Kinesiology Commons^™

Upper Extremity Asymmetries In Collegiate Tennis Players Compared To An Athletic Control Of Runners, Elizabeth A. Cafferty, Dale R. Wagner, Brennan J. Thompson

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(3): 1151-1165, 2025. https://doi.org/10.70252/MDRK9289 Previous research on limb asymmetries of athletes participating in dominant-sided sports lacks an athletic control group. This study aimed to determine the magnitude of upper limb asymmetries in dominant-sided athletes (tennis players) compared to nondominant-sided athletes (cross-country runners). Men and women university 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 widest part of the forearms. Bony breadth of …

Playing Surface Impacts Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test (Level 1) Performance And Validity Of Indirect Vo2max Estimation, Gianna Ferigne, Kloe Martin, Charlie Ottinger, Lauren Biscardi

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(8): 1142-1150, 2025. https://doi.org/10.70252/PGPL8156 This study compared performance on the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1 (YYIR1) and the agility t-test between two playing surfaces, artificial turf and natural grass. This study also assessed agreement between estimated VO2max from the YYIR1 on artificial turf and natural grass with laboratory measured VO2max. Male collegiate soccer players completed three experimental sessions on separate days: YYIR1 and t-test on artificial turf, YYIR1 and t-test on natural grass, and a laboratory VO2max test. The validated Bangsbo et al. equation was used to estimate VO2max from YYIR1 distance. Participants covered …

Effects Of A Quadricep-Dominant Vs. Functional Training Program On Activities Of Daily Living, Functional Performance, And Motor Unit Recruitment In Older Adults, Brittany Followay, Tamera Holland, Larissa Rowley

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(8): 1096-1113, 2025. https://doi.org/10.70252/YHYC9630 The study investigated the effects of a quadriceps-dominant (QD) versus functional (FX) training program on the Functional Movement Screen (FMS), activities of daily living (ADLs), and motor unit (MU) recruitment of the vastus lateralis (VL) and biceps femoris (BF). Twenty-six older adults (68.9 + 5.1yrs) were randomly assigned to a 6-week QD or FX training program. Participants completed ADLs, FMS, and three closed-kinetic chain exercises (CKCs): front lunge (FL), side lunge (SL), and bilateral squat (BLSQ), pre and post-intervention. Electromyography was recorded from the VL and BF during maximal voluntary isometric …

Influence Of Carbon-Fiber Shoes On Outdoor Running Biomechanics As Assessed With Wearable Sensors, Megan Spencer, Nathan Goldcamp, Jean L. Mccrory

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(7): 1121-1132, 2025. https://doi.org/10.70252/JMBI4851 Carbon-fiber shoes feature a stiff yet lightweight curved carbon-fiber plate embedded in the sole and a resilient midsole foam. These shoes create spring-like rebounding effect that has proven to decrease energy consumption and enhance athletic performance. To date, most biomechanics research on carbon-fiber shoes has been laboratory-based. The purpose of our study was to compare running biomechanics in competitive runners wearing carbon-fiber shoes or traditional shoes using wearable sensors on an outdoor composite track. Ten elite runners (9F, 1M) who consistently ran over 30 miles per week and owned a pair …

Physical And Mental Benefits Of Chair Yoga For Older Adults: A Case Series, Justin Smith, Anna Buessing, Carson Pierce, Payton Hybarger, Taylor Antonowich, Wyatt Akins, Barbara Smith

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(5): 1166-1174, 2025. https://doi.org/10.70252/COQS7170 Fitness and rehabilitation professionals commonly use yoga training for improving balance, flexibility, and mental health in populations of all ages. However, little is known about how chair yoga, a specific form of yoga, would impact physical and mental health in older adults. The purpose of this case series was to explore the feasibility and benefits of an 8-week chair yoga class for older adults in an independent living facility. Four participants (ages 77-92 years) performed chair yoga interventions once a week for 8 weeks. Interventions included, but were not limited to, …

Where Is The Power In A Power Analysis?, Kevin D. Dames, Zoe Climenhaga, Jared Rosenberg

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(2): 1114-1120, 2025. https://doi.org/10.70252/AVGK2063 Strategic planning of research involves predicting the number of replications of the experiment needed to detect an expected effect. The power analysis to determine sample size for the proposed experiment requires known or estimated characteristics of existing distributions. When used well, power analysis reduces the risk of statistical errors, wasted efforts, and temptations to twist ensuing analyses to eke out a ‘significant’ result after data collections conclude. This editorial highlights some examples of how this process goes awry. Sections are dedicated to the role of researchers, the case for ‘pilot’ studies, …

