Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Does Appearance Matter? The Relationship Of Perceived Body Size And Physical Appearance On Students' Attraction To Physical Activity At Recess, Danielle Belcher

Master's Theses

Drastic declines in recess physical activity (PA) have been observed within recent years (Center for Disease Control (CDC), 2017). Due to recess’ discretionary nature, psychosocial variables associated with PA are predictors of students’ PA levels. Recess is also a time of heightened bullying occurrences (Vaillancourt et al., 2010). Appearance-based bullying is the most common type of victimization that occurs in schools, transpiring more often in children with larger body max indexes (BMI), and possibly altering students’ physical self-perceptions. Physical self-perceptions have been shown to impact PA motivation, however, it is still unknown the extent to which appearance-based bullying, body size, …

Behavioral Biases In Daily Fantasy Baseball: The Case Of The Hot Hand, Jeremy M. Losak, Andrew P. Weinbach, Rodney J. Paul

Sport Management - All Scholarship

Despite mixed evidence, sport participants and fans heavily believe in the existence of the hot hand. Prior literature examining NBA and NFL betting markets found betters were biased toward hot teams. Using a unique market and data set, this study identifies if the hot hand is prevalent in daily fantasy baseball contests, if there is a profitable hot hand selection strategy, and if consumers believe in its existence. Results show that while there is no evidence of a hot hand effect, and no evidence of a profitable hot hand strategy, consumers believe in and incorporate it in their lineup decisions.

Athletic Identity Association And Prospective Basic Psychological Needs Satisfaction Predict Attitudes Of Collegiate Athletes Toward Seeking Help From The Athletic Department, Allie Zerr

Master's Theses

There is an epidemic of mental health issues that has begun to be more openly talked about in college athletics. In 2022, the National Collegiate Athletic Association has found that college student-athletes are now 1.5-2 times more likely to report struggling with mental health than ever before. Previous research has shown a significant association with basic psychological needs satisfaction and overall psychological well-being. Furthermore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the possible ways that reported of autonomy, competence, and relatedness need satisfaction predicted whether athletes would seek mental health services and identify how athletic identity plays into this …

Psychology Of Athletes: Impact Of Injuries On Mental Health, Caitlin Rainey

Whittier Scholars Program

This article aims to contextualize the importance of understanding injuries in athletics and how those injuries impact mental health. With such a high prevalence of injuries in athletics, most studies analyze the physical implications on the athlete. It is vital that mental well being is studied as much as physical health throughout the injury and rehabilitation process. This study reviewed previous literature on the social impacts of team sports, psychological and social implications of injury, the impact of residual pain, and finally the process of retirement. A survey was also conducted at a small liberal arts college in Southern California …

Benefits Of Adapted Physical Activities For Students With Disabilities, Jason Mazzuca

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

This senior capstone research project examines the benefits of adapted physical education for students with disabilities. Through the use of literature reviews, field observations, and interviews with three elementary school teachers, the findings revealed that adaptive physical activities , such as a program called Sami’s circuit has greatly benefited students with disabilities. This kind of adapted physical activities involve the participation of many classes with a large group of students through a virtual trainer, in which teachers can easily adapt to be implemented into their individual classroom setting, and to outdoor activities as well.

An Analysis Of Strength Training Implementation In Ballet, Claire Hoover

Senior Honors Theses

Ballet, a style of dance that is known for its 180-degree external rotation, extreme precision, discipline, and aesthetics, is an athletic activity that is undertaken by many young people, particularly females. Although ballet has many athletic components, recent studies have shown there are a variety of weaknesses that impact its participants, including the female athlete triad, lack of lower extremity muscular strength, risk of injury, and overtraining. According to recent research, strength training, although not historically paired with ballet, could minimize ballet dancers’ deficiencies by increasing muscular strength and reducing risk of injury and incidence of the female athlete triad. …

Physiological Adaptations Following A Strength Endurance Training Block Performed With Accentuated Eccentric Loading Or Traditional Resistance Training, Alex Long

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Physiological adaptations were investigated following a strength-endurance (S-E) block prescribed with accentuated eccentric loading (AEL) or traditional resistance training (TRAD). Recreationally trained participants (n = 11 males, 6 females, age = 23.2 ± 4.2 yrs, body mass (BM) = 81.3 ± 22.2 kg, height = 172.1 ± 10 cm) completed a four-week block of concurrent resistance, sprint, and change of direction training. Participants were assigned one of two training conditions, AEL (n = 9) or TRAD (n = 8). Training was identical, except AEL performed 110% eccentric overloading every 1^st, 3^rd, 5^th, 7^{th …}

