Life Sciences Commons^™

Dark Chocolate Supplementation Elevates Resting Energy Expenditure In Exercise Trained Females, Katie M. Presler, Michael Webster

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 14(2): 250-259, 2021. Several recent reports have indicated positive health and exercise benefits of (-)-epicatechin-rich cocoa products. This study investigated the influence of dark chocolate (DC) supplementation on resting and steady state exercise metabolism in a group of athletically fit females. Using a randomized, single-blind design, 18 exercise trained female subjects were assigned to a 30-d supplementation with either 20g· d^-1 of 70% DC (n = 9) or a calorically matched white chocolate (WC) (n = 9). Pre-supplementation (PRE), subjects underwent indirect calorimetry assessment for resting energy expenditure (REE) and exercise energy …

Kentucky Warbler (Vol. 97, No. 1), Kentucky Library Research Collections

The Kentucky Warbler

No abstract provided.

Comparison Of The Three-Site And Seven-Site Measurements In Female Collegiate Athletes Using Bodymetrix, Amanda M. Elsey, Alister K. Lowe, Ashley N. Cornell, Paul N. Whitehead, Ryan T. Conners

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 14(4): 230-238, 2021. One method to measure body composition that is gaining popularity is the BodyMetrix™, which uses A-mode ultrasound. A-mode ultrasound, when used with the BodyMetrix™, has been found to be a reliable and a cost-effective tool for measuring overall body fat percentage. Furthermore, the portability and short duration testing features of the BodyMetrix™, allows for testing of a large group of athletes inside or outside of a clinical setting. Despite these advantages, research regarding the BodyMetrix™ is limited and has primarily focused on the seven-site testing technique. However, the three-site technique allows for …

Acetic Acid Supplementation: Effect On Resting And Exercise Energy Expenditure And Substrate Utilization, Kolton M. Cobb, Domenico A. Chavez, Jonathan D. Kenyon, Zachary J. Hutelin, Michael Webster

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 14(2): 222-229, 2021. The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of acetic acid (apple cider vinegar; ACV) supplementation on resting and exercise energy expenditure and substrate utilization. Using a randomized, double blind, crossover design, 16 healthy subjects were supplemented for 4 d with either ACV (30-ml/d) mixed in 1 L of a non-nutritive lemon-flavored drink or a placebo (PLA). They were then assessed via indirect calorimetry for resting energy expenditure (REE) and substrate utilization. This was immediately followed by the assessment of steady state cycling exercise energy expenditure at 40 W (EEE-40) …

Ground Reaction Forces And Temporal Characteristics Define Cutting Performance, Matthew L. Welinski, Lindsey N. Lee, Blake Mcbroom, Bassel Mufarreh, Lex Gidley

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 14(1): 211-221, 2021. Moderate angle cutting maneuvers (between 45º and 90º) are common and essential performance skills for success in multidirectional sports. Research addresses the injury risks of cutting but few studies have attempted to quantify the performance of the cut itself. PURPOSE: To identify any anthropometric, kinematic, and/or kinetic markers of a high-performance cut so they may be taught and lead to more effective training. METHODS: Ten college-aged male athletes (mass 73.97 ± 8.77kg, height 1.81 ± 0.07m) and ten non-athletes (mass 87.37 ± 13.93kg, height 1.85 ± 0.04m) completed five moderate angle cutting …

Influence Of Trunk Position During Three Lunge Exercises On Muscular Activation In Trained Women, Ewertton De Souza Bezerra, Fernando Diefenthaeler, João Pedro Nunes, Raphael Luiz Sakugawa, Isabel Heberle, Bruno M. Moura, Antônio R. P. Moro, Giuseppe Marcolin, Antonio Paoli

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 14(1): 202-210, 2021. The present study aimed to compare the activation of the lower lumbar erector spinae, gluteus maximus, biceps femoris, and rectus femoris in two trunk positions (straight, and inclined) during three lunge exercises (static, step-forwarding, and walking) in trained young women in a randomized crossover design. Twelve women (24 ± 3 years) were selected and performed the lunge exercise with an overload of 30% of body weight in six conditions to analyze muscle activation via surface electromyography signals. Higher activation in the erector spinae (%MVIC) were observed (p < 0.05) when trunk position was inclined (straight = 20 ± 15, inclined = 40 ± 29) and during the walking lunge condition (static = 24 ± 16, forward = 26 ± 22, walking = 40 ± 33). Higher activation in the gluteus maximus was observed during step-forward and walking lunges conditions (static = 31 ± 12, forward = 54 ± 20, walking = 58 ± 30). All conditions displayed similar activations in the biceps femoris and rectus femoris (p > 0.05). Results indicate …

