Exercise Science Commons^™

Explosive Muscular Power Correlation With Reaction Time Of D2 Collegiate Runners And The Effects Of Reaction Time Intervention, Megan Monk, Keelan Williams

Scholars Day Conference

The skill of running involves much more than meets the eye. Running requires explosive muscular power and proper reaction time. This research will discuss the explosive power and reaction time of D2 collegiate runners and document the development of the intervention program. This study spans for approximately 4 weeks, with the volunteer population split into two groups: a control and an intervention group. The intervention group is expected to see improvements in both explosive power and reaction time due to the intervention program. Data will be collected from both groups via Force Plates and Blaze Pods technology pre and post …

Increased Healthspan From Exercise, Nicholas Boros

Scholar Week 2016 - present

In this talk we discuss important factors for increased healthspan. Much of the discussion will focus on strength training and cardiovascular training. In particular we outline optimal ways to increase strength and VO₂ max, which are the largest contributors to increased healthspan. We will also explain what makes a strength training program “optimal” mathematically.

Stress Hormone And Heart Rate Responses To Various Exercise Training Methods, Tomas Gomez Jr., Rebekah Schlatter, Megan Zamora, Marco Arriago, Sue Anne Chew, Murat Karabulut

Research Symposium

Background: Blood Flow Resistance (BFR) training has garnered attention for its ability to induce positive physiological adaptations with low-load resistance exercise. The present study aimed to examine the responses of catabolic hormones and heart rates (HR) to various BFR training protocols. This investigation seeks to provide insights into the stress levels induced by different protocols and identification behind the most effective protocol for optimal positive exercise-related adaptations.

Methods: Study population involved 10 healthy adult males (height: 175.0±5.0 cm, weight: 96.67±26.6 kg, age: 21.3±2.67 yr.) in a five-session investigation. Informed consent paperwork, pre-testing and anthropometric measurements served as session 1; sessions …

Bettering Our Police Training; Strategies To Increase Physicality And Reduce Injuries, Piyush Baliyan, Matthew J. Garver

ICSK's Student Research Week

Background: Injuries during tactical, physical training (e.g., military, police academy) are common due to physical, mental, and physiological stresses and work demands. Absenteeism, decreased performance, and medical expenses can result. Purpose: The aim of this work will be to utilize micro-education and a group-mediated, cognitive-behavioral intervention strategy to supplement traditional training and improve training outcomes to enhance physicality and reduce injuries. Methods: Hematological (e.g., hemoglobin, hematocrit), physical (e.g., select components of fitness), and physiological (e.g., heart rate, oxygen consumption) data will be collected at baseline, midpoint, and post training. The micro-education classes will include topics such as: …

The Intensity Of Physical Activity Improves Cognitive Performance Among Aging Americans, Imtiaz Masfique Dowllah, Juan Carlos Lopez-Alvarenga, Gladys E. Maestre, Ulku S. Karabulut, Murat Karabulut

Research Symposium

Background: Currently there is no pharmacological cure for Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, physical activity (PA) has emerged as a promising approach. The optimal intensity of PA to improve cognitive health remains unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate associations between different durations and intensities of PA on performance across cognitive domains (executive function, processing speed, and memory) among aging Americans.

Methods: 2377 adults aged ≥ 60 years from the cross-sectional National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2011-2014, were included. Linear regression in hierarchical blocks and the size of effect (η2) were analyzed with R software.

Results: The mean age …

Does A Brisk Six Minute Walk Cause Upper Body Fatigue In Females, Kaden Buford

Symposium of Student Scholars

Non-local performance fatigue (NLPF) can be described as performance decrements occurring for a muscle group that was not directly involved in the fatiguing activity that preceded. Most studies on NLPF involve strenuous exercise of an isolated joint in trained populations, however, little evidence exists on NLPF derived from activities mimicking acts of daily living. Determining whether NLPF exists following brisk walking is worthwhile, and rate of force development (RFD), the rate at which muscle force is produced, may possess increased susceptibility compared to maximal strength. The purpose of our ongoing study is to determine the responses, if any, for maximal …

Electromyographical Difference Between Tonal And Free Weight Exercises, Sophia Brettler

Undergraduate Research Competition

The purpose of this study is to compare muscle activation between Tonal and traditional free-weight exercises. The Tonal is a digital weight system that can add up to 200 pounds of resistance. The Tonal also features unique exercise modes such as Smart Flex. Smart Flex utilizes Tonal's digital weights system to intelligently match the resistance to the exerciser by continuously adding or subtracting weight depending on when their muscles are at their strongest and weakest during an exercise. For this study, participants will complete 3 separate visits, visit one will include one repetition maximum testing and familiarization and visits 2-3 …

