Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

The Effect Of Percussive Massage On Skeletal Muscle Mitochondrial Respiration During Limb Immobilization, James Bartling, Robert D. Hyldahl, Mohadeseh Ahmadi, Chad Hancock

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Skeletal muscle disuse is a common occurrence due to injury, illness, or other factors. Periods of disuse can have a profound negative impact on muscle mitochondrial function and metabolic health. Passive mechanical stimulation of skeletal muscle has demonstrated potential to improve muscle metabolic function in previous research. PURPOSE: Investigate the effect of percussive massage (PM), a trending form of muscle mechanical stimulation, on mitochondrial function and cellular metabolic pathways during a period of disuse. METHODS: 8 women and 9 men (18-35 yrs.) were randomly assigned to a control or massage group during a period of lower limb immobilization for 10 …

Acute Effects Of Multi-Joint Eccentric Exercise On Lower Extremity Muscle Activation Measured During Land And Water Walking, Talin Louder, Brayden Worley, Brennan J. Thompson, Jon Carey

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Aquatic walking combined with lower-body eccentric exercise provides a low-impact, time-efficient method for improving strength and mobility. While both modalities show promise individually, it is unclear if neuromuscular activation patterns during aquatic walking remain consistent following a short bout of submaximal eccentric exercise. PURPOSE: To compare lower-extremity muscle activation during walking performed in chest-deep water versus on land, before and after a short bout of eccentric exercise. METHODS: Twenty-six healthy, recreationally active young adults completed the study (male = 16; female = 10; age = 21.6 ± 2.5 years; height = 176.4 ± 6.9 cm; mass = 75.9 …

Impact Of Time Of Day And Gender On Power Output In Division I Athletes, Nicholas Urias, Kennedy Krebs, Dalton Lesser, Zachary Farrel, Zachary Zeigler

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Power is increased in the afternoon compared to the morning. Whether this impact is similar for both sexes is not clear. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to determine if there is an interaction between sex and time of day on power. METHODS: 223 Men and 216 women division 1 athletes from soccer, volleyball, baseball, track and field, tennis, basketball, and cross country were tested. Athletes were asked to complete counter movement jumps, multiple times on a force plate (VALD) throughout the academic year. Dependent variables were jump height, relative peak power (RPP), absolute peak power (APP), …

Pilot Study Looking At The Effect Of Thermodynamics On Achilles Tendon Using Elastography., Kaitlyn J. Skinner, Karissa M. Thompson, Ray M. Merrill, J. Brent Feland

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Shear wave elastography (SWE) was first introduced in the 1990s and has recently been used to investigate muscle and tendon stiffness. While studies have demonstrated that SWE is an effective method of determining muscle stiffness, limited data exist on how SWE measurements of the Achilles change with passive heat and stretching. PURPOSE: to determine Achilles tendon stiffness measured in two different ankle positions, and to assess whether the application of passive heat independently alters Achilles tendon stiffness. METHODS: 13 subjects participated in this study (4 men and 9 women). Mean age 21.5 ± 2.5 yrs for men and …

Dietary Supplement Use And Motivations In Competitive Vs. Non-Competitive Athletes, Amber Hadfield, Abigail Larson

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Dietary supplements come in various forms, including powders, bars, gummies, liquids, tablets, and capsules and are commonly used by athletes. Motivations for supplement use are varied and may be influenced by sport type and competitive goals. PURPOSE: This study aimed to compare supplement usage and reasons for consumption between competitive (C) and non-competitive (NC) strength and power athletes. METHODS: Strength and power athletes were recruited from a local training center to complete an online survey distributed via QR code and online link. Data collected included competition status, supplements consumed, reasons for use, and knowledge of U.S. supplement regulations. Responses were …

The Effect Of Unloading On Bilateral Femoral Cartilage Thickness In Active Females, Sophia A. Muller, Mari Bufkin, Michele Leblanc

