Sports Sciences Commons^™

Empowering Youth Tackle Football Athletes: A Content Analysis Of Nonlinear Pedagogy’S Influence On Autonomy And Practical Applications In Youth Tackle Football, Benjamin Jay Andelman

Masters Theses

Youth tackle football offers an environment that promotes both positive mental and physical benefits for young athletes. Despite the positive benefits associated with sports, participation is on the decline. The content analysis found connections between the prevailing prescriptive coaching methods in youth tackle football and the adverse mental effects on young athletes. This study, utilizing a qualitative content analysis of existing academic literature, proposes a practical application of Nonlinear Pedagogical principles in the youth tackle football practice context to develop a coaching model that promotes athlete autonomy, thereby increasing positive mental benefits for the youth athlete. Leveraging Ecological Dynamics, Constraints-Led …

The Relationship Between The Jiu Jitsu Anaerobic Performance Test And Physiological Markers In Trained Jiu Jitsu Practitioners, Renee K. Peveler

Masters Theses

Jiu Jitsu relies on aerobic and anaerobic energy systems. A relationship has been demonstrated between the Jiu Jitsu Anaerobic Performance Test (JJAPT) and anaerobic performance. The relationship between the JJAPT and aerobic performance has yet to be quantitatively defined. The purpose of this study was to determine if there is a relationship between the JJAPT and maximum oxygen uptake and ventilatory threshold (VT). Twenty-five Jiu Jitsu subjects participated in two test sessions a minimum of 48 hours apart. During one test session, descriptive statistics were collected, a self-guided treadmill warm-up was completed, followed by the Bruce graded exercise protocol. Ventilatory …

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 …

Recovery Posture Post Hiit Exercise In The Active Population, Sydney Goll

Masters Theses

Introduction: By stimulating the sympathetic nervous system during a high intensity cycle HIIT workout, the effects of body posture on heart rate recovery can be recorded as the body is returning to a resting state. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to explore the physiology of recovery related to different body positions after high intensity exercise in order to account for the quickest recovery. Design: Original research. Methods: 18 healthy college aged individuals, 9 males, 8 females, mean age 21.7 ± 2.22, performed a submaximal HIIT workout on a cycle ergometer with a metabolic cart to record respiratory data. …

An Examination Of The Underutilization Of Mental Health Resources In Collegiate Student-Athletes, Kathleen Olivia Glover

Masters Theses

Previous and developing literature indicates that collegiate student-athletes, while more susceptible to psychological problems, are underutilizing mental health resources. This project examines the aforementioned problem through the use of extensive student-athlete mental health literature to identify themes that are affecting student-athlete’s likeliness of seeking psychological services. Throughout the themes, the need for additional support from student-athlete stakeholders is presented. A workshop series to guide increased mental health literacy in student-athlete stakeholders to create opportunities to recognize signs of mental illness and form cultures that encourage the utilization of psychological services is constructed. It is anticipated that by including stakeholders in …

A Descriptive Study On The Strike Characteristics Between A Heavy Bag, Focus Mitts, And Thai Pads, Tirzah Ruth Dacio Talampas

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to compare vGRFs during continuous strikes to three different modalities, a free-standing heavy bag, focus mitts, and Thai pads, and the punching velocities under these conditions. It was hypothesized for punches that punching velocity would be higher in punches thrown at a heavy bag, punching velocity would be faster in rear-hand punches, vGRFs would be higher in the lead leg compared to the rear leg of a punch at impact, and vGRFs would be higher in heavy bag punches compared to focus mitt punches. For kicks it was hypothesized that vGRFs of dominant and …

Effects Of Pre-Determined Barbell Hip Thrusting Surface Height On Motor Unit Recruitment And Activation Patterns, Abigail Renae Mccarty

Masters Theses

Several variations of the barbell hip thrust that manipulate stance width and resistance type rather than surface height to better isolate muscle groups that act as prime movers for the exercise have been previously researched. The purpose of this study was to identify the effects of hip thrusting surface heights on neuromuscular activity in the gluteus maximus (GM), vastus lateralis (VL), and biceps femoris (BF). Twelve averagely fit, resistance trained individuals were recruited for this study. Participants completed a dynamic warm-up followed by 10 repetition max (RM) testing of the barbell hip thrust. Prior to trials, root mean square (RMS) …

Effects Of Different Recovery Methods On Hangboard Performance In Rock Climbers: A Pilot Study, Daniel Tyler Ehrich

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to determine whether static stretching, dynamic shakes, or repeated contractions would promote the greatest retention in performance in hangboard training within a given period of time. Five volunteer intermediate climbers from the Liberty University rock climbing team were instructed to suspend themselves from a 20mm ledge on a hangboard until voluntary failure while time was recorded. After failure, subjects performed one of three different recovery methods and a control in randomized order for two minutes in alternating fifteen-second intervals. Upon finishing recovery, subjects would hang from the same ledge and have their time recorded …

