Kinesiology Commons^™

Intramural Athletes And Their Psychological Response To Athletic Injury, Stephanie Miner, David Kaiser

Journal of Undergraduate Research

The goal of this study was to expand the literature on the psychological effect of injury on intramural athletes. This study replicated a qualitative study (Tracey, 2003) which investigated the emotional response to injury and the rehabilitation process of intercollegiate athletes.

The Effects Of Multi-Modal Training In Athletes, William Brodegard, Dr. Roy Pat Vehrs

Journal of Undergraduate Research

In early March of last year I was suffered a stress injury from riding a bicycle. I had been training heavily, and was forced to stop training to allow my body to heal. During my time off of the bike, I stayed in shape by running and swimming. When I returned to the bicycle, I found that my level of fitness and biking ability had not depreciated as much as I had thought it might. Cross training had proven effective in maintaining my cycling skill level. I decided to research how cross training and cycling specific training effect the ability …

The Effects Of Long-Term Physical Activity On Food Attention Allocation In College Freshmen Women, Sharla Elizabeth Compton

Theses and Dissertations

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of long-term (24 weeks) physical activity on attention allocated toward food in college freshmen women. Methods: Seventy-nine freshmen college women wore a multi-function pedometer for 24 weeks after being randomly assigned to a daily step level: 10,000; 12,500; or 15,000. After at least 16 weeks of intervention, participants were given a cognitive viewing task (pictures of food and flowers) with the neural response measured using electroencephalogram (EEG) and event-related potentials (ERPs). P300s and LPPs are components of the ERP indicating increased attention to stimuli. Results: There was a significant …

Dip-Wrap Paraffin Wax And Moist Heat Pack Application And The Subsequent Rise In Tissue Temperatures, Jared K. Wilson, Dr. Kenneth L. Knight

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Paraffin wax baths are used by athletic trainers and physical therapists to apply superficial heat to the extremities of patients. The National Athletic Trainers Association (NATA) includes the use of paraffin wax as a required competency for students who are working toward certification. While the general consensus of many athletic trainers and textbooks1,2,3 is that paraffin wax application is an effective superficial heating modality, data is not available to back up such opinions. Not enough research has been done to quantify its heating effects or to compare it to other superficial heating modalities.

The Effect Of Dosage On The Rate Of Change In Young Adults With Tight Hamstrings, Katie Lynn Meek, Dr. Brent Feland

Journal of Undergraduate Research

A variety of methods have been used to increase the range of motion and length of the hamstring muscles (Bandy et al. (1997), Feland et al. (2001), Graham, et. al. (year unknown), Johnson et al. (1997), Sherry et al. (2004), Willy et al. (2001)). The purpose of this study was to determine which method of total time and dosage was most effective in increasing the range of motion and flexibility of the hamstring muscle.

A Biomechanical Evaluation Of A Novel Mobile Walking Device, Thomas D. Bateman, Dr. Matthew K. Seeley

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Many individuals rely on crutches to help them walk. Those relying on traditional crutches often suffer from upper-extremity pathologies as well as psychological detriments.1 Additionally, those using crutches typically suffer from increased energy expenditures during locomotion.2 The Millennial Crutch (Figure 1) is a proposed alternative to the traditional crutch. The producers of the Millennial Crutch purport that Millennial Crutch use eliminates many of the disadvantages of traditional crutch use.

Chronic Ankle Instability And Lower Extremity Joint Absorption, Heather Mcdonald Nope, Ty Hopkins, Matt Gage

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Nearly everyone involved in sports has witnessed or experienced an ankle injury. Often these primary injuries lead to secondary knee or hip pain. The purpose of this study was to learn more about how the body reacts to ankle injuries, in regard to absorbing energy in joints. The hypothesis states that subjects with chronic ankle instability will absorb more energy in the knee and hip. Conversely, subjects without chronic ankle instability will absorb more energy in the ankle.

Increasing Electrical Stimulation Frequency Above Cramp Threshold Frequency Increases The Strength And Duration Of Electrically-Induced Muscle Cramps, Steven Wilding, Dr. Kenneth Knight

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Muscle cramps are the most common heat-related illness experienced by athletes (Cooper et al, Journal of Athletic Training, 2006, 41, 332-336). Muscle cramps also occur frequently at night (“night cramps”) and in the elderly. Because the cause of muscle cramps is unknown, our treatments for them are often times unsuccessful. In fact, less than 50% of athletic trainers felt they were very successful in treating muscle cramps (Stone et al, J Sport Rehab, 2003, 333-342).

