Exercise Science Commons^™

Gender Differences In Social Support During Injury Rehabilitation, Chelsey Ann Bruns

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Athletic injury can be a stress-inducing event that could have negative consequences on the psychological health of the athlete (Anderson & Williams, 1988; Gould, Udry, Bridges, & Beck, 1997). Injuries not only challenge the athlete physically, but also mentally challenge their ability to cope and overcome. A growing amount of research has indicated social support as a key factor in the rehabilitation process for an injured athlete (Yang, Peek, Lowe, Heiden, & Foster, 2010). Athletic injury causes an emotional disruption, and social support could influence the athlete’s reaction to the injury and his or her ability to cope with rehabilitation …

Physiological Effects Of A Kettlebell Workout Versus A High-Resistance Circuit Workout, Brett Schreiber

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Purpose: To compare the physiological effects of a single kettlebell workout to a high-resistance circuit workout in resistance-trained males. Methods: 12 resistance trained healthy males (age: 24 ± 2.97 years; height: 1.75 ± 0.064 m; body mass: 75.99 ± 8.46 kg) participated in this study. Participants had a familiarization visit and two subsequent experimental visits (kettlebell workout; circuit workout). The kettlebell workout consisted of 12-minutes of standardized kettlebell swings. The circuit workout consisted of three sets of 6 repetitions of smith machine squats, bench press, leg curl, and lat pulldown. Heart rate, rectal temperature, skin temperature, blood lactate, rating of …

Acute Testosterone Responses To Different Resistance Exercise Intensities, Robert Rietjens

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

We investigated the acute testosterone response to four different resistance-training protocols. We observed testosterone levels pre-workout, immediately post-workout, and 60-minutes post-workout following a bout of upper body exercise at 70%,1 RM, 90% 1 RM, and lower body exercise at 70% 1 RM and 90% 1 RM. Total training volume was held constant but all amount of weight, sets, and reps were different. 10 healthy, male, resistance trained individuals volunteered for the study. The performed each exercise condition on separate days. Capillary blood was taken via finger prick at the time points specified above. Blood samples were analyzed via Accubind Testosterone …

Balance And Power In Older Adults With And Without A History Of Falls, Stephanie Michelle Gray

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to observe the differences between power and balance in older adults over the age of 65 with and without falls. A total of 62 community dwelling older adults between the ages of 65 and 92 participated in the study. Two groups consisted of 25 fallers and 37 non-fallers. No statistical differences were found between groups on age, height, weight, or BMI. Testing included the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) to test balance, the Tendo Weightlifting Analyzer (TWA) during a sit-to-stand to test lower body power, and the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE) to …

Effects Of Breathing Cool Air During Cycling Exercise In The Heat, Christian B. Ridings

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to establish the ability of the Core Cooler device to prevent rises in physiological heat strain of trained male cyclists during cycling exercise in the heat. METHODS: 15 healthy male cyclists cycled at 50-70% VO2max for 75 minutes in a heat chamber of 31°C & 55% RH while breathing through the Core Cooler device under three different conditions: 1:4 ratio without ice termed control (CN), 1:4 ratio with ice termed low intermittent (LI), and at 1:1 ratio with ice termed high intermittent (HI). Data collected every 15 minutes assessing intestinal temperature (TGI), heart …

The Effects Of Squat Depth On Lower Extremity Joint Kinetics, Acl Loading, Pcl Loading, Tibiofemoral Compressive Forces And Activations Of Eight Lower Extremity Muscles, Zachary A. Sievert

Human Movement Studies & Special Education Theses & Dissertations

Performing resistance training exercises are important in many facets oflife. Resistance training can be used from elite athletes preparing for the Olympics to the average person exercising for overall health. The squat is a common training exercise that can be utilized to improve lower extremity strength and performance. There has been much debate on the effects of squatting depth on lower extremity joint kinetics and kinematics. Therefore the purpose of this thesis is to examine the effects of depth and load on the muscle activation of eight lower extremity muscles and three-dimensional (30) joint moments about the right knee, hip …

Effectiveness Of A Football Over Helmet Padding System In Reducing Peak Acceleration Of The Head And Severity Index 2014, Nicole Cuccurullo

