Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Collegiate Football Player Achilles Tendon Blood Flow Tends To Increase Throughout Time In D1 College Football, Gabe Kay Davidson, Lee J Hinkle, Bryson T. T. Schaugaard, Malorie Wilwand, Brett B. Mortensen, Aaron W. Johnson

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Achilles tendon health is crucial for athletic performance, particularly in high-impact sports such as football. Investigating the physiological changes in blood flow that the tendon undergoes as a result of a single training session may provide insight into tendon health and understanding the balance between injury prevention and performance optimization. PURPOSE: The intent of this study is to characterize the blood flow within the Achilles tendon of D1 collegiate football players after exercise. We hypothesize time as a player in a certain D1 college football program influences the amount of blood flow in a player’s Achilles tendons. METHODS: …

Investigating Fatigue-Induced Balance Impairment In Yoga Athletes Compared To Control Group, Celeste Thai, Noah Jeffery, Kai De La Cruz, Christiane O'Hara, Scott Hazelwood

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Yoga is one of the few activities that directly strengthens muscles involved in balance and coordination. PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to analyze how postural stability differs between female yoga athletes and a control group for single-leg dynamic movements by exacerbating balance parameters between participant groups using a fatigue protocol. METHODS: After a brief warm up, eight female participants performed a modified Wingate test procedure on the stationary ergometer to simulate fatigue, followed by a transition pose to Warrior III for 10 seconds. A modified enhanced Helen Hayes marker set consisting of 32-retroreflective markers was placed …

Functional Recovery In Volumetric Muscle Loss After Receiving A Minced Muscle Transplant, Zachary Rasmussen, Jake Sorensen Facsm

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Volumetric muscle loss (VML) refers to the traumatic or surgical loss of a substantial portion of skeletal muscle, which lacks the ability to regenerate naturally, leading to chronic functional deficits. Current therapeutic interventions have shown limited success in restoring both muscle structure and function, highlighting the need for novel regenerative approaches. Purpose: This study aimed to enhance muscle regeneration and functional recovery following VML injury through the use of a minced muscle transplant (MMT), designed to restore the structural and cellular components lost during the injury. Methods: Eight rats received a full-thickness, 6 mm VML injury in the left tibialis …

Race Smart, Finish Strong: Pacing Secrets For The Boston Marathon, Luke Vankeersbilck, Jared Steele, William Bradley Nelson, Iain Hunter

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Much of the literature on marathon pacing is based on flat courses often neglecting the impact of terrain. Runners are often advised to run an even effort throughout a marathon, but it is difficult to establish optimal paces for a hilly race like the Boston Marathon. PURPOSE: This study created a model for effectively pacing the Boston Marathon intending to optimize individual performance. METHODS: 121 runners (72 female, 49 male qualifiers, ages 18-30) entered in the 2023 Boston Marathon participated. Finish times and split times were taken from the official Boston Marathon website, with entry times collected via …

Hydration Status In Construction Workers During A Regular Summer Workday, Jennifer Raef, Jonathan W. Specht, Alyssa Bailly, Erika Tourula, M. Jo Hite, Maxime Jeanovitch Lignier, Leo Schweitzer, Jason Glaser, David H. Wegman, Zachary J. Schlader, Fabiano T. Amorim

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Occupational heat exposure increases sweat production, which can potentially lead to dehydration. A previous pilot study observation during a regular summer workday suggested that construction workers arrive at the worksite in a dehydrated state but do not experience further dehydration during their shift. This finding raises questions about whether these observations can be replicated in a larger cohort and whether hydration status declines progressively throughout the workweek. PURPOSE: The primary purpose of this study was to examine the impact of a work shift on the hydration status of construction workers in the summer. A secondary purpose was to compare …

Majority Of Ncaa Div. 1 Football Players At Specific Institute Show Patellar Tendon Blood Flow Post-Exercise, Bryson T. Schaugaard, Lee J Hinkle, Gabe Davidson, Brett B. Mortensen, Aaron W. Johnson

