Exercise Science Commons^™

Effects Of Recess On Educational Outcomes In Elementary School Children, Katelyn Whitham

Health, Human Performance and Recreation Undergraduate Honors Theses

Introduction: Because physical activity is beneficial for physical and mental health, the declining opportunities to implement adequate recesses in schools are devastating for children. If educational outcomes are positively affected by increased recess time or quality, schools are more likely to receive funding for programs and resources that support this renovation to recesses, providing research in lacking topics. Purpose: The purpose of this systematic review is to find related, academic articles for cross examination of data collected on the effects that recess has on educational outcomes so that schools may use this as a resource to receive funding to increase …

Determining The Protocol And Testing Feasibility And Intensity Of The Burn2learn Interventions And Measures In College Students, Sarah Schwarz

Health, Human Performance and Recreation Undergraduate Honors Theses

High-intensity interval training(HIIT) is a time-efficient form of exercise that combines aerobic and resistance training methods. HIIT workouts have been found to improve executive functioning, therefore making it beneficial for school aged children. This study is an extension of the Burn2Learn protocols developed in Australia. The purpose of this study is to develop the protocol and testing feasibility and intensity of the Burn2Learn activities in college students, specifically comparing an exercise only (Gym) HIIT session and an exercise + cognitive activity (Brain) HIIT session. The participants of this study consisted of 15 undergrad students aged 20-22. Participants took mEMA cognitive …

Effects Of Exercise On Parkinson's Symptom Relief, Brooke Burnett

The Eleanor Mann School of Nursing Undergraduate Honors Theses

In this review of twenty research articles, the effects of moderate exercise therapy on the symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease will be explored. Appropriate literature was located using the research question, “In older adults with a Parkinson’s Disease Diagnosis, how does moderate exercise influence the symptoms of this disease?” Twenty peer-reviewed research articles were examined for the impact of different forms of exercise on various symptoms associated with Parkinson’s. Nineteen of the articles reviewed provide substantial evidence in support of exercise therapy as a treatment option for people with Parkinson’s, and one of the articles found inconclusive evidence neither in support …

The Role Of Dynamic Gaze Fixations In Human Postural Control, Grace Balsam

Health, Human Performance and Recreation Undergraduate Honors Theses

Background: The human postural control system, which controls balance, is constantly taking in sensory input to help maintain balance while allowing one to pay attention to their daily activities. Using visual search tasks, we will be able to understand information relevant to how changes in visual input affects one’s postural control representative of a more real-life scenario. Purpose: With the help eye tracking technology, this study assesses changes in postural control during various visual conditions. Postural control will be measured during such tasks to analyze how it compares to a simple, quiet balancing task. Following Bonnet and Baudry’s …

Self-Rated Function And Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (Doms) Responses To 6-Week Supplementation With Waters With Anti-Inflammatory Capabilities (Wac), Kristin Garner

Health, Human Performance and Recreation Undergraduate Honors Theses

Introduction: Researchers have examined the effects of sedentary lifestyles on diminished health outcomes and are pleading individuals to take on a more active lifestyle to prevent these. However, initial efforts to exercise are often dampened by delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) and muscle fatigue. This can greatly reduce exercise adherence, making it difficult for individuals to overcome this temporary discomfort. Background: Research has extensively evaluated nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and fruits as anti-inflammatory supplementation to treat DOMS. Berry-derived essences are more highly concentrated in anti-inflammatory substances than regular fruit juices, but there is minimal research on their effects on exercise …

Examining The Effects Of Oral Contraceptive Use On Thermoregulation, Whitley C. Atkins

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Purpose: The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the effects of combined (estradiol and progestin) monophasic oral contraceptive pill (OCP) use on thermoregulation. Further, we sought to evaluate OCP use on acute rehydration post-exercise in the heat using recommended rehydration guidelines. Methods: Twelve healthy, aerobically trained (VO2peak = 47.8 ± 4.7 mL/kg/min), long term female oral contraceptive users completed a familiarization trial and two experimental days separated by ≥ 7 days. The two experimental trials were identical except for the hormone dosing phase. One trial was completed during the third week of active pill dosing (ACT) and one during …

