Kinesiology Commons^™

Joint Associations Of Physical Activity And Mindfulness Meditation With 12‑Month Self‑Rated Health Change Among U.S. Adults: A National Health Interview Survey Study, Yubing Wang

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

Background: Lifestyle medicine emphasizes scalable behaviors that improve patient-centered health trajectories. Physical activity (PA) and mindfulness meditation are widely promoted, but nationally representative evidence on their joint engagement is limited. Methods:We analyzed adults from the 2012 and 2017 National Health Interview Survey (n=57,166). Guideline-level leisure-time PA and past-year mindfulness meditation formed four groups: Neither, PA only, Meditation only, and Both. The outcome was reporting better versus same or worse health relative to 12 months earlier. Survey-weighted models estimated adjusted probabilities, probability differences (PDs), and prevalence ratios (PRs). Results: Adjusted probabilities were 32.3% for Both, 27.7% for Meditation only, 22.4% …

Effects Of Neurocognitive And Neuromuscular Exercises On Skill Performance And Injury Risk In Collegiate Volleyball Athletes, Matthew Albano, Rebecca Whitmer, Mallory S. Kobak, Michael J. Rebold

Journal for Sports Neuroscience

Athletic performance often requires rapid responses to unpredictable and environmentally reactive stimuli, highlighting the importance of neurocognitive function. Emerging evidence suggests that integrating neurocognitive and neuromuscular exercises may enhance skill performance and reduce injury risk during competition. These exercises, targeting reaction time, decision-making, audio and visual processing, memory, and dual-tasking may influence both injury incidence and biomechanics. This study evaluated the effects of neurocognitive and neuromuscular training across a collegiate men’s volleyball season, focusing on injury risk and skill performance outcomes (attack percentage and service error percentage). Athletes were randomly assigned to either a neurocognitive condition (NEURO) or …

Service-Learning Through A Community-Based Boxing Program For Persons With Parkinson’S Disease, Carrie Ellis, Jessica Watson

Educational Practices in Kinesiology

The purpose of this manuscript is to discuss how a community-based boxing program can be implemented to engage students in service learning, while also providing a valuable service to an underserved population in the community. The intended audience for this activity is undergraduate exercise science or kinesiology students and graduate Doctor of Physical Therapy students. The program is delivered in person and requires an estimated time commitment of 75 minutes twice weekly. This activity is unique in that it combines the pedagogical benefits of service-learning for students with evidence-based treatment for Parkinson’s disease (PD). As PD is the second most …

Use Of The Well-Star Model And Well-Star Graphic In Healthcare, Fidan Korkut-Owen, Zubeyde Akpakir, Dean W. Owen

Journal of Wellness

No abstract provided.

Academic Performance In College Students: The Roles Of Physical Activity, Perceived Academic Control, And Bmi, Erin Vanderbunt, Jenna Woolley

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology

Volume 7: Issue 1, Article 3, 2026.  Background: Health behaviors and motivational factors are increasingly recognized as contributors to academic performance in college students. Physical activity (PA), perceived academic control (PAC), and body mass index (BMI) have each been linked to academic outcomes, yet their combined effects remain understudied. Purpose: To examine the relationships between PA, PAC, BMI, and academic performance in undergraduate students. Methods: A total of 299 undergraduates from a regional Midwestern university participated in this study. Students completed a survey assessing demographic variables, physical activity (via IPAQ-SF), PAC, BMI, and self-reported academic performance on a …

Analyzing Accessibility And Efficacy Of One Research Survey Website To Test Readability Of Physical Activity Promotion Material Disseminated Online: A Mixed Methods Pilot Study, Jafra D. Thomas, Anuraj Dhillon, Yi Sheng Wu, Jasmine C. Wong, Regina F. Hockert

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology

Volume 7: Issue 1, Article 2, 2026.  Accessibility is the effort and ability required to access and navigate environments and participate in activities. Physical activity educational materials disseminated to the public and used within behavior change interventions may be hard to read and navigate, decreasing their accessibility and a study’s validity. This study documented, and addressed, issues that may hinder researchers’ ability to gauge accessibility of their online educational materials using the cloze procedure (a direct readability measure, requires guessing missing words from text passages). A multi-stage, mixed methods pilot study was utilized (August 2022 to May 2023). Phase 1: …

