Kinesiology Commons^™

Which Energy Expenditure Equation Is Most Accurate In A Field-Based Setting?, Merrill C. Ward

All Graduate Reports and Creative Projects, Fall 2023 to Present

Several energy expenditure prediction equations for walking on varied terrain exist; however, these predictions are often theoretical and have not undergone rigorous field testing for accuracy. Field research on this topic is sparse. The aim of this study was to determine if any existing energy expenditure prediction equations are accurate in a field-based setting with load and gradient being taken into account (i.e., under conditions that are most applicable to day hiking). This was done by directly measuring relative VO₂ (ml/kg/min) of study participants and comparing these direct measurements to the values generated from the existing prediction equations. Fifteen …

What Goals? Which Point? Whose Purpose? A Critical Engagement With Sport Internalism, Francisco Javier Lopez Frias

Kinesiology and Health Science Faculty Publications

In this article, I critique the dominance of internalism in sport philosophy and outline an alternative theoretical framework that integrates internal and external elements while striving to transcend the dichotomous language used to conceptualize sport. The analysis begins by claiming that internalism conflates three fundamental teleological aspects of sport: goals, point, and purposes. I argue that this conflation limits internalism’s ability to explain the complexity of sporting practices. By carefully distinguishing these elements, I illustrate their distinct roles in shaping sport and explore how they interact. I conclude by proposing that the alternative pluralist framework briefly sketched here enables a …

Acute Effects Of Multi-Joint Eccentric Exercise On Lower-Extremity Muscle Activation Measured During Land And Water Walking, Brayden Worley, Brennan J. Thompson, Jon Carey, Talin Louder

Kinesiology and Health Science Student Research

Falls are a leading cause of injury and loss of independence in older adults, often linked to deficits in lower-limb muscle function and gait mechanics. Eccentric exercise can improve muscular resilience, while aquatic walking offers a safe, supportive environment to retrain gait; however, little is known about how these modalities interact at the neuromuscular level. This study compared lower-limb muscle activation during gait on land and in water, before and after an acute bout of eccentric exercise, in healthy young adults. Surface electromyography was collected from the tibialis anterior (TA), gastrocnemius medialis (GM), vastus lateralis (VL), and biceps femoris (BF) …

Goals Reconsidered: From Brute Prelusory States Of Affairs To The Lusory Complexity Of Sport, Francisco Javier López Frías

Kinesiology and Health Science Faculty Publications

In this paper, I examine Bernard Suits’ conceptualization of goals in his influential definition of gameplay, focusing on how his account falls short of capturing the complexity of sporting practices. Suits famously describes games as voluntary attempts to overcome unnecessary obstacles in achieving an identifiable state of affairs. By referring to this state of affairs as the prelusory goal of games, he frames gameplay as structured teleologically around this goal, converting it into the most fundamental element of his notion of gameplay. Although elegant and very intuitive, this conception of games raises tensions when applied to the complex, multilayered activities …

Validation Of Head Above And Head Submerged Hydrostatic Weighing Equations And Air Displacement Plethysmography, Axel M. Miller

All Graduate Reports and Creative Projects, Fall 2023 to Present

Traditional hydrostatic weighing (HW) involves full body submersion at residual volume (RV), which may be uncomfortable. Thus, the purpose of this study was to investigate a more comfortable way to perform this method. HW with the head above water (HW_HAW) was compared to the traditional method of HW with head below water (HW_HBW) and to another method that also measures density by displacement, air displacement plethysmography (ADP). Equivalence was tested by comparing the body fat percentage (BF%), body volume (Vb), and body density (Db) of 27 subjects (15 M, 12 F) between the three methods. Results …

Electromyographic Analysis Of Lower Limb Muscles During Multi-Joint Eccentric Isokinetic Exercise Using The Eccentron Dynamometer, Brennan J. Thompson, Merrill Ward, Brayden Worley, Talin Louder

