Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Evaluation Of Echogenicity Within And Between Ultrasonographic Images Of The Vastus Lateralis, Alyssa Varanoske

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the echo intensity (EI) values of different ultrasound (US) images of the vastus lateralis (VL) using panoramic imaging in the transverse plane (PTI) and still imaging in the longitudinal plane (SLI). Secondary purposes of this study were to examine VL homogeneity and to determine relationships between subcutaneous adipose tissue thickness (SubQ) adjacent to the muscle and EI. METHODS: Twenty-four recreationally trained collegiate males (20.2 ± 1.6 years; height: 178.1 ± 6.6 cm; weight: 82.2 ± 13.4 kg) participated in this investigation. EI, cross-sectional area (CSA), muscle thickness (MT), and SubQ of …

Changes In Neuromuscular Performance Throughout The Menstrual Cycle In Physically Active Females, Joseph D. Albert

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Context: In the United States, an excess of $1 billion is spent annually on anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) repair surgeries/rehabilitation programs in varsity female sports. Research has indicated that female athletes may be 2 to 10 times more likely to sustain an ACL tear than their male counterparts. Objective: The purpose of this study was to analyze the neuromuscular changes in females during different phases of the menstrual cycle. Design: Observational Cohort Setting: Laboratory Participants: Fifty (50) physically active college aged females (25 on oral contraception) were recruited to participate in three separate visits throughout one menstrual cycle. The groups …

Student-Athlete: A Study Of Student-Athlete Workload Compared With Traditional Student Workload, Chuck Provencio

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to collect and analyze data on the workload of students and student-athletes to determine if there is a significant difference in the workloads of student-athletes compared with non-athletes, including undergraduate and graduate students. It was hypothesized that student-athletes would spend more time in athletic activities, but would sacrifice time in other areas. Method: This analysis of variance study collected data from 22 students at South Dakota State University using the Student Activity Log and categorized those students using a combination of three of six labels (student-athlete or non-athlete, undergraduate or graduate, and working …

Longitudinal Examination Of Perceived Stress And Depression Symptomology In Division I Student-Athletes, Bobby Daigle

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

CONTEXT: Concussions are all too prevalent in amongst athletes. Concussions make up almost 5 percent of all collegiate athletic injuries. Concussions have been linked with many long lasting effects including depression and increased stress or anxiety.

OBJECTIVE: To longitudinally examine post-concussion depression and stress levels in National Collegiate Athletic Association Division 1 athletes.

DESIGN: Descriptive longitudinal study.

SETTING: National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I collegiate athletics.

PARTICIPANTS: Concussed and uninjured Division I collegiate athletes, ages 18-22, competing in football, women’s soccer, baseball, softball, and women’s track.

INTERVENTION(S): Participants completed the CES-D at baseline, 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months …

Effects Of A 10-Week Introductory Judo Course On Postural Control During Reactionary Bilateral Gripping Task With Varied Stances And Lower Body Power Performance, Tyler Muddle

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

PURPOSE: The purpose of the present study is twofold: 1.) Examine the effects of 10-weeks of an introductory judo course on postural control during maximal bilateral isometric handgrip testing using different stance conditions and lower body power performance, and 2.) To analyze the relationship between maximal bilateral handgrip exertions on postural control during varied stance conditions. METHODS: Twenty recreationally active men and women divided into two an experimental group, (JDO) (n = 10; 21.70 ± 3.83 y; 169.91 ± 6.01 cm; 73.89 ± 12.10 kg; 19.01 ± 8.06% BF), and a control group, (CON) (n = 10; 21.50 ± 2.84 …

The Correlation Between Strength Levels Measured Through Dynamic Strength Exercises And The Incidence And Severity Of Injury Among Collegiate Athletes, Alex Jardine

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Injury to athletes in sport occurs as a result of extrinsic and intrinsic risk factors. Mounting evidence points toward decreased strength as a predictor of injury in athletes. By comparing strength levels in functional movement patterns to injury, the strength and conditioning professional will be able to design effective training programs to reduce the incidence of injury in sport better. The purpose of this study was to determine the correlation between strength measured through dynamic strength exercises (power clean, the squat, and the bench press) among collegiate athletes and the incidence and severity of injury. We hypothesized that greater incidence …

Current Concussion Education Practices In Ncaa Member Institutions: A Descriptive Study, Samuel E. Johnson Ii

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Purpose: To investigate concussion education implementation methods in NCAA member institutions.

