Kinesiology Commons^™

An Exploratory Study Of The Effects Of Aquatic Walking On Function And Muscle Activity In Knee Osteoarthritis: Part 2, John M. Coons, Brandon Grubbs, Conor Theiss, Vaughn W. Barry, Sandra Stevens

International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education

This paper presents Part 2 of a study that investigated the effects of an 8-week (3x/week) underwater treadmill (UT) walking intervention on knee osteoarthritis (KOA) outcomes in 6 adults with KOA (62.7 ± 14.2 years). The Knee Outcome Survey (KOS) for activities of daily living and muscle activity during a 10-m walk and a 20 cm step down were measured before and after the intervention. The following KOS measures improved after the UT walking program (p < 0.05; g > 0.8): stiffness, swelling, weakness, walking, going up stairs, going downstairs, kneeling on the front of the knee, squatting, and sitting with the …

The Halliwick Concept: Practical Applications, Susan J. Grosse

International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education

The Halliwick Concept has become a very popular method for use by professionals involved in instructional swimming and in therapeutic aquatics. Through a detailed look at the principles of Halliwick, this article expands on Halliwick theory by detailing applications of Halliwick to specific population groups. The practicality of implementing Halliwick methodology with and for individuals experiencing a variety of limiting challenges, both physical and cognitive/sensory, are discussed. Hints for success- oriented implementation are provided. For those unfamiliar with the Halliwick Method background resource material is included.

Freestyle: A Guide To Making Swimming Nutrition Simple, Megan Wills

Undergraduate Theses

Nutrition plays a critical role in the performance of an athlete. Although academic research surrounding the topic has increased, there is a disproportionate increase in materials created for the athletes themselves. Regarding competitive swimming, the scope of athlete-friendly instructional materials is even more limited. Therefore, there is an inherent disconnect between the academic research on the topic of competitive swimming nutrition and the athletes who need the information. The purpose of this project is to bridge the gap between the research and the content accessible for athletes themselves. Using an interpretive and simplistic approach, the available academic research was used …

Effect Of Post-Warm-Up Transition Time On Anaerobic Performance In Female Collegiate Volleyball Players, Samantha Martino, Sophia Rosiek, Haleigh Cripe

22nd Annual Celebration of Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity (2023)

Post-warm-up transition time (PWTT) is the period of time between the end of a pre-game warm-up and the beginning of gameplay at a particular sporting event. During this period of time, typical pregame traditions are completed such as the playing of the National Anthem and recognition of players and coaches. This length of time can vary from sport to sport. Research shows that a dynamic warmup is encouraged to improve performance and decrease the risk of injury. Further, rest periods are necessary for optimal performance. Too short of a recovery time can result in muscle tissue damage, but too long …

Temporal Analysis Of Former High School Athletes’ Perceptions Of Fitness As They Enter College, Alec W. Kowalski, Sophia K. Rosiek, Adam H. Ibrahim

22nd Annual Celebration of Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity (2023)

Researchers suggest that physical activity promotion may be necessary to preserve former athletes' long-term health and transition out of sport in retirement. Exploratory research has revealed that the fitness perceptions (a known contributor to exercise behavior) of former high school athletes (FHSAs) who do not continue sports in college fluctuate over the course of their freshman year. To inform potential intervention efforts in this population, the purpose of this study was to explore why FHSAs' perceptions of fitness vary over their freshman year of college. Methods: Participants completed eight online surveys over their first year of college, within which they …

Ammonia Inhalants Impact On Shot Put Throw Distance, Jaden Grigg, Cole Stalter, Jace Gerlach

22nd Annual Celebration of Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity (2023)

A variety of ergogenic aids have been researched in the past to assess effects on athletic performance. One potential aid relatively unstudied is ammonia inhalants (AI’s), commonly referred to as smelling salts. AI’s have been found to enhance peak and mean power output (PPO/MPO) in anaerobic activities. Because shot put throws rely primarily on anaerobic power, there is the potential for AI’s to improve performance. This study was designed to determine whether an acute, one second inhalation of a commercially available AI immediately prior to a shot put throw would increase the total distance a college athlete shot putter (n=10) …

The Acute Effects Of Incorporating Lower Limb Foam Rolling Into A Dynamic Warm Up For Men’S Soccer Player Aerobic Endurance And Muscular Power Performance, Grace Wunderlich, Madeline Walter, Amelia Bont, Alyssa Hettel

22nd Annual Celebration of Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity (2023)

