Exercise Science Commons^™

Kettlebell Swings As A Conditioning Activity On Standing Power Throw: Exploring Post-Activation Performance Enhancement In Rotc Cadets, Knik Durman

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Post-activation performance enhancement (PAPE) is a neuromuscular phenomenon where high-intensity conditioning activities (CA) temporarily improve explosive performance. While resistance and ballistic exercises are well-studied for PAPE, the effectiveness of kettlebell swings (KBS) in enhancing Standing Power Throw (SPT) performance remains unclear. Given the SPT’s role in the Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT), identifying effective PAPE strategies could improve ACFT scores. Using a randomized crossover design, this study examined whether KBS before the SPT enhanced throw distance in 19 ROTC cadets (male: n = 17, female: n = 2). Participants completed two conditions: (1) KBS (two sets of five reps with …

The Effect Of Mindfulness Training On Muscular Endurance Exercise Performance, Mindfulness, And Mental Toughness, Donte Mcgee

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

INTRODUCTION: Mindfulness training is a method of mental training becoming increasingly popular and has been positively associated with mental toughness, which may be valuable in highly fatiguing and stressful activities, like endurance exercise. Mindfulness training has resulted in increased endurance performance, but limited literature exists on a similar modality, muscular endurance exercise. The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of an acute bout of mindfulness meditation on muscular endurance performance, mindfulness, and mental toughness. METHODS: Participants (n=24) completed two sessions, a week apart, of three planks until fatigue, with one-minute rest intervals. Immediately following each plank, RPE …

The Validity Of Perceptual Recovery Status On Monitoring Recovery During A High-Intensity Back Squat Session, Nicholas Buoncristiani

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Adaptations to resistance training and subsequent performance can be undermined by inadequate inter-set recovery. This time between sets is often uniformly prescribed based on desired training outcomes; however, there is demonstrative evidence that recovery is highly individualized. Methods typically used to monitor recovery were developed for longitudinal use, making them cost- or time -inefficient within a bout of exercise. If valid, the perceptual recovery status (PRS) scale may be used as an efficient and inexpensive recovery assessment tool to monitor individual recovery as well as appropriately modify rest periods. Purpose: The aim of the current study was to assess the …

Do Changes In The Navy Physical Readiness Test Impact Performance?, Alison Colao

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

The fitness level of our service members is of utmost importance due to the nature of their occupation. This study investigated whether changes to the Navy’s Physical Readiness Test (PRT) impact performance on the fitness test. Participants were college-aged males between the ages of 18 and 29 (n=20; 21.05±2.01 years; BMI 24.85± 2.74). Participants performed both the New PRT and Old PRT at two separate randomized visits. Protocols included push-ups, curl-ups (old version) or a forearm plank hold (new version), and a 1.5-mile run. At the end of each exercise, the participant’s heart rate and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) …

The Validity & Reliability Of The Repetitions In Reserve Based Rating Of Perceived Exertion Scale In Single Joint Exercise, Grant Malone

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Introduction: Intentional regulation and individualization of resistance training schemes are imperative when structuring a resistance training program. Optimal adaptation cannot be expected without proper manipulation of training variables such as load and volume. Load is traditionally prescribed by testing a given exercise’s repetition maximum and basing intensity from that load. This method of intensity regulation may be limited, considering it fails to recognize the day-to-day undulation of individual performance which can be impacted by several variables. A flexible method of regulating load and volume would be of use for those undergoing a resistance training program. The repetitions in reserve-based rating …

Social Engagement Of Nursing Home Residents: A Comparison Of Two Observation Methods, Annika Gabbard

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

In Kentucky, low levels of physical activity and social engagement negatively impact health. This problem led to the creation of Bingocize®, an exercise program that combines the game of Bingo with intermittent exercises in a group setting to increase levels of positive affect, physical health, and, the focus of this study, social engagement. Since clear benefits of social engagement have been established, measurement and documentation of this behavior can assist in determining the level of potential benefit from Bingocize®. The purpose of this study was to compare the opinions of healthcare workers who have experience with Bingocize® on two measures …

Serve-Specific Core Self-Evaluations: A Predictive Validation Study, Brandi Renee Forgione

