Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Exploring The Physiological Limits Of Aging: A Case Study Of The Male 50-Km 80+ World Record Holder, Andrea M. Pilotto, Enrique Higueras-Liébana, Massimiliano Ansaldo, Marianna Neri, Letizia Giusti, Ivan Baltasar-Fernandez, Ángel Buendía-Romero, Pedro Luis Valenzuela, Ignacio Ara, Julian Alcazar, Simone Porcelli

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

In literature, age-related changes in cardiorespiratory fitness and endurance performance are questioned due to potential confounding effects from modifications in exercise training. World-class master athletes serve as exceptional models for understanding high-level physical training impact in older age.

PURPOSE: To examine physiological and performance profiles of a male 81-year-old master runner who in 2025 set a new 80+ world record in the 50-km race (4h47m39s, 10.5 km·h^-1).

METHODS: Two weeks after the new world record, maximal O₂ uptake (V̇O_2max), the fractional utilization of V̇O_2max (lactate threshold - LT) and running economy (RE) …

Phase Angle As An Indicator Of Cellular Health And Body Composition In Active Older Adults, Paxton Castillon, Heather Feeny, Abby Hansen, Alyssa Mcnutt, Matthew Densley, Elizabeth Cafferty, Ben Taylor, Nicolas Clark, Andrew Creer, Dale Wagner Facsm

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

BACKGROUND: Phase angle (PhA), derived from bioelectrical impedance analysis, reflects cellular health and membrane integrity. It is influenced by muscle mass, hydration, and cell membrane function, making it particularly relevant for assessing physiological status in older adults.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine relationships between PhA and body composition variables in active older adults participating in the Huntsman Senior Games.

METHODS: This observational descriptive cross-sectional study included 504 participants (307 women, 197 men; mean age 66.3 ± 7.9 years). Data were collected using the InBody 770 multifrequency body composition analyzer at the Huntsman Senior Games in St. …

Examining Muscle Synergy Deficits In Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy, Nicholas K. Odani, Chethan N. Reddy, Daniel C. Mcpherson, Kayla D. Seymore, Lori A. Michener

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Neuromuscular deficits observed through electromyography (EMG) of individual muscles are common in rotator cuff (RC) tendinopathy. However, given that muscles act in coordination, muscle synergy analyses can identify altered neuromuscular patterns that can inform specific interventions to address these deficits.

PURPOSE: Characterize shoulder muscle synergies in RC tendinopathy.

METHODS: 54 individuals with RC tendinopathy (32M, 29.4 ± 8.9 yr) and 54 healthy controls (matched for age, sex, height, weight, and hand dominance) completed four velocity-controlled shoulder elevation tasks with seven repetitions of scaption, flexion, forward reaching, and contralateral reaching. During each task, muscle activity was collected from the …

Who Chooses To Move? A Snapshot Of University Students Enrolled In Physical Activity Courses, Zakkoyya H. Lewis, Ami Rollins, Madeline Gutierrez, Emily Condon, Nicolas Ovalle

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Physical activity rates of emerging adults in the United States declines significantly during the transition to university. The university environment can introduce new barriers that prevent students from prioritizing their physical fitness; however, there are other students that make physical activity a priority and embed it into their academic curriculum. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to provide the characteristics of a sample of university students enrolled in a physical activity course. METHODS: Students registered for a Weight Training and Kickboxing activity course voluntarily enrolled in a study evaluating the impact of enjoyment on physical activity. Participants completed a …

Upper Extremity Biomechanical Analysis Of Defensive Flag Pulling In Flag Football, Rianne L. Aguilar, Claudia De La Cruz, Travis J. Peterson

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

PURPOSE: This project aimed to determine upper extremity techniques during defensive flag pulls in women’s flag football. METHODS: Eleven healthy, female flag football players with at least high school varsity experience volunteered to participate in this study. Participants were instructed to pull the flag(s) of a stationary dummy placed 3 yards away as fast as possible. Trials were conducted in flags facing forward (F), angled 45° left (L), and angled 45° right (R) of the flag puller. Motion capture (Vicon, 120 Hz) and video analysis were used to analyze technique. The Waterloo Handedness Survey was used to indicate hand preference. …