Differences In Mental Toughness Among Mixed Martial Artists And Physically Active Individuals, Savannah M. Calleja, Soleil Ramos, Victoria Potvin, Anthony A. Ricci, Gabriel J. Sanders, Corey A. Peacock

Journal for Sports Neuroscience

Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) is a physiological and psychological demanding sport. While the majority of the literature conducted in MMA regards physiological health and risk of injury, researchers are beginning to assess the psychological profiles of MMA athletes. Previous studies have evaluated mental toughness (MT) within MMA; however, no study has examined MT in MMA athletes at the professional division. Therefore, the primary purpose of this research was to evaluate the difference in mental toughness between professional MMA athletes and physically active individuals. Secondary aims are to evaluate potential variations in mental toughness within the professional level between champion and …

The Impact Of Unilateral Versus Bilateral Ankle Bracing On Kinematics, Kinetics, And Performance In Volleyball Players, Stephen M. Boulanger, Derek M. R. Kivi, Carlos Zerpa, Paolo Sanzo

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology

This study examined the effect of different types of ankle braces (Ankle Stabilizing Orthosis (ASO) vs. T2 Active Ankle(T2)) when worn unilaterally (UNI), bilaterally (BI), and with no brace worn (UB) on lower extremity kinematics and kinetics during a vertical jump and agility test. Twenty-two competitive volleyball players completed both a vertical jump test and agility T-test under five bracing conditions. Vertical jump height (VJH), ankle dorsiflexion (ADF), ankle plantarflexion (APF), knee flexion (KF), hip flexion (HF), vertical ground reaction force (vGRF), and vertical impulse were measured during the vertical jump test, while time to completion was measured for the …

Females With Urinary Incontinence Demonstrate Impaired Postural Stability, Jean L. Mccrory, Corrie Mancinelli, Kate Harrison, Samantha K. Rondini Monaco, Krystal L. Thomas

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Introduction: Females with urinary incontinence (UI) have an increased risk of falls.  Few studies have quantified postural control, namely center of pressure (COP) movement and vertical ground reaction force in static and dynamic tasks, in females with UI. Purpose: The aim of our study was to examine static and perturbed postural stability in females with UI compared to unaffected females. Methods: The study design was a between-group comparison (UI vs control) on our static outcome variables of anteroposterior and mediolateral COP sway, COP displacement, average and instantaneous maximum COP velocity, and standard deviations of anteroposterior and mediolateral COP movement and …

Exploring The Backgrounds, Experiences, Motivations, And Development Of School-Based Wheelchair Sport Coaches, Deborah Shapiro, Scott Douglas, Jp Barfield, Laurie A. Malone

Journal of Coach Development

Coaching in adapted sport is a complex and demanding practice that requires both specialized technical expertise and a deep understanding of disability. This study explored the motivations, backgrounds, and developmental pathways of interscholastic school-based wheelchair sport coaches. We examined how coaches are introduced to wheelchair sport coaching, their initial and ongoing development, and their perspectives on effective coaching and training practices. A total of 17 coaches (10 men, 7 women) with 1 to 17 years of experience in wheelchair sports coaching from 7 interscholastic wheelchair sports teams participated in one 60-minute mini focus group discussion and responded to a set …

Preoperative Low-Intensity Blood Flow Restriction Training Does Not Improve Quadriceps Strength Or Hypertrophy After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction, Daniel Mcgurren, Kaycee Glattke, Molly Klanderman, Jedediah Lee, Anikar Chhabra, Arthur De Luigi

Journal for Sports Neuroscience

Objectives: To investigate the efficacy of a preoperative low-intensity blood flow restriction (LI-BFR) training intervention for patients undergoing anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR).

Design: Pilot study

Methods: Twenty-eight patients undergoing primary ACLR participated in either a LI-BFR training or sham intervention at a rate of 2 sessions per week for 2 weeks before surgery. Quadriceps strength and cross-sectional area were measured via handheld dynamometry and leg press test before and after the intervention before surgery and at 5 different time points after surgery, through 24 weeks after surgery.

