Kinesiology Commons^™

Changes In Igf-1 Levels Post Deer Antler Velvet Supplementation, Nicole Alexandra Marmillo

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Context: Deer antler velvet has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years but has recently gained popularity in Western medicine as an ergogenic aid. According to Oriental medicine deer antler velvet can be attributed to enhancing immune system function, improving athletic performance, increasing muscle recovery, enhancing sexual function, improving disease recovery, and enhancing cardiovascular function. Deer antler velvet is orally taken in pill, powder or spray form. Although a number of health and human performance effects have been attributed to deer antler velvet the scientific rationale behind these beliefs is ambiguous Objective: The purpose of this study …

Exertional Rhabdomyolysis After An Extreme Conditioning Competition: A Case Report, Ramires Alsamir Tibana, Nuno Manuel Frade De Sousa, Gabriel Veloso Cunha, Jonato Prestes, James W. Navalta, Fabricio Azevedo Voltarelli

Kinesiology and Nutrition Sciences Faculty Research

This case report describes an instance of exercise-induced rhabdomyolysis caused by an extreme conditioning program (ECP) competition. A 35-year-old female presented with abdominal pain and soreness, which began one day after she completed two days of ECPcompetition composed of five workouts. Three days after competition, creatine kinase (CK) was 77,590 U/L accompanied by myalgia and abnormal liver function tests, while renal function was normal and this resulted in a diagnosis of rhabdomyolysis. A follow-up examination revealed that her serum level of CK was still elevated to 3034 U/L on day 10 and 1257 U/L on day 25 following the ECP …

Differential Processing Of Nociceptive Input Within Upper Limb Muscles, Nathanial R. Eckert, Brach Poston, Zachary A. Riley

Kinesiology and Nutrition Sciences Faculty Research

The cutaneous silent period is an inhibitory evoked response that demonstrates a wide variety of responses in muscles of the human upper limb. Classically, the cutaneous silent period results in a characteristic muscle pattern of extensor inhibition and flexor facilitation within the upper limb, in the presence of nociceptive input. The aims of the current study were: 1) to primarily investigate the presence and characteristics of the cutaneous silent period response across multiple extensor and flexor muscles of the upper limb, and 2) to secondarily investigate the influence of stimulation site on this nociceptive reflex response. It was hypothesized that …

Exploring The Use Of 3d Scanning To Determine Whole-Body Volume While Wearing A Triathlon Wetsuit, Leland Barker, Diego Medoza, John A. Mercer

Kinesiology and Nutrition Sciences Faculty Research

Background: Commercial 3 Dimension (3D) scanners are relatively new to anthropometry. The purpose of this study was to explore ability of using a 3D imaging instrument to measure body volume with and without wearing a wetsuit. Three experiments were conducted to achieve this purpose: (1) to determine if the 3D imaging instrument could accurately measure volume of static objects; (2) to determine the resolution of accuracy of measuring volume of static objects; and (3) to compare whole-body volume of wearing a wetsuit using 3D imaging as well as another body volume measure (air displacement technique). Methods: Three experiments were performed: …

The “Journal Of Functional Morphology And Kinesiology” Journal Club Series: Highlights On Recent Papers In Motor Control And Learning, Deepak K. Ravi, William R. Taylor, Navrag B. Singh, Brach J. Poston, Christoph Mickel, Marinella Coco

Kinesiology and Nutrition Sciences Faculty Research

We are glad to introduce the sixth Journal Club. This edition is focused on several relevant studies published in recent years in the field of Motor Control and Learning, chosen by our Editorial Board members and their colleagues. We hope to stimulate your curiosity in this field and to share with you the passion for sport seen also from the scientific point of view. The Editorial Board members wish you an inspiring lecture.

