Kinesiology Commons^™

The Effects Of Squat Depth On Lower Extremity Joint Kinetics, Acl Loading, Pcl Loading, Tibiofemoral Compressive Forces And Activations Of Eight Lower Extremity Muscles, Zachary A. Sievert

Human Movement Studies & Special Education Theses & Dissertations

Performing resistance training exercises are important in many facets oflife. Resistance training can be used from elite athletes preparing for the Olympics to the average person exercising for overall health. The squat is a common training exercise that can be utilized to improve lower extremity strength and performance. There has been much debate on the effects of squatting depth on lower extremity joint kinetics and kinematics. Therefore the purpose of this thesis is to examine the effects of depth and load on the muscle activation of eight lower extremity muscles and three-dimensional (30) joint moments about the right knee, hip …

Intensity Of Exercise And Endothelial Function In Healthy Adults, Jacquelyn R. Moxey

Human Movement Studies & Special Education Theses & Dissertations

PURPOSE: To examine the effects of acute bouts of isocaloric exercise at different intensities on endothelial function. The flow-mediated dilation (FMD) responses after the different acute exercise bouts were compared to a control (no exercise) condition. METHODS: Nine healthy subjects completed the study (6 males, 3 females, X ± SD = 24 ± 5 yr, 1.75 ± 0.11 m, 79.2 ± 12.4 kg, 47.9 ± 6.9 mL•kg^-1•min^-1). Vascular responses were compared under three different conditions- HIT: a bout of high-intensity interval treadmill exercise consisting of ten 1-minute intervals at ~100% VO_2max; MOD: moderate-intensity exercise …

Effect Of A Lateral Wedge Insole Over A One Week Period In A Healthy Population, Sarah E. Sudheimer

Human Movement Studies & Special Education Theses & Dissertations

Medial knee osteoarthritis is a disease that is projected to affect approximately 45% of the U.S. population and is associated with significant morbidity, chronic pain, and limited activity. Laterally wedged insoles are used as an intervention to laterally shift the mechanical axis of the limb and decrease the external knee adduction moment, possibly indicating a shift in load distribution to the lateral compartment of the knee. The aim of this study was to examine the acute effects of a laterally wedged insole in those with valgus and normally aligned knees and to determine prolonged effects after the insole was worn …

Effects Of Ankle Immobilization On Lower Extremity Joint Coupling Variability, Kristin M. Gundy

Human Movement Studies & Special Education Theses & Dissertations

Human movement is a complex system that encompasses several factors within the body to create coordination. It is not fully understood how the many degrees of freedom (DOF) of the body organize to create movement. Both internal and external influence how the DOF problem works to produce varying movement goals.

The purpose of this study was to better understand the organization patterns of the body by eliminating a DOF. The ankle joint was immobilized to determine if there were differences at the hip and knee joint couplings. It was hypothesized that there would be an increase in movement variability at …

Lower Extremity Biomechanics During Single Leg Drop Landings In Individuals With Patellofemoral Pain, Stacey L. Gaven

Human Movement Studies & Special Education Theses & Dissertations

Patellofemoral joint pain (PFP) is one of the most common afflictions of the active population. While etiological factors encompassing the entire lower extremity have been associated with PFP, participation in athletic activities while fatigued may further influence abnormal biomechanics in individuals with this condition. The aim of Project I was to investigate the lower extremity (LE) biomechanics during a single leg(SL) drop landing in individuals with and without PFP. Project II aimed to investigate the LE biomechanics of individuals with PFP during a SL drop landing pre and post an aerobic exercise protocol. Project 111 investigated the LE biomechanics of …

Changes In The Dynamics Of Postural And Locomotor Control As A Result Of Varying Task Demands, Kathleen Sherry Thomas

Human Movement Studies & Special Education Theses & Dissertations

The aim of this study was to examine changes in postural and locomotor control under varying task demands. Three experiments were designed to address the impact that fast walking had on standing posture over time, slow walking had on gait dynamics over time, and the extent to which gait speed interacts with the ability to walk randomly.