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Research investigating the effect of femoral cartilage thickness frequently includes an unloading period prior to any loading intervention. The duration of this period varies between studies, ranging from 0 to 60 minutes with most studies using 30 or 45 minutes. Niehoff et al. (2011) reported either no changes or increases in cartilage thickness after 30 minutes using MRI. PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of unloading time on femoral cartilage thickness in active females for both knees. METHODS: 18 college aged (18-23 years old) physically active injury-free females laid supine on a padded plinth. Ultrasound images were collected for both knees …

The Gut Microbiome And How Adhd And Parkinson’S Disease May Be Linked, April Mccoy, Maria Bellumori

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

There is growing interest in the gut microbiome and its effects on the central nervous system (CNS). Good bacteria in the gut play a role in neurotransmitter synthesis and regulation, which contributes to CNS control. Excess harmful bacteria may lead to leaky gut syndrome and neuroinflammation. Dysbiosis refers to a negative imbalance of the two types of bacteria and is associated with disease and decreased dopamine synthesis. Decreased dopamine, a neurotransmitter, plays a pivotal role in the manifestation of symptoms associated with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and Parkinson's disease (PD). Previous studies have demonstrated a correlation between the gut microbiome and …

The Relationship Between Light Physical Activity And 10-Year Weight Change In 2,868 U.S. Adults: An Nhanes Investigation, Chloe Cory, Larry A. Tucker

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

The prevalence of obesity has steadily increased for the past several decades. About 13.4% of Americans aged 20-74 had obesity in 1960-1962 and the prevalence jumped to 42.8% in 2017-2018—more than a 3-fold increase. PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between time spent in light physical activity (LPA) and 10-year weight change in a random sample of 2868 women and men representative of the U.S. adult population. METHODS: Cross-sectional data was used from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from the 2003-2006 data cycles. Participants were limited to non-pregnant U.S. adults …

Is Ambulatory Blood Pressure A Good Predictor Of The Blood Pressure Response To Moderate-Intensity Exercise?, Braxton Bird, Jayson Gifford, Joseph Larsen

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) has been the leading cause of death in the United States since the 1920s. One of the most prominent precursors of CVD is high blood pressure (hypertension), which is commonly diagnosed by using the gold standard method of 24-hour blood pressure monitoring (ABPM). However, ABPM isn’t controlled throughout the day and is not very reproducible. Recently exercise systolic blood pressure (ExSBP) has received more attention since it is highly regulated and accurately represents cardiovascular strain during tasks of daily living. Purpose: The objective of this study is to determine whether ambulatory blood pressure could act as …

Blood Flow Observed In The Majority Of Gymnasts’ Achilles And Patellar Tendons Despite Their Years Of Experience, Kalissa Cox, Lee J Hinkle, Phillip Hartog, Bryson T. Schaugaard, Gabe Davidson, Aaron W. Johnson

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Gymnasts frequently suffer from tendinopathy. Additionally, time of participation in gymnastics may increase the risk of tendinopathy. Neovascularization is associated with tendinopathy of the body as it attempts to heal. Neovascularization of the Achilles and patellar tendons can be assessed using intra-tendinous Power Doppler Imaging (PDI) via ultrasound. Exercise and training increases blood flow; thus we sought to measure blood flow post-exercise when blood flow was potentially the highest. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine whether the gymnasts’ years of experience was associated with the blood flow to the Achilles and patellar tendons post-exercise. METHODS: Twenty-four female …

The Impact Of Music On Rating Of Perceived Exertion And Perceived Fatigue During An Acute Light And Moderate Intensity Deadlift Session In Recreationally Active Adults, Spencer M. Maxwell, Olivia Perez, Seterah (Star) Zarei, Devin Green, Micheal Wong, Dustin Davis, Wyatt Fullmer, Alex Jarvis, Jeffery C. Cowley, Merrill Funk, James Navalta, Facsm, Marcus M. Lawrence

