Exercise Science Commons^™

A Biomechanical Analysis Of Male And Female Intermediate Hurdlers And Steeplechasers, Laurence R. Bollschweiler

Theses and Dissertations

In the sport of track and field, proper hurdling technique is a complicated combination of various running and jumping kinematics. With most research having been done on sprint hurdling, there is a growing need for research on hurdling events of different lengths. The intermediate hurdles (IH) and the steeplechase (SC) are two events where there are a number of differences in hurdling technique. This study compared the differences in hurdling technique between events (IH and SC) as well as the differences in technique between genders. Subjects for this study consisted of 20 elite intermediate hurdlers (10 male, 10 female) and …

Towards An Understanding Of Salient Neighborhood Boundaries: Adolescent Reports Of An Easy Walking Distance And Convenient Driving Distance, Natalie Colabianchi, Marsha Dowda, Karin A. Pfeiffer, Dwayne E. Porter, Maria João Ca Almeida, Russell R. Pate

Faculty Publications

Numerous studies have examined the association between the surrounding neighborhood environment and physical activity levels in adolescents. Many of these studies use a road network buffer or Euclidean distance buffer around an adolescent's home to represent the appropriate geographic area for study (i.e., neighborhood). However, little empirical research has examined the appropriate buffer size to use when defining this area and there is little consistency across published research as to the buffer size used. In this study, 909 12th grade adolescent girls of diverse racial and geographic backgrounds were asked to report their perceptions of an easy walking distance and …

Effects Of Knee Bracing On Vertical Jumping Performance In Healthy College Aged Males, Rebecca E. Rausch

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Knee bracing is used at all levels of athletics to prevent or support existing knee injuries; however, little research has been conducted on the effects of knee braces on athletic performance. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine how two different types of knee braces, semi-customizable braces and knee sleeves, affect vertical jumping performance. Subjects were nine college aged males who regularly participated in athletic activity. Subjects performed a task consisting of a drop jump from a height of 18 inches, landing in a squat position, followed immediately by a maximal vertical jump while wearing two different knee …

An Assessment Of Athletic Health Care Provided To High School Athletes In Indiana, Lori Jane Vancza

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Objective: The purpose of this study is to assess various aspects of athletic health care being provided to athletes in high risk sports in Indiana and the personnel providing this care relative to school enrollment size in comparison to the recent recommendations published by the National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA) regarding appropriate medical care for secondary school-aged athletes. Design and Settings: Based on a literature review, a 34 item web based survey for athletic directors (ADs) and a 33 item web based survey for identified head coaches were developed and distributed to 406 Indiana High School ADs. The survey instruments …

Effects Of An Angled Starting Block On Sprint Start Kinematics, Nathaniel A. Brown

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of an angled proto-type starting block on sprint start kinematics. The angled starting block rotates the foot medially at a 16 degree angle, which emulates the 16 degree angle of the ankle on the medial axis of the foot. This 16 degree should allow for the athlete to apply more force against the block, resulting in a higher velocity at take-off and a faster block clearance time. In the present study, six female collegiate sprinters were filmed and analyzed using the angled starting block and a standard starting block. …

Exercise Induced Hypervolemia: Role Of Exercise Mode, William Bradley Nelson

Theses and Dissertations

The supine posture has been shown to limit exercise-induced plasma volume expansion. Differences in hydrostatic pressure gradients between the standing and seated position indicate that treadmill exercise might promote a greater plasma volume expansion than cycle ergometer exercise. To test this hypothesis ten subjects performed intermittent high intensity exercise (4 min at 85% VO2max, 5 min at 40% VO2max repeated 8 times) on separate days on the treadmill and cycle ergometer. Changes in plasma volume expansion were calculated from changes in hematocrit and hemoglobin. Stroke volume (SV), trans-thoracic impedance (Z0), HR, and arterial blood pressure (non-invasive arm cuff, SBP & …

