Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

No Evidence For Pape-Induced Jumping Performance Enhancement Following Isometric And Treadmill Warm-Ups In Team Sport Athletes, Artur Terbalyan, Adam Maszczyk, Robert Krzysztof Roczniok

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: This study aimed to determine whether an isometric PAPE‐based warm-up could enhance jumping performance compared to a traditional treadmill jogging warm-up in team sport athletes. The primary focus was on assessing neuromuscular activation and performance indicators such as jump height and force asymmetry. Materials and Methods: Fifty-three athletes from basketball, volleyball, handball, and soccer participated in a controlled, parallel-group experiment. Participants performed either a unilateral isometric warm-up protocol – comprising two sets of four exercises per leg– or a 5‐minute treadmill jogging session, with jump performance assessed via countermovement jump tests on dual force plates. A split-plot ANOVA was …

Enhancing Mental Health Through Mind-Body Exercises In Sedentary Students: A Systematic Review With An Indonesian Perspective, Izmi Alya Khairunnisa, Aditya Denny Pratama

Jurnal Sosial Humaniora Terapan

Sedentary Behavior (SB) among students is associated with increased risks of depression, anxiety, stress, and weakened immune function. According to the WHO, SB contributes to approximately two million deaths each year. This systematic literature review aims to evaluate the effectiveness of mind-body exercises in improving mental health outcomes—specifically stress reduction, anxiety management, and emotional regulation—among students with sedentary lifestyles. Using the PRISMA framework, 2,201 articles were identified from databases including Scopus, PubMed, and ProQuest, with six studies meeting the inclusion criteria. The review found that mind-body exercises such as yoga, tai chi, and pilates significantly reduce stress and anxiety, enhance …

Effect Of Olympic Weightlifting Training On Power Output And Landing Forces In Adolescent Female Athletes: A Quasi-Experimental Study, Emily Neff

Doctorate in Kinesiology

To examine whether a periodized, eight-week strength and conditioning (S&C) program incorporating Olympic Weightlifting (OWL) improves vertical jump height and reduces peak landing forces in adolescent female athletes. Despite the proven benefits of neuromuscular training (NMT), (Nessler et al., 2017; Mattu et al., 2022), access to high-skill S&C remains limited for this population (Sommi et al., 2018; Parsons et al., 2021). Twenty-four adolescent female athletes were divided into a training group (n = 15) and a control group (n = 9). The training group completed two one-hour sessions weekly for eight weeks. Pre- and post- intervention testing assessed vertical jump …

Changes In Insulin, Leptin, Resistin And Irisin Levels And Their Associations With Blood Pressure After An 8-Week Supervised, Online “Hiit Mama” Program Vs. Self-Performed Moderate-To-Vigorous Physical Activity During Pregnancy - A Randomized Controlled Trial, Anna Szumilewicz, Junjiang Sun, Rita Santos-Rocha, Jan Mieszkowski, Andrzej Kochanowicz

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

We aimed to determine changes in insulin, leptin, resistin, and irisin levels and their associations with blood pressure (BP) during pregnancy, following an 8-week high-intensity interval training (HIIT) or a self-performed moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). The study involved 54 Caucasian women in uncomplicated, singleton pregnancy (age 32 ± 4 years, week of gestation 24 ± 4, mean ± SD). They were randomly allocated to the 8-week supervised, online “HIIT Mama” program (HIIT group, n = 34) or educational intervention and self-performed MVPA (EDU group, n = 20). All participants maintained normotension throughout the study. The HIIT program in-duced a statistically …

Effect Of In-Season Potentiation And Priming On Jump Height In Collegiate D1 American Football Players, Benjamin Dagostino, Kody Cooke, Paulette Yamada, Trevor Short

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology

Neuromuscular priming and post-activation potentiation (PAP) are techniques utilized to increase nervous system excitation, muscle force, and rate of force development during subsequent muscle contractions in sport. PAP is a commonly used approach that has the potential to influence neuromuscular status monitoring and flagging, and optimize power training. Specifically, jump height is an important parameter in athletic performance and assessing inter-limb asymmetries. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to report the effects of different PAP strategies on jump height during a competitive D1 American football season. These findings will inform practitioners on optimal PAP strategies and their implications …