For experiment I, the aim was to identify the time course in which postural adaptation occurred while walking at faster than preferred speeds. Postural motion was assessed at specific intervals over a 35-min walking trial. Findings revealed that walking at a faster speed …

The Relationship Between Heart Rate Variability, Shooting Experience, And Tactical Pistol Performance, Andrew Gerard Thompson

Human Movement Studies & Special Education Theses & Dissertations

PURPOSE: At rest and during a tactical pistol competition classifier, heart rate variability (HRV) time-domain, high frequency (HF), low frequency (LF), total power (TP), and inter-beat-interval (IBI) measurements were examined in 28, healthy subjects (37 ± 11 yr old, 180 ± 7 cm, 90.6 ± 16.9 kg) for correlations to performance. METHODS: Resting measurements were taken supine in a quiet, dimmed room, during metronomic breathing. The shooting task consisted of three stages, comprised of several strings each. The strings were initiated by a starting buzzer and involved several tactical maneuvers, including holster draws, engaging multiple targets, firing on the move, …

The Influence Of Interlimb Differences On Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury Risk Factors In Female Collegiate Soccer Athletes, Eric Kevin Greska

Human Movement Studies & Special Education Theses & Dissertations

Female collegiate soccer athletes suffer anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries at a rate of 0.31 per 1000 athlete-exposures, with 67% of injuries expected to be from a non-contact mechanism. As well, previous studies have demonstrated dissimilarity in non-contact ACL injuries relative to dominant and non-dominant legs; with the non-dominant leg being the involved side in 48-67% of reported incidents. The aim of this study was to examine lower extremity neuromechanics relative to leg dominance during an unanticipated sidestep cutting task, with differing states of fatigue and training.

Twenty female collegiate soccer players performed three valid trials for both the dominant …

Alternative Therapy And Treatment Of Type 2 Diabetes, Carmine R. Grieco

Human Movement Studies & Special Education Theses & Dissertations

The rise in prevalence and incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) in the developing world continues unabated. Current treatment strategies, however, fall short of achieving optimal glycemic control. The aim of project I was to investigate the effect of an acute bout of a yogic breathing exercise on heart rate variability (HRV) in individuals with T2D. Project II was designed to assess the effectiveness of the neurohormone melatonin in lowering short- and long-term glucose levels, lipids and oxidative stress in T2D. Project III investigated the differential effects of two different styles of aerobic exercise on postprandial glycemia, mood and …

Evidence-Based Practice For The Athletic Training Profession, Cailee Elizabeth Welch

Human Movement Studies & Special Education Theses & Dissertations

As evidence-based practice (EBP) becomes a necessity in athletic training, it is essential to recognize current barriers and modes of accessibility to information for enhancement of clinical decision-making. Furthermore, the effectiveness of educational interventions (EI) to enhance knowledge of EBP concepts must be investigated. The aim of Project I was to assess attitudes and beliefs, perceived barriers, and accessibility to resources of EBP among athletic trainers (AT). Project II was designed to investigate the effect of an EI on enhancing AT's knowledge of EBP concepts. Project III explored ATs' experiences of the EI and whether it elicited changes within their …

The Effects Of Acute Hypoxia On Marksmanship, Chelsea Mary Moore

Human Movement Studies & Special Education Theses & Dissertations

Expeditionary warfighters in the military have the responsibility of being ready to deploy on short notice to any part of the world and be able to effectively complete their mission even if deployed to altitude. Studies demonstrate that altitude can significantly effect heart rate, ventilation rate, arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2) and cognition. Decrements in these areas could lead to a reduction in shooting accuracy. Only two studies have looked at the effects of marksmanship at various altitudes and their results are inconclusive. This study evaluated the effects of acute hypoxia on marksmanship and the effect of a physical exertion task …

Optimizing Chronic Slow Breathing Training To Cause A Therapeutic Effect On Heart Rate Variability, Jennifer Joy Brown

Human Movement Studies & Special Education Theses & Dissertations

Heart rate variability (HRV) is a valid and reliable tool that can be used to determine the basic state of an individual's autonomic health. The current study attempted to establish the minimum frequency of breathing practice necessary to produce a therapeutic effect on HRV over the course of a four-week period with four different treatment groups, specifically, groups that practiced a slow breathing protocol for either 2, 3 or 5 times per week, and a control group. Forty-three subjects (14 males, 29 females), ages 18–50 years, were screened, pre-tested, matched for sex, age and HRV, assigned to a specific group …

Plantar Pressure Distribution Differences In Physically Active Individuals With And Without Functional Ankle Instability During A Side Cut, J'Nai Pittman