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Core Self-Evaluations (CSE) is a broad personality trait used by industrial organizational psychologists to predict important organizational outcomes such as job performance and employee satisfaction. CSE comprises four elements: generalized self-efficacy, self-esteem, locus of control, and neuroticism. Task-specific versions of CSE have been proposed to better predict task-specific performance than general CSE. Accordingly, Serve-Specific Core Self- Evaluations (SS-CSE) was adapted specifically to predict serve performance of intercollegiate volleyball players. In this study, I explored the predictive validity of SS-CSE for serve performance by expanding a previous study that used a concurrent validation approach. Results indicated that SS-CSE scores collected pre-season …

Effects Of Bingocize® On Overall Physical Activity, Functional Performance, Blood Glucose Level, Sleep Quantity, And Quality Among Older Adults In Assisted-Living Facilities, Sepehr Rassi

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Bingocize® has been established as an effective falls prevention exercise program for older adults, but its effects on older adults residing in assisted-living facilities have not been examined. The purpose of this investigation was to assess the effects of Bingocize® on overall physical activity level, functional performance, blood glucose level, sleep quantity and quality in older adults who live in assisted-living facilities. Participants (N = 13; mean age 86.23 ± 3.90) were asked to participate in Bingocize® while wearing activity trackers (Fitbit Charge 3 HR) for 10 weeks. The activity trackers were used to assess the average number of steps …

Reliability And Validity Of An Assessment Of Engagement In Nursing Home Residents During Bingocize®, Elizabeth Batson Apelt

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Research suggests nursing home residents are often socially isolated and physically inactive despite overwhelming evidence that both social engagement and physical activity are crucial for healthy aging (Jones, Sung, & Moyle, 2018; Yen & Lin, 2018; Ice, 2002; Jansson et al., 2017). Bingocize® is a program that combines exercise and the game of Bingo to improve the quality of life, physical health, and social engagement of certified nursing facility (CNF) residents. The purpose of this study is to determine the level of social engagement displayed by CNF residents during Bingocize® using the Fun and Social Engagement Evaluation (FUSE). Reliability and …

Effects Of Evidence-Based Materials And Access To Local Resources On Physical Activity During Pregnancy, Kolbi Edens

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Physical activity (PA) during pregnancy has been shown to be safe and effective for improving maternal and infant health; however, only 23% of pregnant women exercise in accordance with guidelines. PURPOSE: To determine if the distribution of evidence-based educational resources as well as access to community resources will increase PA levels as well as knowledge/beliefs about PA during pregnancy. METHODS: Participants (8-12 weeks) completed assessments concerning their activity levels, as well as knowledge/beliefs regarding PA, during pregnancy. Next, participants were randomly assigned to either an intervention (IG) or control group (CG). The IG received educational information regarding PA during pregnancy, …

Observation And Self-Report Of Fun And Social Engagement Of Nursing Home Residents During Bingocize®, Lauren Rene Stevens

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Individuals in certified nursing facilities (CNF) often experience social isolation and have limited opportunities to exercise. Bingocize®, an evidence-based healthpromotion program, is a combination of exercise and Bingo and provides opportunities for CNF resident interaction. Limited tools are available to quantify social engagement displayed by nursing home residents. Research suggests that intergenerational programming can positively affect social engagement. The present pilot study focused on the implementation of the Fun and Social Engagement (FUSE) evaluation to measure social engagement displayed by nursing home residents during Bingocize® sessions. The FUSE combined observation and self-report measures to yield a total social engagement score. …

Effects Of Variable Resistance Training On Kinetic And Kinematic Outcomes During A Heavy Conventional Deadlift, Timothy J. Gerking

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Variable Resistance Training (VRT), loading elastic band tension on a barbell, has shown improvements in force, power, and velocity. Studied extensively in the squat and bench press, VRT is less researched in the context of the deadlift. Additionally, while no acute VRT deadlift studies exist where intensity was ≥ 90% 1- RM, some heavy VRT studies suggest that at approximately 90% 1-RM, less band tension (BT) is required to enhance force and power than seen at lower intensities in existing research. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the effects of VRT on peak relative vertical ground reaction …

Effects Of Bingocize® On Quality Of Life, Fall Risk, And Health Knowledge In Community-Dwelling Older Adults, Alyssa Kathryn Dispennette

