Exercise Science Commons^™

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 …

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.

Menstrual Cycle Phase Exerts No Influence On Running Economy Parameters In Recreational Female Runners, Savanna K. Knight

Dissertations

Hormonal fluctuations that occur throughout the menstrual cycle (MC) have been shown to affect substrate utilization and oxygen uptake when running. These MC induced changes could manifest as altered running economy (RE) when expressed as energy cost (Ec) and oxygen cost (O2c). Therefore, the current study aimed to determine if RE differs between MC phases, the early follicular phase (E-FP) and the mid-luteal phase (M-LP). Twelve eumenorrheic female recreational runners (ages 25 ± 4y; VO2peak 40.9±4.6 ml/kg/min) completed submaximal RE bouts (60%, 70%, 80% of VO2peak) during the E-FP and M-LP. During each bout, oxygen consumption (VO2), respiratory exchange ratio …

Acute Ingestion Of Dark Chocolate Fails To Affect Running Economy In Recreational Female Runners, Bianca J. De Lucia, Beau Kjerulf Greer, Christopher B. Taber

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology Volume 5: Issue 1, Article 1, 2024. Ingestion of dark chocolate (DC), a dietary source high in flavanols, may increase nitric oxide bioavailability. Elevating blood nitric oxide concentrations may augment metabolic efficiency by reducing the amount of oxygen or energy needed to perform a given task. Utilizing a crossover design, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of acute ingestion of DC on running economy (RE). Nineteen recreationally trained females (age: 20±1 years) volunteered for this investigation, with 16 completing all procedures (n = 16). Two-hours before RE assessment, participants consumed …

Using Inertial Measurement Units (Imus) To Assess Fatigue-Related Changes In Running: Applications In Training Load Management, Reiley Thomas Bergin

Theses and Dissertations--Rehabilitation Sciences

The inertial measurement unit (IMU) is the most researched wearable technology in running. Yet, few studies have validated IMU-derived measures against accepted laboratory standards, such as three-dimensional (3D) motion capture and force plates. IMUs have the potential to provide information that can guide training load management decisions; however, no study has explored their capability to assess fatigue-related changes in running across consecutive days of training. Therefore, the purpose of this project was to evaluate the validity and reliability of IMU-derived measures and assess their capability for detecting fatigue-related changes in running in the days following an intensified training bout. The …

Mechanisms Of Social Stress Susceptibility And Resilience In Female Rats, Brittany Sara Pate

Theses and Dissertations

Social stress is the most common form of stress humans experience and often precipitates the onset of several comorbidities, including anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and cardiovascular diseases. While many individuals experience social stress and can respond, cope, and recover, some individuals are more likely to develop subsequent health conditions. Importantly, women are particularly susceptible to stress-related disorders, and the prevalence rates for these comorbid conditions are 2-3-fold higher among females compared to males. Epidemiological data suggest that cycling ovarian hormones may play a role in promoting stress susceptibility in females. Therefore, the current studies aimed to examine the effects …

The Effect Of Running On The Onset And Development Of Osteoarthritis, Jordan Hekman

Senior Honors Theses

Osteoarthritis is a prominent and debilitating form of joint disease characterized by pain and deterioration of the articular cartilage and other tissues in the affected joint. Research has identified a variety of risk factors for osteoarthritis, including age, obesity, gender, previous injury, and occupation. The relationship between running and osteoarthritis is a topic of particular interest because of the prevalence of running as a simple and physiologically beneficial form of exercise. Increasing evidence suggests that recreational running has at worst no effect and at best a protective effect on joint and articular cartilage health in contrast to high-intensity professional/elite-level running …

The Relationship Between Sex And Injury Based On Running Mechanics Of Collegiate Runners, Alena Naff, Robert Wayner, Janet E. Simon

Journal of Sports Medicine and Allied Health Sciences: Official Journal of the Ohio Athletic Trainers Association

Please enjoy Volume 7, Issue 1 of the JSMAHS. In this issue, you will find Professional, Graduate, and Undergraduate research abstracts, and case reports.