Human Movement Studies & Special Education Theses & Dissertations

Context: Functional ankle instability (FAI) is a popular condition in the physically active population. There is a surplus of evidence to demonstrate how FAI decreases proprioception, balance, and overall athletic performance. However, to date there is no evidence that demonstrates how F AI correlates to alterations in plantar pressure distribution differences in a physically active population while completing athletic tasks. Objective: To assess differences in plantar pressure distributions while completing a side cut in individuals with and without FAI. Design: Observational case-control. Setting: Outdoor field turf and research laboratory. Participants: Fifty ankles from physically active individuals (FAI: age= 21.47±3.02 yrs; …

Evidence-Based Practice In Clinical Athletic Training Education, Dorice A. Hankemeier

Human Movement Studies & Special Education Theses & Dissertations

Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) concepts are becoming more prevalent in the educational curricula of nursing, medicine, physical therapy, and athletic training. The infusion of EBP in the clinical education experience of students has been slow especially in athletic training. The aim of Project I was to investigate approved clinical instructors (ACIs) experience and implementation of EBP with students through emergent design qualitative interviews. Project II was designed to develop and establish the reliability of the Evidence-Based Concepts Assessment (EBCA) to assess athletic trainers' perceived importance, attitudes & beliefs, knowledge, confidence, accessibility, and barriers of EBP. Project III investigated the importance, knowledge, …

The Comparison Of Hamstring/Quadriceps Strength Ratio In The Dominant Versus The Non-Dominant Leg Of Elite Female Artistic Gymnasts, Marina Moure

Human Movement Studies & Special Education Theses & Dissertations

The majority of the injuries in women's artistic gymnastics occur in the lower limbs (Marshall et al, 2007). Hamstring muscle strains are prevalent in sports that involve sprinting (Ekstrand & Quillist, 1985; Orchard, 2001; Croisier et al., 2008) with a high reinjury ratio (Orchard, 1993; Orchard, 1997). Recent studies have linked an increase of muscle injury rate in the lower limbs to strength muscle imbalance between legs and the relation between the hamstring and quadriceps strength (Croisier et al., 2002; Yamamoto, 2008; Sugiura et al, 2008). In order to determine if there is an imbalance in women's artistic gymnastics, forty-three …

Effect Of Body Mass And Added Mass On Treadmill Performance, Rachel Elizabeth Walker

Human Movement Studies & Special Education Theses & Dissertations

Strenuous physical activity in extreme environments is an important part of the activities of military personnel. The average infantry combat load for an infantry on the loaded tasks. Subjects performed an outdoor 4.8-km run and four maximal treadmill tests wearing the loads listed above. Subjects' pulmonary function was tested with load prior to each treadmill session. Peak values of heart rate, VO₂, exercise ventilation, and respiratory exchange ratio were measured at the end of each maximal treadmill test. Significant decreases were found in pulmonary function measures (FEV₁, FVC and MVV) with increasing load. Most peak responses …

Fatigue Effects In Lower Extremity Biomechanics During Unanticipated Sidestep Cutting In Young Adolescent Lacrosse Athletes, Julie Ann Bamberg

Human Movement Studies & Special Education Theses & Dissertations

Over the past decade, youth lacrosse participation has substantially increased across the United States. As well, fatigue has been shown to have a detrimental effect on lower extremity biomechanics, potentially increasing the risk for injury. Yet, the effects of fatigue on lower extremity biomechanics in the young adolescent athletic population have not been addressed. The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of a fatigue protocol [Slow Linear Oxidative Fatigue Protocol (SLO-FP)] on lower extremity biomechanics during a side-step cutting task (SCT) in adolescent male lacrosse athletes. This quasi-experimental design was conducted in a controlled laboratory with 24 …

The Effect Of Maturation On Hip And Knee Kinetics And Kinematics During An Unanticipated Sidestep Cutting Task In Male Youth Lacrosse Players, Crystal M. Sullivan

Human Movement Studies & Special Education Theses & Dissertations

The incidence of noncontact anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) knee injuries has been studied extensively and has been reported as one of the highest injuries amongst high school and collegiate athletes. Little research has been focused on maturational changes in relation to the risk factors of such an injury. The purpose of this study is to determine if there is a difference between pre-pubescent (PRE), pubescent (MID) and postpubescent (POST) male lacrosse athletes indicated by knee and hip kinetics and kinematics during an unanticipated sidestep cutting task (SS). Thirty-one male participants between the ages of nine and fourteen were recruited and …

The Association Between Different Clinical Methods For Evaluating Lower Extremity Muscular Function, Roger Olen Kollock Jr.

