Exercise Science Commons^™

The Volleyball Attack: Training, Kinematics, And The Role Of The Torso, Kiara Baeleah Barrett

Human Movement Studies & Special Education Theses & Dissertations

Volleyball is an explosive, dynamic sport popular around the globe. The volleyball attack is the predominant point-scoring avenue and the point of interest for many coaches and players. As this motion is repeated many times throughout the course of a match, it is linked to overuse injuries at the shoulder. The purpose of this dissertation is to investigate methodological approaches for research in this movement as well as establishing mechanisms for improving performance and the health of the volleyball players’ shoulder.

For the first study, a systematic review of published literature was performed to ascertain training protocols beneficial to volleyball …

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

Human Movement Studies & 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 Studies & 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 Studies & 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 Studies & 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 Studies & 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 Studies & 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 Studies & 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 Studies & 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 Studies & 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 Studies & 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 …

Effects Of The Jaqbloq Forearm And Straight Arm Plank On Core Muscle Activation, Jacquelyn R. Clark

Human Movement Studies & Special Education Theses & Dissertations

Performing a plank has various benefits for all fitness levels. There are several different types of planks that can be performed, with or without equipment: straight arm, forearm and side plank. When one has a shoulder or arm injury, he or she will not be able to safely perform a plank. A piece of fitness equipment was recently designed to aid people with injuries so they can still perform a plank; the JAQBLOQ. It is a 12x13x14" high density EVA foam block used to assist one during a plank where the participant rests his or her chest on it.

This …

The Effect Of Posterior Foot Positions On Electromyography, Joint Kinetics And Energetics During A Sit-To-Stand In Young And Older Adults, Eric A. Pitman

Human Movement Studies & Special Education Theses & Dissertations

The sit-to-stand (STS) movement, defined as standing up from a chair to an upright posture, is a common task performed daily. The inability to accomplish this task may lead to dependence, institutionalization and even death in older adults. A common strategy change for the STS is positioning the feet posteriorly by increasing flexion at the knee joint. This reduces the displacement of the center of mass to the base of support while increasing the joint moment of force at the knee while decreasing it at the hip. The aims of this study were to: 1) examine the joint kinetics, joint …

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

Human Movement Studies & 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 Studies & 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 = …

The Effects Of Squat Depth On Lower Extremity Joint Kinetics, Acl Loading, Pcl Loading, Tibiofemoral Compressive Forces And Activations Of Eight Lower Extremity Muscles, Zachary A. Sievert

Human Movement Studies & Special Education Theses & Dissertations

Performing resistance training exercises are important in many facets oflife. Resistance training can be used from elite athletes preparing for the Olympics to the average person exercising for overall health. The squat is a common training exercise that can be utilized to improve lower extremity strength and performance. There has been much debate on the effects of squatting depth on lower extremity joint kinetics and kinematics. Therefore the purpose of this thesis is to examine the effects of depth and load on the muscle activation of eight lower extremity muscles and three-dimensional (30) joint moments about the right knee, hip …

Intensity Of Exercise And Endothelial Function In Healthy Adults, Jacquelyn R. Moxey

Human Movement Studies & Special Education Theses & Dissertations

PURPOSE: To examine the effects of acute bouts of isocaloric exercise at different intensities on endothelial function. The flow-mediated dilation (FMD) responses after the different acute exercise bouts were compared to a control (no exercise) condition. METHODS: Nine healthy subjects completed the study (6 males, 3 females, X ± SD = 24 ± 5 yr, 1.75 ± 0.11 m, 79.2 ± 12.4 kg, 47.9 ± 6.9 mL•kg^-1•min^-1). Vascular responses were compared under three different conditions- HIT: a bout of high-intensity interval treadmill exercise consisting of ten 1-minute intervals at ~100% VO_2max; MOD: moderate-intensity exercise …

Effects Of Ankle Immobilization On Lower Extremity Joint Coupling Variability, Kristin M. Gundy

Human Movement Studies & Special Education Theses & Dissertations

Human movement is a complex system that encompasses several factors within the body to create coordination. It is not fully understood how the many degrees of freedom (DOF) of the body organize to create movement. Both internal and external influence how the DOF problem works to produce varying movement goals.

