Sports Sciences Commons^™

Long-Term Disability Following A Hamstring Injury, Savannah Mclain

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

PURPOSE: Injuries to the hamstring complex are one of the most commonly seen lower extremity injuries in athletic populations. It is currently unknown how psychological or sociological factors affect an athlete after the recovery process has ended and if these factors play a role in re-injury rates relating to the hamstring. It is also unknown if athlete confidence level changes while in a fatigued state after an athlete returns to play from a hamstring injury. METHODS: Twenty-six physically active adults with and without a previous hamstring injury were recruited for this study. Participants completed a Qualtrics survey that …

Identifying Collegiate Athlete's Motivation To Continue Training In Quarantine Compared Between Sexes, Delaney A. Jamison

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Purpose: To identify the type of motivation that was most common among NCAA Division I athletes to continue training during a period of quarantine and how this differs between sexes. Methods: Male and female student-athletes from a university in the southern United States were recruited for the study. 47 participants (males = 13, females = 34) completed the Sport Motivation Scale-II (SMS-II) and Basic Needs Satisfaction in Sport Sale (BNSSS) questionnaire to determine their motivation and basic needs satisfaction during the period of imposed quarantine. Data Analysis: A Mann-Whitney-U test was calculated to determine the differences of composite intrinsic motivation …

The Quantification Of Training Load In Professional American Soccer Players, Drew S. Dejohn

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Training load (TL) has become a common tool to measure the exertion of athletes over the course of a session or season. However, there is still limited understanding of the load placement throughout training weeks within American professional soccer. The purpose of this study was to quantify potential differences in the external [duration, total distance (D_T), explosive distance (D_E), sprint distance (D_S), maximum speed (Speed_Max) and number of sprints (#S)] and internal [session rating of perceived exertion load (S-RPE Load), average heart rate (HR_Avg), peak heart rate (HR_Peak), …

The Effects Of A Mirror On Cognitive Strategy And Performance Of A Muscular Endurance Task, Brianna M. Simmons

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Context: Mirrors are common-place in exercise facilities, however, the effect the mirror has on cognitive strategy (i.e., where the mind’s at) and performance time has not been examined in a muscular endurance task (i.e., a wall sit). Objective: To determine, (1) the mirror’s effect on cognitive state during a wall sit to volitional exhaustion, (2) the mirror's effect on time to volitional exhaustion during a wall sit, and (3) the mirror’s effect on the participant’s rating of perceived exertion (RPE) during the wall sit. Design: Repeated measures design. Setting: Indoor exercise facility. Participants: Twenty resistance-trained Georgia Southern University Students (9 …

The Effect Of Motivational General-Mastery Imagery On Reaction Time Performance And Heart Rate, William J. Bean Jr.

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Research suggests that imagery can reduce reaction time (Alikhani et al., 2001; Grouios, 1992; Hanshaw & Sukal, 2016; Iftikhar et al., 2018; Shanks & Cameron, 2000). Previous studies examining the imagery and reaction time relationship have almost exclusively focused on motor imagery. Additionally, a recent study by McNeil and colleagues (2019) concluded that imagery training improved decision time variables, but not overall reactive agility. Individuals may not be able to generate unpredictable stimuli during imagery. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of motivational general-mastery (MG-M) imagery on reaction time and heart rate. Reaction time was measured …

The Relationship Between Cell-Free Dna And Resistance Training, Henry Lang

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The primary purposes of this dissertation were to explore relationship between cell free DNA (cf-DNA), creatine kinase (CK), C-reactive protein (CRP), vertical jump testing delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) in response to a high-volume resistance training protocol, and to assess the sensitivity of cf-DNA to different resistance training volume loads. The secondary purpose was to examine the relationship between cf-DNA and relative strength. Study 1 was an exploratory attempt to discover relationships between cf-DNA, CK, CRP, delayed onset muscle soreness, and performance variables. Seventeen resistance trained males were recruited, 9 were randomly assigned to receive BCAAs while 8 received a …

The Effects Of Increasing Running Speed On Vgrf And Asymmetry, Kaela M. Hierholzer

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Biomechanical and physiological parameters related to running performance are usually studied separately. However, evaluating both aspects together could be beneficial in improving athletic performance. The purpose of this study was to observe the change in peak vGRF and asymmetry as speed increases, while observing physiological responses during a O_2maxtest. Data from athlete monitoring of 12 cross-country and triathlon athletes were analyzed. The athlete monitoring protocol included three unweighted countermovement jumps and a O_2maxtest performed by the athletes. The athletes had an average O_2maxof 53.4 ± 7.7 mL/kg/min, while their average vGRF asymmetry throughout the …