Master's Theses

The purpose of this study was to determine if: (a) a football helmet equipped with the Guardian Cap meets the National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment (NOCSAE) football helmet standards and (b) if the Severity Indexes and peak accelerations produced during the NOCSAE impact tests were smaller for a football helmet equipped with the Guardian Cap over-helmet padding system than for the same helmet without the Guardian Cap. A total of 54 drop impact tests were completed, 27 on the football helmet alone and 27 on the football helmet equipped with the Guardian Cap. Tests were completed on …

The Quadmill: Effects Of Eccentric Training Vs. Concentric Training On Lower Extremity Power And Anaerobic Capacity 2014., John Crosby

Master's Theses

Training focuses on the concentric action of muscle during exercise for most exercise programs, but eccentric training may yield greater results. The Quadmill^TM is a unique piece of training equipment that focuses on training the quadriceps muscle eccentrically. Purpose: to determine if using the Quadmill^TM could increase power and anaerobic capacity to the same level, if not greater, than a standard concentric focused lower body training protocol. Participants were 44 undergraduate college students (24 Male 20 Female) Design: participants placed into three equal groups (Quadmill^TM, Lifting, Control). The two experimental groups (Quadmill^TM and Lifting) underwent …

Physical Activity And Nutritional Behavior Of Overweight College Students Trying To Lose Weight 2014, Santino Vallejos M.S.

Master's Theses

Although there are numerous benefits to increased physical activity and proper dietary behaviors, the decreased participation in physical activity and poor dietary behaviors has emerged as a significant problem within the college student population. The focus of this research study was to identify the relationship between physical activity and dietary behavior to weight loss behaviors within an undergraduate student sample of a small, comprehensive northeastern university. College-aged students (age range: 17 to 27 years old) completed the American College Health Association’s (ACHA) National College Health Assessment II (NCHA) during the years 2009 and 2012. According to the results, there were …

Intensity Of Exercise And Endothelial Function In Healthy Adults, Jacquelyn R. Moxey

Human Movement Studies & Special Education Theses & Dissertations

PURPOSE: To examine the effects of acute bouts of isocaloric exercise at different intensities on endothelial function. The flow-mediated dilation (FMD) responses after the different acute exercise bouts were compared to a control (no exercise) condition. METHODS: Nine healthy subjects completed the study (6 males, 3 females, X ± SD = 24 ± 5 yr, 1.75 ± 0.11 m, 79.2 ± 12.4 kg, 47.9 ± 6.9 mL•kg^-1•min^-1). Vascular responses were compared under three different conditions- HIT: a bout of high-intensity interval treadmill exercise consisting of ten 1-minute intervals at ~100% VO_2max; MOD: moderate-intensity exercise …

The Perceived Demands Of Crossfit, Bryanne N. Bellovary

All NMU Master's Theses

Rhabdomyolysis is the breakdown of muscle tissue causing myoglobin, creatine kinase, and other intracellular proteins and electrolytes to leak into circulation, disrupting cell homeostasis. Exertional rhabdomyolysis (ER) occurs after extremely rigorous physical training that could include high amounts of strenuous eccentric exercise. There has been an increase in reports for mild to severe ER as well as other musculoskeletal injuries as the popularity of extreme conditioning programs (e.g., CrossFit®) increases. Therefore, the main purposes of this investigation were to identify: primary risk factors associated with ER during CrossFit®, CrossFit® workouts that might induce a higher risk for the development of …

Greater Polar Moment Of Inertia At The Tibia In Athletes Who Develop Stress Fractures, Lee A. Weidauer, Teresa Binkley, Matthew Vukovich, Bonny Specker

Health and Nutritional Sciences Faculty Publications

Background: Several previous investigations have determined potential risk factors for stress fractures in athletes and military personnel.
Purpose: To determine factors associated with the development of stress fractures in female athletes.
Study Design: Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3.
Methods: A total of 88 female athletes (cross-country, n ¼ 29; soccer, n ¼ 15; swimming, n ¼ 9; track and field, n ¼ 14; volleyball, n ¼ 12; and basketball, n ¼ 9) aged 18 to 24 years were recruited to participate in a longitudinal bone study and had their left distal tibia at the 4%, 20%, and 66% sites …

