Exercise Science Commons^™

The Volleyball Attack: Training, Kinematics, And The Role Of The Torso, Kiara Baeleah Barrett

Human Movement Studies & Special Education Theses & Dissertations

Volleyball is an explosive, dynamic sport popular around the globe. The volleyball attack is the predominant point-scoring avenue and the point of interest for many coaches and players. As this motion is repeated many times throughout the course of a match, it is linked to overuse injuries at the shoulder. The purpose of this dissertation is to investigate methodological approaches for research in this movement as well as establishing mechanisms for improving performance and the health of the volleyball players’ shoulder.

For the first study, a systematic review of published literature was performed to ascertain training protocols beneficial to volleyball …

Reliability Of Popliteal Artery Flow-Mediated Dilation In The Seated Position, Taskina Akhter

Rehabilitation Sciences Theses & Dissertations

Flow-mediated dilation (FMD) is a noninvasive measurement of endothelial function, which is a useful prognostic tool for cardiovascular disease risk. Despite its widespread use since 1992, the reproducibility of FMD varies widely between studies. This variability in reproducibility is especially significant in the case of the popliteal artery due to different methodological approaches. Studies perform popliteal FMD in various body positions, with the prone and seated positions most common. However, no studies have examined the reproducibility of both the seated and prone positions of the popliteal artery FMD. Therefore, the aim of this study is to examine the test-retest and …

Multifactorial Exercise Intervention Decreases Falls Risk In High-Risk And Low-Risk Older Adults, Amanda Estep, Steven Morrison, Shane V. Caswell, Jatin P. Ambegaonkar, João R. Vaz, Nelson Cortes

Rehabilitation Sciences Faculty Publications

Background: Each year, 1 in 4 people over the age of 65 years of age will experience a fall. It is important to identify and address modifiable risk factors that are associated with falls in adults at high and low risk for falls.

Hypothesis: Falls risk improves in both high-risk and low-risk participants with the implementation of Stay Active and Independent for Life (SAIL).

Study Design: Cohort study.

Level of Evidence: Level 3.

Methods: Seventy-eight older adults (age, 70.9 ± 5.1 years) were included in this study and categorized into high risk and low risk for falling based on the …

Age, Lower Extremity Muscle Strength, And Running Biomechanics In Healthy Female Recreational Runners, Heather Mcconchie Hamilton

Rehabilitation Sciences Theses & Dissertations

Middle-age and older runners demonstrate differences in running biomechanics compared to younger runners. Females and males demonstrate differences in running biomechanics, and females experience additional hormonal changes with age due to menopause. Despite the biomechanical and physiological differences between females and males, little research has investigated the effect of age specifically in female runners. The overall purpose of this research was to determine the relationships among age, lower extremity muscle strength, and running biomechanics in healthy female recreational runners. Healthy female recreational runners aged 25 – 65 years were recruited. Participants ran on an instrumented treadmill at a training pace …

Effects Of A Climbing-Specific Training Program On Upper-Body Power In Novice Climbers Compared To Advanced Climbers, Dallas E. Wood

Human Movement Studies & Special Education Theses & Dissertations

Muscular strength and muscular endurance are integral physical components of rock climbing. The hypothesis of this study was that a climbing-specific training program would improve physical fitness specific to climbing and improve performance on a relevant indoor rock-climbing test in novice climbers.

Twenty-one novice recreational climbers were matched for sex and climbing performance and randomly assigned. The experimental (EXP, n = 11) group was provided a climbing-specific, six-week training program. The control (CON, n = 10) group continued training as usual. Pre- and post-tests involved anthropometric tests, the ape-index test (arm span to height ratio), a weighted pull-up test, a …

Biomechanical Adaptations While Performing Bilateral Drop Landings With A Unilateral Ankle Tape Application, Eric Daniel Jenkins

Rehabilitation Sciences Theses & Dissertations

Ankle sprains are the most common injury in sport and exercise performance, which makes the utilization of ankle taping a common procedure to both prevent potential sprain, as well as protect against reinjury. However, unilateral ankle taping may have unintended consequences on the mechanics of the ankle and other joints of both legs. The aim of this dissertation was to determine the effects of ankle taping on lower body kinetics and kinematics, stiffness, and coordination during a bilateral landing task.