Exercise, Learning And Emotional Health: Interdisciplinary Approaches To Translational Action, Tessa L. Koschel

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Exercise positively effects physical, psychological and neurological wellbeing. Though the population at large is becoming increasingly aware of the multi-faceted benefits of exercise, the majority of people fail to meet daily exercise recommendations. Largely, demands of everyday life such as work, school and family take priority over fitness. The issue therefore becomes a matter of time. In a world of media multi-tasking and immediate gratification, the challenge to health professionals becomes incorporation and manipulation of these consistencies to improve exercise uptake and adherence. Focus must shift from the idea of making additional time for exercise, to adding exercise to time …

Analysis Of Human Movement Patterns During Endurance Running, Joshua Paul Bailey

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Endurance running and participation in racing events has flourished over the last decade. Recreational runners enter the training period for an upcoming race at differing levels of fitness and training. As individuals sign-up for the race, they typically follow the commitment with an increase in training load. The increases in training load are accomplished through a combination of increasing mileage, or duration of running, and running intensity through increase velocity. These increases are theoretically being applied in a progressive overload principle, where the musculoskeletal system has time to adapt to the breakdown provided from the previous training session. Progressive overload …

Biomechanical Adjustments During Landing In Response To Task Perturbations, John Robert Harry

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Landing strategies are evaluated to determine a performer’s favored neuromusculo-skeletal solution for the performance of the task. Depending on the strategy employed, a performer might increase his or her musculoskeletal injury potential, as defined by increased impact forces and/or demands on the involved joints. In recent history, the manner in which a performer modifies his or her strategy has been evaluated following the application of an added external mass during the impact phase of landings performed from atop an elevated platforms or a hanging position from a raised bar. Furthermore, the strategies evaluated in contemporary research are quantified using biomechanical …

Hip Adduction: Abduction Ratio Differences Between Collegiate Male And Female Soccer Players, Addie Lucci

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Context: Soccer is a high-intensity sport resulting in injuries. Strength ratios have been used to identify areas of weakness and help prevent further injuries. Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine if there was a difference in hip adduction: abduction ratios in collegiate male and female soccer players. The hypothesis was that males will have a lower ratio than females. Design: Cohort Study. Setting: Research Center. Participants: Five male and nine female NCAA Division 1 soccer players were recruited for this study. Intervention: Independent variable is gender. Biodex Isokinetic Dynamometer was used for data collection. The subjects performed …

Optimization Of Prosthetic Hands: Utilizing Modularity To Improve Grip Force, Grasp, And Versatility, Jordan William Harris

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

It has been demonstrated that although many varieties of upper limb prosthetics exist, commercially available prosthetics are outdated and unsatisfactory. Ineffectiveness and limitations have led to some prosthesis wearers having to own multiple devices, whereas others have given up on them entirely. Even though ample research has been conducted to design and test new hand designs, the industry appears to rest in an overall stagnated state.

It was proposed here, that one problem with prosthetic research is an excess of variables involved in testing, and therefore the improper application of the scientific method. It seems that each time a research …

The Influence Of Crossfit Training On Running Mechanics, Sophia D. Bradley

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Introduction

40 million Americans run regularly.1 Contrary to many runner’s beliefs, increased strength may be beneficial while not adding body mass. An increase in strength in specific muscles may improve running gait and performance. 9,6 Strength training may also play an important role in preventing common overuse injuries in running 11,12 Depending on the style of strength training, it may also have an enhanced benefit on running economy.4,16

Participation in CrossFit is also widely popular, with an increase in participation of 923% in the past ten years.2 CrossFit is a type of strength training in which most movements performed utilize …

Upper Extremity Muscle Activity During Simulated Dryland Swimming While Wearing Wetsuit, Ciro J. Agnelli

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Triathletes typically wear a wetsuit during the swim portion of an event, but it is not clear if muscle activity is influenced by wearing a wetsuit. The purpose of this study was to investigate if shoulder muscle activity was influenced by wearing a full sleeved wetsuit vs. no wetsuit during simulated dryland swimming. Subjects (n=10 males; 179.07±13.18cm; 91.20±7.25 kg; 45.6±10.52 years) completed two dry land simulated swimming conditions (VASA Ergometer Trainer): No Wetsuit (NWS) and with Wetsuit (WS). Electromyography (EMG) of four upper extremity muscles was recorded (Noraxon telemetry EMG, sample rate = 1000 Hz) for each condition: Trapezius (TRAP), …

Stride Leg Ground Reaction Forces Pre- And Post-Fatigue In Collegiate Baseball Pitchers, Courtney Alley

