Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

The Effects Of Acute Dehydration Of 5% Body Mass On Performance And Physiology Of Mixed Martial Arts Athletes, Oliver Roland Barley

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) athletes are weighed 24 h prior to competition. In order to compete in a lower weight class MMA athletes will often rapidly lose weight via dehydration. Despite the prevalence, there is currently no known published data examining the effects of acute dehydration on physiology and performance in mixed martial arts athletes. The present study aimed to examine: i) the effects of 5% acute dehydration on performance (vertical jump, medicine ball throw, grip strength and repeated sled push) and physiology (body weight, haematocrit, urine specific gravity, serum osmolality and urine osmolality) of MMA athletes. A total of …

Assessment Of Competitive Requirements, Repeated Sprint Paddle Ability And Trainability Of Paddling Performance In Surfers, Oliver Farley

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

Studies examining the physical demands of surfing, the physiological characteristics of surfers, training techniques and various indices important to surfing performance are limited and characterised by methodological discrepancies. This thesis consists of five studies to assess the competitive requirements, test specific repeat sprint fitness and the trainability of sprint paddling in surfers.

Initially an understanding of surfing movement patterns and a determination of the reliability and validity of custom-made GPS units was established (SurfTraX, Gold Coast, Australia) (Study 1: The validity and inter-unit reliability of custom-made SurfTraX GPS units and use during surfing). Durations, intensities, external loads and velocity …

Training Adaptations In Lower-Body Muscle Structure And Physical Performance Capacities Of Competitive Surfing Athletes, Josh Secomb

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

The overall aim of this thesis was to increase strength and conditioning coaches, and sport scientists’ understanding of the lower-body muscle structures related to enhanced lower-body physical capacities, and how to best evoke desirable training-specific adaptations. To address this aim, three successive steps of research were evaluated: (1) analysis of the factors related to increased performance in competitive surfing, (2) relationships between lower-body muscle structures and factors associated with enhanced physical performance, and (3) comparison of the training-specific adaptations evoked from various training methods. Whilst this research specifically focused on competitive surfing athletes, these results may benefit the training practices …

The Efficacy Of Periodized Resistance Training In Older Adults, Jennifer Anne Conlon

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

Sarcopenia describes the slow and inevitable age-related loss of skeletal muscle mass and consequent function. Fortunately, a continually growing body of research highlights the robust adaptability of the aging neuromuscular system in response to resistance training (RT). Yet, despite an abundance of research studies describing the benefits of RT in the elderly, there is a large variation in the type of training programs employed. Therefore, within the extensive range of beneficial RT stimuli, it is vital to confirm what organizational structure of acute program variables is most effective (i.e. the appropriate dose). The process of organizing a training program considering …

Accuracy In The Badminton Short Serve: A Methodological And Kinematic Study, Shayne Marc Vial

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

In sports, accuracy is an essential component of actions such passing, shooting, and aiming. Executing a movement or action that requires a high degree of accuracy is a critical determinant of success in many individual and team sports. Each sport has different methods for evaluating accuracy, however an overarching goal is to determine whether an object hits its target, or assess the distance by which it misses. However, in some sports accuracy is not readily measureable because an object might not reach a target, i.e. the object is intercepted, or it collides with another object or a person, or an …

Comparison Of Body Composition, Neuromuscular Characteristics And Anaerobic Endurance Between Novice, Semi-Professional And Professional Ballet Dancers, Penelope Blanco Ochoa

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

Study 1 Comparison of body composition, neuromuscular characteristics and anaerobic endurance between novice, semi-professional and professional ballet dancers.
/="/"> The purpose of this study was to compare selected physiological fitness parameters including: body composition, neuromuscular characteristics and aerobic endurance were significantly different between novice, semi-professional and professional ballet dancers. The secondary purpose was to establish which parameters were best discriminators between these dancers. Thirty-five classical ballet dancers (male: n =11 and female: n =24) divided into three different groups according to their dance skill level: novice (n=12) (age: 16.6 ± 1.5 y; height: 1.7 ± 0.1 m; weight: 58.0 ± …

Muscle Damage And The Repeated Bout Effect In Male Bodybuilders Following Unaccustomed Resistance Exercise, Kennedy Blowfield

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

This study investigated muscle damage of bodybuilders who performed an unaccustomed intense resistive exercise bout. Ten male bodybuilders (age: 23 ± 2 y, height: 177.6 ± 6.3 cm, body mass: 85.7 ± 8.1 kg) with a minimum of 4-years resistance training experience performed 17 exercises targeting the pectoral muscles. Eight of the 10 bodybuilders repeated the same exercises two weeks later. Muscle function (bench press throw, maximal isokinetic elbow extension and flexion concentric torque: MVC torque), muscle soreness using a visual analogue scale (VAS: 100-mm), and plasma creatine kinase (CK) activity were assessed before, immediately after and 24, 48 and …

