Kinesiology Commons^™

Patient-Specific Quantification Of The Relationship Between The Left Atrium Pressure And The Ostial Diameter Of The Left Atrial Appendage, Sky Tianqi Gao

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The left atrial appendage has been a historically understudied region of the heart until fairly recently with the new understanding of its role in the stroke pathway of patients with atrial fibrillation. The goal of this study is to take a look at the biomechanical behavior of the left atrium and left atrial appendage under normal physiological loading conditions using material properties taken from biaxial stretch tests. Several different options for material properties models were tested and biaxial stretch test data of cadaveric human tissue samples for the left atrium and appendage were fit to a Fung-type strain-energy function for …

Examining Changes In Bat Swing Kinematics In Various Regions Of The Strike Zone In Collegiate Baseball And Softball Players, Caleb Williams

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

According to the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) there are over 50,000 men and women who compete in collegiate baseball and softball. These individuals spend hours improving their ability to swing a bat with the hope of improving his or her batting performance during a game situation typically off a tee in a position of their own choosing. However, during a game situation an athlete may swing a bat through his or her strike zone depending upon the pitch thrown by an opposing pitcher. The strike zone is defined as the space over home plate in a region that is …

Psychomotor Skill Measurement Of Video Game Players, Thomas Carbone

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Psychomotor skills are a combination of innate abilities as well as skills developed because of repeated actions. Researchers have dedicated many studies to understand the extent to which past videogame play contributes to psychomotor skills and fine motor control dexterity. However, not all gamers are created equal. With today's proliferation of platforms, many people are gamers who never pick up a controller. Grouping all gamers together forms dangerous confounds when trying to generalize across a population as diverse as today's gamers. The current study aims to study a population comprised only of gamers to see if there are significant differences …

Trunk Stability And Postural Stability In People With Multiple Sclerosis, Derek Tolbert

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Multiple Sclerosis is a neurological disease which affects an estimated 2.5million people worldwide. People with Multiple Sclerosis often experience high rates of falls, which have been associated with age, disability, and increased postural sway. Additionally, people with Multiple Sclerosis often exhibit muscular weakness and poor responses to perturbations. PURPOSE: To determine if trunk stability and postural control are altered among PwMS and if trunk muscle activity is correlated with postural stability. METHODS: Ten participants with a physician's diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis (9 female, 1 male) were included in this study. Ten healthy controls were matched for age, height, weight, and …

The Blood Flow And Perceptual Response To Lower Body Resistance Training With And Without Blood Flow Restriction, Kevin Mattocks

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The muscular response to low-load resistance exercise in combination with blood flow restriction (BFR) is well studied but less was known about the cardiovascular response. It was also unknown what impact resistance exercise at 15% 1RM with or without BFR would have on the acute and chronic cardiovascular adaptations and how that compared to high load resistance exercise. Examining the perceptual responses across a training program is also important as this may dictate overall compliance to an exercise protocol. The purpose of this study was to determine the acute and chronic cardiovascular changes following very low-load (15% 1RM) resistance exercise …

Comparisons Of Time To Task Failure And Muscle Activity For Two Different Submaximal Fatiguing Contractions, Sunggun Jeon

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The aim of this study was to examine the time to task failure for two different fatiguing tasks (force vs. Position task) on elbow flexion exercise, in order to explore potential mechanisms of muscle fatigue. Twenty healthy and recreationally active individuals (10 men and 10 women) participated in this 3-visit investigation. At least 48 hours after the first visit as the familiarization, the subject returned for one of the experimental visits (order randomized). During the force task visit, the subject performed maximal voluntary contractions (mvcs), several submaximal trapezoid isometric contractions with different intensities (40% and 70% of mvc), and folloby …

The Slippery Slope Between Falling And Recovering: An Examination Of Sensory And Somatic Factors Influencing Recovery After A Slip, Samuel J. Wilson

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Background: Slips and falls account for large rates of injury and mortality in multiple populations. During an unexpected slip, sensory mechanisms are responsible for signaling the slip to the central nervous system, and a series of corrective responses is generated to arrest the slip and prevent a fall. While previous research has examined the corrective responses elicited, the answer of how these systems break down during a fall remains elusive. Purpose: To examine differences in postural control (slip detection), lower extremity corrective responses (slip recovery), and cortical control of the slip recovery response between individuals who fall and those who …

