Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Health Consequences Of Low Energy Availability In Females And Their Underlying Physiological Mechanisms, Grace Parry

Senior Honors Theses

Low energy availability (LEA) is a state in which energy intake is insufficient to support energy expenditure while maintaining energy balance, which has been shown to result in gastrointestinal distress, immunosuppression, reduced metabolic rate, menstrual dysfunction, diminished bone health, and impaired cardiovascular function in females. Alterations to the microbiome and mucosal lining may propagate gastrointestinal complaints and compromised immune function associated with LEA. The pathophysiology of LEA is otherwise largely driven by hormonal adaptations. Diminished production of thyroid hormones is known to contribute to reduced metabolic rate. Decreases in leptin and insulin and increases in ghrelin disrupt reproductive function through …

The Impact Of Power Training On Balance And Visual Feedback Removal, Juliana Bouton

Senior Honors Theses

Because power training has been known to augment stability, the purpose of this study was to assess whether the removal of visual input affects lower limb muscle power production in young women who are resistance trained to the same degree it affects the untrained. This provided insight as far as the need for resistance training protocols in a largely untrained visually impaired population. To study this, fourteen college-aged female participants (18-23 years) performed a seated double-leg press on a leg sled machine, isolating power production of the lower limbs. After establishing baselines, which involved finding an average of power produced …

The Effects Of Static Stretching On Muscular Hypertrophy During A Resistance Training Program, Zachary A. Martin

Senior Honors Theses

Abstract

Studies have shown that static stretching right before physical activity can negatively affect performance. In regards to weight lifting, it has been shown that static stretching immediately prior to lifting can decrease the maximum amount of weight that can be lifted. This study was created in order to determine if static stretching immediately prior to weight lifting over the course of nine weeks would result in smaller gains in muscle size compared to those who did not static stretch immediately prior to lifting over the course of nine weeks.

External Factors And Athletic Performance, Kimberly D. Dahl

Senior Honors Theses

The science behind athletic performance has progressed significantly with the advancement of technology and research of sport. The current review examines further the effects of several external factors on athletic performance. Factors were deemed external if they involved either variables out of the athlete’s control or an athlete’s conscious decision. Addressing playing environment, voluntary consumption of alcohol, sleep, a variety of emotions, and team environment contributes to a better understanding of the wide variety of factors that may influence athletic performance. The conclusions reveal ways in which awareness of external factors may impact overall performance.