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Context: Baseball pitching requires the coordination of the lower and upper extremities to effectively generate and transfer force to the ball. High-velocity pitchers have been found to have significantly greater stride leg force generation than low-velocity pitchers. The influence of stride leg fatigue on pitching has yet to be investigated. Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of stride leg fatigue on peak vertical ground reaction forces (vGRFs) and hand velocity. Design: Pretest-posttest. Setting: Biomechanics laboratory. Patients or Other Participants: A convenience sample of 11 collegiate baseball pitchers (19.27 ± 0.64 years old; 85.88 ± 12.16 …

Prediction Of Cardiorespiratory Fitness From Maximal Anaerobic Capacity, Elizabeth Ann Tanner

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Incremental treadmill VO2max protocols are often considered the superior method of assessing cardiorespiratory fitness. These exercise test protocols stress aerobic energy production pathways. However, at the point of VO2max attainment anaerobic energy systems are the predominant mechanisms of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production. Likewise, the Wingate cycle test, a commonly accepted method of anaerobic capacity assessment stresses anaerobic energy pathways. Based on the utilization of energy production pathways at the point of VO2max and maximal anaerobic capacity attainment a relationship between VO2max and Wingate exercise test protocols may exist. This potential relationship may facilitate the prediction of cardiorespiratory fitness from maximal …

Concussion Prevention Strategies: A Survey Of Division I And Division Ii Female Soccer Teams, Kori Kendall Jeffries

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The purpose of this study is to evaluate concussion prevention strategies that are being used in NCAA Division I and Division II schools, perform an investigation of cervical strengthening programs and the concussion rates associated, and determine beliefs of Certified Athletic Trainers about equipment for concussion prevention. Participants included Certified Athletic Trainer’s (ATs) employed at NCAA Division I and Division II universities in the United States, and provide services to the universities’ female soccer team. Data was collected via questionnaire e-mailed to participants through Qualtrics survey software. A prompt was sent out two weeks and four weeks following the initial …

The Effects Of An Acute Bout Of Exercise On Hunger Hormones In Individuals At Risk For Type 2 Diabetes, Sydney Spoon

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Background: Hunger hormone levels are typically dysregulated in obese and diabetic

populations, however; postprandial exercise has been shown to influence hunger hormone levels. Purpose: To determine if hunger hormones including acylated ghrelin and GLP-1 levels are altered in response to an acute bout (15 minutes) of walking in individuals at risk for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Methods: Ten subjects at risk for prediabetes (fasting blood glucose 100–125mg/dL) participated in this randomized crossover design trial. Subjects arrived at the laboratory following an overnight fast and underwent one of two conditions: 1) Test meal with no walking (CON) or 2) Test …

Oral Versus Nasal Breathing During Moderate To High Intensity Submaximal Aerobic Exercise, Chase O. Lacomb, Richard D. Tandy, Szu-Ping Lee, John C. Young, James W. Navalta

Kinesiology and Nutrition Sciences Faculty Research

When comparing oral breathing versus nasal breathing, a greater volume of air can be transported through the oral passageway but nasal breathing may also have benefits at submaximal exercise intensities. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine breathing efficiency during increasing levels of submaximal aerobic exercise. Methods: Nineteen individuals (males N=9, females N=10) completed a test for maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) and on separate days 4-min treadmill runs at increasing submaximal intensities (50%, 65%, and 80% of VO2max) under conditions of oral breathing or nasal breathing. Respiratory (respiration rate [RR], pulmonary ventilation [VE]), metabolic (oxygen consumption [VO2], carbon …

A Comparative Evaluation Of Gait Between Children With Autism And Typically Developing Matched Controls, Janet S. Dufek, Jeffrey D. Eggleston, John R. Harry, Robbin Hickman

Integrated Health Sciences Faculty Research

Anecdotal reports suggest children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) ambulate differently than peers with typical development (TD). Little empirical evidence supports these reports. Children with ASD exhibit delayed motor skills, and it is important to determine whether or not motor movement deficits exist during walking. The purpose of the study was to perform a comprehensive lower-extremity gait analysis between children (aged 5–12 years) with ASD and age- and gender-matched-samples with TD. Gait parameters were normalized to 101 data points and the gait cycle was divided into seven sub-phases. The Model Statistic procedure was used to test for statistical significance between …

