Exercise Physiology Commons^™

Acute Natural Cocoa Consumption Improves Cerebral Vasodilatory Capacity In Obese Individuals, Chansol Hurr, Michelle L. Harrison, Robert Matthew Brothers

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Obesity increases the risk for cardio and cerebral vascular diseases including hypertension, coronary artery disease, and stroke. Our preliminary data indicate that obese individuals (Obese) have attenuated cerebral vasodilatory capacity compared to age / sex matched lean individuals (Lean). This study tested the hypothesis that natural cocoa (NC) consumption (13g NC, The Hershey Company) would restore cerebral vasodilatory capacity in Obese. 15 lean (BMI < 25) and 15 obese (BMI > 30) subjects underwent a rebreathing protocol while cerebral blood velocity (CBFV) was measured before and 2 hr post consumption of a NC-containing drink or a NC-free placebo (randomized order, single-blinded). Cerebral vascular conductance (CVCI) was calculated …

Prediction Equations For Competitive Male And Female Collegiate Road Cyclists, Punam Ghadia, Rodney Holmes, Frank Wyatt

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

The convenience and cost of metabolic measurements for oxygen consumption can be problematic. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to establish prediction equations for oxygen consumption applicable to collegiate, competitive male and female bicyclists. METHODS: Subjects were thirty-eight (n=38) female (n=10) and male (n=28) collegiate road cyclists. Prior to testing, each subject signed a university Institutional Review Board (IRB) approved informed consent. Resting measures were the following: age (y), height (cm), weight (kg) and body fat (%). Exercise measures were taken during a cycle ergometer test utilizing the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS). The ergometer test for males began …

Neuromuscular Recruitment In Endurance Runners Should Be Improved With Explosive-Strength Training, Zachary Gillen, Dalton Smith, Vidhi Ghetia, Frank Wyatt

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Research has indicated that anaerobic training combined with aerobic training may improve endurance performance greater than aerobic training alone, primarily by utilizing explosive-strength training. The purpose of this investigation was to find if there are any associations between VO_2max and rate of force development (RFD). METHODS: Eleven subjects (n=11, age 34.1 ± 13 years, height 175 ± 9.7 cm, weight 76.1 ± 15.5 kg, hip range of motion 33.5 ± 6.9 cm, ankle range of motion 76.1 ± 6.6°) volunteered for this study. Subjects were asked for endurance training experience (4.7 ± 3.7 years) and resistance training experience (4.1 …

Blood Lactate Kinetics Established Through Polynomial Line Of Best Fit, Franklen Phares, Megan Moats, Frank Wyatt

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

PURPOSE: The purpose of this research is to determine a consistent line of best fit to mathematically define blood lactate kinetics during an incremental test to volitional fatigue. METHODS: There were 28 male and 10 female (n=38) subjects. Prior to testing, subjects signed an informed consent approved by the Institutional Review Board (IRB) for humans as subjects at Midwestern State University. Resting measures include: age (y), height (cm), weight (kg), body fat (%). The exercise measures of heart rate (HR, b*min.^-1), minute volume of oxygen consumption (VO₂, mL*kg^-1*min.^-1) and blood lactate (BLa, …

Metabolic Efficiency During Ramp Test In Collegiate Cyclists, Hannah Ross, Kenechukwu Onwubuya, Frank Wyatt

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine trend-line patterns for efficiency in collegiate, competitive cyclists. METHODS: Subjects included 17male and 6 female (n=23) . Measures were the following: age (y), height (cm), weight (kg), maximal oxygen consumption (VO₂max, mL*kg^-1*min.^-1), maximal heart rate (MHR, b*min.^-1), blood lactate (BLa, mM) and maximal power (w). Subjects were fit, collegiate cyclists competing for Midwestern State University cycling team. Each subject performed a cycle ergometer test utilizing the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) cycle ergometer protocol. Blood lactate was determined by removing 10µl each minute …

A Bayesian Inference Comparing Collegiate Female Cyclists To Elite Female Cyclists From A Meta-Analysis, Yesha Shah, Mihir Dhimar, Frank Wyatt

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Physiological characteristics of competitive female cyclist can be used as a reference to enhance performance. Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the physiological characteristics of competitive, collegiate female cyclists (CFC) to data of elite female cyclists (EFC) obtained from a meta-analytic review. Methods: Eleven (n=11) CFC volunteered as subjects. All subjects signed a university approved informed consent. Means and standard deviation (SD) were obtained from the following measurements: age (y), 22.5± 5.1; height (cm) 167.22 ± 6.2; weight (kg) 63.78 ± 9.71; body fat (%) 22.9 ± 3.6. Each subject performed a maximal cycling ergometer test to …

