Exercise Science Commons^™

Effects Of A Climbing-Specific Training Program On Upper-Body Power In Novice Climbers Compared To Advanced Climbers, Dallas E. Wood

Human Movement Sciences & Special Education Theses & Dissertations

Muscular strength and muscular endurance are integral physical components of rock climbing. The hypothesis of this study was that a climbing-specific training program would improve physical fitness specific to climbing and improve performance on a relevant indoor rock-climbing test in novice climbers.

Twenty-one novice recreational climbers were matched for sex and climbing performance and randomly assigned. The experimental (EXP, n = 11) group was provided a climbing-specific, six-week training program. The control (CON, n = 10) group continued training as usual. Pre- and post-tests involved anthropometric tests, the ape-index test (arm span to height ratio), a weighted pull-up test, a …

Effects Of Physical Characteristics Of Placebos On Exercise Performance, Owen Sipes

Human Movement Sciences & Special Education Theses & Dissertations

Previous research has shown that placebos can impact medical conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome and depression as well as elicit analgesic effects and improvements in certain exercise performances. These placebo responses occur from a variety of alterations to the placebo itself or through verbal suggestion of how helpful the placebo will be. This study aimed to observe whether changing the color and quantity of capsules can induce improvements in both vertical jump and hand grip strength. This deceptive, parallel study consisted of 28 participants, with a mean age of 24.9 (±4.3) years old, that were randomly assigned to receive …

A Biomechanical Analysis Of Back Squats: Motion Capture, Electromyography, And Musculoskeletal Modeling, Eva Maria Urdiales Maddox

Human Movement Sciences & Special Education Theses & Dissertations

Previous literature evaluating maximal back squats have failed to identify key components of the study decisions and procedures that would allow for duplication. Firstly, the existence of a sticking region in maximally weighted resistance exercises is frequently discussed and has been described as a force-reduced transition phase between an acceleration phase and a strength phase of a lift. However, the etiology has yet to be agreed upon. Second, Electromyography (EMG) is frequently used to assess muscle activations. However, no best practice for EMG normalization has been proposed. Two methods are commonly implemented for normalizing EMG: a maximum voluntary isometric contraction …

Physical Activity, Social Support, And Health-Related Quality Of Life In Adults With Visual Impairment, Tayah Lynn Otterness

Human Movement Sciences & Special Education Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between participation in physical activity (PA), social support for exercise, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in adults with visual impairments (VI). Due to limited existing literature, this study was used to investigate variables that may impact HRQoL among the specified population. This study used a cross-sectional design and online surveys to determine relationships between the examined variables. Data was collected via Qualtrics Surveying and Google Forms Software. Physical activity was assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Version (IPAQ-SF), a 7-day recall of walking, moderate PA, vigorous PA, …

The Relationship Of Strength, Mobility, And Performance Variables On Throwing Speed In Baseball Catchers, Caleigh D. Hall

Human Movement Sciences & Special Education Theses & Dissertations

Baseball is a popular sport worldwide and has thus garnered significant research focus, predominately of pitchers and hitters. However, research involving catchers is scant despite their major influence and consistent presence throughout a game. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the relationship of lower body strength and mobility and performance with throwing speed in baseball catchers. We hypothesized that strength and mobility would have a positive relationship with ball speed, peak power generated while rising out of the squat position would be positively related to ball speed, shorter ascent time would be inversely related to ball speed, …

Effect Of A 2-Week Relaxing Music Intervention On Anxiety, Stress, And Gut Symptoms In Aerobic Exercisers, Halie Marisa Maass

Human Movement Sciences & Special Education Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of a two-week relaxing music intervention on stress, anxiety, and gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms in exercisers with at least mild anxiety and exercise-related GI symptoms. Block randomization was used to allocate 15 women and two men into control (n = 8) or intervention (n = 9) groups following a one-week baseline. During the baseline period, participants recorded details of their aerobic exercise sessions and discomfort with GI symptoms (nausea, regurgitation/reflux, stomach fullness, bloating, abdominal cramps, gas, the urge to defecate). Following randomization, both groups tracked these same details for two additional …

The Effects Of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Thickness, Knee Joint Laxity, Activity Level, Neuromuscular Imbalances And Lower Extremity Muscular Activation Patterns On Anterior Cruciate Ligament Loading, Zachary A. Sievert

