Kinesiology Commons^™

Preventing Injuries In Cdl Drivers: An Occupational Therapy Approach, Jerika Eumecha Arnsworth, Cassandra Nelson, Lee Ann Hoffman

Summer 2025 OTD Capstone Symposium

Commercial drivers are at heightened risk for musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) due to prolonged sitting, inadequate ergonomic environments, and limited access to health education. This doctoral capstone project aimed to address these challenges through the development, implementation, and evaluation of a five-week educational program focused on improving ergonomic awareness and occupational health among CDL drivers. Grounded in the Person-Environment-Occupation (PEO) model, the program was implemented in collaboration with a small commercial logging company in Texas and featured weekly modules on hydration, preparatory movements, assistive technology, seating posture, and mental health.

A needs assessment revealed limited ergonomic knowledge among participants and a …

Changes In Co-Activation And Lower Limb Stiffness During Prolonged Load Carriage, Matthew V. Robinett

Boise State University Theses and Dissertations

Introduction: Overuse musculoskeletal injuries are a common, costly challenge for the armed services. A stiffer lower limb during routine prolonged load carriage tasks may be necessary to attenuate elevated ground reaction forces but further increases musculoskeletal overuse injury risk. Quantifying leg and joint stiffness provides comprehensive and joint level insight into the attenuation of ground reaction forces, and subsequent injury risk. But, it is currently unknown how prolonged load carriage affects leg, knee and ankle stiffness, and knee and ankle muscular activation. Purpose: This study sought to quantify leg, knee, and ankle stiffness, and the activation and coordination of associated …

Behavioral And Neural Correlates Of Post-Stroke Fatigue: A Randomized Controlled Trial Protocol, Kuan-Chun Liao, Isabellle Christian, Jill C. Stewart, Elaine Trudelle-Jackson, Wanyi Wang, Ty Shang, Hui-Ting Goh

Faculty Publications

Introduction

Post-stroke fatigue (PSF) is highly prevalent and lacks of effective management. Recent evidence suggest the use of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) to reduce PSF. However, the effect was not lasting and the working mechanisms was unclear. The purpose of this study is to determine the behavioral and neurophysiological effects of five daily sessions of tDCS on PSF.

Methods and analysis

This will be a double-blind randomized controlled trial targeting an enrollment of 32 participants with subacute-chronic stroke and significant fatigue (average Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) > 4). Participants will be equally randomized to either anodal tDCS or sham tDCS …

Physical Function In Young And Older Adult Active Pickleball Players – A Cross-Sectional Study, Leighanne T. Paulson, Eric Martin, Kent Adams, Marcus M. Lawrence

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology Volume 6: Issue 1, Article 5, 2025. Limited information exists on pickleball’s impact on physical function in older adults (65+ years), despite reported health benefits. PURPOSE: This cross-sectional study evaluated the physical function of active older adult (OA) women and men recreational pickleball players via handgrip strength (HGS) and fatigue (HGF), 6-minute walk distance (6MWD) test, as well as the short physical performance battery (SPPB) compared to sex-matched young adult (YA) controls. METHODS: Thirty YA (18-26 years; n=15 women/men) and 27 OA (65-89 years; n=13 women, n=15 men) participants who played pickleball …

Treatment Related Exercise And Supportive Care Needs Of People Living With And Beyond Breast Cancer, Elise Legault, Dominique Matthys, Lise Gauvin, Isabelle Doré, Alain Steve Comtois Phd, François B. Tournoux Dr, Paula A. B. Ribeiro

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(5): 276-289, 2025. People living with and beyond breast cancer (LWBBC) experience different side effects relative to the type of medical treatments they received which may influence their needs for additional supportive care. Investigating people LWBBC’s needs according to treatment regimen may guide decision making about supportive care priorities. The study’s objectives were to identify individuals LWBBC’s needs for supportive care and to determine exercise program participation facilitators according to treatment type. A survey assessing the needs for supportive care and exercise facilitators was distributed on the Facebook pages of five non-profit Canadian cancer organizations …