A Comparison Of The Acute Muscular Response And Long-Term Adaptation To Resistance Training Using Traditional High Loads Or Very Low Loads With Different Degrees Of Blood Flow Restriction In The Lower Body, Matthew Brian Jessee

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Purpose: To compare acute and chronic responses to lower body resistance exercise using: high-load (70/0), very low-load alone (15/0), with moderate (15/40), or higher (15/80) blood flow restriction. Conditions labeled (% One-repetition maximum/% arterial occlusion pressure). Acute: Trained participants (12 males, 11 females) completed knee extension exercise (4 sets to failure capped at 90 repetitions) with each condition. Muscle thickness and torque were assessed before (Pre), after (Post), and fifteen minutes after (Post-15) exercise; surface electromyography (EMG) during. Chronic: Untrained participants (20 males, 20 females) performed the same exercise, with one condition assigned to each leg, twice per week for …

Acute And Chronic Skeletal Muscle Response To Very Low Load Resistance Exercise With And Without The Application Of Blood Flow Restriction In The Upper Body, Samuel Louis Buckner

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study examined the acute and chronic effects of resistance exercise with and without blood flow restriction (BFR) on skeletal muscle. Methods: The acute study examined changes in torque, muscle thickness (MTH), and surface electromyography (EMG) in response to resistance exercise with high load [70% 1RM,(7000)], low load [15% 1RM,(1500)], low load with moderate (BRF) [15% 1RM+40%BFR(1540)], or low load with greater BFR [15% 1RM+80%BFR(1580)]. The chronic study investigated changes in MTH, strength, and endurance following 8-weeks. Acute results: Following exercise, the 7000 condition had lower (p<0.05) MTH [4.2(1.0) cm] compared to the 1500 [4.4 (1.1)cm], 1540 [4.4(1.1)cm], and 1580 [4.5(1.0cm] conditions. This continued 15 minutes post. Immediately following exercise torque was (p<0.05) lower in the 1500 [31.8 (20) Nm], 1540 [28.3(16.9) Nm] and 1580 [29.5 (17) Nm] conditions compared to the 7000 condition [40 (19) Nm]. 15 minutes post, 1500 and 1540 conditions demonstrated lower torque compared to the 7000 condition. For the first three repetitions of EMG the 7000 condition displayed greater amplitude compared to all low load conditions (p<0.001). For the last three repetitions percentage EMG was greater in the 7000 compared to the 1580 condition. Chronic results: 1RM strength changes were greater in the 7000 condition [2.09 (95% CI=1.35-2.83) kg] compared to all low load conditions. For isometric and isokinetic strength there were no changes. For endurance there was a main effect for time [mean pre to post change = 7.9 (4.3–11.6) repetitions]. At the 50% site, the mean change in MTH in the 7000 condition [0.16 (0.10-0.22) cm] was greater than all low load conditions. For the 60% site, the mean change in MTH [0.15 (0.08-0.22)] was greater than all low load conditions. For the 70% site there was a main effect for time [mean pre to post change = 0.09 (0.5–0.14 cm]. Conclusions: Very load loads produce a similar acute response regardless of pressure. This response was greater than that observed in the 7000 group. Very low loads produce skeletal muscle growth. However, this response is not as robust as that observed following high load training.

Minimal Effects Of Moderate Normobaric Hypoxia On The Upper-Body Work-Time Relationship In Recreationally-Active Women, Tristan Starling-Smith

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of moderate normobaric hypoxia on the parameters of the work-time relationship during upper body exercise in women. METHODS: Thirteen recreationally active women (age: 22.7 ± 2.6 y; height: 167 ± 8.6 cm; weight: 66.4 ± 9.7 kg; body fat: 27.6 ± 5% body fat) completed a graded exercise test in both normobaric hypoxia (H; FiO2=~14%) and normoxia (N; FiO2=~20%) to exhaustion on an arm ergometer to determine V̇ O2peak and peak power output (PPO). Each participant completed four constant work-rate arm-cranking tests at 90-120% PPO in both environmental conditions. Linear regression was used to estimate …

The Influence Of Self-Prescribed Knee Bracing On Walking In Healthy Adults, Lauren Luginsland