Comparison Of Two Different Sprint Interval Training Work-To-Rest Ratios On Acute Metabolic And Inflammatory Responses, Christopher R. Harnish

Theses and Dissertations

High intensity exercise is believed to yield greater results on health and human performance than moderate intensity exercise. Extensive research indicates that not only do high-intensity interval training (HIT) and sprint interval training (SIT) produce significant improvements in cardiovascular fitness and disease, they may be more effective at improving long-term metabolic function, including insulin sensitivity (Si), by producing more mitochondria. Moreover, compliance rates for HIT and SIT participation are reported to be the same or better than traditional moderate intensity exercise. Because lack of time is often cited as major hindrance to exercise participation, SIT is also seen as a …

Variability Of Practice And Strength Training Periodization: When Theories Collide, Katherine Lauren Streder

Master's Theses

The primary purpose of this study was to examine whether variability of practice enhances neuromuscular adaptations when compared to traditional strength training. The secondary purpose was to investigate whether there was a difference in perception of exertion between the two strength programs. Forty one subjects (23 women and 18 men) were assigned to either the control group or one of two treatment groups by a blocked-random method. Subject's one repetition maximum (1RM) for the kettlebell press and leg press were measured at baseline, after 4 weeks of training, and after 8 weeks of training. The treatment groups completed 8 weeks …

Exercise Participation During Weight Loss On A High Protein – Low Carbohydrate Diet Plan In Females Aged 15-25 Years, Margaret Mobley-Meulman

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Weight gain due to poor diet and lack of exercise is responsible for over 300,000 deaths each year (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2010). Obese adults have an increased risk for serious health conditions including high blood pressure and cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, stroke, gallbladder disease, osteoarthritis, sleep apnea, respiratory problems, and certain cancers (National Cancer Institute, 2012). Participation in exercise can help control weight, strengthen muscles and bones, and reduce the incidence of cardiac events, stroke, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, colon and breast cancers, osteoporotic fractures, gallbladder disease, obesity, depression, anxiety, and delay mortality …

Surfing Injuries Requiring First Aid In New Zealand, 2007-2012, Kevin Moran, Jonathon Webber

International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education

In an island nation such as New Zealand with easy access to surf beaches, surfing activities are very popular and, while generally perceived as a healthy form of outdoor recreation, they do have attendant risks. This study reports on nondrowning, surfing-related incidents that required medical first aid on beaches during five summer seasons from 2007-2012. Retrospective descriptive analysis of data from lifeguard first aid reports found that 16% (n = 1,327) of injuries were the consequence of surfing activity. More males than females were treated for surfing injuries (68% male, 31% female). Lacerations (59%) and bruising (15%) accounted for most …

The Effect Of Skeletal Muscle Mass On Basal Metabolic Rate In College-Age Males 2013, Chase Vaughn

Master's Theses

There are many misconceptions within the fitness community. One such misconception is that an increase in muscle mass will have a large increase in basal metabolic rate, yet this may not be the best way for successful weight loss. The purpose of this study was to determine the strength of the correlation between skeletal muscle mass and basal metabolic rate. The hypothesis tested was that basal metabolic rate is strongly correlated with skeletal muscle mass. The participants were college-aged males (n =17). Skeletal muscle mass (SMM) was estimated using the skin-fold circumference model (SFCM): SMM (kg) = Ht (0.00744 CAG2 …

The Influence Of Respiratory Muscle Training On Exercise Endurance 2013, Justin Vanderbeck

Master's Theses

Exercise endurance in multiple populations has been shown to increase after bouts of respiratory muscle training (RMT) (Bailey, Romer, Kelly, Wilkerson, Dimenna & Jones, 2010; Brown, Sharpe, Graham & Johnson, 2008; Griffiths & McConnell, 2007; Kilding, Brown & McConnell, 2007; Laoutaris et al., 2012; Markov, Spengler, Stuessi, Boutellier & Knöpfli-Lenzin, 2001; Spengler & Boutellier, 2000; Stuessi, Spengler, Knöpfli-Lenzin, Markov & Boutellier, 2001; Volianitis et al., 2000). The use of resistance via respiratory muscle strength training (RMST) has been shown to produce greater increases in endurance than with no resistance, but the method of RMST that produces the greatest increases in …