An Example Analysis For A Gender-Inclusive Approach In Sport And Exercise Science Research Using Fitbit Outcomes From The All Of Us Research Program Dataset, James W. Navalta, Dustin W. Davis, Jafra D. Thomas, Whitley J. Stone

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(1): 1133-1141, 2025. https://doi.org/10.70252/HRNQ4501 Prevalence studies with wearable devices are used to understand disparities in health-related physical activity behaviors and whether interventions are efficacious. However, studies have been limited to a binary definition of sex. This example analysis aimed to demonstrate how researchers can investigate differences in data beyond the sex-gender binary. Using a cross-sectional analysis of the All of Us Research Program dataset, participants' self-identified gender was categorized into Cisgender Female (n = 10,401), Additional Options (n = 27), Non-binary (n = 84), Transgender (n = 17), and Cisgender Male …

Ethnic Differences In Health-Related Quality Of Life, Physical Activity, And Health Locus Of Control, Kimberly Feiler

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(8): 1072-1085, 2025. https://doi.org/10.70252/STUM6367 This research aimed to better understand the differences in health-related quality of life (HRQoL: general health, physical functioning), physical activity (PA), and health locus of control (HLOC: internal, external-chance, external-powerful others, God) among various ethnic groups. The study’s sample included 185 individuals, 22 - 81 years of age, who were attending or employed by one of three religiously-affiliated higher education institutions during the 2020-2021 academic year. Participants voluntarily answered questions about their ethnic identity, HRQoL, PA level, and HLOC. To analyze the interaction of HRQoL, PA, and HLOC, a multiple regression …

Hemodynamic And Autonomic Modulation In Response To Additive Sympathetic Stressors In Young, Healthy Individuals, J. Derek Kingsley, Anthony G. Pinzone, Gretchen E. Elsey, Stacie M. Humm

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(6): 1047-1060, 2025. https://doi.org/10.70252/WWDK4926 Isometric handgrip (IHG) coupled with post-exercise muscular ischemia (PEMI) and the cold pressor test (CPT) have been demonstrated to increase measures of hemodynamics and to reduce vagal tone. However, little is known about how acute resistance exercise (RE) alters these responses. The purpose was to evaluate an acute bout of RE in conjunction with a single- or dual-stressor task on hemodynamics and autonomic modulation in resistance-trained individuals. Ten resistance-trained individuals (Mean ± SD; Age: 23 ± 3 years) completed a single- (SS: IHG + PEMI only) or dual-stressor (DS: IHG + …

The Effect Of Ankle Bracing On Athletic Performance Variables In Healthy Young Adult Athletes, Penny L. Head, Kurt Neelly, Karen Furgal, Sydney Graves, Meredith Jordan, Mackenzie Polston, Zach Powars, Hailey Shuttleworth, Daniel Smalling

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(5): 1086-1095, 2025. https://doi.org/10.70252/XPTX6116 Acute ankle sprains are common in sports and carry a significantly increased risk of recurrence after an initial injury. Bracing has been shown to reduce injury recurrence; however, athletes may decline this prophylactic measure due to fear of negative effect on athletic performance. Previous research examining the impact of bracing on performance has demonstrated conflicting results. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of bracing on choice reaction time and foot speed in healthy, young adults using computerized agility testing. Twenty-eight healthy athletes aged 18-25 years completed the …

Effect Of Velocity-Based Training On Vertical Jump Performance By Beach Volleyball Players, Filipe Aquino, Igor Nasser, Wladymir Külkamp, Bruno Ribeiro Ramalho Oliveira, Diego Viana Gomes, Everton Crivoi Do Carmo, Walace Monteiro, Eduardo Latari

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(3): 1061-1071, 2025. https://doi.org/10.70252/DFMZ2015 The aim of this study was to examine variations in countermovement jump (CMJ) performance after two velocity-based training (VBT) protocols in the half-squat exercise. Sixteen male beach volleyball athletes performed CMJ tests before and after three experimental sessions on the half-squat exercise. The two VBT protocols were performed in three sets, at a mean propulsive velocity (~ 0.49 m•s⁻¹) associated with relative intensity (~ 85% 1RM), with three minutes interset recovery. In the VL0-10 session, the participants stopped their sets upon reaching a velocity loss (VL) threshold of 10%. …