Sex And Age Differences In Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Responses And The Resulting Influences On Cognition, Miranda K. Traylor

Graduate Theses and Dissertations (2019 - present)

Vascular dysfunction is the earliest known marker of neurodegeneration. However, limited research has been conducted to determine if changes in peripheral vascular function track differences in brain health. Therefore, the purpose was to determine if previously reported sex differences in near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) vascular occlusion test (VOT) parameters persist across the lifespan and if these differences track age- and sex-related differences in a cognitive task. Ninety-nine healthy, cognitively intact adults (50 women, 49 men) across the adult lifespan (19-81 yrs) were used for analysis. The combination of NIRS-VOT was used to quantify microvascular function. Cognition was defined as the time …

Sports Science: An Entrepreneurial Venture, Nicole J. Jones

Senior Honors Projects

In sports science, ensuring maximum athlete safety and optimizing data utilization are pivotal yet leave room for further work. My project, Unbeaten SafeWare, addresses these critical issues by focusing on two primary concerns: preventing heat-related and cardiac illnesses, which are significant causes of athlete fatalities, and enhancing the transparency and utility of sports data. This initiative involves developing a shirt integrated with sensors to monitor vital signs and an athlete management system to handle data input, storage, analysis, and accessibility for athletes.

The project has advanced through the efforts of a multidisciplinary team, which includes biomedical engineering undergraduates, two faculty …

The Biochemical And Metabolic Impact Of 8-Weeks Of Intermittent Energy Restriction On Resistance-Trained Adults: A Pilot Study, Dillon Wells

Masters Theses, 2020-current

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of refeeds and diet breaks on biochemical, body composition, and resting metabolic rate (RMR) measures during an energy-restricted diet.

Methods: Resistance-trained men between the ages of 18-45 participated in an 8-week IER weight loss diet plan. Participants were randomly assigned to one of two dietary intervention groups: Group 1 received two days/week of refeeds (REF), and Group 2 received a one-week diet break every two weeks (BRK). All participants followed a standardized volume weight training protocol. Baseline and post-intervention dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scans and blood measures were conducted …

Validity Of Apple Watch, Garmin Forerunner® 935 And Geneactiv For Estimating Energy Expenditure During Close Quarter Battle Training In Special Forces Soldiers, Angela Uphill, Kristina L. Kendall, Alison Fogarty, Stuart Guppy, Hannah Brown, Travis Zomer, Simon Parker, G. Gregory Haff

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The purpose of this study was to investigate the validity of three wrist-worn devices for estimating energy expenditure (EE) and heart rate (HR) during close “Close Quarter Battle” (CQB). Fifty male soldiers (mean ± SD: age 30.9 ± 4.6 years, height: 1.81 ± 0.64 m and body mass 87.3 ± 7.7 kg) wore three activity monitors (Apple Watch 5, Garmin Forerunner® 935 and GENEActiv accelerometer), a Metamax 3B metabolic cart and a Polar chest strap, whilst conducting a CQB training activity (duration: 26.6 ± 5.0 min). EE and HR data from each test device were compared against criterion measures using …

Scs 6th Annual Meeting—Eevfa—11th International Congress Of Biochemistry And Physiology Of Exercise, Athens, Greece, 2023, Pedro E. Alcaraz, Elena Marín-Cascales, Anthony J. Blazevich, Tomás T. Freitas, Olyvia Donti, Konstantinos Spyrou, Gregory C. Bogdanis

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

On behalf of the Strength and Conditioning Society (SCS) and the Hellenic Society of Biochemistry and Exercise Physiology (EEVFA), we are pleased to present the abstracts of the SCS 6th Annual Meeting and EEVFA—11th International Congress of Biochemistry and Physiology of Exercise. The event was held at the Hellenic Olympic Committee headquarters in Athens, Greece, on 19–22 October 2023, and comprised several invited sessions from international and national speakers on a variety of topics related to biochemistry and exercise physiology, strength and conditioning practices and their application to health, injury prevention and sports performance. These included strength training in high-performance …

