Exercise Science Commons^™

Nutrition, Sleep, And Training Habits Enhance Endurance Race Performance, Anna F. Breed

Honors Theses

In recent years, marathon and ultra-marathon participation has grown substantially. Past research has shown that a range of variables influence the performance of endurance athletes. This study included participants of the Forgotten Florida 50-mile and 100-mile race and the Chattanooga Erlanger Half-Marathon and Marathon. These athletes were questioned about their sleep, nutrition, and training habits implemented for the races they completed. The results show the significance of carbohydrate consumption throughout the race for energy maintenance and shortened race times. Also, it was found that hill repeats and tempo runs brought about more successful race times for the runners who implemented …

Dual-Task Cost Of Gait Measures In Individuals With And Without Parkinson's Disease, Addison G. Miller

Health, Human Performance and Recreation Undergraduate Honors Theses

Parkinson’s disease (PD), estimated to affect over one million people by 2030, is a neurodegenerative disease that damages the dopaminergic neurons located in the brain. Losing these neurons cause individuals with PD to experience impairments in basic motor and cognitive functions. Symptoms of PD often include bodily shaking, muscle stiffness, and abnormalities in gait and posture. Individuals with PD can also experience impairment when walking and performing secondary tasks, such as walking while talking, known as dual tasking. Dual tasking can lead to increased risk of falling or losing balance, as well as the inability to move freely while carrying …

Optimization And Personalization Of Fitness Routines Using Mathematical Models, Tyson M. Kerr

Theses/Capstones/Creative Projects

This project aims to develop a mathematical model for generating personalized workout plans tailored to individual fitness goals, preferences, and constraints. By leveraging optimization techniques such as linear programming and genetic algorithms, the model will address key questions, including how to maximize efficiency and consistency in workout plans and which methodologies are best suited for specific fitness objectives. The model involves data collection on user inputs and exercise attributes, defining objective functions for different goals, and integrating constraints like session duration. The implementation will utilize the Python library PuLP to prototype the model, alongside a user-friendly interface for input and …

The Reliability And Validity Of Accelerometry And Gnss, Christine Coniglio

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation seeks to evaluate the reliability, validity, and utility of accelerometers and GNSS in sport-like scenarios, assess accelerometry-derived metrics and GNSS for distance prediction, and explore how accelerometer placement, specifically chest and back, affect the detection of various locomotor events. In Study I, the purpose was to investigate the accelerometer reliability and predictive capabilities of accelerometers and GNSS to predict a known distance. Thirty physically active female participants (mean height = 163.6 ± 6.8 cm, mean weight = 57.8 ± 8.7 kg) completed jogging trials over two courses (5m and 20m). Each participant wore two tri-axial accelerometers (100Hz) and …

The Effect Of Calisthenics Training On Estimated Vo₂Max Values In College Students, Rayhan Amer Imran, Triyanti Triyanti, Fathimah Sulistyowati Sigit, Mury Kuswari

Indonesian Journal of Public Health Nutrition (IJPHN)

Cardiorespiratory fitness (VO₂max) among university students is worryingly low, with more than 50% of students categorized as unfit (<41.7 mL/kg/min). This study was conducted to determine the effect of calisthenic training on estimated VO₂max values using a quasi-experimental study design on 21 male students of the Faculty of Public Health, University of Indonesia from August to October 2024. Subjects were divided into 2 groups: the intervention group (n=10) and the control group (n=11). The intervention group performed treatment in the form of calisthenics exercise for 40 minutes, and the control group received running exercise treatment for 20 minutes, with both exercises done twice a week for 4 consecutive weeks. Body weight, height, body mass index, estimated VO₂max values, body fat percentage, muscle mass, academic stress levels, sleep quality and macronutrient intake data were measured pre-and-post training and were analyzed using independent and dependent t-tests. The results showed a significant (p<0.05) difference in change on the average estimated VO₂max values between the intervention group (3.5 mL/kg/min) and the control group (11.4 mL/kg/min). It can be concluded that the changes in estimated VO₂max values were likely more effective in the running group compared to the calisthenics group.