Warming up before exercise increases muscle metabolism and reduces the risk of injury. Soccer players are prone to lower limb injuries, therefore a warm up that reduces injury and improves performance is ideal. Foam rolling is known to reduce delayed onset muscle soreness, loosen muscle fascia, and promote blood flow to muscles when utilized post-exercise. As such, the inclusion of foam rolling in conjunction with a dynamic warm up prior to exercise may further reduce injury risk and optimize performance. However, current research has not examined the relationship between combining foam rolling with a dynamic warm up on exercise performance. …

A Christian Framework For Competitive Sport, Owen Leibrock

22nd Annual Celebration of Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity (2023)

Christianity and competitive sport have a long history of interaction, oftentimes adversarial in nature. Yet in the last century and a half, Christians have embraced sport in such foundational ways that it is often now hard to imagine sport without certain Christian ideas and images. Competitive sport has taken on many forms and has been used in many ways both destructive and constructive. This wide range of Christian responses to sport throughout history begs the question: Does competitive sport truly fit within a framework of Christian ethics and values?

In order to answer this question, I will engage with theories …

Temporal Qualitative Analysis Of Former High School Athletes’ Exercise Satisfaction During Their Freshman Year Of College, Sophia K. Rosiek, Alec W. Kowalski, Adam H. Ibrahim

22nd Annual Celebration of Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity (2023)

Research studying the exercise behavior of retired athletes has discovered that former athletes have a more difficult time transitioning to life after sports. This comes as a surprise, as it is expected that athletes not only understand the benefits of exercise but also desire to remain physically active. Following their last competition, former athletes may feel lost without their sport holding them accountable to regular exercise. The extent of these former athletes' exercise behavior is not completely understood. Therefore, the objective of this study is to perform a qualitative analysis of survey responses aimed at further comprehending exercise behavior among …

A Comparison Of The Nike Vaporfly And Nike Dragonfly’S Effect On Running Economy, Maggie Peckham, Aidan Jones, Taylor Truman, Anastasia Tucker

22nd Annual Celebration of Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity (2023)

The purpose of this study was to compare the oxygen consumption, stride rate, and stride length of highly trained distance runners wearing the Nike Vaporfly and Nike Dragonfly spikes while running at competitive speeds. Fifteen (6 men and 9 women) collegiate volunteers (aged 18-22) were recruited from Hope College’s Division III cross country team. Participants engaged in a total of 3 visits. On the first visit, all participants were familiarized with the testing protocol. For visits 2 and 3, a planned crossover was completed, and either the Vaporfly or Dragonfly was assigned for each participant to wear. All trials were …

The Chronic Effects Of A Stretching Program On Range Of Motion And Velocity Output Of An Overhand Throw In Collegiate Baseball Players, Keaton Hamilton

22nd Annual Celebration of Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity (2023)

Current acute stretching programs have been reported to increase shoulder range of motion (ROM) utilizing the cross-body stretch and the sleeper stretch but have not examined how this increase could affect throwing velocity in overhead athletes. Few methods have been found to increase throwing velocity with the exception of various weighted ball and strength training programs, often associated with high rates of injury. The aim of this study was to determine if a nine week stretching protocol would result in improvements in shoulder ROM which may lead to an increase in overhand throwing velocity. It was hypothesized that a 9-week …

New Perspectives On Foot Segment Forces And Joint Kinetics - Integrating Plantar Shear Stresses And Pressures With Multi-Segment Foot Modeling, Dustin A. Bruening, Spencer R. Petersen, Sarah T. Ridge

Faculty Publications

The role of the foot in gait is not well understood, in part due to challenges in capturing and utilizing segmental ground reaction forces. The purposes of this study were to 1) develop methodology to integrate plantar pressure/shear stresses with a multi-segment foot model, and 2) generate and display key normative data from this combined system. Twenty-six young healthy adults walked barefoot (1.3 m/s) across a pressure/shear sensor with markers matching a published 4-segment kinetic foot model. A novel anatomical/geometric masking method was developed that successfully separated regions aligned with model segmentation. This template-based method can be automated and customized …

Energy Availability In Female Collegiate Beach Volleyball Athletes, Meghan Thomas

