Exercise Science Commons^™

Isometric Versus Isotonic Contractions: Sex Differences In The Fatigability And Recovery Of Isometric Strength And High-Velocity Contractile Parameters, Phuong L. Ha, Benjamin E. Dalton, Michaela G. Alesi, Tyler M. Smith, Trisha Vandusseldorp, Yuri Feito, Garrett Hester

Faculty Articles

The purpose of this study was to investigate potential sex differences in the fatigue- and recovery-induced responses of isometric strength and power, as well as select dynamic contractile parameters after isometric and isotonic plantar flexor (PF) contractions. Healthy males (n = 12; age = 21.8 ± 2.2 years) and females (n = 14; age = 21.4 ± 2.5 years) performed a 2-min maximal voluntary isometric contraction and 120 concentric isotonic (30% peak isometric torque) contractions of the PFs on separate visits. Isometric strength, isotonic power, as well as torque- and velocity-related parameters were recorded before, immediately after, and throughout 10 …

Nutritional Data And Corresponding Performance Impacts Of Uri Student-Athletes, Abigael Fenbert

Senior Honors Projects

This research project investigates the diets of various sport athletes at the University of Rhode Island. The question that this project aims to answer is if our athletes are meeting recommended daily values nutritionally, and if not, why? Research continues to grow regarding how performance implications are tied to varying nutritional disparities for athletes. Various studies show malnourishment leads to performance decline, increased injury risk, and improper recovery. This is influenced by factors such as deficits in caloric intake, macronutrient and micronutrient availability, and dehydration. For college athletes, a lack of food availability and nutritional knowledge leaves them especially predisposed …

Swimmers’ Upper Trapezius Activation During Shoulder Abduction Compared To Non-Overhead Athletes, Kendra Graham

Senior Honors Projects

Overhead sports such as baseball, tennis, volleyball, softball and swimming are known to cause rotator cuff imbalances and injuries. These injuries are typically caused by the repeated use of “throwing motion,” where the humerus is externally rotated and shoulder abducted and elevated. Previous research has shown that the function of the upper trapezius muscle in overhead athletes is likely to have improper activation (timing, magnitude) during various shoulder motions and/or activities of daily living. Swimmers are especially susceptible to this improper activation due to the use of their upper limbs in a repeated throwing motion. The added resistance of the …

Implementation Evaluation Of Blood Flow Restriction In The Clinical Setting, Madison Mccall

Honors Theses

Blood flow restriction (BFR) refers to a relatively new training/rehabilitation method consisting of a tourniquet system applied to a limb to partially inhibit blood flow to the muscles distal to the tourniquet. Though much research has been conducted concerning its use, there is little information addressing why clinicians may or may not implement it. Diffusion of Innovation (DOI) theory explains how a product or idea can spread to specific population groups, ending in adoption of it. The Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) consists of a set of constructs which can be used to determine the specific factors involved in …

Relationship Between Global Cognition And Cardiovascular Risk Factors, Alexia Sebghati

Health, Human Performance and Recreation Undergraduate Honors Theses

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is currently affecting the lives of 5.8 million Americans and is expected to double within the next 30 years. With an aging populace of baby boomers, this will place great economic strain on the U.S. creating a burden of almost $1 trillion in healthcare costs. Currently, there is no cure for AD. However, studies report that many individuals with AD experience changes in the brain up to 10-15 years before the disease’s onset. It is imperative to detect future risk of developing AD or mild cognitive impairment (MCI) before significant cognitive changes arise. Many of the risk …

How The Covid-19 Pandemic Has Affected Physical Activity, Sleep And Mental Health In University Students, Faculty And Staff And To Examine The Relationship Between These Variables, Zachary Parisi

Health, Human Performance and Recreation Undergraduate Honors Theses

Background: Increased physical activity has been shown to be beneficial in decreasing stress. This project will expand on this knowledge while also studying college students, a demographic that has been less studied. This study will also examine the impact of COVID-19 on these variables. COVID-19 changed many peoples’ activities of daily life, and possibly physically activity levels, due to public health measures such as lockdowns and remote learning. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to examine how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected physical activity, sleep, and mental health in university students, faculty and staff and to examine the relationship …