Influence Of Virtual Reality Cognitive Fidelity On Biomechanical Adaptation And Motor Strategies With A Custom Prosthesis And Foot Controller., Marek R. Kwasek

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

In an age of digitization, rehabilitation is embracing newer technologies, particularly VR, to enhance motor development and learning skills with real-world applications. With its practical replicability, VR’s visual (i.e., how visually realistic a virtual environment is) and cognitive fidelity (i.e., how well a virtual environment mimics the cognitive demands of real-world tasks) has the potential to influence motor strategies and, ultimately, a person’s functional biomechanics when learning a new skill. PURPOSE: To examine how different levels of visual and cognitive fidelity impact users’ reaching biomechanics when controlling a prosthetic arm using a foot controller. METHODS: Participants completed 12 …

Nanomechanical Effects Of Microgravity On Murine Tendon Fibrils, Patrick Bialy, Andrew S. Ichimura, Kent A. Lorenz, Ryan T. Scott, James R. Bagley

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Microgravity, characterized by a weak gravitational pull, poses physiological risks to astronaut health and performance. While its impact on muscle and bone is well documented, effects on connective tissue, such as tendon, remain understudied. PURPOSE: This study aimed to 1) quantify the effects of 37 days of microgravity on the compressive nanomechanics of individual collagen fibrils and 2) compare these findings to existing literature and previously collected lab data. We hypothesized that spaceflight (SF) fibrils would exhibit a lower Young’s Modulus (YM) than ground controls (GC). METHODS: Female C57BL/6J mice were exposed to 37 days of spaceflight aboard the International …

Effects Of Acute Sleep Reduction And Aerobic Exercise On Metabolic Function In Healthy Adults, Eric Lessard, Gracie Dupuis, Jocelyn Kaveney, Braden Wilson, Grahm Mcginnis, Ryan Perkins

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

INTRODUCTION: The number of adults who receive insufficient sleep is progressively increasing, impacting the established relationship between sleep and metabolic function. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of acute sleep reduction on metabolic variables at rest and during aerobic exercise. METHODS: Healthy, active adults (n=11; 26.4±5.4 yr; 45% female) were screened to ensure eligibility (i.e., meeting the CDC’s sleep recommendations of 7-9hr/night, apparently healthy, recreationally active, and non-smoking), characterize body composition via DXA and measure maximal cardiovascular capacity (VO2max). Utilizing a within subjects, repeated measures design, participants completed an initial 7d period of …

Correlational Analysis Between Fat-Free Mass And Physical Performance In College Students, Rhea Misra, Giselle Murillo, Fraz Tahir, Tianou Zhang

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Fat-free mass (FFM), the body’s metabolically active tissue excluding fat, plays a critical role in strength, endurance, and overall physical performance. PURPOSE: The objective of this study is to investigate the association between FFM and physical performance in college students. METHODS: FFM was evaluated using the BodPod in a sample of 21 male and 12 female students. Various performance metrics were measured, including handgrip strength, aerobic capacity (via VO₂max test), anaerobic capacity (peak power and peak force through Wingate test), vertical jump height, and broad jump distance. Spearman correlations were used to evaluate correlations between FFM and performance …

Interleukin-6 As A Mediator Of Circadian And Sex Differences In Exercise-Induced Stat3 And Autophagy Signaling, Srushti Wagh, Ariana Khzarjyan, Joshua Corpuz, Elias M. Malek, Charli Aguilar, Michael Dial, Paula Martinez, Graham Mcginnis

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Circadian rhythms are highly conserved across tissues and play an important role in regulating how the heart responds to physiological and pathological stress. Exercise is known to be cardioprotective, yet the impact of exercise timing on molecular signaling is still being explored. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is an exercise-induced cytokine which has been shown to be important to cardioprotection and metabolism. It is currently unknown how exercise timing modulates the IL-6 signaling pathway in the heart.

