Kinesiology Commons^™

Effects Of Birth Month On Talent Identification Participation And The Identification Process In Sports, Junjiro Kubo, Seidai Nishikawa, Yasunori Morioka, Hideyuki Arikawa, Keiichi Tamaki

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology Volume 2: Issue 1, Article 7, 2021. The purpose of this study was to clarify the effect of the birth month on Talent Identification (TI) participation and the identification process in sports. The subjects were 4th grade elementary school children (mean age, 9±5.8 years) who participated in the Talent Identification Project. The method of identification was two-stage. In the first stage, the 30 m sprint, standing broad jump, and medicine ball front throw (1 kg) were performed, and 99 boys and 97 girls with high overall scores were selected to participate in the second …

Description, Reliability And Validation Of A Novel Ground-Reaction-Force-Triggered Protocol For Simulation Of Tripping Perturbations During Gait, James Anderson, Samuel Hadley, Denise Ng, Catrina Fabian

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Tripping is a common cause of falls across different age populations particularly in older adults. Concerns regarding the validity of simulated-fall research protocols reside in the current literature. The purpose of this study was to develop a novel treadmill-based tripping protocol that allowed researchers to deliver unanticipated tripping perturbations during walking with a high level of timing precision. The protocol utilized a side-by-side split-belt treadmill instrumented with force platforms. Treadmill belt acceleration profiles (two levels of perturbation severity: small perturbation vs large perturbation) were delivered unilaterally when the tripped leg bore 20% of the body weight during early stance. Peak …

Physical Activity Interventions For Older Adults In The Age Of Covid-19 And Beyond, Rachel N. Bragg, K. Jason J. Crandall

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology Volume 2: Issue 1, Article 6, 2021. As the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic continues, it is important to understand why older adults are at higher risk for more severe morbidity and higher mortality compared to younger age groups. At the same time, there is a growing body of evidence suggesting physical activity and exercise can have positive benefits for older adults’ health. Point of application #1: The first step in keeping older adults active is motivating them to adhere to a structured program either at home, in a community setting, or in a long-term care …

The Effects Of Green Exercise On Perception And Connectedness To Nature, Robert W. Salatto

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Purpose: The purpose of this dissertation is three-fold: 1. Investigate the effects of acute beta alanine ingestion during green exercise on connectedness to nature, and perception of pain. 2. Investigate the test-retest reliability of the Love and care of Nature Scale during the task of mountain biking. 3. Investigate the effects of green exercise on connectedness to nature and perception. Methods: Three individual studies were conducted: The first was a double-blinded, placebo-controlled, crossover study design which examined the effect of induced painful sensation (via acute Beta Alanine (B-ALA) ingestion) on Love and Care of Nature (LCN), heart rate (HR), rating …

Investigation Of Algorithms To Assess Validity Of Wearable Technology During Field Testing, Brenna Barrios

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Wearable technology is an emerging fitness trend where the technology which supports it lacks validity verification. Furthermore, heart rate validity of these devices vary greatly when observed in laboratory settings vs. field testing. Secondarily, Consumer Technology Association guidelines require a minimum five minute trial for wearable testing. This study examined heart rate data of previously tested wearable devices (Garmin Fenix 5, Jabra Elite Sport, Motiv Ring, Scosche Rhythm+) in an outdoor setting to further understand their performance, and to examine the relationship of the five minute regulation. Two separate algorithms were applied to the original data set, the first shortened …

Assessing The Validity And Reliability Of Several Heart Rate Monitors In Wearable Technology While Mountain Biking, Bryson Carrier

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

This study sought to assess the validity and reliability of several heart rate (HR) monitors during mountain biking (MTB), compared to the Polar H7® HR monitor, used as the criterion device. Methods: A total of 20 participants completed two MTB trials wearing 6 HR monitors (1 criterion, 5 test devices). HR was recorded on a second-by-second basis for all devices analyzed. After data processing, validity measures were calculated, including 1. Error analysis: mean absolute percentage errors (MAPE), mean absolute error (MAE), and mean error (ME), and 2. Correlation analysis: Lin’s concordance correlation coefficient (CCC) and Pearson’s correlation coefficient ®. Validity …