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The knee is one of the most commonly loaded anatomical joints in the human body due to maintaining an upright posture. Increased joint loading can lead to various injuries which can either be treated surgically or non-surgically including immobilization by bracing. Numerous studies have looked at functional knee bracing post-operative surgery creating a gap within the literature analyzing non-operative functional knee braces within a healthy population. Commonly prescribed functional knee braces such as the Ossur Rebound® have been prescribed by physicians, but also available over-the-counter for self-prescription to assist with injury prevention, stabilization, and protection. Previous studies have looked at …

A Comparison Of Energy Expenditure And Prediction Equations During Walking Or Running Corrected For One Mile In Normal Weight And Overweight African American, Asian, And Caucasian Adults And Cross-Validation Of The Equations, Xi Jin

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The prevalence of obesity is rapid across the world. Knowledge of the actual energy expenditure (EE) of walking and running can lead to a more precise exercise prescription which may lead to an obesity reduction or avoidance. Limited research has focused on EE during walking and running. Therefore, the aims of this study included developing ethnic based cross validated EE prediction equations for African American, Asian and Caucasian adults, and a multiple regression equation developed that included all three ethnic groups. Also, the energy expenditure among these three ethnic groups was compared. A total of 224 subjects, including 71 Caucasians, …

Predictive Modeling Of Hip Dislocation: Assessment Of Surgical And Patient Factors To Reduce The Occurrence Of Hip Instability And Adverse Clinical Outcomes, Daniel N. Huff

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Instability and dislocation remain leading indications for revision of primary Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA). Many studies have addressed the links between implant design and propensity for dislocation, however a comprehensive review of the ability of modern THA constructs to protect against joint instability is needed.

Accordingly, the objective of this study is to provide objective data about THA risks to be considered in the treatment algorithm to protect against adverse joint loading conditions and joint instability. Adverse loading conditions were assessed in a population of activities of daily living using data from telemetric hip implant representation in an FE simulation …

Pilot Study: Knowledge And Attitudes Regarding Sport-Related Concussion In A Rural Interscholastic Sport Sample, Austin Westland

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Context: Evidence supports education initiatives to improve knowledge of sport-related concussion (SRC) in active children and adolescents, as well as improve attitudes towards reporting concussion events to a supervising adult with the ultimate goal of early diagnosis and management. Most evidence focuses on urban and suburban children’s SRC knowledge and attitudes; however, little is known regarding knowledge and attitudes of children participating in sport in rural environments. Understanding current knowledge and attitudes of rural children can inform future education and health behavior strategies that encourage early reporting. Objective: Two objectives guided this study. First, obtain and analyze pilot data regarding …

Exploring The Relationship Between Quality Of Written School Wellness Policy And The Degree Of Wellness Policy Implementation In Elementary Schools, Josie Sieberg

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Background: To date many studies have evaluated the quality of written school wellness policies (SWPs), however, few have addresses SWP implementation. As SWPs have the potential to reduce childhood obesity, it is crucial for schools to not only write high quality SWPs, but also to implement these policy items. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between the quality of written SWPs and the degree of SWP implementation. We hypothesized that schools with higher quality written SWPs would have a higher degree of policy implementation. Methods: School wellness policy written quality and implementation were assessed in …

Differences In Walking Mechanics Between A Traditional Walker And The Kb Balance Trainer, Silvia Zanini

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

INTRODUCTION: Millions of individuals with ambulatory difficulties rely on walking aids to maintain independence and mobility. However, users of traditional walkers typically exhibit increased forward lean of their trunk while using the assistive device. The KB Balance Trainer is a new posterior walker designed to facilitate a more erect position during gait. PURPOSE: To compare gait mechanics across three walking conditions: unassisted, using a traditional walker, and using the KB Balance Trainer. METHODS: Seven adults with experience using walkers due to ambulatory difficulties participated in the study. The study consisted of one training session and one gait analysis session. The …

Changes In Running And Multiple Object Tracking Performance During A 90-Minute Intermittent Soccer Performance Test (Ispt): A Pilot Study, Ryan Girts

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Multiple object tracking (MOT) is a cognitive process that involves the active processing of dynamic visual information. In athletes, MOT speed is critical for maintaining spatial awareness of teammates, opponents, and the ball while moving at high velocities during a match. Understanding how MOT speed changes throughout the course of a competitive game may enhance strategies for maintaining optimal player performance. The objective of this study was to examine changes in MOT speed and running performance during a 90-minute intermittent soccer performance test (iSPT). A secondary purpose was to examine the relationship between aerobic capacity and changes in MOT speed. …

