Kinesiology Commons^™

A Qualitative Examination Of Optimal Professional Traits Of Physical Therapists. – An Exploratory Investigation, Nicholas G. Wood

Honors College Theses

Physical therapists are constantly searching for aspects of their professional practice to improve, in order to enhance interactions with patients, eventually leading to a more successful practice (Resnek & Jensen, 2003). Although this is the case, limited research has been found which has examined optimal qualities of physical therapists from neither a qualitative perspective, nor based upon their location. Thus, the purpose of this study is to use a qualitative approach to describe optimal qualities necessary for a successful physical therapy practice. In addition, this study aims to determine if therapists practicing in a rural community describe different qualities than …

H-Index Is Important For Postural Control For People With Impaired Foot Sole Sensation, Shuqi Zhang, Brad Manor, Li Li

Health Sciences & Kinesiology: Faculty Publications

Introduction: People with Peripheral Neuropathy (PN), especially those with impaired sensory inputs through the small-afferent fiber (type II afferent fibers) reflex loop (SAF), might depend more on the large-afferent fiber (type I afferent fibers) reflex loop (LAF) for postural control.

Purpose: To examine whether the function of the LAF reflex loop, reflected by the H-reflex and ankle joint proprioception, influences postural control when the SAF reflex loop is impaired, as indicated by reduced foot sole cutaneous sensation.

Methods: Thirteen participants (8 women, 5 men) diagnosed with PN and 12 age-matched controls (7 women, 5 men) completed the testing protocol. Measures …

How Joint Torques Affect Hamstring Injury Risk In Sprinting Swing-Stance Transition, Yuliang Sun, Shutao Wei, Yunjian Zhong, Li Li, Yu Liu

Health Sciences & Kinesiology: Faculty Publications

Purpose: The potential mechanisms of hamstring strain injuries in athletes are not well understood. The study, therefore, was aimed at understanding hamstring mechanics by studying loading conditions during maximum-effort overground sprinting.

Methods: Three-dimensional kinematics and ground reaction force data were collected from eight elite male sprinters sprinting at their maximum effort. Maximal isometric torques of the hip and knee were also collected. Data from the sprinting gait cycle were analyzed via an intersegmental dynamics approach, and the different joint torque components were calculated.

Results: During the initial stance phase, the ground reaction force passed anteriorly to the …

Body Image Self-Discrepancies And Compulsive Exercise: Exploring The Role Of Approach And Avoidance Motivational Selves, Kristin A. Chandler

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

According to Brewer, Davis, Kalmbach, Kaptein, Katzman and Kirsch (1997), problematic exercise occurs in approximately 80% of anorexia nervosa patients and 55% of bulimia nervosa patients. Thus, a comprehensive understanding of unhealthy exercise is necessary for its assessment as well as eating disorder prevention and intervention. One term used to describe unhealthy exercise is compulsive exercise. Although compulsive exercise has been regarded as problematic in the development, treatment, and outcome of eating disorders, little research has investigated the risk factors for this behavior. Given the influence of body image disturbances on disordered eating and the relationship between compulsive exercise and …

A Qualitative Examination Of The Sport Music Preferences Of Ncaa Division I Athletes, Zachary Ryan

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

Athletes report listening to music prior to their sport participation for a number of reasons, including: mood-regulation, arousal control, and concentration (Laukka & Quick, 2011; Sorenson, Czech, Gonzalez, Klein, & Lachowetz, 2008; Stevens & Lane, 2001). Researchers have found that many athletes report their music preferences for everyday listening are different from what they listen to around sport participation (Laukka & Quick, 2011). Music preferences have been found to be related to both gender and aspects of an individual’s personality, such as aggression (Rentfrow & Gosling, 2003; Colley, 2008; Rubin, West, & Mitchell, 2001;). The purpose of the current study …

An Examination Between High And Low Optimistic Ncaa Division I Student-Athletes' Perceptions Of Preferred Leadership Behavior In Sport: A Qualitative Investigation, Alexander C. Roorda

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

Numerous researchers have examined preferred sport leadership behaviors from both the coach and athlete perspectives (Beam, Serwatka, & Wilson, 2004; Chelladurai, & Carron, 1983; Freakley, Czech, Harris, & Burdette, 2012; Turman, 2013; Weinburg, & Gould, 2010). However, there is limited research in student-athlete personality dispositions and how those might influence student-athlete perceptions of preferred leadership behaviors. The purpose of the present study was to examine views of leadership in light of certain personality dispositions. This research examined the potential influence of optimism (Abramson, et al, 2000) on qualitative descriptions of preferred leadership behaviors using the Revised Leadership Scale for Sport …