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Quality of life (QOL) is an important aspects of overall well-being in older adults. QOL is associated with functional, physical, and psychological health; all of which can be improved with increased physical activity. A high fall risk is associated with low physical function and QOL. One in four older adults experiences a fall each year, making it necessary to focus public health interventions towards decreasing fall risk and improving QOL in older adults. Bingocize® is a health promotion program designed to promote health, health knowledge, physical activity, and social engagement among older adults. The purpose of this study was to …

The Relationship Between The Metabolic Responsiveness To A High-Fat Meal And An Acute Bout Of Moderateintensity Exercise Among Postpartum Women, Apoorva Tadakaluru

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Background: There has been very little research regarding the metabolic health of women during the postpartum period. Metabolic flexibility is the physiological ability to alter substrate oxidation in response to substrate availability and is a good indicator of overall metabolic health. Metabolic flexibility can be assessed by placing metabolic demands on the body and observing metabolic responsiveness- two examples of such metabolic stressors are lipid oxidation rates in response to a high-fat meal and as well as exercise. However, it is unknown whether postpartum women will respond similarly to these two different types of metabolic stressors. This information will allow …

Correlation Between Female Athlete Screening Tool (Fast) Scores And Biomarkers To Identify Female Athlete Triad Among Collegiate Athletes And To Evaluate The Validity Of The Instrument, Lindsey Elise Hinken

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

The purpose of this study was to determine if the Female Athlete Screening Tool (FAST) is a valid indicator of the three physical components of Female Athlete Triad (FAT), malnutrition, amenorrhea, and low bone mineral density, and if administration of the FAST can be used as a time- and cost-effective way to identify FAT. Participants completed the FAST, the Menstrual Status Questionnaire, and had a blood sample drawn. Interpretation of the total FAST score placed participants in one of three conditions: normal, subclinical disordered eating, or clinical eating disorder. The presence of the three biomarkers of FAT was determined by …

Interactions Between Aerobic Exercise Volume, Academic Stress, And Immune Function, Teresa Wiczynski

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Many college students exercise individually or participate in collegiate and intramural sports in addition to fulfilling their stressful academic requirements. The combination of accumulated stress and vigorous exercise could result in an impaired immune system, prompting the onset of disease and absences in class and sports practice.

Twenty-six male and female participants aged 18 to 23 were recruited for this study. Over the course of an academic semester, participants completed weekly electronic surveys documenting stress levels, aerobic exercise, and symptoms related to upper respiratory tract infections. Participants were evaluated at four different time points (Baseline, Post-Midterm Exam, Baseline Reassessment, and …

The Effects Of Bingocize® On Cognitive Aging: A Health Promotion Intervention, Rilee Pauline Mathews

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Previous research has suggested that physical exercise can play a role in not only improving functional performance, but also cognitive function. In this study, adults age 60 and older participated in a health promotion intervention that included two groups: (a) a Bingocize® group, who exercised and learned about relevant health information while playing bingo, and (b) a control group who only learned about relevant health information while playing bingo. The intervention was completed over the course of 10- weeks at community senior centers. Cognitive function, functional fitness, and health knowledge were assessed before and after the intervention to test for …

Efficacy Of A Mobile Application For Improving Gait Performance In Community-Dwelling Older Adults, Dustin Glenn Falls

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

The United States is a rapidly aging nation. Older adults have higher rates of falls than any other age group. One in four older adults fall each year. Many of these falls are associated with sedentary lifestyles and decreased muscular strength effecting balance and gait performance. Physical activity (exercise) can reduce the risk of falls among older adults, yet adherence remains low. Exergames can increase adherence to interventions that promote health and physical activity. Social engagement can increase self-efficacy and motivation to exercise. By design, the Bingocize® health promotion mobile application (app) increases social engagement, while providing a multi-factorial fall …

Differences In Depression, Anxiety, And Life Satisfaction Between Intercollegiate Athletes, Intramural Participants, And Non-Athletes, Megan Wilson

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

It is widely supported that participation in athletics is positively correlated with increased overall health. However, some research indicates that participation in increased levels of competition is positively correlated with higher levels of depression and anxiety. This means, that if compared, athletes competing nationally or internationally would report higher levels of both depression and anxiety than athletes competing at the intercollegiate level. Research indicates that this could be caused by increased amounts of pressure, personal cost, and expectation.

