Kinesiology Commons^™

Kinematic Analysis Of Lower Extremity Movement Patterns During Functional Tests In Collegiate Track And Field Runners To Predict Injury Incidence, Maddie Hoyt, Brooke Parker, Bailey Weise, Andrew Busch

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

OBJECTIVE
Lower extremity overuse injuries are becoming increasingly more prevalent in endurance-based running sports^1,2,3,4,5,6. These injuries negatively impact an athlete’s sports performance and increase the risk of additional injuries^3,4. The purpose of this study was to first examine kinematic and kinetic variables within distance runners and compare those with previous lower extremity injuries to those without reported injuries; and second to understand if such variables predicted future injuries sustained throughout a track season.

Injury Epidemiology In Collegiate Marching Band, Morgan Davis, Jinghzen Yang, Matthew Brancaleone

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

OBJECTIVE
Marching bands have become more popular and physically demanding, with performers taking up to 16,174 steps on game days, which may increase their risk of musculoskeletal injuries. However, research on these performers remains limited. The purpose of this study was to describe the incidence of reported injury and pain and soreness experienced by marching artists within a collegiate marching band.

Atypical Anterior Tibial Stress Fracture Leading To Acute Fracture And Intermedullary Rodding, Emily Mulkey Swisher, Chad Cochran, Raymond Duffett

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

OBJECTIVE
This case highlights an unusual stress fracture progressing to an acute tibial fracture requiring intermedullary rodding.

The Athletic Trainer's Responsibility In Disability Exercise Adherence, Elizabeth Starns, Stephanie M. Kubiak, Rebecca J. Wehler

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

OBJECTIVE
This study examined exercise adherence to aerobic and strength training exercise guidelines in individuals with disabilities, highlighting the implications for athletic training (AT). Because disabilities impact over 25% of the U.S. population¹, an understanding of the varied exercise adherence patterns can inform inclusive AT best practices and assist in promoting exercise and sport participation.

Emergency Action Planning In Collegiate Athletics: An Evaluation Of The Current Adoption Of Best Practice Recommendations, Kyler Conn, Ken Blood, Genna Fusco

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

OBJECTIVE
The primary objective of this study was to assess the current adoption of the National Athletic Trainers’ Association’s (NATA) best practice recommendations regarding emergency planning, outlined in the NATA Position Statement: Emergency Planning in Athletics, at the collegiate level.

Effect Of Hearing Status On Modified Balance Error Scoring System Performance, Matthew Brancaleone, Claire Akard, Jaclyn Caccese

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

OBJECTIVE
Concussion assessments typically include evaluations of self-reported symptoms, neurocognitive function, and postural control. Specifically, postural control is often assessed using the modified Balance Error Scoring System (mBESS). Although normative mBESS data exist, they may not be appropriate for all athletes, such as those who are deaf or hard-of-hearing (D/HoH). Given the relationship between the cochlea and the vestibular system, athletes who are D/HoH may exhibit differences in postural control due to potential vestibular dysfunction. Therefore, the objective of this study was to compare mBESS performance between athletes who are D/HoH and athletes who are hearing.

Spontaneous Pneumothorax In A Male High School Wrestler, Laura Breese, Sara Stiltner

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

OBJECTIVE/BACKGROUND
A pneumothorax is the presence of air in the pleural space, it is a life threatening condition and can be classified as spontaneous, acquired, or by pathophysiology. (1)(2) This specific case presents the incident of a spontaneous pneumothorax in an adolescent population.

The Influence Of Intrinsic Foot Muscles In Modulating Foot Shape Relative To Substrate And The Efficacy Of Different Strengthening Approaches, Luke R. Lotsis

Masters Theses, 2020-current

Cross-sloped surfaces create an asymmetrical substrate for foot contact, introducing a slip force within the transverse plane and a gravitational pull within the coronal plane that increases the tendency to topple downslope. To maintain stability, the foot must make structural adjustments across the hindfoot, midfoot, forefoot, and hallux. In chapter 1, I investigated how IFMs respond to varying substrate conditions and balance demands, providing insight into their functional role in maintaining stability and adapting foot structure in static and dynamic locomotor tasks. Twenty-four healthy adults participated in a series of dynamic walking trials on flat, cross-sloped and sandy substrates and …

Effects Of Altered Somatosensory Input On Gait Kinetics And Kinematics Via Different Footwear In Individuals With Chronic Post-Stroke Hemiparesis, Daniela Casillas, Lesley Ruiz

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Purpose/Hypothesis: Individuals with post-stroke hemiparesis walk with significant asymmetries, leading to slow, effortful walking, and a high risk of falls. One contributing factor is altered sensation on the plantar surface. Studies examining altered somatosensory input via insoles, vibration and other tactile stimuli observed improvements in hemiparesis gait. This study investigates whether altering somatosensory input through different footwear can affect kinetics, kinematics and muscle activity during walking post-stroke. We hypothesized the barefoot conditions would have increased dorsiflexion (heel-strike, swing), increased plantarflexion during toe-off, increased muscle activity and kinetics, compared to memory foam conditions.