Twelve female participants completed a total of 90 drop landings across two visits, randomized from landing platforms of 30, 45, …

Effects Of Physical Characteristics Of Placebos On Exercise Performance, Owen Sipes

Human Movement Studies & Special Education Theses & Dissertations

Previous research has shown that placebos can impact medical conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome and depression as well as elicit analgesic effects and improvements in certain exercise performances. These placebo responses occur from a variety of alterations to the placebo itself or through verbal suggestion of how helpful the placebo will be. This study aimed to observe whether changing the color and quantity of capsules can induce improvements in both vertical jump and hand grip strength. This deceptive, parallel study consisted of 28 participants, with a mean age of 24.9 (±4.3) years old, that were randomly assigned to receive …

Salivary Microrna As A Concussion Biomarker And The Implications For Athletic Trainers' Practices, Thomas Richard Campbell

Rehabilitation Sciences Theses & Dissertations

Many concussions are sustained globally each year; however, research suggests that a large number may go undiagnosed due to a reliance on subjective information from patients and limitations of current objective measures. Recently, efforts have been focused on identifying clinical biomarkers of concussions, including salivary microRNA (miRNA), to improve healthcare professionals’ concussion management practices. Even if salivary miRNA were shown to be a valid and reliable measure for managing concussions, healthcare professionals, such as athletic trainers (ATs), must be familiar with the tool and have positive attitudes toward the implementation into clinical practice. Therefore, the purpose of this dissertation was …

The Effects Of Short-Term Removal Of Exercise On Flow Mediated Dilation In Older Adults: Preliminary Data, Joel E. Harden, Leryn Reynolds Ph.D.

College of Education & Professional Studies (Darden) Posters

Endothelial function is negatively associated with decreased risk of cardiovascular disease. Previous studies demonstrate that endothelial function is improved through exercise, and that young, active adults experience impaired endothelial function following short-term physical inactivity interventions. Whether this occurs in older, active adults who may be more prone to bouts of inactivity is unknown. This study determined if endothelial function, as measured by flow-mediated dilation (FMD), was impaired in active, older adults following removal of exercise for 5 days compared to active, young adults. To examine this, popliteal and brachial artery FMD were measured at baseline and during days 3 and …

The Effect Of Training Program On Autism Spectrum Quotient Scores, Hossein Nazary Sharif, Sarvin Salar, Justin Anthony Haegele

Human Movement Studies & Special Education Faculty Publications

Background: Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ) functions as an evaluative instrument designed to assess traits associated with autism. Variances exist within the brain of individuals on the autism spectrum. Moreover, certain exercises have the potential to impact specific regions of the brain.

Aim: This study aims to investigate how the program training of this study impact Autism—Spectrum Quotient.

Materials and Methods: Forty-two children aged 7-10 years with ASD were recruited to participate in this study. These children were randomly divided into two groups: the control group (N=10, 7.80±1.35 years) and the experimental group (N=32, age: 8.16±1.16 years). The experimental group underwent …

Short-Term Removal Of Exercise Impairs Glycemic Control In Older Adults: A Randomized Trial, Leryn J. Reynolds, Troy M. Williams, Joel E. Harden, Hannah M. Twiddy, Monica L. Kearney

Human Movement Studies & Special Education Faculty Publications

Postprandial glycemia (PPG) predicts cardiovascular disease, and short-term physical inactivity increases PPG in young, active adults. Whether this occurs in older, active adults who may be more prone to bouts of inactivity is unknown. This study determined if postprandial interstitial glucose (PPIG) was impaired in active older adults following the removal of exercise for 3 days (NOEX) compared to active young adults. In this randomized, crossover study, 11 older (69.1 ± 1.9 years) and 9 young (32.8 ± 1.8 years) habitually active (≥90 min/week of exercise) adults completed 3-days of NOEX and 3-days of normal habitual exercise (EX), separated by …

A Biomechanical Analysis Of Back Squats: Motion Capture, Electromyography, And Musculoskeletal Modeling, Eva Maria Urdiales Maddox

Human Movement Studies & Special Education Theses & Dissertations

Previous literature evaluating maximal back squats have failed to identify key components of the study decisions and procedures that would allow for duplication. Firstly, the existence of a sticking region in maximally weighted resistance exercises is frequently discussed and has been described as a force-reduced transition phase between an acceleration phase and a strength phase of a lift. However, the etiology has yet to be agreed upon. Second, Electromyography (EMG) is frequently used to assess muscle activations. However, no best practice for EMG normalization has been proposed. Two methods are commonly implemented for normalizing EMG: a maximum voluntary isometric contraction …