Implementing An Exercise Referral Scheme For Promoting Physical Activity In University Mental Health Care, Bryce Daniels

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Introduction. Mental health symptoms and conditions are prevalent and increasing on college campuses with anxiety and depression having the highest increases in prevalence. Many college students are also physically inactive which is problematic as physical activity benefits mental health. Exercise referral schemes (ERS) can promote physical activity, though no studies have investigated the implementation of an ERS within a college counseling center. Purpose. The purpose of this dissertation was to investigate the implementation of an ERS for promoting physical activity in university mental health care. Methods. Study 1 used a qualitative descriptive design of 14 certified counselors to explore perceptions …

Predictors Of Peak Elbow Valgus Torque In Collegiate Baseball Pitchers, Adam Richard Nebel

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Context: The incidence of UCL tears in baseball is at an all-time high. ATs are in the position to identify those at risk and potentially prevent injury to the UCL. In baseball, research has associated elbow valgus torque as a potential predictor of injury risk. However, markerless analysis has not assessed possible predictors of injury to the UCL in baseball players. Objective: Identify the kinematic factors that influence peak elbow valgus torque through the sequence of a fastball pitch. Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Field study performed in university’s pitching development center. Participants: Division 1 collegiate baseball pitchers (N=21; 17RHP, 4LHP; …

Growth Differentiation Factor 5 Is A Paracrine Regulator Of Sarcopenic Obesity, Landen W. Saling

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Sarcopenic obesity attributes to skeletal muscle loss more than sarcopenia and obesity alone. Individuals with SO suffer from the comorbidity of excess body fat and concurrent muscle mass loss due to aging. Growth differentiation factors (Gdfs) have never been recognized as playing a role in skeletal muscle maintenance in those with SO. Specifically, Gdf5, has been recognized as playing a part in Bone Morphogenic Protein signaling to activate protein synthesis and deactivate protein degradation via SMAD 1/5/8 and SMAD 4 complex. Using RNA sequencing, Gdf5 was identified as being significantly upregulated in SO mice. Purpose: To determine the cellular role …

Evaluating The Effects Of Cardiorespiratory Fitness Level And Gender On Outcomes Of The Buffalo Concussion Bike Test, Katie Stephenson

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Background: Accurate assessment of concussion is crucial for creating a treatment plan. The Buffalo Concussion Bike Test (BCBT) is a 30-minute graded exercise protocol for a stationary bicycle. Previously this assessment has been reportedly used to screen for exercise intolerance secondary to autonomic dysfunction; however, the original purpose of the assessment was to find a sub-symptom threshold for exercise rehabilitation during concussion recovery. Starting resistance for the BCBT protocol is based solely on body mass. Other factors such as cardiorespiratory fitness level and sex have been noted to effect outcomes on similar assessments and are not considered in the BCBT …

Response To A Water Bolus In Long Term Oral Contraceptive Users, Whitley C. Atkins, Brendon P. Mcdermott, Abigail T. Colburn, Stavros A. Kavouras

Health, Human Performance and Recreation Faculty Publications and Presentations

The purpose of our study was to determine the responses to an acute water bolus in long-term oral contraception (OCP) users. Seventeen female volunteers (27 ± 5 y, 64.1 ± 13.7 kg, 39.6 ± 5.9 kg/LBM) provided consent and enrolled in our study. All were long-term OCP users and participated in two trials, one during the active pill (High Hormone, HH) dose of their prescribed OCP and one during the sham pill (Low Hormone, LH) dose. Participants reported to the laboratory euhydrated, were fed breakfast, remained seated for 60 min and were provided a bolus of room temperature water in …

Acute Kidney Injury Biomarkers And Hydration Outcomes At The Boston Marathon, Whitley C. Atkins, Cory L. Butts, Melani R. Kelly, Chris Troyanos, R. Mark Laursen, Andrew Duckett, Dawn M. Emerson, Megan E. Rosa-Caldwell, Brendon P. Mcdermott