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Self-selected music has been found to have an ergogenic effect on certain parameters of resistance training (e.g., maximal strength) and studies have largely focused on upper body outcomes (e.g., bench press or handgrip). However, very few studies have examined lower body exercises as well as compared exercise intensities. PURPOSE: To determine, compared to no music, the effect music has on perceived exertion and fatigue during an acute session of the deadlift exercise at various intensities. METHODS: 12 recreationally active adults (n=5 females, n=7 males, age: 29.9±7.5 yrs; mass: 87.7±27.6 kg; height: 178.1±12.1 cm) completed 4 sets of 6 repetitions of …

Associations Between Serum And Skeletal Muscle Androgens And Androgen Receptor-Associated Biomarkers, Lean Body Mass, And Muscular Strength, Derek Flores, Thomas D. Cardaci, Dillon Harris, Steven B. Machek, Darryn Willoughby

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

The relationships between lean body mass (LBM), muscular strength, androgens, and several androgen receptor (AR)-associated biomarkers are sparsely described. PURPOSE: To examine any potential correlations linking these aforementioned factors. METHODS: 10 resistance-trained males were recruited for this crossover study, each assessing their leg and bench press one-repetition maximums (1RM) and body composition before completing two volume- and intensity-equated resistance training sessions separated by 7-10 days. Serum and skeletal muscle tissue samples were acquired in each session at baseline, 3-hours, and 24-hours post-exercise to assess circulating and muscle androgens (testosterone [TST] and dihydrotestosterone [DHT]), AR protein content and gene …

Comparative Analysis Of Electromyographic Signals Using Bursts And Epochs: Optimizing Measurement Accuracy And Reliability In Signal Processing, Anabel Groskopf, Cory M. Smith, Brent Alvar, Kristen Snyman

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Electromyography (EMG) is a tool for assessing muscle activity, yet methods for signal selection during dynamic muscle contractions remains unclear. PURPOSE: To compare dynamic EMG signals in single contraction BURSTS vs. multi-contraction time EPOCHs during non-fatiguing cycle ergometry. METHODS: 19 recreationally trained college-aged cyclists visited the lab on two separate occasions. The first visit included informed consent, familiarization, and the completion of a graded exercise test to determine VO2max, the gas exchange threshold (GET), Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) at GET, and power output associated with GET and VO2max. Participants returned to the lab 48 hr later to …

Early And Later Stage Muscle Recovery From Lengthening Contraction-Induced Injury In Cigarette Smoke-Exposed Mice, Lloyd K.T. Marshall, William Wong, Tyler M. Kent, Jacob Baker, Kyle Parks, Nicholas Trathen, Kyle Dominguez, Kristen Keeble, Christopher Alfaro, Drew Johnson, Rafael Parnes, Andrew Tambunting, Alex Yee, Leonardo Nogueira Phd

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

The use of tobacco products is associated with lower recovery from strenuous exercise, and mice exposed to cigarette smoke (CS) show impaired myofiber cross sectional area recovery from muscle injury. PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of short-term (i.e., 8 weeks) CS exposure on the early (7 days) and later stage (14 days) in vivo torque recovery of anterior crural muscles, EDL muscle force, and TA myofiber formation recovery after lengthening contractions (LCP). METHODS: Adult male (n=14) and female (n=13) mice expressing tdTomato fluorescent protein in satellite cells (Pax7CreER-Ai9, 8 weeks old) were daily exposed to smoke produced from …

The Effect Of Anticipation On Limb Symmetry During The Landing Error Scoring System Test, Marisol Valenzuela, Monica X. Cortes, Luis J. Valadez, Dominick J. Cece-Sherley, Warren O. Forbes

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

The Landing Error Scoring System (LESS) is a field test consisting of a 17-item checklist that identifies the presence of biomechanical risk factors during a drop jump task that have been prospectively linked to non-contact lower extremity injuries. The standard LESS does not address limb differences or any element of anticipation that is often seen in the athletic settings. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to assess the influence of anticipation on limb symmetry during the landing error scoring system test. METHODS: All jumping trials were performed off a 30 cm platform into a marked area on the ground. …

