A Low-Carbohydrate Ketogenic Diet Combined With Six Weeks Of Crossfit Training Improves Body Composition And Performance, Rachel M. Gregory

Masters Theses, 2010-2019

A low-carbohydrate ketogenic diet (LCKD) is a popular approach to weight and fat loss. CrossFit is a high-intensity power training (HIPT) type exercise for all levels of age and fitness that has gained recognition as one of the fasting growing sports in America. No previous research has been found which examines body composition changes or performance in individuals consuming a LCKD and participating in CrossFit training. PURPOSE: The purpose of this research was to examine the effects of a 6-week LCKD and CrossFit program on body composition and performance. METHODS: Twenty-seven non-elite CrossFit subjects (mean ± SD age = …

The Effect Of Sleep Restriction On Coagulation And Fibrinolysis After Heavy Exercise, Paul A. Roberson

Masters Theses, 2010-2019

Introduction: Research has shown exercise elicits a hemostatic response affecting coagulation and fibrinolysis. Furthermore, prior research has determined circadian fluctuations exist where clotting potential increases in the morning as a result of increased PAI-1 and decreased tPA which is further exacerbated by exercise. These circadian fluctuations and exercise responses have the potential to be accentuated by poor sleep. The purpose of this study is to determine the effects of sleep restriction on tPA activity, PAI-1 activity, and Factor VIII antigen activity (FVIII) while resting and after exercise.

Methods: 7 Subjects underwent two similar exercises sessions (EX). EX1 occurred in the …

The Influence Of Time-Of-Day Consumption And Training Status On The Ergogenic Properties Of Caffeine, James C. Boyett

Masters Theses, 2010-2019

Purpose: The objectives were to determine the effects of time-of-day consumption and training status on the benefits of caffeine supplementation for cycling performance and peak muscle strength. METHODS: Twenty untrained and trained subjects completed four trials consisting of isokinetic peak torque testing and 3-km time trials (TT). Subjects ingested either 6 mg/kg of caffeine or a placebo one hour prior to each trial. Treatments were: morning + placebo, morning + caffeine, evening + placebo, evening + caffeine. Magnitude based inferences were used to evaluate treatment differences. RESULTS: Caffeine (‘very likely’ and ‘likely’) improved 3-km TT performance in the morning and …

A Single Night Of Sleep Restriction Impairs Recovery From Heavy Exercise, John D. Chase

Masters Theses, 2010-2019

We examined the effects of one night of sleep restriction (Sleep-; 2.5 hrs) on subsequent 3-km cycling performance and skeletal muscle recovery from heavy exercise compared to a full night of rest (Sleep+; 7 hrs). Seven recreational cyclists (n=6 male, n=1 female; age = 24.4 ± 7 yrs; height = 170 ± 10 cm; weight = 68 ± 13 kg VO_2max = 61.5 ± 4.4 ml/kg/min) completed four simulated 3-km time trials (TT) and six peak isokinetic torque trials at different speeds (30 and 120°/sec) under both conditions. The first exercise trial (EX1) consisted …

Effect Of Carbohydrate Intake On Pacing In Endurance Cycling, Morgan A. Price

Senior Honors Projects, 2010-2019

PURPOSE: To study the influences of carbohydrate intake (CHO) on pacing in endurance cycling, as well as the effects of wearing metabolic headgear (HG) on power output. METHODS: Eight male endurance trained cyclists completed 120 min of constant load cycling at 55% W_max, immediately followed by a simulated 30 km time trial, on two occasions. On one occasion, subjects consumed a CHO solution at regular intervals throughout the trial, while a placebo (PL) was consumed during the other trial (in a randomly counterbalanced design). For statistical analysis, the 30 km time trial was divided into 4 segments (S1 …

The Effect Of Run Sprint Interval Training On Prediabetic Adults: Health Related Quality Of Life, Perceived Enjoyment, And Exercise Adherence, Nicole M. Gilbertson

Masters Theses, 2010-2019

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to determine if Health Related Quality of Life (HRQOL) and perceived exercise enjoyment are greater in a run sprint interval training (RSIT) group compared to a moderate intensity training (MIT) group in sedentary, prediabetic adults after an 8-week intervention.

