Sports Sciences Commons^™

Confronting Cte: A Blog Dedicated To Increasing Awareness In Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy, Caden Shea

Honors Program Theses

The variation on a creative thesis that I formed was a website and blog that utilized research about Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy and how it affects athletes of all kinds, specifically athletes in the National Football League. The reason that I chose this topic is because the field that I hope to go into is that of sports journalism. One of the biggest problems facing sports leagues all over the world is the issue of safety. One of the biggest safety concerns in sports is that of head injuries, and one of the most prominent head injuries is CTE. I chose …

Iliotibial Band Syndrome: Risk Factors, Treatment And Practical Implication To Military Training, Trinton Robinson

INSPIRE Student Research and Engagement Conference

To investigate the causes and treatments of ITBS and suggest the implementation into military physical training practices.

The Flow Experience Of Adults Age 50 And Older In Recreational Doubles Pickleball, Glynis Worthington

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Pickleball, often described as a combination of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong, is America’s fastest-growing sport. An estimated 4.8 million players enjoyed the game in 2021, 40% greater than in 2019 (Sports & Fitness Industry [SFIA], 2022). The game is especially popular with older players when played recreationally (for fun rather than prepare for or participate in competitions) in a doubles format (four players per court) (USA Pickleball Association [USAPA], 2022). This study identifies the degree adults age 50 and older experience flow (Csikszentmihalyi, 1990) while playing recreational doubles pickleball.

The Long Dispositional Flow Scale – Physical (DFS-2) was used to …

The Impact Of Exercise On Mental Health: The Use Of Exercise As Prevention And Treatment For Mental Health Disorders, Abigail Stivers

Honors Program Theses

Mental health is one of the most crucial dimensions of well-being that is necessary for human wellness. However, it is also one of the most neglected aspects of individuals’ health, often resulting in the development of mental health disorders. There are multiple methods of treatment that can be used to support and improve mental health, one of which is exercise. While exercise is commonly prescribed as a form of prevention and treatment for physical ailments, such as hypertension and heart disease, it is often overlooked as being applicable to illnesses related to mental health. Furthermore, medications and therapy are more …

The Effect Of A 5-Week Concurrent Training Program On Acft Scores, Ruck March Times, And Aerobic Capacity In Army Rotc Cadets, Cody Durbin

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Most Army ROTC programs conduct physical training (PT) only 3 days per week and no study has directly compared the effects of conducting PT 5 days per week on ACFT scores, ruck march performance, and aerobic capacity. Past research has indicated greater performance adaptations with a concurrent training program and some research has shown that current ROTC PT programs may not be optimal in physically preparing ROTC cadets. Purpose: To examine the effectiveness of a 5-day per week periodized tactical strength and conditioning program on ACFT scores, and aerobic capacity in Army ROTC cadets. Methods: Eight ROTC cadets from UNI …

Changes In Brain Oxygenation Of Rugby Players With Mild Traumatic Brain Injury During Match Play, Katherine Hermsen

Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) at UNI

Currently, concussions cannot be diagnosed by using imaging or laboratory tests. They can only be diagnosed by examining a patient and determining what their symptoms are compared to the symptoms that were or were not experienced before the patient was injured. If functional near-infrared spectroscopy can accurately detect the changes in brain hemodynamics after mild traumatic brain injury, it would allow athletic trainers and other health care professionals the ability to provide a more concrete diagnosis for the patient. This is significant as the frequency of sport-related concussions has been increasing, along with the possible long-term effects that are associated …

Changes In Brain Oxygenation Of Rugby Players Before And After Head Trauma, Megan Benmore

Honors Program Theses

Clinicians often rely on simple neuropsychological and balance tests to diagnose concussion and determine return to sport. These tests are not fully comprehensive and lack a measure of brain physiology, warranting the need for an objective biomarker, especially in sports with frequent head trauma (e.g., rugby). The high number of concussions occurring in recreational sport necessitates an affordable and accurate biomarker to easily assess the severity of trauma. The purpose of the present study was to address this issue, using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to assess relative changes in oxyhemoglobin (O₂Hb), deoxyhemoglobin (HHb), total hemoglobin (tHb) and hemoglobin …

The Effects Of Acute Aerobic Exercise On Motor Cortex Activation And Piano Performance, Maya Deuso