A Single Bout Of Vigorous Intensity Exercise Enhances The Efficacy Of Rituximab Against Human Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia B-Cells Ex Vivo, Harrison D. Collier-Bain, Annabelle Emery, Adam J. Causer, Frankie F. Brown, Rebecca Oliver, David Dutton, Josephine Crowe, Daniel Augustine, John Graby, Shoji Leach, Rachel Eddy, Daniela Rothschild-Rodriguez, Juliet C. Gray, Mark S. Cragg, Kirstie L. Cleary, Sally Moore, James Murray, James E. Turner, John P. Campbell

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) is characterised by the clonal proliferation and accumulation of mature B-cells and is often treated with rituximab, an anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody immunotherapy. Rituximab often fails to induce stringent disease eradication, due in part to failure of antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) which relies on natural killer (NK)-cells binding to rituximab-bound CD20 on B-cells. CLL cells are diffusely spread across lymphoid and other bodily tissues, and ADCC resistance in survival niches may be due to several factors including low NK-cell frequency and a suppressive stromal environment that promotes CLL cell survival. It is well established that exercise bouts …

The Role Of Pennation Angle And Architectural Gearing To Rate Of Force Development In Dynamic And Isometric Muscle Contractions, Bas Van Hooren, Per Aagaard, Andrea Monte, Anthony J. Blazevich

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Associations between muscle architecture and rate of force development (RFD) have been largely studied during fixed-end (isometric) contractions. Fixed-end contractions may, however, limit muscle shape changes and thus alter the relationship between muscle architecture an RFD. Aim: We compared the correlation between muscle architecture and architectural gearing and knee extensor RFD when assessed during dynamic versus fixed-end contractions. Methods: Twenty-two recreationally active male runners performed dynamic knee extensions at constant acceleration (2000°s−2) and isometric contractions at a fixed knee joint angle (fixed-end contractions). Torque, RFD, vastus lateralis muscle thickness, and fascicle dynamics were compared during 0–75 and 75–150 ms …

Moderators Of Resistance Training Effects In Healthy Young Women: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Talita Molinari, Régis Radaelli, Anderson Rech, Clarissa M. Brusco, Anna M. Markarian, Pedro Lopez

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Molinari, T, Radaelli, R, Rech, A, Brusco, CM, Markarian, AM, and Lopez, P. Moderators of resistance training effects in healthy young women: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Strength Cond Res 38(4): 804-814, 2024 - To systematically review and analyze the effects of resistance-based exercise programs and potential moderators of change in body fat percentage, whole-body fat and lean mass, muscle hypertrophy, muscle strength, and muscle power/rapid force in healthy young women (between 18 and 35 years). A systematic search was undertaken in 7 databases from inception to May 2022. Eligible randomized controlled trials examined the effects of resistance-based exercise …

Assessing Brain Processing Deficits Using Neuropsychological And Vision-Specific Tests For Concussion, Brent A. Harper, Rahul Soangra

Physical Therapy Faculty Articles and Research

Introduction: Since verbal memory and visual processing transpire within analogous cerebral regions, this study assessed (i) if a visual function can predict verbal memory performance. It also hypothesized whether neurocognitive (e.g., ImPACT) tests focusing on the Visual Memory and Cognitive Efficacy Index will predict Verbal Memory scores and (ii) if vision metrics and age can identify individuals with a history of concussion. Finally, it also hypothesized that King–Devick and near point of convergence scores alongside age considerations will identify candidates with a prior reported history of concussion. Materials and methods: This observational cohort assessed 25 collegiate ice hockey players prior …

Kinetic And Kinematic Effect Of Flag-Carrying On Referee Agility And Sprinting Performance, William Reed

Master's Theses

Within competitive soccer, assistant referees are expected to keep up with the top speed of players on the field, despite being hindered mechanically by a flag held down at their side. This ability to keep up with speed-of-play can determine effectiveness of calls on the field, yet while being tested, referees are not required to replicate the game-like state of flag-carrying. The purpose of this study was to examine kinetic and kinematic effects of flag-carrying within sprinting and change-of-direction performance in assistant referees to better inform training programs and testing protocols. 18 male referees (mean age 32.11 ± 9.08 years) …

Sex-Related Differences In Reaction Time During Normobaric Hypoxic Hypoxia In Physically Active University Students, Danielle Passburg

Senior Honors Theses

Limited research has been completed on the sex-related differences in reaction time during hypoxic hypoxia. This is concerning due to the importance of reaction time during hypoxic hypoxia in aviation (particularly within the realm of military aviation). The purpose of this study was to examine the sex-related differences in reaction time during hypoxic hypoxia in university students. The study used a normobaric oxygen device to simulate hypoxic states and Delphi computer software to test reaction time. Subjects were physically active university students (10 females, 10 males). The results of the study showed no significant differences between sexes in reaction times …