Voluntary Hypoventilation At Low Lung Volume (Vhl) During Strength And Conditioning Training Increases Anaerobic Performance: A Pilot Study, Zachary Taylor Hundley

Masters Theses

To determine whether a VHL protocol implemented into an already existing strength and conditioning program could improve anaerobic conditioning more efficiently within the military population. Six active duty males completed a seven-week training cycle with VHL protocols implemented on each training day (2-4 days/week). Before (Pre) and after (Post) protocol implementation, the participants performed a multi-stage 20-m shuttle run test (MSRT). After incorporating VHL, participants significantly improved their MRST scores by an average of 50.3%. Additionally, Body Oxygen Level Test (BOLT) scores were improved across the duration of the study. This study showed employing VHL can improve anaerobic performance in …

A Comparison Of Vertical Ground Reaction Forces In Single-Leg Jump Take-Offs And Double-Leg Jump Take-Offs In Indoor Collegiate Volleyball Players, Margaret Elisabeth Latchford, Maggie Mcdermott, Austin Deshner, Moroni De Moors, Will W. Peveler

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to determine if differences in vertical ground reaction forces (vGRFs) exist between single-leg take-off approaches (SL) and double-leg take-off approaches (DL) and if sex or positional differences existed in vGRFs in SL- or DL-style approaches. It was hypothesized that DL jumps would generate greater vGRFs, males would generate greater vGRFs in both styles, and middle blockers would have higher SL vGRFs while pin hitters would have higher DL vGRFs. Nine collegiate volleyball players (4 female; 5 male) (age: 20.44 ± 1.42 years; height: 186.02 ± 6.44 cm; body mass: 78.21 ± 10.63kg; body fat: …

Lower Limb Force Asymmetries During Landing And Jumping Exercises, Simon Cone

Masters Theses

Significant asymmetries can exist between the lower limbs’ force production during the take-off phase of bilateral jumping exercises. Some studies have indicated that similar asymmetries can exist during the landing phase as well. It has not been demonstrated if the magnitude and/or direction of this imbalance is alike during the landing (L) and take-off (TO) phase of a jumping exercises. The main purpose of this study was to determine if there is a difference in the asymmetry that occurs during the L and TO phases. In order to quantify the degree and describe the direction (left. vs. right) of the …

Interval Training Using The Lactate Retention Method: A Pilot Study, Tyler M. Dundore

Masters Theses

Interval training (IT) is used to improve aerobic capacity and increase tolerance to lactate. Few studies to date have focused on trapping lactate in the muscles during recovery periods of IT, a method called “lactate retention”, or LR. PURPOSE: To determine if LR can produce greater improvements in lactate threshold (LT) and a faster rate of change in blood lactate concentration ([rΔBL]) compared to IT with active recovery (AR). METHODS: Ten cross-trained subjects (age 23.3 ± 4.7 years) participated; each came to the lab twice per week for the duration of the study. Visit 1 included an LT test to …

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 …

A Content Analysis Of Sports Illustrated’S Portrayal Of Female Athletes And Its Impact On Society, Britney Murray

Masters Theses

This study utilizes a content analysis of Sports Illustrated covers from 1954-2016 to evaluate the amount and type of coverage permitted to female athletes through this source of print media. The covers were critiqued for both quantity and quality as it relates to the coverage afforded to female athletes and how it differs from the coverage of male athletes. The results from this study provide a foundation for those who wish to further explore and raise awareness on the issue of underrepresentation and misrepresentation of female athletes in sports media.

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. …

The Leadership Of John Wooden, Drew Waters

Masters Theses

John Wooden, former coach of the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) men’s basketball team, has won twice as many championships as the next most successful men’s collegiate basketball coach. This paper will examine the methods he used in his coaching, his leadership style, and how it compares with various leadership styles of other famous coaches and leaders, and other possible factors which may have led to his achieving such a high level of success. A thorough review of a wide variety of literature has been incorporated in the thesis, as well as a study comparing Wooden’s leadership style with …

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 …

Effect Of Listening To Music During Warmup On Wingate Anaerobic Test Performance, Russell P. Fox

Masters Theses

The primary purpose of this study was to determine whether or not different music conditions would affect performance on the Wingate anaerobic test. We also sought to explore the effect of music on psychological variables such as, rating of perceived exertion (RPE).

16 subject (8 males, 8 females) listened to either pre-selected music, self-selected music or white noise during a 10-minute warmup, cycling at 50 Rev.min-1 for 10 minutes with a light resistance of one kilogram. Once the warmup was completed they performed a Wingate Anaerobic test against a resistance of 7.5% of their body mass in kilograms.