Participants: 13 individuals with chronic post-stroke hemiparesis (4F/9M, …

Core Temperature While Swimming In Warm Open Water With And Without A Wetsuit, Katsiaryna Afanasyeva

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Triathlon is a popular sport which attract participants from all over the world. In general, triathlon is a safe sport with risk of death being about 1.74 deaths per 100,000 participants (Harris et al., 2017). The swimming portion of the race can be dangerous, posing particular risks due to open water conditions and the physical demands of the event. This study investigated the effects of wetsuit use on core temperature in warm open-water swimming (27.9–28.3°C). Four experienced triathletes (2 males, 2 females; age 49.50 ± 7.83 years) completed two 700-meter open-water swims at a submaximal pace—once wearing their personal full-sleeve …

The Effects Of Blood Flow Restriction And Body Weight Support Treadmill Walking On Electromyographic Activity In Lower Limb Muscles, Cyanea Davies

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Blood flow restriction (BFR) is an emerging rehabilitation modality shown to enhance muscle activation and elicit strength gains comparable to high-intensity training at lower loads (Cognetti et al.,2019). Body weight support (BWS) treadmill walking is another modality that has gained popularity due to the effect it has on lowering muscle activation with increasing support levels (Jensen et al.,2016). However, to date no research has looked at electromyographic (EMG) activity utilizing both modalities concurrently. This study investigated if stride frequency (SF) and muscle activity of the rectus femoris (RF), biceps femoris (BF), tibialis anterior (TA) and gastrocnemius (GA) would be influenced …

Expanding Anatomy Academy In The Las Vegas Metropolitan Area: A Service Learning Project To Improve Childhood Health Through Supplemental Educational Sessions, Alekzander Hall, Brandon Paige, Marlee Parkin, David Sanchez

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Childhood obesity is a growing epidemic in the United States, with approximately 18.5% of US children presenting with obesity. High levels of obesity are less common in higher income communities, but increasingly more prevalent in lower income communities. Currently in Clark County, Nevada, more specifically in lower socioeconomic communities and Title I schools within the Las Vegas area, there is an opportunity to educate students about the components of a healthier lifestyle to provide children with the tools to improve their health. Anatomy Academy (AA) is an eight-week health education program that was created to teach fourth and fifth grade …

Torque Efficacy Of Cadmus Bracket Design Using Clear Aligners, Joseph Soderberg

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Introduction: Clear aligner therapy (CAT) is an alternative option for clinicians to use for orthodontic treatment as opposed to fixed appliances. Many patients prefer clear aligner therapy due to its esthetic looks, removability, ease of oral hygiene, and comfort. Clear aligner companies boast to clinicians that it can be used more efficiently and effectively than fixed appliances in many orthodontic cases. Although these claims have been made, there is a lack of evidence to prove that clear aligner therapy is more efficient or effective. This research will focus on torque control. This project is designed around a new, pre-manufactured attachment …

Effect Of Β-Alanine Supplementation On Inflammation Response And Subsequent Muscle Function Following An Acute Bout Of Resistance Training., David F. Smith

Masters Theses, 2020-current

Purpose: This study aimed to examine the effects of β-alanine supplementation on the inflammation response, as measured by Interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels, and subsequent muscle function in resistance-trained individuals following a single bout of resistance exercise.

Methods: Fourteen resistance-trained subjects were recruited for a double-blind, between-group experiment. Following a two-week washout period (if needed), subjects were randomly assigned to receive either 6.8g of β-alanine daily or a placebo. After the supplementation period, subjects performed a standardized exhaustive squat protocol (10 sets of 10 repetitions at 60% of their estimated 1RM). Venous blood samples were collected pre-exercise, 24-hours post, and 72-hours post …

Effects Of Foam Rolling With And Without Vibration On Contralateral Limb Range Of Motion And Jump Performance, Lawton P. Hawkins

Honors Theses

Recently, foam rolling with vibration (VFR) has gained popularity with having similar benefits to standard foam rolling (FR). VFR may induce a greater improvement in pain pressure threshold, which could lead to a greater improvement in range of motion (ROM). When applied to one limb, improvements in ROM occur in the non-rolled limb for both FR and VFR. Studies comparing the effects of FR and VFR in terms of acute changes in ROM and performance have reported mixed results. Using a larger dosage of VFR may provide a greater improvement in ROM for the non-rolled limb compared to FR. PURPOSE: …

Associations Of Muscular And Cardiovascular Fitness Variables With Cardiovascular Disease In Older Adult Athlete Populations, Lauren T. Zick