Rating Of Perceived Exertion In Three-Minute Step Test In Children With Cystic Fibrosis, Amanda Paiva Silva, Érika Veiga Araújo, Igor Pereira Machado, Lívia Ferreira Alves, Marcos Filipe Da Silva Mello, Pedro Henrique De Almeida Silva, Isabella Rodrigues Dias, Viviane Soares

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 14(3): 177-186, 2021. The purpose of the study was to assess whether there are differences in cardiorespiratory fitness between children with and without cystic fibrosis (CF). Ten children with CF attended at a referral center for the treatment of CF and 13 children without CF were evaluated. The average age of the children with CF was 10.40 (3.13) years and those without CF was 9.39 (3.25) years. The children performed the three-minute step test with monitoring of hemodynamic parameters and the rating of perceived exertion (RPE) every minute. Oxygen desaturation of 4% during the test …

Structured Exercise In Cancer Survivors: Is It Enough For Neural, Mental Health And Well-Being?, Peter Smoak, Victoria Flores, Nicholas Harman, Jonathon Lisano, Reid Hayward, Laura Stewart

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 14(3): 162-176, 2021. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to explore physical activity, depression, fatigue, and quality of life (QOL), and their relationship to brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and nerve growth factor (NGF) in cancer survivors enrolled in a structured exercise program. Participants were recruited into two groups: in-treatment (IT), currently receiving chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy, and out of treatment (OT), not undergoing therapy. Participants wore accelerometers for 7 days and completed cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular strength, and depression, fatigue, and QOL assessments. Circulating BDNF and NGF concentrations were obtained using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Thirty-two participants …

Comparison Of Emg Activity Between Single-Leg Deadlift And Conventional Bilateral Deadlift In Trained Amateur Athletes - An Empirical Analysis, Wiktor Piotr Diamant, Stephan Geisler, Tim Havers, Axel Knicker

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 14(1): 187-201, 2021. The purpose of the study was to compare the normalized-electromyographic (NEMG) activity of the gluteus maximus (GMAX), gluteus medius (GMED), biceps femoris (BF) and erector spinae (ES) muscles during the single-leg deadlift (SLDL) and the conventional-deadlift (DL). Additionally, a potential influence of body height on the NEMG activity was examined. Fifteen training-experienced male subjects completed the study. SLDL showed significantly higher average concentric NEMG values of the GMED (77.6% vs. 59.3% [p = 0.002, ES = 1.0]) and BF (82.1% vs. 74.2% [p = 0.041, ES = 0.6]). Significantly lower …

Effectiveness Of A Computerized Cognitive Training Program For Reducing Head Impact Kinematics In Youth Ice Hockey Players, Melissa S. Difabio, Thomas A. Buckley

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 14(1): 149-161, 2021. Cognitive training (CT) is an effective technique to improve neurological performance, but has not been investigated as a head impact primary prevention strategy. The purpose of this study was to investigate the CT’s effectiveness in reducing head impact kinematics in youth ice hockey players. Twenty youth were divided into two groups: a CT and Control group. The CT group performed two 30-minute sessions of IntelliGym CT weekly for 20 weeks and the control group performed two 30-minute sessions weekly evaluating hockey videos. The dependent variables, number of head impacts, cumulative linear acceleration …

Effects Of Heart Rate Biofeedback, Sleep, And Alertness On Marksmanship Accuracy During A Live-Fire Stress Shoot, Jared Hornsby, Brittany Johnson, Donald P. Meckley, Anna Blackley, Will Peveler, Jeffrey Lowes, J. Jay Dawes

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 14(6): 123-133, 2021. On the job, law enforcement may be required to utilize lethal force to maintain personal or public safety. Officers’ attention to detail, decision-making, and marksmanship accuracy (MA) may be impaired by reduced sleep, increased heart rate (HR), and breathing rate (BR). HR biofeedback (emWave, EW) may help mitigate these impairments. This study sought to determine the impact EW had on MA, stress shoot time-to-completion (TTC), HR and BR versus placebo (PLA). Ten active-duty police officers volunteered for this study. Officers completed two live-fire stress shoots on a 25-m gun range (i.e., familiarization, …

Psychological Status During And After The Preparation Of A Long-Distance Triathlon Event In Amateur Athletes, Vincent Gosselin Boucher, Maxime Caru, Sarah-Maude Martin, Maxime Lopes, Alain Steve Comtois, Francois Lalonde

