Exercise Science Commons^™

A Holistic Approach To Performance Prediction In Collegiate Athletics: Player, Team, And Conference Perspectives, Christopher Taber, S. Sharma, Mehul S. Raval, Samah Senbel, Allison Keefe, Jui Shah, Emma Patterson, Julie K. Nolan, N.S. Artan, Tolga Kaya

Exercise Science Faculty Publications

Predictive sports data analytics can be revolutionary for sports performance. Existing literature discusses players' or teams' performance, independently or in tandem. Using Machine Learning (ML), this paper aims to holistically evaluate player-, team-, and conference (season)-level performances in Division-1 Women's basketball. The players were monitored and tested through a full competitive year. The performance was quantified at the player level using the reactive strength index modified (RSImod), at the team level by the game score (GS) metric, and finally at the conference level through Player Efficiency Rating (PER). The data includes parameters from training, subjective stress, sleep, and recovery (WHOOP …

Mechanics Of The Foot And Ankle Joints During Running Using A Multi-Segment Foot Model Compared With A Single-Segment Model, Justin C. Wager, John H. Challis

Exercise Science Faculty Publications

The primary purpose of this study was to compare the ankle joint mechanics, during the stance phase of running, computed with a multi-segment foot model (MULTI; three segments) with a traditional single segment foot model (SINGLE). Traditional ankle joint models define all bones between the ankle and metatarsophalangeal joints as a single rigid segment (SINGLE). However, this contrasts with the more complex structure and mobility of the human foot, recent studies of walking using more multiple-segment models of the human foot have highlighted the errors arising in ankle kinematics and kinetics by using an oversimplified model of the foot. This …

Acute Ingestion Of Dark Chocolate Fails To Affect Running Economy In Recreationally Trained Female Runners, Bianca De Lucia, Beau K. Greer, Christopher B. Taber

PTHMS Graduate Publications

Ingestion of dark chocolate (DC), a dietary source high in flavanols, may increase nitric oxide bioavailability. Elevating blood nitric oxide concentrations may augment metabolic efficiency by reducing the amount of oxygen or energy needed to perform a given task. Utilizing a crossover design, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of acute ingestion of DC on running economy (RE). Nineteen recreationally trained females (age: 20±1 years) volunteered for this investigation, with 16 completing all procedures (n = 16). Two-hours before RE assessment, participants consumed either 42.5 g of DC or an isocaloric amount of white chocolate (WC) …

Inter-Session Repeatability Of Marker-Less Motion Capture Of Treadmill Running Gait, Matthew F. Moran, Isabella C. Rogler, Justin C. Wager

Exercise Science Faculty Publications

Twenty-one experienced runners completed three treadmill running sessions on different days. Each session consisted of three consecutive 2 min trials at self-selected speeds (RPE = 3, 5, and 7). An eight-camera marker-less motion capture system and instrumented pressure treadmill (TM) collected data over the final ~25 s at each speed. Lower extremity joint angles (ankle, knee, and hip) and segmental angles (pelvis and trunk) were computed for each trial with foot contact and toe off being kinematically determined. Spatiotemporal metrics (ground contact time, step length, and cadence) were measured via TM and compared to their kinematically derived counterparts. All spatiotemporal …

Validity And Reliability Of A Computer Vision System To Determine Bar Displacement And Velocity, Christopher Taber, Emma Patterson, Jui Shah, Padraig Francis, Justin C. Wager

Exercise Science Faculty Publications

This study examined the validity and reliability of a video-based smartphone application (VBA) to measure displacement and velocity in the barbell bench press, back squat, and deadlift. Nine resistance-trained subjects (three females; six males; age: 24.2±4.2 years; height 175.8±8.1 cm; body mass 87.2±18.2kg) completed two test-retest sessions for the barbell bench press, back squat, and deadlift one week apart. Eight repetitions were completed for the bench press, back squat, and deadlift with a load of 40kg and completed at fast and slow velocities. Bar displacement and average velocity were measured simultaneously using 3-D motion capture (MC) and a VBA. The …