Relationships Among Maximal And Explosive Strength Production Of The Leg Extensors And Vertical Jump Peak Power Output In Female Youth Volleyball Athletes, Alexander S. Drusch, Jacob A. Mota, Kendra D. Olinghouse, Matt S. Stock, Brennan J. Thompson

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

ABSTRACT

Architectural and physical performance measurements are commonly implemented to identify various physical capacities in many populations. However, previous research has suggested architectural measures, notably in the leg extensors, are ineffective predictors of vertical jumping (VJ) performance. Given the functional relevance of rapid strength development on explosive dynamic tasks, further research is warranted examining, a) the presence of associations of maximal (e.g., peak torque; PT) and, in particular, explosive (e.g., rate of torque development; RTD) strength-related characteristics with jumping performance in the leg extensors, and b) the extent to which PT and RTD either uniquely, or synergistically contribute to VJ …

The Effect Of Out-Of-Round Wheels Versus True Round Wheels On Energy Costs Of Pushing A Wheelchair, Austin Mccasland, Duane Trogdon, Karen Rispin

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Introduction: It has been assumed that true round wheels are to be preferred compared to out-of-round or untrue wheels. Bicycle and car wheels are balanced and “trued” to ensure a smooth ride and railway wheels that are out-of-round are known to damage the track and railcars. However, there has been very little research on the impact of out-of-round wheels on the mobility or energy cost of wheelchair users. Inexpensive out-of-round bicycle wheels are utilized on some wheelchairs designed for low-resource settings; any impact on mobility would affect those riding in and those assisting by pushing the wheelchair. We hypothesize a …

Time-Clamped, Rpe-Matched Treadmill Activity And Interactive Video Game Dancing Differ In Step Count But Not Heart Rate Response, Cara D. Loveland, Matthew J. Garver, Haley E. Grisham, Elizabeth M. Knight

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Background: Participation in regular moderate or vigorous physical activity (MVPA) results in numerous health benefits. Task enjoyment is a known antecedent and promoter of regular activity engagement. Participation in interactive video gaming has increased in recent years. Purpose: The aims of the present investigation were to: 1) determine heart rate (HR) and step count outcomes of time-clamped and RPE-matched interactive video game dancing (VGD) and treadmill activity; 2) characterize the suitability of VGD to achieve MVPA designation; and, 3) investigate step count outcomes recorded by pedometry and accelerometry. Methods: Subjects underwent three testing sessions with the latter …

A Comparison Of Cardiovascular Adaptations Between High And Low Altitudes, Arthur J. Babcock, Jim Newberry

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

As you ascend to a higher elevation, atmospheric pressure decreases. This is, followed by a decrease in the supply of oxygen. If someone has not acclimated at altitude, then they can suffer some symptoms of acute mountain sickness, HAPE (High Altitude Pulmonary Edema), and HACE (High Altitude Cerebral Edema). Acclimating at altitude is important for the body to physiologically adapt to the surrounding environment and to help with an increase in oxygen saturation, a lower heart rate, and lower blood pressure. The purpose of this study was to determine if living at high or low altitude would affect oxygen saturation. …

The Effects Of Metabolic Syndrome On The Increased Prevalence Of Cognitive Decline In Minority Groups., Omokeji T. Adeniji, Juan Navarro, Upender Cheeti, Matthew Barlow

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Alzheimer’s disease is one of the leading causes of dementia, affecting over five million people in the United States. It is clinically diagnosed by the presence of amyloid plaques and hyperphosphoryated tau. Alzheimer’s disease patients present with memory and cognitive decline. The cumulative effects of an increasing elderly population and the elevation in the number of persons with diseases such as hypertension, diabetes and obesity, which are risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease elevated the interest in understanding the interrelatedness between factors of metabolic syndrome and Alzheimer’s disease. The disparity between the incidences of Alzheimer’s disease among racial groups in the …

Rider Energy Expenditure During High Intensity Horse Activity And The Potential For Health Benefits, Colleen L. Oreilly, Dennis H. Sigler, James D. Fluckey, Martha M. Vogelsang, Jason E. Sawyer