Health, Human Performance and Recreation Faculty Publications and Presentations

The purpose of our field study was to investigate the effects of running the Boston Marathon on acute kidney injury (AKI) biomarkers. We hypothesized that biomarker values would be elevated immediately post-marathon but would resolve in the 24-h post-marathon. Secondarily, we sought to identify sex differences related to renal stress. Participants were 65 runners who completed the Boston Marathon (46 ± 9 years, 65.4 ± 10.8 kg). Urine samples were collected at three different time points (pre-marathon, post-marathon, and 24-h post-marathon). Blood samples were collected post-marathon and 24-h post-marathon. Urine specific gravity (USG) and AKI biomarkers were evaluated. Pre-marathon USG …

A Radiographic Investigation Of Anthropometrics, Neck Posture, And Neck Strength In Individuals With Enlarged External Occipital Protuberances, Caleb Burruss

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Overview: Enlarged external occipital protuberances (EEOPs) are found in 41% of young adults. These EEOPs have the potential to lead to pain throughout life and possibly surgery. Little is known of the pathophysiology or characteristics that could lead to these EEOPs. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to use radiographic measurements to investigate how anthropometrics, neck posture and neck strength in flexion and extension differ between those with and without an EEOP. Methods: 80 radiographs from three different studies were digitized and the marking of landmarks performed in ImageJ. The cut-off for an EEOP was established as any EOP …

A Time-Course Characterization Of Muscle Function And Mitochondrial Markers During Colorectal Cancer-Induced Cachexia In Tumor-Bearing Male Mice, Ana Cabrera Ayuso

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Cachexia is a multisystemic and multifactorial syndrome prevalent in cancer patients. It is clinically defined by involuntary loss of >5% weight in a six-month window, despite nutritional interventions. A negative energy balance characterizes cancer cachexia (CC), it is associated with weakness and fatigue in skeletal muscle. Impaired muscle function is associated with lower quality of life in cancer patients. Defects in mitochondrial function are strongly associated with muscle wasting. This study explored muscular contractile function and mitochondrial quality control (MQC) markers in soleus, gastrocnemius, and tibialis anterior (TA) muscles of C26-induced male tumor-bearing mice during a 25-day time course. It …

Relationship Between Global Cognition And Cardiovascular Risk Factors, Alexia Sebghati

Health, Human Performance and Recreation Undergraduate Honors Theses

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is currently affecting the lives of 5.8 million Americans and is expected to double within the next 30 years. With an aging populace of baby boomers, this will place great economic strain on the U.S. creating a burden of almost $1 trillion in healthcare costs. Currently, there is no cure for AD. However, studies report that many individuals with AD experience changes in the brain up to 10-15 years before the disease’s onset. It is imperative to detect future risk of developing AD or mild cognitive impairment (MCI) before significant cognitive changes arise. Many of the risk …

How The Covid-19 Pandemic Has Affected Physical Activity, Sleep And Mental Health In University Students, Faculty And Staff And To Examine The Relationship Between These Variables, Zachary Parisi

Health, Human Performance and Recreation Undergraduate Honors Theses

Background: Increased physical activity has been shown to be beneficial in decreasing stress. This project will expand on this knowledge while also studying college students, a demographic that has been less studied. This study will also examine the impact of COVID-19 on these variables. COVID-19 changed many peoples’ activities of daily life, and possibly physically activity levels, due to public health measures such as lockdowns and remote learning. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to examine how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected physical activity, sleep, and mental health in university students, faculty and staff and to examine the relationship …

Classroom Physical Activity Breaks Effect On Executive Function And Academic Achievement In Elementary School Students, Mark A. Bjornsen

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Objectives: There were three aims in conducting this pilot study. First, determine the Plus Minus Task assessment's reliability to measure the executive function of shifting. Second, determine the feasibility and acceptability of CPAB by students and teachers. Finally, determine the preliminary dose-response of acute physical activity on shifting in elementary students. Methods: This was a pilot study of a classroom physical activity break intervention. Utilizing a withinsubject, cross-over design, students participated in a practice day and then all three treatment conditions: a 10-minute seated lesson (control condition) and 5 and 10 minutes (experimental conditions) of classroom physical activity breaks. A …

