Kinesiology Commons^™

Variation In Cycling Exercise Mechanical Efficiency In The Heritage Family Study, Angelo Tremblay, Claude Bouchard, Mark A. Sarzynski Facsm, James S. Skinner, Élisa Marin-Couture, Patrick Schrauwen, Guy Thibault, Marie-Eve Mathieu, Louis Pérusse

Faculty Publications

The objectives of the study were to assess the effects of cycling endurance exercise training and sex on cycling exercise mechanical efficiency (ME) and to explore its associations with body composition, glycemic profile, and skeletal muscle characteristics. Subjects were males (n = 371) and females (n = 465) of European (ED) and African descent (AD) of the HERITAGE Family Study. The measurements were repeated after a 20-week controlled endurance exercise program. A substudy involving 78 participants from 19 ED families was used to evaluate associations between skeletal muscle traits and variations in ME. An increase in ME of …

Reliability Of Vertical Jump Force-Time Metrics In Collegiate Athletes Compared To Recreationally Active Individuals, Dimitrije Cabarkapa, Robert Smith, Luke Chowning, Tyler Neltner, Quincy R. Johnson, Yang Yang, Thayne A. Munce

Faculty Scholarship

As neuromuscular performance assessment has become a fundamental component of athlete monitoring, ensuring strong measurement reliability is essential for supporting accurate data-driven decision-making. Thus, the purpose of this study was twofold: (i) to examine the reliability of countermovement vertical jump (CMJ) force-time metrics obtained using a portable force plate system (Hawkin Dynamics) and (ii) to determine whether absolute and relative reliability scores differ between well-trained individuals (i.e., athletes) and those less familiar with CMJ force-plate testing (i.e., non-athletes). Seventy-four participants volunteered to take part in this investigation, of whom thirty-nine were NCAA Division-I baseball and track-and-field athletes and thirty-five age-matched …

New Frontiers In Stand-Alone Digital Obesity Treatment, Delia West, Rebecca A. Krukowski

Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Age- And Step-Length-Dependent Alterations In Muscle Synergies And Joint Coordination During Unexpected Gait Termination, Woohyoung Jeon, Ashley Dalby, Xuanliang Neil Dong, Melinda Hermanns

Health & Kinesiology Faculty Publications and Presentations

Background: Falls in older adults often occur during unexpected gait termination, when rapid deceleration is required. Age-related declines in strength, proprioception, and coordination impair efficient distal-to-proximal braking, raising fall risk. Variable step lengths, ranging from “normal” steps to larger “big” steps used when hurrying, better reflect real-world walking demands and pose greater mechanical and neuromuscular challenges. This study investigated how age and step length affect muscle synergy complexity and joint coordination during unexpected gait stops.

Methods: Twelve healthy younger and twelve healthy older adults performed normal- and big-step stops in response to random visual cues during walking. Surface EMG from …

Effects Of Neurocognitive Multitask Activities On A Novel Lower Extremity Functional Performance Test, Sidney M. Stoddard, Logan Hill, Bryan L. Riemann, George J. Davies

Physical Therapy Faculty Publications

Objective: To examine the effects of incorporating (1) a neurocognitive reactive component and (2) a neurocognitive multitask component on performance degradation of a single-limb hop functional performance test.

Design: Randomized within-subject design of 32 healthy young adults.

Methods: Participants performed 3 randomly assigned variations of the single-limb T-Drill Hop Test (TDHT). The time to complete each test was recorded. The reactive TDHT (R-TDHT) consisted of the TDHT with a flashing light, indicating the "T" intersection hop direction. The neurocognitive reactive-recall TDHT (RR-TDHT) incorporated the R-TDHT and required participants to observe 5 flashing light colors. Participants then recalled the colors in …

Understanding The Effects Of Real-Time Head Position Feedback On Postural Sway In Terms Of Changes In Underlying Deterministic And Stochastic Dynamical Processes, Steven J. Harrison, Benjamin De Bari, Ryan Poutre, Jeffrey M. Kinsella-Shaw

