Kinesiology Commons^™

The Effect Of Aerobic Exercise Versus Inactivity On Nitric Oxide Concentration And Synthesis In An Elderly Population, Samantha Burton

Theses and Dissertations

CONTEXT: Nitric Oxide (NO) is an endothelial-derived vasoactive molecule that causes an increase in blood flow and oxygen delivery to tissue. A reduction in NO bioavailability has been found to occur in adults over the age of 60 and can be reversed pharmacologically by improving NO synthase (NOS) activity. Reversing these age-related changes with alternative interventions, such as aerobic exercise, has shown some promising results. OBJECTIVE: To quantify blood NO-bioavailability (as measured by blood nitrite levels) in a population of aerobically trained elderly men and compare these data to a group of age-matched, inactive individuals. In addition, we measured the …

Changes In Intragastric Temperature Reflect Changes In Heat Stress Following Tepid Fluid Ingestion But Not Ice Slurry Ingestion, Christopher J. Stevens, Ben Dascombe

Journal of Human Performance in Extreme Environments

This study examined the effects of fluid and ice slurry ingestion on the relationship between intragastric temperature and rectal temperature in humans during physical activity. The purpose was to identify a technique to quantify changes in heat stress in situations when temperature probes are not feasible and when time constraints do not allow for a period long enough for an indigestible temperature capsule to reach the lower gastrointestinal tract. Eight moderately trained male runners inserted a rectal probe and ingested a telemetric capsule before randomized, crossover, pre-exercise ingestion of 7.5 mL x kg^-1 x BM^-1tepid fluid (22°C) …

Influence Of Sports Drink Taste Preference On Consumption In Adult Recreational Soccer Players, Kiarash Molavi

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

Sports drinks provide nutrients that improve athletic performance. This study investigated whether a preference in taste leads to an increased consumption of a sports drink prior to and after an endurance event in athletes. Male amateur soccer players (n=16) first participated in a blind sensory evaluation to determine their taste preference for two (designated as Drink A and Drink B) similarly flavored sports drinks. Subjects were divided into two groups based on their taste preference for either drink. They then participated in 9 soccer matches and were presented with either Drink A, Drink B, or water (3 trials each) before …

Biomechanical Investigation Of Elite Place-Kicking, Chase M. Pfeifer

Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Many studies aim to understand the fundamentals of kicking commonly displayed by soccer players [4,6,10,16,17,18,24,25,28,29,30,34,36,38,40]. Of those studies, most are limited to a two-dimensional (2D) analysis using high-speed cameras for position tracking or utilizing electromyography to observe the activity of select muscles [4,6,18,25,29,36]. The few studies that investigate kicking using a three-dimensional (3D) model are limited in their position tracking capabilities and focus mainly on joint flexion potentials and foot speed.

This dissertation is a comprehensive biomechanical analysis (kinematic and EMG) of the field-goal place-kicking techniques of four elite kickers in American football. Data were compared and contrasted with ball …

Preliminary Efficacy And Feasibility Of Embedding High Intensity Interval Training Into The School Day: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial, S. A. Costigan, N. Eather, R. C. Plotnikoff, Dennis Taaffe, E. Pollock, S. G. Kennedy, D. R. Lubans

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Current physical activity and fitness levels among adolescents are low, increasing the risk of chronic disease. Although the efficacy of high intensity interval training (HIIT) for improving metabolic health is now well established, it is not known if this type of activity can be effective to improve adolescent health. The primary aim of this study is to assess the effectiveness and feasibility of embedding HIIT into the school day. A 3-arm pilot randomized controlled trial was conducted in one secondary school in Newcastle, Australia. Participants (n = 65; mean age = 15.8(0.6) years) were randomized into one of three conditions: …