Honors Program Theses

Previous research has shown that an acute (single) bout of aerobic exercise performed immediately before a fine motor task can improve the performance of that particular task as well as alter motor cortex (M1) activation. However, the intensity of exercise may influence the extent of motor skill acquisition and M1 activation. The primary aim of the current investigation was to compare the impact of moderate-intensity training (MIT) and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on whole-body motor skill acquisition via a piano task. We also aimed to determine if M1 activation was a potential mechanism for any changes in piano performance. Nine …

A Familiarization Protocol: Repetitions In Reserve, Elvert A. Wise

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Research suggests RIR is a valid and reliable method to prescribe and manipulate RT intensities. However, the literature reviewed revealed that a protocol had not been developed or introduced that allows practitioners to educate athletes or recreational populations to implement the RIR scale. Purpose: Thus, this study aimed to develop a familiarization protocol through synthesized research-study findings and evaluate its efficacy in resistance-trained populations.

Methods: Participants were males (n = 9) with > 3 years of RT experience. The study consisted of 5 sessions. Participants performed the bench press and v-squat for four sets each at varying intensities. The PG followed …

Effects Of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Of The Motor Cortex On Cycling Time Trial Performance And Prefrontal Cortex Activation, Abigail Hope Auten

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a neuromodulatory technique that delivers low levels of a constant current via scalp electrodes to specifically targeted areas of the brain. The effects of tDCS on whole-body exercise performance has been of interest in recent literature. Purpose: To investigate if tDCS, administered via Halo Sport, influences time trial performance in trained cyclists, and if changes in exercise performance are associated with prefrontal cortex (PFC) activation and/or muscle oxygenation (SmO2). Methods: Twelve recreationally trained cyclists volunteered to participate in two 10km time trials following 20 minutes of tDCS or a sham condition. Results: T-tests showed …

Effects Of A Sport Nutrition Education Intervention On Nutritional Knowledge, Dietary Behaviors, And Self-Efficacy In Ncaa Division I Softball Players, Kylie Wilson

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Optimal nutrition is vital in sport. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of a sport nutrition education intervention (SNEI) on nutritional knowledge, dietary behaviors, nutritional self-efficacy, body composition, and performance in National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I female softball players, and to measure retention and effects of this knowledge after the SNEI period. Seven participants were assessed using a Dietary Behaviors and Nutritional Knowledge questionnaire, Self-Efficacy questionnaire, BodPod measurement, exit velocity, and weekly intention surveys. Two-way mixed repeated ANOVAs were used to determine the impact of a five-week SNEI on an intervention group as compared to …

Indices Of Metabolic Stress Following Resistance Exercise, Steven Alexander Long

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The purpose of this study was twofold: 1). to evaluate the metabolic responses to varying volume load (VL), manipulated through relative training intensity and 2). to evaluate the metabolic response to training via direct and indirect methods to assess the application potential of non-invasive methods. Recreationally trained male weight lifters (n = 11) volunteered to participate in this resistance training (RT) study. During three separate testing sessions, participants completed three sets of repetitions of the barbell bicep curl exercise to technical failure with short inter-set rest intervals (60 seconds). Participants were randomly assigned one of three training intensities immediately prior …

Treatment Of Proximal Hamstring Tendinopathy With Active Release Technique In Collegiate Track Athletes: A Case Series, Madison Hagedorn

Honors Program Theses

It is imperative that healthcare professionals implement evidence-based practice into their professional practice to provide the best patient-centered care. Evidence-based practice is a systematic approach to making decisions about patient care that includes patients’ preferences and values, clinical expertise acquired through clinical experience and practice, and relevant research evidence in making decisions about patient care. A common challenging condition for clinicians to treat is a chronic injury. Proximal hamstring tendinopathy (PHT) is a common chronic condition among running athletes that is often characterized by pain in the upper hamstring or buttocks during repetitive activities. Proximal hamstring tendinopathy is typically treated …

Physiological Performance Characteristics Of Universal Tennis Rating (Utr), Savanna Storm Hunt

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The purpose of this study was to create a physiological profile based on UTR through a series of tests to aid coaches in improving the performance of their athletes of any UTR level and to prepare the athletes physiologically for the level above. The UTR patent details skill and tactical development of players at each level as well as a few psychological skills. Physiological skills are only vaguely mentioned and not quantified creating a desire for a physiological profile. It has been previously agreed upon that high capabilities in linear speed, agility, power, anaerobic, aerobic, and strength are correlated with …

Adult- And Peer-Created Motivational Climates In Sport And Injury Rehabilitation, Rachel Majewski

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The motivational climate is the environment, within an achievement setting, created by influential individuals (e.g., coach, athletic trainer, peers) through situational cues, expectations, feedback, and rewards. The way individuals within the setting interpret the motivational climate influences emotions, values, and behaviors which then directly encourages a specific state of participation. Coaches, athletic trainers, and peers need to be aware of the motivational climate they generate and the potentially constructive and detrimental effects on athletes in sport and injury rehabilitation.

