Psychology of Movement Commons^™

Difference Between Postural Sway, Functional Fitness, And Behavioral Measures In Older Adult Fallers & Non-Fallers, Olivia Maus, Rebecca Brandhorst, Andrea Geisenhof, Kyle Reason

InnovateHER Meeting 2026

BACKGROUND: Falls are among the leading causes of injury, hospitalization, and loss of independence among older adults. There is not enough research to determine how body composition, fitness, and postural sway affect balance.

METHODS: Participants completed surveys measuring behaviors around fall risk, assessment of body composition, postural sway, and functional fitness.

RESULTS: There was a significant difference between OF and ONF on the FES-I (p=0.05; d=-0.41) and the ABC-6 (p=0.008; d=0.57). There was significance on condition three of the mCTSIB (p=0.007; d=-.58), and composite score (p=0.04; d=-0.43).Significance between groups was approached on condition one of the mCTSIB (p=0.06; d=-0.39).

CONCLUSIONS: …

Associations Between Levels Of Physical Activity And Cognitive Health, Gemma Goldenbaum

Honors Theses

The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between physical activity levels and executive function, specifically focusing on inhibitory control and working memory capacity. Though the benefits of exercise on brain health are well-documented, the extent of cognitive differences between sedentary individuals and elite student-athletes remains misunderstood. Eighty participants (ages 18–35) were categorized via the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) into sedentary, low, and advanced activity tiers. Participants completed computational assessments, including the Operation Span (OSPAN) task for working memory and Go/No-Go tasks to measure response inhibition and implicit associations. Preliminary results indicated significant differences in sedentary behavior, …

Knee Injury Prevention Program In An Early Pubertal Female Athlete During A Recreational Softball Season, Doug W. Dendy, Toby Brooks, C Roger James, Micah Lierly

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology Volume 6: Issue 1, Article 12, 2025. This case study was intended to analyze the impact of a knee injury prevention program (KIPP) for a young female athlete in a short recreational softball season. It was hypothesized that initiating a KIPP early within a recreational sports season would positively alter lower extremity biomechanics, subsequently reducing the risk of knee injuries during and after skeletal development. During a recreational softball season, a 13-year-old female athlete completed a preliminary biomechanical test, the drop vertical jump battery (DVJB_pre), underwent a 7-week in-season KIPP, then was …

Blood Flow Occlusion Superimposed On Low-Volume, Low-Intensity Knee Extensions Does Not Evoke Hypoalgesia: A Pilot Study, Sophie-Jayne Morgan, Jenny Zhang, Neil Lemay, Neda Khaledi, Saied J. Aboodarda

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology Volume 6: Issue 1, Article 9, 2025. Exercise-induced hypoalgesia (EIH) is a transient decrease in pain perception that can be observed following various tasks, including low-intensity and high-intensity exercise. The application of blood flow occlusion (BFO) can help enhance exercise adaptations while being able to exercise at a low intensity, which has important implications for clinical and rehabilitative settings. Through descending inhibitory pathways, BFO-induced pain can potentially alleviate exercise-induced pain. This study aimed to assess whether the superimposition of BFO – and its associated augmented perceived responses – during low-intensity, low-volume resistance exercise could …

A Comparison Of Measured Versus Estimated Metabolic Equivalents (Mets) During The Farmer's Carry And Sled Push Exercises On A Commercially Available Step Mill, Colin Miller, Ethan Remotigue, Shane Hammer, J. Jay Dawes, Taylor K. Dinyer-Mcneely

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology Volume 6: Issue 1, Article 8, 2025. The Stairmaster 10G ergometer allows users to perform non-traditional movements such as the sled push and farmer’s carry, which involve substantial upper and lower body contributions. Standard MET calculations for stair stepping do not account for this increase upper-body workload, so there is potential for error when aiming to determine exercise intensity based exclusively on estimated METs. The primary purpose of this study is to compare the metabolic and physiological effects of two training modes on the Stairmaster 10G ergometer, specifically evaluating the accuracy of MET values …