The Influence Of Resistance Training On Post Surgical Outcomes In Individuals With Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury, Kevin H. Choe

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is commonly injured, especially in individuals under the age of 25. ACL reconstruction (ACLR) is the most common treatment after ACL injury, followed by physical therapy. However, successful surgery and completion of rehabilitation, individuals still demonstrate quadriceps weakness and asymmetries during locomotion. To improve these deficits, an intervention that improves quadriceps strength and lower extremity biomechanics during locomotion is required. First, we aimed to complete a systematic review of the literature to determine the efficacy of resistance training in improving outcomes after ACLR. Second, we aimed to identify if a history of resistance training positively …

Relationship Of Shoe Wetness To Mechanical Performance, Sara Lyn Crawford

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The purpose of this study was to mechanically impact test shoes that underwent both saturation and repetitive loading protocols to determine if these interventions affected the impact absorption and energy return properties of a shoe. Six pairs of the same make and model of shoe were divided into Control and Experimental Groups and tested on an impact machine before and after undergoing a protocol. The repetitive load protocol involved subjecting the shoes to impacts commensurate with a 5 km race. The water saturation protocol involved soaking the shoes until reaching their maximum saturation. The Control shoes underwent initial testing and …

The Investigation Of The Influence Of Long-Distance Running On Foot Volume In Healthy Female Collegiate Distance Athletes, Mufaro M. Hungwe

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The purpose of this study was to determine the change, if any, in foot volume over time after exercise, specifically a long-distance 5 Km run. Five UNLV Women’s Track & Field and Cross- Country distance athletes (n = 5; 20 ± 1.87 years; 54.50 ± 3.71 kg; 160.88 ± 4.98 cm) were recruited to participate in this study. The dependent variables were foot volume and foot size. These variables were measured pre and post a 5 Km run at a self-selected somewhat hard pace over the independent variable time. Foot volumetrics were performed five times, (Pre-run, post- run(5 min), post-run(10 …

Relationship Between Jump Performance And Asymmetry, Cordero Roche

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The purpose of this dissertation is to investigate the relationship between jump performance and asymmetry. This investigation was divided into three separate studies. The first aim investigated which asymmetry variables for eccentric and concentric phases best predicted jump height (JH) during different jump types. The aim of the second study was to determine if asymmetry variables differed between jump type and genders.

Fourteen participants performed countermovement jumps (CMJ) and drop vertical jumps (DVJ). The DVJ were administered from a 30.5 cm platform leading with dominant leg striking separate force platforms with each foot. Vertical ground reaction forces were used to …

Patient-Specific Finite Element Analysis For Mandibular Fracture Fixation, Ethan Snyder

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

This thesis proposes an approach for Finite Element Analysis (FEA) of mandibular fracture fixation. Using a Computerized Tomography (CT) scan of mandible obtained from a specific person, the material characteristics, density and modulus of elasticity, were determined from a set of discrete points within the mandible that are 1mm spaced based on the Hounsfield Units of these points. The mandible geometry was sectioned to simulate a fracture. Muscle and mastication forces were added to replicate post-surgery loading. Using a standard linear miniplate, this material model was compared with two commonly used mandibular cortical shell bone models: isotropic and orthotropic. A …

The Influence Of Sports-Related Concussion On Lower Extremity Injury Risk In Adolescent And Collegiate Athletes, Jason M. Avedesian

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Sports-related concussion (SRC) represents a major epidemiological concern in the adolescent and collegiate athlete populations, with conservative estimates of approximately four million SRCs occurring each year in the United States. While the majority of previous research has emphasized the management and recovery of the cognitive aspects of SRC, recent data indicates subtle motor behavior is altered following a concussive event. Injury surveillance literature indicates that adolescent and collegiate athletes are at an approximately 2–4 greater risk for lower extremity (LE) injury following an SRC when compared to matched controls and pre-SRC LE injury rates. Furthermore, athletes with a previous SRC …