Comparison Of A Low Carbohydrate And Low Fat Diet For Weight Maintenance In Overweight Or Obese Adults Enrolled In A Clinical Weight Management Program, James D. Lecheminant, Cheryl A. Gibson, Debra K. Sullivan, Sandra Hall, Rik Washburn, Mary C. Vernon, Chelsea Curry, Elizabeth Stewart, Eric C. Westman, Joseph E. Donnelly

Faculty Publications

Background: Recent evidence suggests that a low carbohydrate (LC) diet may be equally or more effective for short-term weight loss than a traditional low fat (LF) diet; however, less is known about how they compare for weight maintenance. The purpose of this study was to compare body weight (BW) for participants in a clinical weight management program, consuming a LC or LF weight maintenance diet for 6 months following weight loss. Methods: Fifty-five (29 low carbohydrate diet; 26 low fat diet) overweight/obese middle-aged adults completed a 9 month weight management program that included instruction for behavior, physical activity (PA), and …

Effects Of Placement, Attachment, And Weight Classification On Pedometer Accuracy, Susan V. Graser, William J. Vincent, Robert P. Pangrazi

Faculty Publications

The purpose was to determine if waist placement of the pedometer affected accuracy in normal, overweight, and obese children, when attaching the pedometer to the waistband or a belt. Methods: Seventy-seven children (ages 10-12 years) wore 5 pedometers on the waistband of their pants and a belt at the following placements: navel (NV), anterior midline of the right thigh (AMT), right side (RS), posterior midline of the right thigh (PMT), and middle of the back (MB). Participants walked 100 steps on a treadmill at 80 m · min–1. Results: The RS, PMT, and MB sites on the waistband and the …

Plasma Volume And Albumin Mrna Expression In Exercise Trained Rats, Nathan Alex Bexfield

Theses and Dissertations

Introduction- Exercise-induced plasma volume (PV) expansion is typically associated with an increase in plasma albumin content. Increased hepatic albumin synthesis, a transcriptionally regulated process, is thought to contribute to the increase in albumin content. Objective- We tested the hypothesis that exercise training induces an increase in albumin gene expression in relationship to the increase in PV. Methods and Results- 40 adult male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing between 245-350 grams were randomly assigned to one of four groups: cage control (CC); sham exercise 10 min/day at 48% VO2max (NE); continuous exercise training, 60 min /day at 72% VO2max (LI); and high intensity, …

The Effect Of Lower Extremity Ergometry Exercise On Deltoid Intramuscular Temperatures During And Following A 30-Minute 1-Kg Ice Bag Treatment, Shigeru Takeuchi

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Context: The practice of cycling for cardiovascular benefits and the simultaneous application of an ice bag to the upper extremity for cryotherapy effects is convenient and time-saving. However, exercise increases body temperature specially in working muscles. However, non-working areas are used to dissipate heat by receiving warmed blood. Objective: To determine the effect of lower body exercise on deltoid cooling during 1-kg ice bag treatment and post treatment rewarming, separately. Design: Two ( during and after ice application) 2 X 5 repeated measures designs with the treatment condition (bike and rest) and time (baseline, 1-, 10-, 20-, and 30-minutes during …

Junior High Students' Perceptions Of The Fitnessgram Fitness Test, Emily Mcomber Welch

Theses and Dissertations

The Fitnessgram is a battery of fitness tests designed for children and adolescents. These tests include aerobic capacity, body composition, muscle strength and endurance, and flexibility. Students are not compared to each other, rather to health fitness standards, specific to age and gender, which indicate good health. The purpose of this study was to identify student perceptions of the Fitnessgram fitness test. This study used surveys (N=82), and follow-up focus-group interviews (N=16) to identify student perceptions of the Fitnessgram fitness test. Results using the constant comparative method revealed three major categories: (1) students' perceptions of the purpose of fitness testing, …

The Influence Of Performance Level And Setting On Collegiate Athletes' Motivational Profiles, Shareen Brooke Smith

