Exercise Science Commons^™

Coordinated Whole-Body Dynamic Pressing And Reaction Inhibition — Impact Of High-Intensity Intermittent Exercise And Dehydration, Modesto A. Lebron

Graduate Studies Theses and Dissertations 2026

Dynamic whole-body pressing movements are an imperative aspect of various sport and occupational settings, requiring motor coordination to kinetically sequence from lower- to upper-extremities. Recently, exercises such as the jammer arm punch press (JPP) have increased in popularity, promoted as an exercise to improve strength and force transfer. While the JPP has observed increased practical utility, its use in research is limited potentially due to difficulties with quantifying exercise intensity. One method to quantify exercise intensity is the assessment of velocity, serving as the basis for velocity-based training. For optimization, this strategy requires an understanding of velocity ranges and their …

Modeling The Relationship Between Calories And Activity Metrics: A Regression Analysis With Variable Selection, Felix Yeboah

Data Science and Data Mining

Physical activity monitors have become integral to daily routines, with wearable devices such as the Apple Watch and Fitbit offering continuous data on users’ physical activity. This study compares the measurement accuracy of these devices by examining how they record parameters relevant to fitness and health. Employing multiple linear regression, we modeled the relationship between calories expended and a set of explanatory variables, including heart rate, steps, distance, age, activity level, weight, and device type. Evaluation of all possible variable combinations identified heart rate, steps, distance, weight, and watch type as the most effective predictors of calorie expenditure. Although the …

Examining Changes In Pain Sensitivity Following 8 Minutes Of Cycling At Varying Exercise Intensities, Brandi B. Antonio

Graduate Thesis and Dissertation 2023-2024

This study assessed the effect of an eight-minute cycling intervention using varying intensities on exercise-induced hypoalgesia (EIH). Generally, current research examines EIH using protocols that last for more than 10 minutes and reach 75% of an individual's VO2 peak. The main objective of this study was to examine the effect of varying intensities on pressure pain threshold (PPT) and heat pain threshold (HPT) at the thigh and forearm, tested pre- and post-cycling intervention.

Healthy male participants (n=16) performed a graded exercise test on a cycle ergometer to establish their peak power output (PPO). In subsequent visits, participants completed five different …

The Effects Of Resistance Training On Older Adults: Increasing Healthspan And Lowering Disability Rates, Michael M. Samuel

Honors Undergraduate Theses

This study analyzed the research on older adults and resistance training exercise and assessed effects on health span and lowering disability rates. A targeted search of the literature was employed using the following key words: sarcopenia, resistance training, hypertrophy, quality of life, disability, activities of daily living, strength training, falls, and functional strength. These were used to find articles that were relevant to the research. Articles were excluded if they focused on young athletes as they did not meet my research age group. Articles that focused on nutrition were also excluded as they pulled the focus away from the impact …

How Hormonal Contraceptives Influence Injury In Female Athletes: A Systematic Review, Ashley V. Malvita

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Research indicates that female athletes have a higher risk of musculoskeletal injuries. Hormone fluctuations throughout the different periods of the menstruation cycle impacts the risk of injuries for women. Contraceptive use, most used in the form of an oral contraceptive pill, directly effects hormones and menstrual cycle related symptoms, with evidence of ameliorating some symptoms. Oral contraceptive use is suggested to influence musculoskeletal injuries in female athletes. However, there is little research and data that explores the direct relationship between oral contraceptive use and the injury rates of female athletes. Within this systematic review, five articles investigating this relationship fulfilled …

Possible Relationship Between Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplementation And Recovery From Resistance Training, Saagar R. Patel

Honors Undergraduate Theses

The purpose of this thesis is to investigate the relationship between Omega-3 Fatty Acid supplementation and recovery from resistance training. Omega-3 Fatty Acids are a type of polyunsaturated fatty acid that is commonly found in marine sources. Omega-3 Fatty Acids are widely known for offering cardiovascular health benefits and for their anti-inflammatory properties, but their role in resistance training recovery is a relatively novel area of research. This review was conducted by qualitatively analyzing a collection of studies that have been published on the relationship between Omega-3 Fatty Acid supplementation and recovery from resistance training in either resistance-trained or untrained …