Comparison Of Spine–Pelvis Kinematics Variability During Sit-To-Stand And Stand-To-Sit In People With & Without Chronic Low Back Pain: A Vector Coding And Statistical Parametric Mapping Approach, Narges Jangjoo, Elham Alijanpour, Saeid Khodabakhsh, Seyed Sadredin Shojaedin, Roozbeh Naemi

Rehabilitation Sciences Faculty Publications

There is evidence in the literature to suggest that low back pain may change spine–pelvis coordination during activities of daily living. This study aimed to compare the variability of the spine– pelvis coordination during sit-to-stand in people with and without LBP. Ten healthy individuals with a history of LBP and ten individuals without history of LBP participated in this study. Three-dimensional kinematic data of the upper trunk (UT), lower trunk (LT), lower back (LB), and pelvis segments during sit-to-stand and stand-to-sit were recorded using a multi-segmental spine and pelvis models using a motion capture system. The coordination patterns and the …

Exploring The Experiences Of Runners With Visual Impairments And Sighted Guides, Lindsay E. Ball, Lauren J. Leiberman, Pamela Beach, Melanie Perreault, Jason Rich

Human Movement Studies & Special Education Faculty Publications

: Running is a popular sport, and, with simple modifications, it can be accessible for individuals with visual impairments, particularly with a sighted running guide. The purpose of this study is to examine the experiences of runners with visual impairments and sighted running guides. Adopting a descriptive qualitative approach to guide data collection analysis and interpretation, seven runners with visual impairments and four sighted running guides were recruited and interviewed. The analysis identified four major themes: (1) benefits, (2) barriers, (3) advocacy, and (4) communication. The identified themes illustrate the influence of participation in running on the health and relationships …

Physical Activity, Social Support, And Health-Related Quality Of Life In Adults With Visual Impairment, Tayah Lynn Otterness

Human Movement Studies & Special Education Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between participation in physical activity (PA), social support for exercise, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in adults with visual impairments (VI). Due to limited existing literature, this study was used to investigate variables that may impact HRQoL among the specified population. This study used a cross-sectional design and online surveys to determine relationships between the examined variables. Data was collected via Qualtrics Surveying and Google Forms Software. Physical activity was assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Version (IPAQ-SF), a 7-day recall of walking, moderate PA, vigorous PA, …

The Relationship Of Strength, Mobility, And Performance Variables On Throwing Speed In Baseball Catchers, Caleigh D. Hall

Human Movement Studies & Special Education Theses & Dissertations

Baseball is a popular sport worldwide and has thus garnered significant research focus, predominately of pitchers and hitters. However, research involving catchers is scant despite their major influence and consistent presence throughout a game. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the relationship of lower body strength and mobility and performance with throwing speed in baseball catchers. We hypothesized that strength and mobility would have a positive relationship with ball speed, peak power generated while rising out of the squat position would be positively related to ball speed, shorter ascent time would be inversely related to ball speed, …

Exercise Interventions For Relieving Anxiety Symptoms For People With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review, Kathryn Riis

College of Health Sciences Posters

Background: Clinical anxiety is a common comorbidity in people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The focus of interventional therapies tends to be activities which improve gross motor function, communication, social interactions, and other behavioral skills. Certain forms of exercise have been successful in lowering anxiety levels while improving physical function.

Objective: The purpose of this systematic review was to examine the effectiveness of the use of exercise as an intervention to reduce anxiety in people with ASD.

Methods: Two databases, PubMed and Medline, were searched utilizing key terms. This yielded 35 articles for review. PRISMA systematic search procedures identified 9 …

The Impact Of Muscular Strength On Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors, Joel E. Harden, Leryn J. Reynolds, Patrick B. Wilson, Gena R. Gerstner

College of Education & Professional Studies (Darden) Posters

The purpose of this study was to determine the associations between isokinetic leg muscular strength and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factor characterizations in Americans aged 50 and older. Using a publicly available dataset from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), a secondary analysis was conducted on participants (males ≥50 yrs; females ≥55 yrs; N=10,858) pooled from 1999 to 2002. CVD risk factors were determined using the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) cutoff values. CVD risk factor characterization was determined by creating CVD risk factor profiles (i.e., the total number of CVD risk factors an individual possesses), then …

Iranian Parents' Perceptions On Physical Activity For Their Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Sarvin Salar, Justin A. Haegele, Hassan Daneshmandi

Human Movement Studies & Special Education Faculty Publications

Purpose: The COVID-19 pandemic is a remarkable health crisis that enforced most people to stay at home and quarantine for a period of time and seems to be having negative impacts on physical activity and mental health worldwide. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a neurodevelopmental disorder with a deficit in social interaction characteristics, relationships, and stereotyped behaviors. This study examined Iranian parents’ perceptions of physical activity for their children with ASD during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods: In this study, an explanatory qualitative methodology was used and data were collected via semi-structured phone interviews. The samples included 40 Iranian parents (aged …

