Sports Sciences Commons^™

Using Noninvasive Calibrated Cuff Plethysmography To Observe The Effects Of Cold-Water Immersion On Arterial Compliance, Rita M. Grigorian

Biomedical Engineering: Graduate Reports and Projects

As the prevalence of cardiovascular diseases continues to exponentially grow in populations across the globe, the necessity of determining underlying factors, effective methods of diagnoses, and universally available preventive measures also grows. Early detection of endothelial dysfunction, a proven precursor of cardiovascular diseases, can be extremely impactful in encouraging preventative measures and early intervention before medical conditions become chronic. In recent years, ice plunging, a form of cryotherapy involving full body immersion in cold water, has gained popularity within circles of fitness and health practitioners, gaining the interest of people of all backgrounds. Certain parallels observed between the human physiological …

Effects On Adherence And Comprehension With Video Demonstration Support Versus Traditional Home Exercise Programs: Culminating Project, Emily E. Morales

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

This culminating project examines the need for video-supported home exercise programs (HEP) in outpatient hand therapy clinics in South Jersey by developing a YouTube channel. This YouTube channel will consist of HEPs for common upper extremity diagnoses including proper demonstration of each exercise and clear concise written instructions within a playlist correlating to diagnosis. Advance clinical skill in hand therapy is the main goal for this capstone project. An analysis was completed evaluating adherence and comprehension when clients are prescribed traditional HEP to HEP supported by a video demonstration. The ultimate goal of this project was to establish an easily …

Designing And Evaluating An Intervention To Target Functional Movement, Flexibility, And Strength In Paddle Whitewater Raft Guides, Leah Irwin

All Theses

According to the Outdoor Industry Association (2020), about 3.4 million people across the United States went whitewater-rafting in 2019. The majority of the research on whitewater rafting has focused on guest injuries, with less attention on the whitewater raft guides, who have an arduous job and are at risk for shoulder, back, and hip injuries. In addition to these injuries, rafting guides also experience bilateral imbalances from utilizing a dominant guiding side. One way to prevent these types of injuries and imbalances is to improve functional movement, strength, and range of motion (ROM). The goal of this study was to …

Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome: Evaluating Postoperative Rehabilitation Progress And Return To Sport Readiness, Trevor A. Day

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS) is a common cause of non-arthritic hip pain and reduced physical activity in active young adults. It is defined as a motion-related disorder of the hip with a triad of symptoms, clinical signs, and imaging findings that represents symptomatic premature contact between the proximal femur and the acetabulum. There are two anatomical morphologies that can cause FAIS, cam, and pincer, and is a challenging clinical pathology. Patients typically undergo hip arthroscopy to repair damage to the joint and recess the bone causing the impingement. These procedures can result in positive outcomes for the patient, like reduced …

A National Study On The Relationship Between Programmatic Factors And Athletic Training Education Board Of Certification Pass Rates, Leslie Rippon

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

In athletic training (AT) education, the first-time BOC pass rate is a significant marker of a program’s success, and the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) requires programs to maintain a first-time 3-year aggregate BOC examination pass rate over 70%. There is limited published research on BOC pass rates on Professional Masters’ (PM) programs. Therefore, it is essential to identify modifiable factors that have a relationship with first-time pass rates. This study's aim was to investigate the relationships between programmatic factors and the first-time BOC pass rate for PM AT students while controlling for student and institutional factors. …

Menstrual Dysfunction As The Leading Clinical Marker For The Future Development Of The Female Athlete Triad: A Meta-Analysis, Sydney Hotz

Health and Kinesiology Theses

The Female Athlete Triad is a diagnosable medical condition that is under researched and very prevalent in female sports today. The development of the Female Athlete Triad, or any of its components, can negatively impact many aspects of a female athlete’s life. If clinical markers could be identified that indicate future development of the Triad, it could potentially help prevent occurrence of the condition and greatly reduce the number of female’s that have to suffer from it. Menstrual dysfunction could be the leading clinical marker for the future development of the Triad. This meta-analysis seeks to explore the possible association …

Validation Of An Inertial-Measurement-Unit System For Calculating Hip And Knee Flexion Angles During Gait, Joonsun Park

