Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

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 …

Kinematic Characteristics Of Novices’ Sprint Techniques At Maximum Velocity Phase, Saburo Nishimura, Yoshinori Kinomura

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology Volume 5: Issue 1, Article 2, 2024. Sprint performance is a crucial aspect of achieving high performance across a range of sports. However, previous studies analyzing the sprint technique of novices have yielded disparate findings regarding effective sprint techniques. For instance, Saito and Ito (1995) found no significant difference in the maximum thigh angle of the free leg between boys aged 7 to 12 and sprinters. Conversely, Katoh et al. (2001) reported that elementary school sprinters indicated a larger maximum thigh angle of the free leg than novice elementary children. Inconsistency like this makes …

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

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology

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

Adding Context To Monitoring Neuromuscular Status In High-Performance Sport, Trevor Short, Trevor Sackmann, Paulette Yamada

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology Volume 4: Issue 1, Article 19, 2023. Utilizing performance tests alone without the contextualization of other information may mislead practitioners in the decision-making process. Thus, the purpose of this Topic Brief is to provide practitioners a decision tree and systematic triangulation approach for adding context to assessing neuromuscular status, which provides a clear picture of how to prepare an athlete for competition.

Monitoring Readiness Using The Hooper Index In American Football Players: Defining Flagging Thresholds, Trevor Short, Kody Cooke, Paulette Yamada

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology Volume 4: Issue 1, Article 18, 2023. The purpose of this article is to illustrate how the Hooper Index, which to our knowledge has not been utilized in American Football, can notify the practitioner when to modify training or apply recovery interventions throughout the season.

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 …

Influence Of The Step Number Of The Approach Run On The Jumping Kinematics In Volleyball Spike Jumps, Saburo Nishimura, Yoshinori Kinomura, Yuji Oshima, Haruhi Kataoka, Shuhei Iida, Shohei Yokozawa

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology Volume 4: Issue 1, Article 15, 2023. In volleyball, the approach run serves as a strategy to execute a spike from an elevated striking position. Nevertheless, the influence of the step number of the approach run on the jumping kinematics in spike jumps is unclear. Therefore, this investigation aims to clarify the impact of varying step numbers within the approach run on jumping kinematics. Seven female volleyball athletes were tasked with executing spike jumps, employing 2 and 3-step approach runs. These trials were recorded using high-speed cameras and digitized, and then the kinematics of …

Ischemic Preconditioning On Swimming Performance: An Exploration Into Practical Application, Samantha Erickson, Zachary Pandorf, Shane D. Scholten

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology Volume 4: Issue 1, Article 14, 2023. Ischemic preconditioning (IPC), in exercise science, is the practice of repeatedly creating an ischemic event within a limb before exercise in an effort to improve athletic ability. The athletic aid, currently under review for its applicability to aerobic sports, has garnered conflicting results in the last decade of study. This research investigated the effects of IPC over distances of 250 and 500 yards while imposing commonly suggested methodologies. Sixteen college-aged swimmers, either recreational or competitive, were given IPC treatment with individualized limb occlusion pressure (ILOP) accompanied by …

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 …

Effects Of A Mobile Fueling Station On Performance In Division Iii Soccer Players, Victoria F. Maybruck, Emily Wargo, Alexander Krupka, Carrie E. Ellis

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology Volume 4: Issue 1, Article 11, 2023. This study aimed to determine if there was an ergogenic effect of utilizing a mobile fueling station in Division III soccer teams. Mobile fueling stations have been shown to be a feasible and sustainable option to support nutrition periodization in college-aged athletes. To date, no studies have analyzed the effect of these stations on athletic performance. We analyzed the effects of this fueling strategy on sprint speed, sprint count, and athlete acceptance during soccer practices and competitions. Athletes from the DeSales University Men’s and Women’s soccer teams …

Strength Training: An Inquiry Of Females Perceptions, Laura A. Richardson, Victoria R. Kanel, Alexandria L. Rellinger, Susan E. Ramlo, Carrie L. Fister

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology Volume 4: Issue 1, Article 10, 2023. While traditionally considered a male-dominated activity, women have increasingly embraced strength training. Although strength training has numerous physical and mental benefits to women, their subjective decision-making about using strength training have not been investigated thoroughly, especially using a unique methodology, Q, that is designed specifically to study subjectivity such as viewpoints and decision-making. There is limited research focused on females’ viewpoints about strength training. Capturing feelings and perceptions females have towards resistance training in an objective manner requires a specialized, mixed method called Q methodology [Q] that …

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 …

Collegiate And University Athletic Trainers’ Use Of Squat Based Gradable Movement Screens, Ryan Hipp, Thomas Cappaert, Paula Turocy, Thomas Palmer

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology Volume 4: Issue 1, Article 8, 2023. Squat Based Gradable Movement Screens (SBGMS) are orthopedic assessments used to detect and develop rehabilitation plans for patients with poor movement patterns. Reported to limit the effects of injury related factors, SBGMS have become common techniques identified among several professional domains of Athletic Training practice; however, there is limited descriptive data regarding the implementation and extent SBGMS are used by practicing Athletic Trainers (ATs) within the collegiate or university settings. The purpose was to explore the utility of SBGMS among ATs and to investigate the characteristics of …

Comparison Of Vascular Dopplers In Measuring Limb Occlusion Pressure For Blood Flow Restriction Therapy, Kiara Barrett, Logan Page, Marcin Szczyglowski, Tyler Martin, J. Grant Mouser