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships between the motivational climate in sport, sport commitment, and injury occurrence. …

Head Out Of Water Weighing: A Valid Method To Measure Body Fat Storage?, Molly Hussey

Annual Graduate Student Symposium

Underwater weighing with full lung expiration has been established as a valid method to assess body composition. Many people do not prefer this method due to various reasons. Hydrostatic weighing with head above water at full lung capacity has been tested although not accepted as an alternative method. Purpose: The main purpose of this study is to examine if hydrostatic weighing with the head above water could be a better method to measure body composition. Methods: Fifty-nine subjects (F=29, M=30) participated in performing four different methods of underwater weighing: complete immersion at full lung expiration (UWWRV) and total lung capacity …

Effects Of Lumbopelvic Stabilization Program In Young, Non-Elite, Community-Based Gymnasts, Miranda Katherine Pomije

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Context: Gymnasts are seen practicing and competing even though they are reporting high levels of low back pain that can hinder their career if not resolved. Therefore, it may be beneficial for gymnasts to train key muscles in the lumbopelvic region to decrease those symptoms and prevent future injury. This study assesses the effects of lumbopelvic stabilization training in young, non-elite, community-based gymnasts. Objective: Measure the effectiveness of core stability training on lumbar muscle endurance, lumbo-pelvic stabilization, abdominal strength and balance in adolescent female gymnasts and examine the effect of these interventions on the occurrence of low back pain. Design: …

Head Above Water Weighing: A Valid Method To Measure Body Fat Storage?, Molly Lin Hussey

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Hydrostatic weighing using underwater weighing with full lung expiration has been established as a valid method to assess body composition; however, many people do not prefer to submerse their heads in water due to various reasons. Keeping the head above water as a method for hydrostatic weighing at full lung capacity has been tested but has not been accepted as an alternative method. Purpose: The main purpose of this study is to determine if hydrostatic weighing with the head above water at residual volume could provide valid estimates of total body fat. Methods: Fifty-eight subjects (F=29. M=29) participated …

Comparison Of Forward Lean During Bulgarian Split Squat At High And Low Box Heights, Craig Konrardy

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

This study examined the difference between forward lean while performing the Bulgarian Spilt Squat at different box heights of 40 cm and 20 cm. The study also compared the maximal force output of the front foot during the BSS at the different heights.

Fifteen male athletes (standing height=180.73 ± 6.67 cm; mass= 80.45 ± 7.63 kg; age=18.55 ± 0.69 years) volunteered to complete the study. The participants performed three repetitions of each leg at two different heights of the Bulgarian Split Squat with 30% of self-reported back squat 1RM. Participants stood on a force plate to report maximal force during …

An Examination Of The Association Between Traumatic Brain Injury And Sleep Disruptions Among Athletes In Contact And Non-Contact Sports, Olivia A. Rigdon

Honors Program Theses

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a serious public health problem within the U.S. and accounts for a substantial proportion of deaths and disability in the U.S. population (Centers for Disease Control, 2016). Focus on TBI, which refers to a disruption of the normal functions of the brain due to a blow or jolt to the head, has risen dramatically due to the increased awareness of its high prevalence, particularly among individuals engaged in contact sports. There are many health implications of a TBI, one being that TBI increases the risk of a sleep disturbance in 30-70% of individuals (Viola-Saltzman, 2012). …

Comparison Of Three Base Stealing Techniques In Division I Collegiate Baseball Players, Sean Boss

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The problem that baseball coaches face is which base stealing technique is most effective. The purpose of this study is to compare three base stealing techniques (crossover step (CS), jab step (JS), and drop step (DS)) on initial sprint kinematics and steal time in Division I baseball players. This paper will address the stretch shortening cycle (SSC) and its effects, the false step technique, sprinting technique, and acceleration. This research will provide coaches with the knowledge and educate them on which technique provides greater sprint speeds. The method for research was experimental, repeated measures design to determine the effects of …

Biomechanical Differences In The Weightlifting Snatch Between Successful And Unsuccessful Lifts, Jack Rummells

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The purpose of this study was to determine what differences exist between several kinematic variables between failed and successful attempts in the snatch lift. Six female Weightlifters at the 2015 American open were measured for kinematic variables via videotape during competition. The results show that differences existed in the angle of the shoulder at peak barbell height and the catch height, along with the amount of separation between the lifter and barbell at peak height. Significant differences were also found at the angle between the barbell and lifter center of mass. This study was a first step toward understanding the …