The Effects Of Accentuated Eccentric Loading On Barbell And Trap Bar Countermovement Jumps, Christopher B. Taber, Calin Butler, Victoria Dabek, Benjamin Kochan, Kyle Mccormick, Emily Petro, Timothy J. Suchomel, Justin Merrigan

Exercise Science Faculty Publications

This study examined effects of accentuated eccentric loading (AEL) on barbell and trap bar loaded countermovement jumps (LCMJ). Twenty-one subjects (16 male, 5 female; Age: 23.5 ± 1.8 years; Body mass: 81.4 ± 10.6 kg; Height: 176.9 ± 7.2 cm; Training age: 7.1 ± 2.6 years) participated in this study. Upon establishing one repetition maximum and baseline jumping conditions, three experimental loading sessions were completed in random order. Barbell and trap bar LCMJ were performed with a spectrum of fixed loads from 20-50 kg during control conditions and with additional AEL loads of 10, 20, or 30 kg for experimental …

Application Of Accentuated Eccentric Loading To Elicit Acute And Chronic Velocity And Power Improvements: A Narrative Review, Justin Merrigan, Jonathon Borth, Christopher B. Taber, Timothy J. Suchomel, Margaret Jones

Exercise Science Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

The Effects Of Body Tempering On Force Production, Flexibility And Muscle Soreness In Collegiate Football Athletes, Christopher B. Taber, Roy Colter, Jair J. Davis, Patrick A. Seweje, Dustin P. Wilson, Jonathan Z. Foster, Justin J. Merrigan

Exercise Science Faculty Publications

There has been limited research to explore the use of body tempering and when the use of this modality would be most appropriate. This study aimed to determine if a body tempering intervention would be appropriate pre-exercise by examining its effects on perceived soreness, range of motion (ROM), and force production compared to an intervention of traditional stretching. The subjects for this study were ten Division 1 (D1) football linemen from Sacred Heart University (Age: 19.9 ± 1.5 years, body mass: 130.9 ± 12.0 kg, height: 188.4 ± 5.1 cm, training age: 8.0 ± 3.5 years). Subjects participated in three …

Twelve Week Calcium Collagen Chelate Or Calcium Plus Vitamin D Supplementation Does Not Affect Bone Metabolism In Trained Cyclists, Beau K. Greer, Christopher Mojock, Bahram Arjmandi, Jeong-Su Kim, Michael Ormsbee, Lynn Panton

Exercise Science Faculty Publications

The purpose of the present study was to determine whether 12 weeks of calcium collagen chelate (CCC) supplementation during habitual training would affect body composition, bone mineral density (BMD), and biomarkers of bone metabolism in competitive cyclists. Twenty trained (maximal aerobic capacity > 50 ml/kg/min, mean training volume: 28 h/wk) male cyclists performed maximal exercise testing and 40-km time trials (TT) on an electronically braked cycle ergometer. BMD of the whole body, lumbar spine (L1-L4), and both hips were measured via dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). The cyclists were assigned to one of two groups: 1) 6 g/d of CCC with 600 …

Comparing Mean & Peak Barbell Velocity During Traditional And Accentuated Eccentric Loaded Back Squats, Zach S. Schroeder, Lauren K. Marshall, Lea C. Katanick, Brookelyn A. Campbell, Conor J. Cantwell, Christopher B. Taber, Timothy J. Suchomel

Exercise Science Faculty Publications

MV: There were statistically significant main effects present for both condition (p = 0.002; g = 0.10-0.23) and load (p < 0.001; g = 0.95-3.93). However, the condition x time interaction effect was not statistically significant (p = 0.259). • PV: There were statistically significant main effects present for both condition (p = 0.016; g = 0.11-0.23) and load (p < 0.001; g = 0.42-1.6), but there was no statistically significant condition x time interaction effect (p = 0.101). • Post hoc analysis indicated that there was a significant difference between MV (p = 0.006) and PV (p = 0.032) between the traditional and 100% AEL conditions. • Moderate effect sizes were found with MV between the traditional and 100% AEL conditions at both 70% CON (g = 0.55) and 80% CON (g = 0.70). • No practically significant differences were found for PV.