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 …

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 …

Game On! A Comparative Analysis Of External Load In Division Iii Soccer Players Across Gender And Position, Bianca J. De Lucia, Daniel M. Smith, Ashima Fillbach, Mary K. Feit

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology

Global positioning systems have been used increasingly in sports science due to their ability to quantify external loads of athletes during competitions and practices. Limited research has examined gender differences in external load throughout a collegiate soccer season. PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to compare game workloads across collegiate men (MSOC) and women (WSOC) soccer players. Division III MSOC and WSOC players wore GPS devices during games throughout a 15-week season. METHODS: Metrics analyzed from GPS data were: total distance (TD), sprint distance (SD), number of deceleration efforts (decel) (>-3 m/s²), number of acceleration efforts (accel) ( …

Influence Of Acute High-Intensity Resistance Exercise On Cognitive Performance And Prefrontal Cortex Oxygenation In Recreational Weightlifters, Samuel M. Camacho, Terence Moriarty, Mick G. Mack, Jacob P. Reed, Hyeyoung Cho

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology

Acute exercise has been shown to be effective in improving post-exercise cognitive performance, including executive function. In addition, changes in prefrontal cortex (PFC) activation have been linked to any such improvements. Since resistance and higher intensity exercise is much less studied, the aim of this study was to examine the effect of high-intensity resistance exercise on cognitive performance and to determine if PFC activation was related to this cognitive performance in recreationally trained weightlifters. Ten (M = 5, F = 5) college aged (22 ± 2 years) recreationally trained weightlifters completed the Stroop task prior to and 15- and 30-min …

Incidence Of Achilles Tendon Ruptures And Associated Factors In Women's Artistic Gymnastics, Kayla Horton, Amanda Hawkes

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology Volume 5: Issue 1, Article 10, 2024.

Achilles tendon rupture risk appears to be higher in women's artistic gymnastics compared to other collegiate sports, however little is understood about personal, training, and performance factors potentially associated with this elevated risk. Previous research has only examined gymnasts who have sustained Achilles tendon ruptures while in an NCAA environment. The overall incidence of Achilles tendon ruptures among gymnasts has not been assessed. This study aims to identify injury factors, Achilles rupture incidence and training habits related to Achilles tendon ruptures in current and former women’s artistic …

The Effects Of Anchor Scheme On The Central And Peripheral Contributions To Performance Fatigability, Perceived Responses And Sensations, And Psychological Factors Following Sustained, Isometric Forearm Flexion Tasks To Failure, Robert Walker Smith

Dissertations and Doctoral Documents, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2023–

The Effects of Anchor Scheme on the Central and Peripheral Contributions to Performance Fatigability, Perceived Responses and Sensations, and Psychological Factors Following Sustained, Isometric Forearm Flexion Tasks to Failure Robert W. Smith, Ph.D. University of Nebraska, 2024 Advisor: Terry J. Housh This study assessed time to task failure (TTF), performance fatigability (PF), neuromuscular responses, central and peripheral measures of fatigue, and perceived responses including sensations and psychological factors that contributed to task termination during sustained, isometric forearm flexion tasks anchored to ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) and the torque corresponding to RPE. Fifteen men (age = 21.5 ± 2.3 yrs; …

Breakaway Roping – Event Analysis And Resistance Training Model, Andrew A. Wolfe, Libby E. Winchell, Ruth Caddell, Jackson Maynard, Gillian Braden

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology Volume 5: Issue 1, Article 9, 2024. Breakaway roping is a rodeo event that has received little empirical investigation, and to the best of our knowledge, no specialized resistance training recommendations have been disseminated. Furthermore, the purpose of this article was to (1) outline and analyze the biomechanical and physiological requirements of breakaway roping, and (2) articulate a theoretical specialized annual strength training and conditioning periodization plan for collegiate breakaway roping rodeo athletes. Included within the training plan are 8 distinct mesocycles containing general and event specific exercises of which are associated with the …

Determining The Barriers To The Use Of Post-Match Fatigue Monitoring In The Rugby Codes: A Concept Mapping Study., Mitch Naughton, Tannath Scott, Dan Weaving, Scott Mclean, Colin Solomon