Kinesiology and Health Science Faculty Publications

Eccentric muscle actions are integral to human movement, rehabilitation, and performance training due to their characteristic high force output (overload) and low energy cost and perceived exertion. Despite the growing use of eccentric devices, a gap in the research exists exploring multi-muscle activation profiles during multi-joint eccentric-only, isokinetic exercise. This study aimed to quantify and compare surface electromyographic (EMG) activity of four leg muscles—vastus lateralis (VL), tibialis anterior (TA), biceps femoris (BF), and medial gastrocnemius (GM)—during a standardized (isokinetic) submaximal eccentric multi-joint exercise using the Eccentron dynamometer. Eighteen healthy adults performed eccentric exercise at 40% of their maximal eccentric strength. …

The Effects Of A Combined Exercise Intervention On Body Composition, Gdf-15, Apelin-12, And Il-15 Among Older Korean Women According To Obesity Status, Jeongsook Kim, Eadric Bressel, Minkyo Kim, Taekyu Kim, Suhan Koh, Doyeon Kim

Kinesiology and Health Science Faculty Publications

Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of a 16-week exercise program combining aerobic and resistance training on body composition, growth differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15), apelin-12, and interleukin-15 (IL-15) in older Korean women according to obesity status. Methods: Participants were divided into obesity (n = 15) and normal-weight groups (n = 14). A walking exercise was performed at 60–70% heart rate reserve (RPE 13–15). The bodyweight resistance exercises were progressively intensified over 16 weeks. Analysis methods included two-way repeated measures ANOVA, ANCOVA, and paired and independent t-tests. Results: Significant main effects of time and …

On The Connection Between Sport And Morality: Does Russell’S ‘Continuity Thesis’ Hold Water?, Cesar R. Torres, Francisco Javier López Frías

Kinesiology and Health Science Faculty Publications

The connection between sport and morality is a key focus of J. S. Russell’s scholarly work. He rejects the ‘separation thesis’, which claims that sport has a significant degree of autonomy and thus its own set of values separate from those of society. Instead, he supports the ‘continuity thesis,’ which suggests that the moral values at the heart of sport reflect more basic moral values found outside its boundaries. Therefore, for Russell, individuals involved in sport do not leave ordinary morality to enter a separate sporting one. Rather, they engage in a social practice whose core moral principles are extensions …

Comparative Analysis Of An Aquatic And Dry-Land Catching And Throwing Exercise On Reaction Time And Inhibitory Executive Function, Haein Choi

Student Research Symposium

Fast and accurate reactions are crucial for fall prevention. The ReacStick measures reaction accuracy by requiring immediate motor responses without delay. This study compared the effects of aquatic and land-based catching and throwing exercise on reaction accuracy to explore effective fall prevention training methods.

Aging In Motion: The Impact Of Activity On Visceral Fat In Senior Individuals, Heather Feeny, Paxton Castillon, Alyssa Mcnutt, Mattew Densley

Student Research Symposium

The aim of this study is to investigate activity levels, including sleep duration, sitting time, and their relationship with visceral fat area (VFA).

Body Composition Of Older Active Adults: The Huntsman Senior Games Study, Abby Hansen, Paxton Castillon, Heather Feeny, Alyssa Mcnutt, Matthew Densley, Elizabeth Cafferty

Student Research Symposium

• Body Fat Percentage (%BF): ratio of adipose tissue to total mass

Effect Of Prolonged Water Immersion On Isometric Mid-Thigh Pull Performance, Justus Rammell, Joonsun Park, Paxton Castillon

Student Research Symposium

• The aquatic environment may contribute to enhanced muscle strength by promoting cerebral blood flow and cortical activation, potentially driven by hydrostatic pressure-induced cephalad fluid shifts and sensory stimulation during static water immersion.

Does Peer Influence Impact Substance Use Intentions In Pre-Adolescence? A Longitudinal Examination, Aubrey Low

Student Research Symposium

• Substance use in adolescent populations remains a significant public health concern. Although many studies have explored the association between peer influence and adolescents' substance use intentions, little has focused on how pre-adolescent populations are impacted by peer influence and their susceptibility to substance use. This gap in knowledge presents to be concerning given the increased vulnerability to social pressures during this developmental stage. This study aims to close this gap by investigating the association of the role of peer influence in shaping pre-adolescents' intent to use substances.