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Patellar tendinopathy is a frequent overuse injury among collegiate athletes, especially in football players, due to the intense strain on the patellar tendon. Power Doppler Imaging (PDI) is an effective way to analyze blood flow (BF) within the tendon and correlates to patellar tendinopathy and pain. A healthy and normal tendon should have a score of 0 on the Arias scale. PURPOSE: This study aims to determine the number of players with increased BF and to determine if the BF at origin and insertion of the patella tendon is influenced by time on team or by position category (big: OL/DL, …

Exercise Acutely Modulates Mitochondrial Function In Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells, Morgan K. Daniel, Clover Crenshaw, Antonio Ballardo, Kayla Kumagai, Robert Musci

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Exercise trained individuals have greater immune system function, which may be attributed to enhanced peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) function. Exercise training is a potent stimulator of mitochondrial adaptation, which may explain improvements in immune system function. However, the mechanisms by which exercise acutely modulates PBMCs to lead toward beneficial adaptations remain unclear. PURPOSE: The purpose of this pilot was to test the hypothesis that exercise acutely modulates PBMC mitochondrial function. METHODS: Ten participants (eight males, two females, 22.81 ± 4.49 years) had blood drawn prior to a bout of exercise that included a graded exercise test (VO₂max: …

Satellite Cell Content In Different Muscle Regions Following Volumetric Muscle Loss Injury, Jj Payne, Jake Sorensen, Zach Rasmussen, Matthew Mangus, Kylie Chase

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Volumetric muscle loss (VML) refers to the loss of a significant portion of skeletal muscle tissue, which cannot regenerate through the body's natural repair mechanisms. Satellite cells play a crucial role in muscle regeneration due to their ability to proliferate, migrate to injured areas, and fuse with other cells or muscle fibers to repair or create new tissue. PURPOSE: This study examined the satellite cell distribution in different regions of VML-injured muscle to understand their response to trauma. METHODS: Four adult male Lewis rats (3-4 months old) underwent a surgical procedure where a 6mm full-thickness biopsy punch created a VML …

Impact Of Surface Type On Single-Leg Jumping And Landing Mechanics Using Emg, Kinematics, And Ground Reaction Force, Anna Grexton, Katie Au, Stephanie Yeakle, Christiane O'Hara

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Previous studies have found that athletes who need to jump in their sport often have asymmetry in their landing, resulting in a higher load on one leg. This can cause acute and chronic injuries to the knee such as ACL injuries, ligament injuries, stress fractures, and arthritis. PURPOSE: This project aims to measure the ground reaction force (GRF) of repetitive jumping of a single-leg on difference surfaces, identify key muscles and activation patterns, and understand the biomechanical kinematics of the jump sequence. By analyzing these aspects of repetitive jumping, and investigating the correlations and mutual influence, the effects of single-leg …

Evaluating The Impact Of The Standuptv Intervention On Proximal Mediators And Self-Reported Outcomes, Storey Balko, Grace Bell, Jennifer Perez Aguilar, Casey Nash, Kristina Hasanaj, Chad Stecher, Matt Buman Facsm, Sarah Keadle Facsm

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Recreational sedentary screen time (rSST) is associated with increased risk for cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and all-cause mortality, but there is a lack of efficacious interventions to reduce rSST among adults. The StandUPTV mHealth intervention was developed to determine the best strategies to reduce rSST in adults, and using a 2³ full factorial trial, achieved a significant reduction in rSST by an average of 75 minutes per day over a 16-week period. PURPOSE: The purpose of the present study is to examine changes in social cognitive theory (SCT) derived mediators (e.g., self-efficacy outcome expectations and motivation), rSST-related habits, …

Females Experience Greater Relative But Similar Absolute Neuromuscular Fatigue Than Males During A Ramp-Incremental Exercise Test, Jeff Moore, Daniel T. Cannon, Harry B. Rossiter Facsm, Carrie Ferguson

