Life Sciences Commons^™

Comparison Of Post-Activation Potentiating Stimuli On Jump And Sprint Performance, Aaron D. Piper, Dustin P. Joubert, Eric J. Jones, Malcolm T. Whitehead

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 13(4): 539-553, 2020. Post-activation potentiation (PAP) is a phenomenon characterized by improved muscle performance based on the previous contractile activity of the muscle. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of different potentiating stimuli on jump and sprint performance in 13 resistance trained, college-aged men and women. After determining back squat 1 repetition max, subjects returned for testing on separate days to complete one of four interventions (dynamic resistance, weighted plyometric, isometric, or control) in a randomized order. A standardized warmup was performed, followed by a baseline countermovement jump (CMJ) and 20m …

Effect Of Acute High-Intensity Interval Exercise On Whole-Body Fat Oxidation And Subcutaneous Adipose Tissue Cell Signaling In Overweight Women, Hashim Islam, Marysa M.W. Smith, Trisha D. Scribbans, Emma Mccrady, Laura N. Castellani, Matti D. Allen, David C. Wright, Craig A. Simpson, Brendon J. Gurd

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 13(2): 554-566, 2020. Exercise-induced alterations in adipose tissue insulin and/or β-adrenergic signaling may contribute to increases in whole-body fat oxidation following acute exercise. Thus, we examined changes in insulin (Akt, AS160) and β-adrenergic (PKA) signaling proteins in subcutaneous adipose tissue and whole-body fat oxidation in overweight women following acute high-intensity interval exercise (HIIE). Overweight females completed two experimental sessions in a randomized order: 1) control (bed rest) and 2) HIIE (10 x 4 min running intervals at 90% HR_max, 2-min recovery). Subcutaneous abdominal adipose tissue biopsies were obtained from 10 participants before (pre-), …

The Effects Of Machine-Weight And Free-Weight Resistance Exercise On Hemodynamics And Vascular Function, Erica M. Marshall, Jason C. Parks, Yu Lun Tai, J. Derek Kingsley

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 13(2): 526-538, 2020. The purpose of this study was to examine hemodynamic and vascular responses between machine-weight and free-weight exercise. Resistance-trained individuals were assigned to a machine-weight (n= 13) or free-weight (n= 15) group. Groups completed two visits consisting of their assigned exercise condition and a control (CON). A 2 x 2 x 3 repeated measures ANOVA was used to test the effects of group across condition and time on the hemodynamic parameters [cardiac output (CO), heart rate (HR), total peripheral resistance (TPR), mean arterial pressure (MAP), and stroke volume (SV)]. …

Online Shoppers Spending On Fresh Produce; Do Those On Government Assistance Spend Less?, Wyatt Tucker Lucas

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

This study applies an Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) model to explain differences in the amount that online shoppers might spend per month on fresh produce, given specific consumer characteristics. It also uses a multinomial logit model to determine the relative probability of online shoppers spending more or less, given specific consumer characteristics. The independent variable of interest in both models is whether or not the respondent is a recipient of a government assistance food program. These analyses used data from a stratified random sample of 1,205 online shoppers residing in the southern region of the United States. “Online shoppers” in …

Bodyweight Management And Relationship To Health In The Horse (Equus Caballus), Beverly Ann Gartland

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

The health of the horse is of interest to animal caretakers. Horses that fall within a prescribed range of bodyweight and body condition may be healthier than horses that are lower or higher. Two studies were conducted related to body weight and condition of the horse. The first study examined if restricting the amount of space available for horses to graze could reduce bodyweight without having a strong impact on time budgets of the horse or removing horses from pasture. This method was determined to be effective in preventing weight gain, although there was an increase in grazing behavior displayed …

Effects Of Bingocize® On Overall Physical Activity, Functional Performance, Blood Glucose Level, Sleep Quantity, And Quality Among Older Adults In Assisted-Living Facilities, Sepehr Rassi

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Bingocize® has been established as an effective falls prevention exercise program for older adults, but its effects on older adults residing in assisted-living facilities have not been examined. The purpose of this investigation was to assess the effects of Bingocize® on overall physical activity level, functional performance, blood glucose level, sleep quantity and quality in older adults who live in assisted-living facilities. Participants (N = 13; mean age 86.23 ± 3.90) were asked to participate in Bingocize® while wearing activity trackers (Fitbit Charge 3 HR) for 10 weeks. The activity trackers were used to assess the average number of steps …