Methods: Of the 1,078 athletic trainers across all NCAA Divisions that were contacted, 355 were included in this study. Participants were asked to complete the Current Concussion Education Practices Questionnaire (CCEPQ). The CCEPQ consisted of four sections: demographics, concussion education questionnaire, perceived effectiveness of concussion education, and limitations/barrier to providing concussion education. Outcome frequencies were used to report survey results. Respondent division-level categorical differences across survey items were assessed with a 2X3 chi-square test of independence.

Results: Providing concussion education occurs in 98.9% of NCAA member institutions. Educating student …

Relationship Between Stress-Recovery State And Running Performance In Men's Collegiate Soccer, Nicholas A. Coker

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between changes in running performance and the stress-recovery state in Division I collegiate soccer players. Methods: Running performance was evaluated in eight NCAA Division I male soccer players (179.39 ± 5.24 cm; 75.46 ± 5.98 kg; 20.37 ± 1.41 yrs.) over the course of 12 games during a single competitive season. The 12 games were divided into four blocks [B1(n=3), B2(n=3), B3(n=3), and B4(n=3)]. Running performance and game load were assessed using a wearable physiological harness and Global Positioning System (GPS) module. Game load, absolute distance, and distance covered …

Effects Of Ischemic Preconditioning On Exercise Economy, Gungeet Kaur

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Ischemic preconditioning (IPC) is the application of small bouts of ischemia followed by reperfusion. IPC has shown to enhance exercise performance in varied sports like 5K running, cycling and swimming. However, effect of ischemic preconditioning on running economy have not be investigated so far. We proposed that bilateral ischemic preconditioning will improve running economy in young healthy people. Methods: The study was a randomized single- blinded crossover study. Nineteen men and women were included in the study. Each participant underwent a sham and IPC trial using high pressure cuff (EC20 rapid cuff inflator, DE Hokanson, Inc.) followed by running economy …

Differences In Running Mechanics Between Overweight/Obese And Healthy Weight Children, Kristen Roles

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Background/Purpose: Physical activity is commonly prescribed to reduce childhood obesity. However, due to differences in mechanics during low-impact activities, such as walking, obese children may be more prone to negative physical complications during high-impact activities, such as running. Therefore, this study analyzed the mechanical differences in running mechanics between healthy weight (HW) and overweight/obese (OV/OB) children. We hypothesized that when compared to HW children, OV/OB children would display higher vertical loading, greater joint moments and greater joint angular impulses during running. We also expect decreased sagittal plane range of motion and increased frontal plane range of motion of the hip, …

The Effect Of Half Time Sports Drink Ingestion On Subsequent Half Performance In U16 Female Soccer Players During Consecutive Matches, Nadima Skeff Ms, Brandonn Harris, Amy Jo Riggs, Adam Wells, John Dobson, Nicholas Coker

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of halftime sports drink ingestion on second half performance in U16 female soccer players using GPS technology. While 12 players initially took part in the study, only six players were included in the analysis (age, 15.97±0.45 years; height, 159.62±5.35cm; body mass, 54.87±4.25; body mass index, 21.58±2.10 kg·m^-2). In a double-blinded study design, twelve U16 female soccer players were randomly assigned to two groups (carbohydrate- sports drink or placebo). During half time of each game, players were provided with 500 ml of a drink and consumed the same liquid …

Physical Activity Levels And Health Of Passamaquoddy Tribe At Indian Township, Michael R. Best

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study focuses on reporting the occupational, household, transportation and leisure time physical activity of the Passamaquoddy Tribe at Indian Township. This study also focuses on health measures and the presence of chronic disease and how they are affected by physical activity, risk factors, and other health related measures.