Female Athlete Triad And Bone Stress Injuries, Amanda Nguyen

Honors College Theses

The Female Athlete Triad is still an ongoing and developing diagnosis that analyzes low energy availability, and its impact on menstrual dysfunction and bone mineral density in women. Through researching I analyzed what the Female Athlete Triad was, how it impacts our body and performance, and specifically how it relates to bone stress injuries. It was found that athletes with low energy availability are more likely to develop menstrual dysfunction, leading to low bone mineral density due to the negative impacts that both low energy availability and menstrual dysfunction have on important hormones. With low bone mineral density and compensations …

Increasing Social Inclusion And Engagement Of Exercise For Individuals With Spinal Cord Injuries: A Universal Resource Development For Wellness Facilities, Alexa Hall

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

Individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCIs) are 1.5 times more likely to disengage in exercise one-year post-injury despite 80% of these individuals agreeing that exercise is critical to their overall health and quality of life (Baehr. Et al., 2022). A needs assessment was conducted on why the lack of engagement in exercise exists for individuals with SCIs within fitness facilities to identify barriers preventing participation. A quality improvement program called the Spinal Cord Injury Wellness Toolkit was created based off these findings and implemented at the MUSC Wellness Center. 14 individuals with SCIs participated at wellness center; REDCap surveys were …

What Impact Have The Ioc Medical Consensus Statements Made On Athlete Health? A Survey Of Medical Commissions From National Olympic/ Paralympic Committees And International Sports Federations, Lauren V. Fortington, Marelise Badenhorst, Wayne Derman, Carolyn Emery, Kati Pasanen, Martin Schwellnus, Evert Verhagen, Caroline F. Finch

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background The International Olympic Committee (IOC) Medical and Scientific Commission has supported collating and sharing evidence globally by developing sports medicine consensus statements (‘Statements’'). Publishing the Statements requires substantial resources that must be balanced by use and impact on policy and practice. This study aimed to gain a better understanding of awareness and uptake of the Statements globally through a survey of the National Olympic Committees (NOC), National Paralympic Committees (NPC) and International Federations (IF). Method A cross-sectional survey of medical commission representatives from NOCs/NPCs/IFs. A structured questionnaire was distributed through the IOC head office, informed by prior research. Questions …

Short-Term Effects Of Caffeine Supplementation On Cardiac Dynamics And Anaerobic Strength Output In Collegiate Male Athletes, Tyler Clum, Katelyn Messner, Alyssa Jagger, Caeden Gurganus, Kylie Miller, Rema Suniga

ONU Student Research Colloquium

ABSTRACT. Caffeine, a widely consumed drug, has been shown to significantly increase heart rate (HR) and blood pressure (Geethavani et al., 2014), but had only insignificant changes in these cardiovascular measurements (Alhabeeb et al., 2022); while Matsumara and his colleagues (2023) reported that caffeine decreased 100-meter sprint times indicating that caffeine may improve anaerobic performance. The current study investigated the short-term effects of caffeine on heart rate (HR, beats per minute), blood pressure (mmHg), and 20-yard sprint performance time (seconds; Dashr Sprint Timing System). These parameters were measured in triplicate before and at 45-minutes after caffeine supplementation at a dose …

Body Mass Index Of Male And Female Athletes At Onu From 2000-2023, Sydney Kilgore, Hunter King, Scott Swanson

ONU Student Research Colloquium

Title: Body Mass Index of Male and Female Athletes at ONU from 2000-2023

Introduction/Background:

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a quick and simple measurement examining the ratio of body mass to height. Many athletes are larger than their non-athlete counterparts due to increased muscle mass and may have elevated BMI’s. The NCAA’s Division III has the largest number of athletes (>200,000 participants) and comprises nearly 40% of all the athletes in the three NCAA athletic Divisions. Despite the number of athletes participating in Division III athletics, little is known about their overall physical characteristics and BMI.

