Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Army Combat Fitness Test Performance By Sex In Rotc Cadets, Kevin Lee Withrow, J. Jay Dawes, Robin (Rob) Marc Orr, Robert G. Lockie

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

The U.S. Department of Defense recently opened all combat jobs to women. The Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) is the U.S. Army’s new assessment for measuring a soldier’s ability to execute combat-related tasks. However, issues have been raised at a national level relative to the impacts of the ACFT on female personnel. As the Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) is the initial entry point for many future Army officers, it is important to analyze how male and female cadets compare in their physical abilities. PURPOSE: To investigate the between-sex differences in ACFT performance in cadets from one program. METHODS …

Lifting In An Alternate Reality: The Application Of Action Observation Within Virtual Reality And Weightlifting., Michael Weise, Nikko Cando, Alex Krause, Kim Hernandez, Rabbani Nzeza, Allyssa Alcasabas, Jake Hinkel-Lipsker

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Action observation (AO), where a learner watches a model perform a skill, has long been shown to facilitate motor learning of a variety of skills. There is great interest in learning ways to optimize the AO experience in order to maximize motor learning. In recent years, virtual reality (VR) technology has advanced considerably, where high-fidelity environments can facilitate a fully immersive experience. As such, the three-dimensional (3D) VR experience could allow for improved learning through AO over more traditional forms (e.g., watching a computer screen). PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to determine how well people learn a …

My Brain Hurts: A Focus On Somatosensory Complaints In Traumatic Brain Injury Patients Assessed By Neurobehavioral Symptom Inventory, Christine Walker, Jason Bailie, Rosemay Remigio-Baker, Ida Babakhanyan

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

PURPOSE: Somatosensory symptoms are common complaints from patients following a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), but are not specific to TBI diagnosis. This study investigated the prevalence of somatosensory symptoms in TBI patients, evaluated if symptoms severity was associated with TBI severity, and assessed the relationship of somatosensory complaints to psychological complaints commonly associated with depression and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). METHODS: Somatic symptoms following traumatic brain injury (TBI) were assessed using 7 of the 22 items from the Neurobehavioral Symptom Inventory (NSI) which included headache, nausea, vision problems/blurriness, body numbness/tingling, taste/smell changes, light sensitivity, and noise sensitivity. …

High School Strength And Conditioning: A Narrative Review Of The Literature, Alexander Wakely, Robert G. Lockie

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Many high school athletes will complete strength and conditioning programs as part of their sports participation. The programs can vary in quality, and there is limited research specifically investigating programs at this level. PURPOSE: To review current literature specific to strength and conditioning training programs for high school student-athletes and calculate magnitude of performance changes. METHODS: Studies were searched for using the CSUF Pollack Library database. Search terms included “high school strength and conditioning” and “high school training programs”. Following this process, 5 studies were deemed appropriate for this narrative review. Performance changes from pre- to post-test for the strength …

Gender Differences In Physical Activity Level By Domain, Natasha Vinluan, Zachary Zenko

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Engaging in regular physical activity and exercise has been demonstrated to increase life expectancy, improve mental health, and prevent or manage noncommunicable diseases. Although the health benefits are well known, estimates suggest that the majority of women and men do not obtain the recommended amounts of physical activity per week. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to assess how physical activity levels differed by domain (i.e., domestic/household, transportation-related, occupational, leisure-time) between genders. This information can be useful for tailoring future interventions to promote activity. METHODS: After obtaining ethical approval, participants (79 men, 35 women; mean age: 36 …

Developing A Predictive Model For Vo2max In Middle-Distance Track And Field Athletes, Nicole Vargas, Patricia Vanoosbree, Kristyne Wiegand

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Purpose: Aerobic capacity is an indicator of an athlete’s endurance and a key predictor of performance. The greater the aerobic capacity, the more oxygen available for working muscles, leading to delays in lactate buildup, thus increasing the potential for successful performance. Studies have investigated non-exercise and/or submaximal exercise measures to predict aerobic capacity, but few have analyzed the combination of maximal exercise and non-exercise measures in Division-3 runners. Therefore, the purpose of this pilot study is to determine the predictive ability of heart rate (HR_max), ventilation (VE), respiratory quotient (RQ), and rate of perceived exertion (RPE) on VO …