Strength Training And Body Composition In Middle-Age Women, Rachelle Burrup

Theses and Dissertations

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between strength training and body composition before and after controlling for several covariates. A cross-sectional study including 257 female subjects was conducted. METHODS: Subjects' level of involvement in strength training was determined via questionnaire. Body composition was assessed using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Diet was assessed using 7-d weighed food records. RESULTS: Strong linear relationships between subjects' level of involvement in strength training and body composition were identified. For each additional day of strength training reported per week, body fat was 1.32 percentage points lower (F = 14.8, …

Sedentary Behavior In Preschoolers: How Many Days Of Accelerometer Monitoring Is Needed?, Wonwoo Byun, Michael W. Beets, Russell R. Pate

Faculty Publications

The reliability of accelerometry for measuring sedentary behavior in preschoolers has not been determined, thus we determined how many days of accelerometry monitoring are necessary to reliably estimate daily time spent in sedentary behavior in preschoolers. In total, 191 and 150 preschoolers (three to five years) wore ActiGraph accelerometers (15-s epoch) during the in-school (≥4 days) and the total-day (≥6 days) period respectively. Accelerometry data were summarized as time spent in sedentary behavior (min/h) using three different cutpoints developed for preschool-age children (

Extended Use Of Fear Avoidance Belief Questionnaires In Physical Therapy To Improve Patient Recovery Time From Spinal Surgery, Kady L. Walker

Symposium

Project Summary

This experiment aims to use multiple Fear Avoidance Belief Questionnaires (FABQs) for post-surgical female spinal patients for a more comprehensive therapy experience. FABQs are given to quantify and assess the fears and avoidant behavior a patient may have due to their beliefs about movement that may cause pain. The avoidant behaviors could range from the patient unnecessarily limiting their daily activities to refusing the physical therapists recommendations for exercise during their session. It is standard practice in clinics to use a singular FABQ during the initial evaluation for physical therapy. High levels of fear have been known to …

Pertinacity Issue 1 Volume 2, Yuri Hosokawa

Pertinacity

No abstract provided.

Effects Of The Jaqbloq Forearm And Straight Arm Plank On Core Muscle Activation, Jacquelyn R. Clark

Human Movement Studies & Special Education Theses & Dissertations

Performing a plank has various benefits for all fitness levels. There are several different types of planks that can be performed, with or without equipment: straight arm, forearm and side plank. When one has a shoulder or arm injury, he or she will not be able to safely perform a plank. A piece of fitness equipment was recently designed to aid people with injuries so they can still perform a plank; the JAQBLOQ. It is a 12x13x14" high density EVA foam block used to assist one during a plank where the participant rests his or her chest on it.

This …

Effects Of Traditional Versus Horizontal Inertial Flywheel Power Training On Common Sport-Related Tasks, Moisés  De Hoyo , Borja Sañudo, Luis Carrasco, Sergio Domínguez-Cobo, Jesús Mateo-Cortes, María Monserrat Cadenas-Sánchez, Sophia Nimphius

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

This study aimed to analyze the effects of power training using traditional vertical resistance exercises versus direction specific horizontal inertial flywheel training on performance in common sport-related tasks. Twenty-three healthy and physically active males (age: 22.29 ± 2.45 years) volunteered to participate in this study. Participants were allocated into either the traditional training (TT) group where the half squat exercise on a smith machine was applied or the horizontal flywheel training (HFT) group performing the front step exercise with an inertial flywheel. Training volume and intensity were matched between groups by repetitions (5-8 sets with 8 repetitions) and relative intensity …

Local Pain Dynamics During Constant Exhaustive Exercise, Agne Slapsinskaite, Selen Razon, Natàlia Balagué Serre, Robert Hristovski, Gershon Tenenbaum

Kinesiology Faculty Publications

The purpose of this study was to delineate the topological dynamics of pain and discomfort during constant exercise performed until volitional exhaustion. Eleven physical education students were tested while cycling and running at a “hard” intensity level (e.g., corresponding to Borg’s RPE (6–20) = 15). During the tests, participants reported their discomfort and pain on a body map every 15s. “Time on task” for each participant was divided into five equal non-overlapping temporal windows within which their ratings were considered for analysis. The analyses revealed that the number of body locations with perceived pain and discomfort increased throughout the five …

