Exercise Science Commons^™

Behavioral Determinants Of Exercise-Related Injury Prevention Program Participation, Emily M. Hartley

Health Services Research Dissertations

Lower extremity injuries are common among the physically active population. There are many negative consequences associated with these injuries which have led to a shift in clinical practice towards prevention. Exercise-related injury prevention programs (ERIPPs) were created to prevent musculoskeletal injuries that occur due to participation in physical activity. However, one of the major limitations to their effectiveness is the compliance of the users to complete the prescribed exercises. It is imperative to better understand the reasons why compliance is low to develop implementation strategies and improve compliance rates.

The overarching purpose of this dissertation was to gain a better …

Andale Pittsburgh: Results Of A Promotoraled, Home-Based Intervention To Promote A Healthy Weight In Latino Preschool Children, Sharon E. Taverno Ross, Bethany Barone Gibbs, Patricia I. Documet, Russell R. Pate

Faculty Publications

Background: Latino preschool children have higher rates of obesity than preschool children from other racial/ ethnic groups; however, few effective, culturally appropriate interventions exist targeting this group. The purpose of this study was to test the feasibility of a 10-week, promotora-mediated, home-based intervention to promote a healthy weight in Latino preschool children.

Methods: Trained promotoras (community health workers) delivered 10, 90-min weekly interactive and tailored sessions to Latino families living in Allegheny County. Participants were recruited through promotoras’ own social networks and community gatherings, flyers, and word of mouth. Primary outcome measures included child body mass index (BMI) z-score and …

The Relationship Between Linear And Nonlinear Analysis On Activity Data, Katlyn J. Nimtz

UNO Student Research and Creative Activity Fair

Activity monitoring in older adults is a great way to predict disability without interfering in their daily life. We can analyze that data using linear and nonlinear analysis. While linear analysis measures the variation of activity during a specific period of time (i.e., mean, standard deviation), nonlinear analysis focuses on the evolution of activity over a period of time. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to observe the relationship between linear and nonlinear analysis of activity data obtained by activity monitoring in older adults. Eight participants wore an activity monitor around their waist for seven days. Linear analysis was …

Influence Of Acute Consumption Of Caffeine Vs. Placebo Over Bia-Derived Measurements Of Body Composition: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Crossover Design, Cassie M. Williamson, Brett S. Nickerson, Emily E. Bechke, Cherilyn N. Mclester, Brian Kliszczewicz

Faculty Articles

Background Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) is often used to estimate total body water (TBW), intracellular body water (ICW), extracellular body water (ECW), and body fat percentage (BF%). A common restriction for BIA analysis is abstinence from caffeine 12-h prior to testing. However, research has yet to determine whether the consumption of caffeine influences BIA testing results. The purpose of this study was to determine if the consumption of caffeine influences BIA-derived BF% and body water values in habitual caffeine users. Methods Twenty apparently healthy males (26.6 ± 4.1 years) identified as habitual caffeine consumers (≥ one 95 mg serving per …

Stepping It Up: Walking Behaviors In Children Transitioning From 5th To 7th Grade, Sharon E. Taverno Ross, Morgan N. Clennin, Marsha Dowda, Natalie Colabianchi, Russell R. Pate

Faculty Publications

The purpose of this study was to (1) describe children’s walking behaviors in 5th to 7th grade and change over time and (2) examine associations between walking behaviors and Walk Score®. Participants consisted of n = 586 students from the Transitions and Activity Changes in Kids (TRACK) Study. Children reported any walking behavior (e.g., exercise and transportation) over the past five days. Walk Score was calculated based on children’s home address. Descriptive statistics summarized walking behaviors by gender and time, and repeated measure mixed models examined the relationship between walking behaviors and Walk Score. Approximately 46.8% and 19.2% of 5th …

A Real-Time Wireless Sweat Rate Measurement System For Physical Activity Monitoring, Andrew Brueck, Tashfin Iftekhar, Alicja B. Stannard, Kumar Yelamarthi, Tolga Kaya

Exercise Science Faculty Publications

There has been significant research on the physiology of sweat in the past decade, with one of the main interests being the development of a real-time hydration monitor that utilizes sweat. The contents of sweat have been known for decades; sweat provides significant information on the physiological condition of the human body. However, it is important to know the sweat rate as well, as sweat rate alters the concentration of the sweat constituents, and ultimately affects the accuracy of hydration detection. Towards this goal, a calorimetric based flow-rate detection system was built and tested to determine sweat rate in real …