College of Humanities and Sciences Faculty Papers

Our perceptual systems detect information about how our body is moving relative to the surrounding environment. Such information is essential to our ability to maintain upright standing balance. Real-time postural feedback systems are technologies that appear to enhance our ability to detect information about the movements of our body, and as a consequence improve our capacity to control the posture of our body. Here we examine a system in which real-time measurements of head position were "felt" as changes in the intensity of vibration of tactors in a headband. Using this system, participants were able to stabilize their body posture, …

Does Motor Skill Competence Influence Physical Activity Behavior? Focusing On Sport-Specific Skills, Yubing Wang, Yaogang Han, Pan Li, Bin Zhang

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

The purpose of this study was to investigate the widely held belief that motor skill competence positively affects physical activity behavior (PA), considering the task-specific nature of motor skill competence and the context-specific nature of PA. Specifically, we examined the effects of students’ jump rope (JR) and basketball (BB) competence on their PA in six contexts. A total of 134 sixth grade students participated in this study. All variables were assessed using appropriate tools. A series of hierarchical regression analyses were conducted to address the research questions. Students’ JR competence did not significantly influence their PA in either JR-related or …

Comparative Analysis Of Training Load And Technical Demands In Various Small-Sided Games During Soccer Preseason, Jakov Marasović, Ante Rađa, Frane Žuvela, Luka Čikotić, Marko Erceg

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(8): 1286-1297, 2025. https://doi.org/10.70252/QCAG3602 Small-sided games (SSG) are often used as a multifunctional form of specific training that allows development of various key components during soccer training. The main goal of this research was to determine the differences in internal and external load of different small-sided games (SSG) during preseason. The secondary goal was to analyze specific technical demands during these SSG. Twelve players of the First Croatian Junior League (U19) participated in this research in the fourth week of the preparatory period for the competitive season 2019/2020. Testing was conducted on two separate days …

Development And Validation Of A Running Drill Test Battery To Predict 5 M And 20 M Sprint Performance, Paula Matijašević, Josip Maleš, Luka Cikojević, Frane Žuvela, Goran Kuvačić

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(8): 1269-1285, 2025. https://doi.org/10.70252/LYKE8231 This study aimed to evaluate the reliability and predictive validity of specific athletic running drills: A-skip, B-skip, bounding step, and jumps, in relation to sprint performance over 5 m and 20 m distances. Sixty-three young males (mean age: 21.3 ± 2.1 years; body height: 183 ± 6.5 cm; body weight: 77 ± 9.3 kg) were enrolled in the study. Running drill performance was recorded on an athletics track using high-speed cameras and evaluated based on predefined criteria and a scoring system. Reliability was assessed using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) and coefficients …

Perceived Recovery And Muscle Fatigue In Professional Soccer Players During Preseason, Josip Maleš, Frane Žuvela, Nicola Bragazzi, Andrea De Giorgio, Goran Kuvačić

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(8): 1212-1227, 2025. https://doi.org/10.70252/ERIN2946 This study aimed to examine weekly variations and within-subject relationships between internal training intensity (ITI), perceived recovery (TQR), neuromuscular performance (CMJ), and perceived muscle soreness (PMS) during a four-week preseason period in professional soccer players. Twenty-three soccer players (age 24.8 ± 4.4 years; height 182 ± 7 cm; body mass 74.6 ± 6.7 kg) classified as Tier 3 athletes from the Croatian Second Soccer League were monitored using session rating of perceived exertion, TQR scales, countermovement jump tests, and PMS questionnaires. A significant reduction in ITI and concurrent improvement in TQR …

Age And Postural Stability In Firefighters: An Analysis Of Anterior Reach Asymmetry And The Two-Foot Length Criterion, Madeleine Fulk, Roger O. Kollock, Maddie Seidner, Rachel Ward, Zora Szabo, Muhammed O. Malik, Gabriel J. Sanders

