Kinesiology Commons^™

Lower Body Joint Moments During The Golf Swing In Older Adults: Comparison To Other Activities Of Daily Living, Scott K. Lynn, Junsig Wang, Abigail C. Schmitt, C. Lowry Barnes

Health, Human Performance and Recreation Faculty Publications and Presentations

Golf participation has increased dramatically in the last several years. With this increase in participation, clinicians need better evidenced based strategies to advise those golfers with different pathologies when it is safe to return to the game. Golf teaching professionals also need to understand how to alter golf mechanics to protect injured and/or diseased joints in golfers to allow them to play pain free and avoid further injury. This study used a 3-dimensional link segment model to calculate the net joint moments on the large lower limb joints (knee and hip) during golf (lead and trail leg) and two commonly …

The Time-Course Of Cancer Cachexia Onset Reveals Biphasic Transcriptional Disruptions In Female Skeletal Muscle Distinct From Males, Francielly Morena, Seongkyun Lim, Ana Regina Cabrera, Eleanor R. Schrems, Ronald G. Jones, Megan E. Rosa-Caldwell, Tyrone A. Washington, Kevin A. Murach, Nicholas P. Greene

Health, Human Performance and Recreation Faculty Publications and Presentations

Background

Cancer-cachexia (CC) is a debilitating condition affecting up to 80% of cancer patients and contributing to 40% of cancer-related deaths. While evidence suggests biological sex differences in the development of CC, assessments of the female transcriptome in CC are lacking, and direct comparisons between sexes are scarce. This study aimed to define the time course of Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC)-induced CC in females using transcriptomics, while directly comparing biological sex differences.

Results

We found the global gene expression of the gastrocnemius muscle of female mice revealed biphasic transcriptomic alterations, with one at 1 week following tumor allograft and another …

Obstacle Crossing In Healthy Young And Older Individuals, Hope M. Hanson, Ashlyn M. Jendro, Abigail C. Schmitt

Health, Human Performance and Recreation Undergraduate Honors Theses

Introduction: In the United States, the average population age is rising and will continue to increase in the coming years.With an older population comes increased risk of injury associated with falls. Falls are considered a leading cause of injury and death in older individuals, and many falls are caused by body imbalance or obstacle collision due to a clearly visible stationary object (e.g., rug, chair, branch). Older adults tend to cross obstacles with increased toe clearance in order to prevent tripping, but much of what is known about obstacle crossing in older adults is limited to artificial obstacles that are …

The Relationship Between Upper Body Muscular Power And Objectively Measured Physical Function In Healthy Older Adults, Jordan Stroope

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The population of older adults is growing rapidly worldwide. There are significant challenges associated with an aging population, many of which are related to declining physical function. Muscular power has previously been postulated as an important physical characteristic for preserving physical function, however, much of the research has measured lower body muscular power against functional outcomes. The importance of upper body muscular power (UBMP) for physical function outcomes is less clear, thus, this study sought to examine that relationship. Forty-two older adults between the ages of 50 – 70 (avg = 60.5 years  5.7) were recruited for the current …

Going Nuclear: Molecular Adaptations To Exercise Mediated By Myonuclei, Pieter J. Koopmans, Kevin A. Zwetsloot, Kevin A. Murach

Health, Human Performance and Recreation Faculty Publications and Presentations

Muscle fibers are multinucleated, and muscle fiber nuclei (myonuclei) are believed to be post-mitotic and are typically situated near the periphery of the myofiber. Due to the unique organization of muscle fibers and their nuclei, the cellular and molecular mechanisms regulating myofiber homeostasis in unstressed and stressed conditions (e.g., exercise) are unique. A key role myonuclei play in regulating muscle during exercise is gene transcription. Only recently have investigators had the capability to identify molecular changes at high resolution exclusively in myonuclei in response to perturbations in vivo. The purpose of this review is to describe how myonuclei modulate …

A Molecular Signature Defining Exercise Adaptation With Ageing And In Vivo Partial Reprogramming In Skeletal Muscle, Ronald G. Jones Iii, Andrea Dimet-Wiley, Amin Haghani, Francielly Morena Da Silva, Camille R. Brightwell, Seongkyun Lim, Sabin Khadgi, Yuan Wen, Corey M. Dungan, Robert T. Brooke, Nicholas P. Greene, Charlotte A. Peterson, John J. Mccarthy, Steve Horvath, Stanley J. Watowich, Christopher S. Fry, Kevin A. Murach