Impact Of Sleep And Training On Game Performance And Injury In Division-1 Women’S Basketball Amidst The Pandemic, Samah Senbel, S. Sharma, S. M. Raval, Christopher B. Taber, Julie K. Nolan, N. S. Artan, Diala Ezzeddine, Kaya Tolga

School of Computer Science & Engineering Faculty Publications

We investigated the impact of sleep and training load of Division - 1 women’s basketball players on their game performance and injury prediction using machine learning algorithms. The data was collected during a pandemic-condensed season with unpredictable interruptions to the games and athletic training schedules. We collected data from sleep monitoring devices, training data from coaches, injury reports from medical staff, and weekly survey data from athletes for 22 weeks.With proper data imputation, interpretable feature set, data balancing, and classifiers, we showed that we could predict game performance and injuries with more than 90% accuracy. More importantly, our F1 and …

Epoc Comparison Between Resistance Training And High-Intensity Interval Training In Aerobically Fit Women, Beau K. Greer, Julie O'Brien, Lyndsey Hornbuckle, Lynn B. Panton

Exercise Science Faculty Publications

Previous research has shown that various modes of exercise may elicit significant increases in resting metabolism for up to 24 hours post-exercise, but typically using untrained or moderately active subjects. The purpose of the present study was to compare excess post-exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC) between circuit-style resistance training (RT) and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) in young, aerobically fit women. During the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle, seven participants reported to the laboratory for evening and morning baseline resting metabolic rate (RMR) measurements via indirect calorimetry. Participants fasted and slept overnight in the laboratory between RMR measurements. Following the morning …

Postactivation Potentiation Improves Jumps Performance In Children Ages 6 To 8 Years Old, Camila Gerber, Paolo Sirieiro, Igor Nasser, Christopher B. Taber, Humberto Miranda

Exercise Science Faculty Publications

Introduction: The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of postactivation potentiation (PAP) in vertical and horizontal jump performance in pre-pubertal children.

Material and method: One hundred and nineteen children (65 girls and 54 boys; 6.8 ± 0.7 years old; 124.5 ± 6.4 cm; 25.2 ± 5.1 kg) participated in this study. This was a transversal cross-sectional study which incorporated a within-subjects repeated-measures design, where participants completed all protocols. The experimental procedure required four total testing, separated by one week, using a counterbalanced. This study investigated jumping performance associated with weighted jumps, low-load vertical jumps, and …

Preliminary Investigation Into The Effect Of Actn3 And Ace Polymorphisms On Muscle And Performance Characteristics, John P. Wagle, Kevin M. Carroll, Aaron J. Cunanan, Alexander Wetmore, Christopher Taber, Brad H. Deweese, Kimitake Sato, Charles A. Stuart

Exercise Science Faculty Publications

Preliminary investigation into the effect of ACTN3 and ACE polymorphisms on muscle and performance characteristics. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2018-The purpose of this investigation was to explore the phenotypic and performance outcomes associated with ACTN3 and ACE polymorphisms. Ten trained men (age = 25.8 ± 3.0 years, height = 183.3 ± 4.1 cm, body mass = 92.3 ± 9.3 kg, and back squat to body mass ratio = 1.8 ± 0.3) participated. Blood samples were analyzed to determine ACTN3 and ACE polymorphisms. Standing ultrasonography images of the vastus lateralis (VL) were collected to determine whole muscle cross-sectional area …

Accentuated Eccentric Loading In The Bench Press: Considerations For Eccentric And Concentric Loading, Christopher Taber, Jared R. Morris, John P. Wagle, Justin J. Merrigan