Effects Of Stream Permanence On The Stoneflies (Plecoptera) Of The Mammoth Cave Region, Taylor Mcroberts

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Stoneflies (Plecoptera) are often associated with cold perennial streams, but many species also inhabit intermittent streams that experience reduced or lack of flow during summer and autumn. In this study the influence of stream permanence on stonefly assemblage composition and spatial distribution in the Mammoth Cave region, Kentucky, USA, was addressed based on a 14 month sampling regime from the fullest range of stream sizes and habitable flow regions available. Adult stoneflies were collected monthly at Mammoth Cave National Park and the Western Kentucky University Green River Preserve. Collections were done from December 2018–October 2019 using a standard timed protocol …

Substrate-Borne Vibrational Communication In Veiled Chameleons (Chamaeleo Calyptratus) During Courtship, Breeding, And Territoriality, Lauren Kappel

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Substrate-borne vibrations, or biotremors, are utilized by vertebrates found in unique environments because biotremors are an effective way to transmit signals through dense media. Previous studies have shown that veiled chameleons (Chamaeleo calyptratus) are able to produce biotremors via specialized neck muscles. I hypothesized that during courtship and/or breeding, the veiled chameleon, a tree-dwelling species, would communicate with biotremors through branches. Additionally, I hypothesized that female call characteristics would differ between reproductive condition (i.e., receptive and non-receptive), while male call characteristics would differ between behavioral contexts (i.e., territorial vs. courtship). Chameleons were paired (one male, one female) and placed on …

Effects Of Alpha- And Beta-Adrenergic Receptor Blockade Upon Inflammatory Responses To Acute And Chronic Sleep Fragmentation, Nicholas David Wheeler

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Generally, sleep is viewed as a recuperative process and its dysregulation has

cognitive, metabolic, immunological, and inflammatory implications that are largely deleterious to human health. Epidemiological and empirical studies have suggested that sleep fragmentation (SF) as result of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and other sleep abnormalities leads to pronounced systemic inflammatory responses, which are influenced by the sympathetic nervous system (SNS). However, the underlying molecular mechanisms contributing to SNS regulation of SF-induced inflammatory states are not fully understood. To assess the effects of the SNS system, C57BL/6j female mice were placed in automated SF chambers (12L:12D) and subjected to either …

Does Infant Temperament And Parental Involvement Influence Infant Cardiac Physiological Regulation?, Mary Richter

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

The ability to self-regulate allows infants to stay at a baseline level during periods of stress (Porges, 1995). Baseline respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) may be used as an indicator of self-regulation and how well an individual can respond to changes in the environment (Stifter & Corey, 2001). Differences in infant temperament can influence a child’s ability to self-regulate (Dale et al., 2011), but moderators of this relationship have not been thoroughly examined in the literature. Parents who are more involved might have more opportunities to teach children important regulatory strategies (Blandon et al., 2010). The current study examined the association …

Reliability And Validity Of An Assessment Of Engagement In Nursing Home Residents During Bingocize®, Elizabeth Batson Apelt

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Research suggests nursing home residents are often socially isolated and physically inactive despite overwhelming evidence that both social engagement and physical activity are crucial for healthy aging (Jones, Sung, & Moyle, 2018; Yen & Lin, 2018; Ice, 2002; Jansson et al., 2017). Bingocize® is a program that combines exercise and the game of Bingo to improve the quality of life, physical health, and social engagement of certified nursing facility (CNF) residents. The purpose of this study is to determine the level of social engagement displayed by CNF residents during Bingocize® using the Fun and Social Engagement Evaluation (FUSE). Reliability and …

Synthesis And Molecular Mechanics Study Of Platinum Triamine Complex With N-Acetyl-L-Methionine And Guanosine 5’Monophosphate, Nitin Tanajirao Katare

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Cisplatin and its analogues have been used and tested over decades for cancer treatment, but because of the serious side effects, it is important to find ways to overcome those side effect by synthesizing a novel platinum molecule. We have synthesized triamine complex and conducted its reaction with biomolecules such as 5’GMP and Methionine in the lab as well as conducted molecular mechanics (MM). MM methods are used for predicting and designing new structures and properties, and to model geometries of small molecules. MM and dynamics calculations have been used to study the 9 Ethylguanine and N-Ac-Lmethionine complexes with platinum …