Undergraduate Research Competition

BACKGROUND: Energy availability (EA) is the amount of energy available for normal physiological processes and is defined as energy intake (kcals) minus exercise energy expenditure (kcals) relative to fat free mass (FFM). Low-energy availability (LEA; i.e., energy intake < 30 kcal/kg FFM/d) causes Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport, which results in various negative health and performance outcomes. A recent study reported 81% of the female collegiate athletes examined exhibited LEA. Of the 18-collegiate beach volleyball (BVB) athletes studied, average EA across 7 days was determined to be 12.44 kcal/kg FFM/d. Notably, this is a 7-day snapshot that may not reflect chronic dietary or training patterns. To our knowledge, no study has examined EA across the 10-week competitive season in this population. Therefore, the purpose of this cross-sectional study is to establish the risk of LEA in female collegiate BVB athletes across the competitive season. METHODS: We plan to recruit 18 female collegiate BVB athletes. Each subject will complete an initial visit where anthropometrics, resting metabolic rate (RMR), nutrition knowledge, psychological skills and maximal aerobic capacity will be tested. During weeks 1, 5, and 9 of the competitive season, in addition to initial testing, energy intake (ASA 24) and energy expenditure (GT9X-Link) will be assessed to calculate EA. Countermovement vertical jump height, velocity, and power (GymAware) will be used to assess performance. Results will be analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA and Pearson Correlations. EXPECTED RESULTS: It is hypothesized that LEA will be present and EA will decline as the season progresses.

Electromyographical Difference Between Tonal And Free Weight Exercises, Sophia Brettler

Undergraduate Research Competition

The purpose of this study is to compare muscle activation between Tonal and traditional free-weight exercises. The Tonal is a digital weight system that can add up to 200 pounds of resistance. The Tonal also features unique exercise modes such as Smart Flex. Smart Flex utilizes Tonal's digital weights system to intelligently match the resistance to the exerciser by continuously adding or subtracting weight depending on when their muscles are at their strongest and weakest during an exercise. For this study, participants will complete 3 separate visits, visit one will include one repetition maximum testing and familiarization and visits 2-3 …

The Effectiveness Of Housing First In Improving Mental Health Outcomes Among Homeless Individuals: A Rapid Review, Nya Harper

Student Research Symposium

Objective: The purpose of this study was to review primary research regarding the efficacy of a Housing First (HF) intervention compared to existing treatments for improving mental health outcomes in homeless adults with mental illness.

Methods: A rapid review was conducted from the PubMed database using a predetermined search protocol and inclusion criteria to identify eligible articles.

Results: HF was significantly more effective at helping homeless adults with mental illness become stably housed. HF groups’ subjective measures of mental health were not consistently higher than usual treatment groups.

Conclusion: Evidence supports the efficacy of HF over existing treatments in a …

Physiological Measurements Pre/Post Ultra-Marathon Distance Race, Karolina Zavisiute, Scott Richmond, Chad Kerksick, Kyle Sunderland, Petey Mumford

2023 Student Academic Showcase

Endurance running events like 100 miles distance races are becoming more popular. Humans are eager to explore their limits by challenging themselves to run 100 miles distance races. However, there are many research gaps still exist to fully understand the impact on the body that 100 miles endurance event has.

The aim of this study was to measure and analyze the impact of the 100 miles endurance race among recreational runners. Ten male recreational runners (age 36.6 ± 14.1) were screened before and after completing 100 miles distance running event in Missouri. Test screening included VO2 max, RMR, BIA, Ultrasound …

Changes In Hamstring Muscle Thickness And Pennation Angle Following Nordic Exercise In A Post-Surgical Acl Patient: A Case Study, Aaliyah M. Moore, Petey W. Mumford

2023 Student Academic Showcase

This study aims to utilize ultrasound imaging to investigate the effects of Nordic hamstring exercise on a post-surgical ACL rugby patient who had a hamstring tear in the contralateral leg of his ACL tear. The study will also examine any changes in the patient's ACL leg hamstring compared to the torn hamstring leg. The patient's Biodex test results will also be incorporated to determine if there is a correlation between muscle thickness and pennation angle changes. Ultrasound scans were taken 2 months, 4 months and will be taken again at 6 months post-surgery, following biodex assessments. Ultrasound images have shown …

Female Swimmers Exhibit Greater Isometric Force Symmetry Across The Shoulder Girdle Than Male Swimmers, Lyssa Wood, Kyle Sunderland

2023 Student Academic Showcase

The Athletic Shoulder (ASH) test was developed to measure force across the shoulder girdle. This test can be used to assess symmetry and potential injury risk in upper-body sports. The purpose was to determine the differences in the supine-to-prone ratio of isometric shoulder force production between male and female swimmers. Forty-five Lindenwood swimmers (F=23, M=22) participated in this cross-sectional study. Athletes performed bilateral isometric shoulder contractions in both the supine and the prone laying position with arms straight and shoulders abducted 135˚ (“Y”). Female simmers had an higher average ratio (76.5%±13.5%) compared to males (68.1%±11.2%) independent of the arm tested. …

