Medical Education Commons^™

The Effects Of Equine-Assisted Therapy On Gait In Adults With Parkinson’S Disease: A Preliminary Analysis, Hunter Alvis, Kanji Mori, Nicholas A. Levine, Andrea Martinez, Suzanne Sessums, Kevin Becker, Heather Roberts, Brandon R. Rigby

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a chronic, progressive, neurological disorder caused by the destruction of dopamine-producing neurons in the substantia nigra of the brain. To treat motor symptoms of PD, individuals may choose alternative modes of exercise, such as equine-assisted therapy (EAT), to improve physiological health. PURPOSE: To determine changes in gait following 8 weeks of Equine Assisted Therapy (EAT) in older men with PD. METHODS: Six older adults (age = 68.0 ± 8.6 yrs; height = 178.6 ± 8.3 cm; weight = 93.4 ± 16.3 kg; Hoehn and Yahr classification = 2.8 ± 0.4; time since diagnosis = …

The Effect Of Mobility And Strength Training On Firefighter Cadet Functional Mobility, Raquel J. Cavazos, B. Greg Meek, Hussien K. Jabai, Michael D. Oldham

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Strength and Conditioning programs have positive effects on athletic performance (Hedrick, 2002). Similarly, firefighters have to be adequately fit to perform their job duties which require muscular strength and endurance, and aerobic fitness (Smith, 2011). Thus, firefighter’s health and fitness, including mobility, is crucial in their job performance. PURPOSE: We examined the effects of a strength, conditioning, and mobility program on functional mobility in firefighter cadets. METHODS: 43 firefighter cadets who were enrolled in a 12-week basic firefighter academy course participated. Cadets were separated into one of three cohorts; 1) No program; 2) Unmonitored Program; and 3) Indirectly Monitored …

Relationship Between Regional Pectoralis Major Muscle Size And Peak Power During Incline Bench Press Strength Testing: A Pilot Study, Dawei Guan, Daniel Newmire, Ronald Snarr, Bryon C. Applequist

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

The peak power generated by skeletal muscle during strength training is influenced by several factors, including body weight, maximal force, and muscle fiber orientation, as well as the function affecting excitation patterns. However, there is limited research on the relationship between regional muscle size and peak power output. PURPOSE: This pilot study seeks to explore the associations between muscle thickness (MT) and cross-sectional area (CSA) of the pectoralis major and peak power output during an incline bench (IB) press one-repetition maximum (1RM) strength bout. METHODS: Seven participants (males = 3; females = 4; age: 24.3±2.7 years; height: 168.2±3.3 …

Biomechanical Response Of The Leg To Single Leg Drop Landings Before And After Prolonged Plantar Flexor Stretch., Himadri Patel, Michael W. Olson

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

The plantar flexor muscles have become important in activities such as gait analysis in healthy and patient populations. The duration of stretch is reported to influence their ability to generate force and if mechanical laxity is present after stretching, it is unclear how this laxity will influence the movement patterns of the lower extremities. PURPOSE: The study aimed to investigate influence of prolonged stretch to plantar flexor muscles on landing biomechanics during a single-leg drop landings. METHODS: Sixteen active participants (24.6 ± 3.1 yrs, 75.4 ± 15.6 kg mass, 1.75 ± 0.9m height) were recruited and randomly assigned …

Peak Forces In The Landing And Push-Off Foot Between Varying Fastpitch Softball Pitches, Samantha Martinez

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Although softball and baseball tend to often be compared to each other, the skill of fastpitch softball pitching is drastically different. Limited studies done on softball pitching hinders the ability of athletes being able to maximize their performance. PURPOSE: To determine differences in peak force of the push-off, landing feet and ball velocity during different types of softball pitches (fastball, changeup, and curveball). METHODS: 5 NCAA Division III softball pitchers were all tested for the peak forces in their push-off and loading foot (LoadsolⓇ, Novel, St. Paul, MN) as well as their ball velocity among a variation of pitches …

A Bilateral Comparison Of Overuse Shoulder Rotation In Overhead Throwing Athletes, Lindsay K. Rankin, Calvin D. Smith, Kase J. Pennartz, Dakota R. Harris, Samuel J. Ramirez, Sierra M. Washington, Isabella E. Zapata, Neil Petroff, Micheal J. Luera