Delineation Of Undescribed, Morphologically Cryptic Cave Beetles Of The Pseudanophthalmus Pubescens Species-Group (Coleoptera: Carabidae: Trechinae), Jedidiah John Nixon

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

The genus Pseudanophthalmus Jeannel is a widespread and extremely diverse taxon of troglobiont beetle endemic to the karst of eastern North America, with its distribution centered in Tennessee and Kentucky. Despite lying near the heart of this region, the pubescens species-group was thought to contain many undescribed species. In this study, the validities of several of the late Dr. Thomas Barr’s unpublished putative new species in the pubescens-group were tested both morphologically and molecularly. Body measurements (length and width for head, thorax, and abdomen), as well as male genital morphology were compared to see if they reflected theorized species limits.. …

An Intergrative Ecological And Taxonomic Assessment Of The Stoneflies (Insecta, Plecoptera) Of The Black Mountains, North Carolina, Usa, Madeline Lake Metzger

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

The Black Mountains are a part of the Blue Ridge region of the Appalachian Mountains and include Mount Mitchell, the highest peak east of the Mississippi River at 2,037 m (= 6,684 ft). A comprehensive inventory of the stonefly fauna was conducted between 2014-2019 within Mt. Mitchell State Park and adjacent Pisgah National Forest. Collections occurred seasonally from 44 unique locations, covering a broad range of stream sizes and elevations in the region. Sequencing of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (mtCOI) gene was completed to assist with making positive determinations to species for females of taxonomically challenging genera …

Inflammatory Bowel Disease Diagnosis Using Metagenomic Classification, Michael Riggle

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a set of disorders that involve chronic inflammation of digestive tracts, e.g., Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). Millions of people around the world have inflammatory bowel disease. However, it is still difficult to treat IBD due to its unknown cause. In fact, accurately diagnosing inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can be very challenging too since some of IBD symptoms can mimic those of other conditions. In this work, we apply classification methods to help improve the success rate of diagnosis. We study four formulations of IBD classification: i) IBD and non-IBD (binary classification), ii) …

Toxicity Of Novel Platinum Compounds In Mammalian Cancer Cells, Vanesa Veletanlic

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

There are currently three FDA platinum compounds approved for use as chemotherapeutics, where each drug has variable efficacies for different cancer types depending on cancer’s tissue of origin. The approved compounds are platinum(II) complexes with four coordination sites on the platinum atom allowing two types of ligands to attach: leaving ligands, which are removed from the platinum atom in solution, and non-leaving ligands, which remain complexed to the platinum. Carboplatin, the preferred compound used to treat ovarian and small-cell lung cancers, has a characteristic cyclobutanedicarboxylic acid leaving ligand and two ammonia non-leaving ligands. A novel compound, 1,1-cyclobutanedicarboxylato(ethylenediamine)platinum (II), or Pt(en)CBDCA, …

Effects Of Pharmacologically-Induced Sleep Loss On Parental Care In Arctic-Breeding Songbirds, Wesley Payette

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Sleep loss is well known to impair cognitive function, immunological responses, and general well-being in humans. However, sleep requirements in mammals and birds may vary dramatically, especially with changes in environment. In circumpolar regions with continuous light, sleep requirements may be little, particularly in breeding birds. The effects of sleep loss on several fitness parameters were examined in two species of Arctic-breeding passerine birds: Lapland longspurs (Calcarius lapponicus) and snow buntings (Plectrophenax nivalis). Adult males were implanted during the nestling phase (4 days post-hatch) with osmotic pumps containing an anti-narcolepsy drug, modafinil, to extend the active period for 72 h. …

Validation Of A Novel Vo2max Protocol, Griffin Green

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Though there are several to choose from, the Bruce protocol is the most commonly utilized treadmill protocol when assessing maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max). Originally developed for cardiac patients, the Bruce protocol may not be an appropriate treadmill protocol for young or trained individuals with higher levels of cardiorespiratory fitness. The steep grade used often leads localized muscular fatigue, which may cause participants to end the test prior to reaching their true VO2max. Another popular protocol, the Astrand, also utilizes a steep grade, but the speed remains constant. Similar to the Bruce, the Astrand protocol may not prompt a maximal cardiovascular …

Motsinger, Mary Jo, (Fa 1370), Manuscripts & Folklife Archives

Folklife Archives Finding Aids

Finding aid only for Folklife Archives Project 1370. Student folk studies project titled “Early Veterinary Practices” which includes survey sheets with brief descriptions of remedies for cattle and horses in Logan County and Todd County, Kentucky. Sheets may include a brief description of the folk remedy, traditional practice, and informant’s name.