Study Of The Effectiveness Of Instant Activities On Student Behavior In Elementary Physical Education, Jerry Ray Leonard

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

The purpose of this research study was to assess how the use of instant activities as a physical education classroom warm-up impacts student behavior during the elementary physical education class period. The study examined whether or not the use of instant activities reduces the number of off-task student behaviors during a physical education class period. The research study focused on two fourth grade elementary classes that came to the physical education classroom twice a week for two months as part of this study. One class performed an instant activity every day before the start of the instructional period. The other …

Workforce Fitness: Description, Contextual Issues, And Implications For Public Health, Nicolaas P. Pronk

Frontiers in Public Health Services and Systems Research

Workforce fitness matters for the prevention of premature death, chronic diseases, productivity loss, excess medical care costs, loss of income or family earnings, and other social and economic concerns. Yet fitness levels appear to be relatively low and declining. Over the past half century obesity has doubled, physical activity levels are below par, and cardiorespiratory fitness often does not meet minimally acceptable job standards. During this time, daily occupational energy expenditure has decreased by more than 100 calories. It is recommended for employers to consider best practices and design workplace wellness programs accordingly. Regulations that protect and promote worker health, …

Correlates Of Awareness And Use Of The Hubway Bike Share Program And The Association With Weight Status, Lawrence H. Stahley

Graduate Masters Theses

Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine the correlates of awareness and use of the Hubway bike share program and assess the relationship between use and rates of overweight or obesity. Methods: Two-hundred, fifty-six students, faculty, and staff from the University of Massachusetts Boston (UMB) participated in this cross-sectional study. Participants completed an on-line survey during the fall of 2014 that assessed socio-demographics, behavioral and physical activity characteristics, Hubway awareness, and use of Hubway and personal bikes. Multivariable regression models were conducted to evaluate associations between socio-demographic and behavioral factors, and Hubway awareness, use, and the relationship with …

The Effect Of Training In Minimalist Running Shoes On Running Economy, Sarah T. Ridge, Tyler Standifird, Jessica Rivera, A. Wayne Johnson, Ulrike H. Mitchell, Iain Hunter

Faculty Publications

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of minimalist running shoes on oxygen uptake during running before and after a 10-week transition from traditional to minimalist running shoes. Twenty-five recreational runners (no previous experience in minimalist running shoes) participated in submaximal VO2 testing at a self-selected pace while wearing traditional and minimalist running shoes. Ten of the 25 runners gradually transitioned to minimalist running shoes over 10 weeks (experimental group), while the other 15 maintained their typical training regimen (control group). All participants repeated submaximal VO2 testing at the end of 10 weeks. Testing included a 3 …

The Integration Of Kinesthetic Learning Through The Math & Movement Program: Pilot Study 2015, Benjamin Ferder

Master's Theses

Purpose: The primary purpose of this pilot study was to verify that the use of kinesthetic learning (Math & Movement Program) in the classroom increases retention of multiplication facts at a greater rate than traditional drill and practice. The Math & Movement Program uses a kinesthetic learning-based approach for practicing, learning, and memorizing mathematics through the incorporation of bodily movement(s). Participants: The directors of the research project for the participating school district selected the sample of convenience. The population size of this study included 213 third and fourth grade students during the second half of the 2011-2012 school years. Data …

The Effect Of Yoga On Growth Hormone Secretion In Young Men And Women, Aaron Eastham

All NMU Master's Theses

PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of an acute bout of yoga exercise on the secretion of growth hormone (GH) in healthy, young males and females. METHODS Seventeen participants (mean age 23.9 ± 3.9) were volunteered and completed the university IRB approved study. Participants completed a 60-min, certified instructor led yoga session. Blood (5ml) was collected at rest, 10-min prior (PRE), at the 35-min point during (MID), and immediately post (POST) the yoga session. Serum GH was measured using immunochemiluminometric assay. Resting GH levels were statistically compared to mid- and post-yoga GH levels using a …

