Biomechanics Commons^™

Combining Haptic Feedback With Electromyography To Study Knee Injury In Stationary Cycling, Christopher Kirby

Honors Theses

Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS) is the most prevalent overuse injury in cycling, often linked to altered neuromuscular activation patterns of the quadriceps and hamstrings. While sensory feedback has successfully modified cyclists posture, there is a critical lack of evidence-based interventions targeting the underlying muscle activation imbalances associated with chronic knee pain. This study aimed to develop and validate a novel, real-time biofeedback system that utilizes electromyography (EMG) to trigger vibrotactile cues, aiming to shift muscle onset timing earlier in the pedal stroke to mitigate PFPS-related imbalances. A closed-loop system was engineered by integrating a Delsys EMG system with a SageMotion …

Influence Of Footwear Geometry On Lower Limb Stiffness During Running, Hongjiao Duan

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

This study examined how footwear geometry, specifically stack height and heel width, influences lower-limb stiffness during treadmill running. Twelve recreationally active runners completed treadmill running trials at 4.44 m/s in nine prototype shoe conditions that differed in stack height (25, 45, and 65 mm) and heel width (81, 93, and 105 mm). Vertical stiffness, leg stiffness, and sagittal-plane hip, knee, and ankle joint stiffness were calculated from synchronized markerless motion capture and force data. A two-way repeated-measures ANOVA (stack height X heel width) was used to test footwear effects. Leg stiffness was not significantly affected by stack height or heel …

Coordinated Whole-Body Dynamic Pressing And Reaction Inhibition — Impact Of High-Intensity Intermittent Exercise And Dehydration, Modesto A. Lebron

Graduate Studies Theses and Dissertations 2026

Dynamic whole-body pressing movements are an imperative aspect of various sport and occupational settings, requiring motor coordination to kinetically sequence from lower- to upper-extremities. Recently, exercises such as the jammer arm punch press (JPP) have increased in popularity, promoted as an exercise to improve strength and force transfer. While the JPP has observed increased practical utility, its use in research is limited potentially due to difficulties with quantifying exercise intensity. One method to quantify exercise intensity is the assessment of velocity, serving as the basis for velocity-based training. For optimization, this strategy requires an understanding of velocity ranges and their …

Knee Injury Prevention Program In An Early Pubertal Female Athlete During A Recreational Softball Season, Doug W. Dendy, Toby Brooks, C Roger James, Micah Lierly

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology Volume 6: Issue 1, Article 12, 2025. This case study was intended to analyze the impact of a knee injury prevention program (KIPP) for a young female athlete in a short recreational softball season. It was hypothesized that initiating a KIPP early within a recreational sports season would positively alter lower extremity biomechanics, subsequently reducing the risk of knee injuries during and after skeletal development. During a recreational softball season, a 13-year-old female athlete completed a preliminary biomechanical test, the drop vertical jump battery (DVJB_pre), underwent a 7-week in-season KIPP, then was …

Single Vs. Whole Muscle Group Assessments: Does The Specific Muscle Influence Its Association With Performance?, Carina M. Velasquez, Kealey J. Wohlgemuth, Mckenzie M. Hare, Kathryn E. Southall, Jacob A. Mota

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology Volume 6: Issue 1, Article 11, 2025. Biometric Muscle size and echo intensity are thought to influence muscle function. Unfortunately, previous works often will examine a single muscle from a group of agonists as a metric of whole muscle performance. This approach may not always be the most appropriate to assess performance outcomes. The purpose of the study was to 1) quantify the association of muscle size and echo intensity with vertical jump performance (VJ), 2) Compare the associations between individual and whole muscle group size and echo intensity, 3) determine whether single or …

Differences In Dieting Behavior In Athletic Trainers, Emily Madrak, Ki L. Cole, Bridget M. Miller, Jennifer L. Volberding

