Medical Education Commons^™

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

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

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

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

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

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

Effect Of Blood Flow Restriction Exercise On Post-Activation Potentiation In Resistance Trained Men And Women, Bulent Sokmen, Christopher Daniels, Melissa Aragon Matias, Garrett Campedel, Jairo Carrillo, Carter Michnevich, Cinthya Romano, Kandace Syer, Pauline Josephine Woodard, Hasan Ghadiri, Ibai Guadron, Arturo Ortiz, Collins Onyeukwu, Valentin Sanchez, Kent Abe, Monica Ohkubo

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Post-activation potentiation (PAP) is commonly employed to enhance the force-generating capacity of skeletal muscles. However, no studies have directly compared the PAP response elicited by blood flow restriction (BFR) exercise versus traditional bilateral training (TT). This distinction is critical, as differences in muscle activation are observed when comparing various exercise modalities. PURPOSE: Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate whether a BFR squat exercise would elicit a different PAP response compared to a traditional bilateral squat exercise. METHODS: A within-subjects repeated measures design was used to assess the acute effects of two distinct PAP protocols (traditional …

Correlation Between Body Weight And Eccentric Hamstring Strength In American Football Players, Ty K. Hacking, Malorie Wilwand, Aaron W. Johnson, B. Brett Mortensen

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Hamstring strength and explosiveness is imperative for collegiate American football players to perform at the highest level. Understanding the respective correlations, based on players positions, between eccentric hamstring strength (HS) and body weight (BW) among football players may help coaches and players to develop strength protocols required for specific positions. We hypothesize that increasing BW will result in increased eccentric HS. PURPOSE: This study aims to examine the relationship between football players BW and their max eccentric HS. METHODS: As a secondary analysis from the HAMIR study, 95 (age: 21.4 ± 2.00 yr; Ht: 187.7 ± 6.17 cm; …

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 …

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 …

Effects Of Navy Officer Development School On Body Composition In Hpsp Medical Students, Xing Fan, Anna Weissenberg, Shelly Lim, Christine Kurien, Joanne Donoghue

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: This pilot study compared changes in body composition and strength in medical students enrolled in the Navy Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP) who attended Officer Development School, before training, after training, and follow-up. Exploring the possible future application to both medical students and stationary Navy ratings.

METHODS: An ABA quasi-experimental design was used to measure body composition using dual X-ray absorptiometry (iDXA), and strength measured by hand dynamometer. Measurements were collected 5 weeks before training, before departure, upon return, then 5 weeks later. The physical training during officer development school involves 1.5 miles run, push-ups, plank, …

Cost-Effectiveness Of Cardiovascular Screening For Prevention Of Sudden Cardiac Arrest In High School Athletes, Abbey Santanello

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is rare, but each death has a significant impact on the victim’s family and community. Pre-participation physical evaluation is a critical step in preventing SCD, but studies indicate that proper screening is infrequently performed. The inclusion of electrocardiogram (ECG) and/or focused echocardiogram in screening is controversial. The purpose of this study is to determine the value of integrating ECG and echocardiography with cardiac-focused history for screening. Screening was offered with parental consent to athletes at 7 high schools in Staten Island. Students completed a questionnaire about cardiac symptoms, physical exam abnormalities, and family history. Each screening …

Upper-Limb Asymmetries Of University Club Sport Athletes, Elizabeth Cafferty, Sara Harper, Dale R. Wagner

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Asymmetries are commonly researched in sports. Dominant-sided sports tend to favor these adaptations, suggesting the development of lean mass (LM) and bone mineral content (BMC) asymmetries. Professional and collegiate athletes are often the primary population for this line of research. Further investigation into university club sport athletes provides more insight. PURPOSE: To investigate upper-limb LM and BMC asymmetries in club sport athletes. METHODS: University club sport athletes (N = 207) from 18 different teams participated in the study. Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) whole-body scans collected LM and BMC data. Participant data were separated into club sport upper-limb dominance …

Interrater Reliability Aspects Of The Pickleball Serve Penetration Test, Luke Rockenbaugh, Eric Martin, Margaret Falknor, Steven B. Kim, James Annesi