Acute Effects Of Placebo And Open-Label Placebo Treatments On Muscle Strength, Voluntary Activation, And Neuromuscular Fatigue., Alina Swafford

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Placebo treatments have long been used to study the psychological effects of expectancy and conditioning on an inert intervention. Interestingly, open-label placebo treatments (i.e., directly telling subjects they are receiving an inactive intervention) have recently shown promise in minimizing pain in clinical patient populations. We utilized a repeated measures design to examine the acute effects of placebo, open-label placebo, and control treatments on muscle strength and voluntary activation (Experiment #1), as well as neuromuscular fatigue (Experiment #2). Twenty-one untrained males (n=11) and females (n=10) visited the laboratory on three occasions to receive each treatment in a randomized, counter-balanced manner. All …

Outcomes Of An Integrated Approach To Speed And Strength Training With An Elite-Level Sprinter, Eric D. Magrum

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to observe changes in sprint velocity, ground contact time, and peak force demonstrated by a competitive sprinter following an integrated approach to speed development and strength training. As part of an ongoing monitoring procedure the participant completed 20m sprint testing through an optical measurement system and isometric-strength testing before and after each phase of training. Sprint velocity, ground contact time and peak force were analysed using Tau-U, smallest worthwhile and percent change statistics. Results indicate sprinting velocity statistically improved while changes in peak force were practically significant and ground contact time remained trivial throughout …

Cardiovascular Risk, Remote Ischemic Postconditioning, And Endothelial Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury, Brian A. Hemenway

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Remote ischemic postconditioning (rIpost) is a potent vasculoprotective stimulus that is thought to reduce reperfusion injury associated with heart disease. However, certain animal models of cardiometabolic risk factors such as dyslipidemia, diabetes, and hypertension suggest the beneficial effects of rIpost to lessen reperfusion injury may be diminished. These findings have not been studied in clinically relevant humans. The aim of this study was to determine whether the protective effects of rIpost are reduced in the context of raised cardiometabolic risk in humans. Seven participants with raised cardiometabolic risk burden (age:57±7 years; BMI: 31±4kgm²participated in this 2X2 randomized cross-over …

The Effect Of Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness On Jumping Mechanics And Performance, Ryan J. Engels

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Background: Delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) is an exercise-induced muscle soreness resulting from high-intensity eccentric muscular contractions. DOMS appears to be more prevalent in athletes at the beginning of an athletic season or when new movements or exercise are first introduced. The acute effect of DOMS on jumping mechanics is currently unknown. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of delayed onset muscle soreness on vertical jump performance and jumping mechanics. METHODS: Twenty college aged, recreationally active males participated in this study (age: 21.54 ± 2.61; height: 1.82 ± 0.067; mass: 81.36 ± 9.53). Participants were …

A Kinematic Comparison Of Shoulder And Elbow Dynamics Influenced By The Shoe-Surface Interface In Youth And Adolescent Baseball Pitchers, Jacob Richard Gdovin

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

From 1994-2006, 1.5 million baseball injuries were treated within emergency departments across the United States while the upper extremity was the second most commonly injured body part. Although it has been determined that pitch count, pitch type and pitching mechanics are the main contributors to upper extremity pain in baseball pitchers, footwear has not been considered a potential factor. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine how baseball-specific footwear [turf shoes (ts) and molded cleats (mc)] affects the shoulder and elbow dynamics of youth and adolescent pitchers during an overhead pitch on various surface inclinations [flat ground (fg) …

The Home Environment And Parenting Practices: Associations With Physical Activity And Sedentary Time In Preschool-Age Children, Emily C. Huber

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Preschool-age children have the potential to be influenced by their physical home environment and their parents’ physical activity (PA) practices more than older children as preschool-age children are more reliant on parents for PA opportunities. Previous research with this focus has relied predominantly on various subjective assessments of child activity, often resulting in overestimation of PA and underestimation of sedentary time (ST). Collectively, this dissertation project explored the associations among home environment factors, parent PA practices, parent satisfaction of children’s body size and children’s PA and ST by utilizing objective measures of activity and the full range of PA intensities …

The Relationship Between Strength, Power, And Sprint Acceleration In Division I Men’S Soccer Players, Christopher Bellon