Understanding And Communicating Physical Activity Guidelines: Creating A Training Video For Health Care Providers, Jafrā D. Thomas, Bethany C. Love, Caroline N. Smith

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Like Das et al.’s study (2018, TJACSM), studies over the last decade or so have shown that many health care providers have low knowledge of peer-reviewed physical activity guidelines (PAGs, e.g., Barton et al., 2021, Physical Therapy in Sport; Douglas et al., 2006, BMC Public Health). One remedy may be educational videos. PURPOSE: This presentation details a process to create a short, interactive, educational video to train health care providers in how to advise clients in a manner consistent with PAGs. METHODS: Over a four-month period (January to April of 2021), the second author developed …

Phase Angle Is Associated With Muscular Fitness In Breast Cancer Survivors, Trevor Short, Michelle Pits, Paulette Yamada, Cheri Teranishi-Hashimoto

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Phase angle (PhA) has emerged as a prognostic indicator of survival and quality of life (QOL) in cancer patients. Identifying measures of physical fitness that correlate with PhA can provide guidance towards optimizing cancer rehabilitation programs. PURPOSE: To examine the relationship between PhA and physical fitness (muscular strength, muscular endurance, cardiorespiratory endurance, flexibility, and body composition) in breast cancer survivors. METHODS: Seventy female breast cancer survivors (61 ± 9 years, PhA 4.57 ± 0.51) were referred to the rehabilitation clinic by their oncologist. Participants completed assessments for muscular strength (predicted 1-repetition maximum of incline bench press, seated cable row, latissimus …

Reverting To A Healthier Diet Or Employing An Aerobic Exercise Regime Independently Restore Muscle Fiber Phenotype Disturbed By High-Fat Diet In Muscle Of Mice, Nathan Serrano, Harkaran S. Sodhi, Kailin Johnsson, Laurel B. Winslow, Layla Al-Nakkash, Christos S. Katsanos

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Obesity affects roughly 42% of the US population. High fat/high sugar diets (HFHS) often referred to as “western diet” contributes to this prevalence. Diet-induced obesity results in impaired metabolic responses and associated disease states (i.e., Type 2 Diabetes). Metabolic impairments in diet-induced obesity are a result of changes in muscle metabolism, and changes in muscle fiber phenotype, which is determined by the isoform-content of the protein myosin heavy chain (MHC). Fast muscle fiber phenotype (i.e. type IIb in mice) is characterized by lower capacity for utilization of lipids, implicated in the pathogenesis of Type 2 Diabetes. Regular exercise shifts MHC …

Evaluating The Validity Of The Salatto-Love And Care Of Nature Direct Indication Scale Against The Love And Care Of Nature Scale During Rest And After Self-Paced Hiking, Robert W. Salatto, Dustin W. Davis, Elias M. Malek, Charli Aguilar, Jeff Montes, Nathaniel Bodell, Jacob W. Manning, Mark Debeliso Phd, James Navalta

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

There are several scales used to measure one’s connectedness to or love of nature. Amongst these scales is The Love and Care of Nature Scale (LCN), which has been used across several disciplines in research. While the LCN is a valid and reliable scale, completing the 15-question scale may be time consuming and difficult during field research. PURPOSE: The purpose of the current investigation was to establish a fast, easy-to-administer, and easy-to-understand visual analog scale that is valid for evaluating participants’ connectedness to or love of nature. METHODS:Nineteen participants met on two consecutive days at Thunderbird Gardens Trailhead in …

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 …

College Students’ Perceived Stress In Relation To Physical Activity Behaviors During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Holli Rosas, Andrea Hughes, Sarah L. Dunn Ph.D.