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

The serve penetration test has been used in tennis to assess the approximate skill level of a player. While similar to tennis, pickleball is less studied. We adapted the serve penetration test to the pickleball court. PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to assess interposition reliability, interrater reliability, and intertarget reliability of the adapted pickleball serve penetration test. METHODS: For the pickleball serve penetration test, there were four different targets that the subject aimed for, located on the left and right corners, as well as the left and right middle of the court. Each target had four …

Three Years Of Football Play Maintains Nordbord Eccentric Hamstring Strength In Division I Athletes, Josh Vandenakker, Malorie Wilwand, B. Brett Mortensen, A. Wayne Johnson

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

In American football, the development of strength, power, speed, and conditioning is crucial throughout a season and college career to enhance athletes’ performance and prevent injury. Eccentric knee flexor strength is important for optimal athletic performance and injury risk reduction; therefore, assessment of eccentric hamstring strength (EHS) is critical. PURPOSE: To evaluate the EHS of a Division I football team and its change or continuity across multiple years. METHODS: This was a secondary analysis of HAMIR, 95 Division I football players (Age: 20.94 ± 2.11yrs; Ht: 1.88 ± 0.06m; Wt: 102.15 ± 17.94kg) had their EHS measured using the NordBord. …

Comparing Body Composition Measures In Us Army Soldiers, Kishani Kirubaharan-Smith, James R. Bagley, Kent A. Lorenz, Maria J. Veri

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

The United States (US) Army currently uses circumference measurements (with body mass index, BMI) to estimate body fat (BF) composition in soldiers. While this current system is easy to administer, it has been shown to have poor validity compared to other modern body composition assessment techniques, such as air displacement plethysmography (BodPod). Specifically, circumference/BMI measures do not account for different body types, especially among female soldiers. PURPOSE: This study aimed to compare 1) body composition measures in US Army Soldiers (BF% via circumferences vs BodPod) and 2) differences in BF% between males and females. We hypothesized there would be significant …

Responsiveness Of The Sit-To-Stand Test To Measure Lower Body Power, Jose Antonio Tan

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Muscle power declines at a faster rate and demonstrates a stronger association with physical function than strength, emphasizing the growing importance of assessing muscle power. The Sit-to-Stand (STS) test is a novel test to measure lower body power that is valid and reliable, while also being portable and affordable. However, its responsiveness to change or longitudinal validity is unknown. PURPOSE: To examine the responsiveness to change of the Sit-to-Stand test in comparison to the pneumatic leg press in measuring lower body power. METHOD: 23 community-living adults, aged 50-80, were recruited. Participants underwent a full body strength training workout twice a …

The Ability Of Cardiac Autonomic Modulations Stress Index To Independently Predict Vo2max In Cardiometabolically Healthy Individuals, Leticia C. De Souza, Ricardo Torres, Chris Wynveen, Leroy Bolden, Tomas Chapman-Lopez, Leslee Funderburk, Jeffrey S. Forsse

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Cardiac autonomic modulation (CAM) is crucial for heart health, mediated by the sympathetic and autonomic systems (SAS). The link between CAM and aerobic exercise underscores the importance of aerobic fitness assessments in optimizing training to enhance performance. Heart rate variability (HRV) assesses CAM in various healthy populations, with the Stress Index (SI) identified as key in determining the SAS regulation involvement in performance and recovery outcomes. The SI may provide a quick and non-invasive metric to assess aerobic performance. PURPOSE: To determine if the SI can accurately predict aerobic performance via VO₂max in healthy individuals free of metabolic …

Once-Weekly Single-Set Resistance Training Improves Body Composition And Muscular Strength In Older Adults, Tyler M. Weiss, Malcolm T. Whitehead

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

The loss of muscle mass associated with aging, known as sarcopenia, is a public health issue among the older population. Physical activity, in particular resistance training, has been shown to be an effective treatment in countering age-related muscle loss. Time is a primary barrier for adhering to an exercise program, and a time-efficient training modality may be useful for older individuals who perceive time as a barrier to exercise. The Exercise is Medicine Initiative encourages physicians and other health care providers to include physical activity when designing treatment plans. PURPOSE: The purpose of the investigation was to determine whether once-weekly …