Master's Theses

Technological advances regarding Inertial Measurements Units (IMUs) have positioned this type of sensor as an alternative for camera-based motion capture. This study introduces a new IMU based system (IMU_sys) to measure hip and knee flexion angles. PURPOSE: To validate the use of a five-sensor IMU_sys for the measurement of knee and hip flexion angles during gait in adults and pediatrics at two different time points. METHODS: Bilateral hip and knee flexion patterns (LH, RH, LK, and RK) of twenty-two healthy participants (12 adults and 10 pediatric) between the ages of 8 – 35 years were investigated. Participants …

Humeral Retroversion, Range Of Motion, And Strength Adaptations In Tennis Players, Daniel Hannah

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Purpose: This study aimed to develop an understanding of humeral retroversion (HRV) asymmetries in tennis players and its impact on physical and performance characteristics of the shoulder.Participants: Healthy tennis players were categorized into 3 groups: younger juniors (n=11, age=14.5±0.5 years), older juniors (n=12, age=17.1±0.9 years), and collegiate (n=16, age=19.6±1.2 years). Methods: HRV, internal rotation (IR), and external rotation (ER), total arc of motion (TAM), HRV-corrected IR (HRVcIR), and HRV-corrected ER (HRVcER) were measured and calculated bilaterally using a digital inclinometer and ultrasonography. Bilateral differences (Δ) were calculated (dominant minus nondominant) for HRV and ROM variables. Isometric ER:IR strength ratios …

Exploring The Decisions Involved In Evidence-Based Practice Adoption By Athletic Trainers, Brittany Vorndran Allard

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

Background: The governing bodies of athletic training have been putting an emphasis on evidence-based practice (EBP) through college curriculum changes and continuing education requirements. Research has shown these interventions are increasing knowledge, but there is still a knowledge to practice gap.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore the decisions involved in EBP adoption by practicing athletic trainers (ATs).

Methods: This study utilized a general qualitative approach that was exploratory in nature. Fifteen participants participated in the study, and all were practicing certified athletic trainers who stated they were using EBP when making treatment decisions.

Data Collection …

The Effect Of Functional Movement Control On Patient-Reported Outcomes In Individuals With Non-Arthritic Hip Pain, Ryan Mcgovern

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Purpose: Both the single leg squat test and step-down test assess for deficiencies relating to the hip and surrounding musculoskeletal structures and could be useful in the evaluation of functional movement control for individuals with non-arthritic hip pain. The purpose of this study is to determine if individuals with non-arthritic hip pain that improve functional movement control during the single leg squat test and step-down test have better patient-reported outcomes than those that do not improve, following the implementation of a rehabilitation intervention and a standardized home-exercise program.

Subjects: Forty-six individuals (31 females; 15 males) with a mean age of …

Innovative Care Of Individuals In The Athletic Training Room: A Case Series, Kathryn E. Young

Senior Honors Projects, 2010-2019

This work follows three unique cases of athletic injuries and/or injuries in patients. These cases were selected because of the innovative nature of the rehabilitation process conducted by the sports medicine team via the athletic training room or the unique nature of the injury/case.

The first is a concussion sustained from a motor vehicle accident in a collegiate female thrower. This is unique because it’s a non-sport related concussion handled as an athletic trainer would handle a sports related concussion. It also demonstrates a new unique protocol for concussion management.

The second case is a patient with two complete anterior …

Different Effects Of Static And Vibrating Foam Rollers On Ankle Plantar Flexion Flexibility And Neuromuscular Activation, Brianna G. Mazzei

Honors College Theses

The relatively new implementation of vibration into foam rollers was developed in response to the positive feedback of whole-body vibration treatment and foam rolling therapy. The purpose of the study is to research the changes in range of motion and myoelectric activity of the ankle dorsiflexors in female NCAA Division I swimmers when using a vibrating foam roller in comparison to a static foam roller. Combining the self-myofascial release with the increased blood flow and muscle temperature exerted from vibration could possibly enhance the effects of foam-rolling treatment. The different effects of ankle flexibility and motor unit activation after static …

The Effect Of Swimming Exercise On Amount And Quality Of Sleep For Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Kayla E. Wilson