Health, Human Performance and Recreation Faculty Publications and Presentations

Exercise promotes functional improvements in aged tissues, but the extent to which it simulates partial molecular reprogramming is unknown. Using transcriptome profiling from (1) a skeletal muscle-specific in vivo Oct3/4, Klf4, Sox2 and Myc (OKSM) reprogramming-factor expression murine model; (2) an in vivo inducible muscle-specific Myc induction murine model; (3) a translatable high-volume hypertrophic exercise training approach in aged mice; and (4) human exercise muscle biopsies, we collectively defined exercise-induced genes that are common to partial reprogramming. Late-life exercise training lowered murine DNA methylation age according to several contemporary muscle-specific clocks. A comparison of the murine soleus transcriptome …

A Novel Digital Digit-Symbol Substitution Test Measuring Processing Speed In Adults At Risk For Alzheimer Disease: Validation Study, Anthony Campitelli, Sally Paulson, Josh L. Gills, Megan D. Jones, Erica N. Madero, Jennifer Myers, Jordan M. Glenn, Michelle Gray

Health, Human Performance and Recreation Faculty Publications and Presentations

Background: Assessing cognitive constructs affected by Alzheimer disease, such as processing speed (PS), is important to screen for potential disease and allow for early detection. Digital PS assessments have been developed to provide widespread, efficient cognitive testing, but all have been validated only based on the correlation between test scores. Best statistical practices dictate that concurrent validity should be assessed for agreement or equivalence rather than using correlation alone.

Objective: This study aimed to assess the concurrent validity of a novel digital PS assessment against a gold-standard measure of PS.

Methods: Adults aged 45-75 years (n=191) participated in this study. …

Temporal Effects Of Acute Moderate Intensity Physical Activity On Working Memory Performance In Young Adults, Kimberly Loy Seibold

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

An ample amount of research suggests that increases in physical activity in young adults could help improve memory and cognitive functions which may aid in academic success (Johnson & Loprinzi, 2019; Perini et al., 2016). A sufficient working memory is critical to learning because it allows us to temporarily store and compare multiple informational items at one time to form a new concept or solve a problem (Cowan, 2013). The purpose of this study was to examine the temporal effects of acute moderate intensity physical activity on working memory in young adults. This study utilized a within-groups (repeated measures) cross-over …

Sex Differences In Cancer Cachexia And A Novel Mitochondrial Target For Cancer-Induced Muscle Wasting, Seongkyun Lim

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Cancer cachexia (CC) is a devastating wasting syndrome characterized by marked weight loss including skeletal muscle atrophy that affects approximately 80% of cancer patients. Current therapeutic treatments including pharmacological and nutritional intervention are insufficient to prevent or reverse it. Prior studies demonstrated lower muscle mass, impaired muscle function, and mitochondrial health in the development of CC. Specifically, mitochondrial fusion protein, Optic atrophy 1 (OPA1) which plays a significant role in skeletal muscle health, is suppressed in the development of CC. Furthermore, most pre-clinical CC studies were mainly focused on males although there are distinct phenotypical differences in skeletal muscle between …

The Effects Of Water With Anti-Inflammatory Capabilities (Wac) On Circulating Inflammatory Biomarkers At Rest And Following Resistance Exercise, Brittany Martin

Health, Human Performance and Recreation Undergraduate Honors Theses

Purpose: To determine the effects of waters with anti-inflammatory capabilities (WAC) influence circulating inflammatory biomarkers at rest and following resistance exercise. Methods: Participants completed a heavy lifting protocol and drank water with anti-inflammatory capabilities for a total of six weeks. Blood samples were taken at different at 9 different time intervals to assess concentrations of anti-inflammatory markers and to quantify inflammatory biomarkers. Those time intervals included pre-AHREP 1 and post-AHREP 1, 24-hr post-AHREP 1, 48-hr post-AHREP 1, 3-week check-up, pre-AHREP 2, post-AHREP 2, 24-hr post-AHREP 2, and 48-hr post-AHREP 2. Background: The biomarkers that were focused on were: IL-6 …

Effects Of Recess On Educational Outcomes In Elementary School Children, Katelyn Whitham

Health, Human Performance and Recreation Undergraduate Honors Theses

Introduction: Because physical activity is beneficial for physical and mental health, the declining opportunities to implement adequate recesses in schools are devastating for children. If educational outcomes are positively affected by increased recess time or quality, schools are more likely to receive funding for programs and resources that support this renovation to recesses, providing research in lacking topics. Purpose: The purpose of this systematic review is to find related, academic articles for cross examination of data collected on the effects that recess has on educational outcomes so that schools may use this as a resource to receive funding to increase …