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Repetition of an unnatural movement may lead to skeletal muscle and/or connective tissue injury resulting in bilateral deficits. These discrepancies can be identified via the assessment of electromyographic activation and peak torque (PT) values during concentric internal and external rotation. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the bilateral differences in PT output and root mean squared (RMS) values during isokinetic internal and external shoulder rotation with association to overuse injuries. METHODS: Six overhead throwing athletes (n=6, age=19 ± 1 year; height=181.8 ± 7.5 cm; weight= 85.1 ± 7.9 kg) completed bilateral isokinetic internal and external rotation of …

Regional Motor Unit Firing Behaviors Of Mono- And Bi-Articular Leg Extensor Muscles, Calvin D. Smith, Jesus A. Hernandez-Sarabia, Carlos A. Estrada, Lyric D. Richardson, Dakota R. Harris, Kase J. Pennartz, Jason M. Defreitas, Micheal J. Luera

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Motor unit (MU) activation patterns provide vast insight into skeletal muscle contractions and may differ depending on architectural differences. Previous findings have suggested that MU activation patterns, specifically within the quadriceps group, are region-specific; this, along with the architectural differences between the quadriceps muscles, may further influence force production as reflected within the relationships between the firings. PURPOSE: To examine regional activation in proximal and distal regions of biarticular [rectus femoris (RF)] and monoarticular [vastus lateralis (VL)] knee extensors during submaximal isometric knee extensions. METHODS: On two separate randomized visits, eight lower-body resistance trained individuals, 6 males (n=6, …

Timing Of Muscle Synergies And Knee And Hip Moments During The Stand-To-Sit, Mohsen Alighanbari, Lisa Griffin

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

The timing of the hip and knee moments regulates precise control of the center of mass (CoM) during a stand-to-sit (StandTS). Alteration in hip and knee moment timing may increase the risk of falling. Muscle synergy patterns, as a diagnostic tool, may indicate the change in the timing of hip and knee moments. However, the relationship between the timing of synergy levels and hip and knee moments has yet to be assessed. PURPOSE: To evaluate the relationship between the time-to-peak of StandTS synergies with the time-to-peak of knee extension, hip flexion and abduction moments. METHODS: Ten healthy male …

Electromyographic Activation Of The Quadriceps During The Concentric Phase Of The Squat, Kase Pennartz, Dakota Harris, Calvin Smith, Lyric Richardson, Micheal Luera

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Mechanical muscle properties such as length-tension relationship in conjunction with electromyography (EMG) allow greater insight into the overall motor coordination. The different morphologies of the quadriceps and their force generating capacities can be quantified through the differences in EMG amplitude. PURPOSE: To examine quadriceps activation during the squat exercise under various intensities. METHODS: Eleven participants (age 18-35; height: 181.1 ± 8.9cm; weight: 97.7 ± 19.1kg) were recruited for this study. Subjects completed three visits, one familiarization and two testing days separated by 48 hours. Ultrasound images were obtained from the three primary leg extensor muscles (vastus lateralis (VL), …

The Relationship Between Chronic Low Back Pain And Functional Movement, Lindsey Taylor Wensel, Spencer Baker

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

ABSTRACT

Movements of the spine are different in those who have chronic low back pain (CLBP) compared to those who do not. By using inertial measurement units (IMUs), we assessed the angular acceleration of L5 and the sacrum in both healthy and CLBP individuals. PURPOSE: To determine if there is a difference in the movement patterns of L5 and the sacrum during spinal flexion in those with CLBP compared to those without. METHODS: Movement acceleration patterns were evaluated in 10 individuals between the ages of 35-65 years of age. 5 of the individuals reported having CLBP so they …

Joint Angle Calculations Using Motion Capture And Deep Learning Pose Estimation While Running, Luke Vankeersbilck, Isaac Hedengren, Mcgyver Clark, Iain Hunter

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Marker based motion capture is currently the most accurate method of measuring human kinematics; however, it is expensive and is often limited to lab environments making it unsuitable for many applications. Two-dimensional methods are available through open source code, but it is unclear which of these methods provides the greatest accuracy. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to quantify the accuracy of pose estimation from a monocular electro-optical sensor with deep learning to infer segment end points and pose estimation utilizing two open-source code approaches. METHODS: One subject ran at 6.5 m/s for 15 s while being …

Heavy Backpack Load Carriage Affects The Median Nerve, Deanna Schmidt, Jennifer Hein, Katherine Saul

