Sports Sciences Commons^™

Physical Activity And Situational Interest In Mobile Technology Integrated Physical Education: A Preliminary Study, Xihe Zhu, Loren A. Dragon

Human Movement Studies & Special Education Faculty Publications

Background: Mobile technology permeates every aspect of student lives. The question is whether mobile technology integration can produce desirable effects in the gymnasium.

Objective: This preliminary study aimed to investigate the effects of mobile technology integration on student situational interest and physical activity fluctuation in physical education lessons.

Methods: Sixth grade students (N = 53) were randomly placed into either an experiment group by class that utilized mobile technology-integrated resources (iPad and applications), or a comparison group that did not utilize technology. Both groups received five identical physical education lessons. Student physical activity was tracked with accelerometers, and they completed …

Exploring The Information Source Preferences Among Canadian Adult Golf League Members, Melissa J. Davies, Dianna Gray

College of the Pacific Faculty Articles

With an aging demographic, and the abundance of physical inactivity in Canada, sport professionals need to understand how best to recruit and retain adults in sport and recreational activities, namely, golf leagues. Canadian golf league participants (N = 419; Mage = 62 years old) completed an online survey detailing their propensity to utilize a variety of information sources prior to making the decision to join a golf league. Results from a principal component analysis of a revised Information Sources Inventory, suggested that golfers in this sample were most likely to utilize Personal and Social sources of information associated with their …

Reliability And Concurrent Validity Of An Alternative Method Of Lateral Lumbar Range Of Motion In Athletes, Mark D. Hecimovich, Jeffrey J. Herbert

Faculty Publications

Background: Cricket bowling involves combined spinal movements of side bending and rotation and, consequently, injury to the low back is a common problem. Therefore the assessment of lumbar spine kinematics has become a routine component in preseason screening. This includes static measurement of lateral spinal flexion as asymmetrical range of motion may predispose an athlete to low back injury.

Objectives: This study examined intra-rater reliability and concurrent validity of the fingertip-to-floor distance test (FFD) when compared to a criterion range of motion measure.

Methods: Thirty-four junior-level cricket players aged 13‑16 years were recruited. Lumbar spine lateral flexion …

Health-Related Quality Of Life In Athletes: A Systematic Review With Meta-Analysis, Megan N. Houston, Matthew C. Hoch, Johanna M. Hoch

Rehabilitation Sciences Faculty Publications

Context: Assessment of health-related quality of life (HRQOL) after injury is important. Differences in HRQOL between nonathletes and athletes and between injured and uninjured athletes have been demonstrated; however, the evidence has not been synthesized.

Objective: To answer the following questions: (1) Does HRQOL differ among adolescent and collegiate athletes and nonathletes? (2) Does HRQOL differ between injured adolescent and collegiate athletes or between athletes with a history of injury and uninjured athletes or those without a history of injury?

Data Sources: We systematically searched CINAHL, MEDLINE, SPORTDiscus, and PubMed. A hand search of references was also conducted.

Study Selection: …

Exploring End User Experience: How Can We Achieve Lifelong Engagement With Physical Activity Tracking Devices?, Mohammed Karim Impelee

Masters Theses/Capstone Projects

Activity tracking devices provide biofeedback information and encourage people to be active, however, their long-term usage has been problematic. This study explored the theory of reinforcement techniques and the theory of self- determination to enhance long-term usage of activity tracking devices.

A sample of 43 people was surveyed to examine their experience with activity tracking devices. A multi-regression analysis demonstrated significant results(R square=71.6% Sig level=0.012 N=43). The result indicates how individuals with different orientations likely to perceive the supportiveness of their devices and how likely they were to continue using or stop using their devices. Conclusion: understanding the principles of …

Psychological Factors That Impact The Drop-Out Rate In Adolescent Sports, Nicole S. Mcclone

HIM 1990-2015

Children are dropping out of sport at alarming rates. With the highest numbers of dropout occurring between the ages of ten and seventeen, the focus of this research is on the drop-out rates of adolescents from sport. Athletic participation has been linked to positive academic performance, key development of leadership skills, and increased engagement in the community. The research that has been conducted related to sport persistence has had a greater focus on examining factors related to the physical domain. Attention is now beginning to shift however, and researchers are looking outside the physical domain and analyzing sport attrition more …

The Relationship Between Pass Completion Percentage And Perceived Player Workload In Ncaa Division I Women's Soccer, Alexa L. Passingham

Undergraduate Honors Theses

In an attempt to demonstrate the interconnecting nature of the pillars of sport (Hacker, 2000) this thesis explores the relationship between physical, psychological and technical variables. Five National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I Women’s Soccer players were analyzed in four conference matches. The athlete's rate of perceived exertion (RPE) values were correlated to pass completion percentages (PC%) to investigate the potential effect that psychological satisfaction or dissatisfaction of technical performance has on perceived exertion ratings. PlayerLoad^TM (PL) values, gathered through the utilization of a Catapult Minimax S4 GPS device (miniMax-10 Hz, Catapult Innovations, Melbourne, Australia), were used as …

