Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Effects Of Vaping Nicotine And Thc On Respiratory Oxidative Stress And Pulmonary Function, Kayla Mckinley, Shannon Jordan, Nikhil Patel, Alan D. Moore

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

E-cigarettes cause thermal degradation of liquid bases producing an inhaled vapor (“vaping”). Evidence suggests compounds produced during vaping, as well as the vaporized substance itself, cause lung damage and oxidative stress. Oxidative stress can be quantified through analysis of F2-8-isoprostanes, reactive species that initiate lipid peroxidation of arachidonic acid. PURPOSE: To compare non-vaping controls (C) to vapers (V) to determine if respiratory oxidative stress and/or reduced lung function is associated with young healthy people who vape. METHODS: Individuals aged 18-30 were recruited. Participants who vape were asked to identify if they vape only nicotine, only THC, or both as well …

Angiotensin Ii Induced Hypertension Induces Dna Damage Associated Gene Expression In Visceral Adipose, Nathan Cuellar, Sogol Zahedi, David J. Buckley, Daniel W. Trott

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Advanced age remains the most important risk factor for the development of cardiovascular disease. Aging is also the major risk factor for hypertension and is associated with chronic inflammation and senescent cell accumulation. Cellular senescence, a state of irreversible cell cycle arrest, is characterized by cell cycle arrest and the secretion of inflammatory mediators known as the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). Senescent cells have been demonstrated to accumulate in the adipose tissue of old mice. Although cellular senescence plays a role in age-related vascular dysfunction, it is unknown whether hypertension can induce cellular senescence independent of age. PURPOSE: This study …

Estimation Of Constant Power Cycle Ergometer Work Rates Using Responses In Incremental Exercise Tests, Ethan Hein, Sarah Deemer, Lydia K. Caldwell, Brady Mclain, Jacob Mcnary, Austin Shaw, David W. Hill

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

The severe exercise intensity domain is defined as the range of work rates that is sustainable for ~2 to 30 minutes and will elicit maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max). Laboratory controlled study designs often require a more stringent timeframe (e.g. 10 - 14 minutes) for achieving VO2max, making selection of individualized work rates a challenging task. PURPOSE: This study aimed to develop a regression equation to predict cycle ergometer work rates that would elicit VO2max and result in fatigue in ~12min (W12min). METHODS: Three women (mean ± SD, age, 23 ± 4 y; height, 168 ± 13 cm; body mass, 69 …

Increases In Knee Extension Muscle Activation But Not Peak Torque Following High Intensity Training, Adriana Alonso Gomez, Sierra M. Washignton, Annalee G. Krahn, Sarah N. Fambro, Andrew J. West, Andru N. Botello, Adam C. Avalos, Andrew A. Wolfe, Michael J. Luera

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Autoregulatory progressive resistance exercise (APRE) modulates training intensity in response to individual performance to optimize increases in muscular strength. Muscular activation patterns during maximal torque production can provide additional insight to increased strength following an APRE training intervention. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a 4-week APRE training program on peak torque and muscle activation in the vastus lateralis (VL) during maximal voluntary isokinetic knee extension. METHODS: Eight resistance trained males (age: 21.5 ± 2.3yrs; height: 176.5 ± 6.8cm; weight: 70.3 ± 17.8kg) participated in upper- and lower-body APRE 4-times per week for 4-weeks. …

Effects Of Autoregulatory Progressive Resistance Exercise On Upper-Body Rate Of Force Development And Cross-Sectional Area, Andru N. Botello, Sierra M. Washington, Annalee G. Krahn, Andrew J. West, Dylan J. Harty, Jenaya V. Brown, Mason A. Crews, Sarah N. Fambro, Adriana Alonso Gomez, Andrew A. Wolfe, Micheal J. Luera

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Rate of force development (RFD) is used to measure explosive strength during a rapid contraction of a muscle action and is also important for athletes who prioritize explosiveness and quickness. Reports indicate autoregulatory progressive resistance exercise (APRE) yields greater physical performance adaptations than traditional linear periodization models. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare isometric bench press RFD and skeletal muscle cross-sectional area (CSA) of the triceps longhead following 4-weeks of an APRE training program. METHODS: Eight resistance trained males (age: 21.5 ± 2.3yrs; height: 176.5 ± 6.8cm; weight: 70.3 ± 17.8kg) participated in a 4-week …

The Relationship Between Traditional Performance Measures Countermovement Jump Testing In Youth Female Soccer Athletes, Samiha Momin, Haley Goble, Roxanne Miller, Shari Liberman, Bradley Lambert