Identifying Risk Factors For Metabolic Syndrome In Division I Fcs Football Players, Julie Woolf

EWU Masters Thesis Collection

"Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a collection of symptoms or markers leading to a higher risk for health problems including diabetes and cardiovascular disease. These markers include high blood pressure (BP), increased waist circumference (WC), high triglycerides, low HDL-C and increase glucose. Football players may be more at risk for developing MetS and other health problems due to the need for their large size, especially linemen. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between the MetS markers as well as the relationship between WC and visceral fat depth and measured with an ultrasound. MetS markers and visceral fat …

Upper Extremity Strength And Power Field Tests As Predictors Of Pole Vault Performance In Female Collegiate Athletes, Carmen Schluter

EWU Masters Thesis Collection

"The purpose of this study was to determine if select upper-extremity strength and power field tests, and the test battery, predict pole vault performance in female pole vaulters. There is very little research on female pole vault athletes, specifically non-elite athletes. Field tests previously shown to be predictive of performance in males were examined to determine if they were also predictive for females. Four tests were used (8 lb backwards medicine ball (MB) throw, 3 m seated rope pull, three pull-ups for time, and maximum pull-ups) to determine if pole vault performance (season personal record for each athlete) could be …

The Influence Of Hip Mobility And Fatigue On Spinal Flexion And Muscle Activation In Rugby Scrum Performance, Joshua D. Clayton

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

Introduction: Rugby scrumming is a means of restarting play following a minor rule infringement that can occur up to 28 times per game. The scrum poses a significant injury risk, with more days missed due to injury per event than any other rugby activity. Rugby players also have a significantly higher rate of spine injury than the general population, perhaps due to flexion in combination with high compression forces, which has been cited as the main mechanism of injury. Flexion of the spine has also been associated with poor hip mobility and quadriceps fatigue in other athletic tasks and may …

Parent Perceptions Of A Child Physical Activity Initiative In A Rural Community., Katie F. Leslie, Kristi M. King, Richard W. Wilson, Patricia Gagne, V. Faye Jones

Faculty and Staff Scholarship

This study assessed the extent to which a community-based intervention developed for children impacted parent perceptions and behaviors toward physical activity in a rural community. Focus groups and individual interviews were conducted with parents of children who participated in physical activity programs. Analysis revealed an increased community awareness surrounding physical activity following program implementation. Parents and children encouraged each other to be physically active. Ecological barriers and enabling factors to adult physical activity were identified these findings indicate a bidirectional influence between parent and child physical activity and the need for community facilities where families can be active together.

Biomechanical Differences In The Weightlifting Snatch Between Successful And Unsuccessful Lifts, Jack Rummells

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The purpose of this study was to determine what differences exist between several kinematic variables between failed and successful attempts in the snatch lift. Six female Weightlifters at the 2015 American open were measured for kinematic variables via videotape during competition. The results show that differences existed in the angle of the shoulder at peak barbell height and the catch height, along with the amount of separation between the lifter and barbell at peak height. Significant differences were also found at the angle between the barbell and lifter center of mass. This study was a first step toward understanding the …

Exercise Improves Physical Function And Mental Health Of Brain Cancer Survivors: Two Exploratory Case Studies, Gregory T. Levin, Kenneth M. Greenwood, Favil Singh, Daphne Tsoi, Robert U. Newton

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Background

Malignant brain tumors are unpredictable and incurable, with 5-year survival rates less than 30%. The poor prognosis combined with intensive treatment necessitates the inclusion of complementary and supportive therapies that optimize quality of life and reduce treatment-related declines in health. Exercise therapy has been shown to be beneficial in other cancer populations, but no evidence is available for brain cancer survivors. Therefore, we report results from 2 preliminary cases.

Methods

Two female patients diagnosed with glioblastoma multiforme and oligodendroglioma participated in a structured and supervised 12-week exercise program. The program consisted of two 1-hour resistance and aerobic exercise sessions …

Greater Strength Gains After Training With Accentuated Eccentric Than Traditional Isoinertial Loads In Already Strength-Trained Men, Simon Walker, Anthony J. Blazevich, Greg Haff, James J. Tufano, Robert Newton, Keijo Häkkinen

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

As training experience increases it becomes more challenging to induce further neuromuscular adaptation. Consequently, strength trainers seek alternative training methods in order to further increase strength and muscle mass. One method is to utilize accentuated eccentric loading, which applies a greater external load during the eccentric phase of the lift as compared to the concentric phase. Based upon this practice, the purpose of this study was to determine the effects of 10 weeks of accentuated eccentric loading vs. traditional isoinertial resistance training in strength-trained men. Young (22 ± 3 years, 177 ± 6 cm, 76 ± 10 kg, n = …

Musculoskeletal Asymmetry In Football Athletes: A Product Of Limb Function Over Time, Nicolas H. Hart, Sophia Nimphius, Jason Weber, Tania Spiteri, Timo Rantalainen, Michael Dobbin, Robert Newton

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Purpose

Asymmetrical loading patterns are commonplace in football sports. Our aim was to examine the influence of training age and limb function on lower-body musculoskeletal morphology.