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine if motivational profiles of individual collegiate team sport athletes differ across ability levels (High, Middle, and Low) and settings (Team Practice, Competition, and Personal Practice). The athletes task and ego disposition, autonomy, and contextual motivation, were assessed using the Perception of Success Questionnaire (POSQ), Sport Climate Questionnaire (SCQ), and Sport Motivational Scale (SMS), pre and postseason. Their anxiety levels and situational motivation were measured using the Sport Anxiety Scale (SAS) and the Situational Motivational Scale (SIMS) during the season. The General Causality Orientations Scale (GCOS) was used pre and postseason to assess …

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

Human Movement Studies & Special Education Theses & Dissertations

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

Fabrication Of Ankle-Foot Orthoses Using Selective Laser Sintering Technology, Allison Kinney, M. C. Faustini, Richard R. Neptune, R. H. Crawford, S. J. Stanhope

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Publications

Passive dynamic ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs) are often prescribed to improve gait performance for those with various neuromuscular disorders. Designs and materials used for AFOs range from simple polypropylene braces to advanced custom carbon fiber dynamic AFOs that passively store and release mechanical energy during gait. AFO designs vary in the shape and length of the foot component as well as the stiffness and length of the tibial component, depending on the desired functional outcomes. However, the current fabrication technology is not ideally suited for refined customization of AFO characteristics to optimize performance, or for rapid lowcost, high volume manufacturing and …

Development And Analysis Of A Software Package To Quantify In Vivo Polyethylene Wear After Total Hip Arthroplasty, Allison Kinney, Catherine G. Ambrose

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Publications

Since the first total hip arthroplasty (THA) in 1938, THA evolved and developed into one of the major concentrations of orthopaedic research. The typical hip implant device used today incorporates a femoral and an acetabular component that serve to replicate the anatomical and mechanical functions of the natural hip joint. However, several problems exist that can effect the function of the implant device. Wear in the polyethylene liner of the acetabular component of the total hip replacement device is known as one of the major factors that affects the longevity of total hip replacement devices. Both manual and computer-aided techniques …

Development Of A Notational Analysis System To Evaluate Setting Performance In Volleyball, Nina Puikkonen Mortensen

Theses and Dissertations

The purposes of this study were to develop a notational analysis system to evaluate volleyball setting performance independent of the actions of the hitter and to use the data to develop a Markovian transitional matrix that would make known the probabilities of specific outcomes from each setting scenario. Setting performance was analyzed based on the sets distance from the net, height of the set, and position of the set in relation to the hitter as viewed from 13 filmed competitions of a Division I intercollegiate women's volleyball team. Data from the notation of 1353 sets were used to develop a …

The Effects Of The Front Squat And Back Squat On Vertical Jump And Lower Body Power Index Of Division 1 Male Volleyball Players, Manu Hoani Peeni

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to compare effects of the front squat and back squat on vertical jump and lower body power index of division 1 male volleyball players. Eighteen NCAA Division 1 male volleyball players volunteered for this study and were assigned either to a back squat or a front squat training program group. Subjects followed the training program for 8 weeks. Counter-movement vertical jump (CMVJ) height and lower body power index were measured at 0, 4 and 8 weeks of the study. A 2x3 factorial ANOVA revealed no significant difference in CMVJ height and power index between …

Dietary Fiber Intake And Body Fat Gain: A Prospective Cohort Study Of Middle-Aged Women, Kathryn Suzanne Thomas

Theses and Dissertations

This study was conducted to determine the extent to which changes in dietary fiber consumption affect weight and body fat percentage (BF%) over time. An auxiliary objective was to examine the influence of age, total caloric intake, and physical activity (PA) on the relationship between changes in fiber intake and changes in body composition over time. Design/ Subjects: Prospective cohort design with baseline and follow-up assessments 20 months apart and 252 middle-aged women (40.1±3.0 y). Diet, particularly caloric and fiber intake, was measured using 7-day weighed food records. Body fat was assessed via the Bod Pod, and PA was measured …

C-Reactive Protein Levels According To Physical Activity And Body Weight For Participants In The Coronary Health Improvement Project, Michael T. Massey

Theses and Dissertations

Objectives. Evaluate C-reactive protein (CRP) levels according to weight and physical activity. The study explored how changes in CRP were associated with baseline CRP, weight, and physical activity and changes in these variables.

