Exercise Science Commons^™

Differences In Mental Toughness Among Mixed Martial Artists And Physically Active Individuals, Savannah M. Calleja, Soleil Ramos, Victoria Potvin, Anthony A. Ricci, Gabriel J. Sanders, Corey A. Peacock

Journal for Sports Neuroscience

Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) is a physiological and psychological demanding sport. While the majority of the literature conducted in MMA regards physiological health and risk of injury, researchers are beginning to assess the psychological profiles of MMA athletes. Previous studies have evaluated mental toughness (MT) within MMA; however, no study has examined MT in MMA athletes at the professional division. Therefore, the primary purpose of this research was to evaluate the difference in mental toughness between professional MMA athletes and physically active individuals. Secondary aims are to evaluate potential variations in mental toughness within the professional level between champion and …

Preoperative Low-Intensity Blood Flow Restriction Training Does Not Improve Quadriceps Strength Or Hypertrophy After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction, Daniel Mcgurren, Kaycee Glattke, Molly Klanderman, Jedediah Lee, Anikar Chhabra, Arthur De Luigi

Journal for Sports Neuroscience

Objectives: To investigate the efficacy of a preoperative low-intensity blood flow restriction (LI-BFR) training intervention for patients undergoing anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR).

Design: Pilot study

Methods: Twenty-eight patients undergoing primary ACLR participated in either a LI-BFR training or sham intervention at a rate of 2 sessions per week for 2 weeks before surgery. Quadriceps strength and cross-sectional area were measured via handheld dynamometry and leg press test before and after the intervention before surgery and at 5 different time points after surgery, through 24 weeks after surgery.

Results: Adjusting for sex, time, and strength/hypertrophy at baseline, there were no …

Neuromuscular Responses During Vigorous Intensity Heart Rate-Clamp Cycling Exercise, Clara J. Mitchinson, Pasquale J. Succi, Brian Benitez, Djadmann Gustave, Minyoung Kwak, Erik Snell, Haley C. Bergstrom

Journal for Sports Neuroscience

Introduction: Electromyography (EMG) and mechanomyography (MMG) provide non-invasive assessments of neuromuscular function and fatigue during dynamic exercise. This study examined neuromuscular fatigue and cycling performance through changes in power output (PO), total work (TW), EMG and MMG, amplitude (AMP) and mean power frequency (MPF) during three, heart rate (HR)-Clamp trials in the vigorous range (77-95% HR_max). Methods: Ten men (mean±SD, 25.9±5.0yr, 74.9±15.0kg, HR_max=178±12b×min^-1) performed a cycle ergometer graded exercise test, followed by three separate HR-Clamp trials at 77%HR_max (HR_L, time to exhaustion [T_Lim]=58.5±4.6 min, range=45.3-60.0min), 86%HR_max (HR_{M …}

Intramuscular Nad⁺ Therapy And Neuroenergetic Symptom Modulation: An Exploratory Retrospective Human Pilot Study, Zachary J. Dickey Do, Kirtan Patel Bs, Randy Aldret Edd, Cscs, Atc, Navneet Sharma Md, Glenn Goodwin Do

Journal for Sports Neuroscience

Abstract

Background: Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD⁺) is a central regulator of neuronal energy metabolism, mitochondrial function, and axonal integrity. Following mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) and repetitive subconcussive exposure, neurons undergo a neurometabolic crisis characterized by impaired oxidative phosphorylation, increased ATP demand, and depletion of intracellular NAD⁺ pools. Pre clinical models demonstrate that NAD⁺ depletion contributes to central energy dysregulation, cognitive dysfunction, and axonal and neuronal degeneration through disruption of NAD⁺-dependent pathways including SIRT1-mediated mitochondrial resilience, PARP1-driven NAD⁺ consumption, and SARM1-associated axonal breakdown. Despite growing preclinical evidence supporting NAD⁺based neuroprotection, human clinical data remains absent.

