Sports Sciences Commons^™

A Retrospective Look At Self-Reported Mental Health Prevalence In Division Iii Student-Athletes, Jacob F. Neri

Masters Theses/Capstone Projects

Mental health concerns among collegiate athletes have gained increased attention, but there has been limited research focus on Division III student-athletes. This study aimed to examine the self-reported prevalence of anxiety, depression, anger, stalking/harassment, abuse/assault, alcohol/substance abuse, self-harm, suicide ideation, and suicide attempt to identify contributing factors amongst this population. A retrospective, cross-sectional study was conducted looking at data collected from the student-athlete mental health history & well-being questionnaire that was administered as part of their pre-participation exam (PPE) prior to the beginning of each academic year. A total of 554 Division III student-athletes were included in the study. Results …

Investigating The Prevalence Of Eating Disorder Risk And Body Image Dissatisfaction Among Division Iii Track And Field Athletes, Ravyn S. Goodson

Masters Theses/Capstone Projects

Context: Eating disorder (ED) risk, and body image dissatisfaction (BID) are increasingly recognized concerns in collegiate athletes due to sport-specific and sociocultural pressures. However, limited research has looked at these factors within NCAA Division III track and field athletes.

Objective: To examine the prevalence of eating disorder risk and body image dissatisfaction among division III track and field athletes and explore differences based on gender and event group Design A quantitative, cross-sectional survey design

Setting: NCAA division III athletic program within the Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC), during the 2025-2026 competitive season.

Participants: A total of 32 NCAA Division III track …

Prevalence Of Low Energy (Lea) Risk In Division Iii Female Distance Athletes, Ciara Murphy

Masters Theses/Capstone Projects

Context 

Low energy availability (LEA) occurs when energy intake is insufficient to support normal physiological functions after exercise (Loucks, 2011). Prolonged LEA can negatively affect metabolic functions, reproductive health, and bone density, and contribute to the development of the female athlete triad and relative energy deficiency in sport (RED-S) (Papageorgiou, 2017).

Objective

The objective of this study was to explore the prevalence of LEA among Division III female distance athletes.

Design

Cross-sectional study

Setting

Online questionnaire administered through Qualtrics

Participants 

A total of 12 Division III female distance athletes (ages 18-23).

Intervention

Anonymous, electronic questionnaire assessing symptoms associated with low …

Engaging In Movement At Work: Exploring Engagement And Physical Activity., Spencer A. Cavan

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

High levels of employee engagement provide organizations competitive advantages such as increased customer satisfaction, profits, and employee productivity. Despite potential benefits, the number of engaged employees is declining and organizations need to find innovative ways to enhance engagement. Emerging evidence suggests workplace physical activity may generate organizational benefits extending beyond health improvement. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate perceptions of engagement among employees participating in a physical activity intervention at work. A qualitative design, guided by phenomenology, examined perceptions of workplace physical activity and perceived levels of engagement, as well as constraints related to involvement among university …

Division Iii Soccer Athlete Ankle Stability In An Ankle Brace Compared To Ankle Tape During Functional Testing, Caitlin M. Craig

Masters Theses/Capstone Projects

Objective/ Context: A common injury to athletes and non-athletes is a lateral ankle sprain. There is a higher incidence of a lateral ankle sprain occurring during sports participation. Additionally, soccer athletes are at an increased risk for lateral ankle injuries due to the high impact of cutting and turning, which can lead to the mechanism of injury. As a means of injury prevention and ankle stability, ankle taping and ankle bracing provide athletes with similar support. There is an ongoing debate on whether one method is better at providing stability to at-risk populations; however, the answer is still being determined. …

Examination Of Eating Disorder Risks And Body Image Dissatisfaction Among Division Iii Student-Athletes, Maddie Wisener

Masters Theses/Capstone Projects

Eating disorders (ED) and pathogenic behaviors are prevalent concerns among collegiate athletes due to performance pressures and body image expectations. This cross-sectional study examined the risk of ED among 243 student-athletes (Males: 54.9%, Females: 44.3%, Non-Binary: 0.4%) at a private institution in the Midwest. The convenience sample included student-athletes from baseball, basketball, cheerleading, cross country, football, golf, lacrosse, soccer, softball, tennis, track, volleyball, and wrestling teams. The participants were given a demographic survey, the Eating Attitudes Test-26, and Sex-Specific Figural Stimuli Silhouettes to assess eating behaviors and perceived and desired body images. Overall, 22.1% of participants were at risk for …