There were …

Ethics With Regard To Compensation And Current Ncaa Policy, Tyler Mcbride

Masters Theses

The purpose of this research is to analyze former NCAA Division I football players’ ethical perceptions of current NCAA policy, specifically concerning regulations governing compensation of the student athlete. This quantitative research study collected data using a 20-question survey instrument composed of demographic and Likert type questions. Statistical analysis determined the data failed to establish a statistically significant behavioral trend arguing either for or against current policies. However, data revealed a statistical difference between the opinions expressed by Caucasian alumni as compared to those of other ethnicities. The purpose of this study was to expose illegitimate processes within the NCAA …

The Effect Of Luck On The Retention Of Head Coaches In The Nfl, Alexander Steen

Masters Theses

his investigation considers the impact of the concept of luck on coaching retention in the National Football League (NFL). The head coach of an NFL team is often under intense scrutiny to perform in a high profile position. Due to a small inventory of games each season, there is the potential for luck to influence whether or not a season is viewed a success. This study seeks to measure the impact of luck for a given NFL team while attempting to correlate with the retention or release of the head coach.

Effect Of A 7-Week Rock Climbing Class On Physical Fitness And Performance, Justin Scott Cargo

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to assess changes in physical fitness and performance by rock climbing twice a week over a 7-week time period. Rock climbing is on the rise in popularity as seen in the rise of indoor climbing gyms and the increase in rock climbing competitions (Wall, C. B., Starek, J. E., Fleck, S. J., & Byrnes, W. C., 2004). Notably, the International Federation of Sport Climbing has held the Climbing World Championships biennially since the first event in 1991 (Schoffl, Burtscher, & Coscia, 2013), which emphasizes the importance of this research to apply to training programs. …

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 Various Partial Body Cooling Techniques On Core Temperature During Recovery From Prolonged Cycling-Induced Heat Stress, Afton Danielle Seeley

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of using an ice-vest and a palm cooling device on core and skin temperatures, heart rate, and perceived thermal comfort during a one hour recovery period following exercise in the heat. Ten recreationally active adults cycled for one hour at 50% V0₂ peak on a cycle ergometer while exposed to 36°C 45%relative humidity environmental conditions. Following exercise, each subjectwas exposed to an ice vest, a palm cooling device, or a non cooling control while seated in the environmental chamber for 60 more minutes. No significant differencewas found betweenany of …

The Effects Of Different Warm-Up Methods On Anaerobic Power, Bradley Kendall

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of various warm-up methods on Wingate Anaerobic Test (WAnT) performance. The goal of this study was to investigate how a general cycling warm-up, a dynamic stretching routine, a static stretching routine, and the combination of both static stretching followed by cycling and dynamic stretching followed by cycling affect WAnT performance. Ten recreationally active subjects (5 males, 5 females), completed five WAnT on a Monark Ergomedic 984E cycle separated by at least 48 hours. Subjects were randomly assigned to an order of conditions and performed a different condition prior to each …

Comparison Of Dual- And Tri-Axial Accelerometer Accuracy, Lindsay Powell Toth

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to investigate the accuracy of the Omron HJ-720ITC and the Fitbit Zip activity monitors with regard to step count, energy expenditure, and distance traveled measurements. The importance of this research rests in the success rates of pedometer-based physical activity interventions which have been shown to increase physical activity while also enabling weight loss and lowering blood pressure in the adult population. Activity monitors available for retail sale must be found accurate for proper participation in exercise interventions especially low-cost devices as used in this study.

In order to test the accuracy of the Omron …

The Effects Of A Moisture-Wicking Fabric Shirt On The Physiological Responses During Acute Exercise In The Heat, Kimberly Wigboldy

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects that a form fitted, moisture-wicking fabric shirt, promoted to have improved evaporative and ventilation properties, has on the thermoregulatory, physiological and perceptual response during moderate intensity exercise in the heat for an extended duration of exercise of 90 minutes. Ten healthy subjects (7 males, 3 females), completed two heat stress tests consisting of 20 minute seated rest in a neutral environment (24°C, 60% RH), 30 minute seated rest in a hot environment (33°C, 60% RH), and 90 minutes of exercise(50% V0_{2 peak}) on a magnetically-braked cycle ergometerin a …

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 …

The Effect Of Ad Libitum Hydration On Cognitive Function Following Exercise In The Heat, Matthew Wittbrodt

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to quantify the effect of different hydration strategies on physiological and cognitive variables after an exercise bout in the heat. On three occasions, twelve males performed three heat stress tests of 50min at 60%VO_2peak in a hot environment (32°C; 65%RH). The heat stress tests differed in hydration strategy to be implemented during exercise (NF: no fluid, AL: ad libitum, FR: full fluid replacement). A cognitive battery was administered pre-­ and post-­exercise to examine alterations in cognition. Fluid loss during NF was greater than the AL and FR (NF: 1.54 %; AL: 0.29 …

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 …