Energy Availability In Female Collegiate Beach Volleyball Athletes, Meghan Thomas

Undergraduate Research Competition

BACKGROUND: Energy availability (EA) is the amount of energy available for normal physiological processes and is defined as energy intake (kcals) minus exercise energy expenditure (kcals) relative to fat free mass (FFM). Low-energy availability (LEA; i.e., energy intake < 30 kcal/kg FFM/d) causes Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport, which results in various negative health and performance outcomes. A recent study reported 81% of the female collegiate athletes examined exhibited LEA. Of the 18-collegiate beach volleyball (BVB) athletes studied, average EA across 7 days was determined to be 12.44 kcal/kg FFM/d. Notably, this is a 7-day snapshot that may not reflect chronic dietary or training patterns. To our knowledge, no study has examined EA across the 10-week competitive season in this population. Therefore, the purpose of this cross-sectional study is to establish the risk of LEA in female collegiate BVB athletes across the competitive season. METHODS: We plan to recruit 18 female collegiate BVB athletes. Each subject will complete an initial visit where anthropometrics, resting metabolic rate (RMR), nutrition knowledge, psychological skills and maximal aerobic capacity will be tested. During weeks 1, 5, and 9 of the competitive season, in addition to initial testing, energy intake (ASA 24) and energy expenditure (GT9X-Link) will be assessed to calculate EA. Countermovement vertical jump height, velocity, and power (GymAware) will be used to assess performance. Results will be analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA and Pearson Correlations. EXPECTED RESULTS: It is hypothesized that LEA will be present and EA will decline as the season progresses.

The Effect Of Acute Creatine Supplementation On Non-Invasive Assessment Of Vascular Function Using Flow-Mediated Dilation, Carson Carruthers

Undergraduate Research Competition

Accumulation of reactive oxygen species within the vasculature has been shown to contribute to endothelial cell dysfunction, an early biomarker of cardiovascular disease. Antioxidants and supplements with antioxidative properties, could be increasingly important in reversing the progression of cardiovascular disease. While creatine monohydrate is commonly used as a fitness supplement to promote increases in muscular strength, recent studies have shown that creatine may act as an antioxidant, thereby improving vascular health. Traditional loading doses of creatine require 7-10 days of 20 g (4 x 5 g/day). However, it may be possible to see the vascular health benefits with a smaller, …

Attenuation Of Vo2 Slow Component During Heavy-Intensity Interval Exercise, Cade Carter

Undergraduate Research Competition

The VO2 slow component (VO2SC) is a slow, exponential increase in oxygen consumption (VO2) that takes place during constant load exercise above the ventilatory threshold. The purpose of this study was to examine the amplitude of the VO2SC during various heavy-intensity interval exercise conditions. Seven males participated in a total of 7 visits, visit one consisted of a graded exercise test until volitional fatigue, and visits 2-7 consisted of 2 visits each of the 3 experimental conditions. Each experimental trial began with a 4-minute warm-up cycle at 20 watts, followed by the experimental condition, followed by a 4-minute cool-down cycle …

Physiological Effects Of Intervals Duration During Aerobic Exercise With Blood Flow Restriction, John Sossamon

Undergraduate Research Competition

This study will examine the effect of work interval duration on the local metabolic stress and cardiac work during low-intensity aerobic exercise with BFR. Healthy males (18-25 yrs) will complete a graded exercise test to determine WR. Participants will complete three experimental intervals (INT) exercise protocols with intermittent BFR, randomly. All protocols will consist of a 4-min warm-up ([20 W] WU), work INTs (35% peak power), and 1-min recovery INTs (20 W) between work INTs. The work INTs will be: 1) six 2-min INTs (2-min INT), 2) twelve 1-min INTs (1-min INT), and 3) three 4-min INTs (4-min INT). During …

Attenuated Skeletal Muscle Metabolism Explains Blunted Reactive Hyperemia After Prolonged Sitting, Cody Anderson, Elizabeth Pekas, Michael Allen, Song-Young Park