Analyzing The Effectiveness Of Kinesio-Taping In Golf-Induced Chronic Low Back Pain Management, Yushan Zhang

Honors Undergraduate Theses

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of Kinesio-Taping (KT) in golf-induced chronic low-back pain management. The golfing population continues to grow each year, and the risks of golf-induced chronic low back pain (CLBP) remain high. The Kinesio-taping technique is a non-invasive treatment intervention utilized in sports injury rehabilitation and prevention. Due to the lack of research on KT in golf-related injuries, this study addresses the injury mechanism of golf-induced CLBP and the proposed physiological mechanism and therapeutic effects on the musculoskeletal system of KT. This study is a comprehensive review of the golf swing, prevalence and …

The Relationship Between The Population's Perception Of Herniated Intervertebral Disks And Their Known Physical Presentation, Jonah D. Gant

Honors Undergraduate Theses

The second most common lumbosacral diagnosis in the United States is a herniation or prolapse of the intervertebral disc. Individuals with herniated discs can have a wide variety of clinical presentations, ranging from asymptomatic to severe spinal cord compression and pain. Studies suggest that an individual’s pre-existing perception of a condition is likely to influence their course of recovery. Currently, perceptions the general public holds regarding the consequences of disc herniation is unknown. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess current views regarding disc herniations in the general population with their reported prevalence and clinical outcome. This was …

Career Termination: The Collegiate Athletes' Self-Identity With The Transition Through The Grief And Loss Cycle, Dylan B. Street

Honors Undergraduate Theses

The research seeks to understand and explain the impact, if any, on the transition out of sport, based on the level of commitment to sport being a Collegiate Athlete. Interest for this study came from personal experience as an athlete, as well as knowing numerous athletes who have gone or are going through, questioning their Identity once their playing days came to an end. This study includes extant literature discussing Athletic Identity. It offers a different perspective than other studies working through grief and loss after losing the ability to play a sport.

The purpose of this study is to …

The Acute Effects Of Continuous And Intermittent Blood Flow Restriction On Sprint Interval Performance And Muscle Oxygen Responses, Aaron Wizenberg

Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023

The purpose of this investigation was to examine the effects of intermittent and continuous blood flow restriction (BFR) during sprint interval training (SIT) on muscle mitochondrial function and perceived effort. Fifteen men volunteered to participate in this investigation and were randomly assigned to complete SIT with CBFR, IBFR, and NoBFR. Each SIT session consisted of 2, 30s maximal sprints on a cycle ergometer with a resistance of 7.5% of body mass. Peak power (PP), total work (TW), ratings of perceived exertion (RPE), sprint decrement score (Sdec), and muscle oxygen responses were measured during each sprint. Before (pretest) and after (posttest) …

The Effects Of Neural And Mechanical Interventions On Muscle Size Versus Function During Short Term Immobilization Of The Lower Limb, Kylie Harmon

Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023

Limb immobilization is a commonly used therapeutic intervention during periods of recovery from injury. To improve rehabilitation outcomes, interventions that curtail the severe decrements in muscular size and strength that occur during immobilization are critically needed. The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of two distinct interventions during one week of knee-joint immobilization on muscular size, strength, and neuromuscular function. Thirty-nine healthy, college-aged adults (21 males and 18 females) participated in this study. Participants were randomized into one of four groups: immobilization only (n = 9) , immobilization + action observation/mental imagery (AOMI) (n = 10), immobilization …

Sex Based Differences In Muscle Quality Recovery Following One Week Of Lower Limb Immobilization And Subsequent Retraining, Ryan Girts

Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023

The present project represents the second part of a two-phase clinical trial designed to comprehensively examine the effects of knee joint immobilization and recovery on skeletal muscle size, strength, and central nervous system plasticity in healthy males and females. The purpose of this study was to examine differences between sexes in the recovery of muscle quality, size, and strength in response to a resistance training-based rehabilitation program following one week of knee joint immobilization. Twenty-seven participants (males: n = 16, age = 22 ± 3 years, BM = 81.3 ± 14.8 kg, BMI = 25.0 ± 3.4 kg/cm2; females: n …