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

First responder and military personal often carry heavy backpacks of over 30% body weight when loaded with equipment. Use of the hands may be impaired by the compression of backpack straps on the nerves of the upper limb. PURPOSE: The aim of the study is to characterize the effects of walking with backpack load on upper limb function by examining changes in nerve conduction resulting from compression of the brachial plexus by backpack straps. We hypothesized that nerve conduction would be decreased in amplitude of the action potential and timing would be delayed after walking while carrying a 30% …

Make Reading Fun: Implications Of Virtual Reality On Standing Balance And Control, Makena Savola, Belle Ponce De Leon, Amanda Duben, Wendy T. Pham, Joshua Vicente, Jacob Hinkel-Lipsker

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

The recent rapid expansion of virtual reality (VR) technology is driving a widespread number of new applications, including providing immersive environments for users to learn and read through commercially-available applications. However, recent research has shown that VR causes symptoms of dizziness and motion sickness, which could disrupt users gait and balance. Thus, it is important to understand how to best mitigate these effects before VR use becomes more widespread across the lay public. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the acute effect of VR use on gait and balance control following use, and whether aspects of virtual …

Does Experimental Anterior Knee Pain Alter Effects Of Running On Femoral Articular Cartilage Thickness And Volume? A Pilot Study, Lauren N. Richardson, Andrew Pope, Sunku Kwon, Matthew K. Seeley

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Anterior knee pain is a common problem for runners that often alters running biomechanics. It is unclear how/if changes in running biomechanics due to anterior knee pain affect knee articular cartilage health. PURPOSE: To determine if experimental anterior knee pain during running acutely alters deformation in femoral articular cartilage due to running. METHODS: 10 runners completed three sessions that each in- volved a 60-min treadmill run: a control, sham, and pain session. Experimental anterior knee pain was in- duced during the pain session via a continuous infusion of hypertonic saline into the infrapatellar fat pad. The sham and control sessions …

Electromyographic Comparison Between The Rear-Foot-Elevated Vs. B-Stance Unilateral Back Squat Techniques, Sarah Pearce, Jennifer Rivera, Minhyuk Kwon, Whitney Leyva, Edward Jo

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

The Rear-Foot-Elevated back squat (RFE) and B-Stance (BS) are two unilateral back squat techniques with the latter commonly proposed as the more stable of the two. There is currently a lack of research comparing these two techniques with respect to neuromuscular demand and movement characteristics. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the muscle activation differences via surface electromyography (EMG) between the RFE vs. BS unilateral back squat techniques with equated load. METHODS: Thirteen healthy college-aged, resistance-trained male (n=10) and female (n=3) subjects were recruited for this study. Subjects visited the laboratory on two occasions separated …

The Effect Of Age And Sex On Lower Extremity Joint Power Coordination, Isabella G. Martinez, Kylie B. Garcia, Michele Leblanc

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Previous research has provided conflicting results regarding interjoint coordination during a squat jump for young and old adults. In particular, researchers have noted if a proximal-to-distal sequencing (PDS) pattern characterized by hip, then knee, then ankle movement was utilized. Argaud et al. (2019) concluded that both groups used a PDS pattern while Haguenauer et al. (2005) reported that older adults exhibited a more simultaneous strategy. However, both of these studies only investigated male subjects. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine if there are differences in joint power sequencing between males and females and between young and older …

Effect Of Air Resistance On Braking And Propulsive Impulses During Treadmill Running., Luke Johnston, Jared Steele, Luke Vankeersbilck, Iain Hunter

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Treadmill running is a convenient option for runners looking to avoid adverse environmental conditions or that prefer a gym setting. Outdoor running includes air resistance, whereas treadmill running typically does not. Very little research has been focused on the influence of air resistance and its role on kinetic factors during running. PURPOSE: To determine how anterior/posterior impulses change due to air resistance during two different treadmill speeds. METHODS: A wind tunnel was placed 0.61m from the edge of a force instrumented treadmill (Bertec, Boston, MA) while attempting to run 1.12m from the opening of it. Seven subjects ran …

Type Of Physical Activity In Active Individuals Leads To Differences In Strength, Dora Ivanov, Julia Freedman Silvernail, Devin Kelly, John Mercer, Michelle Samual

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is a very commonly injured ligament in the knee. Typically, the injuries require reconstruction surgery and rehabilitation. The goal of rehab is to achieve the same level of ability and strength as prior to the injury. PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to investigate activity and strength in individuals who have undergone ACL reconstruction and healthy control participants. We aimed to determine the strength differences between participants who do intentional workouts versus those who live an active lifestyle and to determine whether activity alters strength measures. METHODS: Using existing data, participants were …