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Sex differences in pulmonary, cardiovascular, or neuromuscular function may affect the development of neuromuscular fatigue and the primary mechanism of exercise intolerance. Unlike the standard cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET), the musculo-cardio-pulmonary exercise test (mCPET) uses isokinetic power (Piso) to directly assess neuromuscular performance and fatigue. PURPOSE: : To examine sex differences in neuromuscular performance and fatigue during mCPET. We hypothesize that compared to females, males will have greater power (baseline Piso), lower capacity to aerobically support their available muscle power (lower aerobic power index; API), greater reduction in Piso per watt of work performed (higher fatigue index; FI), be …

Blood Flow Restriction Training Effects On Pennation Angles, Jack Cadden, Julia Burke, Lindsey Cho, Luke Honari, Chadney Lim, Todd C. Shoepe

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Pennation angle (PA) represents the angle between muscle fibers and the force-generating axis of the muscle. Blood flow resistance (BFR) training involves the occlusion of venous blood flow in working muscles to promote muscular growth signaling with reduced training intensity. PURPOSE: The purpose is to examine if hypertrophy through BFR may result in PA alterations to accommodate muscle fiber volume alterations. METHODS: Males (N=11, 20.35±1.59 yrs, 177.97±9.22 cm, 83.66±20.69 kg), and females (N=12, 23.20±9.53 yrs, 164.60±6.42 cm, 63.2±10.65 kg) participated in resistance training with BFR for 3 times/week, for 8 weeks at 60% occlusion pressure, at 30% of one-repetition maximum …

Acute Effects Of Cycling-Induced Fatigue On Walking Gait In Endurance Athletes, Jonathan Pineda, James Engebretson, Jillian Trilevsky, Christiane R. O'Hara, Scott Hazelwood

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Previous studies have shown that the transition from cycling to running is less biomechanically efficient than a stand-alone run, which makes triathletes more susceptible to injury and inhibits performance. While several studies have examined the effects of cycling on running gait, little is known about its impact on walking gait. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine any changes in muscle recruitment and hip and knee kinetics and kinematics during walking of endurance athletes under cycling-induced fatigue conditions. METHODS: Six college-aged women performed two conditions walking across force plates, heel strike to heel strike, with their …

Anthropometric And Physiological Determinants Of Maximal Fat Oxidation During Graded Exercise, Zachary Rodgers, Austin Hayhurst, Alec Clawson, Easton Gray, Haden Van Orden, Lindsay Saunders, Nicolas Clark

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Maximal fat oxidation (MFO), assessed via a graded exercise test (GXT), also known as the FATMAX test, demonstrates considerable inter-individual variability due to factors such as metabolic efficiency, body composition, and physiological responses to exercise. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the factors driving this variability, including fasting blood glucose (FBG), hydration status, anthropometric measures, and cardiorespiratory fitness. METHODS: Male participants (N = 41; BMI = 25.0 ± 4.2 kg/m²) underwent a graded exercise test (GXT) to exhaustion using an electromagnetically braked cycle ergometer. The GXT protocol began with a 10-minute warm-up at …

Psychologic Contribution To Non-Local Fatigue, Jack R. Bakker, Brock Sheehan, Parker R. Draney, Jackson J. Foukas, Nelson F. Brown, Anthony Ciccone

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Non-local fatigue occurs when one muscle group causes the fatigue of a different muscle group within a training session. This phenomenon is commonly studied among exercise physiologists who have potentially overlooked the possibility of a psychological effect of knowingly participating in what is supposed to be a fatigue study. PURPOSE: Therefore, the purpose of the study is to determine what subjects think will happen to lower body performance when upper body exercises are added, and if that affects the actual non-local fatigue result. METHODS: One lower-body workout (LB) consisted of five sets of leg extension (quadriceps only exercise) …

The Impact Of Tendon Structure And Pain-Related Fear On Pain Outcomes In Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy Following Resistance Exercise, Kameron Mortazavi, Matthew Heindel, Oscar Vila-Dieguez, Lori Michener