Resistance Training Behaviors In College-Aged Women 2013, Melanie Kornblatt

Master's Theses

The purpose of this study was to develop an understanding of women’s training behavior in the weight room. A secondary purpose was to determine what their beliefs and perceptions were in regards to lifting weights. Participants were college-aged females ranging in age from 17-29 years. Observations of weight lifting activities were conducted during peak hours of operation (Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 3- 6pm) in the fitness facility. A total of 60 hours of observations were conducted over a period of four weeks. In addition to observations, two focus groups were conducted. Participants were divided into two specific groups: I …

The Role Of Appearance In Perceptions Of Personal Trainers 2013., Patrick R. Boerner

Master's Theses

The field of personal training in the United States is believed to have begun in the late 1970‟s and the early 1980‟s (Brooks, 2004). Today, personal training is a healthy profession that, according to the United States Department of Labor and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2012), is expected to grow 24% (60,400 jobs) between 2010 and 2020. In comparison, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2012) predicts the average growth rate for all occupations within the U.S. to be only 14% during the same ten-year span. Rapid growth within the field of personal training has brought an increased scrutiny on …

Oxidative Stress For An Acute Bout Of Bikram Yoga In Healthy, Trained Adults, Kimberly Anne Trocio

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

BACKGROUND:Generation of free radicals resulting in oxidative damage has been linked to cellular damage, aging, and human disease. Many studies have reported that physical exercise can contribute to oxidative stress. Further, exercise in a hyperthermic environment can promote additional oxidative stress. It is important to consider that practices in yoga may be beneficial in reducing oxidative stress according to some studies. The compound effects of exercise and hyperthermic exposure are experienced in the practice of Bikram yoga, the original "hot" yoga. Because Bikram yoga and other hot exercise classes are an increasingly growing fitness trend, it is necessary to investigate …

Effect Of Racing Flats On Running Economy In Male Adolescent Runners, Paul Hafen

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether running economy differs in racing flats versus standard running shoes in high school cross-country runners. In order to measure running economy the oxygen cost of running (mL O₂∙kg^-1∙min^-1) was measured in 20 male adolescent runners (mean age = 16.25 ± 0.97 years, 5 km best time = 17.52 ± 0.78 min) when running two separate trials at a controlled speed. The speed was determined by estimating treadmill running speed at 85% of each runner's VO_2max. Each trial required the participants to run while …

The Effects Of Intermittent Isometric Fatigue On Concentric, Eccentric, And Isometric Torque, Robert W. Lewis Jr.

College of Education and Human Sciences: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Fatiguing intermittent isometric (ISO) muscle actions of the leg extensors have been shown to result in a similar percent (%) decline in torque for concentric (CON), eccentric (ECC), and ISO muscle actions. However, the effects of intermittent ISO fatigue of the forearm flexors on CON, ECC, and ISO torque, have not been established. The purpose of this investigation was to determine the effects of 50 maximal, intermittent ISO forearm flexion muscle actions on CON, ECC, and ISO torque. Twenty adults (10 men (mean ± SD age = 21.9 ± 2.3 years) and 10 women (mean ± SD age = 22.7 …

Too Much Puff, Not Enough Push? Surf Lifeguard Simulated Cpr Performance, Kevin Moran, Jonathon Webber

International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education

The purpose of this paper is to report on the technical competency of volunteer surf lifeguards to perform CPR on a manikin in light of their lifeguard experience, age, and gender. The CPR skills of surf lifeguards on patrol at the beginning of the 2010-11 summer season were tested on manikins by observation of CPR procedures and electronic recording of compression and ventilation skills. Almost all lifeguards (n=252) made the appropriate initial checks for responsiveness (98%). Compression skills were generally performed accurately with few technical errors (such as incomplete release). Most lifeguards (87%) over-ventilated the lungs (> 600ml) on each …