UNO Student Research and Creative Activity Fair

Introduction: Although reduced post-occlusive reactive hyperemia (PORH) after prolonged sitting (PS) has been reported as impaired microvascular function, no specific mechanism(s) have been elucidated. One potential mechanism, independent of microvascular function, is that an altered muscle metabolic rate (MMR) may change the magnitude of PORH by modifying the oxygen deficit achieved during cuff-induced arterial occlusions. We speculated that if MMR changes during PS, this may invalidate current inferences about microvascular function during PS. Objective: Therefore, the objective of this study was to examine if peripheral leg MMR changes during PS and to ascertain whether the change in the oxygen deficit …

The Effect Of Exoskeleton Footwear On Joint Angular Motion During Walking In Patients With Peripheral Artery Disease, Zahra Salamifar, Farahnaz Fallahtafti, Iraklis I. Pipinos, Jason M. Johanning, Sara Myers

UNO Student Research and Creative Activity Fair

Gait, Lower Extremity, Peripheral Artery Disease, Joint Angle, Exoskeleton Footwear, Exoskeleton, Assistive Device, Walking.

Resistance Training Improves White Matter Structural Connectivity In Older Adults At-Risk For Cognitive Decline, Ryu Lien

Undergraduate Student Research Internships Conference

Diabetes is a global health concern that impacts 415 million people worldwide. Individuals who are at-risk for diabetes (characterized by high blood glucose and/or being overweight) have white matter atrophy, decreased cognitive function, and an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Recently, resistance training (RT) has been shown to lower white matter atrophy and white matter lesion volume. However, investigating changes in white matter tracts is complex, hence previous findings remain inconclusive. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) serves as a highly sensitive tool that enables visualization and characterization of white matter tracts and has the potential to combat this complexity. The …

Intensity-Specific Training Adaptations To Exercise In Females, Julianna P. Mereu

Undergraduate Student Research Internships Conference

Previous studies examining the effects of exercise training on metabolism have primarily used males as participants. It has been shown that as little as one hour of aerobic exercise in males leads to the alteration of several metabolic enzymes, including phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) and glucose-6-phosphate (G6Pase). Changes in glycogen content and differences in the usage of glycogen for fuel following exercise training have also been shown in male rats. However, it is unclear whether females demonstrate the same training related metabolic adaptations as males.

Therefore, the purpose of this project was to examine various metabolic responses to an acute exercise …

The Effect Of Type 1 Diabetes On The Metabolic Response To Exercise, Theres Tijo

Undergraduate Student Research Internships Conference

Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM) is an autoimmune disorder that results in insufficient endogenous insulin production. Regular exercise has numerous health benefits for individuals with T1DM, however, most insulin-dependent diabetics avoid physical activity due to the fear of exercise-induced hypoglycemia (low blood glucose/BG).

The risk of hypoglycemia in this population may be partly due to lower liver glycogen stores which is a major source of blood glucose during exercise. However, the mechanism that leads to lower glycogen stores in T1DM is unknown.

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of an acute bout of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise …

Association Of Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Assessed Muscle Oxidative Capacity Between Collegiate Cross-Country Athletes And College Students, James Brown, Riley Melton

Undergraduate Research Competition

Muscle oxidative capacity (MOC) is the maximum rate at which the muscle can utilize oxygen to meet the energy demand of exercise. Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) measurement of muscle oxygen uptake (mVO2) during brief arterial occlusions has shown to be a valid, reliable indicator of MOC, but is affected by aerobic fitness. It is unclear if the NIRS measurement can detect a difference in MOC in populations of varying aerobic fitness. The purpose is to compare MOC between collegiate cross-country runners and age-matched college students. Maximal oxygen uptake will be measured from an individualized treadmill test to characterize aerobic fitness. MOC …

Combining Physical And Mental Practices Of A Dart-Throwing Task Enhances Motor Learning And Impacts Psychological Skills, Joy Carlson, Hannah Walker, Mackenzie Manning, Hannah Dresner

Undergraduate Research Competition

Determining practical ways to improve motor skill learning is crucial to enhancing behavior. Combining Visualization technique with dart throwing practice could impact positively skill learning. This study aimed to investigate whether the combination of dart-throwing skill practice and visualization would enhance motor learning. Fifty-three participants were divided in two groups ([1] visualization + dart; [2] dart group). Groups performed pretest of 10 trials, followed by 60 practice trials (6 blocks of 10 throws) with 1-minute break between blocks. Importantly, the Visualization + dart group practiced visualization during the 1-min breaks between blocks, while the Dart group read a nutrition paper …

Interlimb Asymmetries Differ Between Bilateral And Unilateral Countermovement Jump, Meghan Rea