The Effect Of Physical Activity On Stress In University Students, Faculty, And Staff And How The Covid-19 Pandemic Affected These Variables, Zachary Parisi

2021 Honors Symposium

INTRODUCTION
• Physical activity has been shown in both college aged and broader aged sample sizes as providing health benefits in different areas from mental functioning to increasing VO2 max.
• Changes in DASS-21 made it difficult to have a large enough sample size
• Students who meet the recommendations for vigorous physical activity were less likely to report poor mental health and perceived stress when compared to other students who did not meet those recommendations.
• Within 10 days of COVID-19 being declared a pandemic, there was a 5.5% decrease in mean steps, and within 30 days there was …

The Effects Of Interventions On The Physical And Mental Health Of Undergraduate Engineering Students In North America, Jillian Prince

2021 Honors Symposium

Background
• Stress-induced mental illnesses are common in many undergraduate engineering students
• These can include anxiety, depression, lack of motivation, poor self-regulation, and poor sleeping habits
• Ailments such as these result in decreased retention, lower grades, less cognitive understanding of material, and poor physical and mental health

Purpose
To investigate the effects of interventions on the physical and mental health of undergraduate engineering students in North America to determine what interventions are most successful.

Ensemble Learning With Recursive Partitioning Methods To Explore Relationships Between Mental Health And Physical Activity, Jessica Gilmore

Health, Human Performance and Recreation Undergraduate Honors Theses

Physical and mental health are imperative to maintaining a well functioning immune system, which is especially critical during a global pandemic. Moreover, physical and mental health contribute to the overall quality of life experienced by an individual. Consequently, it is important to explore factors that contribute to both physical and mental health. Physical activity has been previously shown to improve physical and mental health yet many individuals do not get enough physical activity daily. Using data collected during the larger Exercise is Medicine (EIM) study, the current study utilized ensemble learning with recursive partitioning methods to explore the relationships that …

Visualizing Interdisciplinary Collaborations Within Exercise Science: A Pilot Study, Elizabeth Bjornsen

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Exercise science is a growing field with sub-disciplines exploring various aspects of physical activity. Diverse perspectives allow the field to answer complex research questions, but little is known about the collaborative nature of exercise science today. Research practices have implications on undergraduate curriculum, likely incorporating experiential knowledge into course subject matter and providing diverse experiences for students entering the workforce. Therefore, the purpose of the pilot study is to visualize and quantify interdisciplinary collaborations within exercise science. Journal citation analysis and an adaptation of social networking theory were utilized to examine collaborative practices of exercise science faculty at the University …

Baseline Data Collection On The Overall Health Of First-Year Engineering Students At The University Of Arkansas, Braeley George

Biomedical Engineering Undergraduate Honors Theses

Many factors contribute to college student's success both inside and outside of the classroom. Physical activity, mental health, sleep, and grit are key influences for academic achievement and retention. Exercise is Medicine (EIM) On Campus is part of a worldwide initiative through the American College of Sports Medicine that recognizes the importance of physical activity for health by both assessing and promoting physical activity to all students, faculty, and staff. The EIM survey is a tool for collecting general health information about a campus population, as it consists of questions on demographic information, health status, familial health history, diet choices, …

El Baloncesto Es Vida: A Look Into Strength And Conditioning, Physical Therapy, And Coaching During My Internship Abroad, Jessica Doublesin

Health, Human Performance and Recreation Undergraduate Honors Theses

Introduction: An experience abroad can help a person grow in confidence and knowledge and allow them to immerse themselves in a new culture. During my time in Valencia, Spain, I was able to work at a youth basketball club, CB L’Horta Godella, alongside the club’s strength and conditioning coaches and the physical therapist and be a coach for the young athletes. The fact that I lived with a Spanish family and had an open mindset towards making friends and exploring new things allowed me to grow closer to the culture in Spain. By using my knowledge and passion for sports …

Effects Of Asthma On Lung Function, Aerobic Fitness, And Physical Activity Levels In Young Adults, Trey Deal