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

Introduction: Athletic trainers (ATs) have a foundational knowledge in many facets of health, including optimization of wellness. Though ATs may be actively trying to improve their own health, societal pressure can have a large impact on behavior. The purpose of this study was to identify differences between gender and years-certified in diet patterns in ATs. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was distributed to 2500 National Athletic Training Association members, It included a demographics section and five-item researcher-created questions regarding diet. Chi-square tests of independence were used to determine the relationship. Results: Significance was determined for gender and question 2, “Have …

Comparing Lower Extremity Kinematics Using Trazer And Inertial Motion Capture Systems, Gabriella Juoza-Clark Spt, Joellen Carter Spt, Nikki Stam Spt, Kevin Robinson Pt, Dsc, Ocs

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

Introduction: This study assessed the validity of a non-immersive body motion tracking system (TRAZER) as an alternative to using Inertial Measurement Units (IMU)-based motion capture (MyoMotion) for lower extremity kinematic analysis. Methods: Twenty healthy participants (10 females, 10 males) with a mean age of 24.03 years (range: 20-33 years) and a mean BMI of 25.15 kg/m² (range: 18.45-32.23 kg/m²) performed double and single-leg squats. Data Analysis: Kinematic data from TRAZER and MyoMotion IMUs were compared using a mixed two-way ANOVA. Results: No significant differences were observed in knee flexion data across all movements (p > 0.05) and knee abduction during the …

Parameters Of Suspension Training On Core Performance: A Critically Appraised Topic, Sara Stiltner, Andrea Cripps

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

Clinical Scenario: The core is a functional unit connecting the upper and lower extremities consisting of abdominal, back, and hip musculature. A highly functional core is essential within the kinetic chain and aids in injury prevention and rehabilitation. Traditional means of core stability training are performed on a stable surface. An emerging mode of core training is suspension training (ST), which utilizes a movement paired with instability to challenge the core stabilizers and increase motor unit recruitment.The purpose of suspension training is to increase muscle activation in core stabilizer’s, while mimicking functional movements.It was the purpose of this research to …

The Impact Of Athletic Retirement On Anxiety In Elite Athletes, A Critically Appraised Topic, Jordan Gorham, Emily Madrak

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

Though there is growing interest in athletic mental health, this interest appears to diminish significantly once an athlete enters athletic retirement. The abrupt transition can precipitate mental health struggles, exacerbated by the lack of adequate preparation for lifestyle after retirement and the attachment of athletic identity to their sport. Consequently, these circumstances may increase symptoms associated with poor mental health, with a specific focus on anxiety. As the athlete retires and moves into different stages of life, research notes that athletes with stronger athletic identities have poorer mental health than those who had weaker athletic identity^. While the scrutiny …

Comparing Position Specific Gps Normative Data In Professional Female Club Soccer, Andy Seraphin, Christi Edson, Cory Price, Barrett Jones, Amanda Jagielo, Justin Mullner

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

Objective: To establish normative ranges in common performance tests for professional women’s club soccer. Setting:1^st division professional women’s soccer club in the United States

Participants: Twenty-eight healthy professional women’s soccer players (Age: 27.8 ± 5.1 years; Body Mass: 66.2 ± 6.7 kg). Main Outcome Measures: Season GPS data was analyzed and metrics included minutes, total distance, high speed running, total accelerations, total decelerations, and maximum speed. Statistical analysis was performed to determine differences between positions. Results: Statistically significant differences were found across all metrics in comparison to overall mean. Differences in each metric may be due to a …

A Comparison Of Measured Versus Estimated Metabolic Equivalents (Mets) During The Farmer's Carry And Sled Push Exercises On A Commercially Available Step Mill, Colin Miller, Ethan Remotigue, Shane Hammer, J. Jay Dawes, Taylor K. Dinyer-Mcneely

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology Volume 6: Issue 1, Article 8, 2025. The Stairmaster 10G ergometer allows users to perform non-traditional movements such as the sled push and farmer’s carry, which involve substantial upper and lower body contributions. Standard MET calculations for stair stepping do not account for this increase upper-body workload, so there is potential for error when aiming to determine exercise intensity based exclusively on estimated METs. The primary purpose of this study is to compare the metabolic and physiological effects of two training modes on the Stairmaster 10G ergometer, specifically evaluating the accuracy of MET values …

A Description Of Mental Health Policies In Ohio Secondary Schools, Laura L. Harris, Molly Rowe

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

OBJECTIVE To compare secondary school mental health policies implemented for the student body with those implemented for student athletes.

