Sports Sciences Commons^™

Influence Of Attack Performance On The Ovc Volleyball Regular Seasons 2022 & 2023, Ignacio Valdemoros

Masters Theses

Understanding the outcome of volleyball games is necessary for coaches before, after, and during a season. There are several ways to gain this understanding, but statistical analysis is fundamental to see the minimum patterns of behavior that influence wins and losses in Volleyball. Furthermore, this analysis helps identify the optimal approach to achieving a goal and determining the most effective alternative to success. Scoring points in Volleyball involves three key skills: serving, blocking, and attacking. Among these skills, attacking plays the most relevant role in determining the outcome of a match. The position on the court (e.g. Outside Hitter, Middle …

Single Sport Specialization: Ncaa Di Collegiate Student Athlete Perceptions, Jordyn Blood

Masters Theses

This study seeks to understand the experience and perception of current, NCAA DI athletes with regard to sport specialization. By learning more about their level of specialization prior to their life as an NCAA DI athlete, as well as their perception on the importance of specialization, this study seeks to contribute to the growing body of literature in sport specialization. Specifically, this study will help inform aspiring athletes, coaches and parents about the role and perceptions of sport specialization in today's elite level athlete. Using paper surveys, the perceptions of 138 current 2019-2020 season NCAA DI athletes at a mid-major …

The Effects Of Two Different Sports Drinks On Rpe And Finishing Speed Of An Endurance Run In Highly Trained Distance Runners, Matthew J. Feldhake

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of a protein-containing sport drink with a traditional non-protein sport drink has on ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) and finishing speed of an half marathon. Of the possible factors that would support including protein in a sport drink the primary one was its inhibitory effect on serotonin release in the brain. This could help attenuate perceived exertion, thus allowing individuals to compete at a higher level for longer durations (Davis, Alderson, & Welsh, 2000).

This study was conducted using nine members of the Eastern Illinois University Men's Cross Country team. …

Making A Difference: The Role Of Global Sports Organizations, Shirmeen Ahmad

The Eastern Illinois University Political Science Review

Global Sports Organizations play their own part in International Relations providing policies, entertainment, and competition. One of the main questions is how much of an impact do they have in IR. Using two prominent theories in International Relations, realism and constructivism, this research conducts two case studies on the International Olympic Committee and the Federation Internationale de Football Association to see which one proves true. Three hypotheses shape these studies: are states controlling the agenda, how strong is the leadership of the president, and do the organizations push their own initiatives independently. After testing these, we see global sports organizations …

The Influence Of Different Pre-Exercise Routines On Sprint Performance, Rok Mravljak

Masters Theses

Sprint performance can be enhanced by interventions for short-term (acute) purposes and/or long-term purposes. Acute neuromuscular responses are usually achieved by using different pre-exercise routines at the end of the warm-up period. Recently, there have been several studies examining the effects of various pre-exercise routines on sprint performance, yet there has not been a research study designed that compared the three most commonly used pre-exercise routines in professional and recreational sports (static stretching, dynamic stretching and foam-rolling). Therefore, this study investigated and compared the results of static stretching, dynamic stretching, self-myofascial release and the control group, in order to provide …

The Effects Of Kinesio Tape On Sports Performance: Vertical Jump And Shuttle Run Performance In Women's College Basketball Players, Holly Wohltman

Masters Theses

Introduction: Since Kinesio tape (KT tape) was invented in the mid-1970s, studies have been lacking in producing strong evidence to support the claims of its ability to enhance performance. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of KT tape at enhancing sports performance, in the areas of vertical jump and shuttle run performance, in Illinois College Women's Basketball Team, participants ranged from 19-22 years of age.

Methods: There were eleven female basketball players ranging from the ages 19-22 years were recruited to participate in this study. All participants performed a vertical jump test and a shuttle run …

Effects Of Combining Whole Body Vibration And Moderately-Heavy Back Squat On Vertical Jump Height In Collegiate Level Volleyball Players, Franklin M. Benik

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to examine whether a combination of a low volume, moderately-heavy (80% 1RM) back squat combined with whole body vibration would optimize the post activation potentiation (PAP) response compared to a set of low volume, moderately-heavy back squat without vibration in Division I collegiate female volleyball players. The study design consisted of two groups (n = 5, n = 5) of current Eastern Illinois University female volleyball players matched by 1RM back squat strength. Prior to the experimental intervention, subjects in each group attended two sessions during which standing reach height and demographic information ( …

Effects Of Utilizing A Myofascial Foam Roll On Hamstring Flexibility, Elizabeth Sherer