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Jump testing using electronic force plates has gained interest in sport and rehabilitation settings for evaluating performance and recovery across all levels, from youth to professional. While these devices produce extensive data on jump metrics, little information exists on how they relate to traditional sport performance measures used in athletic or therapy settings for youth athletes. PURPOSE: Examine the relationship between countermovement jump (CMJ) testing measures assessed via the VALD ForceDecks Lite® force plate system and common sport performance tests associated with lower extremity strength, power, agility, and injury risk in elite youth soccer athletes. METHODS: All procedures for …

Comparison Of Ncaa D1 Women’S Basketball Game Day And Previous Practice Training Loads, Kyle Jean, Karissa A. Mesquita, David Clark, Yasuki Sekiguchi

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Game day training loads in NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball players differ significantly from practice loads, emphasizing the intense physical demands of competition. Analyzing these variations is crucial for optimizing training strategies, balancing workload, and enhancing recovery. PURPOSE: Examining the game day and the previous week training load before each game in NCAA D1 Women’s Basketball players. METHODS: Eleven females (Age: 22±2years, Height: 183.41±8.92cm, Weight: 84.62±18.78kg) NCAA D1 Women’s Basketball players donned accelerometer units for games and practices from October 2023 through March 2024. Variables collected by the units include Total Distance, Duration, Accumulated Acceleration Load, High Speed …

Effect Of Sodium Glucose Cotransporter 2 Inhibition On Exercise Hyperemia In Older Adults, Harrison A. Peyrovi, Steven A. Romero, Johnathan D. Tune, Ysabella Ruiz-Pick, Asim Kichloo, Gregory M. Dick, Brenda L. Gilliland

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Skeletal muscle blood flow is attenuated in older adults performing dynamic exercise which is due, in part, to impaired local vasodilatory mechanisms. Recent preclinical and clinical studies have shown that sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors improve vasodilator function at rest. However, the extent to which this improvement extends to exercise is unknown. PURPOSE: To test the hypothesis that compared with placebo, short-term administration of an SGLT2 inhibitor will increase skeletal muscle blood flow in older adults performing unilateral plantar flexion exercise via increased vascular conductance. METHODS: We utilized a randomized, single-blind, placebo-controlled crossover design. Four older adults (3 women; age …

Co-Existence Of St-Segment Depression And Exaggerated Systolic Blood Pressure Response In Older Runners, Kazumasa Manabe, Owen N. Beck, Justus Ortega, Hirofumi Tanaka

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Regular exercise is known to confer substantial benefits for cardiovascular health. However, long-distance runners with abnormal exercise electrocardiography like ST-segment depression have been reported to show a higher prevalence of exercise-induced hypertension, which may link to future cardiovascular events. In recent years, the recommendation to screen and assess cardiovascular risks has extended to various populations including chronically active and seemingly healthy older athletes. PURPOSE: In the retrospective analysis of a previous research study to evaluate walking economy in older adults, we observed a fairly high occurrence of both ST segment depression and peak systolic BP in older endurance-trained athletes. …

Non-Linear Relationship Between Mental Toughness And Anxiety In Ncaa Athletes: Unexpected Mid-Range Vulnerability, Gabriel Rollins, Ernest Rimer, Xavier Smith, Nathan Wells, Brett Hayes, Jennifer Daily, Christopher Peters, Andreas Stamatis

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Elite athletes often experience various anxiety symptoms and disorders that, if left untreated, can negatively impact their mental well-being, psychological functioning, and athletic performance. While mental toughness (MT) is generally viewed as advantageous in terms of mental health (MH) outcomes, previous research has suggested that excessively high MT levels may lead to maladaptive behaviors, such as ignoring injuries or delaying help-seeking, which can exacerbate MH challenges. Lately, official organizations (e.g., NCAA) have emphasized the need for structured and regular MH screening (e.g., anxiety) of elite athletes. PURPOSE: To investigate the relationship between MT and anxiety in NCAA student-athletes, specifically …

Vascular Responses During Steady-State Exercise In Adults With Type 1 Diabetes, Ruby A. Nyarko, Ashlesha D. Dalve, Justo Perez Iii, Pratima V. Kumar, Jasdeep Kaur

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is associated with widespread hyperglycemia-induced vascular damage, which affects both conduit and resistance arteries. This damage has been demonstrated by impaired vasodilatory responses to a 5-minute ischemic stimulus (flow-mediated dilation) and infusion of pharmacological vasodilators in patients with T1D. However, whether this vascular impairment affects blood flow regulation during steady-state exercise in T1D remains unclear. PURPOSE: Herein, we tested the hypothesis that adults with T1D would exhibit blunted forearm blood flow (FBF) and forearm vascular conductance (FVC) during steady-state rhythmic handgrip exercise (RHG), compared to age-matched healthy controls. METHODS: We studied 27 adults (15 …