The Effects Of Backwards Walking On Quadriceps Muscle Activation After Acl Reconstruction: A Pilot Study, Sophia M. Miller, Kevin Valenzuela, Reagan Recchia, Makana Woods, Alexa Johnson, Riann Palmieri-Smith

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Quadriceps muscle activation is commonly decreased in persons after ACL reconstruction. Backwards walking has been studied as an intervention to improve quadriceps muscle strength for individuals with knee osteoarthritis. However, it is unknown if backwards walking could increase quadriceps muscle activation in persons with anterior cruciate ligament injuries. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to understand the effects of backwards walking on quadriceps muscle activity. METHODS: A single participant who had an ACL reconstruction (F, age: 21 yrs, time since surgery: 33 months) and a single healthy, uninjured control (F, age: 21) completed three walking trials each …

The Effect Of Multidirectional Loading And Limb On Femoral Cartilage Thickness In Females Using Ultrasound, Mari C. Bufkin, Sophia A. Muller, Michele Leblanc

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Previous research has been conducted on femoral cartilage response to unidirectional (single plane) movements such as drop landings, running, and walking. However, no existing research has focused on the response of femoral cartilage to multidirectional movements. Bini (2021) reported a difference in limb response to unidirectional forces. PURPOSE: To determine the effect of multidirectional loading and limb on femoral cartilage thickness using ultrasound. METHODS: Eighteen college-aged, physically active females (aged 18-23) participated in the study. After 45 minutes of femoral cartilage unloading, participants performed 120 drop-landing to cutting movements off of a 46 cm box (60 in each …

Effects Of Coaching On Single-Leg Triple-Hop Performance And Joint Kinematics For Youth Athletes, Parker J. Dean, D. Peter Williamson, Callie Rae Floyd, Corinne Vorkink, Ben Barton, Elizabeth D. Miles, Justin Yee, Matthew K. Seeley Facsm

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Coaching cues might influence athletic performance and injury risk for young athletes. Coaching cues can be categorized as internal or external. The effects of internal and external coaching cues on jumping performance are unclear. PURPOSE: To compare the effects of external and internal coaching cues on single-leg triple-hop jump distance, ground contact time, and sagittal-plane hip, knee, and ankle joint kinematics for youth athletes performing a single-leg triple-hop test. METHODS: 39 volunteers (24 males and 15 females, Ages 10-17 yrs) were randomly assigned to a control, internal-, or external-cue group. All participants completed 3 pre-intervention jumping trials. The …

Effect Of Intranasal Insulin On Neurovascular Coupling In Healthy Young Adults, Brian Shariffi, Neil Mcmillan, Anna Gonsalves, Camila Manrique-Acevedo, Jaume Padilla, Jacqueline Limberg

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

ABSTRACT

Emerging evidence supports an essential role for insulin signaling in neurovascular coupling (NVC) – the link between neuronal activity and cerebral blood flow. In preclinical animal models, impaired insulin signaling is associated with reduced NVC, highlighting the neurogenic role of insulin. However, it remains unclear whether brain insulin stimulation can enhance NVC in humans. PURPOSE: To examine the acute effect of intranasal insulin delivery on NVC. We hypothesized intranasal insulin would augment NVC in healthy young adults. METHODS: Carotid artery blood flow (CBF, Doppler ultrasound) and middle cerebral artery blood velocity (MCAv, transcranial Doppler ultrasound) were measured during …

The Effects Of Stair Stepping On Circadian Dependent Postprandial Glycemic Responses, William Wong, Morgan Van Ness, Jeff Moore, Jochen Kressler

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Elevated levels of postprandial blood glucose (PBG) is related to Diabetes Mellitus which is associated with severe health complications. Bouts of stair stepping as little as one minute have shown to be effective at reducing PBG when performed in the morning. Studies have not yet investigated whether the effects of stair stepping on blood glucose translate to different times of day. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to test whether one minute of stair stepping at a comfortable pace can reduce blood sugar after meals. METHODS: 23 participants were asked to wear a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) …