Human Movement Sciences & Special Education Theses & Dissertations

There are numerous known mechanisms of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury risk that span from knee joint laxity to landing mechanics. However, the relationship of these mechanisms to ACL loading during landing is unclear. In addition to landing mechanics, anthropological aspects such as ACL diameter, which can now be obtained via ultrasound, may also be an important mechanism for ACL loading. However, the relationship between ACL diameter to ACL loading and landing mechanics remains unknown. This study was conducted with three primary purposes. The first purpose of this study was to examine the inter and intra-rater reliability of using ultrasound …

Effects Of High-Carbohydrate Versus Mixed-Macronutrient Meals On Soccer Physiology And Performance, Jaison Lee Wynne

Human Movement Sciences & Special Education Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of the study was to measure the effects of an acute pre-competition high-carbohydrate (HCHO) meal versus a mixed-macronutrient (MM) meal on physiology, perceptual responses, and performance in 15 division I female collegiate soccer players. Being there are conjectural advantages to pre-exercise meals higher in fiber, fat, and protein, this study was conducted to evaluate the physiological and perceptual effects of pre-competition MM meals. This study used a randomized, investigator-blinded, crossover design involving two dietary interventions – HCHO and MM meals – that were consumed four hours prior to two separate intra-squad soccer scrimmages. Assessments included running metrics via …

Associations Between Physical Activity, Physical Fitness, And Falls Risk In Healthy Older Individuals, Christopher Deane Vaughan

Human Movement Sciences & Special Education Theses & Dissertations

Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess relationships between objectively measured physical activity, physical fitness, and the risk of falling. Methods: A total of n=29 subjects completed the study, n=15 male and n=14 female age (mean±SD)= 70± 4 and 71±3 years, respectively. In a single testing session, subjects performed pre-post evaluations of falls risk (Short-from PPA) with a 6-minute walking intervention between the assessments. The falls risk assessment included tests of balance, knee extensor strength, proprioception, reaction time, and visual contrast. The sub-maximal effort 6-minute walking task served as an indirect assessment of cardiorespiratory fitness. Subjects traversed a …

The Effects Of Fitness Level And Sex On Epoc Following High Intensity Interval And Moderate Intensity Aerobic Exercise, Rachel Lauren Simmons

Human Movement Sciences & Special Education Theses & Dissertations

In the past few years, much attention has been directed toward shorter-duration vigorous intensity aerobic exercise as opposed to longer-duration moderate intensity exercise. There is conflicting evidence as to whether vigorous exercise can result in a greater excess post-exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC) and thus more calories burned when compared to moderate continuous exercise performed for a longer duration. In addition, the literature contains a dearth of information isolating and investigating male and female response to these exercises, as well as fit and unfit subjects. The purpose of this study was to quantify EPOC following moderate intensity aerobic exercise (MOD) and …

Lower Extremity Biomechanics In Individuals With And Without Previous Hamstring Injury, Jessica A. Mutchler

Human Movement Sciences & Special Education Theses & Dissertations

Primary risk factors for hamstrings strains such as fatigue, previous injury and strength deficits have been identified in the research, yet re-injury rates remain high among the physically active. Sub-acute analysis of the hip, knee and ankle biomechanics following a hamstrings strain have been largely overlooked and may provide additional insight into re-injury risks. It was the aim of this dissertation to explore long-term adaptations in walking and running tasks following a hamstrings strain, and to develop a hip endurance test that could be used in future studies.

Project one used a cross-sectional study with test-retest design to develop and …

The Effects Of Pre-Maximal Exertion Inhalation Of Ammonia And The Performance Effects During Deadlift Maximal Tests, Justin Nicholas Vigil

Human Movement Sciences & Special Education Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of ammonia as a stimulant on athletic performance during a deadlift one maximal repetition (1-RM) absolute strength test. It was hypothesized that ammonia inhalation would result in a larger 1-RM, possibly due to immediate catecholamine release attributed to the fight-or-flight response. If proven effective, ammonia inhalation would present an option to increase power and strength performance during training and competition based on an acute manipulation of natural occurring hormones, eliminating the side effects attributed to other supplementation methods. Subjects (n = 10 males, X±SD age = 21±1 years, mass = …

