Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Examining Physical Activity Behaviors And Psychometric Beliefs Of College Students Before And After The Covid-19 Shutdown, James White Iii

Graduate Theses

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to examine PA behaviors, social support and self-efficacy for PA, Rosenberg self-esteem, and perceptions of body weight before and after the COVID-19 shutdown (March 15, 2020) among the college demographic.

Participants: 311 college students from a four-year, comprehensive, southeastern university in the United States were included in the study from December 1, 2020 until March 5, 2021.

Methods: Surveys were conducted via Qualtrics, an online survey system, and consisted of approximately 40 items, including demographic information, PA behaviors, social support and exercise, self-esteem, self-efficacy to exercise, and perceptions of body weight and self-image. …

The Effect Of Learning Styles On Strength Training Perceptions And Satisfaction, Shayna Covington

Graduate Theses

Objectives: To examine learning styles and training perceptions in NCAA Division I student-athletes and determine if perceptions of training differ among learning styles.

Participants: The participants of this study consisted of 99 student-athletes from a NCAA Division I university in the southeastern United States during the 2019-2020 school year.

Methods: Data was collected using the online survey system Qualtrics. Learning styles were surveyed using the VARK Questionnaire- Student-athletes Version and training perceptions were collected utilizing the Training Information Survey.

Results: The majority of student-athletes studied identified as predominantly visual learners (n = 42). Overall, perceptions of training were positive (M …

Importance Of Social Support In Athletics As It Relates To Injury Recovery And Preparedness To Return To Play, Haleigh Gray

Graduate Theses

Background: Recent studies have evaluated the physical problems as well as the psychological complications that arise from sport injuries. However, little research has been done on techniques to address or mitigate these psychological issues. Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate how social support was perceived during the injury rehabilitation process and how it influenced return to play preparedness. Setting: National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I mid-major university. Participants: A total of 21 previously injured student-athletes participated in the study. Methods: Through this mixed method study, each student-athlete completed a validated social support survey that evaluated perceived …

Analysis Of Injuries And Costs Of Public Safety Occupations: A Systematic Review, Jade Witmer

Graduate Theses

Public safety occupations, such as firefighters and law enforcement, perform physically demanding tasks in unpredictable environments with additional external loads putting them at risk for sustaining a musculoskeletal injury while on duty. The goal of this systematic review was to address the incidence of musculoskeletal injuries and costs related to those in the public safety occupations of firefighting and law enforcement.

Post-Concussion Symptom Score As A Possible Predictor Of Protracted Recovery In High School Athletes, Kimberly Dawn Phillips

Graduate Theses

As concussion research shifts from diagnostic to managing return to play (RTF), many studies have sought to establish safe guidelines for recovery. Computer-based neuropsychological programs measure cognitive function performance typically affected by brain injury and include a self-report post-concussion symptoms scale. The use of the total score of a post-concussion symptoms scale as a possible predictor of protracted recovery in high school athletes following injury is still being researched. This study used stored data obtained from the Vanderbilt Sports Concussion Center involving concussed high school athletes with a post-concussion symptom score and subsequent documentation of recovery time. A one-way ANOVA …

Perceptions Of Ncaa Division I Baseball Pitchers On Treatment Modalities For Pitching Arm Health, Thomas Williams

Graduate Theses

Throwing athletes of all sports have similarities, even if the sport itself is very different. Throwing an object creates a great amount of stress on the body, particularly at the shoulder and the elbow. A baseball pitcher should train and compete in all three planes of movement-sagittal, frontal and transverse. Training for throwing athletes has two main goals: to increase throwing power and to reduce throwing injuries. Analyzing training habits of a throwing athlete includes an understanding of the modalities they perform in order to prevent potential injuries from occurring. Baseball pitchers are extremely susceptible to throwing injuries, and must …

Virtual And Authentic Tennis: Similarities And Differences Of Three Common Tennis Strokes, Kristy M. Noble

Graduate Theses

The purpose of this mixed-methods multi-phase study was to compare the similarities and differences of three common tennis strokes performed by National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I tennis players in an authentic and motion-based video game (MBVG) environment. Moreover, the perceived effectiveness of using MBVGs as a pedagogical tool was also examined. Statistical analyses revealed that the forehand, backhand, and serve were performed significantly different in the authentic and MBVG environments. However, the participants perceived that the MBVG forehand and serve were similar to the authentic environment. In addition, the participants perceived several positives and negatives of utilizing MBVGs when …