An interview-administered questionnaire, developed by the CDC, was given to participants age 25-44 years old, with one small change. The original Intertribal Heart Project (ITHP) questionnaire used a shortened version of the WHO’s Monica Optional Study of Physical Activity (MOSPA), in order to reduce the time it takes to administer the …

The Impact Of Training Loads On In-Match Soccer Performance Variables: A Position-Based Case Report, Garett Bingham

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

It is critical to maintain multiple fitness characteristics during the soccer season through the use of training, but also to ensure that the training loads do not hinder subsequent match performance. The purpose of this thesis is to investigate the impact of the training load on key physical performance variables in the subsequent match. Five Division I female soccer players were analyzed across six weeks of training and matches. Training loads in the forms of odometer, high intensity odometer, estimated odometer and sRPE were accumulated at time points from one to five days prior to a match. The accumulated training …

The Effect Of Protandim Supplementation On Oxidative Damage And Athletic Performance., Seteena Leigh Ueberschlag

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

A double-blind placebo-controlled trial determined the long term effects of Protandim® supplementation on 5-km running performance, as well as on acute and long-term oxidative damage assessed by serum lipid peroxides (Thiobarbituric acid-reacting substances: TBARS). Thirty-eight subjects were placed into one of two groups: an experimental (675 mg/day Protandim®) or control group (675 mg/day corn starch). 5-km runs were performed at baseline and 88 (SD 4) days post-supplementation with samples taken immediately pre- and 10-min post 5-km run, as well as at rest ∼30 and ∼60 days during the supplementation period. There was ~25% week-to-week coefficient of variation of TBARS at …

An Investigation Of The Relationship Between A Static Jump Protocol And Squat Strength: A Potential Protocol For Collegiate Strength And Explosive Athlete Monitoring, Cody Haun

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between estimated absolute and relative squat strength and a static jump protocol with potential to provide desirable training adaptation data to practitioners in the field of collegiate strength and conditioning. Forty-one young (20.80 ± 2.44 years), healthy volunteers reported estimated back squat 1RM’s based on the most recent training block and completed a static jump protocol. Males (n=19, est. 1RM 141.29 ± 32.02kg) and female (n=22, est. 1RM 71.56 ± 19.64kg) jump data revealed large to very large correlations between squat strength, mean jump heights of jumps and other calculated …

Relationship Between Concentric Velocity At Varying Intensity In The Back Squat Using Wireless Inertia Sensor, Kevin M. Carroll

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between the Minimal Velocity Threshold (MVT) of 1RM and repetitions until failure testing conditions using the back squat exercise. Fourteen injury-free males with experience in the back squat volunteered to perform a 1RM and a submaximal (70% 1RM) repetitions until failure test, each during different testing sessions. Mean Concentric Velocity (MCV) was collected using a wireless inertia-measuring device. The last successful repetition in either condition was considered the MVT. A very small relationship between 1RM and repetitions until failure MVT was found (r=-0.135). There were no significant differences …

The Acute Effects Of Ballistic And Non-Ballistic Concentric-Only Half-Squats On Squat Jump Performance, Timothy J. Suchomel

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purposes of this dissertation were to examine bilateral asymmetry as a factor of postactivation potentiation, examine and compare the acute effects of ballistic and non-ballistic concentric-only half-squats on squat jump performance, and compare the potentiation and temporal profiles of strong and weak subjects following potentiation protocols that included ballistic and non-ballistic concentric-only half-squats. The following are major findings of the dissertation. Squat jump performance may be acutely enhanced following ballistic concentriconly half-squats; however the changes in performance do not appear to be related to bilateral symmetry. Ballistic concentric-only half-squats acutely improve various squat jump performance variables at various time …

Comparison Of External Kinetic And Kinematic Variables Between High Barbell Back Squats And Low Barbell Back Squats Across A Range Of Loads, Jacob Goodin

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study compared peak force, peak power, peak velocity, impulse, work, and vertical displacement between the high bar back squat (HBBS) and low bar back squat (LBBS). Six trained males performed each using 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, and 90% of their recent training 1 repetition maximum. Dual force plates recorded force-time curve characteristics of ground reaction forces and four potentiometers tracked vertical and horizontal barbell displacement. Repeated–measures analysis of variance revealed a significant main effect for load (p<0.01) across all variables, but no significant effects for condition or interaction. The HBBS generated higher peak force in loads 20%–80%, higher peak power in loads 20%–60% and 80%–90%, higher peak velocity at every load, and greater vertical displacement at every load. The LBBS generated a larger impulse at loads 30%-90% and the HBBS generated more work at loads 20%, 40%, and 60%–90%.