PURPOSE: To investigate how time-of-day and IL-6 influence exercise-induced activation of STAT3 and its downstream signaling pathways in male and female mouse hearts.

METHODS: Wild-type and …

Comparison Of Lower Limb Sagittal Plane Kinematics Measured Using Opencap And Traditional Mocap During Single Limb Squat Analysis In Patients Post-Aclr, Alexander Chen, Jiaqi Wang, Susan Sigward, Willa Ma, Grace Choi

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

OpenCap (Stanford University) uses standard smartphone cameras and computer vision algorithms to estimate joint kinematics without markers. With affordable equipment and reasonable setup procedures, it may provide an alternative to visual assessment of movement impairments in the clinic. Subtle alterations in joint kinematics can be relevant to the interpretation of recovery progress following musculoskeletal injury or surgery such as anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLr). It is important to understand the level of agreement between new tools for assessment and gold standard kinematic measures. PURPOSE: To determine concurrent validity of kinematic data collected using OpenCap and gold standard technologies during …

The Effect Of Fatigue On Hip, Knee, And Ankle Kinetics During Rear Foot-Elevated Split Squats, Sara C. Mills, Jaime Alvarado, Tyler Lindholm, Michele Leblanc Facsm

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Rear foot-elevated split squats (RFESS) are a widely used movement to increase lower body strength, but little is known about how fatigue alters joint torque demands across the ankle, knee, and hip. Previous research has shown that fatigue changes kinematics during RFESS, increasing hip and knee motion while reducing ankle movement, but the effect on joint torques remains unclear. PURPOSE: To examine the effects of fatigue on ankle, knee, and hip torque in the sagittal and frontal planes during the eccentric and concentric phases of the RFESS in active females aged 18–25. METHODS: Participants performed repeated body weight RFESS until …

High-Dose Sodium Supplementation On Hydration And Thermoregulatory Responses While Cycling In The Heat, Melani Kelly

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Sodium is commonly included in sports beverages to promote hydration and support carbohydrate (CHO) absorption, typically at concentrations of ~270-400mg. Recently, high-dose sodium supplements, often approaching 1000mg and lacking CHO, have entered the market with minimal evidence to support their use. PURPOSE: Investigate how hydration and thermoregulatory responses change during cycling in the heat when consuming a supplement containing 810mg of sodium. METHODS: Twenty recreationally active participants (15 males, 5 females; age = 23.4 ± 2.8) completed a 2-h bout of cycling in an environmental chamber (37.3℃, 59.1 ± 4.4% relative humidity) on two occasions separated by > 7 …

Understanding The Effects Of Training On Brain And Muscle Hemodynamics During Exercise-Induced Muscle Fatigue, Aqueen Lenon, Christine Dy, Stefan Keslacy

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

BACKGROUND: While the muscle fatigue during weightlifting exercise is well-documented, the relationship of brain/muscle activity are less known. PURPOSE: to investigate the changes in oxygenation levels in the brain and muscles during resistance training, comparing these effects between athletes (ATH) and sedentary (SED) individuals. METHODS: 24 participants (14 SED, 10 ATH) were recruited. The bench press protocol included four sets of twelve repetitions at a weight corresponding to a Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE) of 6. Oxygenation levels in prefrontal cortex and the right triceps muscle were continuously monitored using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) (Oxymon Mk III). NIRS data …

Intensity Over Effort: Exercise Prescription Strategies For Glycemic Control, Oscar Chavez Jr., Marissa Ramirez, Jacob Dawes, Isaac Chapman, Kosar Valaei, Maja Gebauer, Christine Mermier, Jonathan Little Facsm, Luotao Lin, Gretchen Ray, Roberto M. Alvidrez, Zachary Mang, Fabiano T. Amorim, Valmor Tricoli, Flavio De Castro Magalhaes