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 14(5): 134-148, 2021. Preparation for an endurance event among amateur athletes requires a major commitment on their part. Knowing amateur athletes’ psychological characteristics during a training period should be a priority for coaches and athletes. The aim of our longitudinal study was to characterize the psychological profile of amateur athletes over a training period of six months prior to and after a long-distance triathlon. Thirty-two amateur athletes (13 females; 19 males; 1.5±1.3 years of experience) were recruited for this observational study. All participants (39±9.9 years old; weighs 73±12.9 kg; measure 172±10.2 cm) underwent a physical …

A Short-Term Paleolithic Dietary Intervention Does Not Alter Adipokines Linked To Adiposity, Rachel M. Graff, Kristofer Jennings, Natalie A. Davies, Andres E. Carrillo, Emily C. Lavoy, Edward J. Ryan, Melissa M. Markofski

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 14(2): 113-122, 2021. The Paleolithic diet, characterized by an emphasis on hunter-gatherer type foods accompanied by an exclusion of grains, dairy products, and highly processed food items, is often promoted for weight loss and a reduction in cardiometabolic disease risk factors. Specific adipokines, such as adiponectin, omentin, nesfatin, and vaspin are reported to be dysregulated with obesity and may respond favorably to diet-induced fat loss. We aimed to evaluate the effects of an eight-week Paleolithic dietary intervention on circulating adiponectin, omentin, nesfatin, and vaspin in a cohort of physically inactive, but otherwise healthy adults. Methods: …

Lumbar Multifidus Muscle Thickness During Graded Quadruped And Prone Exercises, Konstantinos Dafkou, Eleftherios Kellis, Athanasios Ellinoudis, Chrysostomos Sahinis

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 14(7): 101-112, 2021. Exercises for lumbar multifidus (LM) muscle are important for injury and low back pain prevention and treatment. This study examined the differences in LM contraction thickness between variations of the superman and bird dog exercises. Twenty-one recreational athletes performed the superman exercise from the prone position with the following grading: rest, right upper extremity lift (RU), right lower extremity (RL) and upper and lower extremities lift (UL). They also performed the following bird dog variations from the quadruped position: rest, RU, RL and left upper - right lower extremity lift (LURL). LM …

Effect Of Large Versus Small Range Of Motion In The Various Intensities Of Eccentric Exercise-Induced Muscle Pain And Strength, Chakravarthy M. Sadacharan, Sumin Seo

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 14(7): 1-18, 2021. The purpose was to investigate eccentric (ECC) exercise with full range of motion (FROM) induce a greater magnitude of delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS), pain, functional limitations compared to partial range of motion (PROM; outer 60° of ROM). Thirty-four participants (men and women) aged between 18 and 30 years performed ECC exercise protocol on elbow and knee muscles (5 × 10 repetitions each session) using their 15%/25%/35% of maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) with PROM (week 2-4) and FROM (week 6-8). Two days a week, ECC exercises and remaining days the subjective …

Do Critical And Functional Threshold Powers Equate In Highly- Trained Athletes?, Eanna Mc Grath, Nicholas Mahony, Neil Fleming, Conor Raleigh, Bernard Donne

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 14(4): 45-59, 2021. The purpose of this investigation was to determine whether Critical Power (CP) and Functional Threshold Power (FTP) can be used interchangeably for a highly-trained group of cyclists and triathletes. CP was ascertained using multiple fixed load trials and FTP determined from a single cycling trial. Three different models for the determination of CP were initially addressed, one hyperbolic (H_model) and two linear (J_model and I_model). The J_model was identified as most appropriate for a comparison with FTP. The J_model and FTP were not found to …

Simple Bodyweight Training Improves Cardiorespiratory Fitness With Minimal Time Commitment: A Contemporary Application Of The 5bx Approach, Linda R. Archila, William Bostad, Michael J. Joyner, Martin J. Gibala

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 14(3): 93-100, 2021. Bodyweight training (BWT) is a style of interval exercise based on classic principles of physical education. Limited research, however, has examined the efficacy of BWT on cardiorespiratory fitness. This is especially true for simple BWT protocols that do not require extraordinarily high levels of effort. We examined the effect of a BWT protocol, modelled after the original “Five Basic Exercises” (5BX) plan, on peak oxygen uptake (VO_2peak) in healthy, inactive adults (20 ± 1 y; body mass index: 20 ± 5 kg/m²; mean ± SD). Participants were randomized …

Comparison Of Balance Variables Across Active And Retired Athletes And Age Matched Controls, Caitriona Lee, Neil Fleming, Bernard Donne