An Evaluation Of Sports Nutrition Knowledge And Influencing Factors In Ncaa Division Iii Athletes, Kerrie Berends, Michael J. Wierenga, Madeline Frens

University Faculty Publications and Creative Works

Introduction:This study evaluated the sports nutrition knowledge of NCAA Division III (DIII) athletes, examining the influence of demographic and sport-specific factors. Nutrition is a critical component of athletic performance, recovery, and overall health, yet prior research indicatescollegiate athletes often lack adequate nutrition knowledge.

Methods: A total of 412 athletes, representing 17 different sports across endurance, power, and skill categories, completed the validated Abridged Nutrition for Sport Knowledge Questionnaire (A-NSKQ). The sample included freshmen through fifth-year seniorathletes, predominantlyCaucasian (85%).

Results: The average A-NSKQ score was 17.1 out of 35 (48.9%), indicating suboptimal knowledge. Significant differences were found across …

Programmatic Accreditation: Implementation Strategies For College Kinesiology Program Directors, Kworweinski Lafontant

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology

Programmatic accreditation within Kinesiology sub-disciplines, such as physical therapy and sports medicine, have typically been required at the graduate level. Within the coming decade, major certifications for exercise physiology (ACSM-EP) and strength & conditioning (CSCS) will institute programmatic accreditation requirements at the undergraduate level. This article takes a narrative review approach at examining ways that programmatic accreditation at the undergraduate level may impact incoming undergraduate students, such as necessitating earlier specialization and limiting the ability for late-stage career changes. To mitigate these impacts, college kinesiology program directors may benefit from considering the perspectives of students as they work to meet …

Recent Graduates’ Perceptions Of Immersion And Its Effect On Preparation For Professional Practice, Dana Karlene Bates, Jessica L. Moore

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The Standards for Accreditation of Professional Athletic Training Programs now requires students to complete an immersive clinical educational experience. There is limited research in athletic training education on recent graduates’ perceptions of the impact of these immersive experiences. The purpose of our study was to explore recent graduates of a masters’ athletic training program perceptions of an immersive experience as it relates to preparation for professional practice. Method: A qualitative inquiry was utilized for this study to explore athletic trainers’ perceptions following an immersive clinical experience. Ten recent graduates (1 male, 9 female) who completed a 10-week …

Can Nutrition Education Reduce Division Iii Female Athlete's Risk Of Developing Low Energy Availability, Coby Stover

Masters Theses/Capstone Projects

Context: Low Energy availability (LEA) is widely acknowledged as a state in which an individual does not have sufficient energy to support normal functions within the body after energy has been expended through exercise. In sports environments, athletes can exhibit LEA for a variety of reasons. These reasons range from improper food intake to effectively fuel and re-fuel their body for the energy demands of their specific sport, to eating disorders (ED) and eating disorder behaviors. Access to appropriate nutrition knowledge is also a major factor that can place athletes at risk for developing LEA. Both males and females …

Student Perspectives On Transition From Bachelor’S To Master’S Degree For Professional Athletic Trainers: Advantages And Disadvantages, Bobbi A. Severt, Michael B. Phillips, Janet Kesterson Isbell

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to understand the perspectives of students interested in a career in athletic training on the degree change and what they perceive as advantages and disadvantages to pursuing a master's level professional degree in athletic training. Method: A case study was conducted using an interpretivism framework informed by a constructionism theoretical stance. A focus group of six current undergraduate pre-athletic training students and individual interviews of three pre-athletic training graduates along with current and historical documents were used to collect data. An inductive approach was used to analyze data along with reflexive thematic analysis …

Exploring Cultural Humility Prevalence And Barriers In Masters Of Science In Athletic Training Education Programs, Nathalie Towchik

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

The purpose of this study is to understand the prevalence of faculty members’ abilities to incorporate cultural humility into their Masters of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT) program curriculum and barriers they feel they face in implementing this into regular practice. There is a severe lack of focus on issues pertaining to social justice within the athletic training profession, and implementation of cultural humility skills into MSAT programs can help address the systemic injustices within athletic training healthcare delivery. While there has been a focus on cultural competency in athletic training education, there is little to no current research on …