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Rotator cuff (RC) tendinopathy is a leading cause of shoulder pain which is defined by damage to tendon structure. Resistance exercise is a known effective intervention for RC tendinopathy intended to restore deficits in tendon structure. However, outcomes are highly variable and are often related to fear of moving and/or hurting their shoulder, known as pain-related fear. No study has defined the relative contributions of tendon structure and pain-related fear to pain outcomes following resistance exercise. PURPOSE: Define the relative contributions of pain-related fear and tendon structure to patient-reported pain outcomes following 8-weeks of resistance exercise. METHODS: Participants …

Effect Of Prolonged Water Immersion On Isometric Mid-Thigh Pull Performance: A Feasibility Study And Preliminary Analysis, Joonsun Park, Landon Corbett, Justus Rammell, Talin Louder

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Water immersion may enhance muscle strength by increasing cerebral blood flow and activating the cerebral cortex due to an upwardly directed hydrostatic pressure gradient. Early evidence shows that grip strength improves when individuals are partially immersed in water compared to on land. However, it remains unclear whether this effect can be confirmed under conditions involving the activation of a larger muscle mass. PURPOSE: The purpose was to investigate the effects of prolonged water immersion on lower-extremity maximal isometric strength using the isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP) test. METHODS: Six male recreationally active young adults (age = 24.3 ± 3.4 …

Effects Of Different Caffeine Doses On Fat Oxidation And Cardiovascular Response During Exercise At Fatmax In Overweight/Obese Female College Students, Zhigang Gong, Shihong Yu, Yuquan Ding, Huiying Zhou, Siping Xin, Tianou Zhang

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Caffeine is commonly used among athletes for its performance-enhancing effects. However, its impact on fat oxidation in overweight/obese individuals during exercise at maximal fat oxidation intensity (FAT_max) is not well understood. PURPOSE: To examine the effects of different doses of acute caffeine ingestion on fat oxidation and cardiovascular response in overweight/obese female college students during exercise at FAT_max. METHODS: Eleven overweight/obese female college students participated in four trials after ingesting caffeine (3 mg/kg, 5 mg/kg, 9 mg/kg) or a placebo (cellulose). Each trial included 1 hour of rest and 40 minutes of continuous running at FAT …

The Concurrent Validity And Reliability Of An In-Lab Markerless Motion Capture System In Assessing Joint Kinematics Of The Competitive Tennis Player: A Pilot Study, Bryant Alexis Valle, Kristen Snyman, Brian Wilson, Arnel L. Aguinaldo

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Marker-based (MB) motion capture systems are considered the gold standard in biomechanics, but markerless (ML) systems, such as Theia3D, offer potential for more accessible and time-efficient data collection. However, the validity and reliability of ML systems in accurately capturing joint angular velocities in dynamic movements, such as tennis serves, is not well established. The PURPOSE of this pilot study was to evaluate the concurrent validity and reliability of an in-lab ML system in measuring joint angular velocities in competitive tennis players, compared to an MB system. METHODS: Nine collegiate tennis players performed serves while both MB and ML systems …

The Effect Of Ankle And Hallux Positioning On Hallux Force Production, Mickelle Maccabe, Tanner Krupp, Joshua Sponbeck, Wayne Johnson, Dustin Bruening

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

The foot is not simply a rigid lever, but contributes substantially to movement energetics, primarily through muscle-tendon dynamics. However, more research is needed to understand how the small muscles of the foot generate and regulate force production. PURPOSE: We quantified the effects of ankle and hallux positioning on hallux flexion force production, isolating the contribution of the flexor hallucis longus (FHL) and brevis (FHB). We hypothesized the FHL length changes would influence hallux force. METHODS: Eighteen healthy adult volunteers participated with written consent. Participants assumed each of four testing positions on a custom-built isometric toe flexion force sensor: ankle …