Purpose:

Determine …

An Adapted Yoga Program For Adults With Neuromuscular Impairments Designed To Improve Balance, Mood, Quality Of Life, And Engagement In Daily Occupations, Hayes Miller, Mary Smith Otd, Otr/L, Christienne Parten Otd, Med, Otr

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Neuromuscular impairments such as Parkinson's disease (PD) and Multiple Sclerosis (MS) affect an individual's balance, mood, and ability to engage in daily occupations, ultimately impacting their quality of life. Yoga is a practice that is adaptable to any level of function and is holistic in its goal of mind-body unity. However, there has been minimal research regarding yoga's efficacy as a modality for populations with neuromuscular impairments. This study aimed to improve these factors as well as proprioception and interoceptive awareness through the delivery of a 6-week community-based yoga program. The program involved 5 participants, 4 with PD and 1 …

Decline In Muscle Strength And Physical Function After Fracture In Men - The Prospective Strambo Study, Paweł Szulc, Joshua R. Lewis, Roland Chapurlat

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Studies on muscle strength and physical function after fracture are focused on short follow-ups and adjacent anatomical region. We compared loss of muscle strength and physical function in men after fracture with normal ageing-related decline. In 823 men aged 60-87, measurements of grip strength and clinical tests (chair stands, balance) were performed every 4 years for 12 years. In 155 men with incident fracture, we compared the status after vs. before the fracture. In men without fracture (controls), we compared the status on the first follow-up (4 years) vs. baseline. In men with fracture, grip strength decreased more than in …

The Physiological Demands Of A Division Iii Field Hockey Goalie: A Case Study, Kayla Brady, Sarah Miller-Richards

Student Scholar Showcase

It is essential to evaluate the physiological demands of the sport of field hockey, specifically of a division III field hockey goalie. There has been limited research on this sport, let alone on the position of goalies. Some recent studies have evaluated ice hockey goalies on their anthropometrics, upper and lower body strength, power output, and aerobic capacity. The purpose of this study was to examine the physiological demands and performance profile of a division III field hockey goalkeeper. A division III goalie went through several baseline tests including anthropometrics, resting and maximum heart rate, upper and lower one rep …

Effects Of Three Different Loading Models On Strength And Body Composition In Resistance Trained Persons, Orlando Rivera

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

Background: Periodization of the annual training plan is a commonly utilized tool within the strength and conditioning community. Within the periodized plan, load is a key variable that is often manipulated to optimize strength development. At the present moment, a common model for load prescription involves the use of a percentage-based training (PBT) plan. However, inherent problems within a PBT loading model may reduce the accuracy of the training stimulus due to various reasons including atypical one repetition maximum (1RM) performance, strength improvements, or an acute decrease in an individual’s ability to perform. Thus, autoregulatory loading models may be a …

A New Lease On Life: The Occupational Impact Of Adaptive Skiing, Caitlin Tetherow, Amy Lyons-Brown, Amy Griswold

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

This research study focuses on understanding the occupational impact of adaptive skiing on well-being and identity to promote lifelong occupational engagement, representation, and inclusion within current ski culture. A mixed-method research study utilized a 25-question online survey and an optional one-time virtual interview. 50 adaptive skiers and/or snowboarders participating in a winter adaptive program between 18-65 years old completed this study. This study found positive evidence supporting outcomes related to physical, emotional, spiritual, and social well-being and positive identity formation from adaptive skiing.

Wellness Research & Programming For Bodybuilders, Victoria Castillo, Karen Park, Kersten Laughlin

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

This project explores the occupational impact on bodybuilders and wellness & program development for competitive bodybuilders. Phase one focuses on research to understand the occupational impact on bodybuilders during competition. Phase two, which focuses on program development, highlights the alignment to the objectives as they allow for the development of an educational program intended for bodybuilder coaches to help with health prevention and wellness with their bodybuilder clients.

Integrative Assessment And Prediction Modeling For Injury Risk Mitigation In Division 1 Female Soccer Athletes: A Comprehensive Approach Utilizing Wearable Technology, Joseph Amitrano, Juqi Lin, Gina Lewandowski, Lauren Calabrese, Dhruv Seshadri

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

There is a pressing need for effective injury prevention methods to mitigate time-loss injuries. This study aims to develop a predictive recovery model for Division 1 female soccer athletes by integrating physiological, biomechanical, and subjective wellbeing assessments. PURPOSE The growing popularity of women's sports, particularly soccer, has brought the critical issue of injury risk management. While existing literature underscores the importance of maintaining an optimal acute to chronic workload ratio (ACWR) to mitigate injury risks, there remains a gap in understanding additional predictive metrics for athlete health. This deficit is pronounced in the context of women's soccer, where research focusing …