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to identify if using a foam roller on the hamstring muscles would have positive effects and in tum increase hamstring flexibility. Hamstring injuries are prevalent in sports today. Lack of flexibility is seen as a possible cause for these injuries, so this study focused on a potential way of increasing hamstring flexibility. Self-induced myofascial release, using a foam roller, was the type of intervention used to try to have an effect on hamstring muscle flexibility. The use of a foam roller is becoming a popular tool utilized in many settings but there has been …

Comparing Thigh Muscle Cross-Sectional Area And Squat Strength Among National Class Olympic Weightlifters, Power Lifters, And Bodybuilders, James J. Di Naso, Brian L. Pritschet, John D. Emmett, Jill W. Owen, Jeffrey Willardson, Travis W. Beck, Jason M. Defreitas, Fabio E. Fontana

Faculty Research and Creative Activity

Few studies have compared anthropometric characteristics among national class athletes from different resistance training disciplines, such as Olympic Weightlifting (OL), Power Lifting (PL), and Bodybuilding (BB). Objective: The purpose of the current study was to determine if significant differences exist in the relationship between thigh muscle cross-sectional area and back squat strength among national class athletes from the sports of OL, PL, and BB. Methods: Fifteen national class athletes were assessed for back squat strength, mid-thigh circumference, and mid-thigh skinfold from which total thigh cross-sectional was estimated. A series of One-Way ANOVAs and Pearson Product Moment Correlations were used to …

Physical Activity And Household Food Insecurity As Important Predictors Of Health Status In Eiu Students, Tatjana Magoc

Masters Theses

Household food insecurity (HFI), defined as limited access to nutritionally adequate foods, is associated with poor diet, which can increase the risk of obesity and health related problems (Kaiser, 2005; Brewer et al., 2010). It is one of the conditions that may adversely affect the normal development of children and adults. The highest level of food insecurity is defined as "hunger". The purpose of this study was to (a) assess the general level ofHFI in Eastern Illinois University (EIU) students, (b) examine the association between Physical Activity (PA) and Body Mass Index (BMI) in EIU students, (c) examine the association …

The Effect Of The Power Balance Bracelet On Strength, Agility, Flexibility And Vertical Jump In Collegiate Male Athletes, Rusa Lea Reimnitz

Masters Theses

The Power Balance Bracelet is marketed as a way to increase an athlete's performance in strength, flexibility and balance. The purpose of this study was to examine the validity of the Power Balance Bracelet manufacturer's claims. Twenty male Division I athletes from Eastern Illinois University performed four tests on three different dates. The first session was a control trial and the subsequent sessions were performed with either the Power Balance bracelet or the placebo bracelet. Treatment order was assigned randomly with one half performing with the Power Balance and one half performing with the placebo bracelet in the second and …

Efficacy Of A Single Session Of Static Stretching And Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Stretching On Hip Range Of Motion After Exercise, Hannah J. Vacey

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to compare a single bout of stretching; either static stretching (SS) or proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) stretching and no stretching (C) on hip range of motion (ROM) after walking on the treadmill for 30 minutes. Differences among stretching groups, between males and females for all ii subjects combined at baseline and post-test measurements were also investigated. Thirtyfive physically active, non-collegiate athlete volunteers (21 males, 14 females) between the ages of 18-26 were recruited to participate in this study. Descriptive statistics were obtained from each subject as well as exercise history regarding aerobic, resistance and …

The Prevalence Of Risk Factors Associated With The Female Athlete Triad Among Eastern Illinois University Female Cross Country Runners, Rachel Renee Snow

Masters Theses

Three main components structure the Female Athlete Triad which are, disordered eating, amenorrhea, and low bone mineral density. This could be a dilemma for athletes because the elements of the triad may contribute to major health issues in the future. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of risk factors associated with the Female Athlete Triad among Eastern Illinois University female cross country runners. Thirteen subjects ranging in age from 18 - 22 years participated in this study. A five part questionnaire was utilized to determine the subject's demographics, exercise history, dietary habits, menstrual history, and skeletal …

Acute Effects Of Whole Body Vibration And Vertical Jump Height, Patrick Mckee

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study is to test vertical jump height after performing different warm up routines including jogging on a treadmill, riding a stationary bike, static stretching, and standing on a VibePlate. It was hypothesized that there would be a significant increase in vertical jump height after warming up on the VibePlate versus other warm up modalities. The participants for this study were Eastern Illinois University undergraduate and graduate students age 18-24 years (20.85 ± 1.70 yrs.). The sample consisted of sixteen men and ten women who were classified as low risk after completion of the PAR-Q. All participants …

Perceptions Of The 2011-2012 Caate Site Visitors For Athletic Training Educational Programs In Illinois, Tiffany Louise Green