Factors That Effect Lower Extremity Muscle Strains In Collegiate Track And Field, Syrena Spanburgh-Hess

Graduate Theses

Both the number of recreational and competitive runners and the number of injuries have increased over the past decade. Track and field includes a variety of events, which differ in volume and intensity. The variability of the sport causes both chronic and acute injuries. Although chronic injuries are most prevalent, muscular strains are the most frequent acute injury (Jacobsson et al., 2011). Muscular strains have accounted for approximately 17% of all track and field injuries (Kluitenberg et al., 2014). A variety of predisposing factors for muscular strains have been described. The purpose of this study was to investigate causative factors …

Recreational Participation And Perceived Stress Levels Of College Students And If Leisure Satisfaction Mediates Their Relationship, Andrew Montgomery

Graduate Theses

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between campus recreation participation and perceived stress in college students and if leisure satisfaction mediates their relationship. Participants for this research were 342 college students at a southeastern university. Students completed a survey about their demographics, perceived stress (PSS-10), campus recreation participation and their leisure satisfaction (LSS). Correlations and mediation was then calculated using the statistical analysis program SPSS. Participants of recreational services perceived stress was not significantly correlated with students who do not use recreational services. Leisure satisfaction was inversely correlated with perceived stress in the participants. Out of …

The Effects Of The Fifa 11+ Warm Up Program In Female Collegiate Soccer Athletes, Stacey O’Neill

Graduate Theses

As of 2010 there were over 265 million registered soccer athletes worldwide, and in particular, the number of women players were rapidly increasing (Soligard, et al., (2010). Consequently, playing soccer accounts for approximately one quarter of all injuries in sport, and due to its nature of jumping, pivoting and cross-cutting, the majority of these are non-contact, lower extremity injuries. Therefore, playing soccer entails a substantial amount of injury risk for its participants. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of the FIFA 11+ Warm Up Program in collegiate female soccer athletes.

The Effects Of Training Programs Using Free Weights And Free Motion Machines On Strength In Untrained College-Age Females, Katherine Milton

Graduate Theses

No abstract provided.

The Impact Of Educational Materials On Collegiate Student-Athletes’ Knowledge Of Sports Related Concussions, Ryan Johnson

Graduate Theses

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of three different types of concussion education materials for collegiate athletes and to evaluate knowledge transfer. Three different types of educational materials were used to educate the athlete. The athlete completed a pretest, completed an educational module, and then completed a posttest. Two weeks later the athlete completed a retention test. A total of 51 subjects participated in the study. The subjects were evaluated on a pretest, posttest, and retention test. Data were analyzed based on an independent t-test to compare pretest scores between athletes who have been previously concussed …

A Translational Study Determining The Impact Of Timing And Duration Of Aerobic Walking On Metabolic Control And Personal Preferences Among Adults Recently Diagnosed With Type 2 Diabetes, Cory Cox

Graduate Theses

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a potentially life threatening metabolic disease characterized by insulin resistance and inability to metabolize glucose (Meneilly & Elliott 1999). According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA, 2013), diabetes played a contributing role in 231,404 deaths in 2007 alone. Because of this, researchers strive to develop the best methods of managing diabetes. Physical activity has been shown to improve glucose control by reducing insulin resistance and reducing body fat (Bacchi et al., 2012). Recent data from DiPietro et al. (2013) indicated that multiple bouts of exercise may be favorable over one continuous bout in managing blood …

The Effect Of Warm Up Music Compared To No Warm Up Music In Collegiate Anaerobic Athletes, Mallory Zappitelli

Graduate Theses

Music is a very influential part of life. Music has been linked to psychological effects on exercise, however, there are mixed outcomes when it comes to its effects on exercise performance. The purpose of this study was to test music’s influence on anaerobic performance on the Wingate test. Subjects included 20 track and field athletes at a Division I school in South Carolina. The methodology used in this research was a blind randomized cross over design. Twenty college-age track and field athletes participated in two Wingate tests. Each involved a warm-up with music and a warm-up without music. The warm-up …