Effects Of A Training Program To Enhance Autonomy Supportive Behaviors Among Youth Soccer Coaches, Jody L. Langdon, Robert J. Schlote, Brandonn S. Harris, Glenn P. Burdette Iii, Sara Rothberger

Health Sciences & Kinesiology: Faculty Publications

This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and implementation of a training emphasizing the use of autonomy supportive coaching behaviors among youth soccer coaches in game-play situations as well as evaluating its effects on motivational processes among athletes. Participants included youth sport soccer coaches and their intact teams. Coaches received a series of autonomy-supportive coaching training interventions based on successful programs in general and physical education (Reeve, Jang, Carrell, Jeon & Barch, 2004; Cheon, Reeve & Moon, 2012). Athletes completed questionnaires to assess perceived autonomy support, basic need satisfaction, and motivation (Harris & Watson, 2011). Observations indicated coaches were not …

Ankle Proprioception Correlates With Functional Mobility In People With Peripheral Neuropathy, Shuqi Zhang, Li Li

Health Sciences & Kinesiology: Faculty Presentations (2005-2023)

Introduction: The ankle proprioception could influence the functional stability of ankle joint. In addition, ankle proprioception may indirectly influence postural control. Furthermore, ankle proprioception may play an important role in the impaired somatosensory system. Purpose: The purpose is to examine if ankle proprioception is correlated with functional mobility in people with Peripheral Neuropathy (PN) and health age-matched control. Methods: Twenty one people with, and twelve age-matched without PN, were recruited. Active (AAP) and passive (PAP) ankle proprioception were assessed using Biodex 3 dynamometer (Biodex Medical System, Inc, Shirley, NY, USA). Participants sat in the Biodex chair with the back of …

Benefits Of Exercise Intervention In Reducing Neuropathic Pain, John L. Dobson, James L. Mcmillan, Li Li

Health Sciences & Kinesiology: Faculty Publications

Peripheral neuropathy is a widespread and potentially incapacitating pathological condition that encompasses more than 100 different forms and manifestations of nerve damage. The diverse pathogenesis of peripheral neuropathy affects autonomic, motor and/or sensory neurons, and the symptoms that typify the condition are abnormal cutaneous sensation, muscle dysfunction and, most notably, chronic pain. Chronic neuropathic pain is difficult to treat and is often characterized by either exaggerated responses to painful stimuli (hyperalgesia) or pain resulting from stimuli that would not normally provoke pain (allodynia). The objective of this review is to provide an overview of some pathways associated with the development …

The Financial Burden Of Physical Inactivity, Li Li

Health Sciences & Kinesiology: Faculty Publications

According to the World Health Organization, “physical inactivity has been identified as the fourth leading risk factor for global mortality causing an estimated 3.2 million (annual) deaths globally.”¹

In the Research Highlight of the first issue of this journal, I reviewed the evidence which supports the notion that physical inactivity can cost lives, in terms of longevity and quality of life, especially in the last few years of our lives.² Here, I would like to review the literature that reveals the financial burden due to physical inactivity.

In a classic paper, Katzmarzyk and Janssen³ estimated that the …

An Examination Of Behavioral And Temporal Consistency Of Pre-Performance Routines In Ncaa Division I Basketball Free Throw Shooting – A Naturalist Observational Investigation, Jacob Blumberg

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

Research has shown that pre-performance routines positively influence performance of closed and self-paced skills (Boutcher & Crews, 1987; Cohn, 1990; Otto et al., 2011). Boutcher and Crews (1987) suggested that pre-performance routines improve performance by helping reduce anxiety along with helping athletes’ retain mental sharpness and focus. Furthermore, several quantitative studies have examined the influence of both behavioral and temporal consistency of pre-performance routines on the success of a skill, yielding inconsistent results (Boutcher & Crews, 1987; Lobmeyer & Wasserman, 1986; Lonsdale & Tam, 2008; Jackson, 2003). However, research examining this phenomenon from a qualitative and naturalistic observational perspective is …

