Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Acl Bracing: Is It Still Being Done Clinically And Does It Influence Confidence And/Or Biomechanical Performance During A Drop Vertical Jump?, Bailey Watson

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Introduction: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) ruptures account for 60% of sports-related injuries and the gold standard for treatment is surgical intervention to replace the damaged ligament to restore function of the ACL. Braces are typically used to return to previous physical activity levels; however, there are no clear guidelines on their utilization. Beyond the physical consequences of undergoing ACL reconstruction surgery, the psychological component is often ignored.

Purpose: The aim of this study is to better understand the impact of knee bracing on both biomechanical factors and confidence following ACL reconstruction. Two aims comprise the overarching purpose; the first is …

Cannabidiol (Cbd) And Resistance Training: Does Cbd Attenuate Acute Pain?, Guillermo Pacheco

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

INTRODUCTION: Resistance training (RT) is an advantageous form of physical activity for health and performance benefits; these benefits are maximized when done strenuously. However, strenuous RT can induce acute inflammatory pain which can lead to delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS). Common analgesics like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can block protein synthesis, so other alternatives are needed for exercise and athletic communities to maintain physiological adaptations. Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-psychotropic cannabinoid with purported anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, and analgesic properties. One of the main reasons for the use of CBD in exercise is pain alleviation; however, research in humans is limited. Therefore, the …

Validation Of A Novel Vo2max Protocol, Griffin Green

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Though there are several to choose from, the Bruce protocol is the most commonly utilized treadmill protocol when assessing maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max). Originally developed for cardiac patients, the Bruce protocol may not be an appropriate treadmill protocol for young or trained individuals with higher levels of cardiorespiratory fitness. The steep grade used often leads localized muscular fatigue, which may cause participants to end the test prior to reaching their true VO2max. Another popular protocol, the Astrand, also utilizes a steep grade, but the speed remains constant. Similar to the Bruce, the Astrand protocol may not prompt a maximal cardiovascular …

Factors Influencing Both Maternal And Infant Body Composition At Two Years Postpartum, Samantha Henry

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Maternal body composition (BC) and physical activity (PA) level during pregnancy both contribute to infant body composition; however, few studies follow children beyond the early weeks to determine the longer-term implications of maternal lifestyle on offspring health. The purpose of this study was threefold: 1) Determine the role of maternal obesity on offspring BC at 2 years of age; 2) Determine the role of PA during pregnancy on maternal and infant BC at two years postpartum; and 3) Determine whether BC at birth (assessed via air displacement plethysmography [PEA POD]) is related to BC at two years of age (assessed …

The Implications Of Different Types Of Diet And Exercise On Human Health, Bethanne C. Clayton

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

There is need for enhanced prevention and treatment methods to combat sedentary lifestyle, obesity, and chronic disease by investigating the impact of specific exercise modalities and dietary factors on human health. The purposes of this study were: 1) to assess self-selected and perceived exercise intensity during High-Intensity Functional Training (HIFT) between males and females and to determine variables that predict self-selected exercise intensity (%VO2max) and/or perceived intensity (RPE) and 2) to investigate the impact of obesity on skeletal muscle metabolism in response to lipid oversupply by analyzing the responses of genes linked with fatty acid oxidation and inflammation in lean …

Accuracy Of Commercial Fitness Trackers During High-Intensity Functional Training, Paige Wessel

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Commercially available fitness trackers have been found to accurately measure steps and caloric expenditure during walking and running activities. Circuit-style, highintensity functional training (HIFT) has become increasingly popular because it is inexpensive and effective in improving muscular strength and cardiovascular fitness. PURPOSE: To evaluate the accuracy of five accelerometers (ActiGraph GT3X, Nike Fuelband, Fitbit One, Fitbit Charge HR, and Jawbone UP Move) in estimating energy expenditure while performing an acute bout of HIFT. METHODS: Participants (n = 47) underwent baseline testing and at least 48 hours later, each participant completed the main test: a 15-minute workout consisting of 12 repetitions …

Effects Of Jump Training On Bone Mineral Density In Young Adult Females, Battogtokh Zagdsuren

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Physical activity is critical to bone health. However, not all physical activity has optimum effect on bone health and metabolism. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of a short term progressive jumping protocol on bone mineral density in college age Asian females. Sixteen participants aged18-28 years enrolled in the study. Participants were assigned to exercise (n=9) and control (n=8) groups. The exercise group completed a two-legged depth jump from an approximate 20cm stepbench followed immediately by a maximum vertical jump using arm swings for five days per week for two weeks. Each depth jump and vertical …

Caffeine Supplementation And Moderate Intensity Exercise Modulates The Cytotoxic Lymphocyte Subset (Cd+8) In Naive And Tolerant Individuals, Elizabeth Ann Fedor