Thank you for viewing this 7^th Annual OATA Special Edition.

Self-Selected Maximum But Not Jogging Speed Decreases With Age In Male And Female Runners, Heather Hamilton, Rumit Singh Kakar

College of Health Sciences Posters

Introduction: Running velocity decreases with age, likely resulting from physiological and musculoskeletal changes associated with aging. Females experience a more rapid decline in physical performance during middle age than males, therefore it is important to consider separate-sex analyses when studying running biomechanics and running-related injury. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between age and different running speeds separately for female and male runners.

Methods: Male (n=33) and female (n=46) runners (ages 18–65 years) ran at their self-selected JOG (long distance) and MAX (maximal running) pace on a treadmill. Running velocity was recorded. Simple linear regression was …

The Effect Of Uneven Terrain Conditions During Shod Vs. Barefoot Running, Jan Urbaczka, Julia Freedman Silvernail, Jaroslav Uchytil, Daniel Jandacka

Kinesiology and Nutrition Sciences Faculty Research

Background: The majority of research on barefoot running focuses on acute changes in altering footwear without regard to the runner's experience with barefoot or minimalist footwear running. Objective: The objective of this study was to compare the effect of footwear (standard cushioned running shoes, barefoot) and running surface (flat surface, uneven terrain) on gait in experienced runners using minimalist shoes. Methods: Terrain running was simulated by three custom-made mats with randomly placed firmly attached stones. Seven experienced trail runners participated in this study. All participants were forefoot strikers. Participants underwent three-dimensional kinematic and kinetic analysis consisting of five running trials …

The Process And Effects Of Ultrarunning, Ellis Ulery

Honors Projects

This project uses an in-depth research study and personal account to determine what it takes to run a 12-hour running event, the appeal of ultrarunning, and what can be learned through the experience. The project explains the efforts behind the specific preparation for this ultramarathon, the final distance of 47.3 miles ran in 12 hours, the evaluation of the enhanced mental state achieved while running, an explanation of the final results through the Central Governor Theory, and the dissection of the study Pursuing pleasure or virtue: The differential and overlapping well-being benefits of hedonic and eudaimonic motives that suggests why …

The Effects Of Increasing Running Speed On Vgrf And Asymmetry, Kaela M. Hierholzer

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Biomechanical and physiological parameters related to running performance are usually studied separately. However, evaluating both aspects together could be beneficial in improving athletic performance. The purpose of this study was to observe the change in peak vGRF and asymmetry as speed increases, while observing physiological responses during a O_2maxtest. Data from athlete monitoring of 12 cross-country and triathlon athletes were analyzed. The athlete monitoring protocol included three unweighted countermovement jumps and a O_2maxtest performed by the athletes. The athletes had an average O_2maxof 53.4 ± 7.7 mL/kg/min, while their average vGRF asymmetry throughout the …

Exercise In Thermal Inversions: Pm2.5 Air Pollution Effects On Pulmonary Function And Aerobic Performance, Dale R. Wagner, Daniel C. Brandley

Kinesiology and Health Science Faculty Publications

Introduction Wintertime thermal inversions can lead to the accumulation of small particulate matter (PM_2.5). Despite an association between respiratory hospital admissions and elevated PM_2.5 levels, many people continue to exercise outdoors during inversions. This study compared pulmonary function and exercise performance during periods of low and high ambient PM_2.5 concentrations. Methods Forced vital capacity and forced expiratory volume in 1 s were measured outdoors before and after two 3200 m running time trials: one with low ambient PM_2.5 (0.6–14.7 microgram·m^-3), and the other during high PM_2.5 (19.1–42.5 micrograms·m^-3). A 10 …

The Effect Of Interval Intensity On Time To Exhaustion During High Intensity Interval Training (Hiit) Running In Recreational Male Runners, Andrew M. Hahn

Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects

High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) has become extremely popular in recent years, however, current HIIT prescriptions lack guidelines regarding interval intensities and associated margins. The purpose of this study is to investigate Run Time to Exhaustion (Te) and provide insight regarding HIIT intensities for future aerobic exercise programming. Ten healthy adult male recreational runners (Age=22.9 ± 2.5 yr., Ht=1.72 ± 0.1m, BM=74.1 ± 7.4 kg) measured maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) (52.4 ± 6.1ml/kg/min) with a graded exercise test (GXT). Running speed was determined using ACSM running equation for exercise metabolism. Protocols 1-3 were HIIT running sessions, and Protocol 4 was …

The Relationship Between Mental Health And Ultra-Running: A Case Study, Joshua Justin Cook

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This instrumental case study sought to explore the relationship between ultra-running and mental health through the lived experiences of a single participant who self-identifies as an ultra-runner. Three research questions were used to explore this relationship; how did the individual decide to participate in ultra-running, what aspects of ultra-running impact the participant’s mental health, and how has engaging in ultra-running impacted the participant’s mental health? The case study utilized three semi-structured interviews, two participant observations, video documentary review, and journaling to answer these questions. A thematic analysis of the data revealed four essential themes; 1) Development of participation, 2) Promotes …

Oral Versus Nasal Breathing During Moderate To High Intensity Submaximal Aerobic Exercise, Chase O. Lacomb, Richard D. Tandy, Szu-Ping Lee, John C. Young, James W. Navalta

Kinesiology and Nutrition Sciences Faculty Research

When comparing oral breathing versus nasal breathing, a greater volume of air can be transported through the oral passageway but nasal breathing may also have benefits at submaximal exercise intensities. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine breathing efficiency during increasing levels of submaximal aerobic exercise. Methods: Nineteen individuals (males N=9, females N=10) completed a test for maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) and on separate days 4-min treadmill runs at increasing submaximal intensities (50%, 65%, and 80% of VO2max) under conditions of oral breathing or nasal breathing. Respiratory (respiration rate [RR], pulmonary ventilation [VE]), metabolic (oxygen consumption [VO2], carbon …

The Effect Of Patellofemoral Pain On Joint Motion And Variability During A Prolonged Run, Klarie Ake

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

INTRODUCTION: Patellofemoral pain (PFP) is a common overuse injury where the cause of the pain is largely unknown. Previous research has not compared the variability of joint coordination and kinematics in the same study. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of PFP and exertion on the variability of lower extremity kinematics, and joint coordination. METHODS: The participants included 6 female runners with PFP (R-PFP) (21.0 ± 0.55 years; 66.1 ± 7.9 kg; 1.62 ± 0.09 m), and a control group of 6 healthy female runners (CON) (21.2 ± 1.17 years; 61.5 ± 6.9 kg; 1.67 …

The Effects Of Experimental Anterior Knee Pain On Bilateral Ground Reaction Forces During Running, Emily Rachel Cronk

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine the independent effects of anterior knee pain (AKP) on bilateral ground reaction force (GRF) during running, with a focus on GRF applied to the uninvolved leg, which, prior to this study, had never been evaluated. Twelve volunteers completed three data collection sessions, that corresponded to one of three conditions (control, sham, and pain), in a counterbalanced order. For each session, subjects ran for five minutes. For the pain and sham sessions, respectively, hypertonic and isotonic saline were infused into the infrapatellar fat pad of the right leg during the running, while no …

Acute Changes In Running Mechanics Across Footwear With Various Heel-To-Toe Height Differences, Daniel C. Moody

Theses and Dissertations

There are many different types of footwear available for runners in today's market. Many of these shoes claim to improve a runner's efficiency by altering their stride mechanics. Minimalist footwear claims to aid runners in running more on their forefeet whereas more traditional footwear provides more cushioning specifically for a heel-first landing. The purpose of this research was to determine if runners who were accustomed to running in traditional footwear would acutely alter their running biomechanics when they ran barefoot or in various types of minimalist footwear. Twelve subjects, who were accustomed to running in traditional 12 mm heel/toe differential …