Peak Torque Ratios Of Hamstrings To Quadriceps Do Not Differ Between Positions Or Angular Velocities In Female Collegiate Rugby Athletes, Amanda Ware, Ava L. Denner, Kyle Sunderland

2023 Student Academic Showcase

The relative strength of hamstrings to quadriceps (H:Q) is an important measure for determining anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury risk, which is more prevalent in female athletes. The purpose was to examine H:Q at varying angular velocities in different position of female college rugby athletes. The dominant leg of forty-seven female college rugby athletes was evaluated via isokinetic dynamometry at 60 deg/s, 180 deg/s, 240 deg/s, and 300 deg/s. Concentric peak torques were utilized to determine H:Q. H:Q was not significantly different between positions. Additionally, there were no significant changes in H:Q at different angular velocities independent of position. These …

Hamstrings To Quadriceps Peak Torque Ratios Are Similar Between Positions In Male College Rugby Athletes, Ava Denner, Amanda Ware, Kyle Sunderland

2023 Student Academic Showcase

Decreased hamstrings strength relative to quadriceps strength (H:Q) is a potential risk factor for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries. The purpose was to determine the H:Q at varying angular velocities in male college rugby athletes. Thirty-eight male college rugby athletes volunteered for this study. Concentric peak torques were utilized to determine H:Q in the dominant leg with isokinetic dynamometry at 60 deg/s, 180 deg/s, 240 deg/s and 300 deg/s. There was no significant difference among position groups in peak torques, regardless of speed. H:Q was significantly lower at 60 deg/s compared to all other velocities. While H:Q does beneficially increase …

Arm Isometric Force Production In Ncaa Softball Players Is Greater In The Dominant Arm Independent Of Arm Angle, Nicole Henson, Kyle Sunderland

2023 Student Academic Showcase

Arm Isometric Force Production in NCAA Softball Players is Greater in the Dominant Arm Independent of Arm Angle

N. Henson1, M. Gersch1, K. Sunderland1

1Exercise and Performance Nutrition Laboratory, College of Science, Technology, and Health, Lindenwood University, St. Charles, MO, USA

The Athletic Shoulder (ASH) test is used to examine strength symmetry between dominant and non-dominant shoulders. Our purpose was to examine shoulder isometric force production in college softball players at two arm angles. Seventeen college softball players performed bilateral isometric shoulder contractions on dual force plates while laying prone with arms straight and shoulders at 135˚ (“Y”) and 180˚ …

Identifying Risk Of Acl Injury In Collegiate Male Rugby Players Across A Single Training Year, Caleb Small, Lauren Tighe

2023 Student Academic Showcase

The purpose of this study to examine collegiate male rugby players’ susceptibility for sustaining an ACL injury over the course of an entire season using the biodex strength assessment, standardized functional movement screen, and Y-balance test. Participants included five male collegiate rugby players who play in the back line ranging from age eighteen through twenty-three. Baseline testing was conducted during preseason training and re-assessed every four weeks throughout the entire season. Assessment measures remained the same throughout all testing trials, in addition to a subjective patient questionnaire. Following data collection, three out of the five participants showed deficiency of hamstring …

Assessment Of Muscular Anatomical And Physiological Development During Injury Rehabilitation, Nicholas Andrews, Petey Mumford, Lauren Tighe

2023 Student Academic Showcase

After an injury occurs, there are many physiological regressions that occur. These regressions lead to altered muscle thickness, muscle length, strength and power potentials, motor recruitment, and neuromuscular control. These variables are further exacerbated if the given injury requires surgical intervention. Rehabilitation aids in reducing these regressions and is important both pre-surgery and post-surgery when intervention beyond rehabilitation is needed. Ultrasound imaging can be utilized to monitor the progression of a muscle's specific muscles anatomy. The muscles of interest are dependent upon the injury, The purpose of this study is to monitor short-term muscular adaptations to establish their importance in …

The Influence Of Yoga Practice On Posture Perception And Stability, Marina Brawand

Student Research Symposium

Our study aimed to investigate whether there is an influence of yoga practice on posture perception and stability, and explored the relationship between postural sway and posture judgments. To conduct this study, two groups were recruited: those with recent yoga experience (2x a week for the past 3 months) and those without. Participants viewed pictures of different postures while standing on a postural plate, and reported how long they believed an individual could hold the posture for. During this, their sway was measured in both the medial-lateral and anterior-posterior directions. Eye-tracking technology was used to track where the participants were …