The Test-Retest Reliability Of Single Leg Jump Performance Using The Drift Protocol In Division I Baseball Pitchers, Amy Bergquist

Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023

The purpose of this study was to determine the test-retest reliability of the Drift protocol with and without utilizing an arm swing, and to establish if this is an effective assessment tool for single leg vertical jump. Thirteen male Division I Baseball pitchers (18-35 yrs.) completed four testing visits where a single leg hopping protocol was assessed. Visit one consisted of the consent process and familiarization with the Drift protocol. Visits two, three, and four involved two trials of the protocol, with and without an arm swing. The protocol consisted of five single leg hops on both the stride and …

Effects Of Post-Exercise Recovery Drink Composition On Subsequent Performance In Masters Class Athletes, Erica Goldstein

Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023

Carbohydrate (CHO) and carbohydrate-protein coingestion (CHO-P) have been shown to be equally effective for enhancing glycogen resynthesis and subsequent same-day performance when CHO intake is suboptimal (≤0.8 g/kg). Few studies have specifically examined the effect of isocaloric CHO vs CHO-P consumption on subsequent high-intensity aerobic performance with limited time to recover (≤2 hours) in masters class endurance athletes. Participants (n = 22) were assigned to consume one of three beverages during a 2-hour recovery period: PLA (electrolytes and water), CHO (1.2 g/kg bm), or CHO-P (0.8 g/kg bm CHO + 0.4 g/kg bm PRO). All beverages were standardized to one …

The Relationship Between Rapid Weight Loss And Physical Performance In Combat Sports, Sean P. Cavey

Honors Undergraduate Theses

The purpose of this study is to determine if there is a relationship between rapid weight loss and physical performance in combat sports athletes. The inclusion criteria were rapid weight loss and physical performance effects among combat sports researched in the last 20 years. Phrases, as well as keywords, were searched using multiple databases. The keywords included mixed martial arts (MMA), judo, wrestling, taekwondo, boxing, studies that looked at multiple disciplines at once, and unspecified disciplines. Results of the literature review indicate that there are negative effects on performance due to rapid weight loss and dehydration in combat sports. Appendix …

The Effect Of Aerobic Exercise On Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Literature Review, Delaney K. Cole

Honors Undergraduate Theses

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects that aerobic exercise activities can have on various stereotypical behaviors found in children on the autism spectrum. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a lifelong, developmental disability that can impact how an individual communicates, behaves, as well as moves. Physical activity has long been implemented in the treatment plans of children with diagnoses along the autism spectrum; However, specific data relating to the impact of aerobic activity is quite scattered. Aerobic activities require the body to be able to take oxygen from the air around it and circulate it through the …

High Risk Environmental Conditions Attenuate Distance, Speed, And Performance Efficiency Index In Ncaa D1 Female Soccer Players, Maxine Furtado Mesa

Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of environmental conditions on running performance and performance efficiency index (Effindex). METHODS: Performance data recorded using Polar Pro sensors from eight collegiate female soccer players in nine matches were analyzed during the 2019 competitive season. Effindex and running performance, including total distance covered relative to minutes played (TDREL) and distance covered in five-speed thresholds, were examined for indications of fatigue with rising environmental conditions, including ambient temperature and relative humidity. Matches were separated into three groups based on environmental condition risk: low (Low-Risk; n= 2 matches), moderate (Moderate-Risk; n=3 matches), or high (High-Risk; n=4 matches). …

The Psychological Benefits Of A Remote Physical Activity Intervention In Young Adults With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Madisyn T. Pelchat

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Previous studies found that individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) tend to demonstrate poor health behaviors, including unhealthy nutrition habits and low physical activity (PA) levels. Growing research suggests the PA can improve ASD-related symptoms and attenuate the mental and physical adverse effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Unfortunately, the stay-at-home order was put in place because of COVID-19, which negatively affected health behaviors in many individuals with ASD, including an increase in sedentary behavior and screen time and less PA participation. Prior research also has found that young adults with ASD are at a higher risk for obesity than their …