Human Movement Studies & Special Education Theses & Dissertations

Insufficient muscular strength at the hip and thigh may increase an athlete's susceptibility to lower extremity injuries. In an attempt to reduce this risk, researchers have proposed lower limb strength testing within preparticipation physical examinations (PPE) and return-to-play (RTP) evaluations. However, because of cost, mobility, and or set-up time, some methods are not feasible in certain settings. Since methodological approaches between methods can vary, having different contraction modes and testing parameters, substitution of one method for another may not be valid. Therefore, the purpose of this study is three-fold: a) to determine the association between isometric and isokinetic contraction modes …

Neuromechanical Analysis Of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Risk Factors In Female Collegiate Soccer Athletes, Nelson Cortes

Human Movement Studies & Special Education Theses & Dissertations

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) acts in an essential role to prevent anterior tibial displacement when experiencing jump-landing forces that are applied to the lower extremity; more than 100,000 injuries per year in the United States in sport activities that often require landing, deceleration-acceleration, cutting and pivoting actions have been reported. The aim of this study was to examine the nature of any lower limb coupling differences between a drop-jump and a side-step cutting actions, assess kinematic and kinetic differences between three tasks, and evaluate the effects of two landing techniques in biomechanical risk factors while performing two unanticipated tasks. …

Evidence-Based Practice In Undergraduate Athletic Training Education, Sarah A. Manspeaker

Human Movement Studies & Special Education Theses & Dissertations

As Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) has progressed within medicine, nursing, and physical therapy, athletic training has been subsequently slow to infuse EBP and its associated concepts at the professional level. The aim of Project I was to determine athletic training instructors experience and use of evidence-based concepts (EBC) during instruction through emergent design qualitative interviews. Project II was designed to establish the Evidence-Based Teaching Model (EBTM) as a tool for athletic training educators' to use to introduce EBP concepts to professional students.

Project I featured 11 educators from Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) programs. Instructors identified primary approaches …

The Effects Of An Anterior Cruciate Ligament Prevention Program And Retention Period On Lower Extremity Biomechanics, Ryan S. Mccann

Human Movement Studies & Special Education Theses & Dissertations

Researchers have attempted to determine the effects of strength, flexibility, agility, and plyometric training, as well as expert feedback on biomechanical risk factors for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries. Currently, the literature lacks information regarding athletes' ability to retain adaptations made during programs designed to reduce biomechanical risk factors for ACL injuries. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of a 10-week strength and agility program on lower extremity kinetics and kinematics of collegiate athletes immediately following training and after a 11-week retention period. Ten NCAA Division I female soccer players free of lower extremity injury, volunteered …

The Correlation Between Visual Observations And Inclinometric Measurements For Special Tests Related To Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome, Erin Quada

Human Movement Studies & Special Education Theses & Dissertations

Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is generally described as an insidious onset with pain increasing during running, jumping, ascending and descending stairs as well as sitting with the knees flexed for an extended period of time. Clinicians often use special tests in injury evaluations and range of motion assessments, usually making a visual observation of that status of the patient. The purpose of this study was to examine how interval measurements utilized in flexibility and range of motion assessments correlate with visual observations of special tests (active knee extension test, Thomas test, Ober's test, rectus femoris flexibility, and Craig's test). The …

The Effects Of Two Different Fatigue Protocols On Lower Extremity Kinematics And Kinetics During An Unanticipated Running Stop-Jump, David L. Quammen

Human Movement Studies & Special Education Theses & Dissertations

Altered neuromuscular control strategies and biomechanical movement risk factors are most likely to contribute to the increased incidence of non-contact ACL injury for female athletes. Neuromuscular control strategies and movement patterns are further altered when the effects of fatigue are present. The purpose of this study was to determine neuromechanical differences between two fatigue protocols [Slow Linear Oxidative Fatigue Protocol (SLO-FP) and Functional Agility Short-Term Fatigue Protocol (FASTFP)] when performing a running stop-jump task (RS). A sample of convenience of fifteen Division I female soccer players (age= 19.2 ± 0.8 years; height= 1.67 ± 0.05 m; mass= 61.7 ± 8.1 …

The Effects Of Two Types Of Fatigue On An Unanticipated Side-Step Cutting Task As Measured By Kinematic And Kinetic Variables, Shawn E. Lucci