The Effects Of A Loaded Pre-Competition Activity Using Tethered Swimming On 25-Yard Swim Sprint Performance 2021, Jacob Burchfield

Master's Theses

Warmup is a standard practice for swim competitions, but there is minimal scientific evidence regarding the effectiveness of pre-competition activities (PCA) after the swim warmup. This study examined whether a loaded PCA using tethered swimming while attached to a power rack improves performance in a 25-yard swim sprint. Post activation performance enhancement (PAPE) may be the proposed mechanism for improvement resulting from a loaded PCA. To determine if PAPE existed following the loaded PCA, varsity swimmers from SUNY Cortland performed a 25-yard sprint a loaded PCA and after an unloaded PCA (control). All participants performed a standard meet warmup (1600-yards) …

Effects Of High Intensity Interval Training On Cardiorespiratory Fitness And Body Composition In Women: A Review, Rachel Marie Dykstra

Dissertations

Background: A growing body of literature indicates that women, in comparison to men, report significantly more barriers to exercise, often times related to perceived lack of time due to their social roles (e.g. family responsibility, childcare). Therefore, it has been considered that exercise programs that require less time commitments would be more attractive for women to alleviate this concern. Objective: This review was conducted to comprehensively understand the present literature surrounding women and such a time-efficient protocol: high intensity interval training (HIIT). The primary aim was to determine the impact of HIIT on both cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and body composition. …

Resistance Training Recommendations For Cross Country Skiers To Improve Performance: A Systematic Review, Leo Hipp

All NMU Master's Theses

Cross country skiing is an endurance sport that requires complex physiological and biomechanical capabilities. In recent years, resistance training has become an essential requirement for success in cross country skiing due to the evolution of the sport. Although important for success in skiing, resistance training recommendations are not well defined within the literature. The purpose of this study was to provide resistance training recommendations for cross country skiers by performing a systematic review on the current literature related to cross country skiing performance and resistance training. Four electronic databases were searched systematically to obtain original articles in peer-reviewed journals addressing …

Classroom Physical Activity Breaks Effect On Executive Function And Academic Achievement In Elementary School Students, Mark A. Bjornsen

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Objectives: There were three aims in conducting this pilot study. First, determine the Plus Minus Task assessment's reliability to measure the executive function of shifting. Second, determine the feasibility and acceptability of CPAB by students and teachers. Finally, determine the preliminary dose-response of acute physical activity on shifting in elementary students. Methods: This was a pilot study of a classroom physical activity break intervention. Utilizing a withinsubject, cross-over design, students participated in a practice day and then all three treatment conditions: a 10-minute seated lesson (control condition) and 5 and 10 minutes (experimental conditions) of classroom physical activity breaks. A …

Postactivation Potentiation Improves Jumps Performance In Children Ages 6 To 8 Years Old, Camila Gerber, Paolo Sirieiro, Igor Nasser, Christopher B. Taber, Humberto Miranda

Exercise Science Faculty Publications

Introduction: The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of postactivation potentiation (PAP) in vertical and horizontal jump performance in pre-pubertal children.

Material and method: One hundred and nineteen children (65 girls and 54 boys; 6.8 ± 0.7 years old; 124.5 ± 6.4 cm; 25.2 ± 5.1 kg) participated in this study. This was a transversal cross-sectional study which incorporated a within-subjects repeated-measures design, where participants completed all protocols. The experimental procedure required four total testing, separated by one week, using a counterbalanced. This study investigated jumping performance associated with weighted jumps, low-load vertical jumps, and …

Effects Of A Mental Skills Training Program On Performance In Distance Runners, Neil Patrick Bangs

Boise State University Theses and Dissertations

Introduction: Anxiety affects nearly 20% of the United States population and can have a significant impact on athletic performance. However, athletes can mitigate the effects of performance anxiety through the use of mental skills and mindfulness training. Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine if a mental training and mindfulness intervention could reduce anxiety and enhance performance in distance runners. Hypothesis: The hypothesis of the study was that athletes would experience less anxiety, increased levels of mindfulness, and improved performance following a four-workshop intervention. Methods: Distance runners engaged in a mental skills and mindfulness training program where we …