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) may alter not only cognitive but also physical aspects of individuals. One physical element that is commonly impacted by ASD is sleep pattern. In fact, there is a large margin of sleep disturbances in the ASD population compared to typically functioning individuals. PURPOSE: To examine the effect of various levels of physical activity intensity in an aquatic setting and the impact on sleep quality. The question in focus is simply, “What is the effect of swimming exercise on quality and amount of sleep for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder?” METHODS: Guardians of children with Autism Spectrum …

The Effects Of Self-Adherent Taping On Peak Inversion Angle And Eversion Moment Upon Landing During A Maximal Vertical Jump And A Depth Drop, Christopher M. Gregoire

Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects

Ankle injuries are the most common injury in physically active adults with roughly 15% to 30% of all physical activity injuries being ankle injuries. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of a self-adherent ankle taping in reducing peak ankle inversion angle and peak ankle eversion moment upon landing during a max vertical jump and depth drop compared to jumping without a prophylactic ankle stabilizer.

Twelve volunteers participated in testing procedure on two separate days. Day one consisted of orientation while day two consisted of experimental data collection. The participant’s peak inversion angle and eversion moment were …

E-Visits For Early Post-Operative Visits Following Orthopaedic Surgery Can They Add Efficiency Without Sacrificing Effectiveness, William G. Jeffery

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

We asked 217 sport surgery and 135 total knee arthroplasty (TKA) patients to complete a questionnaire (e-Visit) before attending their two and six-week post-operative appointment. Our primary objective was to use the questions asked of patients prior to their appointment to develop a model that could be used as web-based e-Visit to predict early post-operative adverse events. Gold standard comparison was the surgeon’s opinion as to the presence or absence of an event at follow-up. Secondary objective was evaluation of a simplified model. We found good area under the curve (AUC) statistics (0.76 (95% CI 0.69 - 0.84) and 0.80 …

Restoration Of Attentional Deficits After Concussion, Katharine B. Earle

Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects

Difficulties with concentration and attention are among the most prevalent symptoms experienced after concussion. Rest has been the most common form of recovery from concussion; however, new research is suggesting mild mental exertion to be an effective aid in recovery. Drawing from Attention Restoration Theory, this study evaluated the idea that cognitive engagement with natural environments can mitigate post-concussion directed-attention deficits. A between subjects repeated measures design was used to test directed-attention after video exposure to restorative/nature and nonrestorative/city environments. Measures of mood, connectedness to environment, and symptomology scores were also collected. No meaningful difference between exposure type was found …

Therapy Options For Winged Scapula Patients: A Literature Review, Samantha L. Normand

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Winged scapula is a condition characterized by lateral or medial protrusion of the scapula caused by nerve damage leading to muscular paralysis. The purpose of this systematic review of literature is to evaluate the current research literature related to the effectiveness of therapy options for winged scapula. Eleven peer reviewed English language research articles published from 1998 to present were included for evaluation. Study results revealed positive therapeutic outcomes for physical therapy and scapular bracing. Results also showed positive outcomes for the use of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation and acupuncture for the treatment of nerve related conditions similar to winged …

Prospective Assessment Of Return To Pre-Injured Levels Of Activity, Aaron D. Sciascia

Theses and Dissertations--Rehabilitation Sciences

Determining return to pre-injured levels of play following athletic injury can be challenging. The current practice of making decisions following rehabilitation as to whether or not a patient has returned to pre-injured levels of activity is potentially inaccurate because initial assessments of perceived physical capability are performed at a time of relative dysfunction or are based on patient recall. Since there is no true baseline of perceived and physical function prior to injury it is difficult to determine if an athlete has return to baseline or is simply better than they were at the time of injury. Therefore, it is …

The Effects Of Resistance Training Frequency On Muscle Hypertrophy And Strength In Healthy Trained Individuals: Literature Review, Alexander C. Boivin

Honors Undergraduate Theses

The purpose of this study is to determine the effects of increased resistance training frequency on strength and hypertrophy in trained individuals. Six Studies were deemed eligible based on the inclusion exclusion criteria. The inclusion criteria for this review were healthy trained individuals. “Trained” refers to over one year of resistance training experience. Exclusion Criteria were study’s that examined either untrained or obese individuals as participants. The evidence indicates a dose-response trend in frequency. Resistance training each muscle group twice a week may be superior compared to once per week. Further more, resistance training each muscle group three times a …