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

College students may experience heightened stress during a global pandemic. It is well known that psychological distress during times of uncertainty and sedentary behaviors may lead to adverse health outcomes such as morbidity and mortality. Physical activity (PA) has been shown to positively mediate distress and other mental health outcomes. PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to examine college students’ perceived stress levels and PA behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic and remote learning. METHODS: An Institutional Review Board approved online Qualtrics survey was used to collect data from eighty-four enrolled college students (mean age 24.4±5.79 years, 57.6% female) in …

Obstacle Negotiation Gaze Strategies Of The Physically Fatigued, Belle P. Ponce De Leon, Makena Savola, Sedona Boren, Andrew Fishman, Sarika Varma, Jacob W. Hinkel-Lipsker

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

INTRODUCTION: Proper obstacle negotiation while in a fatigued state is a safety concern for first responders, firefighters and other primary relief personnel in their high-risk line of work. During locomotion the central gaze is focused beyond the obstacle to plan future steps while the peripheral vision spatially tracks the obstacle. Previous work indicates that following intense exercise people experience a narrowed peripheral visual field, making them more reliant on central gaze. Thus, it is possible that when physically-fatigued people become more reliant on central gaze to perceive obstacles, leaving them unable to plan future steps as effectively.

PURPOSE: This study …

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 …

The Impact Of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury Risk On Baseline Balance Assessment For Concussion In Collegiate Athletes, Ryan N. Moran, Nicholas G. Murray

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

PURPOSE: Recent literature has linked concussion and neuromuscular deficits in the lower extremity after injury. Neuromuscular control is frequently assessed using balance measures for concussion, but also dynamically to identify anterior cruciate ligament injury (ACL) risk via jump-landing movement screening. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of ACL injury risk on baseline balance assessment for concussion. METHODS: Thirty-nine healthy, collegiate female soccer (n=22) and volleyball (n=17) athletes completed the modified-Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction of Balance (m-CTSIB) and the Landing Error Scoring System (LESS) test as part of routine concussion baseline testing and injury …

Changes In Vertical Reaction Force During Treadmill High-Intensity Interval Training, Jared Moore, Garry Cai, George Salem

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

High-intensity interval training (HIIT) has become a popular form of exercise due to its low time burden and easily customized protocols. To date, there has been no investigation into how lower extremity loading (ie. GRF) changes over time during a HIIT protocol. Examining this load variability can help inform protocol development for different populations. PURPOSE: The purpose of this pilot study was to examine how the vertical reaction force (vRF) changes during a HIIT running protocol in order to elucidate how working at high intensity for 4min periods can influence subsequent lower extremity loading. METHODS: Three participants (26±3y) …

A Comparison Of High-Intensity Interval And Moderate Intensity Continuous Training On Glucose Regulation In Sedentary, Obese Individuals, Sophia R. Mirth, Brandon J. Sawyer, Dharini M. Bhammer, Glenn A. Gaesser

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

It is well known that exercise is beneficial in the prevention of type 2 diabetes (T2D) but the ideal type of training is not clear. PURPOSE: To compare the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) on blood glucose regulation in sedentary, obese adults. METHODS: 22 sedentary, obese individuals were randomized into either HIIT or MICT. Each group exercised on a cycle ergometer 3 times/wk for 8 wks. The HIIT group performed 10, 1 min intervals at 90-95% HR_max with 1 min rest intervals in between. The MICT group performed 30 min of …

Comparison Of Flights Climbed Between Garmin And Fitbit Devices, Javen Miguel, Alan Garcia, Melissa Strehlow, Dustin W. Davis, Jeff Montes, James W. Navalta

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

With exercise device technology and consumer interest in the field growing, it is important for users to be confident that their wearable fitness devices accurately track their flights climbed. Two manufacturers of devices that track flights climbed are Garmin and Fitbit. Comparing the measurements of flights climbed between devices from these two manufacturers is important to inform consumers as they decide which device to purchase for flight-related activities. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare the measurements of flights climbed between the Garmin fēnix 5 and Fitbit Versa 2. METHODS: Eight participants (6M, 2F, 29 ± 8 yrs, …