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

ABSTRACT

Resistance exercise (RE) is effective in mitigating the development of type 2 diabetes (T2D) and prediabetes, but long-term adherence is low in these populations. Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices are important tools in clinical practices to assist glycemic control. Previous meta-analysis shows the functionality of CGM devices among different exercise modalities but mentions the lack of studies with controlled diet and physical activity levels in free-living conditions. PURPOSE: To examine whether perceived effort during RE influences glycemic control and psychological outcomes in individuals with prediabetes and T2D using CGM under free-living conditions. METHODS: In randomized order, 25 …

Dexterity Assessment Scores Vary With Controller Type But Not Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Player Skill, Jacob D. Cervantes, Dillon Harris, Zachary R. Mcfadden, Steven B. Machek

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Within the expanding Esports industry, competitive Super Smash Bros Ultimate (SSBU) players require high neuromotor execution. They consequently select controllers and permit functional modifications to match the individual precision and dexterity preferences within their playstyle. PURPOSE: To examine how skill level and controller preference impact dexterity scores in SSBU players of differing skill relative to each other and non-gamers. METHODS: 56 (22 male casual CAS; 24y ± 4; play >4 hr per week, 15 male ES; 24y ± 4; top 150 globally- ranked competitive SSBU players, and 19 non-gamer controls NG; 24y ± 5; 16F/3M) subjects voluntarily participated …

Different Glycemic Control Responses In Women And Men With Type 2 Diabetes And Prediabetes To Resistance Exercise, Kosar Valaei, Oscar Chavez Jr., Marissa Ramirez, Jacob D. Dawes, Isaac Chapman, Maja Gebauer, Christine M. Mermier, Jonathan Little, Luotao Lin, Gretchen M. Ray, Roberto Mota, Zachary A. Mang, Fabiano Amorim, Valmor Tricoli, Flavio De Castro Magalhaes

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Resistance exercise (RE) is recommended for individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and prediabetes to improve glycemic control, but sex differences remain unclear. PURPOSE: To investigate sex-related differences in glycemic responses to RE in individuals with T2D and prediabetes METHODS: Twenty-five participants (12 males, 13 females, 36–78 year) with T2D or prediabetes completed four randomized crossover sessions: a high-intensity (HI) RE session (3 sets × 8 reps, 75%-1RM, 120 seconds interval), a rest-redistribution (RR) RE session (6 sets × 4 reps, 75%-1RM, 60 seconds interval), a low-load (LL) RE session (3 sets × 16 reps, 37.5%-1RM, 103 seconds …

Trunk Rotational Range Of Motion And Abdominal Oblique Strength In High School And Collegiate Baseball Pitchers: Implications For Performance And Energy Flow, Belinda Aldern, Arnel Aguinaldo, Avery Takata, Antonio Squillante

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

BACKGROUND: Baseball pitching requires complex sequencing of the kinetic chain, with the trunk serving as an integral role for linking the lower body to the upper body. Despite past research on energy flow in pitching, there is an increased need to study age-specific performance. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine differences in Trunk Rotational Range of Motion (TRROM) and Abdominal Oblique Strength (AOS) between high school and collegiate baseball pitchers and how these variables relate to performance and mechanical energy flow through the lumbosacral (L5S1) joint. METHODS: 12 High School and 12 Collegiate aged pitchers …

A Case Of Listeria Monocytogenes Bacteremia In A Middle-Aged Woman With A History Of Primary Biliary Cholangitis, Caleb Smack, Jared T. Lausen, Aaron Mills

Eastern Virginia Medical Journal

In this report, we discuss the case of a patient with Listeria monocytogenes bacteremia likely resulting from primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) induced cirrhosis. We aim to bolster the body of literature on Listeria bacteremia and establish PBC as a risk factor for this rare complication. Our patient, who presented with sepsis, was subsequently found to have Listeria bacteremia and received intravenous antibiotic treatment of ampicillin for 3 total weeks with complete resolution of her disease. This is the first case suggesting that cirrhosis as a result of PBC may be an independent risk factor for Listeria bacteremia. In patients at …