Alternative Therapy And Treatment Of Type 2 Diabetes, Carmine R. Grieco

Human Movement Sciences & Special Education Theses & Dissertations

The rise in prevalence and incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) in the developing world continues unabated. Current treatment strategies, however, fall short of achieving optimal glycemic control. The aim of project I was to investigate the effect of an acute bout of a yogic breathing exercise on heart rate variability (HRV) in individuals with T2D. Project II was designed to assess the effectiveness of the neurohormone melatonin in lowering short- and long-term glucose levels, lipids and oxidative stress in T2D. Project III investigated the differential effects of two different styles of aerobic exercise on postprandial glycemia, mood and …

Optimizing Chronic Slow Breathing Training To Cause A Therapeutic Effect On Heart Rate Variability, Jennifer Joy Brown

Human Movement Sciences & Special Education Theses & Dissertations

Heart rate variability (HRV) is a valid and reliable tool that can be used to determine the basic state of an individual's autonomic health. The current study attempted to establish the minimum frequency of breathing practice necessary to produce a therapeutic effect on HRV over the course of a four-week period with four different treatment groups, specifically, groups that practiced a slow breathing protocol for either 2, 3 or 5 times per week, and a control group. Forty-three subjects (14 males, 29 females), ages 18–50 years, were screened, pre-tested, matched for sex, age and HRV, assigned to a specific group …

Plantar Pressure Distribution Differences In Physically Active Individuals With And Without Functional Ankle Instability During A Side Cut, J'Nai Pittman

Human Movement Sciences & Special Education Theses & Dissertations

Context: Functional ankle instability (FAI) is a popular condition in the physically active population. There is a surplus of evidence to demonstrate how FAI decreases proprioception, balance, and overall athletic performance. However, to date there is no evidence that demonstrates how F AI correlates to alterations in plantar pressure distribution differences in a physically active population while completing athletic tasks. Objective: To assess differences in plantar pressure distributions while completing a side cut in individuals with and without FAI. Design: Observational case-control. Setting: Outdoor field turf and research laboratory. Participants: Fifty ankles from physically active individuals (FAI: age= 21.47±3.02 yrs; …

Evidence-Based Practice In Clinical Athletic Training Education, Dorice A. Hankemeier

Human Movement Sciences & Special Education Theses & Dissertations

Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) concepts are becoming more prevalent in the educational curricula of nursing, medicine, physical therapy, and athletic training. The infusion of EBP in the clinical education experience of students has been slow especially in athletic training. The aim of Project I was to investigate approved clinical instructors (ACIs) experience and implementation of EBP with students through emergent design qualitative interviews. Project II was designed to develop and establish the reliability of the Evidence-Based Concepts Assessment (EBCA) to assess athletic trainers' perceived importance, attitudes & beliefs, knowledge, confidence, accessibility, and barriers of EBP. Project III investigated the importance, knowledge, …

The Effect Of Maturation On Hip And Knee Kinetics And Kinematics During An Unanticipated Sidestep Cutting Task In Male Youth Lacrosse Players, Crystal M. Sullivan

Human Movement Sciences & Special Education Theses & Dissertations

The incidence of noncontact anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) knee injuries has been studied extensively and has been reported as one of the highest injuries amongst high school and collegiate athletes. Little research has been focused on maturational changes in relation to the risk factors of such an injury. The purpose of this study is to determine if there is a difference between pre-pubescent (PRE), pubescent (MID) and postpubescent (POST) male lacrosse athletes indicated by knee and hip kinetics and kinematics during an unanticipated sidestep cutting task (SS). Thirty-one male participants between the ages of nine and fourteen were recruited and …

Fatigue Effects In Lower Extremity Biomechanics During Unanticipated Sidestep Cutting In Young Adolescent Lacrosse Athletes, Julie Ann Bamberg

Human Movement Sciences & Special Education Theses & Dissertations

Over the past decade, youth lacrosse participation has substantially increased across the United States. As well, fatigue has been shown to have a detrimental effect on lower extremity biomechanics, potentially increasing the risk for injury. Yet, the effects of fatigue on lower extremity biomechanics in the young adolescent athletic population have not been addressed. The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of a fatigue protocol [Slow Linear Oxidative Fatigue Protocol (SLO-FP)] on lower extremity biomechanics during a side-step cutting task (SCT) in adolescent male lacrosse athletes. This quasi-experimental design was conducted in a controlled laboratory with 24 …

Neuromechanical Analysis Of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Risk Factors In Female Collegiate Soccer Athletes, Nelson Cortes