Affective Response To Upper Body And Lower Body Exercise, Shanelle J. Osorio

Honors Undergraduate Theses

More than one-half of university students in the United States and Canada are not active enough to gain health benefits. Enjoyment of exercise proposes a feasible solution to the absence of motivation surrounding physical activity. The purpose of this study is to compare the differences in reported enjoyment between upper and lower body cycling graded exercise to exhaustion (GXT). Seven university students (23 ± 3 years old; 26 ± 4 kg/m2) performed two randomized graded exercise tests on different days: one for upper body, one for lower body. Feeling Scale (FS) measured the affective response during exercise. Post-exercise enjoyment values …

The Effects Of Dynamic Versus Isometric Postactivation Potentiation On Collegiate Female Rowers, Idan Harat

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Post-activation potentiation (PAP) has been shown to improve acute power-based performance, and the potential to enhance rowing performance. To examine PAP effects with rowing performance, 40 collegiate female rowers performed isometric potentiating (ISO), dynamic potentiating (DYN) and typical control (CON) warm-up protocols, after which they completed a three-minute all-out test (3MT) to evaluate their total distance, peak power, mean power, critical power, anaerobic working capacity (W') and stroke rate. Fifteen-second splits for distance and mean power were also analyzed. The PAP protocols were performed on a rowing ergometer, in a movement pattern that simulated rowing. ISO consisted of 5 × …

The Impact Of Judo On Aggressive Behaviors In Youth With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Paola Rivera

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of an 8-week judo program on lifestyle habits and behavior in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). METHODS: Participants included 25 children (ages 8-17), with a formal diagnosis of ASD. The sample participated in an 8-week judo program (45 minutes, 1x week), with measures taken at baseline and at the end of the 8-weeks. In order to assess activity levels and sleep quality, participants were instructed to wear Actigraph GT9X Accelerometers for 7 days and nights. In order to assess behavioral changes, parents were given the ABC survey to fill …

The Effects Of A 10-Week Judo Program On Cortisol And Stress In Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Justine Renziehausen

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) often have increased levels of stress, leading to dysregulated production of cortisol. Elevated levels of cortisol have numerous known adverse health consequences, and therefore, interventions should be established to help attenuate cortisol production. As judo combines physical activity and mindfulness practice, it may aid in stress reduction and decreased levels of cortisol. Purpose: To examine the effects of a 10-week judo program on stress reactions and salivary cortisol levels in youth with ASD. Methods: 20 children with ASD participated in the 10-week judo program. Changes in acute (before and after one judo session) …

Tumbling Into A Crisis: Use Of Corporate Apologia After Usa Gymnastics Falls Off The Balance Beam, Terry L. Rentner, Cory Young

International Crisis and Risk Communication Conference

In an open letter to U.S. gymnasts on Nov. 5, 2018, United States Olympic Committee (USOC) CEO Sarah Hirshland told its more than 150,000 members “You deserve better” as it launched the Nuclear Clause that would revoke USA Gymnastics (USAG) as a governing body for the sport at the Olympic level [1]. This announcement comes in the wake of USAG’s ongoing crisis that includes a failure to protect athletes from team doctor Larry Nassar, imprisoned for sexually abusing more than 350 female gymnasts; investigations tied to Michigan State University; and the turnover of several USAG CEO’s in just two years. …

Short Term Examination Of Physical Activity And Sleep Quality With Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Demani Barak Barnes

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) may not be meeting the recommended amounts of physical activity (PA) or obtain a sufficient amount of sleep, however, few studies have objectively compared PA, sedentary behavior, and sleep quality between typically developing (TD) youth, and youth with ASD. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to compare levels of PA, sedentary behavior, and sleep quality between youth with ASD and TD youth. Twenty-three children with ASD and 12 TD children wore the Actigraph GT9X accelerometer over seven days and nights to assess activity and sleep. Youth with ASD had significantly greater levels …

Ultrasound Measured Flexor Muscle Thickness In The Forearms Of Rock Climbers, Michael Marsala