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology Volume 4: Issue 1, Article 7, 2023. The use of blood flow restriction is becoming more common and requires the use of individualized pressures in order to remain a safe and effective rehabilitation modality. Measuring limb occlusion pressure (LOP) allows the practitioner to set the restriction pressure so that full occlusion does not occur. Objective: Compare a research-grade clinical vascular doppler and a consumer-grade vascular doppler in the measurement of LOP. Design: A randomized crossover design measuring LOP in the upper and lower body. Methods: 20 participants (men=10) visited the laboratory on one occasion. …

Acute Effects Of Post-Activation Potentiation On Increasing Bat Velocity In Competitive Baseball Players: A Case Series, Phillipp Yu, John Macdonald, Katrina Myers

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Purpose/Hypothesis: Hitting a baseball is widely considered as one of the most difficult motor tasks in sports. It requires quick decision-making and coordinated activation of key muscles to produce a precise and rapid swing. Higher bat velocity has been shown to be associated with offensive performance of baseball players, as greater bat velocities permit more time to be spent analyzing a pitch and can lead to greater outcomes when a ball is hit in play. Baseball players and coaches have traditionally sought on-deck routines to temporarily enhance bat velocity before an at-bat, primarily swinging a weight bat. However, this method …

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 …

The Effects Of Acute Rauwolscine (Α-Yohimbine) Ingestion On Repeated Wingate Sprint Performance In Healthy Males, Megan E. Barnes, Tyler Williams, Camryn R. Cowan, Brenden A. Torres, W. Tanner Clark, Rebecca R. Rogers, Luke R. Harms, Christopher G. Ballmann

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology Volume 4: Issue 1, Article 1, 2023. Background: Rauwolscine (RW), also known as α-Yohimbine, is an α-2-adrenergic receptor antagonist which possesses sympathomimetic properties. RW is commercially sold in pre-workout and energy supplements. However, the ergogenic potential of RW has not been determined. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of acute RW supplementation on repeated sprint performance. Methods: Healthy male participants (n=12) completed 3 × 15-second Wingate anaerobic tests (WAnT) separated by 2 minutes of active recovery. Blood lactate (La) was collected before exercise (Pre) and immediately following exercise …

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 …

Adolescent Athlete Perceptions Of Gender Differences In Coaching, Ivannia Cabrera

Undergraduate Research Symposium Lightning Talks

How is the preference for coaching intertwined with sports? Do athletes differ in their perceptions of having a male or female coach? Is there an obvious preference between the genders? What kind of behaviors are associated with each gender?

The Effect Of Varied Recumbent Stepping Conditions On Lower Extremity Muscle Activity, Michael Hoff, Michelle M. Smith, Katie M. Grismer, Lainey M. Studebaker, Caleb A. Colon, Allison Kinney, Kimberly Edginton Bigelow, Kurt Jackson

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology Volume 3: Issue 1, Article 9, 2022. The purpose of this study was to measure lower extremity muscle activity during recumbent stepping under varied conditions. We hypothesized that different stepping conditions would lead to significant changes in muscle activity. Fifteen healthy adults (4 men, 11 women; mean age 24.5 ± 7.7 yrs) provided informed consent to participate. During a single session, electromyography (EMG) was used to measure muscle activity of the tibialis anterior (TA), medial gastroc (MG), rectus femoris (RF), and biceps femoris (BF) muscles as a percent of maximal voluntary contraction (%MVC) during …

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 Effect Of Exercise Modality On Age-Related Changes Observed During Running, Brianne Borgia, Janet S. Dufek, Kara N. Radzak, Julia Freedman Silvernail

Kinesiology and Nutrition Sciences Faculty Publications

Introduction: With the increase in participation by older adults in endurance events, research is needed to evaluate how exercising throughout the lifespan can afect the aging process regarding gait and mobility. The purpose of this study was to determine how the type of exercise modality one participates in will affect age-related declines observed during running.

Methods: Fifty-six individuals between the ages of 18–65 who considered running, resistance training or cycling/ swimming as their primary form of activity participated in this study. Kinematics were captured using a 10-camera motion capture system while participants ran at a controlled pace of 3.5 m/s …

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 …

Body Composition Of Utah Highway Patrol Officers: No Difference Between Air Displacement Plethysmography And Alternative Tools For Measurement And Prediction., Peter Macgregor, Justin R. Brown, Jacqueline Spoon, L Nathan Thomas

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology Volume 3: Issue 1, Article 6, 2022. Different techniques exist for examining body composition. The purpose of this study was to examine differences in body fat percentage as measured by air displacement plethysmography (ADP), body adiposity index (BAI), bioelectrical impedance (BIA), a body mass index conversion equation (BMI_D), and skinfolds (SKF). Twenty-one male Utah Highway Patrol Officers participated in this study (age 35.19 ± 10.32 years, 1.79 ± 0.09 m tall, 92.20 ± 14.56 kg in weight, and 105.52 ± 10.01 cm hip circumference). All measurements were taken during a single visit …

Sources Of Information That Introduced Exercise Science Students To Their Major, Erin Vanderbunt, Doug Brtek

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology Volume 3: Issue 1, Article 3, 2022. This study examined the most influential sources of information that first introduced exercise science undergraduate students to their current major and sought to determine if any differences existed between demographic variables. An electronic questionnaire ranking the level of influence of 27 potential sources of information was completed by 131 exercise science students at a regional, midwestern university. Personal experience with the major, health care professionals in the major, and friend or family member in the major were among the highest non-college related sources, while college introductory courses …

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. …