Health, Human Performance and Recreation Undergraduate Honors Theses

Background: Asthma is one of the most commonly diagnosed conditions in the United States. Research has shown that one form of asthma, exercise-induced bronchoconstriction, is experienced by the overwhelming majority of individuals with the condition during physical activity, potentially causing fear and avoidance of physical activity in the future. Physical inactivity could have several negative health implications, including lower lung function and aerobic fitness levels. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to compare lung function, aerobic fitness, and physical activity levels between young adults with asthma to those without asthma. The hypothesis is that there will be a statistically …

An Analysis Of Perception Vs. Reality In Physical Fitness And The Effect Of Fitness Testing On Physical Activity In College Students, Sarah Schwartz

Health, Human Performance and Recreation Undergraduate Honors Theses

Background. There is limited knowledge on whether college students are as fit as they believe themselves to be, or if discovering discrepancies in their understanding of their fitness will impact their behavior. Purpose. The purpose of this study was to examine perceptions of fitness in college students and the effect fitness testing has on future behavior and intentions. Methodology. A sample of 28 undergraduates at the University of Arkansas, ages 18 to 25, were recruited to participate in an in-person fitness assessment during which, the five health-related components of fitness were measured. Prior to the assessment, participants were …

The Reliability And Validity Of The 30-15 Intermittent Field Test With A Ball, Kathleen Paulsen

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine the reliability and validity of the 30-15 Intermittent Field Test (30-15IFT) with and without a ball and to determine differences across these two methods in female soccer players. Twenty-four collegiate female soccer players participated in this study (19.46 ± 1.22 years; 167.01 ± 7.23 cm; 60.95 ± 7.84 kg). Players performed one trial of the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery (YYIR) test, three trials of the 30-15IFT, and three trials of the 30-15IFT with a ball (30-15IFT-B), separated by a minimum of 48 hours. Maximal intermittent running velocity (VIFT), heart rate at exhaustion (HRpeak), …

The Effects Of Group Fitness Classes On Self-Efficacy, Katherine Dalton

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Self-efficacy is one of the largest predictors of behavior, when related to exercise studies have shown that self-efficacy can predict drop-out rates within six months of being an exercise program (Middelkamp, et. al., 2016; Sallis, et. al., 1988). College students have the biggest decline in physical activity when compared to other stages of life (Buckworth, 2001; Grubbs & Carter, 2002). University recreation centers provide group fitness classes for students to promote physical activity. Minimal research has been done to show the impact that group fitness classes has on student life. This study aimed to show the impact of group fitness …

Determining Risk Factors For Neck Pain Development Due To Smartphone Use Using The Pain Pressure Threshold Test, Sally Barnes

2020 Honors Symposium

BACKGROUND
• Smartphone use has become increasingly popular recently, especially in the young adult population.
• Neck flexion, the most common position when using a smartphone, has previously been linked to neck pain development.

RESEARCH QUESTION:
• Is thirty minutes of smartphone use linked to neck pain development?

Determining Muscle Fatigue From Reading A Smartphone With The Cervical Extensor Fatigue Test, Sarah Davis

2020 Honors Symposium

Background
• Smartphone use has led to pain and injuries associated with neck flexion while looking down.
• It is important to identify exactly how neck flexion during smartphone use leads to neck pain and muscle fatigue.

Purpose
• To measure the effects of neck flexion on neck endurance during smartphone use.

Effects Of Asthma On Lung Function, Aerobic Fitness, And Physical Activity In Young Adults, Trey Deal

2020 Honors Symposium

INTRODUCTION
• Asthma is one of the most commonly diagnosed conditions in the United States, affecting 25 million individuals
• 90% of individuals with asthma will experience exercise-induced bronchoconstriction while performing physical activity (AAFA, 2015)
• In one study, 70% of the participants in the asthma group were classified as “predominantly sedentary” (Hul et al., 2016)
• In one survey, 20% of parents of children with asthma stated they believed exercise is dangerous for their child (Lang, Butz, Duggan, and Serwint, 2004)

OBJECTIVES
• To determine if physical activity differs between those with or without asthma
• To determine if …