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology Volume 5: Issue 1, Article 3, 2024. The rugby codes (i.e., rugby union, rugby league, rugby sevens [termed ‘rugby’]) are team-sports that impose complex physical demands upon players which in-turn, leads to domain-specific fatigue (e.g., neuromuscular, cardio-autonomic). Quantifying post-match fatigue through various methods and metrics is important to monitor player fatigue status, which influences training readiness. The specific and general barriers limiting the use of post-match fatigue monitoring in rugby are not presently known. Therefore, the aims of this study were to identify specific and general barriers (clusters of specific barriers) to the use …

Human System Composite Performance Measures: General Systems Performance Theory Insights, Lawrence Disalvi

Bioengineering Dissertations - Archive

Composite Performance Measures (CPMs) of human performance are widely employed in applications that range from mundane to life-changing, yet they are frequently presented without explanation or reference to theoretical underpinnings. The conceptual soundness of a widely used CPM approach, based on additive combination of constituent components, has been called into question by Kondraske. He argues the relevance of General Systems Performance Theory (GSPT) and performance capacity envelope concepts when applied to multidimensional CPM measures.

To obtain evidence-based answers to assertions regarding CPM types and rationale employed in medical and non-medical contexts, a Systematic Descriptive Review was conducted. Separately, the GSPT-based …

Understanding Physical Activity Preferences And Motives In U.S. Adults, Christopher R. Hill, Malasher Johnson, Victoria Mazaras, Stephen Samendinger

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology Volume 4: Issue 1, Article 16, 2023. This study examined U.S. adult physical activity preferences and explored how a sample of Americans conceptualize these preferences, as previous attempts have primarily focused on non-U.S. or special populations. A sample of adults (n=402) was surveyed and stratified into 'Alone' or 'Group' physical activity preference conditions, with additional items exploring preference characteristics and social-psychological motives. Most adults preferred to exercise Alone (n=126), with a Partner (n=88), or with the use of a Virtual/Video environment (n=122) compared to those who preferred Group exercise (n=66). While there were no …

The Effects Of Different Training Types On Phase Angle In Men - An Exploratory Study, Trevor Short, Paulette Yamada

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology Volume 4: Issue 1, Article 12, 2023. Phase Angle (PhA) has emerged as a valuable measure in clinical and sports settings due to its predictive relationship with health and sports performance. Fitness is related to PhA, but the type of exercise training that is most influential over PhA has yet to be determined. The purpose was to explore the effects of endurance training (ET), strength-based resistance training (RT), and sprint-interval training (SIT) on PhA, resistance (R), and reactance (Xc) in men. Thirty-five recreationally-trained healthy young adult males (24±4 years) were randomly assigned to one …

A Case Study: Examining Biological Sex Differences In A 14-Week Neck Strength Protocol For Optimal Neuromuscular Indicators To Reduce The Incidence Of Traumatic Brain Injury, Jennifer L. Kale, Maggie Craig Tyndall, Alexander T. Mcdaniel, Lindsey Schroeder, Yishi Wang

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology Volume 4: Issue 1, Article 9, 2023. The primary aim of this research was to analyze potential biological sex differences to determine if a variation in dynamic and isometric neck strength existed following a 14-week novel neck strengthening protocol. College-aged healthy participants who did not have a previous history of head or neck trauma were recruited for this study. A pre- and post-assessment was conducted to gather initial isometric and dynamic neck strength values. The neck strengthening intervention utilized a novel dynamic neck strength device for 14-weeks. 14-week neck strength protocol used in this …

Obstacle Crossing In Healthy Young And Older Individuals, Hope M. Hanson, Ashlyn M. Jendro, Abigail C. Schmitt

Health, Human Performance and Recreation Undergraduate Honors Theses

Introduction: In the United States, the average population age is rising and will continue to increase in the coming years.With an older population comes increased risk of injury associated with falls. Falls are considered a leading cause of injury and death in older individuals, and many falls are caused by body imbalance or obstacle collision due to a clearly visible stationary object (e.g., rug, chair, branch). Older adults tend to cross obstacles with increased toe clearance in order to prevent tripping, but much of what is known about obstacle crossing in older adults is limited to artificial obstacles that are …