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

PURPOSE: To examine differences in the forearms of rock climbers using ultrasound to measure the muscle thickness of the finger flexors. METHODS: A total of 33 participants were recruited, 22 climbers (22.23 years; 68% male) and 11 controls (21.8; 55% male). Climbers provided self-reported ratings of their climbing ability, skill level, and preferred mode of climbing (e.g. sport climbing vs. bouldering). Anthropometric measures, including body fat percentage, were measured in all participants. Ultrasound measurements were taken with the participant lying on their back on a padded table with their dominant hand supinated. Muscle thickness measurements were taken at the forearm …

Minimal Effects Of Moderate Normobaric Hypoxia On The Upper-Body Work-Time Relationship In Recreationally-Active Women, Tristan Starling-Smith

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of moderate normobaric hypoxia on the parameters of the work-time relationship during upper body exercise in women. METHODS: Thirteen recreationally active women (age: 22.7 ± 2.6 y; height: 167 ± 8.6 cm; weight: 66.4 ± 9.7 kg; body fat: 27.6 ± 5% body fat) completed a graded exercise test in both normobaric hypoxia (H; FiO2=~14%) and normoxia (N; FiO2=~20%) to exhaustion on an arm ergometer to determine V̇ O2peak and peak power output (PPO). Each participant completed four constant work-rate arm-cranking tests at 90-120% PPO in both environmental conditions. Linear regression was used to estimate …

Changes In Running And Multiple Object Tracking Performance During A 90-Minute Intermittent Soccer Performance Test (Ispt): A Pilot Study, Ryan Girts

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Multiple object tracking (MOT) is a cognitive process that involves the active processing of dynamic visual information. In athletes, MOT speed is critical for maintaining spatial awareness of teammates, opponents, and the ball while moving at high velocities during a match. Understanding how MOT speed changes throughout the course of a competitive game may enhance strategies for maintaining optimal player performance. The objective of this study was to examine changes in MOT speed and running performance during a 90-minute intermittent soccer performance test (iSPT). A secondary purpose was to examine the relationship between aerobic capacity and changes in MOT speed. …

Acute Effects Of Placebo And Open-Label Placebo Treatments On Muscle Strength, Voluntary Activation, And Neuromuscular Fatigue., Alina Swafford

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Placebo treatments have long been used to study the psychological effects of expectancy and conditioning on an inert intervention. Interestingly, open-label placebo treatments (i.e., directly telling subjects they are receiving an inactive intervention) have recently shown promise in minimizing pain in clinical patient populations. We utilized a repeated measures design to examine the acute effects of placebo, open-label placebo, and control treatments on muscle strength and voluntary activation (Experiment #1), as well as neuromuscular fatigue (Experiment #2). Twenty-one untrained males (n=11) and females (n=10) visited the laboratory on three occasions to receive each treatment in a randomized, counter-balanced manner. All …

Medical Claims At Ncaa Institutions: The Athletic Trainer's Role, Tyler P. Killinger

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Context: National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) institutions are required to certify insurance coverage of medical expenses that result from athletically related injuries sustained while partaking in an NCAA event. This means that the student-athlete must be covered either by their parent’s/guardian’s insurance, their own personal insurance coverage, and/or the institution’s insurance program. Institutions assign this role to a variety of employees, including head athletic trainers (ATs), assistant ATs, athletic administrators, business managers, secretaries, or other institution employees. In 1994 Street, Yates, Lavery, and Lavery observed that the head AT was responsible for administering medical insurance/claims payment at 51% of the …

The Difference In Ventilatory Threshold Among Adolescent Males Based On Maturity Status, Dyane Loney

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Previous research has shown an inverse relationship between age and the relative intensity at which ventilatory threshold (VT) occurs in adolescent boys. However, no study has examined the effect of maturity status on VT in the differences in boys from the onset of puberty, adolescents. The purpose of this study was to compare VT among adolescent boys of different maturational groups. Methods: For this study, moderately active adolescent male participants (14 ± 3 y) completed this study. Maturational status of the participants was determined via years from peak height velocity (PHV), which is an estimation of somatic maturity status derived …