An Investigation Of The Relationship Between A Static Jump Protocol And Squat Strength: A Potential Protocol For Collegiate Strength And Explosive Athlete Monitoring, Cody Haun

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between estimated absolute and relative squat strength and a static jump protocol with potential to provide desirable training adaptation data to practitioners in the field of collegiate strength and conditioning. Forty-one young (20.80 ± 2.44 years), healthy volunteers reported estimated back squat 1RM’s based on the most recent training block and completed a static jump protocol. Males (n=19, est. 1RM 141.29 ± 32.02kg) and female (n=22, est. 1RM 71.56 ± 19.64kg) jump data revealed large to very large correlations between squat strength, mean jump heights of jumps and other calculated …

The Acute Effects Of Ballistic And Non-Ballistic Concentric-Only Half-Squats On Squat Jump Performance, Timothy J. Suchomel

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purposes of this dissertation were to examine bilateral asymmetry as a factor of postactivation potentiation, examine and compare the acute effects of ballistic and non-ballistic concentric-only half-squats on squat jump performance, and compare the potentiation and temporal profiles of strong and weak subjects following potentiation protocols that included ballistic and non-ballistic concentric-only half-squats. The following are major findings of the dissertation. Squat jump performance may be acutely enhanced following ballistic concentriconly half-squats; however the changes in performance do not appear to be related to bilateral symmetry. Ballistic concentric-only half-squats acutely improve various squat jump performance variables at various time …

Impaired Executive Function In Concussed Athletes, Marisa Gretz

Neuroscience Summer Fellows

Concussions are classified as mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBI). An individual that has sustained a concussion will experience symptoms such as nausea, possible memory loss, blurry vision, or loss of balance. Most symptoms subside within a few days, but a large pool of research raises concern for the recovery of executive function, specifically impulse control. Executive function relates to all tasks that require deliberate attention. Past research has shown adolescents record the highest number of sports concussions when compared to collegiate and professional athletes. The frontal lobe, which controls executive function, is not fully developed during the time of adolescence. …

Sport And It's Female Fans, Kristy Mccray

Health and Sport Sciences Faculty Scholarship

A book review on Sport and It's Female Fans.

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.

An Investigation Of Aerobic Fitness, Perceived Quality Of Life And The Direct Effects Of Self-Determination Theory In College Students 2015, Alanna Darling

Master's Theses

There have been numerous studies examining the association between physical activity, motivation and quality of life. In contrast, studies focusing on aerobic fitness and its relationship with levels of motivation and perceived quality of life are lacking. The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between a direct measure of aerobic fitness, behavioral regulations, and perceptions of quality of life in college-aged sample. Participants included both males (n=129; 21.1±1.8 years) and females (n=89; 20.8±1.4 years) who completed the Behavioral Regulations of Exercise Questionnaire-2 sub-scores and Perceived Quality of Life (PQoL) instruments. Participants then performed the Queen’s College Step …

Student-Athletes’ Attitudes And Beliefs Towards Social Media, Emily Boissonneault

Graduate Theses

The purpose of this study was to identify the attitudes and beliefs of student athletes towards social media. To address this question, student athletes completed a survey focused specifically on: the image they present on social media profiles, content included, and their thoughts on the social media education provided by their athletic department. Student athlete (SA) responses were also compared to non-athletes (NA) for a better understanding of social media profiles. Frequencies showed strong similarities in a number of content shared or not shared, like humorous photos (SA 74.1% and NA 73.3%) and sexy photos (SA 82.4% and NA 82.6%). …

The Effects Of A Four-Week Whole-Body High-Intensity Training Program On Female Athletes 2015, Lindsey Taylor

Master's Theses

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the aerobic benefits and changes in running economy (RE) following a fourweek whole-body high-intensity interval training (HIIT) program on an athletic female population. Participants: Fourteen female student-athletes volunteered to participate in the study. Design: Participants reported on two occasions for VO2max and RE testing and were divided into two training groups based upon baseline VO2max: Endurance (END; n=6) and HIIT (n=8). Participants completed 12 total training sessions. During each session, END completed 30 minutes of vigorous-intensity running, while HIIT completed a total of four minutes of whole-body intervals. Measures: Maximal oxygen …

Predicting College Women Rowers’ Motivation And Persistence: A Self-Determination Theory Approach, Audrey Coon

Boise State University Theses and Dissertations

Collegiate women’s rowing has evidenced unprecedented growth in the past three decades. With an average roster of 50.2 athletes, women’s “crew” has been an attractive sport for colleges and universities to add to their program offerings and achieve compliance with Title IX. To satisfy the increased demand for female athletes, college rowing teams often recruit athletes with no previous rowing experience (i.e., “true novices”). Unfortunately, many programs experience significant attrition within their novice and varsity rowing rosters each season. Thus, while Title IX has been successful in affording opportunities for women rowers, the present study sought to determine the factors …

Pathological Effects Of Repeated Concussive Tbi In Mouse Models: Periventricular Damage And Ventriculomegaly, Richard H. Wolferz Jr.