Examining The Relationship Of E-Cigarette Vapor Exposure And Exercise Performance In Aerobically Trained Rats, Miranda N. Farrar, Nancy Morales

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Electronic cigarettes, or e-cigarettes, are alternatives to traditional cigarettes and they are rapidly growing in popularity. These electronic nicotine delivery systems heat up nicotine and vehicle liquids to deliver nicotine to the user via vapor rather than smoke. Although they are touted as a “healthier” alternative to smoking, vape use is associated with changes in heart rate and blood pressure, increased lung inflammation, and reduced mucociliary clearance. Such physiological changes may have an effect on exercise performance and athletic ability. PURPOSE: This study’s purpose was twofold: to train rats to successfully run on a treadmill, and to evaluate the …

Low-Energy Cooling Strategies To Mitigate Thermal Strain Of Older Adults Exposed To Very Hot-Dry Heat, Isa A. Farooqi, Zachary J. Mckenna, Whitley C. Atkins, Elizabeth A. Gideon, Craig G. Crandall

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Extreme heat causes morbidity and mortality, particularly among older adults. Although air conditioning can mitigate heat strain, it may be inaccessible due to limited resources, high costs, or power outages. Consequently, cooling strategies other than air-conditioning are needed to mitigate excessive elevations in core temperature and cardiovascular strain in this population. While electric fans offer a low-cost and widely available intervention, their effectiveness in very hot conditions is minimized due to potential increases in heat gain and dehydration. In contrast, skin wetting is a promising low-cost and energy-free cooling strategy that enhances evaporative heat loss. PURPOSE: We tested the hypotheses …

Reliability Of Handgrip Strength Measurements And Their Relationship With Physical Performance Outcomes In Older Women, Alexandra Khartabil, Ty B. Palmer

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Handgrip strength measurements, such as peak force and rate of force development (RFD), are effective parameters at characterizing the strength capacities of numerous muscle groups in the upper and lower extremities. Previous studies have determined the reliability of handgrip peak force and RFD in young, college-aged adults. However, the reliability of these measurements in older adults remains unclear. It is also unclear if these measurements are associated with performance during sit-to-stand and medicine ball throw tests. PURPOSE: The primary aim of this study was to examine the reliability of handgrip peak force and RFD measurements in older women. A secondary …

Music Enhances Motor Cortex Excitability In Physically Active Individuals, Anupama Thapa, Ana Carolina Panhan, Erin Lally, Joosung Kim

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Music is often used by exercisers and benefits physical performance. The positive effects of music on physical function are induced by the changes in motor cortex excitability while listening to music. Recent studies reveal that modulation of brain excitability in the hand is increased by music but is likely dependent on the characteristics of music tempo, preference, and the individual’s motivational state. No study has explicitly investigated whether music perceived as motivating for exercise creates changes in motor cortex excitability of the quadriceps. PURPOSE: This randomized crossover study examines the effect of the preferred music on motor cortex excitability …

Changes In Gait Patterns: Indicators Of Increased Fall Risk Across Diverse Age Groups, Diego Diaz-Vega, Heontae Kim, Ho Han, Jungyu Lee, Fatima Siddiqua

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Gait patterns, including measures such as velocity, step length differential, and various temporal aspects of the gait cycle, are essential indicators of an individual's mobility and balance. With aging, changes in these gait metrics are commonly observed and are closely linked to an increased risk of falls. However, detailed evidence on gait changes across different age groups remains limited, particularly in healthy adults. PURPOSE: The primary aim of this study is to identify key gait metrics and evaluate their potential as indicators of increased fall risk across diverse age groups. METHODS: A total of 252 healthy adults aged …

Accumulated Seasonal Effects Of External Training Load On Performance, Sydnei Mooring, Harsh Buddhadev, Mayrena I. Hernandez, Jennifer Bunn

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

External training load (ETL), which characterizes the mechanical stress sustained during physical activity, is a key determinant of athletic performance. Understanding seasonal variations in ETL provides valuable insight for optimizing performance and reducing overuse injury risk in volleyball, a sport heavily reliant on vertical jumping actions. PURPOSE: To examine seasonal variations in ETL and performance metrics in high school volleyball athletes, with a specific focus on jump-related mechanical variables. METHODS: This study involved secondary analysis of data collected during a prospective observational study of a 6A high school volleyball team competing in the 2021 Texas University Interscholastic League. Data from …