Antecedents Of Athletes’ Achievement Goal Orientations, Matthew Lachman

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

Theorized by Nicholls (1984), achievement goal theory describes the interaction of one’s perceived ability and two goal orientations, known as “task” and “ego,” that an athlete employs when setting goals. These goal orientations are what athletes employ when playing their sport. The result of this interaction is an athlete’s achievement behavior. Previous research has examined this theory extensively (Newton & Duda, 1999; Chin, Khoo, & Low, 2012; Smoll, Smith, & Cumming, 2007; White & Zellner, 1996). However, few studies have solely looked at factors that predict one’s achievement goal orientations. The purpose of this study is to address which demographic …

Shoulder Muscle Activation Of Novice And Resistance Trained Women During Variations Of Dumbbell Press Exercises, Joshua Luczak, Andy Bosak, Bryan Riemann

Health Sciences & Kinesiology: Faculty Publications

Previous research has compared the effects of trunk inclination angle on muscle activation using barbells and Smith machines in men. Whether similar effects occur with the use of dumbbells or in women remains unknown. The purpose was to compare upper extremity surface electromyographical (EMG) activity between dumbbell bench, incline, and shoulder presses. Dominate arm EMG data were recorded for collegiate-aged female resistance trained individuals (n=12) and novice female resistance trained exercisers (n=12) from which average EMG amplitude for each repetition phase (concentric, eccentric) was computed. No significant differences were found between experienced and novice resistance trained individuals. For the upper …

Determination Of Biomechanical Differences Between Elite And Novice San Shou Female Athletes, Chuanyin Jiang, Michael W. Olson, Li Li

Health Sciences & Kinesiology: Faculty Publications

Determining the key factors in athletic performance is important for developing the technique and strength of athletes. Many martial arts forms have been studied, but a relatively new form of martial arts competition, San Shou, has not been analyzed. The purpose of this study was to determine key attributes necessary in the development of the San Shou athlete, particularly in female participants. Six elite and six novice competitors performed 30 continuous repetitions of cyclic extension and flexion of the trunk segment, knee joints, and elbows joints at two velocities, 60°/second and 180°/second, using an isokinetic dynamometer. Variables of interest were …

Complexity-Based Measures Inform Tai Chi's Impact On Standing Postural Control In Older Adults With Peripheral Neuropathy, Brad Manor, Lewis A. Lipsitz, Peter M. Wayne, C-K Peng, Li Li

Health Sciences & Kinesiology: Faculty Publications

Background: Tai Chi training enhances physical function and may reduce falls in older adults with and without balance disorders, yet its effect on postural control as quantified by the magnitude or speed of center-of-pressure (COP) excursions beneath the feet is less clear. We hypothesized that COP metrics derived from complex systems theory may better capture the multi-component stimulus that Tai Chi has on the postural control system, as compared with traditional COP measures.

Methods: We performed a secondary analysis of a pilot, non-controlled intervention study that examined the effects of Tai Chi on standing COP dynamics, plantar sensation, and physical …

The Role Of Social Physique Anxiety, Social Support, And Perceived Benefits And Barrier To Exercise In All-Female Fitness Camp Intervention, Lauren Elizabeth Easton

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

Only 3.2% of Americans ages 20-59 years meet the minimum recommended volume of exercise suggestions. In addition to the substantial percentage of people who fail to meet exercise requirements, only 15% of American adults engage in exercise on a regular basis, i.e. exercising for twenty minutes at least three times per week to improve health. (Schrop, Pendleton, McCord, Gil, Stockton, McNatt, & Gilchrist, 2006). Although the small proportion of those who reach the suggested physical activity levels is a topic of concern for adults, the CDC reports that physical inactivity levels are even higher for females than those of males. …

Attraction To Physical Activity Of Generation Z - A Mixed Methodological Approach, David Biber

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

The prevalence of obesity in Generation Z, which includes individuals born after the year 2000, has tripled that of Generation Xers of 1980 (Ogden et al., 2010). Rising levels of obesity have been associated with increased physical inactivity (WHO, 2013). Attraction to physical activity can be grounded in the Self-Determination Theory (SDT; Deci & Ryan, 1985), which defines intrinsic and extrinsic motivation and the roles each type of motivation plays in social and cognitive development. The purpose of the current research was to use a mixed-methodological approach to understand attraction to physical activity of a Generation Z sample via semi-structured …

Acute Alterations Of Scapular Upward Rotation Following A Functional Fatiguing Protocol In Male Tennis Players, R. Lyndsey Ingram