The Effect Of Intrinsic And Extrinsic Motivations On Health Behavior In College Students: A Systematic Review, Kristen Melendez, Sharon Jalene

AANAPISI Poster Presentations

When measuring the weight of individuals to create healthy lifestyle plans with proper diet and exercise it is alarming how many people follow even the MINIMUM requirement to live a long healthy life. Research has proven that even people who are aware that they are overweight will likely only have a short-lived maintenance of healthy behaviors. Therefore, both intrinsic and extrinsic motivations were examined in order to better understand the difference between the population who maintains healthy lifestyles and those whose healthy habits are not sustained. Methods: A systematic review process was used to filter and screen for applicable studies …

Vitamin D Status And Bone Mineral Density In Female Collegiate Dancers And Cheerleaders, Tara Sue Kenny, Damon Mccune, Laura J. Kruskall, James Navalta, John C. Young

Kinesiology and Nutrition Sciences Faculty Research

Bone mineral density reflects an athlete’s cumulative history of energy availability, physical activity, and menstrual status, as well as nutritional and environmental factors. Although sports with high-impact loading are associated with higher bone mineral density than low-impact or non-impact sports, confounding variables are differences in the athletes’ body size and sport-specific training. The purpose of this study was to determine if bone mineral density (BMD) and vitamin D status are different between two groups of female collegiate athletes who have comparable body size/weight requirements, but who engage in qualitatively different training regimens. Full body, spine and dual femur BMD was …

The Effects Of An Inclined And Declined Slope On Backward Locomotion: A Kinematic And Electromyographic Analysis Of Retrowalking, Song Dan Vo

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of an inclined and declined slopeon kinematic properties and muscle activation magnitudes. This purpose was achieved by using a +10% grade for inclined backward walking (IBW) and -10% grade for declined backwardwalking (DBW) on a treadmill. Eleven participants (24.6 ± 4.1 yrs, 68.5 ± 14.6 kg, 1.7 ± 0.1 m) were recruited from the UNLV student body and were subject to a three day adaptation protocol to allow them to choose a preferred walking speed and to familiarize themselves with such a novel task. Two consecutive practice days included a …

An Investigation Of The Testing Effect On Motor Learning, Aaron Leonard Pauls

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Optimization of learning processes is the goal many educators strive to achieve with their students. One of the potential methods used towards optimizing this process is what’s known as the testing effect. The testing effect is the improved performance on a retention test as a result of prior testing during some period of practice. Previously, the testing effect was investigated using mostly cognitive tasks such as the learning of a number of words. In this paper, we examine the impact the testing effect has on learning the motor skill of putting. The study used a 2 x 2 mixed design, …

Muscle Activity And Power Output Between Stationary And Outdoor Cycling, Jared Joerger

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The purpose of this study is to compare lower extremity muscle activity and power output during cycling outdoors overground and cycling on a stationary bike trainer at different self-perceived intensity levels. Recreational and competitive cyclists and triathletes, eight male (48.6±8.7 years, 178.9±7.8 cm, 87.1±8.3kg) and three female (40.3±6.8 years, 158±1 cm, 59.6±9.3 kg), signed institutionally approved informed consents and participated in this study. Power data were collected using power instrumented bicycle pedals (PowerTap, Madison, WI) attached to the cyclist’s bicycle. Muscle activity was recorded using wireless electromyography (Delsys, Inc., Natick, MA) sampling at 1926Hz. Participants were tested for maximum voluntary …

The Acute Effects Of Different Foam Rolling Timing Durations On Hamstring Flexibility, Chloe Marie Kipnis

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The use of a foam roller is growing in popularity as a part of a warm-up in order to prepare for activity. The current research, however, lacks an accepted timing duration for how long an athlete should foam roll prior to activity in order to increase range of motion (ROM). In order to guide clinical practice, it is necessary to establish a standard for how long an athlete should foam roll a muscle group with the goal to increase ROM. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to compare hamstring flexibility changes following a single foam rolling bout, performed for …