Proceedings From The Sixth Annual Society For Sports Neuroscience Conference, Neurosports Editorial Staff

Journal for Sports Neuroscience

Proceedings from the Sixth Annual Society for Sports Neuroscience Conference

Lower Cross Syndrome In Female Rowers, Mary M. Goodhew

Honors Projects

Rowing is a full-body sport that requires technique, strength and speed, yet allows athletes to compete at all ages. The rowing stroke is completed sitting down with the hip flexors in a shortened position and lower back muscles activated. The combination of short and overactive muscles leads female rowers to be susceptible to lower cross syndrome and back pain. This study examined the prevalence of LCS in female rowers and the effect of PNF stretching of the hip flexors on the LCS. LCS was examined using a posture assessment and Thomas tests. A Biodex isokinetic dynamometer hip extension and flexion …

Molecular Insights Into The Role Of Estrogen Receptor Beta In Ecdysterone Mediated Anabolic Activity, Syeda Sumayya Tariq, Madiha Sardar, Muhammad Shafiq, Hendrick Heinz, Mohammad Nur-E-Alam, Aftab Ahmad, Zaheer Ul-Haq

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

Ecdysterone, often dubbed a “natural steroid,” has garnered significant attention among athletes for its reputed growth-promoting and anabolic properties. Unlike synthetic anabolic steroids, which are classified as controlled substances, ecdysteroids remain largely unregulated in many countries and are widely marketed as dietary supplements. Notably, ecdysterone has been included in the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) monitoring program, highlighting its potential impact on athletic performance and raising questions about its regulation. Emerging evidence indicates that, unlike traditional anabolic steroids that act primarily via the Androgen Receptor (AR), ecdysterone’s anabolic effects may be mediated through Estrogen Receptors (ERs), particularly Estrogen Receptor beta (ERβ). …

The Effects Of Post Activation Potentiation Using Accommodating Resistance, Brennan Sweet

Doctorate in Kinesiology

Post activation potentiation is the short increase of power output following a heavy exercise. This effect could be due to several mechanisms, the most popular are increased sensitivity of actin and myosin to calcium or alpha motoneuron reactivity. The idea behind using the accommodating resistance is that eccentrics get lighter throughout the movement to avoid sticking points whilst changing the strength curve of the exercise. This may cause a greater stretch reflex and create more force from the weakest position of the movement because of the eccentrics being quicker also known as. Using accommodating resistance may also be less fatiguing …

The Games Kids Play: Determining Concussion Risk Of Playground Sports, Brynlee Morgan

Health, Human Performance and Recreation Undergraduate Honors Theses

Playground games play a very vital role in child development, but they have been shown to present significant risks of injury, particularly concussion injuries. Supervisors of playground games or recreational sports may lack comprehensive knowledge of concussion protocols, potentially resulting in undiagnosed pediatric concussion, which can be critical to the child’s long-term health. This study aims to identify which playground games or recreational sports pose the highest risk for injury, specifically concussions, and highlights the importance of concussion prevention training for all school personnel to minimize potential health risks for children. The methodology involved the identification of injuries from playground …

Effect Of Relative Isometric Strength On Countermovement Jump Performance In Professional And Semi-Professional Soccer Players, Nicholas Joel Ripley, Jack Fahey, Nabil Hassim, Paul Comfort

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

As powerful actions commonly proceed goal scoring opportunities within soccer, enhancing powerful actions could be essential to optimize performance. There is a large body of evidence supporting the positive associations between maximal isometric mid-thigh pull force-generating qualities and jump performance. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine if relative maximal isometric force production can discriminate between higher- and lower-performing jumpers among professional and semi-professional soccer players. As such, it was hypothesized that stronger players would have a greater jump performance than weaker players. Methods: An observational cross-sectional research design was used to assess ballistic and isometric force production …