Neutrophil- And Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cell-Conditioned Medias Cause Myotube Atrophy And Alter The Myotube Transcriptome, Heidi Disbrow, Jonathan Specht, Michael Deyhle

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Cancer-related inflammation and altered hematopoiesis leads to increased neutrophil and myeloid-derived suppressor cell (MDSC) production and reduced lymphoid and erythroid cell production. Recently, we found cells bearing a surface antigen belonging to both MDSCs and neutrophils accumulate in skeletal muscle and contribute to atrophy that occurs in cancer cachexia. It is unknown if these cells cause skeletal muscle atrophy directly, or if MDSCs and neutrophils impact atrophy differently. The PURPOSE of this study was to explore the direct effects of neutrophil- and MDSC-conditioned media relative to control medium on myotube atrophy and transcriptome.METHODS: Neutrophils were isolated from the …

Changes Of Achilles Tendon Size Across Different Running Races: A Preliminary Study, Summer S. Hollifield, Joshua Sponbeck, Lee J Hinkle, Alyson Radford, Camille Nguyen, Aaron W. Johnson

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

A common form of physical activity is running. However, a large percentage of runners will injure a lower extremity tendon. Ultrasound imaging provides useful insight on tendon health and prevalence of structural changes. Previous research in younger adults has shown the Achilles tendon (AT) thins over the course of a distance run. This suggests that tendon structure may become altered based on the distance and surface of the course. Research studies have also found that a greater than 20% increase in AT thickness from the proximal calcaneous to the thickest portion of the tendon is associated with tendinopathy. PURPOSE: To …

Effect Of Lower-Body Vs Whole-Body Resistance Exercise On Vastus Lateralis Deoxygenated Hemoglobin, Brock J. Sheehan, Jack Bakker, Jackson J. Foukas, Nelson F. Brown, Parker R. Draney, Anthony Ciccone

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Non-local fatigue occurs when one muscle group causes the fatigue of a different muscle group within a training session. This phenomenon may be explained by an increase in deoxygenated hemoglobin due to the competition of oxygenated blood between muscle groups. PURPOSE: Therefore the purpose of the study was to determine if adding upper body exercises to a lower body workout results in a significant difference in vastus lateralis deoxygenated hemoglobin values compared to lower body only. METHODS: One lower-body workout (LB) consisted of five sets of leg extension (quadriceps only exercise) at 90% of their maximum strength with …

Movement Velocity In The Sit-To-Stand Task In Adults With Prader-Willi Syndrome, Martina M. Ricabar, Rubin Daniela, Derek Pamukoff

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a rare congenital disorder that leads to obesity and poor muscular development, making daily tasks like raising from a chair difficult. The key parameters to successfully transitioning from sitting to standing are lower limb power and balance. PURPOSE: This study aims to determine differences in velocity during the sit-to-stand (STS) in adults with PWS and examine its relationship to muscular force. METHODS: Participants were ten adults with PWS [7M/3F; 18-40 y/o], ten with obesity [7M/3F; 18-40 y/o], and ten with normal weight (NW) [7M/3F; 18-40 y/o]. A motion camera analysis system collected biomechanical data from reflective …

Exploring The Efficacy Of Sodium Bicarbonate Supplementation On Reducing Markers Of Acute Kidney Injury (Aki) During Physical Work In The Heat, Brooke Butterick, Raul Freire, Jonathan Specht, Fabiano Amorim, Jason Siegler

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Many workers worldwide are exposed to prolonged and hazardous heat stress, physical activity, or a combination of both. Adverse environmental conditions can worsen the physical impacts of occupations such as mining, farm work, construction, and wildland firefighting, making these laborers susceptible to acute kidney injury (AKI). Although underexplored in reducing AKI from work and heat stress, sodium bicarbonate (SB) has been shown to increase plasma volume and decrease oxidative and inflammatory markers, suggesting the potential for reducing the incidence of AKI during work in the heat.PURPOSE: To investigate the efficacy of SB supplementation on mitigating AKI during physical …