Methods: A real-world clinical pilot …

Limits Of Post-Activation Performance Enhancement: Asymmetry Persists Despite Performance Gains, Talia Thompson, Monique Mokha

Journal for Sports Neuroscience

Post-activation performance enhancement (PAPE) protocols are commonly used to improve power, yet their influence on inter-limb force symmetry remains unclear. This study examined the effects of a PAPE protocol on inter- and intra-session symmetry and performance during a countermovement (CMJ. Ten American football players preparing for the National Football League’s draft completed a complex PAPE protocol consisting of two baseline CMJ trials on dual uniaxial force plates, followed by three sets of maximum effort lower-body lifts (e.g., split squats) alternated with two CMJ trials. Jump height (JH), reactive strength index modified (RSImod), and asymmetry indices for concentric impulse (CIA), eccentric …

Performance Characteristics Of National Club Baseball Association Athletes Completing In-Season Elastic Resistance Training, Scott K. Harnden, Dawson M. Maxlow, Gena D. Guerin, Merrick A. Lincoln

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess in-season physical performance metrics of National Club Baseball Association Athletes (NCBA) baseball players before and after a 6-week field-based elastic tubing resistance training intervention. Performance metrics included throwing velocity, isometric shoulder rotation strength, dynamic stability, muscular endurance, and range of motion (ROM). Method: A cohort of adult male NCBA athletes (n=13; 20.1±1.1years; 171.4±24.1cm; 77.0±10.5kg; all right hand dominant) enrolled in the 6-week biweekly intervention of seven upper extremity exercises. All exercises were completed with wrist-affixed elastic tubing prior to sport practices. Pre- and post-intervention testing included throwing velocity measured via pocket …

Wavelet-Based Mechanomyographic Intensity Responses To Sustained Tasks Anchored To Low Versus High Ratings Of Perceived Exertion, Dolores G. Ortega, Robert W. Smith, Jocelyn E. Arnett, Tyler J. Neltner, Trevor D. Roberts, Justin S. Pioske, Richard J. Schmidt, Terry J. Housh

Journal for Sports Neuroscience

Purpose: This study examined the effects of sustained, isometric forearm flexion tasks anchored to ratings of perceived exertion of 2 (RPE2_FT) versus 8 (RPE8_FT) on the wavelet-based mechanomyographic (MMG) intensity responses from pretest and posttest maximal voluntary isometric contractions (MVICs) as well as the time course of changes in the MMG intensity responses throughout the sustained tasks. Methods: Eleven men (mean±SD: age=20.9±2.3 yrs) performed MVICs before and after the sustained tasks. The wavelet analyses decomposed the MMG signals onto a set of 11 wavelet bands (WBs). Repeated measures ANOVAs were used to analyze the MMG intensity …

Effects Of Ghost Energy Drink On Muscle Strength, Psychomotor Vigilance, And Mood., Jason M. Curtis, Jose J. Rojas, Flavia F. Pereira, Cassandra Evans, Elizabeth Espocito, Alyana Andal Andal, Gavin Poulshock, Hena Thakkar, Taila De Castro, Alexandra Jimenez, Antonio Cristanti, Antonella V. Schwarz, Juan Carlos Santana, Jose Antonio

Journal for Sports Neuroscience

Abstract

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a commercially available energy drink (Ghost®) compared to a caffeine-matched control on measures of mental and physical performance.

Methods: In a randomized, double-blind design, 62 participants were assigned to receive either the energy drink (Ghost®) or a caffeine-matched control (200 mg caffeine). Assessments were conducted at baseline and approximately 45 minutes post-ingestion, including the Psychomotor Vigilance Test (PVT), CNS Tap Test, handgrip strength, and the Profile of Mood States (POMS).

Results: Participant demographics are presented in Table 1. No significant between-group differences were observed for any performance measures. Both groups …

Implementation Evaluation Of Blood Flow Restriction In The Rehabilitative Setting, Corbit Franks, Madison Wellborn, Matthew A. Chatlaong, Daphney M. Carter, William M. Miller, Matthew B. Jessee, Robert E. Davis

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Blood flow restriction refers to a training/rehabilitation method consisting of an external pressure system applied to a limb to partially inhibit blood flow to the tissues. Though much research has been conducted concerning the use of blood flow restriction, there is limited research concerning why clinicians may or may not utilize it. Objective: The current qualitative study utilized the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research to investigate why clinicians may or may not implement blood flow restriction in the clinical setting. Methods: A semi-structured interview addressing twelve implementation constructs within four domains (Intervention Characteristics, Outer Setting, Inner Setting, and Characteristics …