Methods: Over 8-weeks, subjects in the RSIT group progressed from 4 to 6 30-second sprints per session, and the MIT group progressed from 30 to 60 minutes of continuous moderate intensity exercise. Participants in both groups completed 8-weeks of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Diabetes Prevention Program educational classes. HRQOL …

The Effect Of Run Sprint Interval Training On Diabetic Metabolic Markers In Prediabetic Adults, Kathryn L. Hilovsky

Masters Theses, 2010-2019

Abstract

Purpose: The primary purpose of this study was to compare the effects of an 8-week run-sprint interval training (R-SIT) and continuous moderate-intensity training (MIT) on fasting blood glucose, HbA1c, insulin sensitivity, and β-cell function in sedentary, prediabetic adults. Secondary outcomes of the study included anthropometric, body composition variables, and aerobic capacity.

Methods: Sedentary, physician diagnosed prediabetic individuals were randomized into R-SIT (n=7, BMI 36.76 ± 9.79) or MIT (n=8, BMI 40.59 ± 12.49) interventions. Subjects participated in supervised exercise three times a week and attended a Diabetes Prevention Program course, once weekly. R-SIT participants performed 4-6 x 30-second …

Satellite Cell Behavior In Cyclists Following Intensified Training With And Without Protein Supplementation, Alec I. Mckenzie

Masters Theses, 2010-2019

PURPOSE: The objectives were to determine the satellite cell (SC) response among endurance-trained cyclists (n=8; VO_2max: 63.1 ± 8.4 mL/Kg/min)to a period of intensified training (ICT) (10 days) and 10 days of recovery (RVT), with and without protein supplementation. METHODS: Muscle biopsies were obtained from the vastus lateralis prior to- and immediately following ICT and RVT. Fluorescent microscopy was used to analyze SCs and myosin heavy chain I and IIa (MHC I and IIa). Data were analyzed using magnitude-based inferences. RESULTS: MHC I SCs were exceptionally abundant at baseline (38 ± 20 SCs/100 fibers). MHC I SC count …

The Association Between Sleep Quality, Physical Inactivity, And Risk Of Developing Metabolic Syndrome, Matthew Scott

Masters Theses, 2010-2019

Abstract

Purpose The aim of this study is to assess the independent effects of sedentary time, sleep quality, and physical activity on risk factors for Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) in college students.

Methods 40 college aged students were recruited from James Madison University. Height, weight, blood pressure, waist circumference, and body composition were assessed on visit 1. Blood pressure, blood glucose, and lipid profile were assessed on visit 2. Subjects were required to wear an Actigraph GT3x accelerometer, which measured physical activity, sedentary time, and sleep quality for 7 days and nights. Univariate Pearson correlation analyses were performed to determine the …

An Exploration Of A Sport Club President’S Experience, Megan Lynn Flosdorf

Masters Theses, 2010-2019

This constructivist case study explored how sport club presidents at an institution describe their experience. Eleven sport club presidents, five females and six males, participated. They shared their experience through reflective journals and 30 minute semi-structured interviews. Document analysis was conducted for triangulation of the data. Four themes were constructed from the analysis: social competence, vocational competence, practical competence, and involvement. These findings suggest that leadership opportunities within sport club programs, through campus recreation, offer developmental experiences for students. Practical implications are given for sport club professionals and students interested in holding leadership positions.

Run Sprint Interval Training Perceived As Highly Enjoyable Despite High Session Rpe In Sedentary, Overweight/Obese Women, Taylor K. Wenos

Masters Theses, 2010-2019

Purpose: The present study compared the effect of a 12-week run-sprint interval training (R-SIT) and moderate intensity training (MIT) on perceived enjoyment and exercise adherence in sedentary, overweight/obese women (n=15; age 25-45). Methods: Over 12-weeks, subjects in the R-SIT group progressed from 4 to 10 thirty second sprints each session, and the MIT group progressed from 30 to 60 minutes of continuous moderate intensity cardiovascular exercise. PACES, session RPE, intentions to modify activity behavior, attendance, VO2max, and body fat percentage were recorded in both groups. Results: There was a significant difference in session RPE between groups, and within the R-SIT …

Exercise And Time Of Day: Influence On Hunger And Caloric Intake Among Overweight/Obese Adults, Molly C. Weber

Masters Theses, 2010-2019

The purpose of this study was to determine whether or not the time of day at which exercise was performed, morning compared to evening, influences acute daily caloric intake and hunger in overweight/obese sedentary adults. 8 overweight/obese (Age: 40 ± 4 yrs, Height: 170 ± 4 cm, Weight: 85.7 ± 6.4 kg, BMI: 29 ± 2 kg/m2) sedentary adults completed 3 trials: control, morning, evening in a randomly counterbalanced cross over design. Caloric intake was assessed over three 4-day periods with subjects consuming ad libitum diets. Hunger was measured 15 minutes before exercise and 15 and 30 minutes following exercise. …

