Exercise Science Commons^™

Impact Of Inspiratory Muscle Training On Diaphragm Hypertrophy, Exercise Performance, And Immune Response, Riley Dienna, Sabrina Ehrenfort, Joshua Frankenfield, Olivia Hartmann, Ben Kerns, Gianpiero Lara, Meliah Martin, Emma Norris, Louis Pandolfo, Rachel Phillips, Stella Roane, Dominic Sandell, Sabrina I. Santini-Bousson, Madison Stroud, Cecilia Zoutewelle, Erica Bryant

Discovery Day - Daytona Beach

The muscles involved in breathing, notably the diaphragm and intercostal muscles, play a role in determining the exercise capability of an individual. These muscles perform the work required for breathing, and as exercise intensity increases these muscles increase their activity to allow the respiratory system to meet the increased metabolic demands of exercise. Fatigue of these muscles reduces exercise tolerance and performance. In addition, the inflammation caused by acute maximal exercise is impacted by the level of training of the individual, and thus, inspiratory muscle training (IMT) may impact the inflammation due to exercise. We will test the hypothesis that …

Exercise Intensity And The Effects On Mood And Wellbeing, Emily Amortegui, Ashley Albert, Riley Ensor, Keyanna Keyanna Jackson

Discovery Day - Daytona Beach

With many students dealing with anxiety, sadness, and high levels of stress, mental health issues among college students have grown in intensity. A lot of research has been done on the possible benefits of physical activity for mental health, but most of it focuses on correlations rather than the biological mechanisms. The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of varying exercise intensities on physiological stress markers and mood in college students ages 18 to 25. To assure precise intensity levels, participants from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University will work out at low, moderate, and high intensities while wearing heart …

Operationally Ready Vs Gym Ready: Training For The Real Demands Of Tactical Work, Ben Jacobs

Tactical & Occupational Performance Conference

Tactical organizations are increasingly recognizing that readiness extends beyond fitness alone. Structured performance systems that integrate training, recovery, nutrition, and fatigue management can help departments improve resilience, reduce injuries, and sustain operational capability over an entire career.

Session's revolve around the concept of Tactical Readiness Architecture, a systems-based framework designed to help departments build structured, sustainable performance support for their personnel. Rather than focusing solely on workouts or individual habits, Tactical Readiness Architecture integrates training, recovery, nutrition, fatigue management, and data-informed monitoring into a cohesive readiness model.

Effects Of Menstrual Cycle Phases On Muscular Strength And Ligament Laxity, Nicole Waldo Johnson

2026 Student Academic Showcase

Female participation in sport continues to increase, yet women remain largely underrepresented in research. Due to hormonal differences, additional research is needed to understand how menstrual cycle (MC) phases influence performance and injury risk. Females experience higher incidences of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries, which may be influenced by hormonal fluctuations. The purpose of this study is to examine how MC phases and changes affect muscular strength and ligament laxity at the knee. Muscular strength and ligament laxity will be tested twice during the MC: once during the early follicular phase (EFP) and the second set are to be collected …

Neuromuscular Function And Balance In Young Adults: Feasibility And Reliability Of Strength And Conditioning Assessments, Riley Fritzsche, Nicole Waldo Johnson, Jessica M. Moon

2026 Student Academic Showcase

Neuromuscular assessments are widely used in exercise science however; the reliability of comprehensive functional testing batteries in healthy young adults remains unclear. Since sex and hormone status may influence performance, this study proposes that neuromuscular outcomes will differ across males, naturally cycling females, and hormonal contraceptive users. This pilot study will evaluate the feasibility and test-retest reliability of a neuromuscular assessment battery in adults aged 18–35 using a repeated-measures design. Participants will complete two identical testing sessions separated by 5–10 days. Assessments will include balance on force plates, handgrip strength, a 5-repetition chair-rise, and the 3-meter Timed Up-and-Go, alongside neuromuscular …

Positive Correlations Between Olympic Weightlifting Performance And Countermovement Vertical Jumping Performance, James L. Tice, Calvin J. Lackey, Robert W. Smith, Kyle L. Sutherland, Patrick S. Harty

2026 Student Academic Showcase

In recent years, force plate vertical jump testing has greatly increased in popularity in the strength and conditioning space. PURPOSE: To examine any potential relationships between force plate vertical jump parameters and more traditional metrics of weightlifting performance such as snatch to clean and jerk ratio. METHODS: 14 male and 18 female collegiate weightlifters completed three rounds of countermovement vertical jumps with 30 seconds of rest between attempts. Competition results from all 2025 competitions were used to generate best Total, Sinclair points, Q-points, and best Snatch to Clean and Jerk Ratio. RESULTS: Vertical jump height, peak propulsive force, Sinclair, and …

Comparison Of Levels Of Bmi, Stress, And Depression Of Women During The Prenatal Period Relative To Their Activity Levels, Kalayna King

Create@State

This study aimed to analyze the relationships between activity levels, Body Mass Index (BMI), stress levels, and depression symptoms in obese pregnant women in Arkansas. Two separate exercise intervention studies were combined in this analysis to ultimately give a sample size of 293 pregnant women who were randomized into standard of care group (control) and an exercise group (experimental) (n = 115 and n = 178, respectively). Women in the control groups were instructed to independently continue to follow the physical activity guidelines recommended by their gynecologist, whereas the experimental groups participated in a combination of aerobic and resistance exercise …