Evaluation Of Whether Habitual Physical Activity Is Associated With An Attenuated Memory Interference Effect, Lilianne Belle Mckissack

Honors Theses

The relationship between exercise and memory is notable. Recently, there has been a sparked interest in studying the effects of exercise on attenuating memory interference. There have been several studies that have investigated whether acute exercise can attenuate memory interference. However, this thesis specifically studies the effects of habitual physical activity on attenuating the memory interference effect, which has been infrequently studied. One-hundred and nine young adults completed an online survey evaluating their physical activity behavior and memory interference, assessed via an AB/AC paradigm. We were effective in inducing proactive interference (p = .001), but physical activity was not …

Open Vs. Closed Skill Acute Exercise On Emotional Memory, Ashley Lovorn

Honors Theses

ABSTRACT ASHLEY LOVORN: Acute Open vs. Closed Skill Exercise on Emotional Memory (Under the direction of Dr. Paul D. Loprinzi)

Accumulating research suggests that acute exercise may influence emotional memory. However, there is limited research on this topic evaluating which modality of exercise elicits the greatest effects on emotional memory. The purpose of this thesis experiment was to evaluate if treadmill exercise (closed-skill) has a differential impact on emotional memory relative to racquetball exercise (open-skill). One-hundred and ninety- three participants were recruited and divided into three groups: closed-skill (N=65), open- skill (N=65) and control (N=64). Prior to exercise, each of …

The Evaluation Of A Soft Skills Curriculum In Athletic Training Education: A Mixed Methods Study, Emily Duckett

Literacy Student Work

Purpose: Athletic Training Education Competencies (2011) include exhibiting empathy and compassion as foundational behaviors of practice. Despite abundant evidence supporting the importance of compassionate patient care, there is currently evidence to suggest that healthcare is experiencing a compassion crisis (Patel et al., 2019). The purpose of this study was to investigate the ways in which pre-professional athletic training students’ transfer knowledge from a soft skills curriculum to clinical practice. Methods: This study utilized an explanatory sequential mixed method design with a preliminary quantitative input (Morgan, 2014). Phase 1 of the study includes participants (n=19) enrolled in a pre-professional AT course. …

S.O.S. For Covid-19 (Subjective And Objective Screening): Are Asymptomatic Cases Truly Without Warning Signs?, Nathan Hughes

Honors College Theses

This study investigates the usefulness of five objective signs, evaluates relationships between objective signs with symptoms of COVID-19, and assesses the accuracy of ambient forehead temperature with tympanic temperature. Data were collected at Wayne State University. Blood oxygen levels and blood pressure were measured via pulse oximeters and blood pressure cuff. Body temperature was measured with a thermometer via the temple and the forehead. Smell was tested with two scented markers. None of the 29 participants confirmed a positive COVID-19 test. Therefore, only relationships between vital sign measurements were reported. No significant correlations were revealed upon analysis. Infrared and temporal …

Domestic Violence In The World Of Athletics, Abbigayle L. Gesler

ONU Student Research Colloquium

There is an ongoing debate whether athletics is linked to domestic violence in professional athletes or individuals who were athletes for a long period of time. The purpose of this research is to see if being an athlete leads to domestic violence, and if so, to find ways to decrease the numbers. Professional athletes with a history of domestic violence will be researched and this could help determine if there is a link between the two. To get an idea on aggression levels in athletes, the Buss & Perry Survey was sent out via email to all Ohio Northern students, …

An Annual Training Plan For Collegiate Dance, Ashley R. German

Honors Thesis

The focus of this thesis is on developing an annual resistance training plan for collegiate dance with no test subjects. This project provides biomechanical, physiological, and injury analysis of collegiate dance. Based on the analysis, a research-based, linear resistance training program for the University of South Dakota Dance Team was created. The resistance training program follows basic strength and conditioning principles including specificity, overload, and periodization. Additionally, exercise selection, order, volume, and intensity were prescribed based on standards set forth by the National Strength and Conditioning Association. Generally, from off-season to in-season, exercises moved from general to specific, along with …