Novel Application Of A Performance Prediction Model During Altered Running Gait Strategies, Oluchi Ibe, Robert Musci, Jenevieve L. Roper

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Currently, there is limited research demonstrating that gait retraining can significantly impact running economy and subsequent running performance in distance runners with most of the research showing no or minimal change. Recently, a novel model was developed that predicts running performance based on changes in running economy but has not previously been applied when altering running gait strategies. PURPOSE: The goal of the study was to determine the effect of altering running strategy on predicted running performance in distance runners through application of this novel prediction model. METHODS: Fifteen male (n=10; Age: 22.2 ± 4.9 years; Height: 177.7 ± 7.4 …

Alternative Concussion Balance Testing Between Land & Aquatic Athletes, Taylor Garcia, Bethany Metcalfe, Travis Peterson

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Sports related concussions have been a global and community health issue, with up to 3.8 million occurring in the U.S each year (Langlois et. al. 2006). Impaired postural control is one of the most common symptoms. Balance assessments have been an integral part of concussion analysis to assess if an athlete can return to play (RTP). Swimmers show significant differences in Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) performance compared to a normal population (Sugiura et. al. 2021). PURPOSE: This study aimed to determine if the SEBT (Plisky et. al. 2009) can assess differences in dynamic balance between land and aquatic …

The Effect Of Sex And Age On Lower Extremity Joint Power Asymmetry During A Squat Jump, Kylie B. Garcia

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Previous research has identified greater asymmetry in lower extremity strength tests in older adults with a fall history when compared to older adults without a history of falls and to younger adults (Perry et al., 2007). However, it is not known if these strength asymmetries manifest in asymmetrical movement patterns or if the asymmetries differ for females and males. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of sex and age on lower extremity joint power asymmetry during a squat jump. METHODS: Thirty two subjects including 19 young adults (9F and 10M) between 18-25 years …

Assessing The Validity Of A Performance Prediction Model For Use With Gait Retraining, Christian Faltas, Robert Musci, Jenevieve L. Roper

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

A common strategy that athletic trainers and high-performance athletes use to manage and treat running-related injuries is gait retraining. However, the research is equivocal on how gait retraining can affect running economy and subsequent running performance in distance runners. A new prediction model was developed that predicts running performance based on oxygen consumption changes, however, it is unclear if this model is valid and can accurately be used to predict running performance as a result of gait retraining. PURPOSE: The goal of the study was to determine the validity of the performance prediction model, particularly when applied to gait …

Motor Evoked Torque Differences Between Aclr Patient And Control, Tawfeeq Al-Mansur, Victoria Whitcomb, Brian Clem

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Anterior cruciate ligament reconstructed (ACLR) patients with quadriceps deficits demonstrate greater motor evoked potential (MEP), indicating altered corticospinal excitability. Recent study has suggested that evoked torque responses to transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is an alternative method to determine motor cortical excitability. However, no study has evaluated the evoked torque in ACLR patients compared to healthy controls. PURPOSE: To evaluate percentage changes in evoked torque values in response to TMS between an ACLR patient (ACLR) and a healthy control (CONT). METHODS: One ACLR (female, 21yrs, 180cm, 77.1kg) and one CONT (female, 39yrs, 160cm, 61.2kg) were seated on HUMAC dynamometer …

Does Carrying Golf Equipment Unilaterally Or Bilaterally Influence Spatiotemporal Gait Parameters?, Yunsheng Zou, Guanrong Cai, Jordan Cannon, George Salem

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Golf is a popular multimodal recreational physical activity and sport. Golf equipment transportation (GET) is a consistent demand in golf, with over 6 kilometers of walking distance and 10,000 steps accrued, on average, in an 18-hole round. Gait asymmetries, especially in step time and step length, are associated with decreased efficiency and increased metabolic cost. Thus, gait asymmetries in different GET methods may have implications for fatigue and golf performance. PURPOSE: To compare symmetry in gait spatiotemporal parameters of two GET methods with each other and unloaded walking over flat ground. We hypothesized that GET would result in asymmetric step …

The Relationship Between Concussion History And Lower Extremity Biomechanics During A Land And Cut Task, Nghi Gia Vu, Warren Forbes, Jason M. Avedesian, Janet S. Dufek