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 …

Sex Differences In Exercise And Sleep Among University Faculty And Staff Members, Jorge O. Vazquez, David A. Tobar, Faith Yingling, K Todd Keylock

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology Volume 6: Issue 1, Article 4, 2025. There has been minimal research examining the exercise and sleeping patterns of university faculty and staff members and what role these factors play in overall health. The information gathered in this study was used to analyze how faculty and staff can adapt their behaviors to improve health and well-being. To explore sex differences in exercise and sleep in faculty and staff at a university in the Midwest, the study performed secondary analyses on data collected from the 2022 American College Health Association’s National Faculty and Staff Health …

Leveraging Agent-Based Modeling And A Randomized Intervention To Advance Childhood Physical Activity: A Study Protocol, Matt Kasman, Adam B. Sedlak, Lydia Reader, William J. Heerman, Russell R. Pate, Amelie G. Ramirez, Evan C. Sommer, Shari L. Barkin, Ross A. Hammond

Faculty Publications

This study (1R01HD107002-01A1) protocol describes the planned creation and use of an agent-based model (ABM) of early childhood physical activity (PA). Successful early childhood PA interventions can potentially play an important role in both increasing overall population health as well as closing health disparities across subpopulations. At present, effective strategies for doing so are currently unknown. In large part, this is because PA determinants operate across levels dynamically, interact with one another, and can differ substantially across children. A complex systems approach—specifically, ABM—can be used to provide important insights about effect pathways driving child PA. Design of the proposed ABM …

Case Study: Effect Of Stroboscopic Vision Training During A Softball Season, Doug Dendy, C Roger James, Toby Brooks, Micah Lierly, Nolan Riley, Larry Munger

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology Volume 6: Issue 1, Article 3, 2025. This case study examined the effects of stroboscopic vision training during an entire varsity softball season for a 16-year-old female. Stroboscopic vision training uses specialized glasses with crystallized fluid that flickers, intermittently impeding vision, a technique that enhances visual performance. The stroboscopic glasses were worn two to three times a week during hitting and fielding skills. The central hypothesis was that the stroboscopic vision training would enhance softball vision performance. The central hypothesis was tested using these specific aims: 1) batting statistics for a year with no …

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).

A Cross-Sectional Analysis: Employment And Its Impact On Physical Activity, Academic Performance, And Quality Of Life Among Bellarmine University Students, Orlando Exposito Nuñez

Undergraduate Theses

Introduction: Half of undergraduate students are employed, meaning they must balance work with academics, physical activity (PA), and personal responsibilities. This study examines the potential negative impact of employment on PA, academic performance, and quality of life (QOL) among college students. Methods: The cross-sectional survey comprised 125 Bellarmine University students (Age 21.07 ± 3.40; 52% female, 48% male). Measures included the RAND SF-36 for QOL, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form (IPAQ-SF), and a custom academic and employment questionnaire. Racial and ethnic demographics included White (75.2%), Black or African American (11.2%), Hispanic or Latino (15.2%), Asian (4.8%), Multiracial (4.8%), …

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 …

Bridging Theory And Practice: Experiential Learning In Measurement And Evaluation, Emily Washburn, Brooke Befort, Haley Bertrand

SACAD: Scholarly Activities

Experiential learning provides students with valuable opportunities to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings. In HHP 340: Measurement and Evaluation at Fort Hays State University (FHSU), students engaged in hands-on application by designing and implementing an athletic combine. The combine featured a comprehensive battery of tests, including the 20-yard dash, vertical jump, wall sit test, medicine ball throw, 3-minute plank test, 5-10-5 pro agility drill, L agility drill, and standing broad jump.

A vital component of this initiative was a community partnership with advanced weight training students from Hays High School and Thomas More Prep-Marian High School. These high school …

The Impacts Of Physical (In)Activity On Endothelial Function, Joel Ernest Harden

Rehabilitation Sciences Theses & Dissertations

Exercise and physical activity are known to have beneficial effects on endothelial function and vascular health. Sedentary behavior and physical inactivity, however, have been shown to be related to poor endothelial function and vascular health. The overall purpose of this dissertation was to further elucidate the physiological links between physical (in)activity and vascular health. In the first study, 12 active, young (18-40 yr) individuals and 12 active, old (55+ yr) individuals were recruited. Participants underwent 5 days of removal of exercise, and had their endothelial function assessed via flow-mediated dilation (FMD) during their normal, habitual exercise state (EX) and during …

Acute Effects Of High-Intensity Functional Training On Cognitive Function, Kelvin Wu, Gary Guerra

Presentations - 2025

CrossFit, a high-intensity functional training program, has gained widespread popularity for its physical fitness benefits, but its acute effects on cognitive function are not well understood. This study investigated the immediate impact of a CrossFit workout on cognitive performance, compared to a resting condition. Twenty experienced CrossFit athletes participated in two conditions: (1) a 12-minutes high-intensity CrossFit session and (2) a resting session involving 12 minutes of seated magazine reading. Cognitive performance was assessed using a flanker task, measuring reaction time and response accuracy as indicators of cognitive processing and inhibitory control.

