Exercise Science Commons^™

Neuromuscular Function Following Lengthening Contractions, Geoffrey A. Power

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Unaccustomed lengthening contractions have been shown to impair muscle function - however little is known regarding this impairment on muscle power - specifically, the velocity component of power during voluntary contractions in humans. The four studies presented in my thesis investigated power-loss following lengthening contractions in healthy young and old women and young men.

The purpose of Study 1 was to determine reliability of velocity-dependent power of the dorsiflexors using the isotonic mode of the Biodex Dynamometer. I determined the isotonic mode is reliable and can be used to track changes in velocity and power following fatigue and lengthening contractions. …

Neuroprotective Effects Of Long-Term Endurance Training On The Cortical Autonomic Network In The Aging Brain, Torri A. Luchyshyn

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

This study tested whether long-term endurance training in older adults (ET; n = 15, 55 ± 4 years, relative VO₂max = 50 ± 8 ml/kg/min) would alter cardiovagal control and preserve the cortical autonomic network compared to age-matched controls (CON; n = 15, 56 ± 4 years, relative VO₂max = 37 ± 9 ml/kg/min). The hypothesis predicts 1) altered deactivation patterns of the ventral medial prefrontal cortex (vMPFC) in response to isometric hand grip (IHG) and 2) greater indices of cardiovagal control; a) increased baroreflex sensitivity at rest, b) greater heart rate change (ΔHR) and c) …

The Effects Of Sprint Interval Training On Endothelial Function In Young Men And Women, Stephanie M. Reid

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

The benefits of exercise training on endothelial function in the healthy young population are unclear. This study was designed to assess the effects of sprint interval training (SIT; 4-7 x 30-45 s all out exercise efforts separated by 4 min of recovery, repeated 3-4 times/wk over 6 wk) on endothelial function of the superficial femoral artery (SFA) in young recreationally active men and women. Twenty-one men and twenty women arrived at the laboratory after >3 h fast and were assigned randomly to SIT or Control (no training) groups. SFA diameter and blood velocity (BV) were assessed using Doppler ultrasound and …

School-Based Physical Activity In Children: An Evaluation Of The Daily Physical Activity Program In Ontario Elementary Schools., Ian T. Patton

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Ontarioimplemented the Daily Physical Activity program in all elementary schools to counteract the recent decline in children’s physical activity levels. The program mandates that all students in kindergarten to grade 8 are provided with 20 minutes of physical activity every day. The purpose of this thesis was to evaluate the delivery of Daily Physical Activity as well as identify any supports or barriers to program delivery.

Study 1 consisted of a questionnaire investigating the perspectives of the teachers involved in the Daily Physical Activity program. Teachers were questioned about how they implement the DPA program, the supports and barriers to …