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

In high impact landing tasks, athletes with a history of sports related concussion (SRC) have been found to demonstrate lower extremity (LE) biomechanics that are associated with elevated injury risk. However, the exact relationships between SRC history and LE biomechanics are inconclusive. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between SRC history and LE biomechanics during a cutting task. METHODS: A cohort of athletes with a history of SRC (n=20) and a control group of healthy athletes (n=20) were recruited for this study. The control group were matched by age, sex, and sport. Athletes …

Just Bust A Move; Relating Subjective Evaluation To Objective Measurements In Hip – Hop Dance, Joshua A. Vicente, Belle P. Ponce De Leon, Makena Savola, Rabbani Nzeza, Summer Diaz, Wendy Pham, Thomas (Rex) Ruswick, Dr. Jacob Hinkel-Lipsker

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Being globally recognized as a performance art and mode of expression, Hip - hop dance is becoming more prevalent in today’s modern dance and popular culture. With multiple renditions across the globe on what encompasses Hip - hop dance on various social media platforms and the different sub styles of hip-hop dance that currently exist, there are a limited number of ways to assess a dancer and their ability without relying on a high amount of subjectivity from those that are watching it. PURPOSE: To investigate the relationship between common dance moves (like the Arm Wave & Inverted Happy Feet) …

Relationship Of Reacstick® Inhibition Accuracy And Inhibitory Control During Balance Recovery, Aric Turner, Sara Harper, Anne Beethe, David A. E. Bolton

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

The ability to stop action is rarely considered when avoiding a fall, but mounting evidence indicates performance on traditional cognitive tests of response inhibition is related to fall prevalence. This suggests the ability to suppress action is important in how we control balance, and therefore, identifying practical ways to detect this important fall risk factor has potential clinical value. PURPOSE: Our aim was to assess inhibitory control using a simple hand reaction task (ReacStick®) in relation to performance on a reactive balance test where step suppression was occasionally required. METHODS: Eighteen adults (18-30 years) were first assessed on a …

The Effect Of Gripping Handles During Isokinetic Strength Tests At Various Speeds On Torque Production In Knee Flexion And Extension, Mikayla Rudis, Lukas Krumpl, Nickolai Martonick, Youngmin Chun

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Although the effect of gripping handles on concentric torque of knee extension/flexion has been examined, it is still needed to investigate how gripping handles affect torque production in different types of muscle contractions at various speeds. PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of gripping handles of an isokinetic dynamometer on knee extension/flexion torque during isokinetic tests at various speeds. METHODS: Fourteen healthy and active individuals were recruited for this study (10 females: Ht= 1.66 ± 0.06 m, BM= 69.52 ± 16.86 kg, Age=21.60 ± 1.17 yrs; 4 males: Ht = 1.81 ± 0.13 m, BM = 89.90 ± 23.92 kg, Age …

A.R.G! Augmented Reality And Gait: Analyzing The Influence Of Cues On Gait Patterns In Augmented Reality, Gwendolyn R. Retzinger, Borna Golbarg, Rabbani R. Nzeza, Wendy T. Pham, Milad Mehrjou, Summer M. Diaz, Jacob W. Hinkel-Lipsker

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Use of Augmented Reality (AR) technology for rehabilitation has drastically increased in recent years. While theoretically AR can be used to cue gait adaptations such as changes to step length and cadence through visual and auditory cues, it is still unknown how people respond to the technology. PURPOSE: To assess the feasibility of external visual and auditory cues delivered through AR on spatiotemporal gait outcomes in a healthy, young population. METHODS: 20 healthy participants between age 18 and 35 were screened and recruited to perform randomized gait trials consisting of four different cueing conditions. The participants wore a Magic Leap …

Effect Of Trail Running Pack Weight On Lower Extremity Biomechanics, Lily Poulton, Cheyenne Dabel, Tyson Ngatikaura, Ally Sipple, Chloe Weight, Hayden Smith, Shane Draper, Andrew Creer, Tyler Standifird

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

In the sport of ultrarunning there are a variety of ways runners carry the equipment and nutrition that is required. Many of the faster athletes will be seen with handheld bottles or minimal packs, however the size and weight of packs may vary based on the length of the race, nutritional needs, and pacing. PURPOSE: To date, no research has been conducted to understand what biomechanical adaptions occur with packs of varying weight. METHODS: Kinematic and kinetic data were collected using a 16 camera Vicon Nexus System (Vicon Inc. Denver, CO) and the Bertec instrumented treadmill (Bertec, Inc., …