The Effects Of Two Modes Of High-Intensity Intermittent Exercise On Postprandial Metabolism, David J. Buckley

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to see if exercise in the form of Tabata or Sprinting would lower postprandial lipemia and glycemia. Tabata was composed of body-weight exercises. Both Tabata and Sprinting consisted of 5 rounds with each round lasting 4 minutes and included movements performed for 20 seconds followed by 10sec of rest. Following the completion of each round, participants received a 60 second break. Both exercise sessions were isocaloric and lasted 25min. Thirty minutes following exercise, participants were given a 75g-oral glucose solution and a high-fat meal two hours following exercise. The postprandial assessment lasted 6 hours. …

Changes In Countermovement Jump And Sprint During A Congested Match Schedule In Female Youth Soccer Players, Joanne Spalding

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Youth soccer players are required to play multiple matches within a short period of time. Participation in congested match schedules like youth soccer tournaments can result in fatigue and a decline in physical performance. The purpose of this study was to examine changes in countermovement jump height variables and sprint time to determine if physical performance was altered. Fourteen youth female soccer players performed countermovement jump testing pre, post-match, and post-tournament, and sprint testing pre and post-tournament. Jump height differed significantly (p

Impact Of Coaching By Extension Professionals On Rural Wellness Coalition Success, Taylor Willhite

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Objective: To quantitatively assess coaches perceived confidence in coaching rural wellness coalitions and to qualitatively determine barriers and facilitators to success in coaching rural wellness coalitions.
Design: A mixed methods design was utilized with quantitative (scorecard) and qualitative (key informant interviews) methodologies.
Setting: Six rural South Dakota wellness coalitions.
Participants: Extension wellness coalition coaches (n=7), one previous and six current.
Intervention: A component of the broader SDSU Extension 1416 Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed) intervention.
Analysis: STATA was utilized for the quantitative scorecard data by running paired ttests. NVivo was utilized in the …

The Relationship Between Burnout And Personality Traits In Secondary School Athletic Trainers, Marissa Abbondanzio

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Introduction: Research has found that 30% of Athletic Trainers (ATs) experience burnout in their career. Limited literature has found the effects of burnout on ATs in the secondary school setting, though they account for 18% of the population. Objective: The aim of this investigation was to determine the relationship between burnout and personality traits in secondary school ATs. Methods: Participants included 143 ATs working in the secondary school setting and members of National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA). The Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) was used to measure level of burnout. The Big Five Inventory (BFI) was used to measure …

Biomechanical Comparison Of "Old" And "New" Cheer Shoes In Collegiate Cheerleaders, Abigail C. Johnson

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

INTRODUCTION: The sport of cheerleading requires that athletes perform with a high degree of flexibility, strength, endurance, and balance. The leading injury in cheerleading is a lateral, inversion, ankle sprain. As footwear serves as an interface between the foot and the surrounding environment, characteristics of shoes should be monitored to determine the effects on proprioceptive communication. No previous literature was found that examined the biomechanical differences between “Old” and “New” shoes in collegiate cheerleaders. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the biomechanical differences exhibited by collegiate cheerleaders while performing balance testing and step-down, landing tasks in “old” …

The Effect Of Intermittent Cooling On Simulated Basketball Game Performance, Dalton E. Cousin

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Context: Hyperthermia is induced during prolonged exercise which promotes fatigue and a decline in performance. Basketball athletes have trouble preventing an onset of hyperthermia; thus, cryotherapy is applied intermittently to combat the negative effects.

Objective: To determine, (1) effect intermittent cooling has on simulated basketball performance, perceived exertion and perceived recovery; and (2) change in performance while applying two different forms of intermittent cooling during the Basketball Specific Fatigue Protocol (BSFP).

Design: Crossover study design.

Setting: Indoor collegiate basketball court.