Stability Of Isometric Strength Asymmetry And Its Relationship To Sprint And Change-Of-Direction Performance Asymmetry In Division-I Collegiate Athletes, Benjamin H. Gleason

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this dissertation was to evaluate the stability of strength asymmetry over a long-term period (1 year) and investigate the relationship of strength asymmetry to field test performance asymmetry in NCAA division-1 athletes. Isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP) peak force asymmetry, ground contact time and finish time asymmetries on 10m sprint and 505 agility test performances were also observed. The impact of strength was also investigated in these studies to determine its effect on the magnitude of asymmetry.

In the second study, peak force asymmetry over a one-year period was observed to be a rather volatile quality, with ranges …

Analysis Of Countermovement Vertical Jump Force-Time Curve Phase Characteristics In Athletes, Christopher J. Sole

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purposes of this dissertation were to examine the phase characteristics of the countermovement jump force-time curve between athletes based on jumping ability, examine the influence of maximal muscular strength on the countermovement jump force-time curve phase characteristics of athletes, and to examine the behavior of the countermovement jump force-time curve phase characteristics over the course of a training process in athletes of varying strength levels. The following are the major findings of these dissertations. The analysis of athletes by jumping ability suggested that proficient jumpers are associated with greater relative phase magnitude and phase impulse throughout the phases contained …

The Relationships Of Physiological And Strength Variables To Run Performances, Jana Hollins

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Monitoring progress of athletes is an essential component of the training process. Collegiate distance running coaches often use field tests to assess progress because of a lack of time and resources to do laboratory testing. The purpose of this dissertation was to examine the relationships between physiological and strength variables measured in a laboratory and field testing measures in collegiate distance runners. Collegiate distance runners completed a series of tests in the Sport Science laboratory at East Tennessee State University to obtain physiological and strength parameters, such as V̇ O2max and vertical jump height. The athletes then completed one of …

The Relationship Between Core Stability Related Measures And Performance In Adolescent All-Star Cheerleaders, Rachel S. Leitz

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Purpose: To determine if a relationship exists between core stability related measures (CSRM) and total cheer performance (TCP); including tumbling, jumping, and stunting. Secondly, to determine if TCP can be predicted by these CSRM.

Methods: Fifty female competitive cheerleading bases aged 10-18 from various all-star cheer programs in the southeastern region of the United States were included. Participants filled out a current health status questionnaire prior to participation. The CSRM included the timed sit-up test, trunk extensor endurance test, trunk flexion to extension range of motion, dominant limb single leg stance test, and normalized to height dominant limb single leg …

Utilization Of B-Mode Ultrasound As A Body Fat Estimate In Collegiate Football Players, Parker Hyde

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of the present study was to validate a 7-site ultrasound imaging protocol to predict percent body fat (%BF) in a Division I football team. Body composition was estimated by ultrasound, seven site skinfolds (SKINFOLD), and the three compartment-water (3C-W) model of Siri (1961), using Bioimpedance spectroscopy (BIS) to estimate total body water (TBW) and air-displacement plethysmography (BODPOD^®) to determine body density (Db). Pearson’s product-moment correlation analyses were run to determine between Σ_Ultrasound and the criterion 3C-W, and between the Σ_Skinfold and Σ_Ultrasound. Strong positive correlations were observed between Σ_Skinfold and Σ …

Evaluation Of Linear And Nonlinear Postural Stability Measurements Following Concussion, Kelsey Evans