Meeting The 24-H Movement Guidelines And Health-Related Outcomes Among Youth With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Seven-Country Observational Study, Chunxiao Li, Justin A. Haegele, Fenghua Sun, Maria Luiza Tanure Alves, Stefanie Hwee Chee Ang, Jihyun Lee, Kwok Ng, Isabella Dos Santos Alves, Sean Healy, Wendy Yajun Huang, Pauli Rintala, Jernice Sing Yee Tan, Yandan Wu, Hannah Yang, Eija Kärnä, Hyokju Maeng, André Lisandro Schliemann

Human Movement Studies & Special Education Faculty Publications

Background: Meeting daily guidelines for physical activity, screen time, and sleep duration is associated with a host of health indicators for youth. In this cross-sectional observational study, we investigated the associations between adherence to the movement guidelines and health-related outcomes among youth with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Methods: Parents of youth with ASD (10-17 years) from seven countries and regions were invited to provide online proxy-reports for child's movement behaviors (i.e., physical activity, sleep and screen time), and health-related outcomes (i.e., body mass index [BMI], general health, and quality of life). A series of multiple linear regression analyses were used …

Longitudinal Changes Of Cardiorespiratory Fitness Performance In High School: Association With Individual And School-Based Variables, Xihe Zhu, Justin A. Haegele, Jinting Shao, Summer Davis

Human Movement Studies & Special Education Faculty Publications

This study aimed to model adolescents’ cardiorespiratory fitness performance change trajectories longitudinally across high school years and its relation to school- and individual/student-level factors. We employed hierarchical linear modeling to examine longitudinal cardiorespiratory fitness performance changes, as measured by the progressive aerobic capacity endurance run (PACER), over the years, between sexes, and in association with the school-level variables. Participants were 76,227 adolescents from 80 high schools in the mid-Atlantic region of the United States. School-level academic performance (SAP), the percent of students eligible for free and reduced-price meals (FARM), and physical education student-faculty ratio were obtained with permission from the …

Effect Of A 2-Week Relaxing Music Intervention On Anxiety, Stress, And Gut Symptoms In Aerobic Exercisers, Halie Marisa Maass

Human Movement Studies & Special Education Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of a two-week relaxing music intervention on stress, anxiety, and gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms in exercisers with at least mild anxiety and exercise-related GI symptoms. Block randomization was used to allocate 15 women and two men into control (n = 8) or intervention (n = 9) groups following a one-week baseline. During the baseline period, participants recorded details of their aerobic exercise sessions and discomfort with GI symptoms (nausea, regurgitation/reflux, stomach fullness, bloating, abdominal cramps, gas, the urge to defecate). Following randomization, both groups tracked these same details for two additional …

Evidence For The Use Of Dynamic Maximum Normalization Method Of Muscle Activation During Weight Back Squats, Eva Maddox, Hunter J. Bennett

College of Education & Professional Studies (Darden) Posters

The purpose of this study was to evaluate intra and inter-participant variability and reliability of muscle activations when analyzed using maximum voluntary isometric contractions (MVIC) and dynamic maximum (DMVC) normalization methods. Muscle activations were collected on twenty-seven participants (13 females, 14 males) performing one-repetition maximum (1RM) and submaximum (80%) back squats. Data from submaximum squats were normalized to MVICs and DMVCs. Data were compared using intra-class correlations over two testing days, variance ratio, and coefficients of variation. Mixed-model ANOVAs were used to elucidate the influence on intra- (method) and inter- (sex) subject variability. Reliability levels were good for rectus femoris …

The Effect Of Concussion History On Lower Extremity Injury Risk In High School And Collegiate Athletes: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Vanessa Ramirez, Ryan Mccann, Eric Schussler, Jessica Martinez

College of Health Sciences Posters

Sport-related concussions are a prevalent injury that result in sensorimotor dysfunction and altered neuromuscular control. Individuals recovering from a concussion display decreased postural sway during balance assessment and may possess prolonged balance deficits after return-to-play (RTP). Athletes who are experiencing impairments following RTP after a concussion may be at increased risk of lower extremity (LE) injury. The purpose of this study was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies examining risk of LE musculoskeletal injury following a concussion in high school and collegiate athletes. An electronic database search of PubMed, CINAHL, MEDLINE, and SPORTDiscus was conducted on November …

Self-Selected Maximum But Not Jogging Speed Decreases With Age In Male And Female Runners, Heather Hamilton, Rumit Singh Kakar

College of Health Sciences Posters

Introduction: Running velocity decreases with age, likely resulting from physiological and musculoskeletal changes associated with aging. Females experience a more rapid decline in physical performance during middle age than males, therefore it is important to consider separate-sex analyses when studying running biomechanics and running-related injury. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between age and different running speeds separately for female and male runners.