Methods. A randomized controlled study design assigned 348 individuals to the intervention or control group with measurements taken at baseline, 6 weeks, and 6 months of body weight, physical activity, and serum CRP levels. Participants attended an intensive 40-hour educational course delivered over a four-week period.

Results. At baseline, CRP was negatively associated with total steps/week, and positively associated with weight, BMI, percent fat, and saturated fat …

Ground Reaction Force Differences Between Running Shoes, Racing Flats, And Distance Spikes In Runners, Suzanna Jean Logan

Theses and Dissertations

To measure the differences in ground reaction forces between running shoes, racing flats, and distance spikes, twenty intercollegiate distance runners ran across a force plate at 6.7m/s (for males) and 5.74m/s (for females) in each of the three types of shoes. In order to control for differences in foot strike, only subjects who had a heel strike were included in the data analysis (N=16). Repeated-measures ANOVA and Tukey's post-hoc test (p<0.05) revealed loading rate and impact peak to be significantly increased in the flats and spikes compared to running shoes. Stiffness in spikes was significantly higher than in running shoes. Stance time in spikes and flats was decreased. These results can be used to better inform competitive runners, coaches, and trainers of the risks and performance benefits when determining the frequency and duration of the use of competitive footwear in training.

Emotional Health And Weight Gain: A Prospective Study Of Middle-Aged Women, Ann Bahr

Theses and Dissertations

The objective of this study was to investigate the extent to which risk of gaining weight or body fat is affected by emotional health in women. A secondary objective was to determine the influence of age, baseline weight and body fat, physical activity (PA), energy intake, and changes in PA and energy intake, on the relationship between emotional health and gains in weight and body fat. The study was a prospective cohort investigation over 20 months of 256 healthy, non-obese females (age: 35-45 y, BMI < 30 kg/m2). All subjects were assessed for several variables using objective measurements at baseline and again at 20 months. Emotional health was assessed using the General Well-Being Schedule. Body fat percentage was indexed using the Bod Pod. PA was measured objectively using MTI (CSA) accelerometers, and energy intake was measured using weighed, 7-day food records. The results of the study demonstrated that risk of gains in weight and body fat were no greater in depressed women compared to their counterparts. However, 171 (66.8%) subjects demonstrated less than positive (LTP) emotional health at baseline, and 37.4% of these subjects gained weight during the 20-month study. Conversely, 85 (33.2%) subjects had positive emotional health at baseline, but only 23.5% gained weight over the investigational period. With no variables controlled, women with LTP emotional health had 59% greater risk of weight gain over the study period than women with positive emotional health (RR 1.59, 95% CI = 1.04-2.44). Women with LTP emotional health were at no greater risk of gains in body fat percentage than women with positive emotional health (RR 0.96, 95% CI = 0.70-1.33). After adjusting for each potential confounder individually, risk of gaining weight or body fat did not change. However, after adjusting for all of the potential confounders simultaneously, risk of weight gain was weakened (RR 1.43, 95% CI = 0.93-2.21). These results seem to demonstrate that middle-aged women with LTP emotional health may be at increased risk of gaining weight compared to women with positive emotional health.

The Effect Of Instruction Of Jump-Landing Motion Patterns And Impact Forces, Mary Elizabeth Joos

Human Movement Studies & Special Education Theses & Dissertations

The use of visual instruction could be a valuable tool in prevention strategies for anterior cruciate ligament injuries, especially in large group settings, through the alterations of jump-landing motion patterns and impact forces. The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of two visual modeling cues in altering jump-landing motion patterns, as measured by the Landing Error Scoring System (LESS), and impact forces, vertical ground reaction force (PVGRF) and peak posterior ground reaction force (PPGRF). Seventy-three physically active individuals (age= 20.89 ± 1.72 years; height = 172 ± 9.87 cm; mass= 68.43 ± 15.97 kg) were baseline tested …