Human Movement Sciences & Special Education Theses & Dissertations

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) acts in an essential role to prevent anterior tibial displacement when experiencing jump-landing forces that are applied to the lower extremity; more than 100,000 injuries per year in the United States in sport activities that often require landing, deceleration-acceleration, cutting and pivoting actions have been reported. The aim of this study was to examine the nature of any lower limb coupling differences between a drop-jump and a side-step cutting actions, assess kinematic and kinetic differences between three tasks, and evaluate the effects of two landing techniques in biomechanical risk factors while performing two unanticipated tasks. …

The Effects Of Two Types Of Fatigue On An Unanticipated Side-Step Cutting Task As Measured By Kinematic And Kinetic Variables, Shawn E. Lucci

Human Movement Sciences & Special Education Theses & Dissertations

Fatigue has been shown to alter the neuromechanics of lower extremity. To date, no study has examined the effects of two types of fatigue on kinetics and kinematics. To determine neuromechanical differences between two fatigue protocols [Slow Linear Oxidative Fatigue Protocol (SLO-FP) and Functional Agility Short-Term Fatigue Protocol (FAST-FP)] when performing an unanticipated sidestep cutting task. Fifteen female collegiate soccer players (age=19.2±0.8 years; height=l.67±0.05m; mass=61.7±8.lkg) participated in this study. Participants were free of lower extremity injury at time of participation, and performed five successful trials of a sidestep cutting (SS) task pre and post fatigue protocols. For the SLO-FP, a …

The Effects Of An Anterior Cruciate Ligament Prevention Program And Retention Period On Lower Extremity Biomechanics, Ryan S. Mccann

Human Movement Sciences & Special Education Theses & Dissertations

Researchers have attempted to determine the effects of strength, flexibility, agility, and plyometric training, as well as expert feedback on biomechanical risk factors for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries. Currently, the literature lacks information regarding athletes' ability to retain adaptations made during programs designed to reduce biomechanical risk factors for ACL injuries. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of a 10-week strength and agility program on lower extremity kinetics and kinematics of collegiate athletes immediately following training and after a 11-week retention period. Ten NCAA Division I female soccer players free of lower extremity injury, volunteered …

The Correlation Between Visual Observations And Inclinometric Measurements For Special Tests Related To Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome, Erin Quada

Human Movement Sciences & Special Education Theses & Dissertations

Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is generally described as an insidious onset with pain increasing during running, jumping, ascending and descending stairs as well as sitting with the knees flexed for an extended period of time. Clinicians often use special tests in injury evaluations and range of motion assessments, usually making a visual observation of that status of the patient. The purpose of this study was to examine how interval measurements utilized in flexibility and range of motion assessments correlate with visual observations of special tests (active knee extension test, Thomas test, Ober's test, rectus femoris flexibility, and Craig's test). The …

The Effects Of Two Different Fatigue Protocols On Lower Extremity Kinematics And Kinetics During An Unanticipated Running Stop-Jump, David L. Quammen

Human Movement Sciences & Special Education Theses & Dissertations

Altered neuromuscular control strategies and biomechanical movement risk factors are most likely to contribute to the increased incidence of non-contact ACL injury for female athletes. Neuromuscular control strategies and movement patterns are further altered when the effects of fatigue are present. The purpose of this study was to determine neuromechanical differences between two fatigue protocols [Slow Linear Oxidative Fatigue Protocol (SLO-FP) and Functional Agility Short-Term Fatigue Protocol (FASTFP)] when performing a running stop-jump task (RS). A sample of convenience of fifteen Division I female soccer players (age= 19.2 ± 0.8 years; height= 1.67 ± 0.05 m; mass= 61.7 ± 8.1 …

Isometric Isokinetic And Isotonic Strength Evaluation Of Subjects With Stable And Unstable Ankles, Lauren Nicole Snyder

Human Movement Sciences & Special Education Theses & Dissertations

Injuries to the lateral ankle ligaments can result in ankle instability problems. Limited data exists in relation to isokinetic and isometric strength measures of the ankle, with an absence of data in relation to isotonic power measures. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to identify if there is a difference between subjects with unstable ankles and subjects with stable ankles with respect to isokinetic ankle strength, isometric ankle strength, and isotonic ankle power. Eighteen subjects with ankle instability (age, 23.9 ± 2.81 years; height 170.4 ± 8.9 cm; mass 73 ± 18.9 kg) and eighteen subjects with healthy ankles …