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Obesity and disease associated with sedentary lifestyles have become major concerns in the United States. Exercise has been described as a crucial part of disease prevention and overall health, with activities such as biking or running cited as examples. Horseback riding is a popular activity; however, little information on the exercise value of horseback riding exists. The objective of this experiment was to define the energy expenditure of participants in several common riding events. All procedures were approved by the Texas A&M Institutional Review Board and Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee; subjects gave written consent prior to participation. Twenty …

Nutritional, Bone, And Physical Fitness States Of Jockeys In Chronic Repetition Of Short-Term Weight Loss, Soeun Jeon, Kyungho Cho, Gina Ok, Hyon Park

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Professional jockeys are required to fit their weight, mainly weight loss, for two game days every weekend during racing season which usually lasts 10 months a year in Korea. The repetitive routine weight loss protocol is performed for 4 to 5 days a week include two game days. This situation would have brought some negative effects on the professional jockeys' overall health and physical condition with the relation of their performance. The purpose of the present study was: 1) to examine the weight loss habits of pro-jockeys, and 2) effects of chronic short-term weight loss on nutritional status, bone health, …

Walk This Way: The Effects Of Wearing A Knee Brace On Gait, Lauren R. Arnold, Casi Helbig, Jim Newberry, Tim Kent

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Gait is defined as the way a person walks; the manner of his or her steps taken. Walking is a simple concept that can be taken for granted until it is lost. When a movement in the gait cycle is limited due to injury, changes in biomechanical and neurological factors occur. The purpose of this study was to measure and evaluate gait patterns of subjects walking with and without a Breg T Scope Premier Post-Op Knee Brace. Twenty-two Texas Lutheran University students were tested using the Dartfish Software program in the Kieffer Laboratory. Seven females and fifteen males, ranging in …

Psychological Responses Prior To A Strenuous Task Involving An Injured Joint, Ashley K. Balles, Stacey A. Gaines, Ryan Fiddler, Christopher M. Hearon

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Injuries are an inherent risk of sport participation. Roughly 68% of athletes experience an athletic injury during their college career, with over half being injuries to the lower extremity (Hootman, Dick & Agel, 2007). While much attention has been given to the physical effects of an injury, the psychological ramifications can also affect an athlete’s recovery from injury. According to Quinn & Fallon (2008), an athlete can physically recover from an injury however they may not attain a complete psychological recovery. An athlete’s performance can be affected negatively if they return to sport participation without recovering psychologically from their injury, …

Analysis Of Cognitive Deficits Of Concussion Patients: Dual Task, Motor Cognition, And Memory, Jorge A. Quezada Jr, Matthew A. Barlow, Michael F. Shaughnessy, Robyn Rausch

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

The severity of a concussion is determined by the magnitude of the force of impact and the symptoms expressed post-injury. The most current and widely used test to identify a concussion in college athletics is called the Immediate Post Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing (ImPACT). It is a computerized neurocognitive test battery that measures different cognitive abilities and compares baseline with post-injury results. In the current study we formulated a series of physical and psychological cognition tests that measure similar cognitive abilities as the ImPACT. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate that physical tests paired with neurocognitive tests …

Analyzing Performance Of Skilled And Unskilled Jump Ropers During A Two-Footed Jumping Task, Briana N. Felix, Scott P. Mclean, Jimmy Smith

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

The purpose of this study was to determine if reduced tibial acceleration characterized skilled rope-skipping performance for a two-footed jumping task and to examine if the style of rope used had an effect on performance. Following a 3-minute treadmill warm-up, fifteen volunteers from Southwestern University (8 women and 7 men; 20.6 ± 0.91 years; 168.5 ± 8.9 cm, 68.3 ± 9.9 kg) completed three one-minute trials of two-footed jump roping. Each trial was performed with one of three different jump ropes of varying material and mass (0.10 kg plastic rope, 0.14 kg cable rope, 0.17kg beaded rope). The ropes selected …

Adrenergic Control Of The Cutaneous Circulation During Cryotherapy, Kevin M. Christmas

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Cryotherapy application is a widely clinically used therapeutic technique using ice or cold water applied to the skin surface to reduce local blood flow. While beneficial, cryotherapy treatment does have the potential to induce some detrimental physiological side effects. For example, cryotherapy treatment induces pronounced tissue ischemia that is sustained for hours even during a post-treatment rewarming period. PURPOSE: To investigate the role of adrenergic receptor activation on cutaneous blood flow during 30 min of cryotherapy as well as during the subsequent 1 hr of passive rewarming. We hypothesized that adrenergic-mediated vasoconstriction is involved in pronounced and sustained cutaneous vasoconstriction …