No Differences In Lactate Threshold Across The Menstrual Cycle In Untrained Females, Bianca Alvarenga Rambo Galletti, Grant Chesbro, Rebecca Larson

International Journal of Exercise Science

IInternational Journal of Exercise Science 18(8): 193-205, 2025. In addition to maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max), the Lactate Threshold (LT) is the other major determinant of aerobic exercise performance. This study examined the effects of the menstrual cycle (MC) phase on the LT in untrained females. Eight females and 8 males completed a LT test on a cycle ergometer. The tests were performed across three MC phases: early follicular (EF; menses), ovulatory (O), and mid-luteal (ML). The male participants (control group) were randomly assigned visits at similar time intervals as a regular 28-day cycle. Blood lactate was obtained during the …

Mechanisms Of Fatigability In Individuals With Prediabetes And The Effect Of Dietary Nitrate Supplementation, Blaine Evan Arney

Dissertations (1934 -)

Prediabetes is characterized as elevated blood glucose levels below the clinical threshold for type 2 diabetes. Previous research identified an increased fatigability (exercise-induced reduction in limb force or power) of the lower limb muscles in individuals with prediabetes which can impair physical function and lead to reduced physical activity. The mechanisms of fatigability in people with prediabetes are not known but are likely related to suggested vascular dysfunction in prediabetes. An important healthcare goal is to determine effective treatments to offset the increased fatigability in people with prediabetes to improve daily function. The purpose of this dissertation was to determine …

Β-Alanine Plus Sodium Bicarbonate Co-Supplementation Does Not Decrease Neuromuscular Fatigue In Swimming, Felipe Alves Ribeiro, Danilo Rodrigues Bertucci, Carlos Augusto Kalva-Filho, Tarine Botta De Arruda, Matheus Silva Norberto, Giovanni Loureiro Raspantini, Ellen Cristini De Freitas, Alessandro Moura Zagatto, Marcelo Papoti

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 17(2): 648-659, 2024. This study aimed to investigate the effects of chronic β-alanine (βA) plus acute sodium bicarbonate (SB) co-supplementation on neuromuscular fatigue during high-intensity intermittent efforts in swimming. Eleven regional and national competitive-level young swimmers performed a neuromuscular fatigue assessment before and immediately after two 20 × 25-m front crawl maximal efforts every 90 s, performed at pre- and post-4-week co-supplementation. Neuromuscular fatigue was evaluated by percutaneous electrical stimuli through the twitch interpolation technique on the triceps brachii and quadriceps femoris. Performance was defined by the mean time of the 20 efforts and …

Using Additional Measures Of Handgrip Strength To Predict Aerobic Capacity In Wheelchair Users, Eric Naugle

All NMU Master's Theses

Manual wheelchair users have been shown to have low physical capacity and impaired ability to perform activities of daily living. Current tests and protocols for assessing physical capacity in wheelchair users have specific boundaries. Measuring handgrip strength (HGS) with electronic handgrip dynamometers has been shown to be a reliable measure of muscle function and a convenient assessment of overall muscle strength. This study aimed to determine the correlation of maximal HGS, HGS rate of force development, HGS fatigability, HGS isometric control, and HGS asymmetry to a six-minute wheelchair propulsion (6MPT) test in ambulatory young adults. Thirty-four recreationally active ambulatory individuals …

The Influence Of Dual Sources Cerebellar Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation On Muscle Fatigue, Janriek Asuncion Bognot

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) applied unilaterally to the cerebellum (ctDCS) can improve several aspects of human motor performance. The purpose of the study was to examine the influence of dual source tDCS delivered bilaterally over the cerebellar cortices (dsc-tDCS) on the time to task failure (TTF) of a fatiguing contraction. The study utilized a double-blind, randomized, SHAM-controlled, within-subjects, crossover design and participants were given either dsc-tDCS or SHAM stimulation in two different experiments held 7 days apart. Every aspect of the two experiments was the same except the type of stimulation (dsc-tDCS or SHAM) delivered during the fatiguing contraction. …