Test-Retest Reliability Of Commercial Timing Gates (Dashr And Sport React) To Measure Neuromotor And Running Performance And Agility, Kyle S. Geppert, Renee M. Skiera, Caitlin O'Keeffe, Adam Pennell, Rachel Tan

Seaver College Research And Scholarly Achievement Symposium

Commercially-available laser-based timing gates are widely implemented for assessing neuromotor function, speed and agility; however, there is limited available data for the reliability and validity of this equipment. The purpose of this study is to establish the reliability and validity of timing gates from DASHR vs. Sport React compared to a manual stopwatch in a battery of neuromotor, performance and agility tests. Participants will complete 3 x 1-h visits over a 2- to 3-week period in a test-retest design. Participants will perform three rounds of the following tests, with 4-min rest separating each round: two reaction tests (Sport React Choice …

The Effects Of A Stimulant And Non-Stimulant Pre-Workout Supplement On Sprint Performance, Macie Reagan

Student Scholar Symposium

The aim of this study is to compare the effects of a stimulant pre-workout that contains caffeine and a non-stimulant pre-workout that does not contain caffeine on sprint distance. We anticipate that 10 recreationally active individuals will participate in this study, and each participant will act as their own control. Sprint performance will be measured by the distance covered within 10 seconds of allotted time on an Assault Runner Elite treadmill. On the first day, participants will be familiarized with the experimental protocol, so neither pre-workout supplement will be administered. After completing a five-minute structured warm-up, they will complete three …

To Play Or Not To Play: Investigating The Effects Of Auditory Stimuli During Running, Anna L. Tamblyn, Jodi Brandt, Chloe Schmidt, Grace Barnett, Danielle Kern

2025 Symposium

Research has shown that listening to music during physical activity can have a positive effect on emotional state, ratings of perceived exertion, and overall performance. However, limited research has investigated the differences between tempo-matched music and metronome pacing on running performance. Many runners utilize metronome pacing to pace a run, improve efficiency, and enhance form. To date, research on the efficacy of metronome pacing compared to music on one mile run time to completion is limited. PURPOSE: To determine the effects of different auditory stimuli (e.g., music, metronome, and silence) on one mile run time in young adults. METHODS: Young …

Physical Attributes Of Competitive Collegiate Co-Ed Men, Base/Backspots, Flyers, And Tumblers, Grace M. Liebhart, Harry P. Cintineo

2025 Student Academic Showcase

Cheerleading is a demanding sport often overlooked in research. This study examined physical attributes of 41 collegiate cheerleaders representing co-ed men, base/backspots, flyers, and tumblers. Participants underwent body composition, relative countermovement and squat jump, isometric mid-thigh pull, and 1RM seated military press assessments. Data were analyzed using ANOVA with gender adjustment followed by Bonferroni-adjusted post-hoc tests (α=0.05). Analyses showed significant positional differences for body fat percentage (P< 0.003), lean mass (P< 0.001), squat jump (P=0.034), and 1RM strength (P< 0.001). Bases/backspots had higher body fat percentage than flyers (P=0.016) with no other differences (P>0.110). Lean mass and 1RM strength were highest in co-ed men (P< 0.018) followed by bases/backspots and tumblers than flyers (P< 0.073). Post-hoc analysis revealed no differences in squat jump (P>0.052). These findings highlight unique physical characteristics of cheerleading positions and suggest implementation of specific strength training programs. Future investigations should …

Maintenance Of Anaerobic Power Across A Competitive Season In Collegiate Women’S Ice Hockey Playersquinn, Quinn M. Mclaren, Olivia J. Grabianowski, Molly K. Henderson, Kyle Sunderland

2025 Student Academic Showcase

The purpose of this study was to examine changes in anaerobic power and capacity in women’s college ice hockey players from pre-season to post-season. Fourteen NCAA Division I female ice hockey players performed a 30-second Wingate test (WAnT) two weeks prior to the start of the competitive season and three weeks following the final game. Athletes completed a standardized warm-up including a short sprint on the cycle ergometer to prepare for the maximal effort test. The WAnT began from a rolling start, with the athlete pedaling at 100–110 RPM. Athletes then completed a 30-second all-out sprint against 9% body weight …

Aging In Motion: The Impact Of Activity On Visceral Fat In Senior Individuals, Heather Feeny, Paxton Castillon, Alyssa Mcnutt, Mattew Densley

Student Research Symposium

The aim of this study is to investigate activity levels, including sleep duration, sitting time, and their relationship with visceral fat area (VFA).

Preseason Mileage Influences The In-Season Training Effect In Female Cross Country Runners, Abby Ervin, Dean Calsbeek

Celebration of Research

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to analyze how preseason mileage influences the in-season training effect on maximal oxygen uptake (VO_2max) and lactate threshold (LT) in trained NAIA runners. Methods: Eight female distance runners (age 21.2 0.5 y) ran preseason mileage prior to the start of the cross country season. Subjects completed a graded treadmill test to determine VO_2max and VO₂ at OBLA (VO₂ OBLA) at the beginning and end of a 9 week competitive season. Results: Postseason testing revealed VO_2max significantly improved (p=0.009), while no significant improvement occurred in VO₂ OBLA …

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

K-STAR 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 …

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.

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 …

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, …

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 …

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 …

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.

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 …

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 …

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 …

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

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 …