Guidelines For “Topics Brief” Submissions, James W. Navalta, Robert Salatto, Donald L. Hoover, Andrea Stevenson

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology Volume 4: Issue 1, Article 6, 2023. The “Topics Brief”, a novel submissions format, is introduced with authors guidelines. Within this submissions format, a category describing a target audience should be identified, such as Topics Brief for: Patients, Clinicians, Practitioners, or Students. Authors may also suggest their own category for a target audience. The title should be descriptive and allow for maximum searchability. Authorship criteria include a substantial contribution, assisting with the manuscript draft, and approval of the final version. The format is open, with a focus of presenting work in a clear and …

Introducing The “Topics Brief”: Bridging The Gap Between University And Non-Academics In A Potentially More Meaningful Way, James W. Navalta, Robert Salatto, Donald L. Hoover, Andrea Stevenson

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology Volume 4: Issue 1, Article 5, 2023. Introducing the “Topics Brief”, aiming to bridge the gap between university and non-academics. Topics Briefs should include the following: 1. Share what was done to a non-academic audience, 2. Condensed format (limited to 1-2 pages, 1 page preferred), 3. Include only the most important parts (i.e., main concepts, main results, main learned experience) to be implemented in practical application, 4. May be heavily visual (we encourage authors to be creative)

Muscular Strength Predicts Phase Angle In Breast Cancer Survivors, Trevor Short, Cheri Teranishi-Hashimoto, Paulette Yamada

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology Volume 4: Issue 1, Article 4, 2023. Phase angle (PhA) has emerged as a prognostic indicator of survival and quality of life (QOL) in cancer patients. Identifying measures of physical fitness that correlate with PhA can provide guidance toward optimizing cancer rehabilitation programs and future research. The purpose was to examine the relationship between PhA and physical fitness in breast cancer survivors. Sixty-three breast cancer survivors (60 ± 9 years, PhA 4.59±0.52, mean±SD) completed assessments for muscular strength, muscular endurance, cardiorespiratory endurance, flexibility, and body composition. PhA and body composition were measured using bioimpedance …

The Pursuit Of Peak Athletic Performance, Trevor Short

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology Volume 4: Issue 1, Article 3, 2023. Achieving peak performance in sports is a multifactorial phenomenon that spans several scientific disciplines. The optimization of human performance requires a comprehensive and systematic assessment that identifies potential performance-inhibiting factors. The result of such analysis allows for more individualized and accurate evaluation, athlete monitoring, and training interventions. Thus, there is a need for a multidisciplinary model of peak performance to guide practitioners when conducting a comprehensive analysis. The purpose of this manuscript is to provide a brief but practical vade mecum for practitioners to consider in the …

Effects Of A Race Timer On The 3-Minute All-Out Test For Critical Power, Paul Mandell, Boe Burrus, Taylor Bloedon

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology Volume 4: Issue 1, Article 2, 2023. The 3-min all-out cycling test (3MT) elicits valuable fitness metrics including V̇O_2peak, HR_max, Critical Power (CP), and Work Above End Power (WEP; equivalent to work prime; W’). Twelve (n = 12) healthy active males were recruited to participate in the current study on the effects of the implementation of a race timer on the 3MT. Participants completed a V̇O_2peak test and one 3MT familiarization trial before completing one standard 3MT and one 3MT with the presence of a countdown race timer in …

Comparison Of Supine And Vertical Bioimpedance Measurements In Young Adults, Jeremy B. Ducharme, Chloe Clark, Jonathan M. Houck, Holly Hall, Avadney Gerard-Osbourne, Ann Gibson

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology Volume 3: Issue 1, Article 11, 2022. Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) methods estimate health parameters such as phase angle (PhA) and body fat percentage (%BF) from various positional and electrode configurations. PhA and %BF are known biological markers of cellular and physical health, respectively, and can be used to predict various health-related conditions and therefore require accurate assessment. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of body position during BIA by investigating the difference and agreement between PhA and %BF using RJL (supine) and InBody (vertical) analyzers. Thirty-eight young adults (23.4 …