Honors Scholar Theses

Repeated concussive traumatic brain injury (rcTBI) is the most prominent form of head injury affecting the brain, with an estimated 1.7 million Americans affected each year (Kuhn 2012). Neurologists have been concerned about the danger of repeated head impacts since the 1920’s, but researchers have only begun to understand the long-term effects of rcTBI (McKee 2009). Although symptoms can be as mild as dizziness, current research suggests that multiple concussions can lead to a progressive degenerative brain disease known as chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) (Luo 2008, McKee 2009, Kane 2013). Research on the brain is just beginning to scratch the …

Relationship Between Bmi, Exercise And Milk Consumption, Morgan Potter

Celebrating Scholarship & Creativity Day (2011-2017)

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between dairy consumption, body composition, and physical activity in males and females. Consistent with previous research, we found a significant, inverse relationship between milk consumption and BMI which was slightly stronger in women. Previously, researchers have suggested that calcium influences energy metabolism by decreasing fat absorption and increasing fat oxidation. Low fat dairy intake may be associated with better overall diet quality (Poddar). Additionally, protein content in milk may suppress appetite. BF was significantly and inversely related to milk consumption in the sub-sample, but not significantly related to minutes of …

Cleveland's Bitter Pill: A Diagnosis Of Injured Title Dreams And Die-Hard Fans, Joseph Congeni, Thomas Bacher

University of Akron Press Publications

This collection of stories examines Cleveland's athletic teams and injuries that have hindered their quests for championships. From rotator cuffs to knee ligaments, from sprained ankles to sprained backs, and from broken legs to broken arms, Cleveland's misery has taken some of its best athletes and immobilized them at inopportune times. Shaq gave fans his inside dominance and his ailing thumb in 2010. Herb Score was a blazing lefthander until he took a line drive to the face in 1957. When the Las Vegas oddsmakers picked the Browns to win the Super Bowl in 1988, Bernie Kosar's arm injury derailed …

Sports And Exercise Medicine For Athletes And Footballers: The Case Of Kenya, Monil Patel

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

Sports are one of life's greatest gifts. People love watching, discussing and participating in sports. Kenya has a rich and successful history in certain sports, notably in athletics (track and field). Since the 1960's, Kenyans have won several gold medals and numerous world champions. In addition, Kenyans have dominated the world marathons since the 1980's. Kenya has some of the best yet simplest training areas, some of the best coaches, and some of the hardest working athletes in the world. However, people do not realize that many Kenyan athletes only shine for a few years before they vanish in the …

A Qualitative Analysis Of Athletic Apparel And Equipment Sponsorship And Student-Athlete Recruitment At The Football Championship, Melissa J. Davies, Katharine A. Burakowski

College of the Pacific Faculty Articles

The purpose of this study was to extend previous literature on student-athlete college choice by examining part of the recruitment process as a precursor to student-athlete decision-making. More specifically, this exploratory study aimed to empirically examine the extent to which apparel sponsorships affect student-athlete recruitment. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with ten football players at a state-supported NCAA Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) institution in the Rocky Mountain region. An inductive approach was used in identifying three emergent themes. These themes suggest that football players at this institution did not hold the apparel and equipment sponsorship as a deciding factor for the …

Treatment And Prevention Of Injuries: Content Analysis Running Magazines, Haley C. Russell, Emily J. Houghton

Human Performance Department Publications

Runners often self-diagnose and treat injuries (Russell & Wiese-Bjornstal, under review), and report beliefs about injuries unsubstantiated by research (Saragiotto et al., 2014a). Scheufele and Tewskbury (2007) suggest the way media sources frame a story can influence consumers’ interpretation, for example, what runners read in magazines can influence their beliefs about injury. This study’s purpose was to determine what running magazines present as strategies for injury prevention and treatment. Results of a content analysis revealed summaries of research and advice from coaches as the most common sources of evidence. The most frequent prevention and treatment strategy was stretching. Rarely were …

The Effects Of Bag Style On Muscle Activity Of The Trapezius, Erector Spinae And Latissimus Dorsi During Walking In Female University Students, R. Hardie, R. Haskew, J. Harris, Gerwyn Hughes