Exercise Science Faculty Publications

This study examined the effects of accentuated eccentric loading (AEL) on bench press velocities across a spectrum of concentric and eccentric loads. Ten strength trained men (bench press one-repetition maximum (1-RM): 124.3 ± 19.4 kg; relative strength ratio: 1.5 ± 0.2 kg∙body mass⁻¹) participated. Subjects completed bench press repetitions using concentric loads from 30% to 80% 1-RM in 10% increments in each experimental session. The AEL protocols were implemented using 100% (AEL100) and 110% 1-RM (AEL110) loads during the eccentric action, while the eccentric load remained the same as the concentric for traditional loading (TRAD). Multilevel models analyzed …

Measures Of Pediatric Function And Physical Activity In Arthritis, Anna E. Greer, Maura D. Iversen

Exercise Science Faculty Publications

Physical function can be assessed through physical examination with the use of performance-based measures and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). Each form of assessment provides a unique contribution to the understanding of the impact of rheumatologic conditions on the patient. PROMs of physical function (PF) are an important component of the assessment of children with arthritis and have been included in the recommended core set of measures for childhood arthritis and musculoskeletal conditions. These measures provide the child’s or parent’s perspective of function within the context of daily living. Measures of PF include both generic measures, which are designed for use …

Emphasizing Task-Specific Hypertrophy To Enhance Sequential Strength And Power Performance, S. Kyle Travis, Ai Ishida, Christopher B. Taber, Andrew C. Fry, Michael Henry Stone

Exercise Science Faculty Publications

While strength is indeed a skill, most discussions have primarily considered structural adaptations rather than ultrastructural augmentation to improve performance. Altering the structural component of the muscle is often the aim of hypertrophic training, yet not all hypertrophy is equal; such alterations are dependent upon how the muscle adapts to the training stimuli and overall training stress. When comparing bodybuilders to strength and power athletes such as powerlifters, weightlifters, and throwers, while muscle size may be similar, the ability to produce force and power is often inequivalent. Thus, performance differences go beyond structural changes and may be due to the …

Lower Extremity Stiffness In Collegiate Distance Runners Pre- And Post-Competition, Jake Tavernite, Matthew F. Moran

Exercise Science Faculty Publications

Previous evidence has suggested that there is a relationship between leg stiffness and improved running performance. The purpose of this investigation was to determine how leg stiffness of runners was influenced in the 24 and 48 hour period following a cross country race. Twenty-two collegiate cross-country runners (13 males, 9 females, 19.5 ± 1.4 yr) were recruited and participated in the study. Leg stiffness was assessed 24 hours before and after a race as well as 48 hours post-race. Three jumping protocols were conducted: 1) a static jump, 2) a countermovement jump, and 3) a vertical hopping test. Two embedded …

Exercise Recommendations For Cardiac Patients With Chronic Nonspecific Low Back Pain, Peter Ronai

Exercise Science Faculty Publications

Musculoskeletal comorbidities (MSKCs) are the most frequent cause of activity limitations in persons with cardiovascular disease (CVD) and affect as many as 70% of this population. It has been observed that over 50% of new outpatient cardiac rehabilitation participants experience some musculoskeletal pain, with back pain reported by up to 38% of cardiac rehabilitation patients. Back pain can limit performance of activities of daily living (ADLs) and reduce exercise tolerance and compliance during outpatient cardiac rehabilitation (CR). This article will describe ways to facilitate CR exercise participation in patients who have comorbid, chronic nonspecific low back pain (CNSLBP) and have …

Effects Of The French Contrast Method On Maximum Strength And Vertical Jumping Performance, Mathew L. Welch, Eric T. Lopatofsky, Jared R. Morris, Christopher B. Taber

Exercise Science Faculty Publications

Introduction: French Contrast Method (FCM) was first created by French track and field coach Gilles Cometti. Anecdotally, FCM is widely utilized by strength and conditioning coaches in their programming for athletes. However, research on the effectiveness of this method is limited. Methods: A pre-post design was used to examine the effects of FCM on maximum strength and vertical jumping performance. A total of 10 weight-trained males volunteered to participate in this study (Age: 21.84±2.38, Height: 175.37±4.94, Body Mass: 80.6±11.11 Training Age: 4.7±2.3, one repetition maximum (1RM) Back Squat: 136.9±37.14, 1RM Trap Bar Deadlift: 189±42.85).