The Impact Of One Night Of Sleep Restriction On Perception Of Subsequent Aerobic Exercise Performance, Erin G. Meier

Senior Honors Projects, 2020-current

Introduction: Previous research has established that poor sleep quality negatively impacts aerobic exercise performance. A majority of that research has examined extreme sleep disruption like complete sleep deprivation or multiple nights of reduced sleep. Little research exists examining the effect of a singular night of sleep restriction (SR) on performance, and there is even less research on the associated perceptual feelings and outcomes from SR that may influence performance. Previous research from our laboratory has suggested that a single night of SR may impair performance, but did not account for sleep inertia or examine any perceptual factors. Therefore, the …

The Effects Of Lower Leg Compression Garments On Lower Extremity Sports Injuries, Subjective Fatigue And Biomechanical Variables: A Systematic Review With Meta-Analysis, Thierry P.C. Franke, Hetty Hofstede, Anke Van Den Broek, Bionka M.A. Huisstede Dr.

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 17(6): 445-467, 2024. The objective of this study was to systematically review the literature on the effect of CGs versus non-CGs (such as regular socks) or versus placebo garments on 1) the incidence of lower extremity sports injuries and 2) subjective ratings of fatigue and biomechanical variables in athletes at participating in any sport that required any level of running performance, given that fatigue-related biomechanical alterations may increase the risk of sports injuries. This study was a systematic review with meta-analyses. PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Cochrane, PEDro, and Scopus were searched for eligible studies until 7 …

Determining The Barriers To The Use Of Post-Match Fatigue Monitoring In The Rugby Codes: A Concept Mapping Study., Mitch Naughton, Tannath Scott, Dan Weaving, Scott Mclean, Colin Solomon

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology Volume 5: Issue 1, Article 3, 2024. The rugby codes (i.e., rugby union, rugby league, rugby sevens [termed ‘rugby’]) are team-sports that impose complex physical demands upon players which in-turn, leads to domain-specific fatigue (e.g., neuromuscular, cardio-autonomic). Quantifying post-match fatigue through various methods and metrics is important to monitor player fatigue status, which influences training readiness. The specific and general barriers limiting the use of post-match fatigue monitoring in rugby are not presently known. Therefore, the aims of this study were to identify specific and general barriers (clusters of specific barriers) to the use …

Stance Time And Impact Loading Rates Are Significant Predictors Of Critical Speed During A 3-Minute All-Out Running Test, Trevor Short, Cris Stickley, Bret Freemyer, Andrew Takata, Paulette Yamada

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 17(4): 115-128, 2024. The addition of wearable technology during a 3-minute all-out overground running test (3MAOT) could provide additional insights to guide training and coaching strategies. The purpose of this study was to explore the relationships between critical speed (CS) and biomechanical parameters (cadence, stride length, vertical oscillation, stance time, form power, leg spring stiffness, and impact loading rate), and changes in biomechanical parameters throughout the 3MAOT. Sixty-three (male, n=37, female, n=26) recreationally active college-aged (23.4±3.9 years) subjects completed a 3MAOT while wearing a Stryd foot-pod. The correlations between CS and biomechanical parameters were evaluated …

Using Inertial Measurement Units (Imus) To Assess Fatigue-Related Changes In Running: Applications In Training Load Management, Reiley Thomas Bergin

Theses and Dissertations--Rehabilitation Sciences

The inertial measurement unit (IMU) is the most researched wearable technology in running. Yet, few studies have validated IMU-derived measures against accepted laboratory standards, such as three-dimensional (3D) motion capture and force plates. IMUs have the potential to provide information that can guide training load management decisions; however, no study has explored their capability to assess fatigue-related changes in running across consecutive days of training. Therefore, the purpose of this project was to evaluate the validity and reliability of IMU-derived measures and assess their capability for detecting fatigue-related changes in running in the days following an intensified training bout. The …

Effect Of Substitution Time On Physical, Technical And Cognitive Performance In Sub-Elite Male Field Hockey Players, Thomas W. Spooner, Andrew T. West, Mark Et Willems