Women’S Self-Efficacy Before And After Hiring A Personal Trainer At The Bowling Green State University Student Recreation Center, Audrey Schweers

Honors Projects

Exercise is important to maintaining a healthy weight and decreasing the risk of health-related diseases. Self-efficacy is a psychological concept that, when increased, can help a person to overcome a particular situation. In exercise, a person with high self-efficacy is able to better adhere to a program. It is a goal of The American Council on Exercise (ACE) to educate their personal trainers on ways to increase their clients' self-efficacy. This study was conducted to determine if women who have hired a personal trainer at the Bowling Green State University (BGSU) Student Recreation Center (SRC) in the past five years …

A Case Study Comparison Of Two Carbon Plated Running Shoes On Running Economy And Running Mechanics, Caleb Garcia

Undergraduate Research Conference

The advent of the carbon carbon-plated running shoe, in support of the first, historic sub 2-hour marathon, has resulted in an arms race across various running shoe companies in hopes of providing a similar competitive advantage to their athletes and customers. Research has shown these new new shoe technologies can significantly improve running economy. However, of the limited research, most is focused on just one brand and model of carbo carbon-plated shoe. If athletes are to compete on a level playing field, further investigation is needed to determine that these new shoe technologies confer a similar competitive advantage across multiple …

Evidence For The Use Of Dynamic Maximum Normalization Method Of Muscle Activation During Weight Back Squats, Eva Maddox, Hunter J. Bennett

College of Education & Professional Studies (Darden) Posters

The purpose of this study was to evaluate intra and inter-participant variability and reliability of muscle activations when analyzed using maximum voluntary isometric contractions (MVIC) and dynamic maximum (DMVC) normalization methods. Muscle activations were collected on twenty-seven participants (13 females, 14 males) performing one-repetition maximum (1RM) and submaximum (80%) back squats. Data from submaximum squats were normalized to MVICs and DMVCs. Data were compared using intra-class correlations over two testing days, variance ratio, and coefficients of variation. Mixed-model ANOVAs were used to elucidate the influence on intra- (method) and inter- (sex) subject variability. Reliability levels were good for rectus femoris …

The Effect Of Concussion History On Lower Extremity Injury Risk In High School And Collegiate Athletes: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Vanessa Ramirez, Ryan Mccann, Eric Schussler, Jessica Martinez

College of Health Sciences Posters

Sport-related concussions are a prevalent injury that result in sensorimotor dysfunction and altered neuromuscular control. Individuals recovering from a concussion display decreased postural sway during balance assessment and may possess prolonged balance deficits after return-to-play (RTP). Athletes who are experiencing impairments following RTP after a concussion may be at increased risk of lower extremity (LE) injury. The purpose of this study was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies examining risk of LE musculoskeletal injury following a concussion in high school and collegiate athletes. An electronic database search of PubMed, CINAHL, MEDLINE, and SPORTDiscus was conducted on November …

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 …

Trunk Kinematics Using Musculoskeletal Modeling During Range Of Motion Tasks, Maryam Moeini, Ruth M. Higgins, Hunter Bennett, Stacie Ringleb

College of Health Sciences Posters

A spine model can be used to predict post-spinal fusion motion needed to perform physical activities in individuals with scoliosis. Full body lumbar spine (FBLS) model (Raabi et al., 2016) allows for modeling lumbar spine and pelvis movement and was validated for jogging. However, like other existing adult spine models, FBLS model does not allow for a motion providing thoracic and spine. Purpose: To adapt the FBLS model for simulating thoracic, lumbar and pelvis motion during trunk rotation in all 3 planes of motion. Methods: Since T12-L1 in FBLS model is designed as a dependent joint (axial rotation analogous to …

Social Engagement Of Nursing Home Residents: A Comparison Of Two Observation Methods, Annika Gabbard