Effects Of Inertial Measurement Unit Location On The Validity Of Vertical Acceleration Time-Series Data And Jump Height In Countermovement Jumping, Dianne Althouse, Cassidy Weeks, Steven B. Spencer, Joonsun Park, Brennan J. Thompson, Talin Louder

Kinesiology and Health Science Student Research

Inertial measurement units (IMUs) are an example of practical technology for measuring countermovement jump (CMJ) performance, but there is a need to enhance their validity. One potential strategy to achieve this is advancing the literature on IMU placement. Many studies opt to position a single IMU on anatomical landmarks rather than determining placement based on anthropometric principles, despite the knowledge that linear mechanics act through the segmental centers of mass of the human body. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of positioning IMU sensors to approximate the trunk and lower-extremity segmental centers of mass on the …

A Mammoth Pain In The Back: Diagnosing Advanced Bone Disease In Two Columbian Mammoths, B. Shaun Bryner

Research on Capitol Hill

Two Columbian mammoth specimens, one in California and one in Utah, show signs of advanced bone disease. 

Observations of these specimens allow us to learn more about the progress of these diseases on surviving bone specimens. We can then apply this knowledge to our understanding of diseases that affect modern elephants.

It's Time To Re-Evaluate The Reporting Of Common Measures From Isokinetic Dynamometers: Isokinetic For Torque, Isotonic For Power, Brennan J. Thompson

Kinesiology and Health Science Faculty Publications

Isokinetic dynamometry is commonly used to provide an objective and reliable assessment of muscle function across a variety of clinical, athletic and research settings. Important muscle function variables that are commonly assessed are torque- and power-related measures. Isokinetic mode is overwhelmingly used to provide these variables, and has been so for decades; however, this mode may not be the best suited to examine power variables. The article aims to explore this issue through conceptual evaluation and empirical results using unpublished data. The implication is that due to the almost complete lack of unique information that power provides additional to torque …

Racial-Ethnic Differences In The Associations Between Functional Disabilities And Subsequent Depression Among Community-Dwelling Midlife And Older Adults In The Us, Debasree Das Gupta, Uma Kelekar, Kallol Kumar Bhattacharyya, Sidney Carl Turner

Kinesiology and Health Science Faculty Publications

Background: The intersection of race/ethnicity with disability is a critical dimension of mental health outcomes in later ages that remains under-investigated.

Objective: We examined the role of race-ethnicity in moderating the associations between functional disabilities and subsequent depression among Americans 51 and older and stratified into the two age-groups of midlife (51-64) and older adults (≥65).

Methods: Using a nationally representative sample of community-dwelling Americans (≥51; n=7,475) in the 2016-2018 Health and Retirement Study, we conducted bivariate and multivariable regression analyses. Racial-ethnic groups included non-Hispanic (NH) Black, Hispanic, and NH White and a binary (0/1) outcome defined subsequent depression in …

Correlation Between Maximal Eccentric And Isometric Multi-Joint Lower-Extremity Strength And Vertical Jumping Performance In Young Adults, Joonsun Park, Cassidy Weeks, Brennan J. Thompson, Talin Louder

Kinesiology and Health Science Student Research

Maximal eccentric (MES) and isometric (MIS) muscle strength may enhance vertical jump performance by facilitating preloading and reducing energy loss during the eccentric (ECC) phase of the stretch-shortening cycle (SSC). However, the contributions of ECC and isometric (ISO) strength to the countermovement (CMJ) and depth jump (DJ) remain unclear due to variability in assessment methods (e.g., dynamometry, isometric mid-thigh pull) and the limited range of metrics examined in prior research. The aim of this study was to assess correlations between multi-joint lower extremity MES and MIS, obtained using a seated multi-joint isokinetic dynamometer, and 13 vertical ground reaction force (GRF) …

Lower Limb Muscle Activation In Young Adults Walking In Water And On Land, Christopher Long, Christopher J. Dakin, Sara A. Harper, Joonsun Park, Aaron Folau, Mark Crandall, Nathan Christensen, Talin Louder