Resting And Post-Exercise Blood Pressure Response To Repeated Bouts Of Aquatic Treadmill Exercise, Dustin P. Joubert, Jorge Z. Granados, Stephen F. Crouse

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Aerobic exercise is known to reduce resting blood pressure as well as induce and acute post-exercise hypotensive response. Purpose: Determine the effect of repeated bouts of aquatic treadmill exercise on consecutive days in physically untrained, pre-hypertensive men. Methods: Nine male subjects (SBP: 132 ± 8 mmHg; DBP: 79 ± 8 mmHG; 33 ± 8 years; 183 ± 7 cm; 103 ± 31 kg; 32 ± 10% Fat; 36 ± 7 ml·kg^-1·min^-1) participated in the study. All subjects completed an acute aquatic treadmill exercise session (60% VO₂max; 300 kcal) on two consecutive days. Prior …

The Impact Of Simulated Altitude On Selected Elements Of Running Performance, Taylor G. Flowers, Matthew J. Garver, Cory M. Scheadler, Sarah J. Taylor, Logan M. Smith, Chase M. Harbach, Heather X. Johnson

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Background: Simulating altitude at sea level is increasingly more popular among recreationally-trained athletes across the sports spectrum. The AltO2Lab is a commercially-available, handheld, rebreathing apparatus purported to simulate altitude. Currently, there is an overall dearth of evidence regarding the efficacy of the device. Purpose: The goal of this study was to add evidence supporting or challenging the effectiveness of the device to improve selected running performance-related variables and to investigate the time-course of changes should benefits be evidenced. Methods: The 37-day protocol included familiarization, baseline, and 2 follow-up visits during which time hematological (hematocrit and lactate), physiological …

Elevated Psa Is Associated With Decreased Physical Function In Men With Prostate Cancer, Clayton S. Robinson, Darpan I. Patel

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Studies have reported an association between cortisol and fatigue in multiple clinical populations, including prostate cancer (PCa). Treatment options for men with PCa, such as androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), come with a wide variety of adverse effects, including cancer-related fatigue, which greatly impacts quality of life (QoL). PURPOSE: Conduct a preliminary analysis on the association between cortisol, fatigue and QoL in men with PCa. METHODS: This study is part of an ongoing study to determine the impact of PCa and PCa treatment on fatigue and QoL approved by the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio …

Do Elliptical Trainers Accurately Estimate Energy Expenditure?, Kevin Vallecillos, Edith Torres, Alberto Garcia, Kelsey Mclaughlin, Bethany Noack, Jorge Granados

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Life Fitness and Precor elliptical exercise trainers are very popular in fitness centers because of the reduced impact on joints as compared to running on a treadmill. Modern elliptical trainers measure heart rate, distance traveled, and provide an estimated amount of calories expended during the exercise bout. Each piece of equipment uses an internal algorithm to estimate energy expenditure based upon resistance and pedal rate. The purpose of this study was to determine if the PRECOR model EFX 556i and Life Fitness model 95X elliptical trainers accurately estimated energy expenditure. Three men and three women performed exercise sessions on each …

Influence Of Tetrahydrobiopterin Supplementation On Rate Pressure Product, Upender Cheeti, Matthew Barlow Dr, David Proctor Dr

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Augmentation of tetrahydrobiopterin (BH₄) could potentially improve eNOS uncoupling by increasing Nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability to improve endothelial health in cardiovascular diseases. With age, the bioactivity of eNOS decreases resulting in a decrease in concentration and bioavailability of NO. Elevated levels of eNOS cofactor BH₄ helps in synthesizing NO, whereas limited concentrations of BH₄ production potentiallyleads to uncoupling of eNOS and the production of superoxides. A study conducted by Pierce et al., 2012 on young and old men showed that limited BH₄ bioavailability contributed to impaired arterial compliance, elasticity and other hemodynamics of vascular tissue. …

The Effects Of Shoe Design On Lower Limb Running Kinematics, Carol A. Bentley, Alexandra K. Dillon, Jimmy Smith, Scott Mclean

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

The preference of running as a form of exercise exposes more recreational athletes to the risk of injury. Stress fractures occur for 0.7-20% of all running injuries (Wilder & Sethi, 2004) and 24-50% of stress fractures occur in the tibia (Aweid, Aweid, Talibi, & Porter, 2013). Stress fractures have been associated with high vertical impact peaks while running (Willy & Davis, 2013) so methods such as barefoot running and minimalist shoes aim to reduce these impact peaks by enforcing a more forefoot running pattern. Shoes with a lower drop height have been shown to induce a more forefoot running pattern …