Methods: Male (n=33) and female (n=46) runners (ages 18–65 years) ran at their self-selected JOG (long distance) and MAX (maximal running) pace on a treadmill. Running velocity was recorded. Simple linear regression was …

Trunk Kinematics Using Musculoskeletal Modeling During Range Of Motion Tasks, Maryam Moeini, Ruth M. Higgins, Hunter Bennett, Stacie Ringleb

College of Health Sciences Posters

A spine model can be used to predict post-spinal fusion motion needed to perform physical activities in individuals with scoliosis. Full body lumbar spine (FBLS) model (Raabi et al., 2016) allows for modeling lumbar spine and pelvis movement and was validated for jogging. However, like other existing adult spine models, FBLS model does not allow for a motion providing thoracic and spine. Purpose: To adapt the FBLS model for simulating thoracic, lumbar and pelvis motion during trunk rotation in all 3 planes of motion. Methods: Since T12-L1 in FBLS model is designed as a dependent joint (axial rotation analogous to …

Efficacy Of A Motivational Video On Heart Rate, Rpe, And Total Work Performed During Stationary Cycling, Hannah Angelella

Virginias Collegiate Honors Council Conference

Lack of enjoyment and motivation are factors that deter people from exercising. However, visual stimulation may help motivate or distract from exertion (1–3). The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of watching a motivational video (MV) versus a calming video (PV) while cycling. Ten recreationally-active subjects from the University of Lynchburg population completed two randomized, twenty-minute moderate intensity sessions on a stationary bike at least 48 hours apart. Subjects watched Bob Ross painting (PV) in one session and the Tour de France (MV) in another. The motivational video significantly improved mileage completed (8.01 vs 6.95 m, p …

Effects Of Increased Attention Allocation On Postural Stability Related To History Of Concussion, Nicholas Reilly, Jessica Prebor, Jacquelyn Moxey, Eric Schussler

College of Health Sciences Posters

Postural instability is among the most common symptoms associated with concussion. However, clinical screenings for concussion are heavily reliant on self-reports of cognitive symptoms such as nausea and headache to determine if a full recovery has been achieved. The objective of this study was to determine if impairments of postural stability that are associated with the acute stages of concussion persist beyond the current clinical standards for determination of recovery from concussion. Fifty-four healthy participants were recruited for the study and divided based on whether they reported having no history of concussion (n = 27) or whether they had been …

Evaluation Of Balance And A Timed Walk On Ankle Brachial Pressure Index And Potential Blood Measures Of Cardiovascular Health, Hannah M. Twiddy, Patrick B. Wilson, Leyrn Reynolds

College of Education & Professional Studies (Darden) Posters

Clinicians are focused on ways to preserve function, independence, and quality of life in the aging adult population. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S.[1]. Thus, assessing the extent of this disease is a high priority in preserving health throughout the lifespan. When determining risk of cardiovascular (CV) disease, functional assessments are recognized as a way to embed function-focused care into assessing disease risk [2]. Ankle-brachial pressure index (ABPI) is a non-invasive reliable predictor for identifying cardiovascular disease risk and mortality [3]. Thus, the purpose was to evaluate the association between functional assessments and ankle brachial …

Relationships Between Injury-Related Fear, Balance Self-Efficacy, And Dynamic Balance Performance In Those With Chronic Ankle Instability, Ashley M. B. Suttmiller, Kelly Johnson, Ryan S. Mccann

College of Health Sciences Posters

Interactions between sensory-perceptual and motor-behavioral impairments in individuals with chronic ankle instability (CAI) are important for successful assessment and treatment of CAI. One of the most consistently reported motor-behavioral impairments is poor reach performance in a dynamic balance task. Injury-related fear is recognized as an important sensory-perceptual impairment, and those with injury-related fears may engage in protective movement strategies found to be associated with reach deficits. Injury-related fear may also impact one’s perception of ability, or self-efficacy, which has demonstrated positive associations with balance performance in other populations, but these relationships have yet to be investigated in the CAI population. …