Implementing Eccentric Resistance Training—Part 2: Practical Recommendations, Timothy J. Suchomel, John P. Wagle, Jamie Douglas, Christopher Taber, Melissa Harden, G. Gregory Haff, Michael H. Stone

Exercise Science Faculty Publications

The purpose of this review is to provide strength and conditioning practitioners with recommendations on how best to implement tempo eccentric training (TEMPO), flywheel inertial training (FIT), accentuated eccentric loading (AEL), and plyometric training (PT) into resistance training programs that seek to improve an athlete’s hypertrophy, strength, and power output. Based on the existing literature, TEMPO may be best implemented with weaker athletes to benefit positional strength and hypertrophy due to the time under tension. FIT may provide an effective hypertrophy, strength, and power stimulus for untrained and weaker individuals; however, stronger individuals may not receive the same eccentric (ECC) …

Cluster Set Loading In The Back Squat: Kinetic And Kinematic Implications, Alexander Wetmore, John P. Wagle, Matt L. Sams, Christopher Taber, Brad H. Deweese, Kimitake Sato, Michael H. Stone

Exercise Science Faculty Publications

Cluster set loading in the back squat: Kinetic and kinematic implications. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000–000, 2018—As athletes become well trained, they require greater stimuli and variation to force adaptation. One means of adding additional variation is the use of cluster loading. Cluster loading involves introducing interrepetition rest during a set, which in theory may allow athletes to train at higher absolute intensities for the same volume. The purpose of this study was to investigate the kinetic and kinematic implications of cluster loading as a resistance training programming tactic compared with traditional loading (TL). Eleven resistance-trained men (age = …

Skeletal Muscle Fiber Adaptations Following Resistance Training Using Repetition Maximums Or Relative Intensity, Kevin M. Carroll, Caleb D. Bazyler, Jake R. Bernards, Christopher Taber, Charles A. Stuart, Brad H. Deweese, Kimitake Sato, Michael H. Stone

Exercise Science Faculty Publications

The purpose of the study was to compare the physiological responses of skeletal muscle to a resistance training (RT) program using repetition maximum (RM) or relative intensity (RISR). Fifteen well-trained males underwent RT 3 d·wk−1 for 10 weeks in either an RM group (n = 8) or RISR group (n = 7). The RM group achieved a relative maximum each day, while the RISR group trained based on percentages. The RM group exercised until muscular failure on each exercise, while the RISR group did not reach muscular failure throughout the intervention. Percutaneous needle biopsies of the vastus lateralis were obtained …

Relative Age Effects In Elite Olympic Weightlifters, Jonathan M. Kollars, Kyle S. Beyer, Christopher B. Taber

Exercise Science Faculty Publications

PURPOSE: To determine if RAEs exist in elite Olympic weightlifters from the past five Olympic Games. METHODS: Using retrospective competition data from the International Weightlifting Federation database a total of 953 Olympic Weightlifters (595 males and 358 females) who competed in the Olympic Games between 2000 and 2016 were included in this study. Weightlifters who competed in multiple Olympic Games were only counted once and duplicates were removed from this investigation. The weightlifters were divided into subset weight classes; men lightweight (56kg, 62kg, and 69kg), men middleweight (77kg, 85kg, and 94kg), men heavyweight (105kg and 105kg+), women lightweight (48kg, 53kg, …

Implementing Eccentric Resistance Training—Part 1: A Brief Review Of Existing Methods, Timothy J. Suchomel, John P. Wagle, Jamie Douglas, Christopher Taber, Melissa Harden, G. Gregory Haff, Michael H. Stone