The Effect Of Menstrual Cycle Phase On Igf-1 And Myostatin After An Acute Bout Of Anaerobic Exercise: A Preliminary Analysis, Kelsi R. Lambright, Cayla Clark, Ashley Latchford, Edwin J. Davila, Dan E. Newmire

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Hormonal fluctuations throughout the menstrual cycle influence various physiological processes, including skeletal muscle metabolism. Understanding how anabolic and catabolic pathways respond to anaerobic exercise in females is crucial for uncovering the mechanisms behind muscle adaptations. The limited research on the influence of menstrual cycle fluctuations on muscle metabolism underscores the need for this study and further exploration of exercise physiology in females. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of menstrual cycle phases on the anabolic hormone-insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and the catabolic regulator myostatin (GDF-8) in response to a bout of anaerobic exercise in eumenorrheic …

Body Composition Impacts Jump Performance In D1 Athletes, Veronika Kramarenko, Vipa Bernhardt, Michael D. Oldham, Brian Jones, Ouays Bakcha, Chaehyun Byun, Cheyenne Martinez, Joseph Mcclain, Marshall Tousant

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

INTRODUCTION: Body composition is critical in athletic performance, influencing metrics such as jump height and force production. Variations in body composition, such as increased lean tissue mass and reduced fat mass, have been identified as strong predictors of superior jump performance due to their positive effects on power-to-weight ratios and reduced injury risk (MacDonald et al., 2013). Lean mass is strongly correlated with improved jump performance, as greater lean mass enhances muscle cross-sectional area and, consequently, the force and power generated during physical activities like countermovement jumps (CMJ) (Stephenson et al., 2015). Low body fat percentages are generally associated with …

Developing An Evidence-Based Model For Healthy Stride Length Prediction, Jungyu Lee, Ho Han, Heontae Kim, Diego Diaz-Vega

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Stride length is a vital health indicator, reflecting physical fitness and mobility status. Although several existing formulas aim to estimate stride length, many are limited by a lack of scientific validation, especially among healthy, active adults. This study addresses these limitations by developing a validated model based on healthy adults without known mobility impairments, aiming to establish a more accurate, clinically useful standard for stride length estimation. The model provides a reference range for healthy stride length, usable as a tool to identify individuals at risk of mobility issues. PURPOSE: To develop an evidence-based model for predicting stride length …

Pre- To Post-Season Changes In Body Composition And Movement Quality And Quantity In D1 Football Players, Brian Jones, Ouays Bakcha, Chaehyun Byun, Veronika Kramarenko, Cheyenne Martinez, Joseph Mcclain, Marshall Tousant, Vipa Bernhardt, Michael D. Oldham

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

INTRODUCTION: Body composition may influence an individual's movement efficiency and performance outcomes. Lower body fat percentage may enable individuals, either sedentary or athletic, to perform movements more efficiently, while greater total lean mass may enhance performance in strength and power-related activities. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to analyze the changes in collegiate football players’ total lean mass and body fat percentage, as well as movement quantity and quality measures from preseason to postseason. METHODS: Data from a larger study were analyzed for this project. Division 1 male football players (n= 72, 19.6 ± 1.4 yrs) …

The Relationship Between Handgrip Strength And Cardiovascular Risk Factors In Older Women, Adriana N. Guerrero, Emily Sauers

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Cardiovascular disease is the leading causes of death in the world. Several clinical trials have found that handgrip strength is associated with lower cardiovascular risk and related death. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between cardiovascular risk factors and handgrip strength. METHODS: Subjects for this study included 8 women from the Congregation of Devine Providence (78.13+7.79 yrs) at Our Lady of the Lake University. Preliminary measures included a medical history questionnaire and the CHAMPS physical activity questionnaire. On the first day of testing, subjects arrived fasted between 7-9am. After a 5-minute rest, blood pressure and …

Does Swearing Improve Exercise Performance And Pain Tolerance?: Cultural Perspective, Jide Yinka Adebiyi, Christos Kyrillou, Elijah Martinez, Anika Patel, Emily Payne, Linsheng Chen, Daroonwan Suksom, Hirofumi Tanaka

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Swearing is often generated by self or received from others (e.g., coaches) during physical exertion for various reasons including punctuating the passion, releasing frustration, and resetting the mind. However, the effects of swearing and yelling on exercise performance and pain tolerance remain largely unexplored. Additionally, it is unknown whether individuals from different cultures experience varying degrees of impact of yelling and swearing. PURPOSE: We determined the impact of self-generated and observer-generated swearing and yelling on exercise performance and pain tolerance in individuals living in the US where swearing is often used and heard and in Thailand where such occurrence is …

Mission Success: Mastering Muscle Function Through Humanoid Analysis, Amber M. Chelette

Educational Practices in Kinesiology

Knowledge of muscle function and human movement are essential skills of all kinesiology students. In the humanoid activity, teams are challenged to determine whether a muscle is essential to the successful development of a humanoid being sent to Mars. This activity provides a significant learning experience regarding muscle anatomy, function, and movement analysis. The humanoid activity is intended for use in a face-to-face upper-level kinesiology anatomy or movement analysis course and best implemented with class sizes of 20-30 students. The total time commitment is approximately 45 minutes.