Howard, Wayne (Fa 1372), Manuscripts & Folklife Archives

Folklife Archives Finding Aids

Finding aid only for Folklife Archives Project 1372. Student folk studies project titled “The Blackbird Invasion of Logan County, Kentucky: An Oral History Account, in Human Terms, of a Current Problem” which includes interviews and a paper about the effects of blackbirds in Logan County, Kentucky. Interviews may include information about blackbird situation, informant’s name and address. The photos are stored in the WKU Photo Archives.

Estimation Of Body Fat Percentage In Jockeys: Implications For A Weight Category Sport, Arthur Dunne, Giles Warrington, Gillian O'Loughlin, Siobhan O'Connor, Michael Harrison, Adrian Mcgoldrick, Jennifer Pugh, Sarahjane Cullen

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 13(4): 511-525, 2020. The assessment of body composition in horse racing, a unique weight-restricted sport, provides an important health and performance indicator. The accuracy of skinfold prediction equations at estimating % body fat (% BF) was compared with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) data in a group of professional Irish jockeys (age 27.5 ± 7.7 years). Body composition was assessed in seventy-two male professional jockeys (flat n=35 and national hunt n=37) using standardised guidelines for skinfold thickness at 8 sites and DXA body fat assessment. Hydration status was assessed using urine specific gravity (Usg) to determine …

Relationships Among Metabolic-Risk, Body Fatness, And Muscular Fitness In Young Obese Latino Children, Justin J. Merrigan, Sina Gallo, Jennifer B. Fields, Robyn Mehlenbeck, Margaret T. Jones

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 13(3): 488-500, 2020. Given the high prevalence of obesity in Latino children and potential health risks, the purpose of this study was to: 1) evaluate relationships among metabolic-risk, fitness, and body fatness; 2) determine sex differences in cardio-metabolic risk factors and fitness of obese children of Latino descent. Sixty children (boys, n= 39, 7.8 ± 1.5 years; girls, n= 21, 7.2 ± 1.5 years; body mass index, 97.8 ± 2.5^thpercentile) completed assessments of height, weight, and body fat, prior to fasted blood draws and a battery of fitness tests. Cardio-metabolic markers …

Characterization Of Adult Heart Rate Responses During Recreational Skateboarding At Community Skateparks, Tyler Wiles, Daniel Kellogg, Heather Furr, Jeff A. Nessler, Sean C. Newcomer

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 13(2): 501-510, 2020. Youth participating in recreational skating at community skate parks attain exercise intensities and durations that are comparable with the CDC’s exercise recommendations for cardiovascular fitness for their age group. However, it is currently unclear if adults who skateboard in the same environment also achieve the recommended intensities and durations for cardiovascular fitness. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that skateboarding would elicit heart rates and durations consistent with the CDC’s recommendations for cardiovascular fitness in adults. Fifty-five subjects between ages 18-55 were recruited from six community skateparks …

A Comparison Of Lower Body Power Characteristics Between Collegiate Athletes From Different Competition Levels., Cody A. Stahl, Keston G. Lindsay, J. Bryan Mann, Margaret Hunt, J. Jay Dawes

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 13(6): 470-479, 2020. The counter-movement jump (CMJ) is frequently utilized by strength and conditioning professionals working with athletes, given its relationship to a multitude of performance variables associated with success in sports. PURPOSE: To examine characteristics of CMJ performance between NAIA and NCAA Division I male and female athletes. METHODS: Archival data for 275 student athletes from two NCAA Division 1 universities (NCAA DI; males = 84, females = 74) and one NAIA university (NAIA; males = 66, females = 51) were utilized for this analysis. The CMJ was performed utilizing a dual single axis …

Large Inter-Individual Differences In Responses To A Block Of High Intensity Aerobic Interval Training: A Case Series In National-Level Cyclists And Triathletes, Solfrid Bratland-Sanda, Frank G. Pedersen, Marius N. Haave, Jan Helgerud, Øyvind Støren