The Effect Of Various Body Positions On Performance Of The Isometric Mid-Thigh Pull, George K. Beckham

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this dissertation was to evaluate the effects of changing body position on the execution of the isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP). Furthermore, while there is evidence to suggest that there is an effect of familiarization on performance of maximal strength tests, there has been no known research evaluating the effect of learning on the IMTP. The effect of familiarization was assessed by evaluating changes in variables obtained from the IMTP. Subjects did not statistically improve over the five IMTP testing sessions, regardless of the body position used, or if subjects had previous experience with weightlifting derivatives. This may …

Biomechanical Comparisons Of The Power Clean And Power Hang Clean Exercises At Different Relative Intensities, Jacob Troy Caldwell

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to compare normalized peak power (PP) and peak barbell acceleration (BA) between the power clean (PC) and power hang clean (PHC) exercises among eight male weightlifters (25.5 ℗ł 2.86 yr; 85.25 ℗ł 11 kg). Biomechanical comparisons were made between both exercises at 60%, 70%, and 80% of each subject⁰́₉s one repetition maximum (1RM). When comparing both exercises for normalized PP, there was no significant difference at 60% and 70% of 1RM. At 80% 1RM, the PHC demonstrated significance (p = 0.016) with higher normalized PP when compared to the PC. When comparing both exercises …

Removable Shoe Spike System, Alex Adams, Nutech Ventures, Inc.,

Athletic Performance Research

The present system, method and apparatus are adapted for the quick and easy exchange of spikes on athletic shoes. More specifically, the system, apparatus and methods comprise a spike having an opening, an aglet adapted for coupling to the shoe, for example by way of a shoelace, and a coupling head affixed to the aglet which is adapted to couple with the opening on the spike so as to allow a user to quickly and easily replace, remove or install spikes in the athletic shoe. The disclosure thus allows the user to have the tool attached to their shoe at …

The Acute Effects Of The Prevent Injury Enhance Performance Programme (Pep) On Acl Injury Risk Factors, Chris Mccann, Sarah B. Clarke

Conference Presentations

No abstract provided.

The Acute Effects Of Shred Matrix On Hemodynamic Responses, Substrate Utilization, Endurance, Arterial Compliance, And Body Water Distribution, Samuel R. Buchanan

Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA

Supplement manufacturers are widely unregulated and are only held accountable for products if their supplement is shown to cause harm. To take advantage, some manufacturers use false or sensationalized claims that have little or no scientific backing. Due to the lack of testing for many supplements, this study will seek to determine multiple effects of the weight loss supplement, Shred Matrix.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to 1) examine the acute effects of the weight loss aid, Shred Matrix, on hemodynamic responses, substrate utilization, endurance, arterial compliance, and body water distribution; 2) To investigate the differences between athletes …

The Effect Of Posterior Foot Positions On Electromyography, Joint Kinetics And Energetics During A Sit-To-Stand In Young And Older Adults, Eric A. Pitman

Human Movement Studies & Special Education Theses & Dissertations

The sit-to-stand (STS) movement, defined as standing up from a chair to an upright posture, is a common task performed daily. The inability to accomplish this task may lead to dependence, institutionalization and even death in older adults. A common strategy change for the STS is positioning the feet posteriorly by increasing flexion at the knee joint. This reduces the displacement of the center of mass to the base of support while increasing the joint moment of force at the knee while decreasing it at the hip. The aims of this study were to: 1) examine the joint kinetics, joint …

Vascular Regulation Via Kir Channels And Na+ /K+-Atpase, Anne R. Crecelius, Frank A. Dinenno