2022 Student Academic Showcase

Measuring interlimb asymmetries is an important when evaluating injury risk and rehabilitation in athletes. PURPOSE: To compare the magnitude of interlimb asymmetries when performing a bilateral and unilateral CMJ. METHODS: Twenty-three female collegiate lacrosse athletes volunteered for this study. Athletes performed three bilateral CMJ and three unilateral CMJ using each leg. Data from the two jumps with highest height was averaged. Interlimb asymmetries were calculated as percent interlimb difference: (100/(maximum value)*(minimum value)*-1+100). RESULTS: Unilateral CMJ height revealed an average 12.2 ± 9.7% interlimb difference. Asymmetries were significantly different between CMJ styles when measuring peak breaking force, average breaking force, and …

Assessment Of Skeletal Muscle Characteristics In Female Collegiate Cheer Athletes, Amy Meyers, Esther Duncan, Blair Besancenez, Claire Gruenke, Petey Mumford

2022 Student Academic Showcase

PURPOSE: To examine training modalities and muscle architecture characteristics between legs in collegiate cheer athletes. METHODS: Thirteen female collegiate cheer athletes (19 ± 1 years, 164.3 ± 6.8 cm, 63.0 ± 10.2 kg) were assessed for anthropometrics, a survey to assess type of training outside of cheer practice, and B mode ultrasound on both legs during a single visit. All ultrasound images were analyzed at 50% of the vastus lateralis for muscle thickness (MT), pennation angle (PA), and fascicle length (FL). RESULTS: Type of exercise training outside of practice counts: endurance (2), resistance (2), mixed (6), and do not train …

Workloads Of Collegiate Female Lacrosse Athletes During A Division Ii National Championship Season, Paige Sutton

2022 Student Academic Showcase

There is a paucity of data on workloads in collegiate female lacrosse players. PURPOSE: Determine internal and external workloads of collegiate female lacrosse players. METHODS: Heart rate (HR), perceived exertion, and GPS data were analyzed from 19 collegiate female lacrosse players throughout an entire National Championship season. RESULTS: Except for average HR (p=0.494), workload variables were significantly less during training compared to games. Average practice duration was shorter than average gameday duration (p

Carbonyl Iron Vs Ferrous Sulfate On Blood Iron Markers In Male Division Iii Cross-Country Athletes, Sam Gunter

Student Scholar Showcase

Competitive distance runners are often predisposed to developing iron deficiency. This study aimed to determine if carbonyl iron was more effective at maintaining blood iron markers and minimizing overall fatigue and GI stress than ferrous sulfate. In this randomized, independent groups study, 7 male, division III cross-country athletes were supplemented with either carbonyl iron or ferrous sulfate for 6 weeks. Blood hemoglobin, hematocrit, subjective GI distress, subjective fatigue, and relative exertion of recent training were assessed at baseline, 3 and 6 weeks. Results will be analyzed via a detailed analysis of variance to determine significant differences in outcome measures. Statistical …

Fatigue-Induced Sex Differences For Explosive Neuromuscular Characteristics Of The Plantar Flexors, Ben Dalton

Symposium of Student Scholars

Previous research on fatigue using isometric contractions suggests that females are more fatigue resistant than males, but less is clear regarding fatigue induced by dynamic contractions. PURPOSE: To determine sex differences for explosive voluntary neuromuscular characteristics of the plantar flexors (PFs) during a dynamic fatiguing task. METHODS: Recreationally active males (n=14; 22.4±2.2 yrs) and females (n=15; 20.9±2.5 yrs) performed a fatiguing task of the PFs consisting of 60 maximal isotonic contractions at 30% of their maximal isometric strength using a dynamometer. Peak power (PP), optimal velocity (OV), and optimal torque (OT) were calculated from the first five contractions of the …

Chair Rise Kinetics And Correlates Of Performance In Young And Older Males, Tyler Smith

Symposium of Student Scholars

Purpose: To compare chair rise kinetics in young (YM) and older (OM) males, and determine correlates of chair rise performance. METHODS: YM (n=15, age =20.7±2.2 yrs) and OM (n=15, age=71.6±3.9yrs) performed three trials of a single chair rise as quickly as possible on a force plate and the vertical ground reaction force (VGRF) signal was analyzed. Peak VGRF (PF), as well as peak (100 ms rolling average), early (minimum VGRF to 50% PF), late (50% PF to PF), and overall (minimum VGRF to PF) rate of force development (RFD; Δforce/Δtime) were calculated based on phases of the task. Power and …