Ambulation Speed And Corresponding Mechanics Are Associated With Changes In Serum Cartilage Oligomeric Matrix Protein, W. Matt Denning, Michael Becker Pardo, Jason G. Winward, Iain Hunter, Sarah T. Ridge, J. Ty Hopkins, C. Shane Reese, Allen C. Parcell, Matthew K. Seeley

Faculty Publications

Because serum cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) has been used to reflect articular cartilage condition, we aimed to identify walking and running mechanics that are associated with changes in serum COMP. Eighteen subjects (9 male, 9 female; age = 23 ± 2 yrs.; mass = 68.3 ± 9.6 kg; height = 1.70 ± 0.08 m) completed 4000 steps on an instrumented treadmill on three separate days. Each day corresponded to a different ambulation speed: slow (preferred walking speed), medium (+50% of slow), and fast (+100% of slow). Synchronized ground reaction force and video data were collected to evaluate walking mechanics. …

Changes In Intragastric Temperature Reflect Changes In Heat Stress Following Tepid Fluid Ingestion But Not Ice Slurry Ingestion, Christopher J. Stevens, Ben Dascombe

Journal of Human Performance in Extreme Environments

This study examined the effects of fluid and ice slurry ingestion on the relationship between intragastric temperature and rectal temperature in humans during physical activity. The purpose was to identify a technique to quantify changes in heat stress in situations when temperature probes are not feasible and when time constraints do not allow for a period long enough for an indigestible temperature capsule to reach the lower gastrointestinal tract. Eight moderately trained male runners inserted a rectal probe and ingested a telemetric capsule before randomized, crossover, pre-exercise ingestion of 7.5 mL x kg^-1 x BM^-1tepid fluid (22°C) …

Stride Length-Speed Relationship During Body Weight Supported Running, Carmen Chona

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The purpose of this study was to determine if body weight support influences the stride length-speed relationship. Additionally, the purpose was to determine if impact characteristics of running are influenced by body weight support and speed. Subjects (n=10; 6 female, 4 male) volunteered to participate in this study. All subjects were injury free and were comfortable running on a treadmill for 30 minutes. Subjects ran on a lower body positive (LBPP, Alter-G, G-Trainer) treadmill for 4 conditions of body weight (100, 40, 30 and 20% of body weight) and 4 running speeds (100, 110, 120 and 130% of the preferred …

The Relationship Between Subjectively Motivational Music And Various Exercise Variables While Running At Maximal Speed, Michael Maloney

Honors College Theses

Purpose: To determine whether there are differences in steps/min/m, highest achieved exercise heart rate, average exercise heart rate, average running speed, estimated relative VO2, and RPE, while listening to subjectively motivating music, as compared to non-motivating music, while running at max speed. Methods: Eleven students enrolled at the University of Massachusetts Boston, considered “non-runners” from 19 to 34 years of age, ran at max speeds for 12-15 minutes, once while listening to a play-list of songs they ranked most motivating, and a second time on a separate day, while listening to a play-list of songs they ranked least …

Effect Of Step Rate On Foot Strike Pattern And Running Economy In Novice Runners, Janae Lynn Richardson

All Graduate Plan B and other Reports, Spring 1920 to Spring 2023

Purpose—The objective was to examine if step rates ±5% or ±10% of a novice runner's preferred step rate (SR) is sufficient enough to shift a novice runner’s foot strike pattern (FSP) (rear-foot, mid-foot, forefoot) and whether these SR changes produce changes in the rate of submaximal oxygen consumption (VO2). Methods—Foot strike angle (FSA) was recorded using sagittal plane video images and VO2 was measured for novice runners while running on a treadmill at a constant speed during increased and decreased (±5% and ±10%) SR conditions. Foot strike angle was used to predict strike index (SI) (predicted strike index = [FSA …