Glutathione Peroxidase Enzymatic Activity In Response To Transient Hypercapnic Aerobic Exercise, Ryan Curtis, Jose M. Moris, Christian J. Chang, Kylie Allen, Brandon Arnold, Yunsuk Koh

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Nasal breathing (NB) during aerobic exercise has gained attention due to its potential benefits to physical performance and health adaptations. However, it is unclear how an NB-induced increase in the partial pressure of CO₂ (PetCO₂) affects the enzymatic activity of glutathione peroxidase (GPX). PURPOSE: To determine the activity of GPX after 1-month of transient hypercapnic training induced by NB. METHODS: Fourteen males (age = 20.57 ± 1.22 yrs) were randomized to either the NB (n = 8) or combined breathing (CB, n = 6) group. Participants performed supervised aerobic training 4 times per week at ~70% …

A Retrospective Analysis On The Relationship Of Age, Personal Shooting Practice, And Years Of Experience With Dynamic Shooting Scores, Kailea Oliver, Michael Jiroutek, Jennifer Bunn

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Swat (special weapons and tactical) operators often need to perform intense physical activity and display weapon accuracy for an undetermined period of time. Strength and conditioning training have been found to play a vital role in the performance of SWAT operators during physical assessments, but little research has been devoted to training to improve dynamic marksmanship. PURPOSE: To evaluate the relationship between age, personal shooting practice, years of law enforcement experience, and years of SWAT experience with dynamic shooting accuracy. METHODS: SWAT operators (n = 195) completed a survey to self-report their training behaviors and previous experience (number …

Promotion Of Healthy Lifestyles In College Freshmen Through The Fitu Program, Jasper Sanford, Amber M. Chelette, Amanda Perry

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

This study is a continuation of a previous study assessing the physical health of first-year college students. With the obesity epidemic steadily on the rise in America, young adults are the most susceptible to weight gain as they embrace life’s new chapter. PURPOSE: FitU is a program implemented into the core class, Concepts of Wellness, at Ouachita Baptist University. This program was designed to combat the weight gain called the “freshman-15” while promoting healthier lifestyle choices through diet and exercise. METHODS: At the beginning and end of the semester, 196 students were given a basic fitness evaluation including the five …

Validity Of Body Volume Estimates From A Smartphone 3-Dimensional Scanning Application, Ethan G. Tinoco, Christian Rodriguez, Madelin R. Siedler, Christian Lavalle, Christine M. Florez, Sarah White, Alexandra Brojanac, Jaylynn Rasco, Gabrielle Dehaven, Grant M. Tinsley

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Body volume (BV) indicates the total 3-dimensional (3D) space an individual occupies. BV is either used alongside body mass in density-based two-compartment models or in conjunction with other body components in multi-compartment models to estimate body composition (BC). BV estimates are typically produced by costly laboratory methods, such as hydrostatic weighing or air-displacement plethysmography (ADP). However, more accessible options are emerging. Smartphone-based 3D scanning uses the phone’s built-in camera to provide a BV estimate in a time-efficient and cost-effective manner. However, few investigations have validated this method against an accepted laboratory technique. PURPOSE: To determine the validity of BV from …

Body Fat Percentage Estimation From Smartphone Three-Dimensional Optical Imaging, Christine M. Florez, Christian Rodriguez, Madelin R. Siedler, Ethan Tinoco, Grant M. Tinsley

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Body composition is an important component of overall health. The development of digital assessment methods has led to increased interest in devices that allow users to monitor their own body composition. Smartphone applications with three-dimensional optical imaging (3DO) capabilities are a user-friendly technology capable of predicting percent body fat (BF%) from relevant body measurements. PURPOSE: To determine the validity of two BF% equations using smartphone 3DO data, as compared to a 4-compartment (4C) model criterion, and to produce a new BF% estimation equation. METHODS: At a single laboratory visit, 60 participants (28 F, 32 M; [mean ± SD] …