Honors Thesis

This data analysis examined associations between cardiovascular and muscular fitness indicators and the presence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in older adult athletes. Using cross-sectional data from 1,110 participants aged 50 and older who completed the Sustained Athlete Fitness Exam (SAFE) at state-level Senior Games events, we evaluated both objective performance metrics and self-reported exercise behaviors. Cardiovascular measures included systolic blood pressure (SBP), waist circumference (WC), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), and body mass index (BMI). Muscular fitness was assessed through grip strength, maximum walking speed, and chair stand time. CVD status was defined as the presence of two or more self-reported cardiovascular …

Agreement Between Methods For Describing The Intensity Of A High Intensity Functional Training Workout, James W. Henley

Master's Theses

This study examined whether a speed-based metric, expressed as percent of maximal speed (%MS), could serve as a practical and accurate method for quantifying intensity in high-intensity functional training (HIFT). Traditional intensity markers—heart rate (HR), blood lactate concentration ([La-]), and rating of perceived exertion (RPE)—were compared to %MS during low- and high-volume (LV, HV) workouts using a combination of correlation and agreement analyses. Twelve males and twelve females completed a baseline assessment followed by two experimental workout sessions. Participants wore HR monitors, provided pre- and post-exercise [La-] samples and RPE scores, and performed maximal speed tests for each workout movement. …

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 …

A History Of Omics Discoveries Reveals The Correlates And Mechanisms Of Loading-Induced Hypertrophy In Adult Skeletal Muscle. 2024 Camps Young Investigator Award Invited Review, Toby L. Chambers, Kevin A. Murach

Health, Human Performance and Recreation Faculty Publications and Presentations

Since the early 2000s, omics approaches to study skeletal muscle hypertrophy consequent to loading (e.g., resistance exercise) have expanded dramatically. Beginning with genomics and transcriptomics, there are now omics datasets from hypertrophying skeletal muscle spanning methylomics, proteomics, and phosphoproteomics, with further integration of single cell/nucleus-specific omics, among others. The purpose of this review is to explore the history of leveraging omics to enable understanding and discovery with respect to loading-induced hypertrophy in adult skeletal muscle. We elaborate on key historical and contemporary studies and findings, highlight specific examples where omics discoveries led to a mechanistic understanding of skeletal muscle growth, …

Does Limb Specialization In Track And Field Introduce Asymmetry In Dynamic Stability?, Aaron X. Jones

Master's Theses

Time to stabilization (TTS) represents the time it takes for a person to become still after a hop landing. Lower times suggest greater dynamic stability. Whereas leg dominance (preference) does not seem to have a significant impact on TTS performance in the general healthy populations, limb specialization in sport may introduce asymmetry. This study compares TTS following forward hops in healthy male controls (N = 19) to varsity DIII Track & Field athletes (N = 20). Groups were equal for height, but the athlete group’s average limb length (106.7 ± 5.5 cm) was greater than the control group (101.5 ± …

The Effect Of Implementing A Development Program Using Mental Imagery On The Time To Master Psychomotor Skills, Randal Agee

Dissertations

Psychomotor skills development programs that use mental imagery have been demonstrated to help individuals acquire psychomotor skills (Anu et al., 2020; Seymore-Walsh et al., 2020; Toth et al., 2020). The commercial trucking industry is presently experiencing a global shortage of qualified truck drivers (American Trucking Association, 2019; Staats et al., 2017). One reason individuals are avoiding or leaving careers as commercial truck drivers is the time spent away from home (Staats et al., 2017). A couple logistical strategies have been developed to improve the situation (Mittal et al., 2018; Prime Inc, 2024); however, for the solutions to be sustainable, the …

Correlation Between Maximal Strength And Standing Power Position In Shot Put Throwers, Ryan E. Joule

Honors Theses

This study determined the correlation between maximal strength to performance in a standing power shot put throw. Collegiate athletes (N = 7, 1 female, 6 males) conducted a one-repetition maximum for the bench press, back squat, and hang power clean, and executed three shot put throws at two different time points (three months apart). For the first time point, there were positive, moderate correlations of shot put distance to bench press (r = 0.41) and back squat (r = 0.45). A positive, strong correlation between distance thrown to hang power clean (r = 0.66) was present. For the second time …

Economy Smart Watch Fails To Accurately Monitor Blood Glucose Among Healthy Adults, Thinh Le Mr., Douglas Oberlin Dr., Adam Mohan Mr.