The Influence Of A Cyp1a2 Polymorphism On The Hemostatic Response To Caffeine, Joseph James Aiello

Masters Theses, 2010-2019

Research has continued to provide conflicting results of caffeine’s effect on acute coronary events; although it is now apparent that a single nucleotide polymorphism at intron 1 of the cytochrome P450 (CYP1A2) gene may explain these equivocal findings. Despite the fact that markers of coagulation potential and fibrinolytic potential are associated with risk for myocardial infarction, the extent to which caffeine affects these markers is unknown. The purposes of this study were to determine the acute effects of caffeine on coagulation and fibrinolytic potential at rest and following maximal exercise and to determine if hemostatic responses engendered by caffeine are …

Muscle Physiology And Performance During Intensified Cycle Training: Impact Of Carbohydrate-Protein Supplementation, Andrew Christian D'Lugos

Masters Theses, 2010-2019

Previous studies show that carbohydrate-protein (CP) ingestion can enhance short-term recovery following exercise, thereby benefiting subsequent exercise performance and compounding physiological parameters, when compared to carbohydrate (CHO) alone. Less is known about the influence that CP supplementation may have over a long-term intervention (several days/weeks). The purpose of this investigation was to determine whether CP supplementation was effective in improving tolerance to a period of intensified training (IT), compared to CHO. Additionally, the influence of CP on recovery/ adaptation to a period of IT followed by a period of reduced volume training (RVT) was examined. Eight endurance-trained cyclists (age: 24.9±7.3 …

The Effects Of Obstructive Sleep Apnea On Autonomic Function During Steady-State Exercise, Courtney Sutton

Masters Theses, 2010-2019

Abstract Purpose: The aim of this study is to assess autonomic function by analyzing heart rate variability (HRV) at rest and during submaximal exercise in OSA patients and a non-OSA control group. Methods: Subjects were classified as OSA (n=10) or non-OSA (n=16) based on results from an at-home sleep assessment. Height, weight, waist and neck circumferences, and body composition were collected during the first visit for each subject. Physical activity during the day and nocturnal movement were assessed over a period of 4 days, including 3 weekdays and 1 weekend day, using accelerometers. HRV and blood pressure were recorded at …

The Ergogenic Effects Of Glucose And Fructose Coingestion During Prolonged Cycling, Daniel A. Baur

Masters Theses, 2010-2019

The purpose of this investigation was to examine the effects of glucose and fructose coingestion on cycling time trial performance and physiological responses to exercise. Eight trained male cyclists (age: 25 ± 6.2 yrs, height: 180.2 ± 4.3 cm, weight: 76.9 ± 9.2 kg, and VO2max: 61.9 ± 6.2 mL∙kg-1∙min-1) completed the study. Subjects ingested either an artificially-sweetened placebo (PL), a moderate-glucose beverage (MG: 1.0 g•min-1), a high-glucose beverage (HG: 1.5 g•min-1), or a glucose and fructose beverage (GF: 1.5 g•min-1; 2:1 ratio) during ~3 hrs of exercise; consisting of 2 hours of constant load cycling (55% Wmax, 195 ± …

Association Of Habitual Snoring With Carotid Intima-Media Thickness In Young Men, Sarah C. Jacoby

Masters Theses, 2010-2019

Purpose: The primary aims of this study are to: 1) compare carotid intima media thickness (CIMT) of young males who are habitual snorers compared to those who do not snore; 2) to compare CIMT between snorers and non-snorers to the intima media thickness (IMT) of the brachial artery, the control, that is not exposed to the vibrations from snoring; and 3) to determine the risk for developing obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in snorers compared to non-snorers through the use of validated questionnaires. Methods: Subjects were classified as snorers (n=17) or non-snorers (n=6) according to the prescreening questionnaire. Height, weight, neck …

Cycling Time Trial Performance Is Not Enhanced By Either Whey Protein Or L-Alanine Intake During Prolonged Exercise, Adam B. Schroer

Masters Theses, 2010-2019

Previous studies have reported that adding protein (PRO) to a carbohydrate (CHO) solution can enhance endurance performance. This ergogenic effect may be a function of additional calories from supplemental protein/amino acids, but this thesis has not been directly examined. Additionally, L-alanine (ALA) is readily oxidized when provided during exercise; the impact that this has on metabolism and prolonged endurance performance is unknown. The purpose of this investigation was to assess performance and various cardiovascular and metabolic outcomes during prolonged cycling, to independently gauge the efficacy of whey PRO hydrolysate and ALA supplementation. Eight trained male and female cyclists (age: 22.3±2.0 …