A Correlation Of Strength, Range Of Motion, And Shoulder Pathology In The Dominant Arm Of Division I Athletes, Laura Carrell

Graduate Theses

Division I overhead athletes put themselves at risk for injury due to factors such as fatigue, instability, range of motion difficulties, and strengthening deficits and hypertrophies throughout their careers. Injuries that occur at the collegiate level can have a permanent effect on an athlete’s way of life. Because the shoulder is one of the most commonly affected by overuse in collegiate sports, the purpose of this study was to determine if strength and range of motion correlated with injury. Determining whether or not there are correlations to injury, strengthening and stretching programs could be valuable preventative treatments to implement on …

Student-Athletes’ Attitudes And Beliefs Towards Social Media, Emily Boissonneault

Graduate Theses

The purpose of this study was to identify the attitudes and beliefs of student athletes towards social media. To address this question, student athletes completed a survey focused specifically on: the image they present on social media profiles, content included, and their thoughts on the social media education provided by their athletic department. Student athlete (SA) responses were also compared to non-athletes (NA) for a better understanding of social media profiles. Frequencies showed strong similarities in a number of content shared or not shared, like humorous photos (SA 74.1% and NA 73.3%) and sexy photos (SA 82.4% and NA 82.6%). …

A Periodized Training Program For Collegiate Cross Country Runners, Philip Joshua Caudill

Graduate Theses

Collegiate distance runners must always train year round to maintain shape respectively in the sport of cross country. Runners must train at high volumes to maximize their improvement in running long distances but they must also take notice of overtraining to avoid fatigue or possible injuries. It’s impossible to train all the areas with one type of workout. That’s where periodization from this manual will help. In simple terms, periodization is a one-word description of the pattern or division of the training program into “periods” that emphasize different training goals. A periodized running schedule is broken down into cycles that …

Manual Of Suggested Best Practices For Recovery In The 3 Hour Post-Exercise Window, Royale Lopez

Graduate Theses

No abstract provided.

A Rehabilitation Manual For Recovering Athletes With Glenoid Labral Tears, Haley Long

Graduate Theses

No abstract provided.

Be Fit To Ski; A Periodized Approach To Alpine Skiing Fitness, Susan Kramer

Graduate Theses

Alpine skiing is considered an explosive sport, requiring high-intensity repetitive muscular action. From the eighties through the early two thousands, studies have revealed the high demands placed on elite ski racers, although limited research has been conducted using recreational skiers. Expert recreational skiers and professional ski instructors are also exposed to high levels of muscular and cardiorespiratory stress, which is why it is beneficial to have a guideline for training and conditioning, much like other team and individual athletes. To date, there are few comprehensive training programs that treat the skier and professional ski instructor as an athlete who needs …

Mental Skills Usage Among Collegiate Track And Field Throwers, Chad A. Perry

Graduate Theses

The purpose of this study was to examine how often collegiate track and field throwers use goal setting, imagery, and arousal management. The second purpose was to determine if there was a significant difference between mental skills usage in practice and competition. The Test of Performance Strategies was administered to 50 collegiate track and field throwers. First, it was hypothesized that less than 20% of the participants would use mental skills very often and that the majority would report using mental skills in either moderate or low amounts. Results indicated goal setting and relaxation in practice were the only two …

The Effects Of A Season-Long Relaxation Program On Anxiety And Performance In Female High School Track & Field Throwers, Jeremy Walker

Graduate Theses

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a season-long relaxation breathing program on anxiety and performance in track and field throwers. It was hypothesized that the relaxation breathing technique would help to reduce anxiety and increase overall performance. Use of a single-subject research design was used to allow ongoing monitoring of each athlete’s anxiety levels and performance. Results indicated that 2 of the 3 participants had improved performance and reduced trait anxiety over the course of the season. Additional results indicated that there was no significant difference in performance between participants and non-participants and that the …

A Study Of Running Injury Rates In College Age Track Athletes, Scott Emerson

Graduate Theses

Emerson S.E. A Study of Running Injury Rates in College Age Track Athlete’s. 2006. One hundred and twenty college age track athletes filled out a questionnaire on running and injuries. A 4-page questionnaire consisting of 33 questions divided in four sections: personal, activity, presence of a current injury, and injury history. Of the 120 athletes, 43 claimed they were currently injured, while 56 had suffered an injury within the previous 12 months. The most significant factors associated with a current running injury was having a previous injury within the past 12 months (.004) and running mileage (.027). The knee was …