Exercise Intensity And Cytoskeletal Protein In Rats, Brett Noble, Dr. Allen Parcell

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Research in the field of exercise science, as in any scientific field, is changing and developing as knowledge of each intricate part of the human organism grows. Unfortunately such understanding can only be developed through tedious, ongoing research in labs. Comparative to other scientific fields, the study of exercise physiology, particularly that of the structural proteins in skeletal muscle, is relatively new. There is still much to be learned and studied. The data which we gathered contributed to the ever growing body of information that helps us better understand how skeletal muscle functions.

Upper Extremity Functional Dexterity Changes Due To Neck Extensor Or Forearm Muscle Fatigue, Rachel Sommerfeldt, Dr. A. Wayne Johnson

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Neck pain and headaches related to neck pain will affect an estimated two thirds of the population at some time during their life. The pain may be caused by high-intensity exertion, such as whiplash, or from prolonged low-intensity exertion. An accepted explanation for neck pain is fatigue of the neck muscles caused by the sustained contraction which is required to hold the head in position. Studies suggest that a significant reduction of muscle function is a result of long term neck fatigue. Thus, an individual suffering from neck pain may have reduced muscle function, limiting activity and requiring changes in …

Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome As It Relates To Pronation In The Irish Step Cut 1, 2, Kathleen S. Thomas, Dr. Mark Ricard

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome (MTSS) is defined as chronic leg pain in the distal two-thirds of the medial border of the tibia where stress fractures and exertional compartmental syndrome have been ruled out.1,2,3,5 This syndrome is induced by intense, repetitive, high impact exercise such as running and in the case of dancers, jumping and leaping.

The Effect Of Interval Length On Lactate Production, Eric B. Taylor

Journal of Undergraduate Research

This study is still in the process of completion. The following gives an overview of the study and its purpose. Permission has been received from the coaching staff of the Brigham Young University men=s cross country team to use its athletes as subjects given their consent. It is expected that the study will be completed by October of 2000.

A Comparison Of Various Contraction Intensities In Contract-Relax Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Stretching Of The Hamstring Muscle Group, Heather Nielson, Dr. Brent Feland

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) is a popular stretching method that increases flexibility. There are several different methods of PNF, but they all usually require the assistance of another person. The contract-relax method is a widely used PNF techniquei that utilizes maximum voluntary isometric muscle contraction (MVIC) followed by relaxation. An athletic trainer or therapist then pushes the relaxed muscle further into stretch after each contraction. So, traditionally the person is asked to contract the muscle being stretched as hard as possible in order to produce the MVIC. Very little research has been conducted to using submaximal contractions.ii iii Therefore, the …

Operation Smile, Stephanie Richards, Barbara Lockhart

Journal of Undergraduate Research

The main goal of our research was to investigate and gain a better understanding of the perception that local inhabitants of Bolivia have regarding medical aid received in their country. To accomplish this task we surveyed and interviewed those who are most directly affected by this aid, namely medical doctors and patients. As stated in the proposal, our study consisted of two sources of primary data: the first is personal interviews with Bolivian physicians and the second source is the surveys administered to patients and their parents who had received a cleflip and/or clef-palate operation from one of the organizations …

It’S About Timing: How The Speed Of A Volleyball Set Affects Offensive Efficiency, Lee J. Hinkle, Dr. Iain Hunter

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Thanks to the Office of Research and Creative Activities, I have been able to continue my research project investigating the relationship between the timing of a volleyball offense and its effectiveness.

A Study On The Effects Of Two Delivery Models Of Foreign Medical Aid: Short-Term Mission Model Vs. The Empowerment Of Local Medical Professionals, Jayson Johnson, Barbara Lockhart

Journal of Undergraduate Research

The main goal of our research was to investigate and gain a better understanding of the perception that local inhabitants of Bolivia have regarding medical aid received in their country. To accomplish this task we surveyed and interviewed those who are most directly affected by this aid, namely medical doctors and patients. As stated in the proposal, our study consisted of two sources of primary data: the first is personal interviews with Bolivian physicians and the second source is the surveys administered to patients and their parents who had received a cleflip and/or clef-palate operation from one of the organizations …

Impact Of Physical Activity On Core Stability: A Comparative Study Of Children In The United States And Rural Ghana, Amy Nagle, Dr. Wayne Johnson

Journal of Undergraduate Research

The decline in physical activity and the “obesity epidemic” have created concerns nationwide about the health of American youths. These issues are not only problematic in the social sense (i.e. fostering self-confidence and physical attractiveness), but physical health is important in functional settings, such as classrooms.