Wearable Single-Channel Electroencephalography, Brain Activity, And Putting Performance In Collegiate Golfers, Pradeep Vanguri, Savannah Calleja, Valerie G. Starratt, Marissa Bonsangue

Journal for Sports Neuroscience

Wearable Electroencephalography (EEG) is a noninvasive method for assessing brain activity. Outside of the context of a traditional medical or laboratory setting, this technology may provide insight into the study of brain activity during activity or sport. In golf, for example, similar research revealed associations in skilled golfers between activity in the alpha brain wave and conscious control of motor activity during putting. The purpose of this research was to further investigate the association between brain-wave activity and athlete performance using a wearable single-channel EEG device during putting in collegiate golfers. Male and Female golfers (n = 11) from …

Elite Beach Volleyball Match Analysis: Rally Structure, Work-To-Rest Patterns, And Gender Considerations, Flavia F. Pereira, Jason M. Curtis, Jose Antonio, Jennifer Austin, Riceler Waske, Victor Romano

Journal for Sports Neuroscience

This study analyzed the physical and temporal demands of elite male and female beach volleyball athletes during professional competitions, specifically focusing on match duration, rally characteristics, and work-to-rest ratios. Utilizing the Balltime AI platform, 7,832 rallies from 92 matches (49 males, 43 females) during the 2023 FIVB Elite 16 Tour and the 2024 Paris Olympic Games were examined. The findings indicate an average total match duration of approximately 46 min (45:55 ± 10:11), with active playing time averaging 13:30 ± 03:06 min and rest periods totaling 32:25 ± 07:29 min. The average rally duration was 9.49 ± 0.57 seconds, yielding …

Evaluating The Impact Of Zoa Energy Drink On Muscular Strength, Psychomotor Vigilance, And Mood In Active Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial, Jose J. Rojas, Jason M. Curtis, Flavia F. Pereira, Cassandra Evans, Kaelan Jones, Alyana Andal, Juan Carlos Santana, Hena Thakkar, Jose Antonio

Journal for Sports Neuroscience

This study evaluates the effects of ZOA Energy Drink, a commercially available energy beverage, on muscular strength, sustained attention, and mood in exercise-trained individuals. Using a randomized, blinded, two-arm design, 24 participants (15 males, 9 females; age = 31.8 ± 8.4 years) were assigned to consume either ZOA Energy Drink or a caffeine-matched placebo. The primary outcomes included psychomotor vigilance (PVT), mood state (POMS), handgrip strength, and push-up performance. Baseline body composition was also assessed using bioelectrical impedance.

Results revealed no statistically significant differences between the ZOA and the caffeine matched control groups in psychomotor vigilance (p = 0.155), mood …

16-Week Physical Transition From Professional Mma To Tactical Firefighting: A Case Study, Cole D. Smeester, Gabriel J. Sanders, Corey Peacock, Jose Antonio

Journal for Sports Neuroscience

Firefighters, whose occupation involves intense physical, mental, and environmental demands, must be physically and mentally prepared to perform job-specific tasks effectively and safely. Nearly half of all injuries sustained on and off the fireground are musculoskeletal, highlighting issues in the preparation and maintenance strategies for work preparedness among firefighters. This case study examines the effectiveness of a 16-week conventional, conjugate strength and conditioning model on a fire recruit transitioning from a career as a professional MMA fighter. Specific data metrics were used to assess increases in firefighter-specific performance (i.e., EPAT time and body composition). After the 16-week program, the participant …

Establishing A Novel Neurofunctional Pre-Season Baseline For Sports-Related Concussion In Men And Women Collegiate Athletics, Jonathan C. Vincent, Jon G. Divine Md Ms, Aaron Kuehn-Himmler At Ms, Robert E. Mangine Pt Med Atc, Jim K. Ellis Od, Frederick R. Carrick Dc, Phd, Ms-Hped, Kimberly A. Hasselfeld, Blake M. Bacevich, Daniel Fosselman Do Mba, Joseph F. Clark Phd, Atc

Journal for Sports Neuroscience

Objective: To develop and validate a multi-domain neurofunctional baseline incorporating ocular, vestibular, proprioceptive, and cognitive assessments for collegiate athletes, thereby providing a more comprehensive approach to detecting and managing sports-related concussions.