Human Movement Studies & Special Education Theses & Dissertations

Fatigue has been shown to alter the neuromechanics of lower extremity. To date, no study has examined the effects of two types of fatigue on kinetics and kinematics. To determine neuromechanical differences between two fatigue protocols [Slow Linear Oxidative Fatigue Protocol (SLO-FP) and Functional Agility Short-Term Fatigue Protocol (FAST-FP)] when performing an unanticipated sidestep cutting task. Fifteen female collegiate soccer players (age=19.2±0.8 years; height=l.67±0.05m; mass=61.7±8.lkg) participated in this study. Participants were free of lower extremity injury at time of participation, and performed five successful trials of a sidestep cutting (SS) task pre and post fatigue protocols. For the SLO-FP, a …

Isometric Isokinetic And Isotonic Strength Evaluation Of Subjects With Stable And Unstable Ankles, Lauren Nicole Snyder

Human Movement Studies & Special Education Theses & Dissertations

Injuries to the lateral ankle ligaments can result in ankle instability problems. Limited data exists in relation to isokinetic and isometric strength measures of the ankle, with an absence of data in relation to isotonic power measures. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to identify if there is a difference between subjects with unstable ankles and subjects with stable ankles with respect to isokinetic ankle strength, isometric ankle strength, and isotonic ankle power. Eighteen subjects with ankle instability (age, 23.9 ± 2.81 years; height 170.4 ± 8.9 cm; mass 73 ± 18.9 kg) and eighteen subjects with healthy ankles …

Hamstring Strength Measurements In Collegiate Athletes With A History Of Hamstring Injury, Jaimie Lynn Doherty

Human Movement Studies & Special Education Theses & Dissertations

Eccentric hamstring strength (EHS) and hamstring: quadriceps ratios (H:Q) have been proposed to decrease in those who suffer hamstring injuries after return to play. The purpose of this study was to assess EHS and the three types of H:Q (conventional, functional and inverse functional) at two different velocities. Subjects reported to either the university athletic training room or clinic for a single testing session. We included a sample of convenience of 42 Division I and III collegiate athletes (age= 20.64±1.51 yrs ht= 175.93±10.94 cm; mass= 81.77±18.33 kg) with previous hamstring injury (past 24 months). The Biodex System 3 (Biodex Medical …

The Effect Of Instruction On Jump-Landing Kinematics In Collegiate Age Female Athletes Over Time, Jena Lynne Etnoyer

Human Movement Studies & Special Education Theses & Dissertations

The use of verbal and video instruction is a simple feedback tool that can be implemented into almost all clinical rehabilitative and prevention programs. The purpose of this study was to determine whether self or a combination of self and expert feedback will have a long term effect on box-drop jump (BDJ), running-stop jump (RS), and sidestep maneuver (SS) lower extremity kinematics (knee flexion, knee valgus, hip flexion, hip abduction) over time in healthy college age female athletes. A repeated measures design was used. Forty-three physically active females (age=21.47±1.55years; height=l.65±0.08m; weight=63.78±12kg) were randomly assigned to three groups; 15 self feedback(S), …

The Effects Of Isolated Hamstring Fatigue On Jump Landing In Healthy Recreational Athletes, Kristen Anne Phillips

Human Movement Studies & Special Education Theses & Dissertations

The musculature of the lower extremity provides dynamic stability during daily and athletic tasks. In landing tasks, the lower extremity absorbs forces and reduces excessive stresses and motions that are placed upon the body. Neuromuscular fatigue has been linked to an increase in injury and altered kinematics during jump landing tasks. The purpose of this study was to analyze the effects of hamstring fatigue on knee and hip kinematics pre and post hamstrings fatigue while landing from a box drop of 30cm height, during the stop-jump phase. The study aimed to quantify the kinematic data of the hip and knee …

Immediate Effect Of Heel-Pain Orthosis And An Augmented Low-Dye Taping On Plantar Pressures And Pain In Subjects With Plantar Fasciitis, Tracy Andus

Human Movement Studies & Special Education Theses & Dissertations

Research has been done investigating plantar pressures and pain in subjects with pathologies after the application of orthoses and arch taping. To date, however, no study has been conducted investigating plantar pressures and pain in subjects with plantar fasciitis after the application of the augmented low-dye taping (ALD) in comparison to a heel-pain orthosis (HPO). Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the effects of the ALD in comparison to a HPO on pain, peak plantar pressure (PPP), and mean plantar pressure (MPP) under multiple areas of the foot in subjects with plantar fasciitis while walking and jogging. …