Are They Well? Examining Emotional Intelligence Competencies Of Female College Athletes, Anne E. Funke

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

In this dissertation, I explore the emotional intelligence (EQ) competencies of 19 female student-athletes at one Division III institution. College students are suffering from a collective brain health crisis in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic (United States Department of Health and Human Services, 2021). Students’ social and emotional needs and skills have continued to steadily decline. Colleges have a responsibility to prioritize the social-emotional health of all students above performance and achievement. Student-athletes in particular face unique challenges and pressures that non-athlete students do not. Managing time commitments of athletic schedules and coursework, navigating publicity and increased attention, and …

Effects Of Physical Exercise On Academic Performance In University Students: A Systematic Review, Yury Rosales-Ricardo, Verónica Cáceres-Manzano

Health Professions Education

Purpose: to evaluate the scientific evidence on the effects of physical exercise on the academic performance of university students, through a systematic review.

Methods: Eleven hundred and fifty-three studies emerged from this search, based on the following selection criteria: articles published in the last 5 years, original studies of different types: experimental at any level, correlational, analytical, and observational, where any type of physical exercise is applied, in undergraduate university students, of any sex and university career. The review was finally performed with only 11 studies. Search for appropriate manuscripts was based on the following descriptive terms: "Exercise" …

The Effect Of Intercollegiate Athletic Departments Switching Conferences, Austin Fischer

Master of Science in Kinesiology

College conference realignment has been and will be an imposing threat to universities and colleges across all division levels. With significant money to be had in intercollegiate athletics, Athletic Directors (ADs) are looking to position themselves and their university in the most optimal position to elevate their schools’ athletic brands. The literature review for this study utilized Concordia’s online research library platform, as well as recent news articles regarding conference realignment. With college athletics media valuation continuing to increase, one can draw the conclusion that conference realignment is here to stay. This project was designed to ask Athletic Directors and …

Du Undergraduate Showcase: Research, Scholarship, And Creative Works, Caitlyn Aldersea, Justin Bravo, Sam Allen, Anna Block, Connor Block, Emma Buechler, Maria De Los Angeles Bustillos, Arianna Carlson, William Christensen, Olivia Kachulis, Noah Craver, Kate Dillon, Muskan Fatima, Angel Fernandes, Emma Finch, Colleen Cassidy, Amy Fishman, Andrea Francis, Stacia Fritz, Simran Gill, Emma Gries, Rylie Hansen, Shannon Powers, Jacqueline Martinez, Zachary Harker, Ashley Hasty, Mykaela Tanino-Springsteen, Kathleen Hopps, Adelaide Kerenick, Colin Kleckner, Ci Koehring, Elijah Kruger, Braden Krumholz, Maddie Leake, Lyneé Alves, Seraphina Loukas, Yatzari Lozano Vazquez, Haley Maki, Emily Martinez, Sierra Mckinney, Audrey Mitchell, Kipling Newman, Audrey Ng, Megan Lucyshyn, Andrew Nguyen, Stevie Ostman, Casandra Pearson, Alexandra Penney, Julia Gielczynski, Tyler Ball, Anna Rini, Christina Rorres, Simon Ruland, Helayna Schafer, Emma Sellers, Sarah Schuller, Claire Shaver, Kevin Summers, Isabella Shaw, Madison Sinar, Claudia Pena, Apshara Siwakoti, Carter Sorensen, Madi Sousa, Anna Sparling, Alexandra Revier, Brandon Thierry, Dylan Tyree, Maggie Williams, Lauren Wols

DU Undergraduate Research Journal Archive

DU Undergraduate Showcase: Research, Scholarship, and Creative Works

The Effect Of Fatigue On Lower Extremity Joint Kinematics And Performance, Sarah Alloto

Undergraduate Distinction Papers

Within recent years there has been an increase in the number of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries within female athletes (Learning how ACL, 2022). The ACL is a ligamentous structure within the knee that connects the femur and the tibia (Mayo, 2022). Its primary function is to provide stability, prevent the tibia from excessive anterior translation, and provide proprioceptive input for the lower limb (Mayo, 2022). ACL injuries are multifactorial in nature, meaning they can be the result of faulty biomechanics, individual genetic predisposition, or environmental factors (Alentorn- Geli et al., 2009). ACL injuries can be classified into two categories: …