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purposes of this dissertation were three-fold. The first was to identify the approximate distances characterizing early-, mid-, and late-acceleration in a population of Division I men’s collegiate soccer players. The secondary purpose was to investigate the relationships between various strength-power variables and key sprint characteristics during early-, mid-, and late-acceleration in a population of Division I men’s soccer players. The final purpose of this dissertation was to compare the spatiotemporal characteristics of “strong” versus “weak” and “more powerful” versus “less powerful” Division I men’s soccer players during early-, mid-, and late- acceleration. The following are the major findings of …

Positional And Match Action Profiles Of Elite Women’S Field Hockey Players In Relationship To The 2015 Fih Rule Changes, Heather A. Abbott

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The objective of this dissertation was to examine the action profiles of elite field hockey players in relationship to the 2015 FIH rule change. The following are major findings of the dissertation: The following are major findings of the dissertation: Study 1 – Relative action profiles before the rule change revealed that defenders work at a lower meter per minute (m/min) when compared with all other positions, and that forwards, midfielders, and screens perform similar m/min during a game. Examination of pre rule change difference from the 1st to the 2nd half play showed that elite level field hockey players …

Relationship Between Lower Body Strength, Countermovement Jump Height, And Optimal Drop Jump Drop Height, Cameron V. Griggs

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to understand the relationship between back squat one-repetition maximum relative to body mass (1RMrel), countermovement jump height (CMJH), and optimal drop height in drop jump (DHopt). Fifteen male participants with various sport backgrounds and training experience completed a one repetition maximum (1RM) back squat, maximum countermovement jump (CMJ), and drop jumps (DJ) from incrementally increasing drop heights to determine which drop height elicited the greatest jump height. The DHopt testing protocol was unique in that smaller increments were used to determine DHopt compared to what has been reported in literature previously. Pearson correlation coefficients …

Seasonal Perceived Training Load In Ncaa Di Men’S Soccer: Is There A Dose-Response Relationship?, Andrew A. Pustina

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this dissertation was to determine if a there was a dose-response relationship across an NCAA Division I men’s soccer season. Specifically, this dissertation serves to: 1.) assess the validity of duration measurements that have previously been used to calculate session RPE during competitive matches, 2.) determine the degree and magnitude of change in intermittent endurance performance across a season and to observe how change in endurance relates with training load, 3.) determine the degree and magnitude of change in strength and explosiveness across a season, and to see how these strength changes relate to training load. 1.) …

Stop The Pricks: A Validation Study Of A Noninvasive Lactate Threshold Device, Rebecca M. Mcmorries

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

ABSTRACT

Purpose: The aim of this study is to assess the validity of a noninvasive lactate threshold device (NID) to determine lactate threshold heart rate (LTHR) and aerobic threshold heart rate (AeTHR).

Methods: Twenty-one recreational athletes completed a personalized graded exercise test on a treadmill. All participants wore the noninvasive device and blood lactate samples were taken at the end of 3-minute stages. Lactate threshold heart rate and aerobic threshold heart rate were then calculated using four traditional methods and compared against the same heart rate values calculated by the device.

Results: No significant differences were found in lactate threshold …

Comparison Of Two Body Weight Screenings Of Self-Conscious Emotions And Coping, Rachel N. Nanez Ms.

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Novel technologies are currently being utilized in fitness and clinical settings. However, there is not much research to examine the emotional responses to such screenings.

PURPOSE: To examine the group differences between the FIT3D and DXA protocol on emotional responses and the differences between weight classifications.

METHODS: The Body and Appearance-related Self-conscious Emotions Scale and WEIGHTCOPE were used to assess self-conscious emotions and intention to utilize 10 different weight-related coping strategies following the scans. Motivation was measured by a 10-point Likert scale measuring motivation pre and post scans.

RESULTS: There were no differences in motivation, affective response, or intention to …

A Qualitative Analysis Of Barriers To And Facilitators Of Successful Weight Loss, Alyson Drooger

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Background: Along with the United States obesity epidemic comes extensive weight loss attempts. One way people are attempting to lose weight is through meal replacement programs. Much work has been done to study strategies of structured weight loss programs and examine their success. Limited work has been done to study the specific barriers and facilitators of the real life participants who join weight loss programs. The purpose of this study is to identify, through qualitative research methods, the barriers to and facilitators of weight loss while participating in a meal replacement program.

Methods: Twenty-nine members of a meal replacement program …