Determining The Protocol And Testing Feasibility And Intensity Of The Burn2learn Interventions And Measures In College Students, Sarah Schwarz

Health, Human Performance and Recreation Undergraduate Honors Theses

High-intensity interval training(HIIT) is a time-efficient form of exercise that combines aerobic and resistance training methods. HIIT workouts have been found to improve executive functioning, therefore making it beneficial for school aged children. This study is an extension of the Burn2Learn protocols developed in Australia. The purpose of this study is to develop the protocol and testing feasibility and intensity of the Burn2Learn activities in college students, specifically comparing an exercise only (Gym) HIIT session and an exercise + cognitive activity (Brain) HIIT session. The participants of this study consisted of 15 undergrad students aged 20-22. Participants took mEMA cognitive …

Effects Of Exercise On Parkinson's Symptom Relief, Brooke Burnett

The Eleanor Mann School of Nursing Undergraduate Honors Theses

In this review of twenty research articles, the effects of moderate exercise therapy on the symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease will be explored. Appropriate literature was located using the research question, “In older adults with a Parkinson’s Disease Diagnosis, how does moderate exercise influence the symptoms of this disease?” Twenty peer-reviewed research articles were examined for the impact of different forms of exercise on various symptoms associated with Parkinson’s. Nineteen of the articles reviewed provide substantial evidence in support of exercise therapy as a treatment option for people with Parkinson’s, and one of the articles found inconclusive evidence neither in support …

The Role Of Dynamic Gaze Fixations In Human Postural Control, Grace Balsam

Health, Human Performance and Recreation Undergraduate Honors Theses

Background: The human postural control system, which controls balance, is constantly taking in sensory input to help maintain balance while allowing one to pay attention to their daily activities. Using visual search tasks, we will be able to understand information relevant to how changes in visual input affects one’s postural control representative of a more real-life scenario. Purpose: With the help eye tracking technology, this study assesses changes in postural control during various visual conditions. Postural control will be measured during such tasks to analyze how it compares to a simple, quiet balancing task. Following Bonnet and Baudry’s …

Self-Rated Function And Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (Doms) Responses To 6-Week Supplementation With Waters With Anti-Inflammatory Capabilities (Wac), Kristin Garner

Health, Human Performance and Recreation Undergraduate Honors Theses

Introduction: Researchers have examined the effects of sedentary lifestyles on diminished health outcomes and are pleading individuals to take on a more active lifestyle to prevent these. However, initial efforts to exercise are often dampened by delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) and muscle fatigue. This can greatly reduce exercise adherence, making it difficult for individuals to overcome this temporary discomfort. Background: Research has extensively evaluated nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and fruits as anti-inflammatory supplementation to treat DOMS. Berry-derived essences are more highly concentrated in anti-inflammatory substances than regular fruit juices, but there is minimal research on their effects on exercise …

Examining The Effects Of Oral Contraceptive Use On Thermoregulation, Whitley C. Atkins

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Purpose: The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the effects of combined (estradiol and progestin) monophasic oral contraceptive pill (OCP) use on thermoregulation. Further, we sought to evaluate OCP use on acute rehydration post-exercise in the heat using recommended rehydration guidelines. Methods: Twelve healthy, aerobically trained (VO2peak = 47.8 ± 4.7 mL/kg/min), long term female oral contraceptive users completed a familiarization trial and two experimental days separated by ≥ 7 days. The two experimental trials were identical except for the hormone dosing phase. One trial was completed during the third week of active pill dosing (ACT) and one during …

Implementing An Exercise Referral Scheme For Promoting Physical Activity In University Mental Health Care, Bryce Daniels

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Introduction. Mental health symptoms and conditions are prevalent and increasing on college campuses with anxiety and depression having the highest increases in prevalence. Many college students are also physically inactive which is problematic as physical activity benefits mental health. Exercise referral schemes (ERS) can promote physical activity, though no studies have investigated the implementation of an ERS within a college counseling center. Purpose. The purpose of this dissertation was to investigate the implementation of an ERS for promoting physical activity in university mental health care. Methods. Study 1 used a qualitative descriptive design of 14 certified counselors to explore perceptions …

Predictors Of Peak Elbow Valgus Torque In Collegiate Baseball Pitchers, Adam Richard Nebel

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Context: The incidence of UCL tears in baseball is at an all-time high. ATs are in the position to identify those at risk and potentially prevent injury to the UCL. In baseball, research has associated elbow valgus torque as a potential predictor of injury risk. However, markerless analysis has not assessed possible predictors of injury to the UCL in baseball players. Objective: Identify the kinematic factors that influence peak elbow valgus torque through the sequence of a fastball pitch. Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Field study performed in university’s pitching development center. Participants: Division 1 collegiate baseball pitchers (N=21; 17RHP, 4LHP; …