The Effects Of Blood Flow Restriction As An Accelerated Modality For Skeletal Muscle Strength, Michael Ofori, Gabriella Trujillo, Nicholas Chib, Quan Le, Alyssa Stovall, Garrett Edwards, Todd C. Shoepe

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Blood flow restriction resistance training (B2RT) shows promise at promoting hypertrophy and strength development beyond resistance training alone. Occlusion training restricts venous return, altering waste removal, and inducing a baseline whereby lower intensity yields similar stimulus and muscle outcomes. PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to elucidate the effects of B2RT on muscular strength in healthy college-age individuals. METHODS: 42 participants (20.1±1.7 years, BMI: 24.7± 4.0 kg/m²) underwent a 7-week B2RT program with 3 times per week sessions of isotonic movement at 50% occlusion pressure for 4 sets (30:15:15:15 reps) at load based on 20% of 1-repetition …

The Relationship Between Stride Frequency And Gait At Different Body Weight Support Levels, Crystal Hadfield, Alina Swafford, Katsiaryna Afanasyeva, Kenji Masumoto, John A. Mercer

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

The relationship between stride frequency (SF) and speed during gait is well researched. However, there is a gap in the research examining the relationship between these parameters when walking and running at matched speeds with different levels of body weight support (BWS). PURPOSE: To compare the relationship of SF, stride length (SL), and speed when walking and running at the same speeds with different levels of BWS. METHODS: Subjects (n=10, 4 females, 6 males: 42.2±17.6 yrs; 73.5±13.5 kg; 1.70±0.11 m; body fat 19.7±9.6%) completed a familiarization period using various BWS levels using a lower body positive pressure (LBPP) …

Bloodflow Restriction Training Effects On Blood Pressure, Sofia Lovesy, Kolane Gemeda, Grace Piantek, Todd Shoepe

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Bloodflow restriction training (B2RT) is linked to musculoskeletal health improvements and vascular adaptations including blood pressure (BP). B2RT involves restricting arterial blood flow and diminished venous drainage restricted in working muscles which affects metabolic waste removal and vascular plasticity. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate if B2RT alters BP.METHODS: Recreationally fit college-aged participants (n=42, 20±1.7 years, 25±4 BMI, upper SBP 117/±11mmHg, DBP 72±7mmHg; lower SBP 126±15mmHg, DBP 75±7mmHg) were recruited through campus announcements and word of mouth. Participants in the B2RT group completed 7-weeks of training with squats, Romanian deadlifts, bench rows, and bench presses …

No Side Difference Between Achilles Tendon Characteristics In Female Division One Collegiate Gymnasts Post Exercise: Preliminary Study, Phillip Hartog, Lee J. Hinkle, Gabe Davidson, Bryson T. Schaugaard, Melody Anderson, Aaron W. Johnson

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Female gymnasts have a high rate of injury due to the repetitive nature and high forces of the sport. Repetition of movements is necessary to improve confidence and perfect execution. However, such repetition may also lead to overloading the Achilles tendon (AT) and increases potential of tendinopathy. Gymnasts generally perform the same skills repetitively using a preferred leg, e.g. always jumping off the right leg entering the vault. PURPOSE: To determine the differences in characteristics of NCAA Division I female gymnasts’ AT between preferred leg (PL) and non-preferred leg (NPL). We hypothesize differences in cross-sectional area (CSA), thickness, and …

Comparing The Effects Of Pneumatic Compression And Blood Flow Restriction On Muscle Recovery, Jessica Pontarollo, Haneef Zakee, Bailey Mclagan, E Todd Schroeder

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Eccentric muscle contractions are often associated with exercise induced muscle damage (EIMD). EIMD can result in decreased force output, increased stiffness, and a loss in muscle function leading to decreased performance. Two of the many proposed treatments of EIMD are intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) and blood flow restriction (BFR). BFR relies on occlusion and reintroduction of blood. IPC acts as an air-pressure massage, acting on a specific part of the limb, releasing, and re-inflating up the limb. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to determine whether BFR or pneumatic compression could minimize the effect of EIMD on muscle …