Wearing Judogi In A Humid Tropical Environment: Effect On Performance And Hydro-Electrolytic Parameters, Simplice Moussouami, Yvon Rock Ghislain Alongo, André Georges Moulongo, Paul Roger Mabounda Kounga, Erode Mabika Nzoumba, Issiako Bio Nigan

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology Volume 3: Issue 1, Article 8, 2022. Extremely high heat stress environmental conditions in sub-Saharan Africa influences sports performance. The aim of this study was to assess physical changes and physiological responses associated with wearing judogi during 8 weeks training session in a hot environment. In this quasi-experimental study, trained male judokas (20.06 ± 1.24 years old), were assessed before and after a training session, while either wearing a judogi (experimental group n = 12) or cotton tee shorts (control group n = 12). All athletes completed testing and were evaluated for anthropometric, physiological …

The Effects Of Ladder Training On Sprint And Change Of Direction Performance, Trevor Short, Tina Manos, Justus Ortega, Andrew Peterson, Young Sub Kwon

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology Volume 3: Issue 1, Article 7, 2022. Ladder training is a form of multidirectional lower limb plyometric training utilized by coaches and athletes in a variety of sports. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of ladder training (LT) on sprint (20-m) and change of direction (COD) (L-drill) kinematics. Fourteen NCAA D-2 Basketball players were matched on baseline performance rankings and randomly assigned to a LT (n = 7) or conventional training (CT) (n = 7) group. The LT group performed all the CT exercises with the addition of …

Co-Twin Relationship Quality As A Moderator Of Genetic And Environmental Factors On Urinary Cortisol Levels Among Adult Twins, Joseph A. Schwartz, Scott Jessick, Jessica L. Calvi, Douglas A. Granger

Athletic Performance Research

Previous research has indicated that genetic and environmental factors shape physiological activity. Cortisol levels, in particular, have received significant attention, with studies indicating substantive heritability estimates across various sampling techniques. A related line of research has indicated that genetic and environmental factors that explain variability in cortisol levels may vary across context and experiences by way of gene-environment interactions (G×Es). Despite these findings, a limited number of studies have examined the extent to which interpersonal relationships may operate as a moderator. The current study focused on co-twin relationship quality as a source of moderation, as twins are more likely to …

Ankle Dorsiflexion Range Of Motion, Dynamic Balance, And Static Balance In Division Iii Collegiate Gymnasts, Emily Sabo

Master's Theses

Introduction: Artistic gymnastics is a demanding sport composed of high intensity activities. Decreased range of motion can increase the risk of lower extremity injury due to the inability to disperse forces properly upon landing. Landing from a height demands dynamic balance, which may be influenced by ankle range of motion. Due to the complexity of the sport, identifying potential deficits at the ankle could lead to the development of injury prevention programs. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to investigate if correlations exist between active ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (AROM) and static balance and/or AROM and dynamic balance …

Angular Momentum In Skilled Kicking Pullover Performed By Elementary School Children, Yutaka Shimizu, Saburo Nishimura, Shoichi Matsushita

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology Volume 3: Issue 1, Article 2, 2022. This study aimed to clarify the differences in body positions and the role of the swing leg, support leg, and head-arm-trunk segment in generating and maintaining angular momentum of the whole body about a horizontal bar as well as how to improve the skill level of successful kicking pullover attempts. Two-dimensional kinematic parameters of successful kicking pullover attempts and body composition indices of 26 fifth-grade elementary school children were collected. Their techniques were classified into excellent and good groups based on the subjective evaluation of three evaluators. …

Velocity-Based Training: Current Concepts And Future Directions, Toby Brooks, Wil Fleming, Larry Munger, Katie Munger

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology 3(1): Article 1, 2022. Velocity-based training (VBT) is a current approach to resistance training that relies on measured bar, implement, and/or athlete speed to formulate and adjust training for both long-term programming and daily training sessions. Relying on a number of available tools of varying levels of accuracy, VBT can help the strength and conditioning specialist and/or the rehabilitation professional to not only better predict strength and power over time, but also to adjust training loads in order to maximize training response in a given session. While the appeal and price points of available …