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

Context: Alterations in scapular kinematics, specifically upward rotation, are associated with a variety of chronic shoulder conditions. Fatigue may exacerbate the mechanisms potentially resulting in microtrauma and impingement syndrome. Objective: To identify acute alterations of scapular upward rotation following a functional fatigue protocol. Design: Prospective longitudinal. Setting: Biomechanics research laboratory. Patients or Other Participants: Twenty healthy, male competitive tennis players with no history of shoulder injury participated in this study: 10 experimental subjects(19.4 ± 1.07 yrs., 180.09 + 8.92 cm 72 + 11.56 kg) and 10 control subjects (19.6 ± 1.17 yrs., 181.1 + 6.56 …

Ncaa Division I Head Coaches' Experiences With Eating Disorders And Disordered Eating In Female Athletes: A Qualitative Analysis, Caitlyn Pecinovsky

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

In today's sport, NCAA Division I female athletes are under a constant pressure to reach an elite level of perfection in athletic performance, frequently adhering to the assumption that there is an inverse relationship between body size and performance level (Petrie & Sherman, 2007). Additionally, coaches have unrealistic expectations about weight and body image, which adds pressure on athletes to conform to certain weight or image driven standards. Perceptions that coaches hold about eating disorders and disordered eating present a set of risk factors that may increase the likelihood of female athletes developing maladaptive eating patterns (Scoffier, Maiano, & d'Arripe-Longueville, …

Enjoyment Based Motivation And The Enjoyable Exercise Experience In A Generation Y Sample: A Mixed Methods Approach, Jonathan Stewart

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

Individuals who choose to live a healthy lifestyle often have different preferences for a variety of exercise activities, exercise settings and eating plans. In fact, numerous researchers have examined the preferences of individuals in diet and exercise programs from past generations (Daley, Copeland, Wright, & Wales, 2008; Ekkekakis, Hall, & Petruzzello, 2005). Numerous research studies have examined the correlation between exercise adherence and exercise enjoyment (Bartlett, Close, Maclaren, Gregson, Drust, & Morton, 2011; Ebben & Brudzynski, 2008; Fleig, Lippke, Pomp, & Schwarzer, 2011; Frederick-Recascino, 2002; Leslie, Owen, Salmon, Bauman, Sallis, & Lo, 1999). However, little research has been found investigating …

Concussion Knowledge And Attitudes In English Football (Soccer), Joshua Williams

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

While concussions are prevalent in soccer, outside the US there has been limited investigation into soccer players' knowledge and attitudes regarding concussions. The purpose of the study was to access English soccer player' concussion knowledge and attitudes. This study used a cross sectional mixed methodology design. Participants included 26 respondents (Age: 23.4 ± 4.5 years, playing experience 16.4 ± 4.4 years) playing for a Championship team in England (Response rate: 89.6%). Fifty percent of respondents had a diagnosed concussion history. Participants were administered the valid and reliable ROCKAS-ST survey divided into 5 sections and includes 3 constructs: concussion knowledge (CKI), …

The Influence Of The Initiation Of A Graded Exercise Protocol On Dynamic Postural Stability Following A Concussion, Lauryn Hunter

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

Current post-concussion assessment tools may lack sensitivity in identifying recovery. Athletes demonstrating decreased postural control may have an increased likelihood of suffering sports-related injury. Exercise has been shown to briefly alter static postural control and the visual contribution to static postural stability deteriorates with moderate intensity exercise. Gait variability, defined as the fluctuation in gait characteristic between steps, is a sensitive measure of postural stability in populations with higher level gait disorders. Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of a progressive exertional return-to-play program on dynamic postural stability following a concussion. Design: Prospective longitudinal. Setting: …

Choice Response Time Differences Between Recently Recovered Concussed And Healthy Student-Athletes, Tiffen Tapia-Lovler

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

Some 1.6 to 3.8 million sports-related concussions occur annually in the United States. Utilization of test batteries and exercise protocols are recommended to ensure athletes recover completely. Many batteries involve response time (RT) tests, which show response time increases post concussion. A major limitation of RT tests is that all are done in static position. Additionally, many studies show a lingering effect on RT. The addition of RT tests to check for lingering symptoms could be beneficial. The purpose of this study was to see if significant differences could be found in RT tests involving dynamic movement between healthy studentathletes …

Effectiveness Of A Training Program Using An Alter-G Treadmill To Improve Physiological And Psychosocial Measures In Female Breast Cancer Survivors, Ciaran Fairman

