Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Firefighters Versus Law Enforcement Officers: A Comparison Of Cardiovascular Disease Risk, Bethany C. Guerra, Hunter Martaindale, Steven E. Martin, Lisa C. Colvin, Drew E. Gonzalez, Matthew J. Mcallister

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Firefighters (FF) and law enforcement officers (LEO) have heightened cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk due to the stressful nature of their occupations. Data suggest that 45% of on-duty FF fatalities are related to CVD, while LEO have a 1.7 times higher CVD prevalence compared to the general public. To our knowledge, studies comparing FF to LEO, in terms of CVD risk factors, have not been published. This information is necessary to better understand differences in occupational disease risk, as well as to help bridge the gap between stress and CVD markers. PURPOSE: To compare CVD risk biomarkers, fitness, and body …

A Case Study Examining Health And Fitness Effects Of Thru Hiking The Pacific Crest Trail, Holland Gaston, Dante Argento, Anna Grexton, Cory Greever

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

The Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), a long-distance hiking route spanning from the U.S.-Mexico Border to the U.S.-Canada border, is a compelling research topic for studying human performance. Thru hiking involves enduring high volumes of moderate-vigorous exercise, load carriage of survival gear, environmental conditions, hydration, nutrition, sleep, and psychological well-being, alongside addressing challenges like navigation, limited resupply, encounters with wild animals and injury/illness. PURPOSE: This case study investigated the impact of thru hiking the PCT on physical fitness and health in a cohort of three non-elite male hikers. METHODS: The participants had two visits to the lab, following an 8-12 hour …

Preliminary Findings From A Pediatric Physical Activity Program For Children With Cancer, Paulette M. Yamada, Erin O. Bantum, Erin E. Centeio, Kelley Hutchins, Laura Bonilla, Carie Sumida, Jayna Lee, Sabrina Cao, Grace Lopez

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

It is critical for pediatric patients diagnosed with cancer to engage in physical activity (PA) as it is associated with positive psychosocial outcomes and may improve physical function. However, physical activity opportunities for pediatric cancer patients are limited. PURPOSE: To test the feasibility and adherence of pediatric cancer patients to a virtual PA program. METHODS: Pediatric patients undergoing cancer treatment were referred to the Pediatric Physical Activity program (PePA) by the Children’s Hospital’s oncology team using rolling recruitment. The target sample size was 20-25 patients. Patients enrolled in an online 12-week PA intervention with similar-aged peers (2x/week, 60 …

Body Composition And Fitness Characteristics From Structural Firefighters In A Health And Wellness Program: Differences According To Injury Status And Location, Tomas J. Ruvalcaba, Daniel Higuera, Robin (Rob) Marc Orr, J. Jay Dawes, Kristina A. Ross, Robert G. Lockie

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Structural firefighting can put firefighters at an elevated risk for injury. Numerous health and fitness characteristics (body composition, flexibility, muscular strength and endurance, aerobic capacity) can influence the performance of fireground operations, and could help prevent injury in firefighters. PURPOSE: To analyze the differences in health and fitness between healthy firefighters, and firefighters who reported a current upper-body, lower-body, or back injury. METHODS: Archival data from structural firefighters in a health and wellness program was investigated (258 males; 12 females). Body composition data included height; body mass; body mass index (BMI); body fat percentage; fat and lean body mass; waist …

Anthropometric Predictors Of Arterial Stiffness When Adjusting For Fitness In College-Aged Adults, Riley Morton, Kyli Alvarez, Estephania Campa, Malia Nowlen, Zachary Zeigler

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

PURPOSE: Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) is the largest cause of non-communicable disease death worldwide. Arterial stiffness is an independent predictor of CVD. Body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), and waist-to-hip ratio predict arterial stiffness. However, there is inconstancy in the literature as to which is the best predictor of arterial stiffness. Measured cardiovascular fitness is also an independent predictor of arterial stiffness and is rarely controlled for in epidemiological studies. The purpose of this study was to identify the superior anthropometric predictor of arterial stiffness after controlling for measured fitness.