Athletic Trainers Confidence In Evaluating And Treating Emergent Conditions, Andrea Cripps, Jenny Toonstra, Sara Stiltner

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

OBJECTIVE The profession of Athletic Training (AT) has undergone a substantial educational overhaul in the last decade, adding more advanced knowledge and skills than ever before. With more than 50% of the profession having obtained their certification more than 10 years prior,¹ it is essential that we understand the varying levels of confidence in evaluating and managing these new skills, so that appropriate continuing education opportunities can be developed to bridge any gaps that may be identified. The purpose of this study to examine self-reported confidence in evaluating and managing acute care skills.

Sternocleidomastoid Syndrome In A Collegiate Basketball Athlete: A Case Study, Sara Stiltner, Rob Whitehurst, Eric Avers

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

BACKGROUND
20-year-old male basketball athlete with recurring upper and lower extremity instability injuries presented fall 2021 with shoulder and ankle instability. A past medical history of thermal capsulorrhaphy from high school with surgical intervention May 2021 (college first year). October 2021 athlete began experiencing rotator cuff strains in both shoulders. November 2021, December 2021, January 2022 athlete experiences recurrent right ankle sprains. Each ankle sprain resulted in two weeks of lost participation, followed by one week of active participation. The third ankle sprain associated with increased swelling and pain over medial ankle. Upon referral and MRI a deltoid ligament sprain …

Causes Of Athletic Trainer Attrition: A Critically Appraised Topic, Mckenna E. Tuttle, Klevione D. Brown, Elizabeth A. Starns

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

Athletic Training (AT) attrition has been a persistent issue within the profession for years^1,2. By identifying the factors contributing to the attrition rates among Athletic Trainers, targeted interventions can be developed to mitigate turnover and decrease attrition within the profession.

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.

Sex Differences In Exercise And Sleep Among University Faculty And Staff Members, Jorge O. Vazquez, David A. Tobar, Faith Yingling, K Todd Keylock

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology Volume 6: Issue 1, Article 4, 2025. There has been minimal research examining the exercise and sleeping patterns of university faculty and staff members and what role these factors play in overall health. The information gathered in this study was used to analyze how faculty and staff can adapt their behaviors to improve health and well-being. To explore sex differences in exercise and sleep in faculty and staff at a university in the Midwest, the study performed secondary analyses on data collected from the 2022 American College Health Association’s National Faculty and Staff Health …

Case Study: Effect Of Stroboscopic Vision Training During A Softball Season, Doug Dendy, C Roger James, Toby Brooks, Micah Lierly, Nolan Riley, Larry Munger

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology Volume 6: Issue 1, Article 3, 2025. This case study examined the effects of stroboscopic vision training during an entire varsity softball season for a 16-year-old female. Stroboscopic vision training uses specialized glasses with crystallized fluid that flickers, intermittently impeding vision, a technique that enhances visual performance. The stroboscopic glasses were worn two to three times a week during hitting and fielding skills. The central hypothesis was that the stroboscopic vision training would enhance softball vision performance. The central hypothesis was tested using these specific aims: 1) batting statistics for a year with no …

Kinematic Analysis Of Defensive Forms And Simple Riposte In Foil Fencing And Their Relationship To Target Accuracy, Hashem Adnan Alkilani Dr, Leena Adnan Husain Dr

Journal Articles

This study analyzed kinematic variables of defensive forms and simple riposte in foil fencing and their impact on target accuracy. Eight Jordanian national team fencers (four males, four females, mean age 16.87 ± 2.53 years) participated. Motion analysis was conducted using Contemplas software and Vicon Motus 10 software, with fencing touches recorded electronically. Descriptive statistics, Spearman’s correlation, and repeated measures ANOVA were applied. Results showed the fastest defensive reaction was diagonal defense (0.30s), while horizontal defense achieved the quickest successful touch (0.30s). Increased wrist velocity in the simple riposte after semi-circular defense improved accuracy. The study recommends competition-based training, sensory-cognitive …