An Assessment Of High School Coaches Knowledge Of Sport-Related Concussion, Erin M. O'Donoghue

Human Movement Studies & Special Education Theses & Dissertations

Sport-related concussion is a common occurrence in high-risk sports and can occur during participation in all sports. The purpose of this study was to assess the knowledge base high school athletic coaches possess about concussion signs and symptoms in regards to recognition, management, and prevention of this condition. A 25 question demographic questionnaire was used to gather background information and a 24 question multiple-choice assessment was used to determine knowledge of recognition, management, and prevention of sport-related concussion. A panel of eight experts in the fields of sport-related concussion and/or survey research reviewed and modified the survey instrument, which were …

Whole-Body Vibration Compared To Traditional Physical Therapy In Individuals With Total Knee Arthroplasty, Aaron W. Johnson

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of the present study was to compare total knee arthroplasty (TKA) rehabilitation with and without whole-body vibration (WBV) to 1) understand if WBV is a useful treatment during TKA rehabilitation to increase quadriceps strength and function, and 2) to investigate the effect of WBV on quadriceps voluntary muscle activation. Subject and Methods. Individuals post TKA (WBV n=8, control n=8) received physical therapy with and without WBV for four weeks. Quadriceps strength and muscle activation, function, perceived pain, and knee range of motion were measured. Results. No adverse side effects were reported in either group. There was a significant …

The Relationship Between Maternal Employment And Children's Physical Activity, Michael Scott Parker

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine children's and parents' activity levels, examine the relationship between mothers' and children's mean step counts, and fathers' and children's mean step counts, and determine if there are differences in physical activity levels among children with mothers who work full time, work part time, or are not employed. Fifty-eight families participated in this 12-day study. Each family member wore a Walk4Life LS 2525 or a Walk4Life LS 2505 pedometer to measure daily step counts. Additionally, all participants completed the pedometer step count logs each night, and parents completed a short demographic form. In …

Progenitor Cells And Age: Can We Fight Aging With Exercise?, Sarah Witkowski, James M. Hagberg

Exercise and Sport Studies: Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Transcranial Doppler Estimation Of Cerebral Blood Flow And Cerebrovascular Conductance During Modified Rebreathing, Jurgen A.H.R. Claassen, Rong Zhang, Qi Fu, Sarah Witkowski, Benjamin D. Levine

Exercise and Sport Studies: Faculty Publications

Clinical transcranial Doppler assessment of cerebral vasomotor reactivity (CVMR) uses linear regression of cerebral blood flow velocity (CBFV) vs. end-tidal CO2 (PETCO2) under steady-state conditions. However, the cerebral blood flow (CBF)-PETCO2 relationship is nonlinear, even for moderate changes in CO2. Moreover, CBF is increased by increases in arterial blood pressure (ABP) during hypercapnia. We used a modified rebreathing protocol to estimate CVMR during transient breath-by-breath changes in CBFV and PETCO2. Ten healthy subjects (6 men) performed 15 s of hyperventilation followed by 5 min of rebreathing, with supplemental O2 to maintain arterial oxygen saturation constant. To minimize effects of changes …

Handling Immediate Medical Care At Aquatic Facilities: Do We Need Different Levels Of Lifeguard Certification?, Leland Yarger

International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education

The first-responder and professional-rescuer training materials and training programs consider lifeguards to be first responders in emergencies (Aehlert, 2005; American Red Cross, 2001). This article asks readers to consider whether our agency lifeguard-training programs reflect a philosophy that truly view and prepare lifeguards as first responders. If not, I challenge readers to consider whether we should alter our hiring, staffing, and in-service training procedures at aquatic facilities based on the scope and need for providing adequate emergency care at those facilities.

Escape And Rescue From Submerged Vehicles, Gerald M. Dworkin

International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education

No abstract provided.

Force Output And Hip Movement While Flutter Kicking With Variations Of Kickboard Support, Randall L. Jensen

Conference Papers in Published Proceedings

No abstract provided.