Kinesiology and Health Science Faculty Publications

Previous research has shown that exercise interventions requiring increased activation of the tibialis anterior (TA), the primary ankle dorsiflexor, can improve walking performance in individuals with foot drop. Correspondingly, heightened drag forces experienced during walking performed in water may augment TA activation during the swing phase of gait, potentially leading to improved walking gait on land. Therefore, this study aimed to compare surface electromyographic (sEMG) activation in the TA and medial gastrocnemius (GM) during gait performed in water versus on land. Thirty-eight healthy, recreationally active young adults, comprising 18 females and 20 males, participated in the study. Each participant completed …

A Comprehensive Examination Of Age-Related Lower Limb Muscle Function Asymmetries Across A Variety Of Muscle Action Types, Kylee L. Heap-Eldridge, Brennan J. Thompson, Cody Fisher, Talin J. Louder, Jon Carey

Kinesiology and Health Science Faculty Publications

Previous research has found that lower limb muscle asymmetries increase with age and are linked to fall and injury risks. However, past studies lack a wide variety of muscle function modes and measures as well as comparison to a comparable younger age group. The purpose of this study was to examine age-related lower limb muscle function asymmetries across a variety of muscle action types and velocities in young and old adults. Lower limb balance, strength, power, and velocity were evaluated with concentric, isometric, isotonic, and eccentric muscle actions during a single-leg stance test and on single- and multi-joint dynamometers in …

Asymmetries In Ncaa Division I Tennis Players Compared To An Athletic Control Group, Elizabeth Cafferty

All Graduate Reports and Creative Projects, Fall 2023 to Present

Limb asymmetries are an expected adaptation to years of training for athletes participating in dominant-sided sports. Previous research on this topic lacks an athletic control group. PURPOSE: To determine the magnitude of upper limb asymmetries in dominant-sided athletes (tennis players) compared to nondominant-sided athletes (cross-country runners). METHODS: Male and female NCAA Division I athletes (10 tennis, 11 cross-country) participated. Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) was used to measure bone mineral content (BMC), bone mineral density (BMD), and lean mass (LM) of the whole body, upper extremities, and forearms. Circumference measurements were taken at mid-biceps and the widest part of the forearms. …

Post-Activation Potentiation Following Maximal Effort, Multi-Joint, Isokinetic Eccentric Contractions, Tom Dickey

All Graduate Reports and Creative Projects, Fall 2023 to Present

Post-activation potentiation (PAP) is a phenomenon that can enhance muscle performance following maximal or near-maximal muscle contractions. While the effects of concentric and isometric conditioning contractions on PAP have been studied, less is known about the influence of eccentric muscle actions. This study investigated the effects of a multi-joint eccentric overload (EOL) protocol on PAP expressed through countermovement jump (CMJ) height and isokinetic peak force (PF) outcome measures. Twenty-eight recreationally trained participants (18-30 years) completed three visits in a randomized, counterbalanced design. Following familiarization, participants performed either an EOL protocol involving 2 sets of 6 maximal isokinetic eccentric contractions or …

Effects Of Blood Flow Restriction During Acute Multi-Joint Eccentric Exercise On Muscle Recovery, Cody Fisher

All Graduate Reports and Creative Projects, Fall 2023 to Present

Blood flow restriction (BFR) exercise has become an increasingly common modality due to evidence that it may yield positive muscle-related effects from low-intensity exercise. However, eccentric-only exercise in a multi-joint format has not yet been investigated in regard to the BFR influence on muscle recovery characteristics. The purpose of this study was to assess muscle recovery responses via isometric peak force (PF), soreness (i.e., VAS, PPT, PPD), and functional power (i.e., SLHD) following a 5-minute low-load multi-joint eccentric exercise bout with or without blood flow restriction. Thirty participants were randomly assigned into either an eccentric-only (CON) or an eccentric BFR …

Development Of Systems For Processing And Managing Donations For The William A. Burnard Warming Center, Landon Corbett

Undergraduate Honors Capstone Projects

Structure is important for any organization to have success and grow. Thus, having a good inventory system can make a huge difference. This project set out to investigate and develop a system that would be able to monitor incoming donations, inventory levels, and items given away to guests. The inventory method needed to be as automated as possible because the warming center volunteers were already busy with other responsibilities.