Design: Retrospective chart review of pre-season baseline data.

Setting: Collegiate athletic training facility.

Participants: A total of 194 Division I collegiate athletes aged 18–24 years, stratified by sport, sex, and self-reported concussion history.

Interventions: A comprehensive battery of clinical and instrument-based neurological assessments, including Dynavision D2 tests (visual-motor coordination and reaction time), stereopsis, convergence, proprioception, peripheral vision, and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness measurements.

Main Outcome Measures: Normative …

Proceedings From The Sixth Annual Society For Sports Neuroscience Conference, Neurosports Editorial Staff

Journal for Sports Neuroscience

Proceedings from the Sixth Annual Society for Sports Neuroscience Conference

Pull Or Play? The Interpretation Of A Novel, Ai-Powered On-Field Decision Support Tool., Lynne Becker, Dafne Badilla, Osho Yonzon, Xiaoyu Wu, Roland Rocafort, Erik Viogan Phd, Devansh Manocha

Journal for Sports Neuroscience

The document titled "Pull or Play? The interpretation of a novel, AI-powered on-field decision support tool" explores the development and application of the Injury Impact Severity Score (IISS)™ for assessing traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), particularly in sports settings. It addresses the limitations of current assessment tools like the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) and proposes a more objective approach using patient-reported data and machine learning algorithms.

Key points include:

• Background: TBIs are a significant health concern with under-reported cases and a lack of effective research. Current assessment tools like the GCS have limitations in accuracy and speed, especially in dynamic …

The Effects Of Anchor Scheme On Performance Fatigability, Neuromuscular Responses, And Perceived Factors That Contributed To Task Termination During Fatiguing Tasks, Dolores G. Ortega, Robert W. Smith, Jocelyn E. Arnett, Tyler J. Neltner, Trevor D. Roberts, Justin S. Pioske, Richard J. Schmidt, Terry J. Housh

Journal for Sports Neuroscience

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of sustained, isometric forearm flexion tasks anchored to a rating of perceived exertion (RPE) versus torque on the composite, inter-, and intra-individual patterns of responses for torque and neuromuscular parameters, as well as the perceived factors that contributed to task termination. Methods: Ten men (mean ± SD: age = 20.9 ± 2.2 yrs.; height = 180.0 ± 5.1 cm; body mass = 81.3 ± 10.0 kg) performed maximal voluntary isometric contractions (MVICs) before and after sustained, isometric forearm flexion tasks anchored to RPE = 6 (RPE6_FT) and …

Resistance Training Versus Cardiovascular Training: Which Is Better For Fat Loss?: A Brief Narrative Review., Jason M. Curtis, Jose Antonio, Cassandra Evans

Journal for Sports Neuroscience

Abstract

Introduction: Obesity has risen from 30.5% to 41.9% from 2000-2017. Those who are considered severely obese increased from 4.7% to 9.2% over that same period. There are numerous fitness-center approaches to induce weight-loss or reduction of body fat. These interventions are often categorized into two general categories: Resistance training (using weighted resistance in anaerobic strength training) and cardiovascular training (aerobic training). While both fitness groups have been shown to be effective, there is a debate about which method is most effective for eliciting changes in body composition, primarily fat loss.