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Sport related concussions affect nearly 1.6 to 3.8 million athletes annually in the United States. A large number of these athletes suffer from postural instability following concussion. Postural control assessment has become a recommended tool to determine readiness to return to play. Measurement of postural control through the use of center of pressure (CoP) variables may provide a sensitive evaluation following concussion and throughout recovery. Purpose: To evaluate a unipedal and bipedal quiet stance protocol consisting of linear and nonlinear CoP measurements with varying durations in a concussed population throughout recovery. Methods: Thirteen NCAA Division I Collegiate Football players (age: …

The Effects Of Subconcussive Impacts On Postural Stability, Eric Shiflett

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Context: The effects of concussions on postural stability, both acutely and chronically, have been well studied and noted. However, whether subconcussive impacts lead to these same impairments is not heavily investigated. Objectives: The primary purpose of this study was to examine the effects of subconcussive impacts on postural stability in NCAA Division I football athletes. We hypothesized that all participants would show declines in postural stability following a single fall season. We also hypothesized that there would be no significant differences between groups from pre- to post-season measures. The secondary purpose was to predict deficits in postural stability based on …

The Effects Of Vertically-Oriented Resistance Training On Golf Swing Performance Variables, Austin R. Driggers

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of vertically-oriented resistance training on golf driving performance. Ten Division-I collegiate golfers completed 2 resistance training sessions per week for 10 weeks during the fall tournament season. Pre- and posttraining assessments of strength-power and golf performance were compared. To assess strength-power, jump height, peak force, and peak power (PP) were measured from static and countermovement (CMJ) vertical jumps; peak force and rate of force development from 0-250 ms were measured from an isometric mid-thigh pull. Golf performance was assessed in terms of ball launch speed (BS), spin rate, carry yardage …

Coach And Athlete Perceptions Of An Athlete Monitoring And Strength And Conditioning Program, Jacob P. Reed

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Purpose: The purpose of this investigation was to assess athlete perceptions of an athlete monitoring program throughout an academic year and coach perceptions throughout a competitive season. The secondary purpose was to develop a questionnaire designed to assess coach and athlete perceptions of the monitoring program. Methods: Athletes and coaches participating in the athlete monitoring program at East Tennessee State University’s (ETSU) Sport Performance Enhancement Consortium (SPEC) were invited to participate. Reliability for the coach and athlete questionnaires and principle components analysis (PCA) of the athlete questionnaire was completed after initial development of the questionnaire (11 questions for athletes and …

Lower Body Strength And Power Characteristics Influencing Change Of Direction And Straight-Line Sprinting Performance In Division I Soccer Players: An Exploratory Study, Chieh-Ying Chiang

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this dissertation was to investigate the influence of lower body strength characteristics on change of direction (COD) performance in NCAA Division I soccer athletes. Specifically, this dissertation served to examine: 1) whether the lower body strength and power were related to COD performance, 2) whether stronger athletes had superior COD performance than weaker athletes, 3) whether the force production asymmetry and strength dominant (SD) associated with COD performance, and 4) weather sex differences existed in kinetic variables during the stand phase of cutting.

The major findings of this dissertation include: 1) strength and power characteristics were moderately …

Physical And Performance Characteristics May Influence Successful Completion Of Military Tasks On The Sandhurst Competition, Keith A. Leiting

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Identification and development of physical characteristics that lead to efficient performance of military skills or tasks has been a consistently difficult task for the United States military for decades. The literature suggests certain physical characteristics may be more important, although this information is conflicting. Furthermore, the military physical fitness training program that is intended to prepare soldiers for combat is commonly evaluated with the Army Physical Fitness Test (PFT), a test that is more suited for evaluating health and wellness rather than task-specific fitness. All of this testing and training of soldiers focuses on the individual soldiers and their abilities …

Physical And Technical Demands Of Women’S Collegiate Soccer, Ryan Alexander

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this dissertation was to explore the physical and technical demands of the women’s college soccer game through a case study approach. With advancements in technology, motion analysis has become commonplace in most professional environments. However, the literature on amateur soccer is quite scarce and warrants more attention. The aims of this dissertation were: 1) to describe the physical demands of each position for a women’s college soccer player as they relate to total distance covered, efforts, and distance covered in high-speed velocity bands, 2) explore the variation in physical performance during a competitive season, and 3) compare …