Differences In Landing Impulses Between The Traditional And Swing Blocking Style In Volleyball, Jana Geertruida Braakhuis

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Blocking is an important part in the game of volleyball. Previous research has shown that the swing blocking style leads to a greater jump height, penetration over the net and effective blocking area compared to the traditional blocking method. No available research has been found investigating the differences in landing. The purpose of this study was to examine the differences in landing impulses, landing time and vertical ground reaction forces (vGRF) between the traditional and swing blocking style in volleyball. Therefore, eight female collegiate volleyball players were filmed in high definition at 60Hz performing successful trials of both blocking styles. …

Concussions In Female Collegiate Diving: An Exploratory Study, Sarah Kemp

Honors Program Theses

An abundant amount of research is being put into sports-related concussions. A vast majority of the research is being done on high-contact sports such as football, ice hockey, rugby, basketball, and soccer. The purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence of concussions in women’s collegiate diving and examine the diver’s readiness to return to competitive sport. Twenty-four Division I divers from different Midwestern universities completed a survey that included prevalence questions, a checklist of symptoms that they experienced, and several questions regarding confidence to return to play. The data showed that 54.2% of the participants have had a …

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 …

Active Landing Velocity: "Pawing Motion", Erin Dean Blind

Graduate Research Papers

The significance of this study is to newly examine a factor of sprint performance. Previous studies have examined the limiting factor of vertical force of contact during a sprint. Studies have yet to look at the horizontal velocity of the foot with respect to the center of mass prior to contact in a sprint. This study will look at this horizontal velocity to examine if that is also a limiting factor during the sprint. Past studies have shown that vertical forces of sprinters are as big two to three times the body weight during a sprint then when trying to …

Collegiate Athletes' Perceptions Of Social Support And Athletic Trainer-Coach Conflict, Nathan Newman

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Following an injury, athletes go through a cognitive evaluation to determine if resources are present to manage any potential stress attributed to being injured (e.g., Wiese-Bjornstal et al., 1995). This evaluation determines both behavioral and emotional responses to the injury and can be influenced by a number of factors, including social support (e.g., Wiese-Bjornstal et al., 1998). Social support serves as a resource that allows injured athletes to make a positive cognitive evaluation (e.g., Wiese-Bjornstal et al., 1998). Another factor that could influence the cognitive evaluation is interpersonal conflict. In athletics, interpersonal conflict is present in the form of athletic …

A Comparison Of Hip And Knee Torques Produced During A Maximal Effort Full And Partial Back Squat, Jordan Alexander Williams

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

This study examined the levels of hip and knee torques produced during a one repetition maximum (1RM partial) squat and full squat in order to determine if there would be a difference in the peak torque created at the two depths.

Eight male athletes (standing height = 1.84 ± 0.07 m; mass = 87 ± 14 kg; age 23 ± 2.1 years) volunteered for the study. Each subject performed a 1RM squat at full squat (as low as the participant could go, at least 0° or thigh parallel in relation to the ground) and partial squat (thigh at 45° in …

Development And Psychometric Evaluation Of Scales To Measure Professional Confidence In Manual Medicine: A Rasch Measurement Approach, Mark D. Hecimovich, Irene Styles, Simone E. Volet

Faculty Publications

Background: Health professionals in athletic training, chiropractic, osteopathy, and physiotherapy fields, require high-level knowledge and skills in their assessment and management of patients. This is important when communicating with patients and applying a range of manual procedures. Prior to embarking on professional practice, it is imperative to acquire optimal situation-specific levels of self-confidence for a beginner practitioner in these areas. In order to foster this professional self-confidence within the higher education context, it is necessary to have valid and reliable scales that can measure and track levels and how they change. This study reports on the development and psychometric analysis …

Concussions: Education For Coaches And Safe Return To Play For Athletes, Catherine Fettkether

Honors Program Theses

Head injuries can occur due to a variety of reasons, including falls, auto accidents, and contact sports. In 2010 the Center for Disease Control reported that 2.5 million traumatic brain injuries occurred in the United States. Any injury the body sustains requires that a person take the appropriate steps to have the most successful outcome. Appropriate action with an injury is not just limited to recovery, but being aware of the potential injury and acting accordingly. This is even more important when the injury is sustained by the brain. A situation in which brain injuries are becoming a larger issue …