Effects Of Short Foot Exercise On Ankle Eversion Velocity, Daniel Metri, Jacob Mayoral, Connor Owen, Andy Arant, Dane Johnson, Robert Dudley, Andrea Du Bois

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

The biomechanical position of the foot while landing plays a major role in performance and injury. A common issue of landing is excessive foot pronation and subsequently ankle eversion. This biomechanical position can result in knee abduction, increasing the chance of knee injury. The velocity at which the ankle everts may also be a component of injury as long distance runners that became injured had higher ankle eversion velocity in their landing strides while running. Short foot exercise (SFE) strengthens the intrinsic muscles of the foot and help stabilize the arch which assists in eccentrically controlling pronation. However, acute effects …

Macrophage Response To Damage In Old And Young Skeletal Muscle, Jack Mehling, Robert D. Hyldahl, Mohadeseh Ahmadi

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

PURPOSE: In skeletal muscle, macrophages migrate to damaged fibers, influencing the inflammatory response during muscle regeneration. Macrophages experience polarization, exhibiting different phenotypes described as M1 (pro-inflammatory) and M2 (anti-inflammatory.) Failure to properly transition between phenotypes inhibits fiber regeneration. Previous animal literature suggests that dysregulated macrophage polarization may contribute to the decreased regenerative capacity of aging muscle. The purpose of this study is to quantify macrophage response and polarization in a model of muscle damage and regeneration in older humans. We hypothesized that older people would have a higher percentage of M2 macrophages relative to the young. METHODS: Seven …

Uphill, Level, And Downhill Running In A New Style Of Road-Racing Shoe, Hunter Mcwilliams, Iain Hunter, Jared Ward, Cal Bradshaw, Tyler Standifird

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Recent changes in road-racing shoe construction has prompted research comparing the metabolic benefit of new shoe constructions compared to older styles. Kinematic and kinetic changes with uphill and downhill running may affect the magnitude of benefit for this new style of racing shoe. PURPOSE: Due to the changes associated with downhill running, we hypothesize that new performance racing shoes will have a greater metabolic benefit when running downhill, than with level or uphill running. METHODS: Eighteen subjects (10 men and 8 women) ran on two separate days with shoe order reversed. They wore either the Saucony Type A …

The Effect Of The Short Foot Exercise On The Knee During Landing, Jacob G. Mayoral, Connor Owen, Daniel Metri, Andy Arant, Dane Johnson, Robert Dudley, Andrea Du Bois

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Intrinsic foot muscles play an important role in the stabilization of the foot and assist with pronation of the foot. Excessive eversion, a component of pronation, may carry up the kinetic chain to impact the knee’s frontal plane position, increasing the chance of a knee injury. Runners who go on to sustain injuries have a greater peak knee abduction moment during running than those without injury. Regular short foot exercise (SFE) strengthens the intrinsic foot muscles, which over time could help improve foot posture and mechanics up the kinetic chain. It is unclear if a single bout of SFE can …

Effect Of Exercise In Sync With Circadian Preference On Migraine Load In Migraineurs, Elias M. Malek, Graham Mcginnis, James Navalta

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Migraines are the most common cause of chronic pain. Effective, non-pharmacological strategies to reduce migraine load are needed. Exercise is an effective strategy, but it is unclear how exercise timing and temporal preference (chronotype)factors modulate the laudatory effects of exercise. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of exercising in-sync or out-of-sync with one’s chronotype on migraine load. Methods: Participants were 7 sedentary individuals who experienced migraines 8+ times per month (age = 34 ± 11 yrs, 167 ± 8 cm, 99 ± 26 kg). Participants were categorized into morning- or evening-types based …

Local Skin Temperature And Local Sweat Rate, Gary W. Mack, Jim D. Cotter

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Local skin temperature may be a modulator of sweat gland function but the mechanism is unclear. PURPOSE: To examine the role of local skin temperature in modulating local sweating rate (LSR) using a model of sweat gland activation that produces a moderate, physiologically based sweating response. METHODS: Each subject (n=15) was instrumented with 7 skin temperature probes ( _skin), an esophageal probe (T_core), and a sweat rate capsule (dorsal forearm). A LSR was produced by 30 s of intradermal electrical stimulation (5 mA, 0.2 to 64 Hz) that resulted in release of ACh from the …

