Sports Sciences Commons^™

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 …

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 …

A Preliminary Investigation Into The Effect Of Kinesio And Athletic Tape On Skin Blood Flow Changes, Ryan Klawon

Masters Theses

This research tested the effectiveness of a relatively new therapeutic product called Kinesio tape. One of Kinesio tape's therapeutic claims is increased blood flow to the taped area and thus expediting the body's healing process (Fu et aI., 2007). The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of Kinesio tape versus athletic tape on blood flow in the upper arm during rest and immediately following submaximal exercise. Certified athletic trainers (ATC) often use regular athletic tape to limit the range of motion and stabilize a joint as opposed to providing therapeutic benefits such as increasing blood flow.

Research …

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 …

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 …

Throwing History And Physical Attributes Of Collegiate Baseball Pitchers And Their Association With Present Elbow Health, Kevin M. Walker

Masters Theses

In the modern era of sports, major injuries occur as routinely as practice. There is no better example than in the world of baseball. The purpose of this study was to determine the factors that contribute significantly to elbow trauma in pitchers. Data was gathered from pitchers at the collegiate level of play. It was hypothesized that a pitcher's playing behavior in regard to pitch count, pitch type, and weekly pitching frequency would directly relate to a history of elbow injury. Also such factors as height, weight, pitching stride length, elbow joint laxity, upper and lower arm length, and flexion …

A Comparison Of Nutritional Knowledge, Eating Attitudes, Training Regimens, And Body Composition Between Normal And Abnormal Menstruating Female Adolescent Cross Country Athletes, Dena Maureen Block

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to compare factors that may influence menstrual irregularities of female adolescent high school cross-country runners, ranging from 13-18 years of age. A survey was utilized to determine the subjects age, year in school, exercise history, menstrual history, and training regimens and where the subjects sought nutritional information. The groups were separated according to their current menstrual status. One group (normal) consisted of subjects who currently had a normal menstrual cycle for at least one year (n=17), while the other group (abnormal) (n=18) experienced an irregular menstrual cycle.

A twenty item questionnaire was administered to …

Kinematic Analysis Of Sprinting With And Without The Speed Chute, Douglas Roy West

Masters Theses

The problem under investigation was to determine if kinematic differences existed when sprinting with and without the speed chute. Eight Western Michigan University Track and Field Athletes were filmed at 100 frames per second as they sprinted two trials with and without the speed chute.

Three ANOVAs and descriptive statistics were used to evaluate the effects of sprinting with and without the speed chute. Descriptive statistics provided information for numerous dependent variables. Although statistically significant differences (R < .05) existed between sprinting with and without the speed chute, those differences may not be practical for the coach to use in terms of evaluation of sprinting technique, because the differences would be difficult for the human eye to see. Therefore, the speed chute may be a viable training tool as kinematics were only minimally affected.

Training Profiles Of Collegiate Swimmers: A Survey Of Ncaa Division I, Ii, And Iii Coaches About Their Male Freestyle Swimmers During The 1993-94 Swimming Season, Sean M. Cabbage

Masters Theses

The lack of information about how the majority of college swimming teams train encouraged the author to conduct the following study.

A cover letter and questionnaire, regarding training methods, were sent to all 377 NCAA men's swimming coaches (Division I, II, and III) in the United States, as listed in the 1993-94 NCAA Directory. Approximately 50 percent of all surveys were returned with an equal response rate from each of the respective divisions.

Questions regarded team division and size, the coaches experience level and recent training changes, months of peak training during the 1993-94 collegiate season, peak training volume and …

Frequency Of Attainment Of Plateau In Maximal Oxygen Consumption In Differentially Trained Athletes, Jeffrey Michael Seda

Masters Theses

A plateau in oxygen consumption during exercise testing has been considered a requisite indicator of achievement of true maximal oxygen consumption. The wide range of reported percentages of subjects revealing a plateau (7 to 80 percent) indicates that closer analysis of factors that may influence plateau attainment is necessary. This study examined the frequency of plateau attainment in two groups of differentially trained subjects. One group (TR) of 12 males (ages 18-36) were trained runners and the other group (WL) of 12 males (ages 18-31) consisted of trained weight lifters. The subjects participated in a series of maximal exercise tests …

Can Critical Power Predict And Monitor Swimming Performance?, Michelle L. Stoppenhagen-Noll

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to determine if critical power (CP) can be used to predict and monitor swimming performance. Fifteen female collegiate swimmers from Eastern Illinois University volunteered as subjects for this study. CP was measured on an arm ergometer. Freestyle performances in the 50 and 100 yard distances were also measured. All three tests were measured both pre- and post-season. Results indicated that CP can predict performance in the 50 and 100 yard freestyle swims. Those with higher CP will swim faster. CP can monitor improvement in 50 yard times. CP is not a good indicator of …

Menstrual Cycle Effects On Blood Pressure, Body Weight And Heart Rates During Rest, Exercise And Recovery On College Athletes, Dawn J. Shutter

Masters Theses

Ten members of the Eastern Illinois University women's track team were used as subjects to determine the relationship of body weight, blood pressure and heart rate during rest, exercise and recovery to menstruation.

The subjects were tested on two different occasions. The first test was administered within twenty-four hours of the onset of menstruation. The second test was conducted seven days later. During both testing periods blood pressure, body weight and resting heart rate measurements were taken before beginning the treadmill protocol (progressive grade and speed increases up to 4% and 8 mph, respectively). The subjects ran on a motor …

The Effect Of Walk Or Jog Recovery From Anaerobic Work On Blood Lactate Levels And Subsequent Two-Minute Run Performance, Rick Alan Livesey

Masters Theses

The purpose of the study was to investigate the effects of a walk or jog recovery on two-minute run performances and the concentrations of blood lactate.

Eight highly trained male subjects were selected from the Eastern Illinois University Track Team. The test procedure consisted of two, maximal two-minute runs on the track for distance, separated by a 30-minute recovery. The recovery consisted of a walk at 20-minutes per mile pace or a jog at 7½ to 8 minutes per mile pace. Venous blood samples were drawn three minutes after the first run, two minutes prior to the second run, and …

A Comparison Of Two Explosive Power Tests For A Variety Of College Athletes, James Leo Fehrenbacher

Masters Theses

No abstract provided.

A Survey Of Injuries Related To Physical Education Activities At Eastern Illinois University From 1960 Through 1966, Fred Arnold Richardi

Masters Theses

No abstract provided.

The Immediate Effect Of Swimming And Track Competition On Blood Ph Values, James B. Knott

Masters Theses

The purpose of the study was to investigate the changes associated with blood pH and different exercise work loads during competition. Finger tip blood samples (1 milliliter), were obtained from 33 male subjects from the varsity swimming and track teams of Eastern Illinois University. The samples were taken prior to exercise and between three and seven and one half minutes after cessation of the event. The blood samples were analyzed with a Radiometer Micro Blood pH Unit. The subjects were chosen on the basis of the events in which they competed. The swimming subjects competed in the 100, 200, 500, …