood Pressure, Alyssa C. Watts, Lauren A. Naylor, Michael E. Holmstrup, Brock T. Jensen

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 16(2): 875-884, 2023. A large inter-arm difference (IAD+; ≥10mmHg between arms at rest) in blood pressure (BP) at rest is linked to cardiovascular risk, and exercise can change this difference. As mechanisms for IAD are elusive, unique physiological stimuli may provide insight towards a better understanding of this phenomenon. The cold pressor test (CPT) has a potent effect on BP and acts primarily through sympathetic nervous system (SNS) stimulation, though the effects of SNS stimulation on IAD are unknown. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to examine the effects of the CPT on …

Effects Of Different Surfaces On Metabolic Cost During Repetitive Jumping: A Pilot Study, Scott Lyons, Kyle Reason, Danilo Tolusso, Ariel Weddle

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 16(2): 866-874, 2023. The purpose of this pilot study was to determine if there is a difference in metabolic cost when jumping on platforms of varying thickness, as well as whether a difference exists in metabolic cost between genders exists on the different platforms. Fourteen participants (seven males and seven females) completed three repetitive jumping trials on the DigiJump machine. Each trial was performed at a cadence of 120 jumps per minute and at a minimum height of 1/2” per jump. Trials were completed on platforms of 1/2”, 3/8”, and 1/4” thickness. Participants were instructed …

The Art Of A Slugslayer: An Exploration Of The Process Of Extracting Radulae From Lehmannia Valentiana For The Purpose Of Viewing In The Scanning Electron Microscope, Elizabeth Gannon

Mahurin Honors College Capstone Experience/Thesis Projects

A radula is an anatomical structure found exclusively in mollusks that acts as both tongue and teeth in feeding. Its structure has been studied for more than a century, yet published methods for identifying, dissecting, and cleaning radulae for microscopy are almost unintelligible to anyone not already familiar with molluscan anatomy. The purpose of this project was to identify the best method of garden slug radula isolation and present it in a manner that anyone could understand and successfully use.

After identifying the location of the radula in the slug, the easiest means of removal proved to be simply regurgitating …

Energy Costs Of Chair Sitting And Standing Video Exercises In Chinese Older Adults, Ages 60 To 89 Years, Zhenghua Cai, Minghui Quan, Muyang Huan, Guangli Sun, Stephen D. Herrmann, Barbara E. Ainsworth, Peijie Chen

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 16(7): 814-827, 2023. Home-based video exercise interventions improve older adults’ physiological performance and functional capacity. Little is known about the energy costs of video exercises in older adults. The Compendium of Physical Activities (PAs) has few items with PA metabolic equivalents (METs) in older adults. This study measured the energy costs of four chair and two standing exercises (sitting Tai Chi, Yoga, mobility ball, aerobics: standing, slow aerobics, and fast aerobics). Fifteen females and 14 males, 62-87 years (M ± SD, 73 ± 7.7 years), were categorized into three age groups (60-69, 70-79, 80-89). Oxygen …