Results revealed significantly better performance in the flanker …

The Association Between Parent’S Mobile Device Use And Physical Activity, Sydney Hill

Theses and Dissertations

Background. The rapid increase in mobile technology has allowed smartphones to be used almost anywhere, but a potential disadvantage of these mobile devices is the displacement of physical activity. Parents of young children are already struggling to reach higher intensities of physical activity and mobile devices might make this worse. However, most existing research on similar topics look at adults without children or uses subjective measures only. Therefore, this study aims to (1) quantify objective mobile device use from a sample of parents with preschool age children; (2) describe the duration and intensity of parents’ physical activity and inactive behavior; …

Kinematic Analysis Of Defensive Forms And Simple Riposte In Foil Fencing And Their Relationship To Target Accuracy, Hashem Adnan Alkilani Dr, Leena Adnan Husain Dr

Journal Articles

This study analyzed kinematic variables of defensive forms and simple riposte in foil fencing and their impact on target accuracy. Eight Jordanian national team fencers (four males, four females, mean age 16.87 ± 2.53 years) participated. Motion analysis was conducted using Contemplas software and Vicon Motus 10 software, with fencing touches recorded electronically. Descriptive statistics, Spearman’s correlation, and repeated measures ANOVA were applied. Results showed the fastest defensive reaction was diagonal defense (0.30s), while horizontal defense achieved the quickest successful touch (0.30s). Increased wrist velocity in the simple riposte after semi-circular defense improved accuracy. The study recommends competition-based training, sensory-cognitive …

An Evaluation Of Exercise-Related Self-Efficacy Metrics Following A Resistance Training Program In Individuals Treated For Cancer, Kayla S. Adler

Senior Theses

As the number of cancer survivors grows, managing treatment side effects and promoting healthy behaviors like physical activity is crucial. Low exercise self-efficacy, an individual's belief in their capability to perform exercise, is a significant barrier to physical activity adherence. This study assessed if an 8-week supervised resistance training program could improve self-efficacy for exercise (SEE) and outcome expectations of exercise (OEE) in individuals treated for cancer. Participants (n=25) attended twice-weekly, one-hour sessions. SEE and OEE scales were administered pre- and post-intervention. Results indicated a significant increase in SEE scores (mean difference = 8.96 ± 19.87, p = 0.041), demonstrating …

The Intensity Of 10-Minute Classroom Physical Activity Breaks In Elementary School Children, Jeffery J. Honas, Amanda N. Szabo-Reed, Joe Sherman, Anna Rice, Robert Montgomery, Ken Murfay, Richard A. Washburn, Joseph E. Donnelly

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

This study examined the intensity of different physical activity (PA) breaks for elementary school children in a simulated classroom setting. Researchers compared the energy expenditure (Kcals/min, METs) of PA breaks developed for the Physical Activity Across the Curriculum (PAAC-3) program, delivered via video or in-person, to commercially available GoNoodle^© videos. 71 children (age 9.0 ± 1.1 yrs., 47 males, 24 females, 18% minority) participated in 10-minute PA breaks. The intensity of activity breaks was assessed using a COSMED® K5 portable indirect calorimeter (weight ~ 1 kg) (COSMED®, Rome, Italy) and and portable accelerometer (ActiGraph GT3X+; ActiGraph LLC, Pensacola, FL) …

Grunting Increases Power Production And Vertical Jump Height In Experienced Martial Artists, Jason Sawyer, Paul Cacolice, Paul Higgins, Michael Pepin

Biological and Biomedical Sciences Department Faculty Journal Articles

Muscular power is a critical determinant of performance in athletic competitions and thus identifying methods to maximize this attribute is imperative. Grunting (GR) may be an effective way to increase power during high-velocity, explosive movements. The purpose of the current investigation was to determine the effects of GR on muscular power output. Twenty-four subjects were recruited from a local martial arts academy. Each subject had a minimum of 2 years of martial arts experience. The performance measures included five maximal cross punches (CR) and roundhouse kicks (RH) to determine peak power output and three countermovement vertical jumps (CMJ) and seated …

Construct Validity, Test-Retest Reliability, And Inter-Rater Objectivity Of The Swimming Competence Assessment Scale (Scas), Jon Sundan, Håvard Lorås, Monika Haga

International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education

This study aimed to investigate the construct validity, test-retest reliability, and inter-rater reliability of a newly developed and comprehensive instrument for assessment of children’s swimming competence. The Swimming Competence Assessment Scale (SCAS) consists of six consecutive test items (entry, swim on front, surface dive, float, swim on back and exit) that aligns with the Norwegian curricular standard of swimming competence. The exploratory factor analysis retained a unidimensional model, supporting one underlaying statistical dimension with acceptable internal consistency (α = 0.79). Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) between test and retest ranged from .84 to .98, and .97 for the total score. Strong …

"Feel For The Water": What Is It, Really?, Robert Keig Stallman, Kristine De Martelaer