Growth Differentiation Factor 5 Is A Paracrine Regulator Of Sarcopenic Obesity, Landen W. Saling

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Sarcopenic obesity attributes to skeletal muscle loss more than sarcopenia and obesity alone. Individuals with SO suffer from the comorbidity of excess body fat and concurrent muscle mass loss due to aging. Growth differentiation factors (Gdfs) have never been recognized as playing a role in skeletal muscle maintenance in those with SO. Specifically, Gdf5, has been recognized as playing a part in Bone Morphogenic Protein signaling to activate protein synthesis and deactivate protein degradation via SMAD 1/5/8 and SMAD 4 complex. Using RNA sequencing, Gdf5 was identified as being significantly upregulated in SO mice. Purpose: To determine the cellular role …

Evaluating The Effects Of Cardiorespiratory Fitness Level And Gender On Outcomes Of The Buffalo Concussion Bike Test, Katie Stephenson

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Background: Accurate assessment of concussion is crucial for creating a treatment plan. The Buffalo Concussion Bike Test (BCBT) is a 30-minute graded exercise protocol for a stationary bicycle. Previously this assessment has been reportedly used to screen for exercise intolerance secondary to autonomic dysfunction; however, the original purpose of the assessment was to find a sub-symptom threshold for exercise rehabilitation during concussion recovery. Starting resistance for the BCBT protocol is based solely on body mass. Other factors such as cardiorespiratory fitness level and sex have been noted to effect outcomes on similar assessments and are not considered in the BCBT …

Response To A Water Bolus In Long Term Oral Contraceptive Users, Whitley C. Atkins, Brendon P. Mcdermott, Abigail T. Colburn, Stavros A. Kavouras

Health, Human Performance and Recreation Faculty Publications and Presentations

The purpose of our study was to determine the responses to an acute water bolus in long-term oral contraception (OCP) users. Seventeen female volunteers (27 ± 5 y, 64.1 ± 13.7 kg, 39.6 ± 5.9 kg/LBM) provided consent and enrolled in our study. All were long-term OCP users and participated in two trials, one during the active pill (High Hormone, HH) dose of their prescribed OCP and one during the sham pill (Low Hormone, LH) dose. Participants reported to the laboratory euhydrated, were fed breakfast, remained seated for 60 min and were provided a bolus of room temperature water in …

Acute Kidney Injury Biomarkers And Hydration Outcomes At The Boston Marathon, Whitley C. Atkins, Cory L. Butts, Melani R. Kelly, Chris Troyanos, R. Mark Laursen, Andrew Duckett, Dawn M. Emerson, Megan E. Rosa-Caldwell, Brendon P. Mcdermott

Health, Human Performance and Recreation Faculty Publications and Presentations

The purpose of our field study was to investigate the effects of running the Boston Marathon on acute kidney injury (AKI) biomarkers. We hypothesized that biomarker values would be elevated immediately post-marathon but would resolve in the 24-h post-marathon. Secondarily, we sought to identify sex differences related to renal stress. Participants were 65 runners who completed the Boston Marathon (46 ± 9 years, 65.4 ± 10.8 kg). Urine samples were collected at three different time points (pre-marathon, post-marathon, and 24-h post-marathon). Blood samples were collected post-marathon and 24-h post-marathon. Urine specific gravity (USG) and AKI biomarkers were evaluated. Pre-marathon USG …

Role Of Sex Differences On Cancer Cachexia Progression And Fibrosis During Cancer Cachexia Development, Wesley Haynie

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Cancer cachexia is a multifactorial wasting syndrome characterized by losses in bodymass >5% and occurs in approximately 80% of all cancer patients. Chronic inflammation and fibrosis play roles in cancer cachexia and a greater understanding of these contributing pathways to this pathology will pave the way for potential therapeutic avenues. While inflammation and fibrosis have been researched in various models of cancer cachexia, little to no studies have been performed in both sexes as most previous studies focus on males. PURPOSE The purpose of these studies is to investigate the role of fibrosis on cancer cachexia development as well as …

A Radiographic Investigation Of Anthropometrics, Neck Posture, And Neck Strength In Individuals With Enlarged External Occipital Protuberances, Caleb Burruss