Results: Adjusting for sex, time, and strength/hypertrophy at baseline, there were no …

Neuromuscular Responses During Vigorous Intensity Heart Rate-Clamp Cycling Exercise, Clara J. Mitchinson, Pasquale J. Succi, Brian Benitez, Djadmann Gustave, Minyoung Kwak, Erik Snell, Haley C. Bergstrom

Journal for Sports Neuroscience

Introduction: Electromyography (EMG) and mechanomyography (MMG) provide non-invasive assessments of neuromuscular function and fatigue during dynamic exercise. This study examined neuromuscular fatigue and cycling performance through changes in power output (PO), total work (TW), EMG and MMG, amplitude (AMP) and mean power frequency (MPF) during three, heart rate (HR)-Clamp trials in the vigorous range (77-95% HR_max). Methods: Ten men (mean±SD, 25.9±5.0yr, 74.9±15.0kg, HR_max=178±12b×min^-1) performed a cycle ergometer graded exercise test, followed by three separate HR-Clamp trials at 77%HR_max (HR_L, time to exhaustion [T_Lim]=58.5±4.6 min, range=45.3-60.0min), 86%HR_max (HR_{M …}

Intramuscular Nad⁺ Therapy And Neuroenergetic Symptom Modulation: An Exploratory Retrospective Human Pilot Study, Zachary J. Dickey Do, Kirtan Patel Bs, Randy Aldret Edd, Cscs, Atc, Navneet Sharma Md, Glenn Goodwin Do

Journal for Sports Neuroscience

Abstract

Background: Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD⁺) is a central regulator of neuronal energy metabolism, mitochondrial function, and axonal integrity. Following mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) and repetitive subconcussive exposure, neurons undergo a neurometabolic crisis characterized by impaired oxidative phosphorylation, increased ATP demand, and depletion of intracellular NAD⁺ pools. Pre clinical models demonstrate that NAD⁺ depletion contributes to central energy dysregulation, cognitive dysfunction, and axonal and neuronal degeneration through disruption of NAD⁺-dependent pathways including SIRT1-mediated mitochondrial resilience, PARP1-driven NAD⁺ consumption, and SARM1-associated axonal breakdown. Despite growing preclinical evidence supporting NAD⁺based neuroprotection, human clinical data remains absent.

Methods: A real-world clinical pilot …

Limits Of Post-Activation Performance Enhancement: Asymmetry Persists Despite Performance Gains, Talia Thompson, Monique Mokha

Journal for Sports Neuroscience

Post-activation performance enhancement (PAPE) protocols are commonly used to improve power, yet their influence on inter-limb force symmetry remains unclear. This study examined the effects of a PAPE protocol on inter- and intra-session symmetry and performance during a countermovement (CMJ. Ten American football players preparing for the National Football League’s draft completed a complex PAPE protocol consisting of two baseline CMJ trials on dual uniaxial force plates, followed by three sets of maximum effort lower-body lifts (e.g., split squats) alternated with two CMJ trials. Jump height (JH), reactive strength index modified (RSImod), and asymmetry indices for concentric impulse (CIA), eccentric …

Turf Toe And Sesamoid Fracture Case Study, Mason Cannon

Journal of Sports Medicine and Allied Health Sciences: Official Journal of the Ohio Athletic Trainers Association

OBJECTIVE This case presents the evaluation and management of a 15-year-old male multi-sport high school athlete. The athlete initially sustained a turf toe injury that progressed into a sesamoid fracture. This report showcases the clinical findings, treatment progression, and outcomes within a disablement model framework.

Prevalence Of Low Energy Availability (Lea) Risk In Division Iii Female Distance Athletes, Ciara Murphy

Journal of Sports Medicine and Allied Health Sciences: Official Journal of the Ohio Athletic Trainers Association

OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to explore the prevalence of LEA among division III female distance athletes.

The Effectiveness Of An Educational Program On Young Swimmers Water Consumption And Dry Land Exercises, Maria Thibodeaux, Shelby Bay, Maddie Hoyt, Elizabeth Starns, Elizabeth Nix

Journal of Sports Medicine and Allied Health Sciences: Official Journal of the Ohio Athletic Trainers Association

OBJECTIVE/CONTEXT Although shown to improve performance, many young swimmers are reluctant to participate in dry land exercises.¹ They are also more likely to become dehydrated than their non-swimming counterparts, suggesting they are not adequately hydrating during activity and throughout their day.² Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the impact of a four-week educational program on dry land exercises and water consumption.

From Focal Chondral Defect To Matrix-Induced Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation In An Active Adult: A Case Study, Zoey Scott

Journal of Sports Medicine and Allied Health Sciences: Official Journal of the Ohio Athletic Trainers Association

OBJECTIVE Present a clinical case detailing the undetermined consequential factors associated with FCD progression  in athletic populations, and the subsequent challenges.