Bodyfat As A Predictor Of The Peace Office Physical Aptitude Test In Police Cadets, Angelo Mangione, Mattison Maret, Bridget Melton, Anthony Acevedo, Zachary Zeigler

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Body composition is a measurement that is rarely assessed before police cadets enter the academy. The Peace Office Physical Aptitude Test (POPAT) is a required assessment for police cadets. PURPOSE: This pilot study aims to determine if body composition, upper body strength, and lower body power can predict performance on the POPAT in police cadets. METHODS: Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) cadets were asked to complete the handheld grip test to assess upper extremity strength, vertical jump to assess lower extremity power, and body fat percentage (%BF) using an ultrasound machine. Fat-Free Mass Index (FFMI) was used to …

Bmi Superior To Fat-Free Mass Index And Fat Mass Index For Predicting Arterial Stiffness In College Students, Amanda Callaghan, Kennedy Kerbs, Kyndal Downing, Zachary Zeigler

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Arterial stiffness is a significant predictor of cardiovascular disease and mortality. Body mass index (BMI) has been used to predict cardiovascular disease outcomes but does not consider fat and lean mass. Fat mass index (FMI) and fat-free mass index (FFMI) may be superior to BMI in predicting arterial stiffness because it considers body composition. PURPOSE: This study aims to determine if FFMI and FMI are superior to BMI at predicting arterial stiffness in college students. METHODS: Participants came into the exercise physiology lab, signed consent, and then had anthropometric measurements of height and weight taken, as well as …

Handgrip Strength, Pinch Grip Strength, And Screen Time In College-Age Adults And Older Adults, Zarmina Amin, Galilea Gutierrez, Larissa True

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Smartphones have become an essential part of daily life for people of all ages, serving as a vital tool for communication, information, and entertainment. However, excessive smartphone use can lead to addiction-like behavior and musculoskeletal issues, with the extent and characteristics of problematic usage varying by age. PURPOSE: The purpose was two-fold: (1) Investigate the differences in handgrip strength (HGS), pinch grip strength (PGS), and total screen time between college-age individuals (18-to-25 years old; n = 50) and older adults (50+ years old; n = 50); (2) Explore correlations between HGS, PGS, and total screen time in college-age individuals …

Validation Of The Work Capacity Test For Wildland Firefighters, Cassandra Mcfarland, Zachary Hofheins, Janna Thompson, Lexi Sorensen, Andrew Creer, Shane Draper

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Much of the reported Wildland Firefighter (WLFF) data use prediction equations which tend to underestimate oxygen consumption (VO2) during load carriage. As a result, the reported metabolic and oxygen consumption data values may actually be higher creating a larger gap between the US Forest Service arduous pack test (APT) and true occupational demand. The reported data regarding the energy cost upon which the APT has been based (22.5 mL/kg/min of oxygen) has overwhelmingly been tested in current WLFF with few participants. However, no studies have recently examined the current energy expenditure of men and women who want to qualify to …

Comparing Muscle Oxygenation And Maximal Blood Lactate Concentration In Middle-Distance Athletes: A Speed Reserve Ratio Analysis, Braeden Kraft, Ayla Kraft, Kurt A. Escobar, Evan E. Schick, Joshua A. Cotter

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Middle-distance running is a unique discipline that utilizes both aerobic and anaerobic abilities, resulting in a physiologically diverse athlete population. This diversity in athlete makeup underscores the necessity for precise physiological profiling methods to improve individualized training and race strategy approaches. While the Speed Reserve Ratio (SRR) has garnered attention as an accurate and effective tool in athlete profiling, skeletal muscle oxygenation (SmO2) and blood lactate also have shown potential in this field. However, the effectiveness of these biomarkers in middle-distance populations, especially in conjunction with SRR, is less understood. PURPOSE: This research aims to understand the relationships between …

A Case Study Examining Health And Fitness Effects Of Thru Hiking The Pacific Crest Trail, Holland Gaston, Dante Argento, Anna Grexton, Cory Greever