Undergraduate Research

Monitoring and maintenance of blood glucose (BG) concentrations is of critical importance to individuals with diabetes mellitus. However, this often requires multiple finger-sticks and a glucometer, or the use of a prescription continuous glucose monitor (CGM). Recently, some smart watches have become available which claim to non-invasively monitor BG. This should not be confused with watches that pair with CGMs. The purpose of this study was to assess whether the economy smart watches were capable of detecting BG changes among healthy individuals. Currently three participants have completed this study. Healthy young adults reported to the lab after a 4-6 hour …

The Impact Of Prenatal Yoga On Hip Mobility And Delivery Outcomes, Zoe Avery

Mahurin Honors College Capstone Experience/Thesis Projects

Yoga has been shown to decrease lumbar pain, improve maternal mental health, and improve delivery outcomes. While there are many well-established benefits of yoga, the mechanism by which yoga elicits these improvements is unclear. One potential mechanism that has not been studied is through improvements in hip mobility. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to test the effect of prenatal yoga on hip mobility. The secondary aim was to determine the relationship between hip mobility and pregnancy outcomes. METHODS: Hip mobility via hip internal and external range of motion and hip flexor muscle length was measured in pregnant females …

The Perceived Effect Of The Menstrual Cycle On Sleep, Mood, And Training In Ncaa Di Collegiate Athletes, Rachel Conhoff

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Purpose: This study aimed to understand whether collegiate female athletes perceived that their menstrual cycle influenced sleep, mood, and training. Additionally, it looked to identify which phases of the menstrual cycle (pre-menstruation, menstruation, and post-menstruation) were associated with a positive perception of these three variables. Methods: An online questionnaire was designed and sent out to all NCAA Division I (DI) female athletes whose schools had permitted them to participate in the study. The questionnaire was a novel instrument that assessed the perception of the menstrual cycle on the three variables across the three phases. Inclusion criteria included NCAA DI female …

Improving Brain Health: Exercise As A Tool For Enhancing Executive Function And Reducing Stress In Older African Americans, Destiny Ellise Ramos

Theses, Dissertations and Culminating Projects

Older African American (AA) adults face disproportionately higher risk of stress and Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD) compared to other racial and ethnic groups, yet they remain underrepresented in intervention-based research. Previous research has suggested aerobic exercise may reduce stress and benefit executive functioning, which is among the first cognitive domains to be affected in ADRD; however, no studies to date have directly tested the impact of aerobic vs. non-aerobic exercise in older AAs at high risk for developing ADRD. The current study evaluated the effects of a group-based cardio dance fitness (CDF) exercise intervention versus a strength, flexibility, …

Nutrition, Sleep, And Training Habits Enhance Endurance Race Performance, Anna F. Breed

Honors Theses

In recent years, marathon and ultra-marathon participation has grown substantially. Past research has shown that a range of variables influence the performance of endurance athletes. This study included participants of the Forgotten Florida 50-mile and 100-mile race and the Chattanooga Erlanger Half-Marathon and Marathon. These athletes were questioned about their sleep, nutrition, and training habits implemented for the races they completed. The results show the significance of carbohydrate consumption throughout the race for energy maintenance and shortened race times. Also, it was found that hill repeats and tempo runs brought about more successful race times for the runners who implemented …

Dual-Task Cost Of Gait Measures In Individuals With And Without Parkinson's Disease, Addison G. Miller

Health, Human Performance and Recreation Undergraduate Honors Theses

Parkinson’s disease (PD), estimated to affect over one million people by 2030, is a neurodegenerative disease that damages the dopaminergic neurons located in the brain. Losing these neurons cause individuals with PD to experience impairments in basic motor and cognitive functions. Symptoms of PD often include bodily shaking, muscle stiffness, and abnormalities in gait and posture. Individuals with PD can also experience impairment when walking and performing secondary tasks, such as walking while talking, known as dual tasking. Dual tasking can lead to increased risk of falling or losing balance, as well as the inability to move freely while carrying …

Optimization And Personalization Of Fitness Routines Using Mathematical Models, Tyson M. Kerr

Theses/Capstones/Creative Projects

This project aims to develop a mathematical model for generating personalized workout plans tailored to individual fitness goals, preferences, and constraints. By leveraging optimization techniques such as linear programming and genetic algorithms, the model will address key questions, including how to maximize efficiency and consistency in workout plans and which methodologies are best suited for specific fitness objectives. The model involves data collection on user inputs and exercise attributes, defining objective functions for different goals, and integrating constraints like session duration. The implementation will utilize the Python library PuLP to prototype the model, alongside a user-friendly interface for input and …

Supplementation Of Magnesium Glycinate: Testing The Acute Effects Of Magnesium Glycinate On The Stress Levels Of College Students, Meagan Bubeck

Honors Theses

he usage of supplements and vitamins to increase health has become a common practice in the United States. However, the true effects are not always well-known and can differ across brands, population, and other factors. In college, many students are functioning in high stress conditions, and some may result to going on anti-anxiety or depression medications. To see if Magnesium supplementation could be a potential first step in improving the stress levels present in the student population, the effects of Mg were studied in a population of 10 participants. Participant data was studied in both an Mg and placebo condition …