Preparedness Of Doctor Of Athletic Training (Dat) Credentialed Athletic Trainers To Take Roles In Academia, Andrew J. Schweitzer, Matthew J. Rivera, Cailee E. Welch Bacon, Lindsey E. Eberman

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

ABSTRACT

Purpose: The athletic training education landscape is shifting, which has opened new avenues for postprofessional education. Previous literature has investigated stakeholder perceptions and attitudes towards hiring a DAT degree holder in academia. Yet, there is no research investigating the experiences of DAT degree holders in academic roles. The purpose of this study was to explore the preparation and experiences of DAT degree holders related to their roles in academia. Methods: We used a consensual qualitative research design to explore the lived experiences of DAT degree holders in academia through semi-structured web-based interviews. Twelve DAT degree holders with at least …

Relationship Between Allied Health Student's Behavioral Style And Ideal Clinical Instructor Behaviors, Tonya Y. Miller, Robert Creath, Eva M. Frank, Lori Portzer, Jennifer Price

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The focus of this research is to understand the relationship between students' primary DISC behavioral styles (dominant, influencing, steadiness, compliance) and their perception of ideal clinical instructor behaviors. A review of the literature supports the connection between the behaviors of the clinical instructor (CI) and the success of the allied health professional student (AHPS). Additionally, a body of research supports the connection between DISC behavioral styles and student success. The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between AHPS primary DISC behavioral styles and their perception of the ideal CI behaviors. Methods: A total number …

Abrunning: Beginner’S Guide To Running-Based Training Programs, Alexander Boerner

Honors Program: Senior Projects (Public)

This thesis is used to introduce any level of runner to training program creation and give resources to allow the individual to create their own. This was done through a website that has information on warm up, cool down, strength and conditioning, running programs, nutrition, hydration, and running aids. The website gives readers insight on each of the topics while giving them resources on how to implement the information within their programs. The written portion of this thesis is used to detail the creation of said website and the thought process that went into each of its components from structure …

Development And Training Of The American Football Quarterback, Kyle Zies

Masters Theses/Capstone Projects

The American Football Quarterback position is often argued to be the most important position in all of team sports. The position always requires peak physical and mental performance and elite processing ability. Being explored in this analysis is the training and development methods used in training the quarterback while also analyzing the reasons and validity of the programs being used. Identifying the literature that already exists with published studies regarding the position, comparison of the position to baseball, and a breakdown of the phases of the throwing motion will be the focus of this analysis.

Exploring Ohiohealth Employer Solutions Fitness And Wellness Team, Sammer Hamed

Masters Theses/Capstone Projects

Goal 1 I will apply the lessons learned from my coursework by becoming an advocate of corporate fitness and wellness through my research and program creation. Goal 2 I will improve my advocacy for health and wellness in the workplace by increasing my knowledge of workplace health and wellness with research. Goal 3 I will improve my understanding of the changes the pandemic had on corporate health and wellness by learning about the effects of COVID-19 on fitness in the workplace. Goal 4 I will learn about the workplace from a team perspective by integrating myself into the fitness and …

Body Dissatisfaction In Division Iii Collegiate Male Athletes: An Exploratory Study, Andria Merrill

Master's Theses

Given the paucity of literature investigating body dissatisfaction in collegiate male athletes, more work is necessary to establish the extent and consequences of that phenomenon in this population. The purpose of this study was to explore body dissatisfaction in collegiate male athletes participating in varsity sports at SUNY Cortland. The specific aim was to determine the prevalence of body dissatisfaction in collegiate male athletes and other intra-individual factors that may exist within varsity men's sports. Thirteen participants completed electronic surveys for the Weight Pressures Scale for Male athletes (WPS-M), the Drive for Muscularity Scale (DMS), and the Body Esteem Scale …

Supporting Students After Concussion: What College Faculty Need To Know, Susan C. Davies

Thomas C. Hunt Building a Research Community Day

Returning to university life following concussion can be challenging for students. Our Brain Health Collaboratory, in conjunction with the Center on Brain Injury Research and Training, developed set of online resources to inform college faculty members about brain injuries. The module includes information about concussion effects, academic and environmental accommodations, and the role of college faculty in providing support. This session will share our research that led to development of the module, as well as our plan to evaluate its efficacy.