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 14(3): 76-92, 2021. Postural control is a major falls risk factor, therefore identifying protective mechanisms is essential. Physical activity enhances postural stability but effect duration has been minimally researched. The current study investigated if prolonged early life training exposure protected neuromuscular balance processes later in life. Static and dynamic balance variables were assessed in 77 healthy adults. Two age ranges (18 - 35yr, young; > 50yr, retired) were divided into weight bearing athlete and control groups; young athlete (YA), young control (YC), retired athlete (RA) and retired control (RC). Static balance was quantified using force platform …

Acute Beet Juice Supplementation Does Not Improve 30- Or 60-Second Maximal Intensity Performance In Anaerobically Trained Athletes, Scott A. Conger, Clare M. Zamzow, Matthew E. Darnell

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 14(2): 60-75, 2021. Research suggests that beet juice is beneficial during aerobic exercise. However, the impact of beet juice during primarily anaerobic exercise is equivocal. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of acute beet juice supplementation on maximal intensity performance during 30-s and 60-s maximal-intensity cycling sprints. Using a double-blind, crossover-study design, 14 anaerobically trained male hockey players completed six Wingate cycling tests: familiarization trials of a 30-s and 60-s Wingate test, followed by 30-s Wingate placebo/beet juice trials, and 60-s Wingate placebo/beet juice trials. Repeated measures ANOVAs were used to …

Effect Of Pre-Exercise Ice Slurry Ingestion On Physiological And Perceptual Measures In Athletes With Spinal Cord Injuries, Alexis Moore, Kelly Pritchett, Robert C. Pritchett, Elizabeth Broad

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 14(2): 19-32, 2021. Athletes with cervical level spinal cord injuries (SCI) have an impaired ability to thermoregulate during exercise, leading to an increased core temperature (T_core) due to a decrease in sweat response. Elevated T_core may result in premature onset of fatigue and decreased athletic performance. Therefore, precooling techniques that decrease T_core before exercise may increase the storage capacity for metabolic heat production, thereby delaying the time before reaching a critically high T_core. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of pre-exercise ice slurry ingestion …

Ankle-Knee Initial Contact Angle And Latency To Maximum Angle Are Affected By Prolonged Run, Sydni Wilhoite, Jessica Mutchler, Barry Munkasy, Li Li

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 14(1): 33-44, 2021. The initial contact and midstance angles may influence injury risk. Previous literature has not assessed these angles under the influence of new footwear for a non-exhaustive prolonged run or the relationship between the angles. To assess lower extremity kinematic changes and the relationship between kinematic parameters at initial contact and midstance with prolonged running under the influence of different types of footwear. Twelve experienced, recreational runners (6 male; 6 female; 24.8 ± 8.4 years; 70.5 ± 9.3 kg; 174.1 ± 9.7 cm) ran for 31 minutes at a self-selected pace for three …

Synthetic Pathways For Potential Platinum 1,10-Phenanthroline Compounds, Jacob Young

Mahurin Honors College Capstone Experience/Thesis Projects

There are extremely important uses for platinum when it comes to the treatment of cancers and dementias. One potential therapeutic combines platinum with a structure known as phenanthroline. This platinum phenanthroline structure is normally extremely water-insoluble, rendering it difficult to study and use in biological systems. The Williams’ Biochemistry Laboratory endeavored to find a simpler synthetic pathway for a water-soluble phenanthroline product. While unsuccessful in identifying a product as of yet, many synthetic pathways have been ruled out, and more hypothetical pathways are being formulated for testing.

Among the strategies analyzed are varying solvent, reagents, apparatus, methodology, and temperature in …

Informing Sustainable Urban Forestry Policy With Carbon Sequestration Analysis, Ellen Danford

Mahurin Honors College Capstone Experience/Thesis Projects

Urban forestry is an environmental solution for an increasingly city-centered world. The ecosystem services that trees provide in natural settings, including carbon sequestration, oxygen production and aesthetic beauty, also apply in urban settings. Every tree in the Western Kentucky University (WKU) urban forest provides these services and each tree was measured to determine how much carbon they sequestered a year on average between 2015 and 2020. With an interactive map of the forest and its carbon sequestration, the condition of the forest and change over the five year period was analyzed. Comparing the welfare of the forest with the plans …

Drought In The Breadbasket Of America And The Influence Of Oceanic Teleconnections, Grace Campbell

Mahurin Honors College Capstone Experience/Thesis Projects

From 1980 to 2020, drought events accounted for 11.4% of the billion-dollar disasters in the United States (U.S.) yet caused the second highest total amount in damages at $236.6 billion. With the average cost of a drought being upwards of $9.5 billion, these natural disasters can create serious problems in agriculture. Drought is defined as a period of below average precipitation that causes damage to agriculture and water supply. Previous research has linked drought events in the U.S. Great Plains to oceanic teleconnections in the Pacific and Atlantic basins, indicating the influence of the El Niño – Southern Oscillation (ENSO), …