School Personnel Perceptions Of School-Based Mental Health Prevention And Interventions, Kelsey Lytle

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Despite millions of children across the United States experiencing at least one mental health disorder about half do not receive any sort of treatment or counseling. Within schools, many children receive formal intervention services once they are identified. However, there are many other children who would benefit greatly from learning social emotional skills who have not been identified. Prevention could be a great resource to prevent children from falling through the cracks. The purpose of this study was to assess personnel perceptions on the school’s role in student mental health, mental health interventions and prevention, evidence-based practices, and barrier to …

Understanding Injury Risk In Female College Dancers: The Interplay Of Mobility And Strength, Audrey Clark

Mahurin Honors College Capstone Experience/Thesis Projects

INTRODUCTION: Female college dancers present a unique set of demands that contribute to a risk of injury different from other sports. Two of the primary physical demands of dance, mobility and strength, are also known risk factors for non contact injuries. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between mobility, strength, and non contact injuries in female college dancers and add to the current gap in literature. METHODS: Participants (n=10) completed an injury history, hand-grip assessment, Functional Movement Screen (FMS), and monthly follow up injury surveys during the duration of the study. Means, standard deviations, correlations, and …

Biocultural Mobility: The Impact Of Osteoarthritis On Rural Kentuckians, Alexandria Anderson

Mahurin Honors College Capstone Experience/Thesis Projects

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common chronic degenerative joint disease that results in joint pain and loss of joint function, and it is rising in prevalence alongside an aging population. OA has a complex etiology, with various biological, mechanical, and sociocultural factors affecting its acquisition and progression. Like most diseases, OA has a differential prevalence among populations; it is disproportionally more common in underserved communities, including rural areas. This thesis presents (1) a study comparing selected OA treatment type and patient travel time, (2) a study comparing OA comorbidity amount and rurality, and (3) a discussion of exploratory interdisciplinary methods in …

"Dental Health For Mental Wealth": A Comprehensive Analysis Of The Underexplored Impact Of Oral Health And Behaviors On Neurobiology And Psychological Well-Being, Brooke C. Beck

Mahurin Honors College Capstone Experience/Thesis Projects

This thesis explores the link between oral health and psychological state, specifically, the effect of oral health on psychological state and how appropriate oral health impacts this relationship. A review of the literature was conducted and studies interpreted within the scope of oral health’s impact on psychological health and detailing some of the pathways proposed for such a link. The literature search was limited to the English language from well-known databases mainly from 2015 to 2025. A few outliers are present to include foundational information.

The effects of oral disease and oral self-care behaviors were dissected through a biochemical perspective, …

Exploring The Impact Of Yoga On Self-Perception In People With Aphasia, Meta Riley Hurm

Mahurin Honors College Capstone Experience/Thesis Projects

Instances of complex diagnoses and acquired language loss, such as aphasia, are often accompanied by a variety of deficits in quality of life. Most notably, individuals’ self-perceptions can be altered by these diagnoses, as new life complications bring about the necessity for major adjustments. This study utilized interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) to analyze the effects of participation in an adapted yoga program on self-perception, specifically evoking change in identity, emotional health, sense of community, and self-acceptance. Through interviews with six individuals with a primary aphasia diagnosis, findings revealed three major superordinate themes of self-perception: identity, self-care, and attunement. Participants' answers …

Determining Localization Of Surf-4 In Drosophila Melanogaster In The Secretory Pathway, Jada Scott

Mahurin Honors College Capstone Experience/Thesis Projects

The purpose of this research is to determine the role of the Surfeit-4 gene, or Surf-4 locus protein, during Drosophila melanogaster development. Surf-4 was identified in the Srivastava lab in a biochemical screen for proteins that associate with the basement membrane (BM): a structure needed and required for normal development and its degradation is a hallmark of tumor metastasis. Surf-4 has been predicted to function within intracellular compartments and is known to be expressed in many parts of the developing fly. We are currently determining why Surf-4 is important in development and what role, if any, it could play during …