Performance In Multi-Joint Force-Plate Assessments In Male And Female Crossfit® Athletes, James R. Jowsey, G. Gregory Haff, Paul Comfort, Nicholas Joel Ripley

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: CrossFit^® aims to be equitable between both males and female athletes, supporting equal representation and equal prize money at international events. However, to date, limited information is known on CrossFit^® athletes’ performance in the countermovement jump (CMJ), countermovement rebound jump (CMR-J), and isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP) when assessed using force plates, and if there are any differences between sexes. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to observe whether any sex-based differences and relationships exist between performance within these assessments. Methods: A total of CrossFit athletes (43 male = 32.8 ± 9.0 years; height 1.78 ± …

The Association Of Body Composition And Musculoskeletal Characteristics With Police Recruit Performance: A Cross-Sectional Study, Vanessa R. Sutton, Myles C. Murphy, Callum J. Mccaskie, Paola T. Chivers, Nicolas H. Hart, Jodie L. Cochrane Wilkie, Garth Allen, Jack Dalla Via

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Objective: Exploring how body composition and musculoskeletal characteristics relate to physical performance may provide insights for optimising training outcomes. We explored if body composition and musculoskeletal characteristics were associated with tactical and cardiorespiratory performance.

Methods: A cross-sectional study of police recruits within the Western Australia Police Force was performed. Total and regional body composition was assessed using Dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry, with the tibial morphology and mid-thigh muscle cross-sectional area assessed using peripheral Quantitative Computed Tomography. Tactical performance was measured with a Physical Performance Evaluation, and cardiorespiratory fitness assessed using the Beep Test. Variables that were significant in univariate regressions progressed …

Examining Long-Term Care For Ncaa Student-Athletes: Improving Concussion Protocols And Healthcare, Sydney Watson

University Honors Theses

Sports-related concussions (SRC) are a significant issue in collegiate athletics, particularly in high-impact sports. While the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) has protocols for immediate injury management, they don't fully address the long-term effects retired athletes experience. This paper examines whether former NCAA athletes who suffered from SRC should receive more comprehensive concussion-related healthcare. Findings reveal that current NCAA measures, such as baseline assessments and return-to-play protocols, fall short in addressing the lasting physical, cognitive, and emotional challenges of student-athletes who suffered multiple SRC. Protocols and procedures set by professional leagues like the NFL and NHL highlight the NCAA's gaps …

The Evolution Of Sprinting Performance: Technological And Regulatory Influences From 1976 To 2024, Dariusz Tadeusz Skalski, Magdalena Prończuk, Kinga Łosińska, Ewelina Lulińska, Joanna Motowidło, Petr Stastny, Adam Maszczyk, Grzegorz Trybek

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: This study examines the progression of sprinting performance across the 100m, 200m, and 400m events from 1976 to 2024, highlighting the influence of technological advancements and regulatory changes. Over the past decades, sprinting has been significantly shaped by developments in track surfaces, footwear technology, training methodologies, and regulatory frameworks. Understanding these factors is essential for assessing how sprint times have evolved and what future trends might emerge. Materials and methods: Utilizing a comprehensive dataset from international athletics federations, this research applies time series analysis, regression modeling, and variance testing to assess trends, gender disparities, and performance variability. Data sources …

Physical Activity And Body Image In Early Onset Cancer Patients, Madeleine Z. Pollard

Graduate Masters Theses

Abstract: Cancer is the leading cause of death among Americans under the age of 85 (Brown et al., 2012). There are increasing rates of cancer diagnoses in adults aged 18-49, which is described as an early onset (EO) diagnosis. Despite high survival rates (Lewis et al., 2021), EO cancer patients are at increased risk for long-term physical and psychological challenges associated with both the disease and its treatment (Haque et al., 2023). Cancer diagnosed during these critical periods of life can significantly impact self-perception and body image, which are critical to identity formation and quality of life (Castonguay, et al., …

Circus-Specific Extension Of The 6th International Consensus Statement On Concussion In Sport, David Munro, Stephanie Greenspan, Joanna Nicholas, Melanie I. Stuckey