Methods

Fifty-five elite football athletes were stratified into less experienced ( ≤ 3 yr; n = 27) and more experienced ( > 3 yr; n = 28) groups by training age. All athletes underwent whole-body dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry scans and lower-body peripheral quantitative computed tomography tibial scans on the kicking and support limbs.

Results

Significant interactions between training age and limb function were evident across all skeletal parameters (F16, 91 = 0.182, P = 0.031, …

Discriminating Talent Identified Junior Australian Footballers Using A Fundamental Gross Athletic Movement Assessment, Carle T. Woods, Henry Banyard, Ian Mckeown, Job Fransen, Sam J. Robertson

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Talent identification (TID) is a pertinent component of the sports sciences, affording practitioners the opportunity to target developmental interventions to a select few; optimising financial investments. However, TID is multi-componential, requiring the recognition of immediate and prospective performance. The measurement of athletic movement skill may afford practitioners insight into the latter component given its augmented relationship with functional sport specific qualities. It is currently unknown whether athletic movement skill is a discriminant quality in junior Australian football (AF). This study aimed to discriminate talent identified junior AF players from their non-talent identified counterparts using a fundamental gross athletic movement assessment. …

Iron Supplementation And Altitude: Decision Making Using A Regression Tree, Laura A. Garvican-Lewis, Andrew D. Govus, Peter Peeling, Chris R. Abbiss, Christopher J. Gore

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

No abstract provided.

Comparison Of Three Base Stealing Techniques In Division I Collegiate Baseball Players, Sean Boss

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The problem that baseball coaches face is which base stealing technique is most effective. The purpose of this study is to compare three base stealing techniques (crossover step (CS), jab step (JS), and drop step (DS)) on initial sprint kinematics and steal time in Division I baseball players. This paper will address the stretch shortening cycle (SSC) and its effects, the false step technique, sprinting technique, and acceleration. This research will provide coaches with the knowledge and educate them on which technique provides greater sprint speeds. The method for research was experimental, repeated measures design to determine the effects of …

Differences In Landing Impulses Between The Traditional And Swing Blocking Style In Volleyball, Jana Geertruida Braakhuis

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Blocking is an important part in the game of volleyball. Previous research has shown that the swing blocking style leads to a greater jump height, penetration over the net and effective blocking area compared to the traditional blocking method. No available research has been found investigating the differences in landing. The purpose of this study was to examine the differences in landing impulses, landing time and vertical ground reaction forces (vGRF) between the traditional and swing blocking style in volleyball. Therefore, eight female collegiate volleyball players were filmed in high definition at 60Hz performing successful trials of both blocking styles. …

Postactivation Potentiation: Practical Implications In The Collegiate Setting, Steven T. Banks

Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers

Banks, Steven, M.S., May 2016

Health and Human Performance, Exercise Science

POSTACTIVATION POTENTIATION PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS IN THE COLLEGIATE SETTING

Chairperson: Matthew Bundle Ph.D.

Postactivation potentiation (PAP) induced by a voluntary conditioning activity (CA) has been shown to increase peak force and rate of force development during subsequent muscle contractions increasing performance. We examined existing PAP literature, the underlying physiological mechanisms responsible for PAP, and the various factors that affect protocols used to elicit the PAP response. Furthermore, we aimed to determine what combination of factors are optimal for eliciting a PAP response in training and competition. The proposed mechanism underlying …

Monitoring Recovery In Collegiate Strength And Conditioning, Alice Read

Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers

Abstract:

Read, Alice, M.S., Spring 2016 Health and Human Performance

Monitoring Recovery in Collegiate Strength and Conditioning

Chairperson: Steven Gaskill

Introduction: Student-athletes at the NCAA Division I level experience high levels of both physical and mental stress associated with training and competing at the highest level of collegiate athletics. In order for strength and conditioning coaches at the NCAA Division I level to maximize training sessions many utilize techniques to monitor athlete recovery status between training sessions. Unfortunately, little data exists on what monitoring methods are in current use and the validity of those methods. Purpose: The purpose of this …

Beyond The Ring: Vegan Fighter, Bianca Silva

Capstones

Omowale Adewale, an amateur MMA fighter and boxer, spends his time outside the ring as director of Grassroots Artists MovEment (G.A.ME), an organization in the Bronx dedicated to provide resources to low-income residents like healthcare, access to healthy foods via means of gardening and youth incarceration prevention programs. He has been the director of G.A.ME since 2001 and routinely visits classrooms where he provides lectures on how to eat healthy foods-even incorporating vegan foods and implement after school physical programs like boxing where he occasionally serves as a trainer.