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

The purpose of this investigation was to determine the effects of caffeine supplementation on caffeine tolerant and caffeine naïve individual’s lymphocyte counts, apoptosis and migration levels. In addition, effects of exercise on post-caffeine ingestion lymphocyte counts, apoptosis and migration levels were determined. It was hypothesized that caffeine would alter the immune system cell counts, but that exercise would be able to restore the immune system to homeostasis. Seventeen Western Kentucky University students were tested (males n=7, females n=10; n=7: caffeine tolerant= 200mg or more per day group, n=9: caffeine naïve= 50mg or less per day group). In this double-blind investigation, …

Effects Of A Simulated Tennis Match On Lymphocyte Subset Measurements, Holly Kell

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Research has shown that maximal exercise has a significant effect on cells of the immune system. Specifically, lymphocyte count increases during exercise and decreases to a value lower than baseline following an acute exhaustive bout of exercise. The overall lymphocyte response is well characterized, however, the ability of exercise to affect lymphocyte subfractions is unknown to our knowledge. The purpose of this study was to assess and evaluate the affects of a simulated tennis match across two sessions on lymphocyte subsets.

Initial measurements such as age, height, weight, skinfold analysis, and heart rate were recorded for each player, as well …

The Effects Of Repeated Anaerobic Bouts On Immune Parameters, James C. Sivley

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

To date, the exercise-induced immune response in has only been evaluated in subjects performing aerobic exercise. The primary purpose of this study is to determine if repeated bouts of anaerobic exercise will induce a similar immune response in human subjects as exhibited by aerobic exercise. Secondary to immune function, an analysis of performance from trial to trial will be made. Nine males between the ages of 18-25 were selected on a volunteer basis to participate in this study. Subjects performed Wingate tests set in 3 series with 120 seconds between trials within series and 405 seconds between series for an …

Effects Of Exercise Induced Fatigue On Postural Balance: A Comparison Of Treadmill Versus Cycle Fatiguing Protocols, Katherine Wright

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of muscle fatigue after a treadmill versus cycle ergometer incremental test on postural balance indices and recovery time recreationally trained individuals. The Bruce Treadmill Test and the Incremental Cycle Ergometer test were used to induce fatigue. Each subject (N=16) performed both exercises, but the order of the exercises was randomized. The subjects performed balance measures on a Biodex Balance System via the Dynamic Balance Test at level 5 and indices were recorded as given. Balance was measured a total of nine times (pre-exercise, immediately post, and at 3, 6, 9, …

Low Back Pain Among College Athletes - A Survey Of Basketball Players, Swimmers, Track And Field Athletes And Nonathletic Controls, Nicholas Bacon

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Study Design. Cross-sectional survey among athletes competing at the collegiate level in basketball, swimming, and track and field, as well as a matched nonathletic control group. Objective. To compare the prevalence of low back pain between sports: basketball, swimming, and track and field, as well as nonathletic control group. Summary of Background Data. With conflicting reports, it is not clear whether athletes are at higher risk for low back pain when compared to nonathletic counterparts. Some literature has found that low back pain was less common in former elite athletes when compared to nonathletes; however, much of the literature supports …

The Effects Of Intensity Level And Expertise On Attentional Focus During Exercise, Diana Gieske

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

An important goal of exercise psychology is to identify factors that influence exercise adherence. More than half of Americans do not get the physical activity that doctors recommend for maintaining or improving a healthy lifestyle. Attentional focus during exercise has been identified as one casual factor with regard to exercise adherence. Attentional focus has traditionally oeen defined as associative or dissociative (Morgan & Pollock, 1977). Association implies that an exerciser's attention is focused on how his or her body is reacting to the exercise (such as sweating, muscle soreness, and breathing) or on things such as pace and split-times. Dissociation …

Examining The Relationship Between Family Leisure And Physical Activity In Seventh And Eighth Grade Students, Trinity Edwards

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

This study examined the relationship between family leisure and physical activity in seventh and eighth grade students. The sample was self-selected from a population of students from a Midwest junior high school (N=526). Data were collected through a survey instrument sent home with students via their homeroom teacher. The instrument was accompanied by: (a) minor assent form, (b) parental informed consent form, and (c) survey instrument for the parent respondents including relevant demographic questions. The survey instrument comprised the Family Leisure Activity Profile (Zabriskie, 2000), Satisfaction with Family Life Scale, and six physical activity questions. The physical activity questions were …

The Effect Of Varying Cadence In Cycle Ergometry On Submaximal Predictions Of Peak Oxygen Uptake, Zachary Callahan