The Effects Of A High-Carbohydrate Versus A High-Fat Shake On Heart Rate Variability When Used To Interrupt A 38-Hour Fast, Madeline Macievic, Cameron Jacobson, Bruce Bailey

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Heart rate variability (HRV) indicates the heart’s capacity to respond to stimuli from the autonomic nervous system. While previous research has explored the cardiovascular effects of fasting and food intake, the impact of the post-fast meal on cardiovascular health remains understudied.PURPOSE: This study aims to investigate how the macronutrient composition of a post-fast meal affects the autonomic nervous system, as measured by HRV.METHODS: Twenty-seven individuals (12 females and 15 males) participated in three separate 38-hour water-only fasts, each separated by a rest period of 6 to 10 days. Two of the three fasts were interrupted after 24 hours …

Feasibility Of Implementing An Older Adult Resistance Training Program In A Community Setting, Cody Antonio, Lynn Horiguchi, Eileen Nunez-Ortiz, Russell Chen, Zakoyya Lewis Dr., Lara Killick Dr.

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

The innovative OYO fitness gym device has the capacity to offer an inclusive resistance training experience for older adults, provided that the internal and external validity of the OYO exercise program is established. PURPOSE: Our purpose is to report the feasibility of implementing this 8-week program at a community senior center in a predominantly Spanish-speaking metropolitan area. METHODS: Feasibility is evaluated through measures of fidelity which include participant demographics, participant responsiveness, quality of delivery, adherence to the Program Manual, and pre-to-post changes in physical function. RESULTS: Twenty-three individuals consented for participation. Two participants completed the full 8-week program with an …

Feasibility Of A Random-Action Target System For Enhancing Performance Of Experienced Shooters In High-Pressure Scenarios, Mariana Castro, Andreas Stamatis, Ali Boolani, Matthew L. Smith

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Effective firearm performance demands accuracy and rapid decision-making, especially for law enforcement, competitive shooters, and military personnel. Traditional training often lacks real-world cognitive challenges, such as decision speed and response inhibition under pressure. This study addresses this gap by incorporating cognitive realism into firearm training to improve shooters’ ability to manage the speed-accuracy trade-off (SAT), where balancing quick reactions with precision is critical to avoid errors in unpredictable scenarios. PURPOSE: To evaluate the feasibility of a non-anticipatory, random-action target system (RATS) by collecting preliminary data on its impact on shooting performance, focusing on accuracy, omission, and commission rates among experienced …

Enhancing Mental Toughness In Medical Students Facing Academic Challenges: A Pilot Intervention, Roy Shohat, Zacharias Papadakis, Shorye Durrett, Andreas Stamatis

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Medical students who experience challenges in meeting course requirements often face significant academic pressures, which can include repeating the semester, repeating the academic year, or potential dismissal from the program. Mental toughness (MT) is a performance psychology construct that equips individuals with the skills to face adversity and persist towards their goals, whether in sports or academics. MT is crucial for managing stress and maintaining performance under high pressure, thereby supporting optimal human performance. Psychological Skills Training (PST) systematically develops mental skills, including MT, and is structured into three phases: education, acquisition, and practice. The education phase is the most …

The Physiological And Emotional Responses To Esports Across Different Populations, Christopher Miranda, Daniel Olatundun, Antonio Evola, Frank Billero, Joseph Sauchelli

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Purpose

The study investigated the impact of virtual shooting task on physiological and psychological parameters in various demographics, including sex, athletic status, and gaming experience.

Methods

31 participants were recruited to perform two continuous 1.5-minute virtual target-shooting tasks from a virtual distance of 60 meters and rested for three minutes before and after gameplay. Continuous VO₂, VCO_2, and heart rate were recorded. Psychological states were assessed using the Short Stress State Questionnaire (SSSQ), filled out before and after the gaming session. The athletic status was confirmed during the recruitment process. Participants who were athletes were directly recruited …