Post-Surgical Dislocations: A Latarjet Procedure, Brianagh Dean, Kimberly S. Peer

Journal of Sports Medicine and Allied Health Sciences: Official Journal of the Ohio Athletic Trainers Association

BACKGROUND The glenohumeral joint is the most frequently dislocated joint in the body, with an incidence rate of 40.4 per 100,000 in men and 15.5 per 100,000 women. Recurrence rates following a first-time anterior shoulder dislocation range from 33-40%, particularly among adolescent collision-sport athletes. Arthroscopic Bankart repair is performed to address anterior instability, however recurrent instability may occur in the presence of glenoid bone loss. The Latarjet surgery is indicated in cases of recurrent anterior instability with significant bony deficiency, functioning through a triple-blocking mechanism increasing glenoid surface area via coracoid transfer, creating a dynamic sling effect from the conjoined …

Oral Contraceptives Rate Of Reduction On Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries In Females: A Critically Appraised Topic, Paige Trent, Sara Stiltner

Journal of Sports Medicine and Allied Health Sciences: Official Journal of the Ohio Athletic Trainers Association

CLINICAL SCENARIO Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries occur more frequently in females than males, with estimates suggesting a 2-10 greater likelihood of females to sustain this trauma.3 FIFA issued a recent call to action encouraging further investigation into why females are still predisposed to this trauma.2 ACL incident rate is highest amongst females between 14–18-years-old with approximately 227.6 exposures per 100,000 persons per year.1 Multifactorial influences are suggested as predisposing risk factors including anatomical or hormonal components.1 Growing interest in hormonal contributions has led researchers to examine how fluctuations in estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone impact ligamentous integrity.8

Estrogen receptors are …

Case Report: Chronic Peroneal Subluxation, Natalie Weissman, Morgan Cooper Bagley, Colin Reidy

Journal of Sports Medicine and Allied Health Sciences: Official Journal of the Ohio Athletic Trainers Association

OBJECTIVE The case study presented explores the sign, symptoms, and unique treatment of a patient with a chronic peroneal subluxation of the right ankle. The clinical evaluation showed full range of motion with visible peroneal tendon movement over the right lateral malleolus. Surgery was not done or recommended; a four-phase rehabilitation with a return to play protocol was used. This case showed how rehabilitation through a non-surgical approach is still achievable.

The Effect Of Taper On Scapular Positioning In Division Iii Collegiate Swimmers, Maddie Hoyt, Elizabeth Starns, Andrew Busch

Journal of Sports Medicine and Allied Health Sciences: Official Journal of the Ohio Athletic Trainers Association

OBJECTIVE Scapular asymmetry and lateral translation are prevalent in competitive swimmers due to the repetitive overhead nature of the sport.^1,2 Additionally, ambiguity exists in the reliability of non-invasive scapular assessments. First, this study aimed to compare differences in scapular positioning during the competitive swimming season to the tapered season. The tapered season is marked by a significant decrease in intensity.^3,4,5 Second, this study aimed to determine the reliability of three commonly used scapular assessments.

Anterior Cruciate Ligament Autograft Reconstruction Outcomes In Adolescents And Young Adults: A Critically Appraised Topic, Klevione D. Brown, River A. Hamilton, Elizabeth A. Starns

Journal of Sports Medicine and Allied Health Sciences: Official Journal of the Ohio Athletic Trainers Association

CLINICAL SCENARIO Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears are one of the most common serious knee injuries seen in high school and college-aged athletes.¹ Many athletes opt for surgical reconstruction because ACL injuries often result in knee instability and impair their ability to return to play in their sport.² There are three primary types of autografts used in reconstruction: bone-patellar tendon-bone (BTB), hamstring tendon (HT), and quadriceps tendon (QT) autografts.³ It is important to determine if a graft type has better return-to-play outcomes for adolescent and young adult athletes.

Sport-Related Concussion Incidents Across Sports, Surfaces, And Injury Mechanisms: A Retrospective Analysis Of A Digital Concussion Database, Justin Belle, Jay Alberts, Jason Cruickshank, Richard Figler, Kelsey Owen, Sami Rifat

Journal of Sports Medicine and Allied Health Sciences: Official Journal of the Ohio Athletic Trainers Association

OBJECTIVE/CONTEXT Sport-related concussion (SRC) represents a significant injury burden in youth athletics. Advances in digital injury surveillance platforms allow for large-scale clinical databases that may provide insight into injury mechanisms, sport distribution, and management patterns. The purpose of this study was to describe the distribution of concussion-related incidents across sports, playing surfaces, and mechanisms of injury using data from a prospectively maintained clinical concussion database.