Dung Beetle (Scarabaeinae) Diversity Of The Highest Elevation In West Africa: The Nimba Mountain Range, Jacob Bowen

Mahurin Honors College Capstone Experience/Thesis Projects

The Nimba Mountain Range in Guinea, Ivory Coast, and Liberia is within the Upper Guinean Forests, a critical biodiversity hotspot highly threatened by various human activities. The region is home to many endemic species including the viviparous Nimba toad, Nimba otter-shrew, and the discrete Bossou chimpanzee population. Dung beetles can act as a focal taxon from which extrapolation to the diversity of other taxa and ecosystem health can be made. Elevational trends in dung beetle diversity were investigated on the Nimba Mountain Range and in the nearby Bossou Chimpanzee reserve in Guinea. Dung beetle species diversity surveys aimed to document …

The Effect Of Warm-Up Protocols On The Occurrence Of Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome In High School Cross Country Athletes, Makayla Mack

Mahurin Honors College Capstone Experience/Thesis Projects

Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome (MTSS, i.e. shin splints) is among one of the most frequently reported running-related musculoskeletal injuries. Minimal research has investigated the prevention of MTSS with limited evidence supporting few preventative measures. The purpose of this study is to gain a better understanding of which method of warming up could yield the most promising results for the prevention of MTSS in high school cross country athletes and to use this information to further educate coaches and athletes on the most efficacious protocols to implement in the future. METHODS: Participants were recruited via communication with high school cross country …

Acoustic Communication In The Atlantic Mudskipper, Periopthalmus Barbarus, Seth Hoffman

Mahurin Honors College Capstone Experience/Thesis Projects

Mudskippers are intertidal fishes that can survive both in and out of the water. They are territorial and exhibit behaviors to attract mates and defend against competitors. Recently, it has been shown that vibrations are produced and transmitted through the mud during such displays in one species, Periophthalmodon septemradiatus. To see if similar vibrations are produced in other species of mudskippers, I recorded the behavioral interactions of pairs of the mudskipper Periophthalmus barbarus via digital video and acoustic signals via accelerometer. Comparative analysis of fish mass, sex, contest length, and contest outcome coupled with acoustic characteristics within dyadic pairings …

Enhancing Wku Sustainable Food Systems Through Education And Local Agriculture Development, Chloe Cooper

Mahurin Honors College Capstone Experience/Thesis Projects

In an effort to increase the amount of locally sourced food utilized by dining services at WKU, the Office of Sustainability, WKU Restaurant Group, and the WKU Agriculture & Research Education Center have partnered to establish garden spaces on campus properties. This project developed a detailed plan for implementation of this effort. In addition, this project established a plan to educate students and the local community alike on the benefits of sustainable farming and locally-sourced food, while also creating profiles on local farmers from whom the university could buy crops in order to further supplement items for dining services. Using …

A Comparison Of Bee Abundance And Species Richness In Three Managed Grassland Types, Emily Russ

Mahurin Honors College Capstone Experience/Thesis Projects

Bees are threatened by environmental changes, pathogens, and pesticides (Pettis, 2012, Meeus et al., 2018). The goal of the study is to compare and evaluate the bee abundance and species richness in three different field types. My hypothesis is that bees would favor the fields planted for their benefit, and that the tall grass dominated plantings would be preferred over mowed fescue. My findings have low power considering few replicates and the use of relative abundance and relative species richness for statistical analyses. Bee abundance and species richness had an overall positive relationship of varying degrees across habitat types. Relative …

Development Of A Dna Biosensor Using Crispr/Dcas9 On A Graphene Oxide Surface For Detecting Antibiotic Resistance Genes, Wendy Cecil

Mahurin Honors College Capstone Experience/Thesis Projects

Antibiotic resistance is a rapidly spreading global threat to human health. Previously in our lab, we developed a simple method for facile detection of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in bacteria. This DNA detection system takes advantage of the CRISPR-Cas system (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeat and CRISPRAssociated Protein). We designed CRISPR in complex with nuclease deactivated Cas9 (dCas9) on graphene oxide (GO) sheets conjugated with Cas9 antibodies. Single guide RNA (sgRNA) was customized to program dCas9 for target DNA binding. sgRNA was covalently labeled with fluorescein to provide fluorescence signal. Graphene oxide (GO) is utilized for its quenching properties …