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 …

Implementation Evaluation Of Blood Flow Restriction In The Rehabilitative Setting, Corbit Franks, Madison Wellborn, Matthew A. Chatlaong, Daphney M. Carter, William M. Miller, Matthew B. Jessee, Robert E. Davis

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Blood flow restriction refers to a training/rehabilitation method consisting of an external pressure system applied to a limb to partially inhibit blood flow to the tissues. Though much research has been conducted concerning the use of blood flow restriction, there is limited research concerning why clinicians may or may not utilize it. Objective: The current qualitative study utilized the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research to investigate why clinicians may or may not implement blood flow restriction in the clinical setting. Methods: A semi-structured interview addressing twelve implementation constructs within four domains (Intervention Characteristics, Outer Setting, Inner Setting, and Characteristics …

A Case Series: Effectiveness Of Nintendo Ring Fit In Improving Balance And Stability Deficits After Recovery From Acl Reconstruction, Emma C. Lord, Melissa A. Tolbert, Whitley J. Stone

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology Volume 6: Issue 1, Article 10, 2025. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of a gaming system in improving balance, strength, and power after recovery from an anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). Existing bilateral deficits were also assessed among patients.

Four participants between the ages of 18-24 years were recruited for this case-control study. Participants must have had an ACLR in the last 2 years, been discharged from formal physical therapy, and have a continued history of participating in physical activity at least three times a week. Participants were assigned to either the …

Managing User Conflicts In A Water Aerobics Program On Behalf Of A Veteran’S Group: A Short Case Study, Hadley Blankenship, Steven N. Waller Ph.D., Jason L. Scott

International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education

This article captures an experience in conflict management that happened during the summer of 2024 as a recreational therapy intern with an adaptive sport and recreation organization located in the Southeastern United States. The backdrop to the case is that a recreational therapy intern worked with various special needs populations – mainly with paraplegic (adult and youth) athletes and veterans. In many organizations, user conflicts and poor communication regarding service provision and scheduling hinder the implementation of programs for special populations, such as veteran groups. In this case, a problem occurred with the scheduling of a water aerobics program for …

Curbing Fatal And Non-Fatal Drowning Deaths: An Effort To Reach Under-Resourced Children In Baltimore, Maryland, Ashton P. Christo, William D. Ramos

International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education

Drowning remains a significant public health problem in the United States, with The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reporting approximately 4,000 drowning deaths annually. Children aged 1-4 face the highest risk, and African American children are disproportionately affected–7.6 times more likely to drown than white children (CDC, 2024). In a city on the East Coast that is predominantly African American, limited access to swimming lessons heightens the risk. To reduce drowning rates, a collaborative swimming program was established between a city high school and a public school enrichment program. The initiative provided essential water safety and swimming skills …

Diversity In Aquatics:4th Special Issue, Tiffany M. Quash Ph.D., Angela K. Beale-Tawfeeq, Steven N. Waller Ph.D.

International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education

The theme of this special issue is “Building a Community of Champions.” The purpose of this theme is to highlight and promote a civic engagement perspective that engages, advocates, and supports communities of Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) in addressing the national, regional, and local evolving health-related issue of drowning. Aquatic Settings have been a pivotal focal point of social justice, water safety, and public health, not only in the past but also in our present day (Beale-Tawfeeq, Quash, et al, 2023 and Waller and Bemiller, 2023). Diversity In Aquatics (DIA) strives to positively impact the field of aquatics …

If We Tear It Down, We Might Build You A New One: The Troublesome Use Of Eminent Domain And Urban Neighborhood Swimming Pools, Steven N. Waller Ph.D., James H. Bemiller

International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education

Public swimming pools are a vital part of America’s recreation and sport culture since the early 1900’s. Municipal swimming pools were initially built to provide recreation and hygiene to urban communities, regardless of race or class. However, a complex history of segregation, civil unrest, suburbanization, and funding challenges has resulted in a significant decline in public pools, depriving many communities of vital recreational spaces. In many communities, options for sustaining the operation of swimming pools have resulted in pool closures. Unfortunately, once swimming pools close, especially those in aging neighborhoods in central city areas, they are seldom resurrected. They quickly …

Teaching Swimming To Children With Disabilities: A Qualitative Analysis Of Swim Instructorstea, Stephanie S. Garcia-Hidalgo, Martin E. Block