Plasma Lactate Accumulation During Running With Body Weight Unloading By Lbpp, Nicole Nevitt Rasmussen

Theses and Dissertations

At any given running speed, weight support with a lower body positive pressure (LBPP) device (i.e. Alter-G treadmill) reduces V̇O2. However, it is unknown how application of LBPP during running impacts lactate metabolism, specifically lactate threshold. Purpose: To determine if body weight unloading with the Alter-G treadmill alters lactate threshold. Methods. Maximal aerobic capacity (V̇O2max) and lactate threshold (LT) was determined in 8 male subjects on an Alter-G treadmill at 100% and 80% body weight loading at 0% grade in a randomized crossover design. V̇O2max tests started at 7 mile h-1 and increase speed by 1 mile h-1 every 2 …

Relationship Between Stabilization, Balance, Athletic Performance And Functional Movement, Susan Christine Ashdown

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between the functional movement screen (FMS) and a battery of stabilization, balance, and athletic performance assessments, including time to stabilization (TTS), Davies test (DT), Y-Balance test (YBT), and maximum vertical jump (VJ). Sixty-one healthy individuals (32 males, 29 females; age: 22.4 ± 2.7 yr; height: 174.4 ± 10.4 cm, body mass: 74.0 ± 18.8 kg), successfully performed the FMS and the accompanying comparison tests. Correlations were generated between the FMS and TTS, DT, YBT, and VJ (including both unilateral and bilateral assessments) using the R Project for Statistical Computing, with …

Foot Bone Marrow Edema After A 10-Wk Transition To Minimalist Running Shoes, Sarah T. Ridge, A. Wayne Johnson, Ulrike H. Mitchell, Iain Hunter, Eric Robinson, Brent S. E. Rich, Stephen Douglas Brown

Faculty Publications

Purpose: Minimalist running shoes are becoming a more popular choice for runners in the past few years. However, there is little conclusive evidence about the advantages or disadvantages of running in these shoes. Although performance benefits may exist, injury may also occur from the added stress of running without the benefit of cushioning under the foot. Bone marrow edema can be a manifestation of added stress on the foot. This study measured bone marrow edema in runners’ feet before and after a 10-wk period of transitioning from traditional to minimalist running shoes.

Methods: Thirty-six experienced recreational runners underwent magnetic resonance …

The Effect Of Whole Body Vibration On Skin Blood Flow And Nitric Oxide Production, Paula K. Johnson

Theses and Dissertations

Background: Vascular dysfunction due to hyperglycemia in individuals with diabetes is a factor contributing to distal symmetric polyneuropathy (DSP). Reactive oxygen species (ROS) reduce the bioavailability of nitric oxide (NO), a powerful vasodilator, resulting in reduced circulation and nerve ischemia. Increases in blood NO concentrations and circulation have been attributed to whole body vibration (WBV). The purpose of this study was to the determine the effects of low frequency, low amplitude WBV on whole blood NO concentration and skin blood flow (SBF) in individuals with symptoms of DSP. Research Design and Methods: Ten subjects with diabetes and impaired sensory perception …

Steeplechase Hurdle Economy, Mechanics, And Performance, Sarah Ingebretsen

Theses and Dissertations

Research surrounding the steeplechase is scarce, with most research focusing primarily on how biomechanical factors relate to maintaining running speed while crossing barriers. One area that has not been well explored is the relationship between biomechanical factors and hurdling economy. The purpose of this study was to investigate how performance times and biomechanical variables relate to hurdling economy during the steeplechase. This was accomplished by measuring running economy of collegiate and professional steeplechasers while running with and without hurdles. Biomechanical measures of approach velocity, take-off distance, clearance height, and lead knee extension while hurdling, as well as steeplechase performance times …

The Effects Of Anterior Knee Pain On The Kinetics Of The Lower Extremities During High-Intensity Activities, Jordan Pitt, Dr. Matthew Seeley

Journal of Undergraduate Research

This project has not yet been completed due mostly to complications with the tools needed to make the measurements. We intend on completing this project and still feel that there will be opportunities to present or publish our findings. In fact, we have written one abstract with some of our preliminary findings and submitted it to the National Athletic Trainers Association, with the intent to present our findings at their national conference next year.