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

In Kentucky, low levels of physical activity and social engagement negatively impact health. This problem led to the creation of Bingocize®, an exercise program that combines the game of Bingo with intermittent exercises in a group setting to increase levels of positive affect, physical health, and, the focus of this study, social engagement. Since clear benefits of social engagement have been established, measurement and documentation of this behavior can assist in determining the level of potential benefit from Bingocize®. The purpose of this study was to compare the opinions of healthcare workers who have experience with Bingocize® on two measures …

Serve-Specific Core Self-Evaluations: A Predictive Validation Study, Brandi Renee Forgione

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Core Self-Evaluations (CSE) is a broad personality trait used by industrial organizational psychologists to predict important organizational outcomes such as job performance and employee satisfaction. CSE comprises four elements: generalized self-efficacy, self-esteem, locus of control, and neuroticism. Task-specific versions of CSE have been proposed to better predict task-specific performance than general CSE. Accordingly, Serve-Specific Core Self- Evaluations (SS-CSE) was adapted specifically to predict serve performance of intercollegiate volleyball players. In this study, I explored the predictive validity of SS-CSE for serve performance by expanding a previous study that used a concurrent validation approach. Results indicated that SS-CSE scores collected pre-season …

Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs On Core Body Temperature During Exercise: A Systematic Review, Dawn M. Emerson, Stephen Cl Chen, Melani R. Kelly, Bryant Parnell, Toni M. Torres-Mcgehee

Faculty Publications

BACKGROUND: Because of their anti-pyretic effects, some individuals prophylactically use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to blunt core temperature (Tc) increases during exercise, thus, potentially improving performance by preventing hyperthermia and/or exertional heat illness. However, NSAIDs induce gastrointestinal damage, alter renal function, and decrease cardiovascular function, which could compromise thermoregulation and increase Tc. The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the effects of NSAIDs on Tc in exercising, adult humans. METHODS: We conducted searches in MEDLINE, PubMed, Cochrane Reviews, and Google Scholar for literature published up to November 2020. We conducted a quality assessment review using the Physiotherapy Evidence …

Examination Of Energy Needs And Female Athlete Triad Components In Competitive Cheerleaders, Allison Smith

Theses and Dissertations

The sport of cheerleading has grown immensely over the recent decades. The current sport requires full body athletic abilities like gymnastics, ballet, and swimming and diving. These sports have previously reported high rates of eating disorder (ED) risk, body image dissatisfaction, and Female Athlete Triad (Triad) components (low energy availability with or without and eating disorder, menstrual cycle dysfunction, and low bone mineral density). Scientific research examining these factors within cheerleaders has been limited. The purpose of this study was to examine overall ED risk across cheerleading team type (All-Star, college), squad type (all-girl, coed), and by position (flyer, base, …

The Association Between Type-2 Diabetes Pathophysiology & Exercise Adherence, Sydney Raymond

Senior Honors Projects

According to the American Diabetes Association, 1 in 3 Americans will be diagnosed with diabetes. While some of these individuals will be prescribed medications as part of their treatment, most will also be advised to begin an exercise program to assist with blood glucose control. Additionally, while regular exercise is associated with lower HbA1C and decreased insulin/medication dependence, it is estimated that only about half of those diagnosed with diabetes will adhere to their exercise plans. Social, psychological, and physiological factors all play roles in affecting ones ability to adhere to an exercise regiment, and individuals with Type 2 Diabetes …

Efficacy Of The Opensim Simulator As A Tool To Detect Changes In Gait: A Peripheral Artery Disease Model, Cody Anderson, Hafiz Rahman, Irakis Pipinos, Jason Johanning, Sara Myers

UNO Student Research and Creative Activity Fair

INTRODUCTION

Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) is characterized by atherosclerotic plaques in the leg arteries. A common treatment for PAD is supervised exercise training [1]. However, gait is not fully restored following supervised exercise training (SET). Musculoskeletal simulation may provide insight into how muscle activation changes following SET contributed to persistent gait alterations.

METHODS

Kinematic and kinetic data from overground walking of patients with PAD (n=12), before and after a 6-month exercise intervention, was used as input for musculoskeletal modeling (OpenSim). The subjects in our sample were subdivided based on the location of ischemic muscle pain, as reported on the San …