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 16(6): 497-512, 2023. We examined the effects of substitution time (i.e., recovery time) in a simulated field hockey test on physical, technical and perceptual/cognitive performance. Nine sub-elite male field hockey players (age: 20 ± 2 yrs, height: 1.81 ± 0.06 m, body mass: 71 ± 10 kg, body fat: 10.3 ± 3.7%, O_2max: 67 ± 3 completed four 8-min 40-s bouts of high-intensity intermittent exercise with 2-min and 5.5-min substitution time replicating the demands of a 4-quarter field hockey match. After each bout, a 15-m maximal sprint, agility/dribbling test, passing accuracy test, and …

An Examination Of Inter-Limb Functional Asymmetry After A Fatiguing Bout Of Exercise In High Level Soccer Players, Nestor Urrea

Theses and Dissertations

INTRODUCTION: Inter-limb functional asymmetries greater than 15% have been linked to a greater incidence of injury. Moreover, asymmetries greater than 10% have shown greater risk of injury and worsened sport performance, especially for strength and power capabilities, in athletes of multiple sports. Fatigue and sex are factors that seem to influence injury rates as well as greater asymmetries between limbs. This research project aims to investigate the effects of a fatiguing bout of exercise in strength and power inter-limb functional asymmetries in male and female soccer players. It was hypothesized that strength and power asymmetries are negatively affected after a …

The Effects Of Joint Angle And Anchoring Scheme On Performance Fatigability And Neuromuscular Responses Following Isometric Forearm Flexion Tasks To Failure, Jocelyn E. Arnett, Robert W. Smith, Tyler J. Neltner, John Paul V. Anders, Dolores G. Ortega, Terry J. Housh, Richard J. Schmidt, Glen O. Johnson

Journal for Sports Neuroscience

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of joint angle on MVIC and neuromuscular responses at task failure following sustained, isometric forearm flexion tasks anchored to a rating of perceived exertion (RPE) of 8 (RPE = 8) and anchored to the initial torque that corresponded to RPE = 8 (TRQ). Methods: Ten women (age: 21.0 ± 2.8 yrs; height: 168.5 ± 7.2 cm; body mass: 68.0 ± 7.2 kg) performed 2, 3 s MVICs at joint angles (JA) of 75°, 100°, and 125° (randomized order) before and after sustained, isometric forearm flexion tasks to failure at …

Neuromuscular Responses To Failure Vs Non-Failure During Blood Flow Restriction Training In Untrained Females, Christopher E. Proppe, Taylor M. Aldeghi, Paola Rivera, David H. Gonzalez-Rojas, Ethan C. Hill Phd

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 16(1): 293-303, 2023. Applying blood flow restriction (BFR) during resistance exercise is a potent stimulus of muscular adaption, but there is little direct comparison of its effect on neuromuscular function. The purpose of this investigation was to compare surface electromyography amplitude and frequency responses during a 75 (1 × 30, 3 × 15) repetition bout (BFR-75) of BFR to 4 sets to failure (BFR-F). Twelve women (mean ± SD age = 22 ± 4 years; body mass = 72 ± 14.4 kg; height = 162.1 ± 4.0 cm) volunteered for the investigation. One leg was …

Factors Influencing Hard Running Distances In Ncaa Division I Female Soccer Players, Isaac A. Sam

Dissertations and Theses

As the total distances covered in soccer games have remained relatively constant, the hard running distances covered by players have shown varying changes due to the higher physical demands and dynamics of team running performances. Although factors affecting the total distances covered in a match are multifactorial, no study has specifically examined match performance indicators (MPI) that impact hard running distances (HRD). Consequently, the purpose of this study was to better understand how MPI (hard running efforts, turnovers, minutes played, duels won, duels lost, and pass completions) are associated with HRDs and to investigate how each variable contributes to HRDs …

Factors Influencing Motivation To Perform Mental And Physical Tasks During The Initial Lockdown Period Of The Covid-19 Pandemic, Niklas Mckone, Joel R. Martin, Italia Milani, Shantanu Sur, Sumona Mondal, Nelson Cortes, Shane V. Caswell, Ali Boolani