Dysautonomia In Adolescent Athletes With Persistent Post‑Concussion Complaints, Jason A. Cruickshank

Journal of Sports Medicine and Allied Health Sciences: Official Journal of the Ohio Athletic Trainers Association

OBJECTIVE/BACKGROUND Dysautonomia is dysfunction in autonomic nervous system manifesting following concussion, contributing to Persistent Post‑Concussion Complaints (PPCC).^1,5 Patients with dysautonomia may present with dizziness, tachycardia, postural intolerance, headaches, cognitive fog, and activity/exercise intolerance.^1,5 Recognition of autonomic involvement is essential to recovery and preventing prolonged symptoms^.1,5

The Effectiveness Of A Mental Health Literacy Webpage For Parents, Coaches, And Athletic Trainers, Mackenzie Warner, Kimberly Peer, Hannah Harnar, David Dees

Journal of Sports Medicine and Allied Health Sciences: Official Journal of the Ohio Athletic Trainers Association

INTRODUCTION Mental health illnesses continue to emerge as a major public health concern, particularly among adolescents and young adults. Secondary school student-athletes face unique pressures related to academics, athletic performance, time management, injuries, and social expectations, all of which may contribute to anxiety, depression, stress, or other mental health conditions. However, there is limited research that explores secondary school student-athletes and how mental health affects their everyday lives. This could be due to the lack of mental health literacy in the individuals who surround secondary school student-athletes, including parents, coaches, and athletic trainers. Increasing their understanding of mental health literacy …

Understanding Athletic Trainer's Knowledge And Perceptions Of Mental Health Best Practices: A Mixed-Methods Study, Chelsea Pasukinis, Yvette Ingram, Malissa Martin, Robert B. Krueger

Journal of Sports Medicine and Allied Health Sciences: Official Journal of the Ohio Athletic Trainers Association

OBJECTIVE Mental health disorders are increasing in our society. Research on athletic trainers' (AT) knowledge and perception of mental health disorders, and whether policies are developed and used, is limited. The purpose of this study is to investigate AT’s knowledge of mental health illness, current policies and procedures, and the perceptions ATs have of mental health.

A Case Report Of Blunt Renal Trauma In A High School Football Athlete, Mariah Reeder

Journal of Sports Medicine and Allied Health Sciences: Official Journal of the Ohio Athletic Trainers Association

OBJECTIVE/BACKGROUND Blunt abdominal trauma in football athletes is uncommon but carries significant risk for internal organ injury and hemorrhage. Although sport-related renal injuries are rare, a significant portion of them are high-grade (IV-V) and may require advanced medical intervention if not recognized promptly.¹ Symptoms may initially appear benign, such as “having the wind knocked out,” increasing the risk of delayed diagnosis. Athletic trainers often serve as first responders and play a critical role in early recognition, on-field management, and prompt referral for advanced medical care. This case highlights athletic trainer led clinical decision making and interdisciplinary coordination following blunt …

Assessment Of A Middle School Return To Learn Concussion Protocol, Aaron Yaksich, Laura L. Harris

Journal of Sports Medicine and Allied Health Sciences: Official Journal of the Ohio Athletic Trainers Association

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effectiveness of a newly implemented return to learn (RTL) concussion protocol in an adolescent athletic population.

Challenging The Standard: A Case Report Of Postpartum Rehabilitation Prior To Return To High-Intensity Functional Training, Aly Matejka

Journal of Sports Medicine and Allied Health Sciences: Official Journal of the Ohio Athletic Trainers Association

OBJECTIVE Postpartum athletes frequently attempt to return to high-intensity training without graded rehabilitation of the deep core and pelvic floor complex, contributing to urinary incontinence, impaired load transfer, unresolved diastasis recti, and decreased performance capacity. Despite increasing participation of postpartum individuals in high-load functional training, there is limited applied literature outlining structured, criterion-based return-to-exercise progressions that address breathing mechanics, pelvic floor function, and force development prior to reintroduction of impact and resistance training. This case report describes the implementation of a 15-week postpartum rehabilitation and return-to-training protocol designed to restore neuromuscular control, muscular endurance and strength, and impact tolerance prior …