Methods: Google Scholar and Pubmed were scoured for …

Dehydration And Traumatic Brain Injury: A Pilot Study Of A Translational Rodent Model Of Conditions In Professional Combat Sports, Alexander S. Martinie, Corey Peacock, Chris Algeri, Bill Kochen

Journal for Sports Neuroscience

Traumatic brain injuries are a widespread public health issue, with athletes being at an increased risk of traumatic brain injury, especially in contact sports. Dehydration and rehydration prior to use of a weight drop served as a model for conditions experienced by professional boxers in a rodent model of traumatic brain injury. Following dehydration, rehydration, and traumatic brain injury procedures, subjects’ symptoms were assessed using the novel object recognition task, sucrose preference test, open field maze, and elevated zero maze. There were significant effects of both dehydration and TBI on time to righting, and there was a significant interaction between …

The Effect Of Exercise Type On Working Memory, Ariana Gonzalez, William R. Kochen

Journal for Sports Neuroscience

Martial arts encompass a wide range of sports and techniques that have been practiced for self-defense and combat for thousands of years. It has expanded to include various styles such as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Taekwondo, judo, and karate. It has also been practiced as a form of exercise and entertainment. Martial arts have been associated to discipline, integrity, improved stamina, and increased mental and problem-solving capabilities. Unlike other exercise methods, most martial arts require focus, skill, and technique, which have been hypothesized to improve memory. The purpose of the study was to determine if there was a significant improvement in the …

Proceedings From The Fifth Annual For Society For Sports Neuroscience Conference, Neurosports Editorial Staff

Journal for Sports Neuroscience

Proceedings from the Fifth Annual for Society for Sports Neuroscience Conference

Energy Drinks, Shots, And Pre-Workout Supplements: A Brief Review, Jason M. Curtis, Jose Antonio

Journal for Sports Neuroscience

Abstract

Introduction: There are many purported benefits, both physically and mentally, to consuming energy drinks, energy shots, and multi-ingredient pre-workout supplements ¹.

Methods: This current review, we used studies that investigated the benefits of ED, ES, and MIPS products. We looked for studies that reported the effects of these products, both physical and/or mental.

Review Findings: Current literature on these products suggests that the consumption of these ergogenic aids may increase power, force production, anaerobic production, muscular endurance, and endurance performance in athletes as well as improvement in many indices of mental performance ^2,15.

Practical …

Wearable Device Case-Study: Unveiling Physiological Stress Patterns In A Neurosurgeon Operating Multiple Surgeries, Andy Suarez, Justin Braun, Gabriel J. Sanders, Yoav Ritter, Steven Vanni, Jaime Tartar, Corey A. Peacock

Journal for Sports Neuroscience

Introduction

Utilizing a wearable device, this case study aims to measure stress at different surgical durations to bridge the gap in research regarding the physiological stress of surgery. Significant stress variations throughout the surgeries are anticipated, which will provide valuable insight into the patterns of physiological stress experienced by our neurosurgeon.

Materials and Methods

One male neurosurgeon subject (n=1; age: 48; height: 188 cm; weight: 87.3 kg) conducted 82 surgeries (2023-2024). A wearable device (Whoop 4, Boston, MA) was used to monitor maximum heart rate (MAXHR), average heart rate (AVGHR), calories (CAL), strain (STR) and surgery duration (MIN). Surgeries were …

Does Joint Angle Affect Composite, Inter-Individual, And Intra-Individual Patterns Of Responses For Men During Fatiguing Isometric Forearm Flexion Tasks Anchored To A High Perceptual Intensity?, Jocelyn E. Arnett, Robert W. Smith, Tyler J. Neltner, John Paul V. Anders, Dolores G. Ortega, Terry J. Housh, Richard J. Schmidt, Glen O. Johnson

Journal for Sports Neuroscience

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to utilize the Ratings of Perceived Exertion (RPE) Clamp Model to examine the effects of joint angle on the composite, inter-, and intra-individual patterns of responses for torque and neuromuscular parameters during fatiguing isometric tasks anchored to RPE of 8 (RPE = 8) at elbow joint angles of 75° (JA75) and 125° (JA125) for men. Methods: Ten men (Mean ± SD: age: 20.7 ± 1.2 yrs; height: 181.6 ± 6.0 cm; body mass: 83.7 ± 14.9 kg) performed 2,3 s forearm flexion maximal voluntary isometric contractions (MVIC) with the dominant arm before and …

No “Jitters” But No Energy From A Commercially Available Energy Drink., Jose Antonio, Jason M. Curtis

Journal for Sports Neuroscience

Abstract

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of an energy drink (JOCKO GO) on mood, sustained attention/reaction time, and hand steadiness.