METHODS: Healthy young adults were recruited from Grand …

Cardiorespiratory Fitness Level Alters Blood Pressure Responses Induced By Histamine H1- And H2-Receptor Blockade During Dynamic Exercise, Albert A. Lira Jr., Dustin J. Lirazan, Ronaldo U. Meneses, Sung J. Yun, Jong-Kyung Kim

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Epidemiological studies have reported that greater cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is associated with lower blood pressure (BP). Histamine receptor-mediated peripheral vasodilation contributes to postexercise hypotension and lowing exercising BP responses. Previously, our laboratory found that overactive BP responses to exercise were induced by the inability of histamine receptors in individuals with prehypertension. However, it is still unknown that CRF can impact BP responses elicited by the inability of the receptors. Purpose: This study was to assess whether aerobic fitness is effective in lowering excessive BP responses induced by the blockade of histamine receptors. Methods: In twelve male and female subjects (6 …

The Role Of University-Required Fitness Courses In Students' Health And Exercise Practices, Haley Turner, Kara Jones, Katelyn Cole, Yunsuk Koh, Heather Hudson

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Lifetime fitness (LF) classes include exercise, sport, and recreational activity courses. The main purposes of LF classes are to give health education that elicits mental, social, and physical preparation for a lifelong experience of fitness. However, previous research has not extensively investigated the role of LF classes on students’ motivations to exercise during and after completing the course. PURPOSE: To determine whether or not taking an LF class contributes to a student’s motivation to exercise, to determine a motivation for signing up for an LF course, to determine why they chose that specific class, and to determine the degree to …

Influence Of Fitness On Stress Reactivity As Measured With The Trier Social Stress Test, Andrea Guerrero, Sonio David Garcia, Alexis Ortiz, Dana Day, Rebekah Ortiz, Aliyah Medina, Angelika Lapetoda, Stacy Cantu, Deborah Parra-Medina, Daniel Hughes

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

PURPOSE: Psychosocial stress is associated with multiple health complaints which a higher cardiorespiratory fitness may reduce stress reactivity. A higher level of fitness may assist in the reduction of stress-related risk factors. Limited studies have investigated the health and cortisol response of promotoras’ (Latina community health educators) physical activity (PA) behaviors along the South Texas Mexico Border Region. The aim of this study was to assess the associations of promotoras’ fitness on stress reactivity in promotoras. METHODS: 17 promotoras’ anthropometric measures (body mass index (BMI)), were assessed before performing Trier Social Stress Test (TSST). Salivary cortisol was collected before, 10-minutes, …

A Comparison Of Functional Movement Between Crossfit Trained, Recreationally Trained And Sedentary Individuals, Kelsey Ede, Laurel Hill, Shelby Moreno, Natalia Traverzo, Shelly D. Weise, Teresa Huckaby

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

CrossFit is a prevalent style of exercise training. The exercise style focuses on performance of aerobic and strengthening exercises which incorporate multi-joint, functional movements. These variables combine to enhance athletic performance and improve an individual's ability to perform daily functional movement patterns. A limited amount of research has compared CrossFit with other training groups regarding aerobic capacity, muscular strength and body composition. An even smaller percentage of research has compared functional movement variables. PURPOSE: Current research supports that CrossFit athletes demonstrate high symmetry of functional movement patterns. The primary aim of this study was to determine if CrossFit training …

Effects Of High Concentration Vivissential Amino Acids Sports Drink Ingestion On Performance In Trained Athletes, Klaudia Szych, Ariel Gomez, Jerene Yazzie, Sarah A. Massey, Lorenzo Juarez, Andi Johnson, Shannon Jackson, Matthew A. Barlow Phd

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Essential amino acids are necessary for protein nutrition and muscle sustainability. Previous studies looking at the effects of BCAAs did not result in measurable reductions in muscle damage and enhanced recovery of muscle function. PURPOSE: The Calwood Nutritionals Company manufactures a balanced nutritional formula of amino acids with the addition of a higher concentration of arginine and methionine, which during an acute 3-day study in our lab decreased muscle degradation in a young sedentary population. The purpose of this study is to examine the changes in performance following the chronic consumption of the essential amino acids in collegiate athletes …

Gender Differences In Health-Related Physical Fitness Among College Students, L. Shaffer, A. Barton, J. Moxley, A. Vigo, M. James-Hassan

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Please refer to the pdf version of the abstract located adjacent to the title.

Effect Of Physical Fitness On The Risk Of Stress Fracture Injury In Army Basic Training, S. Rossi, J. Hauret, B. Jones

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Please refer to the pdf version of the abstract located adjacent to the title.

Correlation Between Handgrip Strength And Functional Fitness Among Older Adults, P. Rippon, S. Paulson, M. Gray

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Please refer to the pdf version of the abstract located adjacent to the title.

Ua12/12 Wku Wellnews, Vol. 2, No. 2, Wku Wellness Center

WKU Archives Records

Newsletter created by the Wellness Center regarding services, health and fitness.