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to identify and analyze faculty, staff, and students' perception of the site visitors who were involved with the 2011-2012 Athletic Training Educational Program (ATEP) Site Visits in Illinois. The perceptions from multiple universities were compared to determine whether there was perceived site visitor subjectivity during each institution's site visit. The problem that arises is that verification of standards is a very subjective task. Most site visitors think that the program they are affiliated with is the best (Price, 2011 ); therefore, it is difficult to accurately state that personal bias is left at the …

Strength And Hypertrophy Responses To Constant And Decreasing Rest Intervals In Trained Men Using Creatine Supplementation, Tacito P. Souza-Junior, Jeffrey M. Willardson, Richard Bloomer, Richard D. Leite, Steven J. Fleck, Paulo R. Oliveira, Robert Simao

Faculty Research and Creative Activity

The purpose of the current study was to compare strength and hypertrophy responses to resistance training programs that instituted constant rest intervals (CI) and decreasing rest intervals (DI) between sets over the course of eight weeks by trained men who supplemented with creatine monohydrate (CR).

The Effect Of Different Squat Depths And Loads On Acute Vertical Jump Performance In Recreationally Trained College Age Men, Alex Hoffman

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to determine whether the full range of motion squat, the supramaximal loaded partial range of motion squat, or countermovement jumps alone elicited a subsequent acute increase in vertical jump height in recreationally trained college age men. The sample consisted of 14 college age men (ages 21.7 ± 1.5) that had engaged in lower body resistance training at least once per week during the previous year. Each subject was classified as recreationally trained based on a relative strength ratio of 1.75 ± 0.31.

The current study was five weeks long. The acute enhancement of vertical …

An Examination Of Implicit And Explicit Attitudes Toward Steroids/Hgh In A Sample Of College Athletes And Nonathletes, Dominic Gray Morais

Masters Theses

Recently, media has placed more attention on the use of anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) and human growth hormone (HGH) due to confessions and positive drug tests by professional athletes concerning their use. The idolization of these athletes by younger individuals, especially athletes, incites concern about their attitudes toward such substances. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to explore the attitudes toward AAS and HGH in athletes and nonathletes. One hundred forty three male and female intercollegiate athletes (N = 83) and undergraduate and graduate Kinesiology and Sports Studies majors (N=60) at a Division I Midwestern University volunteered for the study. …

Existence Of Burnout In Undergraduate Athletic Training Students In An Accredited Athletic Training Education Program, Holli Ann Newcomer

Masters Theses

Athletic training is an American Medical Association (AMA) - recognized allied health care profession. With long hours, limited time off, and a variety of people to care for, this profession is one in which the athletic trainer may experience high stress loads and burnout. Burnout is a syndrome of emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and reduced personal accomplishment that can occur among individuals who work with people in some capacity (Maslach, Jackson, & Leiter, 1996). The purpose of this study was to examine undergraduate athletic training students and determine whether or not they displayed symptoms of burnout and to what extent. Thirty …

The Relative Age Effect In Junior College Baseball, Thomas C. Beals

Masters Theses

Previous research has suggested that older athletes within age groupings are often perceived to be more talented simply due to advanced maturity. This perception leads to biased selection to higher levels of competition and skewed participation rates favoring the oldest participants among groups. This resulting skewed distribution is termed Relative Age Effect (RAE). While RAE has been studied in various sports and multiple settings, college athletics has not been extensively studied. In addition, athletic organizations associated with academic institutions often group their participants according to their academic status, not strictly by age. This factor, termed Academic Timing, can result in …

Abdominal Muscle Activation And Caloric Expenditure: Ab Circle Versus Traditional Exercise Modalities, Maranda Rehg

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to compare the activation of the rectus abdominis, external oblique abdominis, lower abdominal stabilizers, and lumbar erector spinae during performance of traditional exercises (i.e. abdominal crunch, side bridge, and quadruped) versus the Ab Circle device. The caloric expenditure during an absolute work level on a treadmill versus the Ab Circle was also investigated. Twelve volunteers (6 men, 6 women) between the ages of19 and 37 were recruited to participate in this study. Prior to the experiment, subjects attended one familiarization session during which demographic information (age, height, body mass) was recorded and body fat …

Influence Of Measurement Frequency On Rating Of Perceived Exertion During Sub-Maximal Treadmill Testing, Sue Stout

Masters Theses

Previous studies have suggested that ratings of perceived exertion· (RPE) may be influenced by the frequency of measurement interval during both sub-maximal and maximal exercise testing. The purpose of this study was to further examine the effect of inquiry frequency on perceived exertion during sub-maximal treadmill testing. Twelve recreationally trained female college students completed one of two graded treadmill tests with a crossover design for the other protocol on a nonconsecutive day. During one trial, RPE and heart rate (HR) were recorded at the end of each three-minute stage. During the other trial, RPE and HR were monitored three times …