International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education

When teaching children with disabilities, swim instructors need to be able to assess the unique strengths and needs of each child to determine modifications needed to instruction, equipment, and the setting and then be flexible enough to make changes in real-time to ensure success for the child. Unfortunately, many swim instructors only work seasonally and have the occasional child with a disability, and as a result are likely to have limited training and experiences with children with disabilities. The purpose of this pilot qualitative study is to examine backgrounds, training, and experiences of six swim instructors who work with children …

Promising Practices For Increasing The Number Of Equity-Owed Lifeguards In Canada And The United States Of America, Sofia Pantano, Audrey R. Giles

International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education

Currently a shortage of lifeguards exists in Canada and the United States (US) (Frommer, 2023; Santucci, 2024), and those who are working as lifeguards often do not reflect the diversity of the communities they serve (Martinez, 2020). Increasing the number of lifeguards from equity-owed groups is a potential way of increasing the lifeguard workforce and decreasing the shortage of workers in these important roles, as well as a moral imperative. In this paper I explore challenges to and promising practices aimed at increasing the representation of members equity-owed groups in lifeguarding. I begin with an overview of lifeguarding in Canada …

Adopting Stuart Hall’S “Race, The Floating Signifier” As A Conceptual Framework Within Aquatic Research And Education, Kurt J. Cordice

International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education

During his 1997 lecture at Goldsmiths College in London, Stuart Hall, renowned for his contributions to sociology and cultural studies, offered his argument that the concept of race functions as a Floating Signifier. In this essay, Stuart Hall’s Race, the Floating Signifier is presented as a strong conceptual framework to support more accurate and effective positioning of race as an important consideration within aquatic research and education. Evidence from a range of disciplines, including historical research, is presented to establish both the importance and challenge of race within aquatic research and education. This evidence is also used to demonstrate …

Building Swimming Skills In A Community Based Program For Black Youth: An Evaluation, Tyler Lennon Md, Mph, Ashley Hayes Mph, Leonardo Barrera Mph, Amy Hill Ms, Mph, Andy Miner, Michelle Macy Md, Ms

International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education

Black youth in the United States disproportionately experience fatal drowning at rates up to five times higher than their white peers. Eliminating these inequities requires new approaches that address historical and structural barriers of learning to swim. The objective of this study was to evaluate the three-week long swimming component of a community-based discovery program to empower Black youth in Evanston, IL. Participants were Black youth ages 8-10 years enrolled in summer 2023 and 2024. Swim skills were assessed by instructors using the Pictorial Scale of Perceived Water Competence (PSPWC). Caregiver surveys, collected post-intervention, also assessed perceived changes in swim …

An Innovative Approach Addressing Childhood Drowning: Making Use Of Collegiate Aquatic Facilities And Expertise, Gennette Cordova, Natasha Lloyd, Chezik Tsunoda

International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education

The silent epidemic of childhood drowning, and the racial disparities associated with it require scalable and innovative approaches that both break cycles of exclusion and circumvent our societal tendency to overlook drowning as a matter in need of urgent resolution. No More Under, a Seattle-based water safety organization whose mission is to eradicate childhood drowning, has launched the Swim Safely Series. The series is a national program uniquely poised to overcome the various barriers associated with racial and socioeconomic drowning disparities by tapping into underutilized collegiate aquatic spaces and merging water safety with mentorship and social intervention.

An Examination Of The Experiences Of An African American Male Diver On A Power Four Swim Team: An Elite Interview, Steven N. Waller Ph.D., Tiffany M. Quash Ph.D.

International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education

Despite the incremental increase in the number of Black people who are learning to swim, the number of Black divers has not kept pace. In the NCAA Database, swimmers and divers were not segmented; thus, they all appear in the category of “swimming” by race and sex. When viewing the 2024 Division I NCAA Demographics Database, 89 (.02%) of 4307 student-athletes participating in swimming were Black women. For men, the data is equally dismal, revealing that 81 (.03%) of 2,608 student-athletes who were identified as swimmers were Black. The purpose of this research note is to examine the developmental experiences …

Transcriptomic Analysis Demonstrates Moderators Of Muscle Quality Are Altered In Age-Related Sarcopenic Obesity, Eleanor R. Schrems, Ana Regina Cabrera, Ronald G. Jones Iii, Francielly Morena, Kevin A. Murach, Nicholas P. Greene, Tyrone A. Washington