The Influence Of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation On Skill Acquisition In A Complex Motor Task, Nicholas Pudar, Milan Pantovic

Undergraduate Research Symposium Posters

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) applied over the motor cortex (M1) can improve performance in relatively simple motor tasks performed with the hand and arm. Only a few tDCS studies have examined complex, multi-joint tasks. The purpose of this study was to investigate the acute effects of (tDCS) on skill acquisition in a complex, multi-joint arm movement in healthy young adults. 22 right-handed adults were randomly assigned to a tDCS or SHAM group, performing the overhand throws to a target. After the baseline-test block, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) was used to locate the first dorsal interosseus muscle (FDI). Motor evoked …

The Effect Of Uneven Terrain Conditions During Shod Vs. Barefoot Running, Jan Urbaczka, Julia Freedman Silvernail, Jaroslav Uchytil, Daniel Jandacka

Kinesiology and Nutrition Sciences Faculty Research

Background: The majority of research on barefoot running focuses on acute changes in altering footwear without regard to the runner's experience with barefoot or minimalist footwear running. Objective: The objective of this study was to compare the effect of footwear (standard cushioned running shoes, barefoot) and running surface (flat surface, uneven terrain) on gait in experienced runners using minimalist shoes. Methods: Terrain running was simulated by three custom-made mats with randomly placed firmly attached stones. Seven experienced trail runners participated in this study. All participants were forefoot strikers. Participants underwent three-dimensional kinematic and kinetic analysis consisting of five running trials …

Foot Contact Dynamics And Fall Risk Among Children Diagnosed With Idiopathic Toe Walking, Rahul Soangra, Michael Shiraishi, Richard Beuttler, Michelle Gwerder, Lou Anne Boyd, Venkatesan Muthukumar, Mohamed Trabia, Afshin Aminian, Marybeth Grant-Beuttler

Electrical & Computer Engineering Faculty Research

Children that are diagnosed with Idiopathic Toe walking (cITW) are characterized by persistent toe-to-toe contacts. The objective of this study was to explore whether typical foot contact dynamics during walking predisposes cITW to a higher risk of falling. Twenty cITW and age-matched controls performed typical and toe walking trials. The gait parameters related to foot contact dynamics, vertical force impulses during stance, slip, and trip risk were compared for both groups. We found that cITW manifest less stable gait and produced significantly higher force impulses during push-off. Additionally, we found that cITW had a higher slip-initiation risk that was associated …

Influence Of Cognitive Performance On Musculoskeletal Injury Risk: A Systematic Review, Jason M. Avedesian, Warren Forbes, Tracey Covassin, Janet S. Dufek

Kinesiology and Nutrition Sciences Faculty Research

Background: While a large number of studies have investigated the anatomic, hormonal, and biomechanical risk factors related to musculoskeletal (MSK) injury risk, there is growing evidence to suggest that cognition is an important injury contributor in the athletic population. A systematic review of the available evidence regarding the influence of cognitive performance on MSK injury risk has yet to be published in the sports medicine literature. Purpose/Hypothesis: The purpose was to determine the effects of cognition on (1) MSK biomechanics during sports-specific tasks and (2) MSK injury occurrence in the athletic population. It was hypothesized that athletes with lower cognitive …

The Effect Of An Acute Bout Of Foam Rolling On Running Economy, Lauren M. Biscardi, Brian D. Wright, Debra A. Stroiney

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology Volume 2: Issue 1, Article 4, 2021. This study examined the impact of pre-exercise foam rolling on running economy at 5 km race pace. Sixteen trained distance runners (31.5±12.2 yr; V̇O_2max 53.6±11.0) volunteered for the study. Participants completed two treadmill runs at self-selected 5 km race pace; one session with the use of pre-exercise foam rolling and the other with a controlled rest period prior to the run. Running economy was improved during the session with pre-exercise foam rolling applied (t(15)=2.48, p=.026, d=.62). These findings provide evidence for the …