The Relationship Between Heart Rate Variability, Shooting Experience, And Tactical Pistol Performance, Andrew Gerard Thompson

Human Movement Studies & Special Education Theses & Dissertations

PURPOSE: At rest and during a tactical pistol competition classifier, heart rate variability (HRV) time-domain, high frequency (HF), low frequency (LF), total power (TP), and inter-beat-interval (IBI) measurements were examined in 28, healthy subjects (37 ± 11 yr old, 180 ± 7 cm, 90.6 ± 16.9 kg) for correlations to performance. METHODS: Resting measurements were taken supine in a quiet, dimmed room, during metronomic breathing. The shooting task consisted of three stages, comprised of several strings each. The strings were initiated by a starting buzzer and involved several tactical maneuvers, including holster draws, engaging multiple targets, firing on the move, …

Test-Retest Reliability Of Noninvasive Ambulatory Impedance Cardiography During Aerobic Exercise, Benjamin Germain

HIM 1990-2015

Impedance cardiography is an important tool in determining a person's hemodynamic properties. The makers obtained through thoracic impedance have been shown to be of great importance when monitoring critical care patients. Technological developments have made this process noninvasive and ambulatory, opening up new possibilities for potential use. A study was conducted by remotely monitoring healthy subjects (n=5), who performed an 8-minute mild-to-moderate aerobic exercise protocol, followed up by a four minute cognitive stress test. Testing was conducted onsite at Kennedy Space Center in association with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration using the MW1000A (MindWare Technologies LTD, Gahanna, OH) ambulatory …

Exercise-Induced Neuroprotection In A Hemiparkinsonian 6-Hydroxydopamine Rat Model, Merrill Russen Landers

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Outside of finding a cure, one of the preeminent goals of research in Parkinson's disease (PD) is finding a neuroprotective treatment that when applied prior to the onset of the disease will decrease the risk and severity of the subsequent disease. One such treatment that has potential as a neuroprotective agent in PD is exercise. Several studies have found forced exercise to be protective of Parkinson's disease in adult rodent models; however, few of these studies have used a design wherein voluntary exercise was evaluated. Moreover, no study has used a true neuroprotective design in which exercise was applied prior …

The Effects Of Acute Hypoxia On Marksmanship, Chelsea Mary Moore

Human Movement Studies & Special Education Theses & Dissertations

Expeditionary warfighters in the military have the responsibility of being ready to deploy on short notice to any part of the world and be able to effectively complete their mission even if deployed to altitude. Studies demonstrate that altitude can significantly effect heart rate, ventilation rate, arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2) and cognition. Decrements in these areas could lead to a reduction in shooting accuracy. Only two studies have looked at the effects of marksmanship at various altitudes and their results are inconclusive. This study evaluated the effects of acute hypoxia on marksmanship and the effect of a physical exertion task …

Surf Lifeguard Perceptions And Practice Of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (Cpr), Kevin Moran, Jonathon Webber

International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education

While the importance of lifeguards in providing immediate and effective basic life support (BLS) in drowning has been well reported, not a lot is known about how lifeguards perceive the relative value of CPR as a lifeguard skill, their training in it, and the likelihood of resuscitation being successful. A self-complete questionnaire was completed by 252 volunteer surf lifeguards at 16 surf beaches in the Greater Auckland,NZ region. Results show that most lifeguards (65%) had received training in the 3 months before the survey, 83% were willing to perform CPR, few (9%) had used CPR in an emergency, and many …

An Eccentric Intervention Of The Flexor-Pronator Mass To Impact Overhead Throwing Distance And Velocity, Ricker Stanton Adkins

Online Theses and Dissertations

This study focused on the pronator-flexor mass of the elbow and its role in the overhead throwing motion. This specific muscle group is responsible for primary pronation and flexion at the elbow joint, while also reducing valgus stress from compromising the ulnar collateral ligament.

Twenty-three participants were put through a short throwing progression that was focused on their velocity and overall distance thrown from a standing position. After baseline testing was completed participants underwent a short intervention to determine if the intervention would impact all dependent variables. Experimental and non-experimental groups were compared using a repeated measures ANOVA which found …