Immediate Effect Of Heel-Pain Orthosis And An Augmented Low-Dye Taping On Plantar Pressures And Pain In Subjects With Plantar Fasciitis, Tracy Andus

Human Movement Sciences & Special Education Theses & Dissertations

Research has been done investigating plantar pressures and pain in subjects with pathologies after the application of orthoses and arch taping. To date, however, no study has been conducted investigating plantar pressures and pain in subjects with plantar fasciitis after the application of the augmented low-dye taping (ALD) in comparison to a heel-pain orthosis (HPO). Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the effects of the ALD in comparison to a HPO on pain, peak plantar pressure (PPP), and mean plantar pressure (MPP) under multiple areas of the foot in subjects with plantar fasciitis while walking and jogging. …

The Effect Of Instruction On Jump-Landing Kinematics In Collegiate Age Female Athletes Over Time, Jena Lynne Etnoyer

Human Movement Sciences & Special Education Theses & Dissertations

The use of verbal and video instruction is a simple feedback tool that can be implemented into almost all clinical rehabilitative and prevention programs. The purpose of this study was to determine whether self or a combination of self and expert feedback will have a long term effect on box-drop jump (BDJ), running-stop jump (RS), and sidestep maneuver (SS) lower extremity kinematics (knee flexion, knee valgus, hip flexion, hip abduction) over time in healthy college age female athletes. A repeated measures design was used. Forty-three physically active females (age=21.47±1.55years; height=l.65±0.08m; weight=63.78±12kg) were randomly assigned to three groups; 15 self feedback(S), …

The Effects Of Isolated Hamstring Fatigue On Jump Landing In Healthy Recreational Athletes, Kristen Anne Phillips

Human Movement Sciences & Special Education Theses & Dissertations

The musculature of the lower extremity provides dynamic stability during daily and athletic tasks. In landing tasks, the lower extremity absorbs forces and reduces excessive stresses and motions that are placed upon the body. Neuromuscular fatigue has been linked to an increase in injury and altered kinematics during jump landing tasks. The purpose of this study was to analyze the effects of hamstring fatigue on knee and hip kinematics pre and post hamstrings fatigue while landing from a box drop of 30cm height, during the stop-jump phase. The study aimed to quantify the kinematic data of the hip and knee …

An Assessment Of An Education Intervention On Youth Sports Coaches Knowledge Of Concussions, Heidi Elizabeth Brigham

Human Movement Sciences & Special Education Theses & Dissertations

Research has shown that sport related concussions are occurring at high rates across the United States. Research has also shown that there are many misconceptions among youth sports coaches regarding concussions. Therefore the purpose of this study was to determine the effects of an educational intervention on the knowledge of concussion recognition, management and prevention for youth sports coaches. A secondary purpose was to compare various relationships between demographic characteristics and the concussion knowledge assessment scores. A twenty-one question multiple choice assessment and 16 option symptom recognition checklist was utilized to assess concussion knowledge prior to and following an educational …

Effects Of Static And Dynamic Flexibility Protocols On Lower Extremity Range Of Motion, Samar K. Mccann

Human Movement Sciences & Special Education Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of either a dynamic or static stretching protocol on range of motion during hip flexion, hip extension, and hip abduction, knee flexion and extension, and ankle dorsiflexion over time. Forty eight physically active participants, 18 males and 30 females (age=21.77±2.77 years, height=l66.60±1 l.70 cm, mass=75.08±16.99 kg) with no history of injury within the last month to the lower extremity, no previous surgery in the lower extremity in the past six months, and a previous experience with both types of stretching protocols volunteered for the study. Each subject performed both stretching …

Assessment Of High School Athletic Coaches Knowledge Of The Prevention Recognition And Treatment Of Heat Illnesses, Erica Lea Borgia

Human Movement Sciences & Special Education Theses & Dissertations

As evidenced by the current history of heat related deaths, heat-related illness is a vast problem in the United States. The purpose of this study was to assess the knowledge of high school athletic coaches' knowledge of the prevention, recognition, and treatment of exertional heat illnesses (EHI). A twenty-five question multiple choice assessment survey was developed to measure knowledge levels concerning the recognition, treatment, and prevention of EI-II. In addition, a questionnaire was utilized to collect demographic characteristics that could have had an effect on knowledge scores. The instrument was reviewed by a panel of experts for face and content …