Health, Human Performance and Recreation Faculty Publications and Presentations

BackgroundSarcopenic obesity (SO) is the combined condition of sarcopenia and obesity, which commonly occurs in the older adult population. SO is associated with poor physical function, increased risk of musculoskeletal injury, and reduced quality of life and independence. Information on the molecular underpinnings of this condition is limited. The aim of this study was to provide a transcriptomic analysis characterizing SO induced by lifelong obesity and to provide a deeper understanding of the etiology of the condition.ResultsYoung (Y) (6 mo) and aged (A) (21-24 mo) mice were fed either normal chow (L) (12% kcal from fat) or high-fat (O) (60% …

Chitosan Nanofibrous Dressing Increased Angiogenesis And Anti-Inflammatory Response In An Acute Wound Model In Rats: A Comparative Study, Yury Salkovskiy, Mahboubeh Ghanbari, Carlos P Jara, Sara Cartwright, Pinaki Mondal, Colman Freel, Sayed Ahmadreza Razian, Jason Mactaggart, Mark A. Carlson

Journal Articles

Purpose

Chitosan-based materials are promising for wound healing because of their antibacterial efficacy, biocompatibility, and biodegradability, though their healing mechanisms remain unclear. This study explores the cellular and molecular mechanisms of wound healing with chitosan nanofibrous dressings.

Methods

Thirty-nine Sprague Dawley rats were divided into three groups based on the type of dressings administered: (1) chitosan nanofibrous dressing + transparent film, (2) commercial scaffold + transparent film, and (3) transparent film alone (control). Full-thickness wounds (2 cm × 2 cm) were created on the dorsum, splinted, and covered with dressings. Evaluations at 7, 14, and 21 days included histological analysis, …

Wearable Single-Channel Electroencephalography, Brain Activity, And Putting Performance In Collegiate Golfers, Pradeep Vanguri, Savannah Calleja, Valerie G. Starratt, Marissa Bonsangue

Journal for Sports Neuroscience

Wearable Electroencephalography (EEG) is a noninvasive method for assessing brain activity. Outside of the context of a traditional medical or laboratory setting, this technology may provide insight into the study of brain activity during activity or sport. In golf, for example, similar research revealed associations in skilled golfers between activity in the alpha brain wave and conscious control of motor activity during putting. The purpose of this research was to further investigate the association between brain-wave activity and athlete performance using a wearable single-channel EEG device during putting in collegiate golfers. Male and Female golfers (n = 11) from …

U-Shaped Relationship Between White Blood Cell Counts And Incident Hypertension In Military Young Adults: The Chief Study, 2014–2020, Kun-Zhe Tsai, Chia-Wei Hong, Yun-Chen Chang, Wei-Chun Huang, Xuemei Sui, Carl J. Lavie, Gen-Min Lin

Faculty Publications

Background

Systemic low-grade inflammation, which is characterized by increased counts of blood leukocytes (white blood cells, WBCs), can lead to hypertension, while reduced WBC counts caused by the use of some substances, e.g., alcohol, can also lead to hypertension. However, there have been no studies on the association between WBC counts and the risk of hypertension in young adults.

Methods

This cohort study conducted in Taiwan included a total of 2351 military personnel who were aged 18–39 years, were free of baseline hypertension and were followed up for incident hypertension from 2014 to the end of 2020. Resting blood pressure …

Introducing Patient-Centered Outcomes To Preceptors In Caate-Approved Athletic Training Programs, K. Judge

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

The 2020 standards set by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) now require the incorporation of the International Classification of Function and Patient-Centered Outcomes into professional practice. These standards can be introduced initially through simulation, but to develop a competent and culturally aware professional, outcome measures should be completed during clinical experiences under the guidance of approved preceptors. As this is a relatively new standard, many preceptors did not receive this as part of their education and may be uncomfortable integrating outcomes into their practice. This lack of integration can negatively affect the learning opportunities of athletic …

Incorporating Balance Training Into Ankle Sprain Injury Prevention Programs: An Evidence-To-Practice Review, David Tomchuk, Jacob Meyer, Kyle Schneider, Ben Fox

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Ankle sprains are among the most common injuries in sports and non-sporting activities. For patients, ankle sprains can result in multiple short and long-term hardships, such as financial burdens of evaluation and treatment, absenteeism from sport and physical activity, and diminished ankle and lower extremity function. However, athletic trainers and other stakeholders are also impacted by administrative and time burdens in caring for ankle sprains and how ankle sprains affect team dynamics and performance. The 2022 guiding systematic review evaluated the effectiveness of incorporating preventive balance training exercises on the incidence of ankle sprains in soccer athletes. The search performed …