Marker Placement Reliability And Objectivity For Biomechanical Cohort Study: Healthy Aging In Industrial Environment (Haie—Program 4), Jan Malus, Jiri Skypala, Julia Freedman Silvernail, Jaroslav Uchytil, Joseph Hamill, Tomas Barot, Daniel Jandacka

Kinesiology and Nutrition Sciences Faculty Research

In large cohort studies, due to the time-consuming nature of the measurement of movement biomechanics, more than one evaluator needs to be involved. This may increase the potential occurrence of error due to inaccurate positioning of markers to the anatomical locations. The pur-pose of this study was to determine the reliability and objectivity of lower limb segments length by multiple evaluators in a large cohort study concerning healthy aging in an industrial environment. A total of eight evaluators performed marker placements on five participants on three different days. Evaluators placed markers bilaterally on specific anatomical locations of the pelvis, thigh, …

The Effect Of Walking An Unfamiliar Versus Companion Dog On Mood, Exercise Enjoyment, And Heart Rate: A Pilot Field Study, Anna C. Covington, Rebecca R. Rogers, Thomas J. Kopec, Christopher G. Ballmann

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology Volume 2: Issue 1, Article 3, 2021. Background: Walking unfamiliar dogs, such as therapy dogs, has been shown to improve physiological exercise responses and exercise adherence, but whether walking a companion dog results in superior benefits is currently unknown. The purpose of the current pilot field study was to elucidate preliminary evidence of how walking an unfamiliar or companion dog influences mood, exercise enjoyment, and heart rate during a 1.5-mile walk. Methods: Participants (n=8) walked 1.5-miles at their own pace with an unfamiliar or companion dog while mood, exercise enjoyment, and heart …

Is The Acsm And Friend Metabolic Equations Valid For Assessing Cardiorespiratory Fitness Among 18-34 Aged Men? : Preliminary Results, Marc-Olivier Dugas, Laurie Simard, Tommy Chevrette, Martin Lavalliere

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology Volume 2: Issue 1, Article 2, 2021. Metabolic equations, such as ACSM and FRIEND, are used worldwide to indirectly measure the VO₂max in adults, but lack of accuracy seems to occur. 30 men of 18-34 years old performed a maximal incremental test on a treadmill during which direct VO₂max measurements was taken and then have been compared to ACSM and FRIEND metabolic equations. Point of application #1: Better evaluation and exercise prescription among athletic populations. Point of application #2: Act in prevention among sedentary and symptomatic populations. Point of application …

A Vicious Cycle Of Fear Of Falling Avoidance Behavior In Parkinson’S Disease: A Path Analysis, Merrill R. Landers, Kameron M. Jacobson, Nicole E. Matsunami, Hannah E. Mccarl, Michelle T. Regis, Jason K. Longhurst

Integrated Health Sciences Faculty Research

Background: Postural instability (PI) in Parkinson's disease (PD) is associated with several negative downstream consequences. Objective: The purpose was to explore the validity of a theoretical model of these downstream consequences arranged in a vicious cycle wherein PI leads to decreased balance confidence, which in turn leads to increased fear of falling (FOF) avoidance behavior, which in turn leads to decreased physical conditioning, which then feeds back and negatively affects PI. Methods: A path analysis of cross-sectional data from 55 participants with PD was conducted. The four constructs in the model connected in succession were: 1. PI (principal components analysis …

Material Properties And Application Of Biomechanical Principles Provide Significant Motion Control Performance In Experimental Ankle Foot Orthosis-Footwear Combination, Christopher F. Hovorka, Géza F. Kogler, Young Hui Chang, Robert Gregor