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

Breast survivors often experience lower bone mineral density following treatment, and may be at a higher risk for osteoporosis and consequent falls and injuries. This study aimed to build on previous research using lower impact exercise programs by using an anti-gravity (Alter-G^®) treadmill to administer cardiovascular training. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness a physical activity program, including an anti-gravity (Alter-G) treadmill at improving physiological and psychosocial measures in female breast cancer survivors. METHODS: Five female breast cancer survivors were recruited to participate in the study. A 14-week intervention using an AB-AB study …

Perceptions Of Delinquency Among Male Athletes And Non-Athletes: A Qualitative Investigation, Humphrey Nartey

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

It is presumed that the involvement in sports helps to deter delinquency, yet athletes who seemingly have it all engage in destructive delinquent lifestyles (Savini, 2008). Many theorists contend that the "jock identity" or "sport hubris" is largely responsible, as people think they will be treated more favorably if they are athletes (Miller et al., 2006). This perception raises the question of whether athletes know and understand the constructs of delinquency. Thus the purpose of this study was to examine male athletes' and non-athletes' perceptions of the minor and major substrates of delinquency. A semi-structured interview was used to gather …

Motives For Physical Activity And Physiological Variables As Predictors Of Exercise Intentions Following A High Intensity Interval Training Protocol In College-Age Females, Sarah Joseph

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

Recent data collected on college-aged females indicates that more females are classified as insufficiently active and may have little time for physical activity (Ligouri, et al., 2011). High intensity interval training (defined as very short intense intervals, usually above 85% maximum heart rate accompanied by alternated passive recovery periods; HIIT) has become a popular alternative to the more traditional continuous training utilized by individuals due to its time efficiency. In fact, HIIT has been shown to induce many of the same physiological changes as moderate intensity training with less training time. It is possible that college-aged females may benefit from …

Concussion Knowledge In Amateur Motocross, Kristina Miller

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention estimated that there are 1.6-3.8 million sports related traumatic brain injuries in the United States annually which occur in both mainstream and extreme sports. Many of these concussions have been associated with collisional sports, like football, but high risk extreme sports, like motocross, also have many opportunities for collisions to occur. Unlike traditional varsity sports motocross races, especially at the amateur level, do not require more than advanced life support at a race in case of emergency situation leaving the amateur rider to recognize and decide on concussion management. Purpose of this study …

To Sotl Or Not To Sotl?, Diana Sturges

Health Sciences & Kinesiology: Faculty Publications

Excerpt: "To be, or not to be, that is the question" is one of the most famous lines from Shakespeare’s play Hamlet. As a soliloquy, Hamlet's speech represents a monologue of his thoughts and feelings and addresses existential questions. It is generally accepted that in his speech Hamlet is wondering whether he should choose between life and death. Life seems to be full of hardships, yet there is uncertainty at what lies beyond life, what happens after death? It is assumed that the audience (if there is one) would not hear the speaker, however, Hamlet-the character of the play …

Mini Review: Linkages Between Essential Tremor And Parkinson's Disease?, Yiwen Wu, Jianqing Ding, Yuan Gao, Shangdi Chen, Li Li, Rena Li

Health Sciences & Kinesiology: Faculty Publications

Essential tremor (ET) and Parkinson’s disease (PD) are two of the most common movement disorders. Tremors are the primary symptoms of ET and of some PD patients, the two are often mistaken for each other. Especially since there are no available differentiate tests for the tremor of ET or PD, the early diagnoses mainly based on clinical assessments of medical symptoms, family and medication history, and examination by physicians. There is increasing evidence suggesting an association between ET and PD, such as a similar tremor frequency, overlapping resting tremors (a typical PD tremor), postural tremors (mainly in ET patients) in …

Endurance Tests Are The Most Reliable Core Stability Related Measurements, Andy Waldhelm, Li Li

Health Sciences & Kinesiology: Faculty Publications

Purpose: To determine the intra-tester reliability of clinical measurements that assess five components related to core stability: strength, endurance, flexibility, motor control, and function. Methods: Participants were 15 college-aged males who had not suffered any orthopedic injury in the past year. Core strength measurements included eight isometric tests and a sit-up test. The four core endurance tests were the trunk flexor test, trunk extensor test, and bilateral side bridge tests. Flexibility tests included the sit-and-reach test and active range of the trunk and hip joint motions. Proprioception via passive reposition tests of the hips and a single limb balance test …