Age-Related Reduction In High-Velocity Power And Myofiber Morphology And Composition, Ben Dalton

Symposium of Student Scholars

Power is diminished more dramatically at higher contraction velocities in older adults. It has been suggested that this may reflect age-related changes in single myofiber morphology or composition. PURPOSE: To examine power, muscle activation, and single myofiber morphology and composition between young (YM) and older (OM) males. METHODS: Power, or torque × velocity, was recorded during isokinetic knee extensions at 60°·s^-1 and 180°·s^-1 in healthy, untrained YM (n=15; 20.7±2.2 yrs) and OM (n=15; 71.6±3.9 yrs). The relative increase in power from 60°·s^-1 to 180°·s^-1 was recorded for each participant. Electromyography amplitude of the vastus lateralis (VL) …

Effect Of High Intensity Interval Training Vs Low Intensity Training On Fat Loss In Patients With Obesity, Jonathan Aaron Deck, Adarsh Gupta

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Nowadays, there are several exercise modalities to lose weight, retain, and or build lean body mass. A widely known training philosophy that has gained increased popularity is high intensity interval training (HIIT). HIIT is based on exercising at submaximal or maximal intensity for a brief period then reducing work to minimal intensity for a longer duration in a series of repeated bouts. The benefit of HIIT is to increase fat loss through the scientific principle of EPOC (excess post exercise oxygen consumption). Low intensity training (LIT) also has its benefits in that it is more sustainable but with the caveat …

Domestic Violence In The World Of Athletics, Abbigayle L. Gesler

ONU Student Research Colloquium

There is an ongoing debate whether athletics is linked to domestic violence in professional athletes or individuals who were athletes for a long period of time. The purpose of this research is to see if being an athlete leads to domestic violence, and if so, to find ways to decrease the numbers. Professional athletes with a history of domestic violence will be researched and this could help determine if there is a link between the two. To get an idea on aggression levels in athletes, the Buss & Perry Survey was sent out via email to all Ohio Northern students, …

A Case Study Comparison Of Two Carbon Plated Running Shoes On Running Economy And Running Mechanics, Caleb Garcia

Undergraduate Research Conference

The advent of the carbon carbon-plated running shoe, in support of the first, historic sub 2-hour marathon, has resulted in an arms race across various running shoe companies in hopes of providing a similar competitive advantage to their athletes and customers. Research has shown these new new shoe technologies can significantly improve running economy. However, of the limited research, most is focused on just one brand and model of carbo carbon-plated shoe. If athletes are to compete on a level playing field, further investigation is needed to determine that these new shoe technologies confer a similar competitive advantage across multiple …

Efficacy Of The Opensim Simulator As A Tool To Detect Changes In Gait: A Peripheral Artery Disease Model, Cody Anderson, Hafiz Rahman, Irakis Pipinos, Jason Johanning, Sara Myers

UNO Student Research and Creative Activity Fair

INTRODUCTION

Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) is characterized by atherosclerotic plaques in the leg arteries. A common treatment for PAD is supervised exercise training [1]. However, gait is not fully restored following supervised exercise training (SET). Musculoskeletal simulation may provide insight into how muscle activation changes following SET contributed to persistent gait alterations.

METHODS

Kinematic and kinetic data from overground walking of patients with PAD (n=12), before and after a 6-month exercise intervention, was used as input for musculoskeletal modeling (OpenSim). The subjects in our sample were subdivided based on the location of ischemic muscle pain, as reported on the San …

An Examination Of The Validity Of An Ios-Based Heart Rate And Pulse Oximetry App During And After Moderate Intensity Exercise, Nathan Grizenko, Rachel Shipman, Ian Cree, Mitchell Colvin

ONU Student Research Colloquium

Fitness tracking apps are popular. There is little data validating their use during and after exercise. PURPOSE: Validate an iOS-based pulse oximeter against a fingertip pulse oximeter and a Polar® heart rate monitor during moderate intensity exercise and recovery. METHODS: Age Estimated Maximal Heart Rate (AEMHR) was calculated for fifteen college-aged students. Participants completed a 30-minute running trial divided into three 10-minute segments intended to elicit heart rate responses of 60, 70, and 80% of AEMHR. Heart rate and oxygen saturation data were collected at five and nine minutes of each segment. RESULTS: At 60% the digiDoc® app exhibited a …