Effect Of Load Reductions Over Consecutive Sets On Repetition Performance, Maureen Khairallah

Masters Theses

In order to achieve specific muscular adaptations, repetitions need to be maintained within a certain repetition range throughout consecutive sets; however, maintaining repetition performance can be difficult when using short rest intervals (i.e. :S I-minute). Therefore, purpose of this study was to determine whether a 0%, 5%, 10%, or 15% decrease in resistance would be the most effective in maintaining repetitions over consecutive sets in the squat, leg curl, and leg extension. Eleven male college students volunteered to participate in the seven week study. Each participant was tested over the first three weeks, with one testing session each week. During …

Effect Of Short-Term Failure Versus Nonfailure Training On Lower Body Muscular Endurance, Jeffrey Willardson, John Emmett, Jon A. Oliver, Eadric Bressel

Faculty Research and Creative Activity

This study compared failure versus nonfailure training with equated intensity and volume on lower body muscular endurance in trained men. Methods: Each subject performed one lower body workout per week for 6 weeks; the Failure group performed 3 sets of the squat, leg curl, and leg extension exercises to the point of voluntary exhaustion, while the Nonfailure group performed 4 sets for each of these exercises, but with a submaximal number of repetitions that did not allow failure to occur on any set. All subjects performed a pre- and postintervention muscular endurance test that involved 3 sets each for the …

General Health And Fitness Knowledge And Exercise Behaviors Of College Students At Eastern Illinois University, Cara Mcqueen

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to assess general health and physical fitness knowledge and the exercise behaviors of college students at Eastern Illinois University. Specifically, objective a) was health and fitness knowledge related to the minutes of aerobic exercise in a structured physical activity, objective b) was taking the Fitness for Life class related to the minutes of aerobic exercise, and objective c) was do students who have taken the Fitness for Life class demonstrate greater general physical fitness knowledge compared with students who have not taken the Fitness for Life class? Participants included males (n=123) and females (n=141), …

Comparison Of Diabetes Education Across Age Group, Gender, And Diabetes Type, Katey Korhonen

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of various types of patient education in motivating diabetic patients to make lifestyle changes and helping patients identify causes of sub-optimal control of blood glucose. Patient educational tools compared included: verbal information from a physician, consultations with a dietician, sessions with a diabetes educator, written materials such as pamphlets or brochures, Internet sources of information, use of finger stick glucose monitoring, and use of the Continuous Glucose Monitoring System.

One hundred individuals with diabetes ( 63 females and 3 7 males) responded to an online survey that was hosted at …

The Physical Activity Levels Of College Age Sorority Members Compared To Non-Sorority Members, Michael J. Foster

Masters Theses

The current study compared the physical activity levels of college undergraduates who were members of a sorority with non-sorority members. Behavioral practices that may influence physical activity were also examined.

Progress Checks As A Motivational Tool For Adult Fitness Participants, Stephanie James

Masters Theses

This study will examine the effect of an exercise screening on the motivation to adhere to an exercise program. The purpose of this study was threefold: 1) to determine how a 12 week progress report effects motivation in Adult Fitness participants at Eastern lliinois University, 2) to determine the effectiveness of an exercise readiness screen in modifying exercise behavior, and 3) to examine the participants reaction to the feedback given. Throughout this study, motivation was compared to the feedback that the participants were given after twelve weeks of the Adult Fitness Program. The participants in this study were current Adult …

Motivational Factors Of Marathon Running, Donna Lakinger

Masters Theses

This study was created to identify the motivations of marathon runners, that is, why they choose to participate in marathons. It is hypothesized that motives for running a marathon differ depending on experience, age, and gender.

Participants were eligible to complete the questionnaire if they had run at least one full marathon. Age, gender, and amount of experience were not restricted. Volunteers for the study were found at the Health and Fitness Expo for the Chicago Marathon and through various online running groups. The data was collected through an online survey • located at www.myg3.com. The Motivation of Marathoners Scales, …

The Influence Of Physical Activity, Eating Habits, And Social Physique Anxiety On Obesity In Adolescent Females, Rachel Marie Hardesty

Masters Theses

Childhood obesity is becoming a more serious problem as time goes by. A large part of the problem is adolescent children are less active, have poor eating habits, and have negative feelings regarding their body shape. PURPOSE: In order to identify those factors most closely associated with obesity. This study compared the eating patterns, activity patterns, and social physique anxiety in non-obese to over weight and obese adolescent females. Also, this study investigated the relationships between eating patterns, activity patterns, and social physique anxiety to body mass index in adolescent females in order to identify those factors most closely associated …