The Effect Of Anterior Knee Pain On Serum Cartilage Oligomeric Matrix Protein And Muscular Cocontraction During Running, Scott T. Woodland

Theses and Dissertations

Knee pain can alter lower-extremity neuromechanics and often results in functional disability. The relationship between lower-extremity neuromechanical alterations, due to anterior knee pain, and articular cartilage condition is unclear. The purpose of this study was to determine the independent effect of anterior knee pain during running on articular cartilage condition, as reflected by serum cartilage oligomeric matrix protein concentrations and muscle cocontraction duration. Seven men and five women completed a 30-min run in three different sessions: control (no infusion), sham (isotonic saline infusion), and pain (hypertonic saline infusion). Saline was infused into the right infrapatellar fat pad for the duration …

Examining Quantitative Differences In Gait Between The Pvc Prosthesis Design And The Traditional Prosthesis, David Chinn, Dr. Matt Seeley

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Our purpose in conducting research was to evaluate a novel, below-knee PVC prosthesis (Figure 1) relative to traditional below-knee prostheses. We aimed to collect data from the biomechanical gait analysis of amputees using the PVC prosthesis. Our desire is to help those in developing nations who have remained immobile after amputation due to lack of funds or technology in their country. This leg only costs $25.00 to manufacture, and if it is found to be similar to traditional prostheses it could help a lot of people. Since the outset of this project we have had successes and failures. Through the …

Free-Living Experimental Sleep Conditions, Dr. James Lecheminant

Journal of Undergraduate Research

The purpose of the completed MEG from 2010 was to compare 20 obese and 20 normal- weight women under two separate free-living experimental sleep conditions (Condition 1: two consecutive nights of ≥8 hrs of sleep; Condition 2: two consecutive nights of

A Randomized-Controlled Trial Of The Effects Of Resistance Training On Body Composition, Strength, Physical Activity, And Body Satisfaction In Postpartum Women, Dr. James Lecheminant

Journal of Undergraduate Research

The purpose of this study, as submitted to the IRB, was to determine the effects of flexibility or resistance training on body composition, strength, spontaneous physical activity, cardiovascular disease risk factors, bone density, and body satisfaction, depression, health-related quality of life, and self-efficacy in postpartum women.

Heat Penetration Into Soft Tissue With 3 Mhz Ultrasound, Jared M. Franson

Theses and Dissertations

Therapeutic ultrasound is a deep heating modality often used to produce vigorous heating (≥4°C Δ) in tissues. The vigorous heating effects of 3 MHz therapeutic ultrasound have only been tested to a 2.5 cm depth, but its maximal depth of producing vigorous heating has yet to be established. Objective: To investigate the tissue temperature change produced by a 3 MHz ultrasound treatment at depths of 3 and 3.5 cm in the human triceps surae muscle group. Design: Randomized control design. Setting: Therapeutic modalities research laboratory. Patients or Other Participants: Twenty healthy college-aged participants (male = 13, female = 7; age …

Mtor Pathway Activation Following Resistance Exercise With Vibration In Human Subjects, Michael G. Leavitt

Theses and Dissertations

Functional adaptations in human skeletal muscle following a period of resistance exercise are the result of regular activation of cellular signaling pathways that elevate muscle protein synthesis. It has been reported that the addition of whole body vibration (WBV) to a resistance exercise program enhances performance. Such improvements in muscle function may be the result of increased activation of cellular signaling pathways associated with muscle growth. Purpose: We have investigated whether an acute bout of resistance exercise in combination with WBV results in a greater activation of the mTOR signaling pathway compared to resistance exercise alone. Methods: Eight untrained college-age …

Kinematic And Kinetic Analysis Of Planned And Unplanned Gait Termination In Children, Sarah T. Ridge, John Henley, Kurt Manal, Freeman Miller, James G. Richards

Faculty Publications

Gait termination is a task which requires people to alter momentum and stabilize the body. To date, many of the kinematic and kinetic characteristics of gait termination have not been reported, making it difficult for clinicians to design interventions to improve the ability to terminate gait quickly and efficiently. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to describe the lower body mechanics of healthy children as they performed walking trials, planned stopping trials, and unplanned stopping trials. Kinematic and kinetic data were collected from 15 healthy children between the ages of 11 and 17 years (14.3 ± 2.1 years). The …