Policy, Misinformation, And Mortality: The Effects Of Abortion Restrictions On Maternal Outcomes, Gabrielle Samiratedu Dmsc, Mcms, Pa-C

Lynchburg Journal of Medical Science

The objective of this review is to evaluate the effects of restrictive abortion laws on maternal mortality and morbidity in the United States. Even before the landmark reversal of Roe v. Wade, the US had one of the highest maternal mortality rates among other high-income countries, and rates are expected to continue to rise in states with restrictive abortion policies. Electronic databases and public health data were analyzed to assess clinical outcomes, access to care, and disparities associated with abortion restrictions nationally and internationally. The findings suggest that states with highly restrictive abortion policies experience higher rates of maternal morbidity …

Circulating Tumor Dna: Reducing Burden In Hpv+ Oropharyngeal Cancer Surveillance, Liza M. Joseph Pa-C

Lynchburg Journal of Medical Science

This review examines the rising prevalence of human papillomavirus-related (HPV+) oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) and evaluates the role of circulating tumor HPV DNA (ctHPVDNA) in diagnosis and post-treatment surveillance. A comprehensive literature search of electronic databases, including PubMed, Medline, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar, identified studies that validated ctHPVDNA as a biomarker with high sensitivity and specificity, assessed its cost-effectiveness, and explored patient and provider perceptions. Clinical evidence supports that plasma-based ctHPVDNA is the most accurate method for detecting disease recurrence and quantifying tumor burden. Patient perception studies reported high confidence in ctHPVDNA testing, while providers viewed it as …

Transcarotid Artery Revascularization Current Role And Outcomes, Heather Warren

Lynchburg Journal of Medical Science

This paper aims to evaluate the role of transcarotid artery revascularization (TCAR) in the management of carotid artery stenosis. A comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed to identify the role and current outcomes of TCAR compared to carotid endarterectomy (CEA) and transfemoral carotid artery stenting (TF-CAS). Carotid artery stenosis accounts for a significant portion of ischemic strokes. The global burden of stroke includes permanent disability and death. Medical and surgical interventions following ischemic stroke are aimed at reducing the future incidence of ischemic stroke based on the underlying etiology. Symptomatic carotid artery stenosis management includes optimal medical management and …

Grover's Disease: A Review Of The Current Treatment Options, Dustin Ross, Dmsc, Mph, Pa-C

Lynchburg Journal of Medical Science

Grover’s disease, also known as transient acantholytic dermatosis, is an uncommon dermatologic condition characterized by pruritic papulovesicular eruptions that predominantly affect the trunk of older adults. Although the disease is often self-limited, it may significantly impair quality of life. This review summarizes treatment options and emerging therapies for Grover’s disease reported in the literature since 2019. A comprehensive search of PubMed and MEDLINE identified 1,068 records, of which thirteen publications met inclusion criteria, including one systematic review, one narrative review, one nonrandomized controlled study, nine case reports, and one fact sheet, representing a total of 337 patients. The literature demonstrates …

Weight-Loss Efficacy Of Glp-1 Receptor Agonists Relative To Lifestyle-Based Interventions, Amy Betterton

Lynchburg Journal of Medical Science

ABSTRACT

This clinical review compares the effectiveness of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) with traditional lifestyle modifications in managing obesity. This article also examines barriers to accessing the medications in both civilian and veteran populations. This clinical review was conducted through a wide-ranging review of the published literature, including clinical trials, observational studies, and review articles on lifestyle modifications, GLP-1 receptor agonists, and barriers to obesity treatment. While lifestyle modifications are generally considered a first-line approach and are cost-effective, they tend to yield only modest weight loss. In contrast, GLP-1 RAs offer significantly greater reductions in body weight as …