Influence Of Marching Band Experience On Eating Disorder Risk And Perceived Stress In Collegiate Marching Artists, Kalor Greve, Jaclyn B. Caccese, Matthew P. Brancaleone

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

Introduction: Collegiate marching artists face severe and prevalent stressors that may contribute to poor mental health and unhealthy habits. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of sex and years of participation in collegiate marching band on the relationship between eating disorder risk and perceived stress levels. Methods: Marching artists from an NCAA Division I university completed the Eating Disorder Questionnaire-6 (EDEQ-6) and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) to obtain disordered eating behaviors and perceived stress levels, respectively. Spearman rank correlations were used to determine the relationship between PSS-10 scores and global and subscale EDEQ-6 scores, …

Retention Of Cpr Knowledge And Skills Among Ncaa Division Iii Athletic Coaches: A Prospective Cohort Study, Allison Hanstine, Jaclyn Tate, Chyrsten Gessel

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

Objective/Context: It is crucial for athletic coaches to be proficient in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) knowledge and skill performance for the health and safety of their athletes. This research aimed to assess CPR knowledge and CPR skill retention five months post-training among athletic coaches. In addition, the study assessed whether the number of years certified in CPR had an association with CPR skill performance scores five months post-training. Design and Setting: As a part of a master’s thesis, this prospective cohort study was performed over a five-month period to align with the research timeline. Participants: The study was conducted among 19 …

A Pilot Study: Effects Of 5-Week Hamstring Training On Functional Movement Screen Scores., Julie Landrigan, Colin Tomes

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

Introduction. The Functional Movement Screen (FMS) can be used by clinicians to assess movement and asymmetries in their clients. Understanding FMS composite and subtest scores can be a useful way for clinicians to monitor risk of injury. The purpose of this study was to identify if eccentric hamstring stretching and Nordic hamstring curls could improve movement, FMS scores, and active straight leg raise range of motion. Methods. Participants consisted of a convenience sample of high-school athletes. All subjects participated in the intervention, performing the FMS screen pre- and post-Nordic curls and stretching. Results. This pilot study suggests that the …

Normative Performance Test Metrics In Professional Female Club Soccer, Andy Seraphin, Christi Edson, Cory Price, Barrett Jones, Amanda Jagielo, Justin Mullner

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

Objective: To establish normative ranges in common performance tests for professional women’s club soccer. Setting:1^st division professional women’s soccer club in the United States

Participants: Twenty-eight healthy professional women’s soccer players (Age: 27.8 ± 5.1 years; Body Mass: 66.2 ± 6.7 kg). Main Outcome Measures: Countermovement Jump, Isometric Mid-Thigh Pull, and Nordic Hamstring Curl tests were performed to obtain lower body compound strength, power, and eccentric hamstring strength. Paired-samples t tests were used to determine between-limbs differences for each outcome measure. Results: Jump height had a mean of 28.9 ± 4.2 cm. Peak vertical force (IMTP) had a …

Measures Of Joint Kinematic Reliability During Repeated Softball Pitching, Erin Pletcher, Mita Lovalakar, Takashi Nagai, Chris Connaboy

Department of Exercise Science Faculty Papers

Background/Objectives: Three-dimensional motion analysis is often used to evaluate improvements or decrements in movement patterns in athletes. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the reliability of joint flexion/extension angles of the pitching elbow and bilateral knees and hips in softball pitchers. Methods: Fourteen softball pitchers (17.9 ± 2.3 years) were tested in one session consisting of four sets of five consecutive fastballs and a second session of two sets of five fastballs. The magnitude of systematic bias and within-subject variation was calculated between pitches. An iterative intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) process was used to determine intra- and inter-session …