Exploring End User Experience: How Can We Achieve Lifelong Engagement With Physical Activity Tracking Devices?, Mohammed Karim Impelee

Masters Theses/Capstone Projects

Activity tracking devices provide biofeedback information and encourage people to be active, however, their long-term usage has been problematic. This study explored the theory of reinforcement techniques and the theory of self- determination to enhance long-term usage of activity tracking devices.

A sample of 43 people was surveyed to examine their experience with activity tracking devices. A multi-regression analysis demonstrated significant results(R square=71.6% Sig level=0.012 N=43). The result indicates how individuals with different orientations likely to perceive the supportiveness of their devices and how likely they were to continue using or stop using their devices. Conclusion: understanding the principles of …

Effect Of The Pep Program On Biomechanical Risk Factors In Male Collegiate Lacrosse Athletes, Sebastian Stoltzfus, Casey Cottle, Chad Lyons, Michael A. Lawrence

PEP Program Investigation With Men's Lacrosse Team

Research poster stemming from IPEC mini-grant funded student project Effect of The Prevent Injury Enhance Performance Program on Biomechanical Risk Factors and Performance Variables in Male Collegiate Lacrosse Athletes. Background: Landing and cutting maneuvers are common mechanisms for noncontact anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. Men’s lacrosse is a high risk sport for ACL injury. The Prevent Injury Enhance Performance (PEP) program has been shown to decrease injury rates in women’s soccer but has not been studied in men’s lacrosse. Purpose: Determine if collegiate men’s lacrosse athletes land and cut in ways that put them at risk of ACL tear …

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 Relationship Between Pass Completion Percentage And Perceived Player Workload In Ncaa Division I Women's Soccer, Alexa L. Passingham

Undergraduate Honors Theses

In an attempt to demonstrate the interconnecting nature of the pillars of sport (Hacker, 2000) this thesis explores the relationship between physical, psychological and technical variables. Five National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I Women’s Soccer players were analyzed in four conference matches. The athlete's rate of perceived exertion (RPE) values were correlated to pass completion percentages (PC%) to investigate the potential effect that psychological satisfaction or dissatisfaction of technical performance has on perceived exertion ratings. PlayerLoad^TM (PL) values, gathered through the utilization of a Catapult Minimax S4 GPS device (miniMax-10 Hz, Catapult Innovations, Melbourne, Australia), were used as …

Muscle Cramping During A 161-Km Ultramarathon: Comparison Of Characteristics Of Those With And Without Cramping, Martin D. Hoffman, Kristin J. Stuempfle

Health Sciences Faculty Publications

Background: This work sought to identify characteristics differing between those with and without muscle cramping during a 161-km ultramarathon.

Methods: In this observational study, race participants underwent body weight measurements before, during, and after the race; completed a post-race questionnaire about muscle cramping and “near” cramping (controllable, not reaching full-blown cramping), drinking strategies, and use of sodium supplementation during four race segments; and underwent a post-race blood draw for determination of serum sodium and blood creatine kinase (CK) concentrations.

Results: The post-race questionnaire was completed by 280 (74.5 %) of the 376 starters. A post-race blood sample was provided by …

Pre- And Post-Season Physical And Cognitive Testing Of College Athletes Susceptible To The Effects Of Concussion, Audrey Berning, Elsa Klump, Hannah Burkhart, Jeneca Thomas, Stephanie Cahill

Student-Faculty Research - College of Physical Therapy

No abstract provided.

Psychological Factors That Impact The Drop-Out Rate In Adolescent Sports, Nicole S. Mcclone

HIM 1990-2015

Children are dropping out of sport at alarming rates. With the highest numbers of dropout occurring between the ages of ten and seventeen, the focus of this research is on the drop-out rates of adolescents from sport. Athletic participation has been linked to positive academic performance, key development of leadership skills, and increased engagement in the community. The research that has been conducted related to sport persistence has had a greater focus on examining factors related to the physical domain. Attention is now beginning to shift however, and researchers are looking outside the physical domain and analyzing sport attrition more …

Countermovement Jump Performance Changes Over The Course Of Collegiate Basketball Pre-Season Associated With Block Periodization Model Of Strength And Conditioning Program, Nobuhisa Yoshida, Caleb D. Bazyler, Takahiro Unebasami, Stephen Wells, Zachary Whitman, Danielle Lee, Mallory Stellhorn, Kimitake Sato, Michael H. Stone

ETSU Faculty Works

No abstract provided.