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect that varying cadence had on the ability of a submaximal cycle ergometry test to accurately predict peak oxygen uptake (VO2) using the standard YMCA protocol workloads. There has been limited scholarship investigating the effect that varying cadence has on trained cyclists and almost none on untrained participants. For this study twelve moderately healthy participants (age: 20.75 ± 1.87, body fat: 15.8 ± 4.91 %) who did not use cycling as part of their workout regime performed a peak VO2 cycle test and three randomized submaximal tests. The three submaximal tests …

Effects Of Stretching On Jumping Performance, Carisa Chavez

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Stretching has been a part of warm-up for a very long time. Some recent research has shown that stretching could possibly hinder performance and others have shown it enhances performance. The purpose of this study was to examine whether stretching has an effect on vertical jump, and if so, how long the effects last. Twenty Western Kentucky students (10 M and 10 F) performed three trials each. There was a non-stretching group, a pre-stretching group and a between-stretching group; each of the subjects performed all three. The stretching protocol included a static stretching routine of the gluteus maximus, hamstrings, quadriceps, …

The Effects Of Music Preference And Exercise Intensity On Exercise Enjoyment And Perceived Exertion, Allison Dyrlund

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

In spite of the well-known physical and psychological benefits of exercise roughly 50% of people who start an exercise program will have dropped out within six months. Therefore, it is important to examine the determinants of exercise adherence. Past research has shown that enjoyment is an essential factor in exercise adherence. Additionally, music has been shown to influence exercise enjoyment. The music and enjoyment literature has generally included most preferred and no music conditions, yet no one has considered a least preferred music condition. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to examine the effects of music preference and exercise …

The Effect Of Task Versus Ego Oriented Feedback On Exercise Enjoyment, Marc Fields

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Intrinsic motivation has been shown to be a very important factor in exercise adherence. Research has found that factors such as exercise intensity, social feedback, goal orientation and perceived climate can affect intrinsic motivation. The purpose of this study was to assess situational goal orientation, specifically whether individuals in a task induced condition or ego induced condition would report different levels of intrinsic motivation (i.e., enjoyment, tension, effort and competence during exercise). Participants (N= 114) rode on an exercise bike for 24 minutes at a moderate intensity. A MANCOVA factorial design was used to examine differences in intrinsic motivation. The …

Acute Cardiovascular Response And Perception Of Effort Between The Super Slow And Gold Standard Resistance Training Protocols, Phillip Wickwire

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Super Slow training was proposed by Ken Hutchins in a book entitled Super Slow: The Ultimate Exercise Protocol (1992). Since then Super Slow training has been proposed to improve strength more effectively than traditional resistance training and improve cardiovascular measures above aerobic exercise. However, whether this type of training is safe for the older, possibly hypertensive population to which it is being targeted is questionable. To help provide an answer to this question the purpose of this study was to measure blood pressure, heart rate (HR), and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) while performing the Super Slow resistance training protocol …

Distributive Justice: Perceptions Of Star Player Treatment In Work Team Settings, Nadim Zaidy

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

The present study examined the effects of punishment given to the most valued team member who has committed a company rule violation. The team is working on an important project where the contribution by that valued member is critical to project completion. The study assessed the effects of the severity of rule violation, the severity of the punishment, the consistency of the punishment, and who is impacted by the punishment. The results indicated that when a valued employee has committed a rule violation, applying consistent punishment is perceived as more fair and appropriate by the teammates. However, when that valued …

Rpe "Drift" In Fit And Unfit Males Cycling In A Hot And Cool Environment, Robert Pritchett

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

The potential influence of aerobic fitness on RPE estimations during extended exercise bouts is not well understood. The current study compared RPE-Overall, RPE-Legs and RPE-Chest between fit (n=7) and unfit (n=6) males. Subjects completed a graded cycling test and then, in a counterbalanced order, on two separate days cycled for 60min (intensity~90% of the Onset of Blood Lactate Accumulation (OBLA) - determined via gas exchange indices) at 30}1 degrees Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) and 18}1 degrees WBGT. Heart rate (HR), rectal temperature (Tree) and overall and differentiated RPE estimations were collected every 5 minutes. Repeated measures analyses of variance …

Distributive Justice And Punishment In Team Sports, David Bucur

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Distributive justice outcomes of punishment in an intercollegiate team sport setting were investigated. Male intercollegiate athletes (#=148) participating in the NAIA National Soccer Championship Tournament responded to one of eight scenarios and reported perceived fairness to player, fairness to teammates, deterrence to future player misconduct, and deterrence to future teammate misconduct. The results indicated that athletes perceive consistent distribution of punishment as more fair than conditional distribution of punishment; consistently distributed punishment is perceived to be more likely to deter future misconduct than conditional punishment; punishment, in general, is perceived as more fair when the violation committed is severe as …

An Evaluation Of The Recreation Interest Of Hopkins County Middle School Students, Tricia Jordan