Arterial Adaptations To Training Among First Time Marathoners, Nicole Hafner

Masters Theses, 2010-2019

Increased arterial wall thickness has been positively related to cardiovascular disease. Exercise has been found to favorably alter arterial anatomy in the trained limbs, but its effects on untrained limbs and the carotid artery are unclear. Thus, brachial (non-trained limb), popliteal (trained limb) and carotid, wall thickness (WT), wall to lumen diameter ratios (W:L), intima-media thickness (IMT) and lumen diameters (LD) were compared between recreationally active (n=14) and untrained (n=11) subjects before and after, the active subjects participated in 12 weeks of marathon run training. Arterial dimensions were measured with B-mode ultrasonography. Pre and post-training VO2max and running speed at …

The Implications Of Undiagnosed Obstructive Sleep Apnea On Resting Hemodynamic Variables In Cardiac Rehabilitation Patients, Brooke Marie Shafer

Masters Theses, 2010-2019

The primary objective of this study was to examine the effects of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) on resting hemodynamic variables pre- and post-cardiac rehabilitation (CR). Subjects were screened for OSA using an at-home screening device. Subjects were then divided into two design groups: subjects with likely OSA (OSA) and subjects without OSA (non-OSA). All patients had resting hemodynamic measurements recorded and performed a 6-minute walk test. Resting hemodynamics and 6-minute walk test were performed pre- and post-CR. The study was conducted at Rockingham Memorial Hospital in Harrisonburg, VA and Carilion Roanoke Community Hospital in Roanoke, VA where subjects completed standard …

Effects Of Carbohydrate + Protein Co-Ingestion During And Following Exercise On Cardiovascular Adaptations And Exercise Tolerance During Intensified Cycle Training, Justin Faller

Masters Theses, 2010-2019

Introduction: This study investigated the effects of carbohydrate and protein (CHO+Pro) supplementation during intensified training on cardiovascular adaptations and cycling performance. Methods: Five cyclists (VO2peak = 62.6 ± 10.7 ml/kg/min) performed two 27-day training protocols while receiving either CHO or CHO+Pro supplements. The exercise protocols consisted of 7 days of normal training (NT), 10 days of intensified cycle training (ICT; 100% increase in average training duration versus NT), and 10 days of reduced volume training (RVT; reduction in training duration to 60% of NT). Performance was assessed by a 30-km time trial following 120 min of constant-load cycling and VO2peak …

The Effect Of Garlic Supplementation On Flow-Mediated Dilation After Acute Maximal Exercise, Leslie C. Redmond

Masters Theses, 2010-2019

Antioxidative compounds found in garlic may overcome exercise-induced oxidative stress (OS) and attenuate any associated decrease in endothelial function, perhaps leading to performance improvements in high intensity exercise. The purpose of the current study was to investigate whether or not a single dose garlic supplement induced positive changes to flow-mediated dilation (FMD), a measure of nitric oxide mediated endothelial function, in young, trained adults before and after maximal exercise. Maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) was measured to determine if any changes in FMD were associated with performance improvements. A total of 11 trained participants (aged 20.64 ± 2.25 yrs) were included …

Aerobic And Skeletal Muscle Architectural Adaptations To Concurrent Marathon And Circuit Resistance Training, Cory J. Greever

Masters Theses, 2010-2019

Purpose: The purpose of this investigation was to examine performance-related physiological adaptations (VO2max, Lactate Threshold, and Running Economy) and skeletal muscle architectural changes (muscle thickness, pennation angle, and fascicle length) of the vastus lateralis (VL) and lateral gastrocnemius (LG) to marathon training with and without a concurrent circuit resistance-training program. Methods: Thirteen subjects (21 ± 1 yrs, 171 ± 2 cm, 65 ± 2 kg, 55 ± 2 ml/kg/min) completed a 15-week progressive marathon-training program. Nine subjects completed the 15 weeks of progressive marathon-training alone (AE), while 4 subjects participated in the 9-week circuit training program (CONC), in addition to …

Knowledge And Understanding Of Gluten And The Gluten-Free Diet By Students At James Madison University, Jessica Grace Bissinger