This study examines potential differences between intercollegiate, intramural, and non-athletes in these areas on a college campus. The first hypothesis is that …

The Implications Of Different Types Of Diet And Exercise On Human Health, Bethanne C. Clayton

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

There is need for enhanced prevention and treatment methods to combat sedentary lifestyle, obesity, and chronic disease by investigating the impact of specific exercise modalities and dietary factors on human health. The purposes of this study were: 1) to assess self-selected and perceived exercise intensity during High-Intensity Functional Training (HIFT) between males and females and to determine variables that predict self-selected exercise intensity (%VO2max) and/or perceived intensity (RPE) and 2) to investigate the impact of obesity on skeletal muscle metabolism in response to lipid oversupply by analyzing the responses of genes linked with fatty acid oxidation and inflammation in lean …

Accuracy Of Commercial Fitness Trackers During High-Intensity Functional Training, Paige Wessel

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Commercially available fitness trackers have been found to accurately measure steps and caloric expenditure during walking and running activities. Circuit-style, highintensity functional training (HIFT) has become increasingly popular because it is inexpensive and effective in improving muscular strength and cardiovascular fitness. PURPOSE: To evaluate the accuracy of five accelerometers (ActiGraph GT3X, Nike Fuelband, Fitbit One, Fitbit Charge HR, and Jawbone UP Move) in estimating energy expenditure while performing an acute bout of HIFT. METHODS: Participants (n = 47) underwent baseline testing and at least 48 hours later, each participant completed the main test: a 15-minute workout consisting of 12 repetitions …

The Energy Expenditure Of Heavy Metal Drummers, Joshua T. Brown

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

The purpose of this investigation is to examine the energy demand of heavy metal drummers during rehearsal in order to understand the physiological responses. This information may lead to a better understanding of energy expenditure and add to the compendium of physical activity.

The investigation consisted of eight apparently healthy 20 to 37-year-old males were recruited for this investigation. Information gathered during the drum test was average VO2, VO2peak, HR in beats per minute (bpm), metabolic equivalents (METs), and energy expenditure (EE) expressed in calories (kcals) per minute and per hour. Rating of perceived exertion (RPE) was used in addition …

Examining The Relationship Between Training Environment And Muscle Dysmorphia Symptoms, Michelle F. Bubnis

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Muscle Dysmorphia (MD) is characterized by preoccupation with muscularity. Although there is a growing body of research concerning MD, there is a lack of research concerning the potential role exercise training environment has on the clinical features of MD. The purpose of this study was to compare MD symptomology in traditional strength-trained (TRAD) individuals to individuals training in communal high intensity functional training environments (HIFT). Participants were recruited from both types of facilities. Participants (N=376) completed online (Qualtrics) demographics survey and Muscle Dysmorphia Inventory (MDI). One-way ANOVA compared the effect of training environment on MDI scores among HIFT, TRAD, both …

Investigation Of C-Reactive Protein And Leptin As Biomarkers Of Obesity With Potential Clinical Utility, Rachel Ann Friedman

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Obesity and its subsequent disease states are major health problems in the United States. In many ways, obesity can be considered a “disease state” itself due to the changes it causes on the body. High-intensity exercise also places acute stress the body, putting humans in recovery from exercise in a state that may be analogous to a temporary disease state. The purpose of this study was to examine biomarkers associated with obesity (CRP and Leptin) before and after continuous and intermittent bouts of exercise in an obese but otherwise healthy sample vs. a healthy, non-obese sample. This investigation focused on …

Effects Of Two Speeds Of Isokinetic Training On Strength, Power & Muscular Endurance, Kunle Adeyanju

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

The purpose of this investigation was to determine the effects of two speeds of isokinetic training on muscular strength, power and endurance on college females.

The study involved thirty college females. Twenty of the subjects who served in the experimental groups were randomly assigned to one of two groups: fast speed or slow speed group. This was done after matching based on the pretest strength measure. Ten subjects who served as the control group were from a bowling class This investigation was conducted for seven weeks with a training frequency of three days per week. The experimental treatment was isokinetic …