The Effects Of A Periodized Strength And Conditioning Program On Overhand Throwing Velocity, Underhand Throwing Velocity And Off The Bat Velocity In Diii Collegiate Athletes, Sage Jenkins

Undergraduate Distinction Papers

Overhand throwing velocity, underhand throwing velocity and off the bat velocity are measures that impact performance of softball athletes. The purpose of strength and conditioning programs is to improve athletic performance for athletes. Strength and conditioning coaches can achieve this through programming. One aspect of programming that this study looked at is periodization. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a periodized strength and conditioning program on these performance measurements in NCAA DIII collegiate softball athletes. Sixteen (n=16) NCAA DIII softball athletes were selected based on their participation on the Otterbein softball team. The athletes underwent …

Core Competency-Related Professional Behaviors During Patient Encounters: A Report From The Association For Athletic Training Education Research Network, Cailee E. Welch Bacon, Julie M. Cavallario, Stacy E. Walker, Curtis Bay, Bonnie L. Van Lunen

Rehabilitation Sciences Faculty Publications

Context: To enhance the quality of patient care, it is important that athletic trainers integrate the components of the core competencies (CCs; evidence-based practice [EBP], patient-centered care [PCC], health information technology [HIT], interprofessional education and collaborative practice [IPECP], quality improvement [QI], professionalism) as a part of routine clinical practice. In what ways, if any, athletic training students (ATSs) are currently integrating CCs into patient encounters (PEs) during clinical experiences is unclear.

Objective: To describe which professional behaviors associated with the CCs were implemented by ATSs during PEs that occurred during clinical experiences.

Design: Multisite panel design.

Setting: A total of …

Stress Among Ncaa Division Ii Head Coaches, Dee Gerlach

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this quantitative study was to identify factors that create stress among head coaches at the National Association Athletic Association Division II level. Data was collected through a demographic questionnaire and the Coaching Issues Survey (CIS), a tool used to measure specific factors that may create stress among coaches. The factors of the CIS include four subscales: Athlete-Concerns, Time-Role, Program-Success, and Win-Loss. Participants (N=416) consisted of head coaches representing the following sports: baseball, men’s basketball, women’s basketball, men’s golf, women’s golf, men’s and women’s golf, softball, women’s tennis, and men’s and women’s tennis. The independent variables for this …

Appropriate Medical Care: A Mixed Method Study Of Perceptions Of Athletics Directors In National Collegiate Athletic Association Division Ii Colleges And Universities, Laura Crowell

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II (DII) Colleges and Universities face expanding athletic seasons, more teams, more athletes, increasingly complex medical protocols, and an increasingly litigious society. Athletic Trainers (ATs) are responsible for development and implementation of appropriate athletic health care for Student-Athletes (SAs). Athletics Directors (ADs) are the administrative decision-makers and the agents of change when dealing with these competing interests. Athletics Directors allocate the budget and control hiring processes. Athletic Trainer workload poses a moral and legal threat to SAs, ATs, and universities. The problem continues to persist in NCAA DII Universities despite ample research. The …

Athletic Training In The Classroom, Megan Imwalle

Masters Theses/Capstone Projects

The purpose of this practicum experience was for a practicing athletic trainer to immerse themselves into a CAATE accredited athletic training education program classroom setting. The athlete trainer was responsible for creating and delivering lecture presentations and lab activities, utilizing research for class discussion and assignments, and acting as a mentor for athletic training students.

The athletic training worked in collaboration with a professor to gain an understanding for how to deliver classroom materials and how to manage a classroom in-person and virtually. The main goal for this practicum experience was to gain confidence in a classroom setting and provide …

Nationwide Children's Hospital Sports Performance, Mackenzie Meyers

Masters Theses/Capstone Projects

During the Advanced Clinical Practicum experience, the student will be exposed to a variety of clinical experiences. The sports performance interns will have the opportunity to work with high school, collegiate and private sector athletes (ranging from 6 to 22 years of age) and also be involved in leading small group sessions and coaching large group sessions. Administratively, the intern will have the opportunity to participate in several teaching/learning sessions per week and be involved in research, data collection and program design.