Patients or Other Participants: Sixteen competitively trained recreational basketball athletes (15 males, 1 female; age = 21.1 ± 1.2 yr). …

Athletic Identity And Intention To Report Concussions In High School Athletes, Natalie F. Cook

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Context: Lack of concussion reporting remains a problem as high school athletes report about fifty percent of all concussions. Purpose: The study sought to determine if there is a relationship between athletic identity and athlete’s intention to report concussions. Methods: The sample consisted of 78 high school athletes (m age = 16.19 + 0.88, 56 males, 22 females). Participants were administered the Athletic Identity Measurement Scale (AIMS) and Intention to Report Subscale which served as dependent measures. The presence of AI was determined by comparing AIMS score to previous norms. A linear regression was used to determine the relationship …

The Impact Of A Division I Volleyball Season On Jumping Performance, Joshua R. Pascal

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Previous research has been conducted on different performance metrics in collegiate athletes in various sports, including volleyball. These metrics include strength, speed, power output, and jump height. However, little research has examined changes in seasonal jumping performance in volleyball athletes on a weekly basis. Purpose: To examine how Division I Volleyball jumping performance is affected by a competitive season. Methods: 11 female volleyball athletes from one NCAA Division I institution wore VERT sensors during practices for the entire 15-week competitive season. The athletes also completed countermovement Jump Mat testing on the first practice of the week, with the exception of …

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 …

Individual Eeg Asymmetry As A Predictor Of Hydration Status During Exercise In The Heat, Ayano Katayama

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Hydration behavior varies among individuals; continuous and correct fluid consumption behavior prevents decreased physical performance and severe dehydration, especially during extended exercise and hot environments. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to examine individual frontal alpha electroencephalographic asymmetry index (FAI) score in eu-hydrated, hypo-hydrated, and exercise in well-trained men and assess if there is a correlation between FAI score and individual ad libitum fluid consumption behavior. Subjects were kinesiology major college students ranging from 21 to 29 years of age. Subjects were categorized either approach group (n = 8) with resting FAI score more than 0 or avoidance …

The Effects Of Branched Chained Amino Acid Supplementation On Acute Markers Of Fatigue And Performance, Joseph Walters

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purposes of this dissertation were to investigate the acute effects of branched-chain amino acids on psychological, physiological, and subsequent performance changes following high volume resistance training. The rationale for this study design was based on abrupt or contiguous training/ competitions that specific athletes encounter in a competitive season. This study design also sought to fill some gaps in the scientific literature concerning the efficacy of BCAAs for subjective fatigue in a resistance training paradigm. To address the purposes of this dissertation, a one-week study was conducted on resistance trained males, in which half of the subjects were randomly selected …

Exploring The Match Demands Of Division I Women’S Collegiate Soccer, Robert W. Sausaman

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this dissertation is to shed light on the physical demands of women’s soccer at the NCAA division I college level. Though research does exists describing the physical demands of women’s soccer, the vast majority seeks to explain the physical demands association with the professional and international level. This dissertation sought to: 1) examine the physical demands of NCAA division I women’s soccer and 2) observe changes in physical demands of two NCAA division I women’s soccer players over a four-year career using a case study approach.

Study 1 examined the physical demands of twenty-three athlete from a …

Effects Of Neuromuscular Fatigue Resulting From Repeat Sprint Exercise Among Trained Cyclists On Measures Of Strength And Power Performance, Robert B. Blaisdell

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this dissertation is to better understand the role of repeated-sprint ability (RSA) and resulting fatigue in cyclists; how it relates to measures of aerobic power and strength and power performance indices- due to the nature of cycling competitions and the necessity of RSA for success.

The first part of this dissertation attempted to elucidate the relationship between RSA and aerobic power and strength/ power measures in competitive cyclists. The purpose was to potentially illustrate the importance of the inclusion of strength and power training in the training regimen of cyclists. The findings showed several statistically significant relationships …

The Salivary Alpha-Amylase Response To Resistance Training, Asher Flynn

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purposes of this dissertation were to investigate the response of salivary alpha-amylase to a single resistance training session and to a week-long resistance training over-reaching protocol. The major findings of this dissertation are as follows:

Study 1 – A single resistance training session consisting of 5 sets of 10 repetitions of squat and bench press at 95 percent of repetition maximum creates a statistically significant increase in salivary alpha-amylase concentrations.

Study 2 – Two resistance training sessions consisting of 5 sets of 10 repetitions of squat and bench press at 95 percent of repetition maximum within 5 days does …

The Influence Of Chronic Branched-Chain Amino Acid Supplementation On Measures Of Central And Peripheral Fatigue In Training Athletes, Tara K. Whiton

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) supplementation may improve recovery from competitive endurance training by reducing symptoms of central and peripheral fatigue. The purpose of this dissertation was to provide evidence for the use of BCAAs as a training nutrition strategy in order to improve recovery from training and further drive adaptive processes to training by increasing readiness to train. Collegiate distance runners undergoing intense competitive endurance training were monitored for symptoms of muscular soreness and psychological stress through a rated soreness chart and the Daily Analysis of Life Demands for Athletes Survey (DALDA) while taking either a BCAA supplement or a …