The purpose of this study was to better understand the organization patterns of the body by eliminating a DOF. The ankle joint was immobilized to determine if there were differences at the hip and knee joint couplings. It was hypothesized that there would be an increase in movement variability at …

Effect Of A Lateral Wedge Insole Over A One Week Period In A Healthy Population, Sarah E. Sudheimer

Human Movement Studies & Special Education Theses & Dissertations

Medial knee osteoarthritis is a disease that is projected to affect approximately 45% of the U.S. population and is associated with significant morbidity, chronic pain, and limited activity. Laterally wedged insoles are used as an intervention to laterally shift the mechanical axis of the limb and decrease the external knee adduction moment, possibly indicating a shift in load distribution to the lateral compartment of the knee. The aim of this study was to examine the acute effects of a laterally wedged insole in those with valgus and normally aligned knees and to determine prolonged effects after the insole was worn …

The Relationship Between Heart Rate Variability, Shooting Experience, And Tactical Pistol Performance, Andrew Gerard Thompson

Human Movement Studies & Special Education Theses & Dissertations

PURPOSE: At rest and during a tactical pistol competition classifier, heart rate variability (HRV) time-domain, high frequency (HF), low frequency (LF), total power (TP), and inter-beat-interval (IBI) measurements were examined in 28, healthy subjects (37 ± 11 yr old, 180 ± 7 cm, 90.6 ± 16.9 kg) for correlations to performance. METHODS: Resting measurements were taken supine in a quiet, dimmed room, during metronomic breathing. The shooting task consisted of three stages, comprised of several strings each. The strings were initiated by a starting buzzer and involved several tactical maneuvers, including holster draws, engaging multiple targets, firing on the move, …

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

Human Movement Studies & 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 …

The Effects Of Acute Hypoxia On Marksmanship, Chelsea Mary Moore

Human Movement Studies & Special Education Theses & Dissertations

Expeditionary warfighters in the military have the responsibility of being ready to deploy on short notice to any part of the world and be able to effectively complete their mission even if deployed to altitude. Studies demonstrate that altitude can significantly effect heart rate, ventilation rate, arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2) and cognition. Decrements in these areas could lead to a reduction in shooting accuracy. Only two studies have looked at the effects of marksmanship at various altitudes and their results are inconclusive. This study evaluated the effects of acute hypoxia on marksmanship and the effect of a physical exertion task …

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

Human Movement Studies & 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 Studies & 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; …

The Comparison Of Hamstring/Quadriceps Strength Ratio In The Dominant Versus The Non-Dominant Leg Of Elite Female Artistic Gymnasts, Marina Moure

Human Movement Studies & Special Education Theses & Dissertations

The majority of the injuries in women's artistic gymnastics occur in the lower limbs (Marshall et al, 2007). Hamstring muscle strains are prevalent in sports that involve sprinting (Ekstrand & Quillist, 1985; Orchard, 2001; Croisier et al., 2008) with a high reinjury ratio (Orchard, 1993; Orchard, 1997). Recent studies have linked an increase of muscle injury rate in the lower limbs to strength muscle imbalance between legs and the relation between the hamstring and quadriceps strength (Croisier et al., 2002; Yamamoto, 2008; Sugiura et al, 2008). In order to determine if there is an imbalance in women's artistic gymnastics, forty-three …

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 Studies & 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 …

Effect Of Body Mass And Added Mass On Treadmill Performance, Rachel Elizabeth Walker

Human Movement Studies & Special Education Theses & Dissertations

Strenuous physical activity in extreme environments is an important part of the activities of military personnel. The average infantry combat load for an infantry on the loaded tasks. Subjects performed an outdoor 4.8-km run and four maximal treadmill tests wearing the loads listed above. Subjects' pulmonary function was tested with load prior to each treadmill session. Peak values of heart rate, VO₂, exercise ventilation, and respiratory exchange ratio were measured at the end of each maximal treadmill test. Significant decreases were found in pulmonary function measures (FEV₁, FVC and MVV) with increasing load. Most peak responses …

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

Human Movement Studies & 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, …

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

Human Movement Studies & 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 Studies & 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. …