Fit (And Healthy) For Duty: Lipid Profiles And Fitness Relationships From Police Officers In A Health And Wellness Program, Robert G. Lockie, Robin (Rob) Marc Orr, J. Jay Dawes

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Police work can place officers at risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Sedentary activities, stress, shift work, sleep loss, reduced physical activity, and poor dietary choices contribute to this risk. Lipid profiles (total cholesterol, low-density lipoproteins [LDL], high-density lipoproteins [HDL], triglycerides) can indicate CVD risk. PURPOSE: To detail the lipid profiles of police officers from a health and wellness program in 2018-2019, and correlate lipid profiles with fitness. METHODS: Archival data for officers from 2 years of the program were analyzed (2018: 169 males, 39 females; 2019: 194 males, 43 females). Bloodwork (total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, triglycerides) was collected in a …

Rare Case Of Simultaneous Thoracic Outlet Syndrome And Musculocutaneous Neuropathy In A Baseball Pitcher, Steven C. Liu, Kenneth Vitale

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Introduction: The thoracic outlet is bounded by the clavicle, first rib, and muscles of the scalene triangle. When a compression within the outlet occurs, it presents as thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS). TOS typically develops from the combination of developmental abnormalities, injuries, and physical activities that cause compression of the brachial plexus neurovasculature. This classically manifests as sensory and motor symptoms involving lower trunk (C8-T1) dermatomes and myotomes. The upper trunk and associated peripheral nerves, including musculocutaneous, are typically spared. Case Description: A 22 y.o. male with a history of ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction and right elbow ulnar decompression a …

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 …

Do Sex Differences Exist In Critical Power And W’?, Jessica J. Linde, Jessica Collins, Olivia Leach, Megan Sherman, Kiese Mpongo, Jaron Quirante, Jayson R. Gifford

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Among world-class athletes, biological males tend to be faster and stronger than biological females, in part due to differences in body composition, such as lower body fat percentage and increased muscle mass. Critical power (CP) represents the highest intensity that elicits compensable and sustainable disturbances to homeostasis, while W’ is the amount of work and its associated metabolic disturbance that can be tolerated above CP. Together, CP and W’ strongly influence endurance performance. PURPOSE: To determine if sex-based differences in CP and W’ exist when normalizing for lean muscle mass. METHODS: We recruited 20 non-endurance trained individuals (10 female and …

Key Genetic Drivers Of Volitional Physical Activity In The Central Nervous System, Brayden K. Leyva, Timothy M. Moore, Alexander R. Strumwasser, Xia Yang, Aldons J. Lusis, Andrea L. Hevener

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Previous studies suggest that physical activity is driven by the Central Nervous System (CNS). PURPOSE: We determined the central genetic drivers of volitional activity in the CNS and identified several molecular mechanisms promoting improvements in metabolism as a consequence of daily exercise. METHODS: Leveraging genetic diversity, we studied 100 strains of sedentary (SED) and exercise-trained (TRN; in cage running wheels) animals of the UCLA hybrid mouse diversity panel (HMDP). Candidate gene identification analysis and single-cell RNA sequencing in three brain regions (hypothalamus, hippocampus, and striatum) were performed. Differential gene analysis was conducted between a cohort of exercise-trained and …

Short-Term Effects Of Exercise On Grip And Pinch Strength, Kristen Lantis, Deanna J. Schmidt

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

PURPOSE: Occupations such as first responders and military may require use of hand and finger muscles after exercise, therefore changes in grip strength (GS) and pinch strength (PS) could affect task performance. While previous studies have shown decreases in GS with load carriage, others have shown increases in GS with other forms of exercise. The purpose of this study is to examine the short-term changes in GS and PS with exercise and load carriage. METHODS: Seven participants to date (5 male, 2 female; mean ± SD of 25.1 ± 4.5 yrs, 176.9 ± 11.9 cm height; 80.6 ± …