Kinesiology (Formerly Exercise and Sport Science)

Back pain is common in adolescents which has been associated with carrying a bag. However, there is little research examining the effects of bag style in female adolescents. The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of different bag conditions on muscle activity of the trapezius, erector spinae and latissimus dorsi muscles in female university students during walking. Twelve female university students walked on a treadmill for 5 minutes at 1.1 m/s during five conditions; control, 1 strapped rucksack, 2 strapped rucksack, ipsilateral shoulder strap and contralateral shoulder strap, each containing 10% bodyweight. Electromyography for the trapezius, erector …

Gender Difference In Lower Limb Muscle Activity During Landing And Rapid Change Of Direction, Gerwyn Hughes, N Dally

Kinesiology (Formerly Exercise and Sport Science)

Objectives: The purpose of the study was to examine gender differences in lower limb muscle activity during jump landing and rapid change of direction. Equipment and Methods: Surface electromyography (EMG) of the rectus femoris, biceps femoris and gluteus maximus were recorded for 10 male and 10 female basketball, volleyball or netball players performing five repetitions each of two tasks; 1) landing from a maximal height vertical jump and, 2) 45º rapid change of direction on their dominant leg. Independent sample t-tests were conducted to determine sex differences and paired samples t-tests were conducted to determine task differences in peak EMG …

Sexual Minorities In Sports Book Review, Kristy Mccray

Health and Sport Sciences Faculty Scholarship

A Book Review of Sexual Minorities in Sports by Melanie L. Sartore-Baldwin

Intercollegiate Athletes And Sexual Violence: A Review Of Literature And Recommendations For Future Study, Kristy Mccray

Health and Sport Sciences Faculty Scholarship

The 1990s saw the development of research on violence against women perpetrated by intercollegiate student-athletes. Research in this field stagnated during the last 15 years, despite the fact that this time period has evidenced multiple high-profile, even fatal, cases of violence against women at the hands of male student-athletes. These events prompted the Office of Civil Rights to call upon universities to more appropriately investigate and sanction perpetrators of sexual assault. The ensuing actions by universities are expected to bring a renewed focus on male student-athletes, requiring further research to explore student-athletes sexually abusing women. This article outlines the pertinent …

Programmed Physical Exertion In Recovery From Sports-Related Concussion: A Randomized Pilot Study, Arthur C. Maerlender, Wanda Rieman, Jonathan Lichtenstein, C. Condiracci

Department of Psychology: Faculty Publications

Although no data exist, general practice recommends only rest following concussion. This randomized clinical trial found that programmed physical exertion during recovery produced no significant differences in recovery time between groups of participants. However, high levels of exertion were deleterious. This study provides initial evidence that moderate physical activity is a safe replacement behavior during recovery.

Should Educators Be ‘Wrapping School Playgrounds In Cotton Wool’ To Encourage Physical Activity? Exploring Primary And Secondary Students’ Voices From The School Playground, Brendon P. Hyndman, Amanda Telford

Australian Journal of Teacher Education

Physical activity in school playgrounds has changed considerably over recent decades to reflect a climate of ‘surplus safety’. A growing culture of surplus safety can be attributed to a desire of parents and teachers responsible for children to protect school students from danger. The aim of this research was to examine students’ perceptions of playground safety influences on physical activity during school breaks from the perspectives of the ‘users’ of school playgrounds. Data collection consisted of seven focus groups (4 primary school & 3 secondary school) conducted across four schools (2 primary & 2 secondary). During this study, the focus …

The Development Of An Objective Multi-Dimensional Approach To Talent Identification In Junior Australian Football, Carl T C Woods

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

Talent identification (TID) is a pertinent component of the sports science discipline given the considerable influence it may have within the pursuit of excellence. Thus, research has attempted to identify the determinants of a talented performance through the use of objective testing procedures. However, many of these ‘traditional’ approaches have been operationalised by mono-dimensional objective physical performance tests that do not inherently account for the multi-dimensional requisites of game-play, particularly within a team sporting context. This is problematic when attempting to identify talent, as a successful performance in team sports is often the combination of physical, technical and tactical elements. …

The Perceptions Of Nsaid Use Among One Midwestern Diii Athletic Department, Katherine L. Cialella

Undergraduate Distinction Papers

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly used amongst athletes for a variety of reasons. The purpose of this research is to compare the usage of NSAIDs among different athletic teams and to gain insight on Division III athletes’ views and opinions of NSAIDs. The population participating in this study would include one Midwestern DIII athletic department. The goal of this research was to identify statistically significant behaviors, perceptions, and knowledge of NSAIDs between various athletic teams and determine if the athlete’s’ perceptions and actions align with the appropriate use of NSAIDs.

Of the 77 athletes that took the survey, 47 …