Kinesiology Commons^™

Neuromuscular Function Following Lengthening Contractions, Geoffrey A. Power

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Unaccustomed lengthening contractions have been shown to impair muscle function - however little is known regarding this impairment on muscle power - specifically, the velocity component of power during voluntary contractions in humans. The four studies presented in my thesis investigated power-loss following lengthening contractions in healthy young and old women and young men.

The purpose of Study 1 was to determine reliability of velocity-dependent power of the dorsiflexors using the isotonic mode of the Biodex Dynamometer. I determined the isotonic mode is reliable and can be used to track changes in velocity and power following fatigue and lengthening contractions. …

Neuroprotective Effects Of Long-Term Endurance Training On The Cortical Autonomic Network In The Aging Brain, Torri A. Luchyshyn

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

This study tested whether long-term endurance training in older adults (ET; n = 15, 55 ± 4 years, relative VO₂max = 50 ± 8 ml/kg/min) would alter cardiovagal control and preserve the cortical autonomic network compared to age-matched controls (CON; n = 15, 56 ± 4 years, relative VO₂max = 37 ± 9 ml/kg/min). The hypothesis predicts 1) altered deactivation patterns of the ventral medial prefrontal cortex (vMPFC) in response to isometric hand grip (IHG) and 2) greater indices of cardiovagal control; a) increased baroreflex sensitivity at rest, b) greater heart rate change (ΔHR) and c) …

Gait Variability Is An Independent Marker Of Frailty, Anam Islam

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

The objectives of this study were to 1) determine if high gait variability is associated with frailty; 2) test the inter-rater reliability of the Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS) and its concurrent validity against the Frailty Phenotype Index (FPI) in classifying frailty. Frailty status was determined by applying the FPI and CFS to the sample of 107 community-dwelling older adults. Inter-rater reliability of the CFS was assessed using kappa statistics. Mantel-Haenszel test for trends evaluated concurrent validity of the CFS against the FPI components. Quantitative gait variables were assessed with an electronic walkway. Multivariable linear regression analysis evaluated the outcome of …