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

The Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), a long-distance hiking route spanning from the U.S.-Mexico Border to the U.S.-Canada border, is a compelling research topic for studying human performance. Thru hiking involves enduring high volumes of moderate-vigorous exercise, load carriage of survival gear, environmental conditions, hydration, nutrition, sleep, and psychological well-being, alongside addressing challenges like navigation, limited resupply, encounters with wild animals and injury/illness. PURPOSE: This case study investigated the impact of thru hiking the PCT on physical fitness and health in a cohort of three non-elite male hikers. METHODS: The participants had two visits to the lab, following an 8-12 hour …

Intra And Inter-Rater Reliability Of The Exercise Thresholds App In Identifying Ventilatory Thresholds Using Undergraduate Raters, Anna Grexton, Dante Argento, Holland Gaston, Cory Greever

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Identifying the gas exchange threshold (GET) and the respiratory compensation point (RCP) are the least invasive methods for determining aerobic training zones from maximal graded exercise tests. This process requires a thorough examination of several respiratory gas exchange parameters from breath-by-breath or time binned averages. Given the nature of processing data in this fashion, standardized tools could be useful in improving exercise physiology student’s accuracy in identifying these thresholds. The Exercise Thresholds App is a computer application developed to simultaneously visualize eight different respiratory gas exchange parameters (VE, VO_2, VCO2, VE/VCO2, VE/VO2, PETO2, PETCO2, RER) from maximal exercise tests …

Physical Function In Young And Older Adult Active Pickleball Players, Leighanne T. Paulson, Eric Martin, Kent J. Adams Facsm, Marcus M. Lawrence

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Limited information exists on pickleball’s impact on physical function in adults, especially older adults (65+ years), despite reported health benefits. PURPOSE: This study evaluated the physical function of active older adult (OA) female and male recreational pickleball players via handgrip strength and fatigue, 6-minute walk distance (6MWD) test, as well as the short physical performance battery (SPPB) compared to sex-matched young adult (YA) controls. METHODS: Thirty YA (18-26 years; n=15 female/male) participants and 27 OA (65-89 years; n=13 female, n=15 male) participants who played pickleball at least three times per week were assessed for physical function outcomes of …

The Risk Of Bias In Validity And Reliability Studies Testing Physiological Variables Using Consumer-Grade Wearable Technology: A Systematic Review And Wear-Bot Analysis, Bryson Carrier, Jennifer Bunn, Joel D. Reece, Charli D. Aguilar, Chris Eschbach, James W. Navalta

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

INTRODUCTION: Wearable technology is a quickly evolving field, and new devices with new features to measure/estimate physiological variables are being released constantly. Despite their use, the validity of the devices are largely unknown to the users or researchers, and the quality of the studies that do test validity and reliability vary widely. PURPOSE: Therefore, the purpose of this systematic review was to review the current validity and reliability literature concerning consumer-grade wearable technology measurements/estimates of physiological variables during exercise. Additionally, we sought to perform risk of bias assessments utilizing the novel WEArable technology Risk of Bias and Objectivity Tool (WEAR-BOT). …

Anaerobic Performance In Female Collegiate Wrestlers During Ovulation Versus The Mid-Luteal Phase Of The Menstrual Cycle: A Pilot Study, Nicole Varone, Cayla Clark, Colby Morse, Joseph Mallillin, Alyssa Flores, Andreas Kreutzer, Brandon R. Rigby, Kyle Biggerstaff

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Anaerobic performance may vary during different phases of the menstrual cycle. The greatest differences occur between the late-follicular phase (i.e., ovulation) and the mid-luteal phase. Optimal anaerobic performance may be observed during the mid-luteal phase. PURPOSE: To explore differences in upper and lower body anaerobic performance during ovulation versus the mid-luteal phase of the menstrual cycle in collegiate female wrestlers. METHODS: Six female collegiate wrestlers (age = 18.6 ± 0.2 yrs; height = 165.0 ± 0.5 cm; body mass = 79.7 ± 9.6 kg; lean body mass = 45.6 ± 2.8 kg; % body fat = 31.4 ± 6.6%) performed …