Kinesiology and Nutrition Sciences Faculty Research

© 2021 The Author(s) Background: This study, the first of its kind, originated with the need for a brace (an ankle foot orthosis), to constrain ankle plantarflexion and dorsiflexion within a motion threshold of < 5°. A conventional thermoplastic, solid brace failed during a quasi-static loading study, informing the investigation and development of an experimental carbon composite brace, maximizing stiffness and proximity of shank and foot cylindrical shells to provide the required degree of control. Methods: Two experiments were conducted: a quasi-static loading study, using cadaveric limbs (n = 2), and a gait study with healthy subjects (n = 14). Conditions tested were STOP, FREE, and CONTROL. Data for all studies were collected using six motion-capture cameras (Vicon, Oxford, UK; 120 Hz) tracking bone-anchored markers (cadaveric limbs) and skin-anchored markers (subjects). In the quasi-static loading study, loading conditions were congruent with the gait study. Study 1 involved a quasi-static loading analysis using cadaveric limbs, compared motion data from a conventional thermoplastic solid brace and the experimental brace. Study 2 involved quantifying ankle plantarflexion and dorsiflexion in subjects during treadmill walking, in brace STOP, FREE, and CONTROL conditions. Findings: The experimental brace in STOP condition consistently constrained ankle plantarflexion and dorsiflexion below the motion threshold of < 5°, across all studies. Interpretation: Collectively, these findings demonstrate (1) that a conventional thermoplastic, solid brace was ineffective for clinical applications that required significant motion control, and (2) that ankle motion control is most effective when considered as a relationship between the brace, the ankle-foot complex, and the external forces that affect them both.

Important Updates To Submission Types In Topics In Exercise Science And Kinesiology, James W. Navalta, Donald L. Hoover, Robert Salatto, Whitley J. Stone, Scott Lyons

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology Volume 2: Issue 1, Article 1, 2021. While Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology (TESK) was originally designed to fill a void in publishing applied information for practitioners in physical activity and sport, the TESK editors have determined a need to update the submission categories. The categories of Process of Science and Implementation Strategies have been retained, and three new types of submissions now will be accepted: Expedited Articles, Review Articles, and Case Studies. Process of Science submissions should seek to answer the question, “What was learned from the experience of performing the investigation?”, …

Skilled Throwing Performance: A Test Of The Optimal Theory, Jacquelyn V.L. Sertic, Jason M. Avedesian, James W. Navalta

Kinesiology and Nutrition Sciences Faculty Research

The OPTIMAL theory of motor learning postulates that autonomy support (AS), enhanced expectancies (EE), and an external focus of attention (EF) facilitate improved motor learning and performance. However, its applicability to elite-level throwing athletes has not been investigated by previous literature. The primary purpose of this study was to investigate the successive implementation of AS, EE, and EF factors on overhand throwing performance in elite collegiate softball athletes (14.44 ± 2.75 years of softball experience). The secondary purpose was to determine whether self-efficacy beliefs would be augmented by factor manipulation. Twenty-four participants threw softballs at a bullseye target during five …

Effects Of Resistance Training On Muscle Quality Index, Muscle Strength, Functional Capacity, And Serum Immunoglobulin Levels Between Obese And Non-Obese Older Women, Paulo Roberto Silva Junior, Dahan Da Cunha Nascimento, Ivo Vieira De Sousa Neto, Silvana Schwerz Funghetto, Ramires Alsamir Tibana, James W. Navalta, Fabiani Lage Rodrigues Beal, Jonato Prestes

Kinesiology and Nutrition Sciences Faculty Research

International Journal of Exercise Science 14(7): 707-726, 2021. Considering the negative impact of obesity on neuromuscular and immune systems, we sought to compare the effects of a 10-week resistance training (RT) program on muscle quality index (MQI), muscle strength, functional capacity, and immunoglobulins in older women with and without obesity. Thirty-nine older women participated in the present study (age: 69.02 ± 6.16, fat (%): 38.80% ± 6.28) and underwent a linear RT program performed on two non-consecutive days of the week. Body composition, functional tests, immunoglobulins, muscle quality of upper and lower limbs and absolute muscular strength of the upper …