Masters Theses, 2010-2019

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore public awareness and knowledge of gluten and the Gluten-Free Diet (GFD) with the intent to discover a difference between knowledge of gluten and related topics, and willingness to engage in the GFD fad. Methods: A Qualtrics survey was distributed to students at James Madison University. Answers to an educational quiz were used to calculate an overall score, which were divided into tertiles identified as Low Knowledge (LK), Moderate Knowledge (MK), and High Knowledge (HK). Tertiles were compared against the question, “Have you considered using a gluten-free diet?” Results: Data was analyzed …

Effects Of Soccer Headgear On Cognitive Function Immediately Following Heading, Maegan Renae Michalik

Masters Theses, 2010-2019

Concussion awareness and knowledge has increased and, as a consequence, protective equipment has been developed in an attempt to protect the athletes from sustaining a concussion. The manufacturers market the equipment as a tool to prevent concussions, yet few studies have systematically tested this hypothesis. This study investigated the Full90 Headgear to determine if performance on the Sport Concussion Assessment Tool 2 (SCAT 2) is impacted by the presence of headgear. Subjects performed two trials, each consisting of four different heading drills both with and without the Full90 Headgear. Subjects were evaluated prior to the heading drills with the SCAT …

The Effects Of Acute Garlic Supplementation On Fibrinolytic Potential In Young, Healthy, Trained Males, David J. Lawton

Masters Theses, 2010-2019

Purpose: The purpose of this project was to examine the effects of acute garlic supplementation on fibrinolytic potential and the fibrinolytic response to exercise in young healthy trained males. Methods: 18 healthy trained males (Age = 20.9 ± 2.2 years, Height = 178 ± 7.7 cm, Weight = 75.5 ± 9.6 kg, VO2max = 59.8 ± 6.7 ml kg-1 min-1) performed a graded treadmill test to volitional exhaustion. Blood samples were taken at rest, within two minutes post-exercise, and one hour post-exercise. Participants were randomly assigned to ingest either 900 mg of powdered garlic or a placebo three hours before …

An Exploratory Study Of Group Exercise Participants: Factors Contributing To Retention In A Medical Non-Profit Fitness Setting, Sharon Newcomer Stiteler

Masters Theses, 2010-2019

An exploratory study of group exercise participants was conducted to link group cohesion theory and perceived effects of social support to the retention of fitness club membership through building relationships. The study explored the level of group cohesion and social support experienced by participants in public group fitness exercise classes. In addition, participant loyalty was reviewed to understand membership retention based on group participation. A literature review was conducted to study previous research of group cohesive factors, social support and the role group exercise classes play in adherence to programs. Literature was also reviewed to understand effective membership retention efforts …

Drafting Effects Of The Third-Position Cyclist On The Second-Position Cyclist’S Power Output In A Three-Man Drafting Line, William Alan Norman

Masters Theses, 2010-2019

The purpose of this study was to determine whether a second-position cyclist benefitted, in terms of decreased power requirement, from the presence of a third-position cyclist. It was hypothesized that the second-position cyclist would experience a decrease in power requirement with the presence of a third-position cyclist compared to the absence of a third-position cyclist, and that this decreased power requirement would be magnified during the faster trials. Twelve trained cyclists served as second-position subjects. Subjects completed 12 total trials each: 2 solo trials at a moderate speed (MS), 2 solo trials at a high speed (HS), 2 MS trials …

Certified Athletic Trainer's Knowledge On Sports Hernias, Stephanie M. Pikus

Masters Theses, 2010-2019

Context: Over the past twenty years, the number of athletes diagnosed and treated with a sports hernia has increased significantly. A sports hernia is a chronic injury which produces debilitating groin pain caused by a tear or weakness of the transversalis fascia causing compression of the ilioinguinal nerve. Athletes diagnosed with sports hernias are often unable to continue their sport unless they get surgery. Certified athletic trainers (ATCs) are commonly the first people to evaluate an injured athlete and must be knowledgeable in sports hernia recognition and treatment.
Objective: To examine if ATCs have the appropriate knowledge of sports hernias …

The Genetic Influence On The Placebo Effect Specific To Exercise Performance, Jennifer Wu

Masters Theses, 2010-2019

Placebo treatments can be used to elicit many different physiological responses; however, the underlying mechanisms responsible remain unclear. Recent research has shown the possibility of a genetic influence on the placebo response in patients with mood disorders. In this study, we attempted to establish a similar relationship in healthy college-aged students. Force production was measured by isometric knee extension of the quadriceps muscles using maximum voluntary contractions (MVC). Subjects were given placebo treatments disguised as an undisclosed sports supplement with the information that the supplement was previously shown to provide immediate strength improvements following ingestion. Subject DNA was genotyped for …