The Effect Of Multiple Sclerosis On Carotid Baroreflex Control Of Heart Rate And Blood Pressure, Dustin R. Allen, Mu Huang, David M. Keller, Scott L. Davis

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is marked by conduction abnormalities within the central nervous system that can lead to impaired blood pressure regulation. However, the impact of this disease on dynamic neural control—responsiveness and timing (i.e., latency)—of blood pressure has not been examined. Utilizing a variable neck chamber system, we tested the hypothesis that patients with MS (MS: n=4) exhibit an altered response following baroreflex perturbation compared to sex and age matched healthy controls (CON: n=4). At rest, 5-sec pulses of neck suction (NS; -60 Torr) and neck pressure (NP; +40 Torr) were applied to simulate carotid hypertension and hypotension, respectively. Mean …

Concurrent Validity Of The Sahara Portable Bone Sonometer, Anthony Joseph Anzalone, Phil Esposito

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Osteoporosis is a contemporary health issue in today’s society. Bone mineral density tests have the ability to detect low bone density before a fracture occurs. Presently, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) is a common method used to measure bone mineral density. In recent years, quantitative ultrasonography (ultrasound) has been used as a screening device at health fairs and other venues to estimate bone mineral density. The use of ultrasound offers several advantages: it exposes individuals to no radiation, it is inexpensive, and requires less tester skill and oversight than DXA.

PURPOSE: To assess the accuracy of calcaneal ultrasound as a …

The Effects Of Cup Stacking And Video Game Play On The Performance Of A Manual Dexterity Task, Jordan E. Banks, Scott P. Mclean, Jimmy Smith

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

ABSTRACT

Dexterity and hand-eye coordination are important in daily life, and various methods of improving these skills have been developed. Most of the methods have been technological, brain training games that aren’t physically strenuous and make the participant feel as though they are just playing a game. Cup stacking and video gaming have been used throughout the United States in schools for improving motor skills and hand-eye coordination because they offer various simulations of scenarios requiring motor, visual and cognitive coordination. Purpose: To determine the effects of different types of gaming on dexterity in college aged participants. Methods: The participants …

The Effects Of Skill Level On Distance And Heart Rate In Collegiate Tennis Players, Sanio Dizdarevic, Erika Deike

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

The purpose of this experiment was to evaluate if skill level affects distance traveled and heart rate in tennis players in a collegiate match. Previous studies using professional tennis players have shown an increased distance for higher skill level players. Therefore, it was hypothesized that the higher level group would travel further in a match and have higher heart rates than the lower level group. Men (N=6) and women (N=6) from the TLU tennis team were observed for this experiment. Subjects were placed into either a higher level group (Group A) or a lower level group (Group B), based on …

The Need For Reporting Metabolic Sampling Interval In Publication: An Example Using Maximal Vo2 Values And Running Economy, Chase M. Harbach, Matthew J. Garver, Cory M. Scheadler, Sarah J. Taylor, Logan M. Smith, Taylor G. Flowers, Heather X. Johnston

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Background: Knowledge of metabolic outcomes, such as maximal oxygen consumption (VO₂) or running economy, has wide-ranging application. Metabolic outcomes are widely reported in literature yet the metabolic sampling interval (example: breath-by-breath, 30-sec average) utilized for collection is rarely ever stated. Purpose: The purposes of the present investigation were to probe the potential discrepancies created when analyzing running economy and VO_2max raw metabolic data with four different metabolic sampling intervals. Methods: Five recreationally-active and endurance-trained subjects were included in the present analysis and four metabolic sampling intervals were analyzed: 30-sec average, 20-sec average, 8-breath, and …

Effects Of Acute Exercise On Executive Functions Of Cognition, Katlyn Debord, Erika Deike

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of an acute bout of aerobic exercise on executive functions of cognition, using the Interactive Stroop Effect Test. Men (N=) and women (N=), with a mean age of 22.33±, completed both a congruent and incongruent series on the Interactive Stroop Test before and after exercise. All participants were recreationally trained, exercising on an average of 1.24 hours a day and 4.5 days a week. The exercise bout consisted of running on a treadmill for 20 minutes at a moderate intensity, which was determined by using the Rate of Perceived Exertion …