The Effect Of Moderate Consumption Of Non-Nutritive Sweeteners On Glucose Tolerance And Body Composition In Rats, Ashley Power Tovar

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The Effect of Moderate Consumption Of Non-Nutritive Sweeteners On Glucose Tolerance And Body Composition In Rats

by Ashley Tovar

John C. Young, Ph.D., Examination Committee Chair Professor, Kinesiology and Nutrition Sciences University of Nevada, Las Vegas

Introduction: A comorbidity often seen with obesity is the development of impaired glucose tolerance. Abnormalities in the ability to metabolize glucose can lead to increased risk of developing pre-diabetes and if continued, diabetes mellitus type 2. To combat the effects of excess energy intake on obesity and glucose intolerance, low- energy and non-nutritive sweeteners have been introduced as a replacement for traditional sucrose and …

Examining The Effects Of Body Weight Support And Speed On Physiological Measures And Lower Leg Muscular Activity, Michael Thomas Soucy

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The purpose of this study was to determine if body weight support or speed influences specific physiological and biomechanical parameters while running at a preferred pace, or variations of preferred pace. Nine participants (age: 28.56 ± 7.88 years, height: 1.68 ± 0.08 cm, mass: 65.70 ± 7.64 kg) who were running a minimum of 10 miles per week (14.67 ± 4.92 miles) were recruited for participation. Participants were asked to sign an institutionally approved informed consent form upon arrival to the lab. After determining preferred running speed at each body weight support condition (no support, 10%, and 20% support), participants …

Post-Concussion Symptom Reporting: Is Gender A Factor In The Adolescent Population? A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Jessica Dunne

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The participation in high school athletics among the adolescent population has continued to rise over the past few years. Concussion research has grown and evolved due to an increase in awareness of the seriousness of this injury based on the increase in quantity studies being produced. The research conducted to determine if differences occur between high school athletes and collegiate athletes and if a difference is observed between the genders, has being to grow. Although there has been an increase in research for this injury, the understanding of how this injury affects the adolescent population and how this injury differs …

Cerebellar Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation For Motor Skill Acquisition In A Throwing Task, Austuny Jackson

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a non-invasive brain stimulation technique in which a very weak electrical current is applied to the scalp to either increase (anodal stimulation) or decrease (cathodal stimulation) the excitability of a selected brain region, most commonly the motor cortex. tDCS is a promising intervention that can modulate cortical excitability, enhance motor learning, and improve motor function in healthy subjects, older adults, stroke patients, Parkinson’s disease, and in other cognitive and motor disorders. Recently, cerebellar transcranial direct current stimulation (c-tDCS) has started to be examined using similar protocols as existing ones used in studies of tDCS …

Investigation Of Sequential Intermittent Pneumatic Compression Effect On Run Performance, Max Evan Jones

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The main aim of this study was to determine if IPC after a 5000 m run influences maximal effort 1600 m run performance. A secondary purpose was to determine if the level of IPC pressure used influences run performance. Nine subjects (6 male and 3 female were included in the study; 30 years±5.19 years; Height 173.72cm±8.25; Weight; 72.54±9.97 kg). These subjects were recruited to be in this study via word of mouth or social media advertisement in the Las Vegas area. Participant inclusion criteria was 18- 50 year old apparently healthy, had been running a minimum of 20 miles a …

Review Of Foot Plantar Pressure—Focus On The Development Of Foot Ulcerations, Jessica Deberardinis, Mohamed B. Trabia, Janet S. Dufek

Kinesiology and Nutrition Sciences Faculty Research

There are many causes of plantar ulceration, which is a painful sore that occurs in the plantar tissue, common in cases of diabetes, peripheral arterial disease, obesity, and even high cholesterol. By way of perspective, approximately 15% of over 29.1 million diabetics in the U.S. will develop foot ulceration [1] and [2]. These causes could be diagnosed using multiple methods with reasonable accuracy; however, ulcers will still occur due to trauma to the plantar tissue. Measurement of the pressures within the plantar tissue has been suggested to be a suitable surrogate to the measurement of trauma; thus, many methods have …