Sports Sciences Commons^™

Impact Of 12-Weeks Of Nordic Pole Walking On Arterial Stiffness In Sedentary Overweight And Obese Adults, Arbër N. Shehu

Masters Theses, 2020-current

Arterial stiffness (AS) is an independent predictor for cardiovascular disease morbidity and mortality. Regular aerobic exercise is considered to improve AS. Nordic walking provides important health benefits, however, the effect of this walking method as treatment for AS remains unclear. We conducted a randomized controlled study to examine the effect of a 12-week supervised group walking intervention (controlled pace, ~3000 steps/day, 30 minutes/day, 5 times/week), with (NW) and without (SW) Nordic poles, on AS in sedentary overweight and obese adults. Fourteen individuals were randomly assigned to NW (n=7; median age 54.0 years; body mass index (BMI)=31.3 kg/m²) or …

Relationship Between Breakfast And Basketball Shooting Accuracy, Dimitrije Cabarkapa

Masters Theses, 2010-2019

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine if collegiate and recreational basketball players shooting accuracy improved after consumption of breakfast (BF) compared to no-breakfast (No-BF).

Methods: 24 male and female collegiate and recreational basketball players completed a three-week intervention study with a crossover design. Subjects were randomly assigned to a four-day BF or No-BF treatment starting on Monday and completed testing that included a free-throw drill and timed 2-point and 3-point drills on day four. Treatment switched the following Monday. Food intake records were collected during each treatment phase.

Results: There was no difference between BF and No-BF …

A Low-Carbohydrate Ketogenic Diet Combined With Six Weeks Of Crossfit Training Improves Body Composition And Performance, Rachel M. Gregory

Masters Theses, 2010-2019

A low-carbohydrate ketogenic diet (LCKD) is a popular approach to weight and fat loss. CrossFit is a high-intensity power training (HIPT) type exercise for all levels of age and fitness that has gained recognition as one of the fasting growing sports in America. No previous research has been found which examines body composition changes or performance in individuals consuming a LCKD and participating in CrossFit training. PURPOSE: The purpose of this research was to examine the effects of a 6-week LCKD and CrossFit program on body composition and performance. METHODS: Twenty-seven non-elite CrossFit subjects (mean ± SD age = …

The Psychological Response To A Low Carbohydrate Ketogenic Diet In Combination With A Six-Week Strength Training Protocol, Matthew T. Thorp

Masters Theses, 2010-2019

The aim of the present study was to determine whether or not long-term adherence to a Low-Carbohydrate Ketogenic Diet (LCKD) combined with a powerlifting strength training protocol could produce a positive psychological response. This six-week randomized control trial consisted of a treatment (LCKD) group (7% carbohydrates, 50% fat and 45% protein) and a control (CON) group (ad libitum). Both groups completed a validated powerlifting training protocol, as well as the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and the Profile of Mood States. Multivariate testing and general linear modeling statistical analyses were used to compare psychological response between groups (p < 0.05) and found that there was a significant decrease in anxiety over the duration of six-weeks among both groups. No other psychological responses, including negative responses, were found to be significant. All participants significantly improved one-repetition max bench press, back squat, and deadlift (p < 0.05). The main findings of this study suggest that some positive psychological responses exist from long-term LCKD adherence, as well as potential increases in strength performance.