Health and Sport Science Faculty Publications

Despite the longstanding knowledge that blood flow increases in proportion to metabolic activity of skeletal muscle, the underlying mechanisms that govern this response have only recently been identified.¹ Given the role of endothelial cells in mediating exercise hyperemia,² interest has been focused on endothelium-derived vasodilation occurring via the synthesis of nitric oxide (NO) and vasodilating prostaglandins (PGs; i.e. prostacyclin) or endothelium- derived hyperpolarization. A number of studies performed in humans have established a minimal-to-modest role for NO and PGs during mild- and moderate- intensity exercise. In animal preparations, prevention of hyperpolarization attenuates contraction-induced hyperemia; however, performing similar studies …

Synergy-Based Two-Level Optimization For Predicting Knee Contact Forces During Walking, Gil Serrancolí, Allison Kinney, Josep M. Font-Llagunes, Benjamin J. Fregly

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Publications

Musculoskeletal models and optimization methods are combined to calculate muscle forces. Some model parameters cannot be experimentally measured due to the invasiveness, such as the muscle moment arms or the muscle and tendon lengths. Moreover, other parameters used in the optimization, such as the muscle synergy components, can be also unknown. The estimation of all these parameters needs to be validated to obtain physiologically consistent results. In this study, a two-step optimization problem was formulated to predict both muscle and knee contact forces of a subject wearing an instrumented knee prosthesis. In the outer level, muscle parameters were calibrated, whereas …

Development Of A Muscle Model Parameter Calibration Method Via Passive Muscle Force Minimization, Allison Kinney, Benjamin J. Fregly

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Publications

Computational predictions of subject-specific muscle and knee joint contact forces during walking may improve individual rehabilitation treatment design. Such predictions depend directly on specified model parameter values. However, model parameters are difficult to measure non-invasively. Methods for muscle model parameter calibration have been developed previously. However, it is currently unknown how the musculoskeletal system chooses muscle model parameter values. Previous studies have hypothesized that muscles avoid injury during walking by generating little passive force and operating in the ascending region of the force-length curve. This hypothesis suggests that muscle model parameter values may be selected by the body to minimize …

The Comparative Effects Of Hot Yoga And Thermoneutral Yoga On Flexibility, Heart Rate, Sweat Rate, And Mood, Hannah Kirkland Campbell

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Yoga is an ancient Indian philosophy, described as a therapeutic intervention and health maintenance practice that unites the mind and body to aid healing through the combination of physical postures, breathing techniques, and meditation. There is ample research regarding yoga practiced in an environment that is thermoneutral, or in an environment that does not alter the metabolic heat production or evaporative heat loss of people. However, minimal research exists on the increasingly popular form of yoga known as hot yoga, or yoga practiced in an environment that is often humidified and 95° F or warmer. This exploratory study compared the …

The Longitudinal Effects Of Beta-Alanine Supplementation On Isometric Strength, Time To Exhaustion, And Lower-Body Isometric Torque In Female Masters Athlete Cyclists, Jordan Mckenzie Glenn

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Within the population of aging individuals exists a subset of competitive seniors or masters athletes (MA). As masters-level competition increases in popularity, MA must find methods to enhance individual athletic performance. Beta-alanine (BA) is an amino acid used to enhance physical capability based on ability increase intramuscular carnosine concentrations. Older adults and females have naturally lower carnosine levels compared to age- and gender-matched counterparts and may experience enhanced benefits from BA supplementation. Purpose: Therefore, the purpose of this investigation was to examine the longitudinal effects of BA supplementation on isometric handgrip strength (HG), time to exhaustion (TTE), total work completed …

Lower Extremity Biomechanics In Individuals With And Without Previous Hamstring Injury, Jessica A. Mutchler

Human Movement Studies & Special Education Theses & Dissertations

Primary risk factors for hamstrings strains such as fatigue, previous injury and strength deficits have been identified in the research, yet re-injury rates remain high among the physically active. Sub-acute analysis of the hip, knee and ankle biomechanics following a hamstrings strain have been largely overlooked and may provide additional insight into re-injury risks. It was the aim of this dissertation to explore long-term adaptations in walking and running tasks following a hamstrings strain, and to develop a hip endurance test that could be used in future studies.

Project one used a cross-sectional study with test-retest design to develop and …