Physical Therapy Considerations For Chronic Kidney Disease And Secondary Sarcopenia, Michael O. Harris-Love, Haniel J. Hernandez, Gideon Obamwonyi

Exercise and Nutrition Sciences Faculty Publications

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a progressive condition that may negatively affect musculoskeletal health. These comorbidities may include malnutrition, osteoporosis, and decreased lean body mass. Secondary sarcopenia due to CKD may be associated with mobility limitations and elevated fall risk. Physical therapists are well-positioned among the health care team to screen for secondary sarcopenia in those with CKD and for the treatment of musculoskeletal comorbid conditions that may affect functional performance. Given the consequences of both low muscle mass and low bone mineral density, appropriate and timely physical therapy is important for fall risk assessment and intervention to minimize the …

The Application Of An Implementation Science Framework To Comprehensive School Physical Activity Programs: Be A Champion!, Justin B. Moore, Russell L. Carson, Collin A. Webster, Camelia Renee Singletary, Darla M. Castelli, Russell R. Pate, Michael W. Beets, Aaron Beighle

Faculty Publications

Comprehensive school physical activity programs (CSPAPs) have been endorsed as a promising strategy to increase youth physical activity (PA) in school settings. A CSPAP is a five-component approach, which includes opportunities before, during, and after school for PA. Extensive resources are available to public health practitioners and school officials regarding what should be implemented, but little guidance and few resources are available regarding how to effectively implement a CSPAP. Implementation science provides a number of conceptual frameworks that can guide implementation of a CSPAP, but few published studies have employed an implementation science framework to a CSPAP. Therefore, we developed …

The Anatomy Of The Carpal Tunnel And Hand Function Of Musicians, Emily Ann Lorenzen

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Musicians spend hours perfecting their trade, often leading to overuse injuries of the hand; of specific concern to musicians is carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). This study evaluated the median nerve cross-sectional area and hand function of musicians and non-musicians. Patients completed the upper extremity and CTS specific function questionnaires. The median nerve cross-sectional area, and the width of the carpal tunnel were measured on ultrasound image. The median nerve cross-sectional area was greater in musicians than the non-musician group. The width of the carpal tunnel did not differ between the groups. Musicians showed higher levels of hand dysfunction than the …

Effects Of A 60 Minute On Ice Game Simulation On The Balance Error Scoring System, Philip Cameron, Noelle C. Sotero, Justin Byers

Applied Health Sciences Student Works

Mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBIs) are common in contact sports. There is an association between mTBIs and altered motor function. BioSway technology measures individuals’ balance using the Balance Error Scoring System (BESS). Prior to incorporating BESS testing in concussion protocol, other variables that influence the BESS test require review. The objective of this study is to determine if game fatigue in hockey players also influences the BESS score. 23 male (21.08 ± 1.09) National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) athletes were tested using the BioSway™ (Biodex, USA). The BESS test measures the Sway Index (SI) - a calculation of deviation from …

The Acute Effects Of Alpha-Gpc On Hand Grip Strength, Jump Height, Power Output, Mood, And Reaction-Time In Recreationally Trained, College-Aged Individuals, Josey Lucas Cruse

Online Theses and Dissertations

Introduction: While alpha-GPC has received recent praise as a mental and physical performance enhancement supplement, very limited research on this topic exist, and no current studies examine alpha-GPC in collegiate-aged trained individuals. This study hopes to bridge the gap in the current research literature on the topic of alpha-GPC ingestion in young healthy adults in the cognitive and anaerobic paradigms, potentially shedding new light on the theoretical synergistic effect of caffeine and alpha-GPC.

Purpose: To investigate and identify the acute effects of alpha-GPC ingestion on performance testing (hand-grip strength, jump height, force kinetics, rate of force development) & reaction time …

Repeatability Of The Heart Rate Variability Threshold During Treadmill Exercise, Shane Chambers

Senior Honors Projects, 2010-2019

Purpose: Heart rate variability threshold (HRVT) is a clinical parameter used to gain insight into autonomic balance. Various studies have validated the use of cycle ergometers in determining HRVT, although the literature lacks evidence that treadmill use is a viable means of determining this threshold. We examined the repeatability of HRVT occurrence using standard deviation of normal R-R intervals (SDNN), root mean square of successive differences of continuous R-R intervals (RMSSD), and standard deviation of instantaneous beat intervals (SD1) in college aged males using treadmill exercise to see if this is a reliable method of threshold determination.