Effect Of Racing Flats On Running Economy In Male Adolescent Runners, Paul Hafen

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether running economy differs in racing flats versus standard running shoes in high school cross-country runners. In order to measure running economy the oxygen cost of running (mL O₂∙kg^-1∙min^-1) was measured in 20 male adolescent runners (mean age = 16.25 ± 0.97 years, 5 km best time = 17.52 ± 0.78 min) when running two separate trials at a controlled speed. The speed was determined by estimating treadmill running speed at 85% of each runner's VO_2max. Each trial required the participants to run while …

Effects Of Positive Feedback On Oxygen Consumption And Heart Rate During A 3-Minute Step Test, Leighann Dewitt

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The positive effects of enhanced expectancies on motor performance and learning have been demonstrated by numerous studies. A more recent study by Stoate, Wulf, and Lewthwaite (2012) showed than enhancing one's expectancy by giving positive feedback increased movement efficiency and decreased oxygen consumption in experienced runners during a 20 minute running test at 75% of max oxygen consumption, compared to those who received no feedback. The purpose of the present study was to test if enhancing expectancies can improve movement efficiency (i.e., reduce oxygen consumption) during a sub-maximal exercise test. Participants were randomly assigned to one of two groups, enhanced …

The Clinical Usefulness Of Vector Coding Variability In Female Runners With And Without Patellofemoral Pain, Tommy Joseph Cunningham

Theses and Dissertations--Kinesiology and Health Promotion

It has been suggested that Patellofemoral Pain (PFP) may be the result of a coordinate state which exhibits less joint coordination variability. The ability to relate joint coordination variability to PFP pathology could have many clinical uses; however, evidence to support clinical application is lacking. Vector coding’s coupling angle variability (CAV) has been introduced as a possible analysis method to quantify joint coordination variability. The purpose of this study was to assess the clinical usefulness of CAV measures from a dynamical systems perspective. This involved establishing the precision limits of CAV measures when physiological conditions are held constant, altering control …

The Effects Of Indoor Track Curve Radius On Sprint Speed And Ground Reaction Forces, Jesse Tipasa Tukuafu

Theses and Dissertations

Sprinting on a curve is significantly slower than on a straightaway. Although the dimensions vary from track to track, indoor track curves are among the tightest curves that athletes will sprint at maximal speed. Previous studies have provided theories for how speed attenuation occurs when running on a curve. Yet, no previous research has determined how the variability of indoor track curve radii affects trained sprinters at maximal speeds. Purpose: To determine the differences in running speeds, ground time (GT), and medio-lateral (ML) impulse, with different indoor track radii. A secondary purpose was to understand the between-leg differences in GT …

The Effects Of Two Different Fatigue Protocols On Lower Extremity Kinematics And Kinetics During An Unanticipated Running Stop-Jump, David L. Quammen

Human Movement Studies & Special Education Theses & Dissertations

Altered neuromuscular control strategies and biomechanical movement risk factors are most likely to contribute to the increased incidence of non-contact ACL injury for female athletes. Neuromuscular control strategies and movement patterns are further altered when the effects of fatigue are present. The purpose of this study was to determine neuromechanical differences between two fatigue protocols [Slow Linear Oxidative Fatigue Protocol (SLO-FP) and Functional Agility Short-Term Fatigue Protocol (FASTFP)] when performing a running stop-jump task (RS). A sample of convenience of fifteen Division I female soccer players (age= 19.2 ± 0.8 years; height= 1.67 ± 0.05 m; mass= 61.7 ± 8.1 …

Long-Distance Interval Training Following Pre-Cooling With An Ice Vest, Ronald L. Hager, Iain Hunter, Gary W. Mack, Andrew R. Tegeder

Faculty Publications

This study evaluated how preparing for an interval workout, while wearing a cooling vest, affects core temperature (Tc), heart rate (HR), and interval time in long-distance runners. Nineteen male collegiate cross-country runners exercised under two different conditions: (a) wearing a Nike PreCool™ ice vest for one hour prior to the workout (30 minutes resting with the vest and 30 minutes while performing their warm-up); and (b) a control condition utilizing a traditional warm-up. Subjects performed 8 x 1000 m intervals. HR and Tc were measured prior to warm-up, immediately before the first interval, and after each interval. Tc measured before …