International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education

The phrase, 'feel for the water,' is commonly used. But what does it really mean? The traditional idea of this 'feel' focuses on the sensation of touch and use of the hands to produce propulsion. But what about water resistance? Mastering a feel for how to reduce resistance is equally important as the unique relationship between aquatic propulsion and resistance is of great importance. While being in the water, the effects of gravity and buoyancy also need to be perceived by the learner and taught by the instructor. Reflection on the effects on propulsion-resistance and gravity-buoyancy requires relevant exercises to …

Water Orientation Skills And Basic Safety And Swimming Skills Of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Kelle L. Murphy, Min Liu

International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education

Drowning is the leading cause of death among individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The current study examined water orientation (i.e., comfort level), water safety, and beginning swimming skills of individuals with ASD of ages ranging from 3 to 13 years using the Aquatic Orientation Checklist (AOC) (Kilian et al., 1984). Data were collected during consecutive Fall and Spring semesters. A total of 23 children (n = 15 boys; n = 8 girls) volunteered for the study. Lessons were conducted twice a week for 10 weeks continuously and each lesson was 45 minutes in length. Overall, the swimming program had …

Fighting Instinct: The Brain, Emotions And Decision-Making In The Water, Jill Nash, Sam Hills

International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education

This conceptual paper explores the complex interplay among the human brain, emotions, and decision-making processes, particularly in aquatic environments. Integrating insights from neuroscience, psychology, and behavioural economics, we investigate how instinctual responses and emotional states influence our decisions during water-related activities. By analysing both biological and psychological factors, the paper aims to illuminate the intricacies of human behaviour in various aquatic settings and highlights significant gaps in the research on emotional decision-making that warrant further investigation. Additionally, the paper suggests interventions, including plausible communication strategies, to mitigate the impact of instinctual responses and improve safety and decision-making efficiency.

Goggles And Water Competence: An Addendum, Marek Rejman, Robert Keig Stallman Ph.D.

International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education

We offer this short addendum to the 2017 article that appeared in IJARE, ‘’From swimming skill to water competence: Towards a more inclusive drowning prevention future’’ (Stallman et al., 2017), as an editorial to argue that the essential water competencies ought to be mastered “without goggles.” The focus is on the potential negative effect of goggle use during beginning swimming instruction along with their likely absence during unintended and unexpected immersions in natural bodies of water that often lead to drowning. Rejman and Stallman (2024) demonstrated the development of dependence on goggles among young adults and described its negative effect …

In This Issue 14:4, Stephen J. Langendorfer Ph.D.

International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education

In This Issue 14:4

The Perceived Benefits Of And Barriers To Open-Water Swimming: A Mixed-Methods Examination, David Elliott Ph.D, Mark A. Christie Ph.D

International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education

This study set out to determine the perceived benefits of, and barriers to, open-water swimming (OWS). Adopting a mixed-methods approach, six hundred and sixty-five open-water swimmers responded to an online survey consisting of the Exercise Benefits and Barriers Scale (EBBS) and a series of open-ended questions. Data from the EBBS revealed the strongest perceived benefits to be ‘Psychological Outlook’ and ‘Life Enhancement.’ In terms of barriers, those presented in the EBBS received low ratings with only ‘Physical Exertion’ considered as being somewhat problematic. Content analysis performed on the open-ended responses showed social aspects, mental well-being, and connection to nature as …

Evaluation Of Online Information On The Cold Shock Response To Accidental Immersion In Cold Water, Adam Wilson, Heather Massey, Clare M. Eglin

International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education

Many of the UK open water accidental deaths have been attributed to the initial responses to cold water immersion (CWI) collectively known as the cold shock response (CSR). The aim of this study was to analyse the publicly available internet information on CWI and CSR for accuracy and quality compared to the ‘gold standard’ published, peer-reviewed research. Seventy-eight webpages which provided information in English on unexpected CWI and CSR were evaluated. Webpages were accessible, widely available, and had appropriate readability scores. Webpage accuracy was suboptimal including only presenting on average 10 (range 3-16) CSR components out of 19. Quality of …

A Preventionist Framework For Reducing Drowning: A Case For Parenting Interventions, Miriam G. Clark, Linda Quan, Patricia Chamberlain

International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education

Drowning is preventable but still claims the lives of over 300,000 people worldwide every year. The purpose of this theoretical review paper is threefold: 1) discuss the theoretical framework for a multi-faceted system of prevention; 2) discuss the importance of parenting, a crucial area where current drowning prevention research is falling short in this multi-faceted approach; and 3) discuss how evidence-based practices from psychosocial parenting research could be used to create drowning prevention interventions that support parents to implement water safety practices in their families. Practical ideas for integrating psychosocial parent interventions with drowning prevention knowledge are discussed. Such interventions …