Effects Of Strength Training On The Quadriceps To Hamstring Ratio In A Female Recreational Athlete, Heather Kennedy

Graduate Theses

Kennedy, H. P. EFFECTS OFSTRENGTH TRAINING ON THE QUADRICEPS TO HAMSTRING RATIO IN A FEMALE RECREATIONAL ATHLETE, 2005. Three recreational female athletes were tested on the effects a strength training program would have on their quadriceps to hamstring ratio. The subjects ranged in age from 24-33 years old. The program was an 8 week strength training program. One subject was unable to complete the program due to pregnancy and one was injured in a car wreck midway through the program. The subject who completed the 8 week training program showed overall improvement in lower extremity strength but did not show …

Athletic Training And Sports Psychology: A Survey Of Texas High School Athletic Trainers, Sheridan Melson

Graduate Theses

As a result of their role in the athletes’ recovery, athletic trainers should have an understanding of the many aspects involved in the psychological effect of an injury, and how to assist an athlete in their psychological recovery. This includes the components of injury, factors affecting recovery, psychosocial intervention strategies, counseling, and referral. The purpose of this study was to survey licensed athletic trainers in Texas 5 A high schools relating to psychological issues and psychological techniques used in treating and rehabilitating injured athletes. 180 surveys were returned from 128 (51%) out of 250 Texas 5A high schools. Athletic trainers …

The Influence Of Performance Success, Skill Level, And Gender On The Causal Attributions Of Recreational Golfers, Kevin W. Mchenry

Graduate Theses

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of performance success, skill level, and gender on the causal attributions made by recreational golfers. Skill level was determined by handicap, and performance success was the golfer’s estimation of whether the particular round of golf was successful or unsuccessful. It was hypothesized that the causal attributions that recreational golfers made would be more internal, stable, and personally controllable after a successful performance than after an unsuccessful performance. Male and female golfers (N=101), from age 19 to 73, with an average age of 39, playing recreationally completed the Causal Dimension Scale-ll …

Depth Jumping: A Comparison Of The Most Effective Depth Jumping Techniques In The Improvement Of Power/Vertical Jumping, Stefan Darvishi

Graduate Theses

A four week depth jump training program was conducted to determine if there is a significant difference between bounce drop Jump technique and counter drop jump technique in improving leg power as measured by vertical jumping height. Eleven college females, age 18 to 21, involved in the sport of volleyball and basketball served as subjects in this investigation. Following pre-testing, the subjects were assigned to one of two treatment groups based on the sports they played. Both groups participated in the training two sessions per week. There were no control groups used in this investigation. The subjects in group one …

The Effects Of Two Plyometric Exercises On Vertical And Horizontal Jump Performance, Joseph Daniel King

Graduate Theses

This study investigated performance outcomes of vertical and horizontal jump tests after specific horizontal and vertical plyometric training. There were forty-six subjects with an average age of 113 months. Sixteen females and thirty males were randomly assigned to one of four plyometric treatment groups. Group I performed continuous horizontal bounds. Group II performed a combination of continuous horizontal and vertical bounds. Group III executed continuous vertical bounds, and Group IV was the control group and they did not receive any training. The duration of the training sessions was six-weeks. Each subject was pretested and post-tested on vertical and horizontal jumping …

Multiple Regression Models Of Successful Tennis Service Performance, Susan D. Girard

Graduate Theses

None provided.

The Effects Of Three Types Of Verbal Feedback On The Form And Accuracy Of A Tennis Volley, Sylvia Goethal

Graduate Theses

This study was designed to test the effects of three kinds of verbal feedback on the form and accuracy of a tennis forehand volley. Four groups (corrective, positive, positive-corrective, and control), each composed of ten eighth-grade female students, were given a pre-test, an appropriate treatment, and a post-test. During the pre- and post-tests, subjects were tested simultaneously for form and accuracy. Accuracy was measured by placement of the volleys into court sections marked with different point values. Form was determined by a panel of trained judges who compared the subjects' tennis volley with a form criterion sheet prepared by the …