While many softwares were researched, my proposed solution was created with a combination of Google Sheets and Google Forms, as it is free and can be customized to the specific needs …

Variability In Indoor Free Play Physical Activity Over One Week In Preschool-Aged Children, Benjamin B. Johnson

Student Research Symposium

• Indoor free play during preschool or childcare provides children with an opportunity to engage in total (light-to-vigorous) physical activity (TPA).
• Researchers may collect indoor free play TPA during a single indoor free play period, multiple indoor free play periods over a single day, or over multiple days.
• Little is known about the variability in TPA over indoor free play periods or if a single indoor free play period is representative of weekly indoor free play TPA.

Purpose: To assess within- and between-day variability in indoor free play TPA in young children.

Asymmetries In Ncaa Division I Tennis Players Compared To Control Group, Liz Cafferty

Student Research Symposium

Interlimb asymmetries are common between dominant and non-dominant sides.

Circuit Training Improves The Levels Of Β-Amyloid And Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Related To Cognitive Impairment Risk Factors In Obese Elderly Korean Women, Duwang Kang, Suhan Koh, Taekyu Kim, Eadric Bressel, Doyeon Kim

Kinesiology and Health Science Faculty Publications

Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of circuit training on β-amyloid, BDNF, and cognitive function in untrained obese elderly Korean women. Methods: The subjects for the study were aged 65–70 years and were each assigned to a circuit training group (EG, n = 12) or a control group (CG, n = 11). The 60 min combined exercise was performed 3 times per week for 16 weeks. The exercise intensity was progressively increased from a 40% heart rate reserve to a 70% heart rate reserve. The test data were analyzed using a paired t-test, an …

Empirical Evidence Supporting The Inclusion Of Multi-Axes Segregation In Assessing Us County Health, David W. S. Wong, Debasree Das Gupta

Kinesiology and Health Science Faculty Publications

To facilitate community action toward health equity, the County Health Rankings & Roadmaps program (CHR&R) assigns health rankings to US counties. The CHR&R conceptual model considers White-Black and White-non-White dissimilarity values to represent residential segregation as part of the family and social support subcomponent. As the US is greying and becoming more multi-racial-ethnic, the two-group White-centered segregation measures are inadequate to capture segregation among population subgroups in the US. Thus, we evaluate the relevancy of segregation measures that consider multiple racial, ethnic, and age groups in assessing US county health. Besides using the two-group dissimilarity index to measure Whitecentered racial …

Older Adult Falls In The Community: Does Unsafe Home Environment Have A Risk Role Through The Mediating Effect Of Functional Limitations?, Debasree Das Gupta, Uma Kelekar, Sidney C. Turner

Kinesiology and Health Science Faculty Publications

Background and Objectives: Fall incidents from unsafe home environment are frequent in older-adult homes but the literature is ambiguous whether it is the presence/absence, or the interplay of such conditions and physical functioning that is of salience. We therefore estimated whether unsafe home environment adversely associated with subsequent falls among older adults and what proportion of this association was mediated through limitations in daily and instrumental activities of daily living (ADL/IADL).

Research Design and Methods: Using a nationally representative sample of community-dwelling Medicare beneficiaries (≥65 years) in the 2018-2019 National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS; n=2,599), we conducted bivariate …

Suppressing A Blocked Balance Recovery Step: A Novel Method To Assess An Inhibitory Postural Response, David A. E. Bolton, Charlie C. Baggett Iv, Chase A. Mitton, Sara A. Harper, James K. Richardson

Kinesiology and Health Science Faculty Publications

Stepping to recover balance is an important way we avoid falling. However, when faced with obstacles in the step path, we must adapt such reactions. Physical obstructions are typically detected through vision, which then cues step modification. The present study describes a novel method to assess visually prompted step inhibition in a reactive balance context. In our task, participants recovered balance by quickly stepping after being released from a supported forward lean. On rare trials, however, an obstacle blocked the stepping path. The timing of vision relative to postural perturbation was controlled using occlusion goggles to regulate task difficulty. Furthermore, …