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(8): 1175-1185, 2025. https://doi.org/10.70252/HSMV3009 This study explored how age affects postural stability (PS) in firefighters by focusing on two key objectives: 1) determining if age affects right-to-left anterior (ANT) reach distance asymmetry (ASYM) during the Motor Control Screen (MCS) test and 2) assessing whether the proportion of firefighters not meeting the greater than two-foot length (2FL) criterion for ANT reach differs across age groups. Data from 95 male firefighters were analyzed using the MCS ANT reach test, part of the Y-Balance Test (YBT). The key outcomes were the difference in ANT reach distances between legs …

The Effects Of Combined Fasting And Exercise On Inflammatory Cytokine Concentrations In Healthy Adults: A Randomized Crossover Study, Landon S. Deru, Austin F. Duersch, Spencer C. Cleverly, Hunter D. Chamberlain, Elizabeth Z. Gipson, Parker G. Graves, Cameron G. Jacobsen, Larry A. Tucker, Bruce W. Bailey

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(6): 1252-1268, 2025. https://doi.org/10.70252/APHT9483 The object was to assess the effects of adding exercise to a 36-hour fast on the inflammatory cytokines IL-6, TNF-α, and MCP-1. The study was a randomized crossover design with counterbalanced conditions in community members living near a single academic institution. Participants included twenty healthy adults (11 male). The intervention consisted of two 36-h water-only fasts, one of which was initiated with a bout of treadmill exercise. Venous blood was taken at baseline, 12-h, 24-h, and 36-h of fasting. Area under the curve and timepoint analyses were computed. The area under …

Incidence And Risk Factors Of Metabolic Syndrome In Track And Field Throwing Athletes, Taylor Browning, Samuel Headley, Elizabeth M. Mullin, Margaret T. Jones, Andrew R. Jagim, Jennifer Fields

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(6): 1199-1211, 2025. https://doi.org/10.70252/HOKT7948 Track and field (T&F) throwers are a prominent subgroup of athletes that may be at risk for the development of Metabolic Syndrome (MetSyn) and other cardiometabolic disease conditions. However, limited research exists examining the prevalence of MetSyn in these athletes. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the incidence of MetSyn and associated risk factors in collegiate throwers. Collegiate Division I men (n=17) and women (n=4) T&F throwers participated in a single day of lab assessments, which included anthropometrics, body composition, blood pressure, a venous blood draw, and aerobic …

Influence Of Social Identity And Industry Role On Implicit Biases In Fitness Professionals, Shayna J. Guerra, Katie Mcpherrin, Kellie A. Walters, Leilani Madrigal, Alison Ede, Amber Johnson

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(4): 1228-1251, 2025. https://doi.org/10.70252/SQUH3795 Implicit biases are unconscious, internally held beliefs shaped by cultural norms, societal structures, and personal experiences and are often related to societal constructs such as race, gender, age, body shape, and ability. The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between social identity, industry role, and implicit biases in fitness professionals. Participants (n=296) were randomly assigned two implicit association tests (IATs): disability, weight, gender, skin-tone, or age. IATs measured implicit bias through word and pictorial associations and timed response to word/picture stimuli. Interviews (n=25) were conducted to further examine …

The Effect Of Mental Training On Psychological Hardiness And Selected Personality Traits Among Adolescent Male Volleyball Players, Moneer Fadel Ali Hassan, Omar Waleed Abdulkareem

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(4): 1186-1198, 2025. https://doi.org/10.70252/MQUH7716 This study was to examine the effect of a mental training program, including a combination of autogenic training and imagery, on a number of mental skills and on the development of personality traits - psychological hardiness as well as conscientiousness, openness to experience, and neuroticism - in Adolescent male volleyball players. 60 adolescent male volleyball players (aged 15–17) participated in a two-group, pretest-posttest design. The experimental group (n = 30) completed 8-week mental skills training program, including imagery, self-talk, attention control, and relaxation, while the control group (n = 30) followed …

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 …