Barbell Trajectory And Kinematics During Two International Weightlifting Championships, Aaron J. Cunanan

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Several methods have been used in the scientific literature to study the weightlifting pull. Broadly, these methods are used to measure kinematic or kinetic variables exhibited by the lifter, the barbell, or the lifter-barbell system. However, there is an apparent disconnect between weightlifting research and coaching practice that may reduce the perceived benefits of technique analysis among coaches and present some challenges for coaches who seek to incorporate technique analysis into their coaching practice. Differences and trends in the technique of competitive weightlifting performances are apparent from the available literature. However, there are also gaps in the literature due to …

Changes In Psychological, Morphological, And Performance Characteristics In Preparation For A National Weightlifting Competition, Donald Marsh

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The primary aim of this study was to examine the time course of change in muscle morphology and vertical jump performance in weightlifters preparing for a national competition. The secondary aim of this study is to examine how perceived recovery and stress state corresponds with alterations in training load leading up to competition. Eleven Olympic Training Site weightlifters completed a 4-week peaking phase for a national competition. Body mass, stress and recovery psychometric measures, and unloaded/loaded (20kg) squat jump height (SJH) were measured weekly and at the competition site. Vastus lateralis cross-sectional area (CSA), muscle thickness (MT) and pennation angle …

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 …

Comparison Of Post-Activation Potentiation Methods On Power And Sprint Acceleration, Aaron Piper

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Post-activation potentiation (PAP) is a stimulus used to enhance performance by performing specific interventions prior to subsequent explosive movements. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of different PAP methods on power and sprint acceleration in resistance trained, college-aged men and women. A total of 13 subjects participated in the study. After determining back squat 1 repetition max, subjects returned for testing on separate days to complete one of four interventions (dynamic resistance, weighted plyometric, isometric, or control) in a randomized order. A standardized warmup was given, followed by a baseline countermovement jump (CMJ) and 20-meter sprint. …

Hemoglobin A1c Levels And Sport Participation In Children With Type 1 Diabetes., Amy Kozerski

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study’s purpose was to determine a possible difference in hemoglobin A1c levels and sport participation in children with type 1 diabetes. Patients with provided consent via an iPad electronic informed consent/assent (preamble) completed a physical activity and sport participation survey. The survey was linked to their medical chart including demographic and diabetes medical history (e.g. HbA1c). The analyses provided a sample of 120 participants, 40 in the no sport participation group and 78 in the sport participation group with 56 females and 64 males, with an average age12.94±2.8 years. An independent sample t-test, removing one outlier from the …

Phase Specific Changes In Rate Of Force Development And Muscle Morphology Throughout A Block Periodized Training Cycle In Weightlifters, Dylan Guidetti Suarez

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to investigate the kinetic and morphological adaptations that occur during distinct phases of a block periodized training cycle in weightlifters. Monitoring data from nine experienced collegiate weightlifters was examined retrospectively. Isometric mid-thigh pull and ultrasonography results from pre and post three specific training phases within a macrocycle leading up to a competition were compared. Changes in isometric rate of force development and vastus lateralis cross-sectional area reflected the expected adaptations of each training phase.

The Impact Of Palm Cooling Gloves On Cardiovascular, Thermoregulatory, Metabolic, Perceptual, And Ergogenic Responses Produced From Rowing Ergometry., Ian O'Brien

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Subjects (n = 34) did three rowing workouts of up to eight 2- minute stages separated by 45-60 second rests. Cardiovascular, ergogenic, thermoregulatory, perceptual and metabolic responses to workouts may be aided by intermittent palm cooling. Subjects received one of the following treatments per workout in a randomized sequence: no palm cooling, intermittent palm cooling during workouts, or palm cooling applied intermittently during workouts and post-exercise recovery. Methods: Palm cooling entailed intermittent cold (8-11o C) against the palmar surface of subject’s hands. Workouts began with 10 minutes of rest, followed by a 10-minute low- intensity warm-up and the workout, concluding …

The Relationship Between Campus Wellness Center Usage And Symptoms Of Depression In College Freshmen, Allison Leonard

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

There is limited research done on the relationship between the program utilization at a campus wellness facility and the symptoms of depression in college freshmen. College students have been found to have a higher prevalence of depressive symptoms than the general population, possibly due to the stressors college life can add. Studies have been done on the effects of physical activity as an intervention for depression as well as on the benefits of campus wellness facilities; however, there have been few studies that look at both campus recreation and depression. The author’s purpose for this study was to see if …