Methods: Ten healthy, …

Central Hemodynamics Measured During 5 Repetition Maximum Free Weight Resistance Exercise, Jonathan S. Howard, Cherilyn N. Mclester, Thomas W. Evans, John R. Mclester

Faculty Articles

The PhysioFlow™ is a piece of equipment that uses bioimpedance cardiography to measure central hemodynamics. The purpose of this research was to explore the novel approach of monitoring central hemodynamics during free weight resistance exercise using bioimpedance cardiography throughout a 5 repetition maximum (5RM). Thirty participants ranging from beginner to advanced lifters (16 males and 14 females) completed a 5RM for back squat, seated push press, and bicep curl while connected to the PhysioFlow™ to assess the response of heart rate (HR), stroke volume (SV), cardiac output (Q), and ejection fraction (EF). Participants were cued for form and to breathe …

The Link Between Overweight, Obesity, And Perceived Exercise Benefits And Barriers Among College Students, Alexandra Szarabajko

Online Theses and Dissertations

The transition to college is a critical period in a young adult's life. Education about obesity and physical activity has significant effects on lifetime wellness before graduating and reaching adulthood. The purpose of this study was to examine exercise benefits and barriers of overweight, obese, and normal weight college students. Participants (n = 595) were college students who completed a questionnaire and whose body composition was measured. Results of this study revealed significant differences in perceived exercise benefits and barriers based on weight group. Slight group differences were mainly found between normal weight and obese students. Implications for future studies …

Use Of Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry Measurements To Evaluate Total Body Volume When Compared To Air Displacement Plethysmography For Evaluating Body Composition In A Four Compartment Model, Lee Doernte

Online Theses and Dissertations

Intro: Body composition is an important metric to evaluate overall health. Having reliable body composition testing methods are critical to ensure that an individual is receiving correct data in which to base health, nutrition, and lifestyle decisions. With technological improvements, there are more reliable, high-quality testing devices for body composition than in the past. However, there remains questions on the validity of the devices to properly measure body composition. There is a need for a more accurate, simplistic testing methodology.

Purpose: The purpose of this paper was to examine the use of dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) based formulas to …

Examination Of Resistance Settings Based On Body Weight For The 3-Minute All-Out Critical Power Test, Marlene J. Schulte, Jody L. Clasey, Bradley S. Fleenor, Haley C. Bergstrom

Kinesiology and Health Promotion Faculty Publications

There are conflicting suggestions regarding the most valid resistance (3-5% of body weight) to use for the critical power (CP) 3-min all-out (CP_3min) test to estimate CP and anaerobic work capacity (AWC). The purpose of this study was to determine if the CP and AWC estimates from the CP_3min test were affected by the percentage of body weight used to set the resistance on a Monark cycle ergometer. Ten recreationally trained participants (mean ± SD: Age: 22.2 ± 2.2 yrs.) completed the CP_3min test at resistances of 4.5% (CP_4.5%) and 3% (CP_3%) …

Effects Of Very Short-Term Dynamic Constant External Resistance Exercise On Strength And Barbell Velocity In Untrained Individuals, M. Travis Byrd, Haley C. Bergstrom

Kinesiology and Health Promotion Faculty Publications

This study examined the effect of an upper body dynamic constant external resistance (DCER) exercise (barbell bench press [BP]), using the very short-term training (VST) model on strength and barbell velocity. Ten (5 females, 5 males) subjects (mean ± SD age: 21.4 ± 2.8 yrs; height: 1.75 ± 0.12 m; body mass: 83 ± 8.8 kg) completed two pre-test visits (pre-test 1 and pre-test 2) to serve as the within subjects control, three training visits, and one post-test visit. The subject’s 1 repetition maximum (1RM) for the BP as well as the mean (BP_MV) and peak (BP_{PV …}

Force-Time Differences Between Ballistic And Non-Ballistic Half-Squats., Timothy J. Suchomel, Christopher Taber, Christopher J. Sole, Michael Henry Stone

Exercise Science Faculty Publications

The purpose of this study was to examine the force-time differences between concentric-only half-squats (COHS) performed with ballistic (BAL) or non-ballistic (NBAL) intent across a range of loads. Eighteen resistance-trained men performed either BAL or NBAL COHS at 30%, 50%, 70%, and 90% of their one repetition maximum (1RM) COHS. Relative peak force (PF) and relative impulse from 0⁻50 ms (Imp50), 0⁻90 ms (Imp90), 0⁻200 ms (Imp200), and 0⁻250 ms (Imp250) were compared using a series of 2 × 4 (intent × load) repeated measures ANOVAs with Bonferroni post hoc tests. Cohen's d effect sizes were calculated to provide measures …

Interleukin-6 And Exercise; Early Evidence Of A Novel Myokine, Brendan Hogg Mr.

Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers

Interleukin-6 (IL-6) was first identified as a pleiotropic cytokine, with a host of body-wide functions. Cytokine functions are characterized by chronically elevated levels within various inflammatory states. In this regard, IL-6 is largely associated with the acute phase response to many stimuli and performs specific actions when produced from certain cell types. Accrued evidence indicates IL-6 release from skeletal muscle often includes myokine functions. Novel myokine functions are adaptive in nature, and as compared to inflammatory/cytokine roles, exhibit a transient time course. Following exercise plasma IL-6 peaks and returns to resting levels within 1-2 hours. In contrast, IL-6 is observed …

The Effect Of Stride Frequencies On Running Performance At The Velocity Of Vo2max, Boram Lim

Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects

Running economy(RE) is considered to be a critical factor to improve running performance. Stride frequency(SF) is an important variable for determining RE. The importance of SF has gained more attention in recent years, especially for recreational runners. However, no previous research has investigated the interaction between running performance and SF at the velocity of VO₂max. PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of five different SF variations on running performance until volitional fatigue at the velocity of VO₂max. METHODS: Fourteen male recreational runners (Age = 25.8 ± 4.96 years, Height = 171 ± 6.2cm, Body Mass = 71.9 …

Crash And Burnout: The Sophomore Slump In College Athletics, Jessica Ferguson

Undergraduate Honors Theses

This study analyzed and compared the severity of performance slumps of collegiate student-athletes in general and across academic years. The factors examined with performance slumps included athlete burnout, academic burnout, relationship satisfaction, and grade point averages. The first hypothesis was that reduced accomplishment scores from the athlete burnout questionnaire would indicate the severity of performance slumps. The results did not support the hypothesis. The second hypothesis was that the severity of performance slumps would positively correlate with academic burnout and negatively correlate with relationship satisfaction. The results supported this hypothesis. The third hypothesis was that student-athletes who experienced a performance …

Minimal Effects Of Moderate Normobaric Hypoxia On The Upper-Body Work-Time Relationship In Recreationally-Active Women, Tristan Starling-Smith

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of moderate normobaric hypoxia on the parameters of the work-time relationship during upper body exercise in women. METHODS: Thirteen recreationally active women (age: 22.7 ± 2.6 y; height: 167 ± 8.6 cm; weight: 66.4 ± 9.7 kg; body fat: 27.6 ± 5% body fat) completed a graded exercise test in both normobaric hypoxia (H; FiO2=~14%) and normoxia (N; FiO2=~20%) to exhaustion on an arm ergometer to determine V̇ O2peak and peak power output (PPO). Each participant completed four constant work-rate arm-cranking tests at 90-120% PPO in both environmental conditions. Linear regression was used to estimate …

Impact Of Direction Of Unloading Influence On Template Rate Of Perceived Exertion, Beau K. Greer, Patrick R. Young, Brooke Thompson, Brendan J. Rickert, Matthew F. Moran

All PTHMS Faculty Publications

It is suggested that exercisers engage in a process of teleoanticipation and create an exercise template based upon previous experience with the exercise task which guides their perceptions of the amount of effort required for task completion. The present study examined how altering workload intensity during a positive-pressure treadmill task may impact ratings of perceived exertion (RPE). In a counter-balanced design, 15 collegiate cross country runners (7 males, 8 females) performed two 25-min runs at a constant velocity while bodyweight (BW) was either increased from 60% to 100% (INC) or decreased from 100% to 60% (DEC) in 5 min increments. …

The Effects Of Footwear On Stride Length In Adolescent Baseball Pitchers, Alexandra Adderholt

Honors Theses

The baseball pitch is considered one of the most dynamic athletic motions. Due to its complexity, multiple variables are taken into consideration for risk of injury. Previous studies have investigated variables that influence factors of a baseball pitch such as fatigue and stride length; however, footwear has not been considered. This study's objective was to examine whether or not baseball footwear on different surface inclinations altered stride length. Eleven adolescent pitchers (Age: 13.18 ± 1.72 yrs.; Height: 179.01 ± 15.72 cm.; Mass: 61.00 ± 14.66 kg) participated in this study throwing in four shoe-surface conditions: flat ground (FG) x molded …