Effects Of Turnouts And Structure Boots On The Kinematics Of Firefighters During A Drop Landing, Edward Jabbour, Stevie Silvas, Maddie Cheaney

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Firefighters require the ability to perform under intense conditions involving challenging movements. Protective gear, such as turnouts and structure boots, plays an impactful role in protecting firefighters. Understanding how the gear influences movement is essential for improving their safety and performance. PURPOSE: This study aimed to analyze the effects of turnouts and structure boots on the sagittal plane ankle and knee kinematics of firefighters during a drop-landing. METHODS: Eleven healthy male firefighters participated. Retroreflective markers were attached to the subject's lower extremities to identify their anatomy and movement using a three-dimensional motion capture system. The subjects performed three …

Muscle Specific Era Overexpression Remodels Mitochondrial Cristae Architecture And Drives Mtdna Replication To Enhance Oxidative Metabolism, Karen Li, Bridgette Ryning, Noor Fahs, Noelle Morrow, Andrea Hevener

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Reduced estrogen action is associated with obesity and insulin resistance in both males and females. However, the tissues and cell-specific targets essential for estrogen-mediated effects on metabolism remain inadequately understood. We have previously shown that muscle-specific estrogen-recpeptor alpha (ERa) knockout reduces metabolism and insulin sensitivity and blunts adaptations to exercise training. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of skeletal muscle ERa overexpression on whole-body metabolism, exercise capacity, and mitochondrial function. METHODS: A tamoxifen-inducible and muscle-specific ERa overexpression model (mERa^OE) was generated in male mice. Body weight was tracked and a glucose …

The Age Of Initial Pointe Training Has A Weak Positive Correlation With Menarche In Female Pre-Professional Ballet Dancers, Jenna M. Dodson, Annie Smedley, Adrienne Henderson, Shayla Bott, Brenda Critchfield, A. Wayne Johnson

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

In the ballet community, there is significant pressure to start intensive and frequent training at a young age. For example, serious professional students often move away from home as teenagers to train at a ballet boarding school full-time. The sense of urgency in training stems from the relatively short careers of professional ballet dancers and the tendency of ballet companies to replace dancers quickly as they age or get injured. Specialized training so early in adolescence can lead to overuse injuries, psychological stress, and regret later in life. PURPOSE: We studied the impact of intense training (defined as start …

Investigating The Effect Of Fat Bar Attachments On Peak Velocity, Repetitions Until Failure, Energy Expenditure, And Respiratory Quotient In The Bench Pull Exercise, Robert R. Sawyer, Shane Draper, Anthony Ciccone, Tyler Standifird, Nicolas Clark

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

New methods of training in resistance exercise include the use of thick or “fat” bar attachments to promote forearm and grip strength. No study has investigated how these tools affect both acute biomechanical and physiological factors of barbell exercise. PURPOSE: Investigate the effect of using a thick barbell attachment (5.72 cm diameter) on peak velocity, repetitions until failure, total energy expenditure, and respiratory quotient during the bench pull exercise performed at 60% 1RM. METHODS: Six healthy resistance-trained college-aged men underwent three visits. First visit was used to calculate one-rep max (1RM) through force-velocity profiling. Second and third visits were randomized …

"Cued At First Sight": Evaluating The Influence Of Depth On Gaze Cues, Priscilla Jussicha, Malissa Hildreth, Tamara Rodriguez, Morgan Martin, Justin Castillo, April Karlinsky

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

When an individual provides a social cue, such as pointing or looking towards the left or right, an observer’s attention can involuntarily be drawn towards the cued location. Evidence for this social cueing effect comes from observers’ shorter reaction times (RTs) for targets at cued locations than at non-cued locations. However, it remains unknown whether observers are also sensitive to the depth of such social cues (in addition to the side of space indicated). Spatial depth refers to whether an area is relatively “near” or “far” from the observer. PURPOSE: The purpose of the current study was to determine whether …