Validity Of Ultrasound In Estimating Body Fat Percentage Compared To 4-Compartment Model, Liz Cafferty

Student Research Symposium

Body fat percentage (%BF) can be estimated from subcutaneous fat thickness measured by ultrasound (US). %BFUS has been compared to %BF estimates from laboratory devices such as dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and the Bod Pod; however, comparison to a four-compartment (4C) “gold standard” is lacking. PURPOSE: This study compared the accuracy of %BFUS to %BF4C. METHODS: University club sport athletes (84 women, 138 men) participated. Bod Pod, DXA, and bioimpedance spectroscopy were used to measure body volume, bone mineral content, and total body water, respectively, for the 4C model. A-mode US measures were taken at 3 sites to estimate %BFUS. …

The Effect Of Acute Creatine Supplementation On Non-Invasive Assessment Of Vascular Function Using Flow-Mediated Dilation, Carson Carruthers

Undergraduate Research Competition

Accumulation of reactive oxygen species within the vasculature has been shown to contribute to endothelial cell dysfunction, an early biomarker of cardiovascular disease. Antioxidants and supplements with antioxidative properties, could be increasingly important in reversing the progression of cardiovascular disease. While creatine monohydrate is commonly used as a fitness supplement to promote increases in muscular strength, recent studies have shown that creatine may act as an antioxidant, thereby improving vascular health. Traditional loading doses of creatine require 7-10 days of 20 g (4 x 5 g/day). However, it may be possible to see the vascular health benefits with a smaller, …

Physiological Effects Of Intervals Duration During Aerobic Exercise With Blood Flow Restriction, John Sossamon

Undergraduate Research Competition

This study will examine the effect of work interval duration on the local metabolic stress and cardiac work during low-intensity aerobic exercise with BFR. Healthy males (18-25 yrs) will complete a graded exercise test to determine WR. Participants will complete three experimental intervals (INT) exercise protocols with intermittent BFR, randomly. All protocols will consist of a 4-min warm-up ([20 W] WU), work INTs (35% peak power), and 1-min recovery INTs (20 W) between work INTs. The work INTs will be: 1) six 2-min INTs (2-min INT), 2) twelve 1-min INTs (1-min INT), and 3) three 4-min INTs (4-min INT). During …

Attenuation Of Vo2 Slow Component During Heavy-Intensity Interval Exercise, Cade Carter

Undergraduate Research Competition

The VO2 slow component (VO2SC) is a slow, exponential increase in oxygen consumption (VO2) that takes place during constant load exercise above the ventilatory threshold. The purpose of this study was to examine the amplitude of the VO2SC during various heavy-intensity interval exercise conditions. Seven males participated in a total of 7 visits, visit one consisted of a graded exercise test until volitional fatigue, and visits 2-7 consisted of 2 visits each of the 3 experimental conditions. Each experimental trial began with a 4-minute warm-up cycle at 20 watts, followed by the experimental condition, followed by a 4-minute cool-down cycle …

Guidelines For “Topics Brief” Submissions, James W. Navalta, Robert Salatto, Donald L. Hoover, Andrea Stevenson

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology Volume 4: Issue 1, Article 6, 2023. The “Topics Brief”, a novel submissions format, is introduced with authors guidelines. Within this submissions format, a category describing a target audience should be identified, such as Topics Brief for: Patients, Clinicians, Practitioners, or Students. Authors may also suggest their own category for a target audience. The title should be descriptive and allow for maximum searchability. Authorship criteria include a substantial contribution, assisting with the manuscript draft, and approval of the final version. The format is open, with a focus of presenting work in a clear and …

Introducing The “Topics Brief”: Bridging The Gap Between University And Non-Academics In A Potentially More Meaningful Way, James W. Navalta, Robert Salatto, Donald L. Hoover, Andrea Stevenson

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology Volume 4: Issue 1, Article 5, 2023. Introducing the “Topics Brief”, aiming to bridge the gap between university and non-academics. Topics Briefs should include the following: 1. Share what was done to a non-academic audience, 2. Condensed format (limited to 1-2 pages, 1 page preferred), 3. Include only the most important parts (i.e., main concepts, main results, main learned experience) to be implemented in practical application, 4. May be heavily visual (we encourage authors to be creative)