Subcutaneous Insulin Use In Diabetic Ketoacidosis, Patrick Mcgrath

Lynchburg Journal of Medical Science

The reviewed literature focuses on the clinical application of subcutaneous (SQ) insulin, particularly rapid-acting insulin analogs (RAIAs), in treating selected patients with mild to moderate diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). The use of SQ insulin offers a viable alternative to traditional intravenous (IV) insulin infusions, enabling DKA management outside intensive care unit (ICU) settings and reducing healthcare resource utilization. Current DKA management protocols emphasize comprehensive fluid resuscitation and correction of electrolyte imbalances, with IV regular insulin administered at 0.1 units/kg/hour. This review synthesizes findings from multicenter cohort studies, meta-analyses, and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) available via PubMed, focusing on adult patients diagnosed …

Genetic Adaptations And Malaria Prophylaxis In Sickle Cell Disease: Reducing Morbidity And Mortality, Fuseina Gimballa

Lynchburg Journal of Medical Science

This study examines the relationship between sickle cell disease (SCD) and malaria, focusing on the benefits and risks of the sickle cell trait, complications associated with SCD, and the impact of malaria infection in endemic regions. The paper emphasizes the importance of antimalarial prophylaxis for patients with SCD living in these areas. Evidence suggests a genetic adaptation in populations exposed to malaria, where a β-globin mutation provides partial protection against infection in individuals with the sickle cell trait. Studies consistently show that heterozygous carriers are largely protected from severe malaria, whereas individuals with homozygous SCD remain highly susceptible, resulting in …

Brief Overview Of Assessment And Prognostication Tools For Palliative Care Oncology Patients, Nicole Schwensow

Lynchburg Journal of Medical Science

Patients with life-threatening illnesses can be at risk for the progression of their disease over time. Consequences of such an illness can include recurrent hospitalizations, poor symptom control, and a lack of understanding by the patient and family of the disease, its usual course, and prognosis. Palliative care is a philosophy of care intended to address these issues. While receiving palliative care, patients can continue to undergo treatments directed at a cure, whereas hospice patients no longer receive treatment for underlying diseases. Both approaches focus on symptom control. To best care for palliative patients over time, several outcome domains should …

Management Of Difficult Patient Situations, Sangeetha Larsen Mpas, Pa-C

Lynchburg Journal of Medical Science

The purpose of this paper is to provide strategies for clinicians to manage difficult patient interactions. A comprehensive search of PubMed was conducted, identifying articles that identified the root cause of difficult patient interactions and assessed methods for successfully navigating these situations. The term “difficult patient” reflects the interaction of patient behavior, clinician perception, and systemic constraints rather than an inherent patient flaw. Effective management involves reframing difficult behavior as an expression of unmet needs and responding with empathy, active listening, clear boundaries, and collaborative decision-making. System-level strategies reduce patient distress and clinician burnout. Ultimately, the difficult patient represents strained …

Physician Assistants And The Medical Science Liaison Role: Expanding Career Pathways Beyond Clinical Practice, Michael Filsinger

Lynchburg Journal of Medical Science

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this article is to examine how physician assistants can transition into Medical Science Liaison roles within the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. Growing interest in nonclinical career pathways has prompted more physician assistants to explore opportunities in medical affairs, yet many remain uncertain about the qualifications, expectations, and academic preparation associated with these positions. A focused literature review was conducted to evaluate the competencies required for Medical Science Liaison roles, the barriers clinician applicants often encounter, and the strategies that may support successful transition into industry-based careers. Findings show that physician assistants possess relevant strengths such as …

Understanding Monoclonal Gammopathy Of Undetermined Significance, Scott Winkel Msph, Mhs, Pa-C

Lynchburg Journal of Medical Science

Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) is a premalignant plasma cell disorder characterized by serum monoclonal protein (M-protein) levels less than 3.0 g/dL, less than 10% plasma cells in the bone marrow, and absence of end-organ damage. It mainly affects older adults and is often an incidental finding. While most cases remain indolent, a subset progresses to malignancies such as multiple myeloma, smoldering myeloma, AL amyloidosis, lymphoproliferative disorders, macroglobulinemia, and monoclonal gammopathy of renal significance. This review summarizes current insights into MGUS pathophysiology, risk factors, molecular mechanisms, clinical features, diagnostic approaches, including laboratory assessments and imaging, and emphasizes early detection …