The Effects Of Acute Exercise And Learning Strategy Implementation On Episodic Memory Performance, Faith A. Harris

Honors Theses

Over the years, a growing body of research has shown that exercise has beneficial impacts on various types of memory function. However, most of these studies have focused on children or older adults, with less research conducted among young adults, despite research demonstrating that memory function may start to decline in early adulthood. This thesis provides background information regarding the effects of exercise on memory function, as well as different learning-based strategies to help facilitate learning and memory retention. Furthermore, the research I completed for this thesis specifically evaluated the experimental effects of acute exercise, a specific learning strategy (3-R …

Muscle Activation Analysis With Kinematic Comparison Between Wind-Up And Stretch Pitching With Respect To The Upper And Lower Extremities, Megan M. Smidebush

Theses and Dissertations--Kinesiology and Health Promotion

Introduction: Baseball pitching is considered one of the most intense aspects within the game of baseball, as well as the most complicated dynamic throwing task in all of sports. The biomechanics of pitching have been heavily investigated in an attempt to identify optimal pitching mechanics in terms of pitching performance. Previous quantified upper body kinetics research has concluded that improved muscle strength is needed in attempting to achieve adequate upper body kinetics and efficient pitching performances. Therefore, it is the purpose of this research study to compare the lower extremity muscle and upper extremity muscle activation patterns and kinematic variables …

Muscle Synergy During A Single Leg Standing Test In Ambulatory Children With Cerebral Palsy, Brennan L. Smith

Theses and Dissertations--Kinesiology and Health Promotion

INTRODUCTION: Cerebral Palsy (CP) is a sensorimotor disorder characterized by dysfunctional motor coordination, balance problems, and loss of selective motor control. Motor coordination exhibited as co-contraction, has been subjectively quantified using gait analysis, but recent studies have begun to objectively analyze the amount of co-contraction by collecting electromyography (EMG) data. Center of pressure excursion (COPE) measurements collected during a single leg standing test (SLST) have shown to be more valid measurements of balance in populations with motor disabilities than a SLST alone. A recent study has correlated increased COPE velocity with a lower fall risk as determined by reported fall …

The Effect Of Sleep Quantity And Quality On Direct Current Potential In Collegiate American Football Players, Erik D. Korem

Theses and Dissertations--Kinesiology and Health Promotion

Direct current (DC) potential is an objective measure of the functional state of the human organism. It is a sensitive and accurate indicator of short- and long-term adaptations to stress, adaptive capacities, and it is an important marker of athlete readiness. Sleep is posited to be the most efficacious strategy for improving recovery to enhance sport performance, and adequate sleep is considered vital to normal psycho-physiological function. Thus, optimal sleep may enhance the functional state, in turn enhancing an athlete’s adaptability to training stress. However, little is known about the relationship between sleep and DC potential. Therefore, the purpose of …

Effects Of High Fat Exposure On Skeletal Muscle Autophagy And Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress, Adrienne Rose Herrenbruck

Theses and Dissertations--Kinesiology and Health Promotion

Autophagy is a major degradation mechanism, responsible for clearing damaged and dysfunctional organelles, including the endoplasmic reticulum, a structure essential for protein synthesis and myocellular hypertrophy. Alterations in autophagy throughout various tissues of the body have been linked to various negative side effects such as decreased myocellular hypertrophy and insulin resistance. High fat diets lead to changes (both increases and decreases) in autophagy in various tissues throughout the body in a tissue-specific manner.

Skeletal muscle autophagy is decreased in myotubes cultured from obese women, however the mechanism by which this occurs is unknown. As the largest organ system in the …

Role Of Skeletal Muscle Mass In Sex-Dependent Power Output During Flywheel Resistance Training, Paul A. Baker

Theses and Dissertations--Kinesiology and Health Promotion

Background: To determine the role of muscle mass in sex-dependent differences in power output during flywheel resistance training (FRT).

Methods: Twenty recreationally active (≥ 2 resistance exercise bouts per week), subjects (10 M, 10 F) completed 2 bouts of resistance exercise using a flywheel resistance training (FRT) device (Exxentric kbox 4 Pro) separated by at least one week. Each session consisted of 3 sets of 4 exercises (squat, bent-over row, Romanian deadlift, and biceps curl) with varying moments of inertia (0.050, 0.075, and 0.100 kg/m², respectively) in random order. Each set consisted of 5 maximal effort repetitions with …