Single-Subject Analyses Reveal Altered Performance And Muscle Activation During Vertical Jumping, John R. Harry, Jeffrey D. Eggleston, Janet S. Dufek, C. Roger James

Kinesiology and Nutrition Sciences Faculty Research

Effects of barefoot and minimal footwear conditions on performance during jumping (i.e., jump displacement) are unclear with traditional group-level studies because of intra- and interindividual variability. We compared barefoot, minimal, and conventional athletic footwear conditions relative to countermovement vertical jump (CMVJ) performance and muscle activation using a single-subject approach. Fifteen men (1.8 ± 0.6 m; 84.5 ± 8.5 kg; 23.8 ± 2.3 y) performed three CMVJ trials in barefoot, minimal, and conventional footwear conditions while ground reaction forces (GRF) and electromyograms of eight lower extremity muscles were recorded. The Model Statistic procedure (α = 0.05) compared conditions for CMVJ displacement, …

The Effect Of Body Armor On Pulmonary Function And Repeated Sprint Performance, Dustin Dunnick

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Introduction: Tactical athletes face the unique task of performing physically demanding occupational duties often while wearing torso-borne loads. While pulmonary function has been shown to decrease while wearing plate-carrier style body armor, there has yet to be a study using the more accurate measurement of plethysmography to determine exactly why. Additionally, the inspiratory muscle’s pressure generation capabilities and how they respond to a repeated running sprint test while wearing body armor are unknown. Therefore, the purpose of this dissertation was to examine how body armor affects pulmonary function, inspiratory muscle strength, and athletic performance during repeated, high-intensity sprints.

Methods: Twelve …

Validity And Reliability Of Physiological Data In Applied Settings Measured By Wearable Technology: A Rapid Systematic Review, Bryson Carrier, Brenna Barrios, Brayden D. Jolley, James W. Navalta

Kinesiology and Nutrition Sciences Faculty Research

The purpose of this review was to evaluate the current state of the literature and to identify the types of study designs, wearable devices, statistical tests, and exercise modes used in validation and reliability studies conducted in applied settings/outdoor environments. This was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. We identified nine articles that fit our inclusion criteria, eight of which tested for validity and one tested for reliability. The studies tested 28 different devices with exercise modalities of running, walking, cycling, and hiking. While there were no universally common analytical techniques used …

Understanding Orthostatic Intolerance And Exercise Programming For The Health And Fitness Practitioner, Deni Roller, Carley A. Shannon, Andrew T. Del Pozzi

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology

• The purpose of this manuscript is to briefly review Orthostatic Intolerance (OI) and discuss proper exercise programming and progression guidelines for working with those affected by OI; a disorder associated with autonomic nervous system dysfunction, characterized by a difficulty standing upright.
• In order to do this, we performed a review of the published literature using google scholar and PubMed search engines.
• Evidence indicated that a light to moderate intensity aerobic exercise program would aid in improving orthostatic tolerance.
• Previous studies have indicated that progressive resistance training aids in mechanisms that are dysfunctional in OI such as blood volume increases and …

Comparison Of Physical Fitness Between Sport And Non-Sport Groups Among Elementary School Children, Junjiro Kubo, Saburo Nishimura, Takayuki Ogiwara

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology

• We compared physical fitness factors between sport and non-sport groups of elementary school children in all grades. The subjects of this study were 1,079 1st- to 6th-grade male elementary school children. Their parents completed a questionnaire examining whether the child attended sports lessons as a regular after-school activity. Physical fitness was evaluated by a new physical fitness test recommended by the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology (4). The test consists of the following items: 1) Grip strength (kg); 2) Sit-ups (number completed in 30 sec); 4) Sitting front stretches (cm); 5) Side steps (number completed in …