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Overview: Enlarged external occipital protuberances (EEOPs) are found in 41% of young adults. These EEOPs have the potential to lead to pain throughout life and possibly surgery. Little is known of the pathophysiology or characteristics that could lead to these EEOPs. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to use radiographic measurements to investigate how anthropometrics, neck posture and neck strength in flexion and extension differ between those with and without an EEOP. Methods: 80 radiographs from three different studies were digitized and the marking of landmarks performed in ImageJ. The cut-off for an EEOP was established as any EOP …

A Time-Course Characterization Of Muscle Function And Mitochondrial Markers During Colorectal Cancer-Induced Cachexia In Tumor-Bearing Male Mice, Ana Cabrera Ayuso

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Cachexia is a multisystemic and multifactorial syndrome prevalent in cancer patients. It is clinically defined by involuntary loss of >5% weight in a six-month window, despite nutritional interventions. A negative energy balance characterizes cancer cachexia (CC), it is associated with weakness and fatigue in skeletal muscle. Impaired muscle function is associated with lower quality of life in cancer patients. Defects in mitochondrial function are strongly associated with muscle wasting. This study explored muscular contractile function and mitochondrial quality control (MQC) markers in soleus, gastrocnemius, and tibialis anterior (TA) muscles of C26-induced male tumor-bearing mice during a 25-day time course. It …

Relationship Between Global Cognition And Cardiovascular Risk Factors, Alexia Sebghati

Health, Human Performance and Recreation Undergraduate Honors Theses

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is currently affecting the lives of 5.8 million Americans and is expected to double within the next 30 years. With an aging populace of baby boomers, this will place great economic strain on the U.S. creating a burden of almost $1 trillion in healthcare costs. Currently, there is no cure for AD. However, studies report that many individuals with AD experience changes in the brain up to 10-15 years before the disease’s onset. It is imperative to detect future risk of developing AD or mild cognitive impairment (MCI) before significant cognitive changes arise. Many of the risk …

How The Covid-19 Pandemic Has Affected Physical Activity, Sleep And Mental Health In University Students, Faculty And Staff And To Examine The Relationship Between These Variables, Zachary Parisi

Health, Human Performance and Recreation Undergraduate Honors Theses

Background: Increased physical activity has been shown to be beneficial in decreasing stress. This project will expand on this knowledge while also studying college students, a demographic that has been less studied. This study will also examine the impact of COVID-19 on these variables. COVID-19 changed many peoples’ activities of daily life, and possibly physically activity levels, due to public health measures such as lockdowns and remote learning. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to examine how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected physical activity, sleep, and mental health in university students, faculty and staff and to examine the relationship …

Narrative Inquiry: Life Experiences Of Elite Athletes, Sarah Elizabeth Brown

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Elite athletes face numerous personal and professional pressures and high-stress experiences; however, there is a gap in the literature connecting identity development with these life experiences. Using narrative inquiry analysis with six emerging adult athletes competing at professional and Olympic levels, this study identified self-narratives they created from life experiences within the context of sport and analyzed when these meanings were formed. Athletes described experiences causing great psychological disturbances as a normal risk within their sport and needing to regulate or compartmentalize their emotions to get through those experiences. Participants discussed various roles they play within their team but lacked …

Sex-Based Differences In Acvr2b And Grb10 Expression In Skeletal Muscle During Induced Cancer Cachexia And Disuse, Lauren Martinez

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Background: Muscle atrophy is the shrinkage of muscle fibers that are largely maintained by a balance of protein synthesis and degradation. Imbalances in protein synthesis and degradation are observed in different muscle atrophy disorders such as cancer cachexia and disuse. These forms of muscle atrophy produce distinct wasting pathologies that are influenced by biological sex. Activin receptor type-2B (ACVR2B) and Growth factor receptor-bound protein 10 (GRB10) have been identified as genes that potentially regulate muscle mass while also displaying sexually dimorphic differences. Purpose: To examine the influence of ACVR2B and GRB10 throughout the development of cancer cachexia and disuse-induced atrophy …

Classroom Physical Activity Breaks Effect On Executive Function And Academic Achievement In Elementary School Students, Mark A. Bjornsen

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Objectives: There were three aims in conducting this pilot study. First, determine the Plus Minus Task assessment's reliability to measure the executive function of shifting. Second, determine the feasibility and acceptability of CPAB by students and teachers. Finally, determine the preliminary dose-response of acute physical activity on shifting in elementary students. Methods: This was a pilot study of a classroom physical activity break intervention. Utilizing a withinsubject, cross-over design, students participated in a practice day and then all three treatment conditions: a 10-minute seated lesson (control condition) and 5 and 10 minutes (experimental conditions) of classroom physical activity breaks. A …