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

While sport-related concussion (SRC) is a known risk in circus arts, no published guidelines exist to guide post-concussion return to circus, contributing to inadequate management in this population. The Concussion in Sport Group (CISG) published the 6th international consensus statement in 2023, providing updated guidance and assessment tools for the management of SRC. Sport and dance organisations have adapted these recommendations for their specific settings. The aim of this extension statement was to extend the CISG guideline to the circus arts training and performance context. Development included a review of literature, creation of the initial drafts by the working group, …

The Relationship Between The Jiu Jitsu Anaerobic Performance Test And Physiological Markers In Trained Jiu Jitsu Practitioners, Renee K. Peveler

Masters Theses

Jiu Jitsu relies on aerobic and anaerobic energy systems. A relationship has been demonstrated between the Jiu Jitsu Anaerobic Performance Test (JJAPT) and anaerobic performance. The relationship between the JJAPT and aerobic performance has yet to be quantitatively defined. The purpose of this study was to determine if there is a relationship between the JJAPT and maximum oxygen uptake and ventilatory threshold (VT). Twenty-five Jiu Jitsu subjects participated in two test sessions a minimum of 48 hours apart. During one test session, descriptive statistics were collected, a self-guided treadmill warm-up was completed, followed by the Bruce graded exercise protocol. Ventilatory …

It Is Not Clear How Well Physical Activity Promotion Materials Are Understood: Findings From A Rapid Literature Review, Jafra D. Thomas, Jasmine C. Wong, Regina F. Hockert, Yi Sheng Wu, Winston Kennedy

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology Volume 6: Issue 1, Article 6, 2025. Efforts to promote physical activity and other health-related behaviors are more effective when resource materials are understood by a wide and diverse audience. Before our lab’s previous investigations (Thomas et al., 2024), only one study seemed to use the cloze procedure to directly test the comprehension (i.e., readability) of physical activity promotion material (Cardinal & Seidler, 1995). Thus, this rapid literature review sought to (a) determine the extent the cloze procedure has been used to study physical activity promotion material comprehension in lay adults and (b) collate …

Sex-Based Differences In The Relationship Between Musculoskeletal Injuries/Pain And Social Health Among Marine Corps Officers, T Aquino, E Ricker, N Barczak-Scarboro, S De La Motte

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

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A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis Examining If Humans Undergo Hyperplasia In Response To Resistance Exercise, N Barton, H Gowda, S Dankel

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

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Effects Of Resistance Training On Skeletal Muscle Fiber Size And Capillarization In Sarcopenic Older Adults, E Bota, M Grimes, J Parks, O Addison, S Prior

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

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The Relationship Between Sports Performance Variables And Hitting Performance In Ncaa Division Ii Softball Athletes, C Brettle, A Monti, B Snyder, B Finn, S Davis, C Saker

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

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Acute Reorganization Of Complex V In Response To Calcium In Mammalian Mitochondria, M Da Silva, S Kuzmiak-Glancy

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

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The Effects Of State And Trait Autonomy In Self-Controlled Learning And Performance Conditions, S Castle, K Jaquess

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

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Associations Between Eating Attitudes And Dietary Intake Patterns In Physically Active Men And Women, N Chiu, J Goulart, A Sterczala, K Mroz, B Nindl Facsm, K Koltun

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

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Effects Of A Novel Multi-Ingredient Nootropic Coffee Additive On Acute Cognitive Function And Reaction Time, N Clark, S Distefano, C Tanner, I Zuchowski, J Buxton, H Gerhart, D Ault, P Prins

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

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The Effect Of Eccentric Training On Cardiovascular Responses On Parkinson’S Disease Patients, Z Climenhaga, P Buckenmeyer, J Bauer, E Lind

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

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The Relationship Of Grip Strength With Bat And Batted Ball Velocity In Collegiate Baseball Players, A Colecio, B Finn, B Snyder, S Davis, M Miltenberger

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

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The Effect Of Heel Wedge On Back Squat Kinematics And Kinetics In Female Resistance-Trained Individuals, S Cotton, K Hamlin, E Hatcher, A Schwartz, I Silbert, D King, D Diggin

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

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