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 13(2): 480-487, 2020. The aim was to investigate individual responses on VO_2maxand performance to a block of high intensity aerobic interval training (HIIT) in national-level endurance athletes. METHODS: National-level cyclists and triathletes (five men and two women, 31 ± 3.3 years, VO_2max65.1 ± 3.3 ml·kg^-1·min^-1) conducted 14 HIIT sessions (4x4 min uphill running at 90-95% maximal heart rate) in nine days during preseason. VO_2maxin running and cycling, lactate threshold (LT) in cycling, oxygen cost of cycling (C_C), and a cycling time-trial (TT) were …

Comparisons Of The Metabolic Intensities At Heart Rate, Gas Exchange, And Ventilatory Thresholds, Pasquale J. Succi, Taylor K. Dinyer, M. Travis Byrd, Haley C. Bergstrom

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 13(2): 455-469, 2020. PURPOSE: This study compared the O₂corresponding to the critical heart rate (CHRO₂) and the physical working capacity at the heart rate fatigue threshold (PWC_hrtO₂) to the gas exchange threshold (GET), ventilatory threshold (VT), and respiratory compensation point (RCP). METHODS: Nine runners (mean ±SD, age 23 ±3 years) completed an incremental test on a treadmill to determine O_2peak, GET, VT, and RCP. The CHRO₂and PWC_hrtO₂were determined from 4 separate constant velocity treadmill runs …

Measuring Physical Activity Using Triaxial Wrist Worn Polar Activity Trackers: A Systematic Review, André Henriksen, Jonas Johansson, Gunnar Hartvigsen, Sameline Grimsgaard, Laila A. Hopstock

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 13(4): 438-454, 2020. Collecting objective physical activity data from research participants are increasingly done using consumer-based activity trackers. Several validation studies of Polar devices are conducted to date, but no systematic review of the current level of accuracy for these devices exist. The aim of this study is therefore to investigate the accuracy of current wrist-worn Polar devices that equips a triaxial accelerometer to measure physical activity. We conducted a systematic review by searching six databases for validation studies on modern Polar activity trackers. Studies were grouped and examined by tested outcome, i.e. energy expenditure, …

Step Count Reliability And Validity Of Five Wearable Technology Devices While Walking And Jogging In Both A Free Motion Setting And On A Treadmill, Jeffrey Montes, Richard Tandy, John Young, Szu-Ping Lee, James Navalta

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 13(7): 410-426, 2020. Wearable technology devices are used by millions of people who use daily step counts to promote healthy lifestyles. However, the accuracy of many of these devices has not been determined. The purpose was to determine reliability and validity of the Samsung Gear 2, FitBit Surge, Polar A360, Garmin Vivosmart HR+, and the Leaf Health Tracker when walking and jogging in free motion and treadmill conditions. Forty volunteers completed walking and jogging free motion and treadmill protocols of 5-minute intervals. The devices were worn simultaneously in randomized configurations. The mean of two manual …

Ground Contact Time Imbalances Strongly Related To Impaired Running Economy, Dustin P. Joubert, Nicholas A. Guerra, Eric J. Jones, Erica G. Knowles, Aaron D. Piper

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 13(4): 427-437, 2020. Running economy (RE) is defined as the oxygen consumption (VO₂) or caloric unit cost required to move at a specific velocity and is an important performance marker. Ground contact time (GCT) has been associated with RE; however, it has not been established how GCT imbalances between feet impact RE. Purpose: Determine the relationship between cadence, GCT, and GCT imbalances and RE. Methods: 11 NCAA Division I distance runners (7 male) completed a graded exercise test on a treadmill to determine lactate threshold (LT) and VO₂max. Body composition was …

Comparison Of Acute Cardiometabolic Responses In A 7-Minute Body Weight Circuit To 7-Minute Hiit Training Protocol, Cruz Armas, Robert J. Kowalsky, Christopher M. Hearon

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 13(2): 395-409, 2020. To investigate the acute cardiometabolic responses of a 7-minute bodyweight resistance exercise circuit (HICE) compared to a 7-minute high intensity interval training cycle protocol (HIIE). Methods: Twelve apparently healthy and active young adults were enrolled in a randomized crossover study (HICE vsHIIE). The 12 HICE exercises used a 30:5 second exercise to rest ratio, followed by a 3-minute cool-down and was replicated in the HIIE cycle protocol. Following each protocol, subjects were seated for the next hour. Measurements included blood pressure (BP) heart rate, blood glucose and triglycerides, taken prior to …