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

The purpose of this study is to identify potential recreational activity interests of Hopkins County middle school students, thereby assisting the Hopkins County Family YMCA in teen program development. In addition, the study investigates potential constraints these students encounter. One hundred and twenty-five students from four public middle schools participated in the recreation needs assessment. The recreation needs assessment instrument consisted of five activity categories (arts and crafts activities; dance, drama, and music activities; literary activities; nature activities; and sports and games). Category activity selections were limited to those activities the Hopkins County Family YMCA was willing and/or capable of …

Distributive Justice And Perceptions Of Fairness In Team Sports, Leslie Specht

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Distributive justice refers to the perceptions of fairness of outcomes received by individuals for their efforts in organizational settings. Punishment is frequently used to eliminate offensive or undesirable behavior in organizations. The present study was based on distributive justice theory and assessed the effects of severity of punishment and the application of distributive justice rules in a sports team setting. Eight scenarios were developed combining two levels of distribution of punishment (consistent or conditional), two levels of severity of misconduct (severe or moderate), and two levels of severity of punishment (severe or moderate). It was hypothesized that consistent punishment across …

Attitudinal Outcomes Of Punishment Events In Team-Sporting Settings, Jason Tapp

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

The organizational justice perspective suggests that procedural and distributive justice evaluations of a specific punishment event will affect an individual's reactions to the punishment. A 3 (decision-making procedure: autocratic, participative, group) X 3 (punishment severity: low, moderate, high) factorial design was utilized to develop punishment scenarios in team-sport settings which were evaluated by 205 participants. Decision-making procedure and punishment severity both produced significant main effects on evaluations of the fairness of the procedure. Only punishment severity produced a significant main effect on perceptions of the fairness and appropriateness of the punishment, as well as on perceptions of the likelihood of …

Military Recreation Programs: Their Role In Quality Of Life Of United States' Service Men And Women And Their Families, Michael Gorham

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

This thesis was designed to determine the importance of military recreation programs in improving the quality of life of United States service men and women. The study utilized a survey conducted on Fort Campbell, Kentucky, in the Spring of 1995. The results were analyzed individually and as a group. The findings were that military recreation programs play an important role in the quality of life of United States service men and women and their families. These findings were supported by the review of related literature and results from the survey which showed that 70% of the respondent's "Agreed" or "Strongly …

The Relationship Between Vision And Athletic Performance, Steven Richard Wininger

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

In today's competitive world of athletics it is not uncommon to discover a few athletes actively involved in some form of vision enhancement motivated by the promise that the exercises will improve their athletic performance. A review of past and present literature in the area of sports vision revealed that these athletes are performing exercises based upon a very weak scientific foundation. Most of the research investigating the relationship between vision and athletic performance has been plagued by flawed methodology, as well as extremely low numbers of subjects. The purpose of this study was to test for any relationship between …

The Acute Effect Of Aerobic Exercise On Anxiety Levels, Toni Devolder

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

The present study sought to determine whether or not state anxiety levels were significantly reduced when individuals participated in aerobic dance workouts of 15 minutes and 30 minutes. Undergraduate university students and faculty enrolled in an aerobic dance class were volunteers in this study. As hypothesized, subjects in the aerobic dance classes did reduce anxiety acutely following both their 15 minute and 30 minute workout as assessed by the STAI (Y-Form State Anxiety). Thus, results indicate that state anxiety may be reduced through aerobic dance with similar situations and individuals. In addition, the study also looked at the posttest state …

Six Volleyball Skill Tests As A Predictor Of Game Performance, Donetta J. Cothran

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship of six selected volleyball skill tests to actual volleyball game performance. The six skill test items were administered to 64 subjects, who were all members of a college level introductory volleyball course. Based on the ratings of a panel of experts, subjects were rated during game play as good, average, or poor performers.

The stepwise discriminant analysis was used to analyze the relationship between skill tests and game performance. Four of the six skill tests were identified as significantly contributing to group membership. These tests, in order of the magnitude …

A Comparison Of Traditional Grass-Twist Backstops To One Of Corrugated Cardboard Design Use On Indoor Ranges, Charles T. Crume Jr.

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

This study presents the results of a comparison of traditional grass-twist backstops frequently used on indoor ranges with one of corrugated cardboard design. The findings indicate that the corrugated cardboard design is substantially superior.

The four factors selected for testing were:

1. Arrow pass-through levels and subsequent arrow repair costs
2. Arrow penetration levels, tested over several distances and using several bow weights
3. Arrow-stopping potential with beginning and inexperienced archers
4. Storage

Testing showed the first three factors supporting the corrugated cardboard design. The last factor, storage, was found to be about equally supportive of both designs.

Several recommendations are made. These recommendations …