The Effects Of Massage On Perceived Physical Soreness, Pain And Markers Of Inflammation Following High Intensity Unaccustomed Exercise, Courtney Lynn Crow

Master's Theses

Massage is often recommended to athletes to facilitate recovery and attenuate DOMS. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of massage on perceived muscle soreness and pain, inflammatory and immune markers, ROM, and mood state. Fourteen, recreationally active, women participated in a randomized crossover design study, consisting of 1) 60 min. full body massage following unaccustomed exercise and 2) 60 min. of rest. following unaccustomed exercise. Perceived muscle soreness and pain, active range of motion (ROM), mood state, along with blood concentrations of interleukin-6 (IL-6), C-reactive protein (CRP), creatine kinase (CK), and neutrophil count (NC), was assessed …

Biomechanical Analysis Of Race Walking Compared To Normal Walking And Running Gait, Jaclyn D. Norberg

Theses and Dissertations--Kinesiology and Health Promotion

Human locomotion is phenomenon that is extraordinarily complex. It is evident that a complete description of locomotion involves consideration of kinematics, kinetics, and muscle activity of the extremities in all of their various movements. Race walking (RW) is a form of upright locomotion that differs from normal walking and running by its form dictated by the International Amateur Athletics Federation (IAAF). Despite the similarities to both normal walking (NW) and running (RU), RW has not been the subject of equally intensive investigations.

This study explores the comprehensive biomechanics of race walking and how it compares to NW and RU. A …

Identity Adaptation And The Potential For Psychological Growth Following Adversity For Injured Athletes, Alanna M. Riordan, Jill Tracey

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

The study was undertaken to gain a deeper understanding of the transition process out of competitive athletics experienced by competitive athletes after a career-limiting injury by examining three research questions: 1) What is the identity adaptation process of injured athletes? 2) To what extent, if any, do injured athletes experience growth following adversity? 3) What, if any, psychological skills are used in the injury/career transition processes? Nine former elite ath- letes were recruited through key informant sampling. There were three males and six females, with a mean age of 24.6 years. All participants sustained, at minimum, a season-ending injury and …

Injured Athletes' Preferences Regarding Source Of Emotional Support, Kristin Kutz

Honors Projects

Athletes often experience emotional distress as a result of an injury. Feelings of loss, decreased self-esteem, frustration, and anger are not uncommon. Athletic trainers (ATs) who work with injured athletes are focused on helping the progression of athletes' physical healing, but their role in helping athletes emotionally and psychologically is often unclear. There are twelve Athletic Training Education Competencies that the National Athletic Training Association requires to be taught to undergraduate AT students, one of them being psychosocial intervention and referral. However, little research has been done to define the exact role of ATs in this area, as well as …

Exploring Exercise And Youth With A Disability, Kimberly B. Simpson

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

The purpose of this dissertation was to explore the exercise participation of youth with a disability. The studies are grounded in self-determination theory (SDT) (Deci & Ryan, 1985) and follow the General Model of Program planning (GMPP). The first study in this dissertation involved assessment interviews to explore exercise and youth with a disability. In the assessment interviews (Study 1), youth highlighted their desire for physical activity opportunities that promoted their independence, socializing with peers, and success in reaching fitness goals in a community based setting. The interviews with youth matched the central tenants of SDT that being: autonomy, relatedness …

A Two-Hour Basketball Practice Increases Landing Error Scoring System Scores In Female Collegiate Basketball Players, Caroline Wesley

Undergraduate Theses and Capstone Projects

The high rate of knee injuries in women’s athletics has been well documented in recent years. There are multiple factors which contribute to the increased risk of injury in female athletes, including biomechanics when landing. Fatigue has also been examined as a contributing factor to injury, but few studies have utilized actual sport participation as a fatiguing protocol. No study has used the Landing Error Scoring System (LESS) to examine the changes that may result from fatigue. The objective of our study was to use the LESS to examine the effects of a two-hour basketball practice on the landing biomechanics …