Exercise Science Faculty Publications

The purpose of this review was to provide a physiological rationale for the use of eccentric resistance training and to provide an overview of the most commonly prescribed eccentric training methods. Based on the existing literature, there is a strong physiological rationale for the incorporation of eccentric training into a training program for an individual seeking to maximize muscle size, strength, and power. Specific adaptations may include an increase in muscle cross-sectional area, force output, and fiber shortening velocities, all of which have the potential to benefit power production characteristics. Tempo eccentric training, flywheel inertial training, accentuated eccentric loading, and …

Atrial Fibrillation And Exercise: Exercise Recommendations, Paul Sorace, Peter Ronai, Robert Berry

Exercise Science Faculty Publications

Atrial fibrillation (AF), characterized by a rapid pulse rate and an irregular heart rhythm. It is a more common cardiac arrhythmia. AF may lack symptoms, although fatigue and an impaired exercise ability are common symptoms. This column will discuss exercise testing and training recommendations as well as special considerations.

An Artificial Sweating System For Sweat Sensor Testing Applications, Andrew Brueck, Kyle Bates, Trent Wood, William House, Zachary Martinez, Shannon Peters, Blain Root, Kumar Yelamarthi, Tolga Kaya

School of Computer Science & Engineering Faculty Publications

This research proposes a completely automated, computer-controlled fluid mixing and dispensing system, which is suitable for testing sweat sensing devices, as an alternative to requiring human trials during the development phase of a sweat sensor device. An arm mold was designed and implemented with dragon skin and pores to simulate sweating action. The relay controlled mixing tanks allow for the different concentration of fluid solutions at various rates of fluid dispensing through pores. The onboard single board computer controls a dozen electronic relays and it switches and presents an easy to use graphical user interface to allow end users to …

Randomized Pilot Trial For A Community-Based Group Stretching Exercise Program For Chronic Low Back Pain, Marc Brodsky, Ann Hansen, Wendy Bjerke

Exercise Science Faculty Publications

Background: Authors of meta-analyses concluded that exercise therapy appears to be slightly effective at decreasing pain and improving function in adults with chronic low back pain (CLBP), particularly in health-care populations. Similar to health-care settings, community organizations provide wellness and lifestyle modification programs. Different versions of the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) Y’s Way to a Healthy Back program were offered from 1974 to 2004. Champions of the YMCA program and authors of the pilot study designed a Healthy Back Curriculum to update and reintroduce the program. Objective: The research aim of this randomized pilot trial was to investigate the …

Heat Exposure And Hypohydration Exacerbate Physiological Strain During Load Carrying, Elizabeth L. Adams, Douglas J. Casa, Robert A. Huggins, Julie K. Demartini, Rebecca L. Stearns, Rachel M. Kennedy, Lindsay J. Distefano, Lawrence E. Armstrong, Carl M. Maresh

All PTHMS Faculty Publications

Heat exposure and hypohydration induce physiological and psychological strain during exercise; however, it is unknown if the separate effects of heat exposure and hypohydration are synergistic when co-occurring during loaded exercise. This study compared separate and combined effects of heat exposure and hypohydration on physiological strain, mood state, and visual vigilance during loaded exercise. Twelve males (mean±SD; age, 20±2 years; body mass, 74.0±8.2 kg; maximal oxygen uptake, 57.0±6.0 mLkg-1min-1) completed 4 trials under the following conditions: euhydrated temperate (EUT), hypohydrated temperate (HYT), euhydrated hot (EUH), and hypohydrated hot (HYH). Exercise was 90 min of treadmill walking (∼50% VO2 max, 5% …

Intermittent Pneumatic Compression Boot Use Elevates Blood Lactate During Subsequent Exercise, Richard T. Marcello, Lucas Fortini, Beau K. Greer

Exercise Science Faculty Publications

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the influence of intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) boot use between submaximal cycling trials on heart rate (HR) and blood lactate concentrations. Ten healthy participants (9M; 1F) performed two consecutive 60 minute rides at 60% of functional threshold power with a 30 minute rest between rides. The rest period was spent in a supine position using IPC boots (BOOT) or sitting in a similar position without boots (CON). HRs were collected every 15 minutes during cycling rides, and lactate was measured at the 30-minute mark during both rides. An identical trial was …