Methods: A total of 29 active men (n = 9) and women (n=20) (mean ± SD: age 22 ± 5 yr.; height 168±8 cm; body mass 68.2 ± 12.8 kg; lean body mass 51.9 ± 15.0 kg; fat mass 15.4 ± 6.8 kg; percent body fat 22.6 ± 8.9%; total body water 38.6 ± 8.6 liters) completed this randomized, crossover, counterbalanced trial. Each subject consumed either one can (355 ml) of the energy …

Post-Activation Performance Enhancement Through Variable Loading Maintains Power Output Over Five Sets In Highly Trained Athletes, Robert Rocanelli, Morgan Siegel, Pedro Yunes, Pete Bommarito, Monique Mokha

Journal for Sports Neuroscience

The goal was to examine the acute effects of five sets of variable loading (VL) on the post-activation performance enhancement (PAPE) response during a live training session in highly trained athletes. PAPE is the phenomenon where acute improvements in power production in light loaded movements occur post near maximal loaded muscle contraction. PAPE may be induced with VL where resistance in the form of chains or bands is added to the bar as it displaces in the concentric phase. Participants were American football players from a variety of field positions (n=12, height =188 ± 0.01 cm, total body mass = …

Proceedings From The Third Annual Society For Neurosports Conference, Neurosports Editorial Staff

Journal for Sports Neuroscience

Proceedings from the Third Annual Society for NeuroSports Conference

Pilot Testing Of A Non-Gaming Cognitive Battery In Expert Esports Athletes, Allison J. Brager, Patrick Belling, Jason Sada, Jeffrey Osgood, Bradley Fawver, Michael Dretsch

Journal for Sports Neuroscience

Introduction: The esports industry is rapidly expanding, making it imperative to identify common data elements of expert gamers for the purposes of performance optimization and enhancement. We aimed to measure cognitive performance in a convenient sample of expert esports athletes, as well as to determine if cognitive performance of these individuals could be further enhanced through a novel non-gaming neurocognitive test battery.

Methods: Elite esports athletes (n = 5) participated in a four-day cognitive and strength & conditioning program at the Sports Academy (Thousand Oaks, CA). Cognitive performance was assessed through five tasks of increasing cognitive load. Baseline …

Examining Movement-Specific Reinvestment And The Yips In Professional Baseball, Lazaro Gutierrez Mba, Ma, Phd, Pradeep R. Vanguri Phd, Lat, Atc

Journal for Sports Neuroscience

The sudden inability of a professional baseball player to throw the baseball accurately, a condition known as the “yips”, is considered a motor movement disruption. Movement-specific reinvestment, including movement self-consciousness (MS-C) and conscious motor processing (CMP), explains the disruption of well-learned motor movements in different performance domains such as throwing. The purpose of this quantitative, causal-comparative study is to examine movement-specific reinvestment level differences between self-reported yips-afflicted and non-afflicted professional baseball players in the United States as measured by the Movement Specific Reinvestment Scale (MSRS). A total of 130 professional baseball players (65 yips-afflicted and 65 non-afflicted) participated in the …

The Effects Of Joint Angle And Anchoring Scheme On Performance Fatigability And Neuromuscular Responses Following Isometric Forearm Flexion Tasks To Failure, Jocelyn E. Arnett, Robert W. Smith, Tyler J. Neltner, John Paul V. Anders, Dolores G. Ortega, Terry J. Housh, Richard J. Schmidt, Glen O. Johnson

Journal for Sports Neuroscience

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of joint angle on MVIC and neuromuscular responses at task failure following sustained, isometric forearm flexion tasks anchored to a rating of perceived exertion (RPE) of 8 (RPE = 8) and anchored to the initial torque that corresponded to RPE = 8 (TRQ). Methods: Ten women (age: 21.0 ± 2.8 yrs; height: 168.5 ± 7.2 cm; body mass: 68.0 ± 7.2 kg) performed 2, 3 s MVICs at joint angles (JA) of 75°, 100°, and 125° (randomized order) before and after sustained, isometric forearm flexion tasks to failure at …