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 15(5): 1600-1615, 2022. Drastic changes to lifestyles have occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic. An unintended consequence of stay at home orders is increased isolation and less social interaction for many people. For overall wellbeing it is important to stay both physically and mentally active; however, for many individual’s motivation may be a barrier. There are non-modifiable (e.g. sex, age, personality, infection rates in the area) and modifiable factors (e.g. physical activity, diet, sleep) that may be associated with motivation to perform physical and mental tasks. We collected data from 794 subjects using an online survey …

Unilateral Handgrip Holds To Failure Result In Sex-Dependent Contralateral Facilitation, Caleb C. Voskuil, Taylor K. Dinyer-Mcneely, Pasquale J. Succi, Marilyn S. Campbell, Mark G. Abel, Haley C. Bergstrom

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 15(4): 782-796, 2022. This study examined changes in maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) force following dominant (Dm) and nondominant (NDm) unilateral, handgrip isometric holds to failure (HTF) for the exercised ipsilateral (IPS) and non-exercised contralateral (CON) limbs and determined if there are sex- and hand- (Dm vs NDm) dependent responses in the HTF time, performance fatigability (PF) for the exercised IPS limb, and changes in MVIC force for the CON limb after unilateral fatigue. Ten men and 10 women (Age = 22.2 years) completed an isometric HTF at 50% MVIC for the Dm and NDm …

Effects Of Acute Exercise Intensity On Memory: Considerations Of Timing And Aerobic Endurance, William Meyers, Caroline Loeb, Mary Collins West, Bailey Bass

Honors Theses

The primary objective of this study was to find the optimal acute exercise intensity and post-exercise recovery time to enhance memory retention. A secondary objective of study was to evaluate the influence of aerobic endurance on memory and whether endurance capacity interacts with exercise intensity and post-exercise recovery period to influence memory performance. Participants were 54 undergraduate and graduate students at the University of Mississippi, with an age range of 18-23 years. Participants completed 13 visits in total. The first visit evaluated their aerobic endurance, with the remaining 12 visits including a 3 (Intensity: Control, Moderate, Vigorous) by 4 (Post-Exercise …

Physiological Responses To Acute Cycling With Blood Flow Restriction, Matthew A. Kilgas, Tejin Yoon, John Mcdaniel, Kevin Phillips, Steve Elmer

Michigan Tech Publications, Part 1

Aerobic exercise with blood flow restriction (BFR) can improve muscular function and aerobic capacity. However, the extent to which cuff pressure influences acute physiological responses to aerobic exercise with BFR is not well documented. We compared blood flow, tissue oxygenation, and neuromuscular responses to acute cycling with and without BFR. Ten participants completed four intermittent cycling (6 × 2 min) conditions: low-load cycling (LL), low-load cycling with BFR at 60% of limb occlusion pressure (BFR60), low-load cycling with BFR at 80% of limb occlusion pressure (BFR80), and high-load cycling (HL). Tissue oxygenation, cardiorespiratory, metabolic, and perceptual responses were assessed during …

Exploration Of Warm-Up Protocols On Muscular Fatigue, Sahil Kapadia

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Muscular dystrophy is a genetically linked myopathy with no cure available. The lack of a cure makes early detection and treatment of muscular dystrophy imperative. When reviewing protocols examining muscular fatigue at submaximal isometric contractions, proper warm-up appeared to be absent and could have caused skewed results and conclusions. This study examines the effects of implementing a warm-up protocol before fatiguing trials. In this study, 10 adult subjects conducted fatiguing protocols with the right rectus at submaximal isometric contractions. The warm-up period included a light walk along with contractions at 20% and 33% of maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) levels. …

The Effect Of Fatigue On Lower Extremity Electromyography During Clean Performance In Elite Female Weightlifters, John A. Littner

Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations

The clean is a primary movement in the sport of Olympic weightlifting. Management of fatigue is essential to optimizing weightlifting performance. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of fatigue on EMG activation during clean performance in elite female weightlifters. Electromyography (EMG) data was collected bilaterally from the vastus lateralis (VM) and vastus lateralis (VL) during maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) and clean trials. Muscle activity was collected during pre- and post-fatigue clean trials at 60%, 70%, and 80% of the subject’s self-reported one repetition maximum (1RM). Subjects completed a fatiguing protocol consisting of two sets of …

Perceptual Fatigability And Neuromuscular Responses During A Sustained, Isometric Forearm Flexion Muscle Action Anchored To A Constant Level Of Perceived Exertion, Robert W. Smith, John Paul V. Anders, Tyler J. Neltner, Jocelyn E. Arnett, Joshua L. Keller, Terry J. Housh, Richard J. Schmidt, Glen O. Johnson

Journal for Sports Neuroscience

Objective: The purpose of the present study was to examine the fatigue-induced changes in torque, and the electromyographic (EMG) and mechanomyographic (MMG) responses during a sustained submaximal, isometric forearm flexion muscle action anchored to a constant rating of perceived exertion (RPE). Methods: Eleven women (mean ± SD: age = 20.5 ± 1.9 yrs.; height = 169.9 ± 6.6 cm; body mass = 73.2 ± 15.9 kg) performed 2, 3s forearm flexion maximal voluntary isometric contractions (MVIC) before a sustained isometric muscle action anchored to RPE = 7 until task failure (defined as torque that would require RPE > 7, or the …

An Evidence-Based Review Of The Pathophysiology, Treatment, And Prevention Of Exercise-Associated Muscle Cramps, Kevin C. Miller, Brendon P. Mcdermott, Susan W. Yeargin, Aidan Fiol, Martin P. Schwellnus

Faculty Publications

Exercise-associated muscle cramps (EAMCs) are common and frustrating for athletes and the physically active. We critically appraised the EAMC literature to provide evidence based treatment and prevention recommendations. Although the pathophysiology of EAMCs appears controversial, recent evidence suggests that EAMCs are due to a confluence of unique intrinsic and extrinsic factors rather than a singular cause. The treatment of acute EAMCs continues to include self-applied or clinician-guided gentle static stretching until symptoms abate. Once the painful EAMCs are alleviated, the clinician can continue treatment on the sidelines by focusing on patient-specific risk factors that may have contributed to the onset …

The Effect Of Set Configuration And Load On Post-Activation Potentiation On Vertical Jump In Athletes, Paolo Sirieiro, Igor Nasser, Ward C. Dobbs, Jeff Willardson, Humberto Miranda

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 14(4): 902-911, 2021. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of post-activation potentiation (PAP) on countermovement jump (CMJ) using different set configurations and loads on conditioning activity (CA) in highly trained athletes. Sixteen national level swimmers participated in this study and performed a total of six visits to the laboratory. The first session was used for familiarization, the second session was utilized to determine five repetitions maximum (RM) in the half squat (HS), and the following four visits consisted of four CA protocols performed in a counterbalanced order. Two CAs were performed …

Isometric Versus Isotonic Contractions: Sex Differences In The Fatigability And Recovery Of Isometric Strength And High-Velocity Contractile Parameters, Phuong L. Ha, Benjamin E. Dalton, Michaela G. Alesi, Tyler M. Smith, Trisha Vandusseldorp, Yuri Feito, Garrett Hester

Faculty Articles

The purpose of this study was to investigate potential sex differences in the fatigue- and recovery-induced responses of isometric strength and power, as well as select dynamic contractile parameters after isometric and isotonic plantar flexor (PF) contractions. Healthy males (n = 12; age = 21.8 ± 2.2 years) and females (n = 14; age = 21.4 ± 2.5 years) performed a 2-min maximal voluntary isometric contraction and 120 concentric isotonic (30% peak isometric torque) contractions of the PFs on separate visits. Isometric strength, isotonic power, as well as torque- and velocity-related parameters were recorded before, immediately after, and throughout 10 …