Sports Sciences Commons^™

The Nutritional Knowledge, Food Choices And Exercise Habits Of Students At Langston University, Preston Solomon

McCabe Thesis Collection

The process of nutritional assessment has long been used to identify specific nutritional problems that demand attention and correction. The major health problems in the United States and much of the industrialized world have nutrition at their root. The ten leading causes of death in the United States are in some way related to the lack of adequate knowledge, adequate nutrition, or both. Increasingly young people are experiencing obesity, high blood pressure, and high serum cholesterol. These conditions pose problems in nutrition and healthy lifestyles in general. Given that behavior is related positively to knowledge, good nutrition and medical knowledge …

Is There A Difference In Cortical Representation Between Dominant And Non-Dominant Arm Muscles Of Elite Badminton Players?, Dylan J. Edwards

Theses : Honours

Training for sport involves the development of skill and coordination. The physiological changes associated with skill acquisition are complex and at present poorly understood. One of the areas in the central nervous system thought to be involved with skill acquisition is the cerebral motor cortex where localised areas are responsible for controlling specific muscle groups. Learning or improving a motor skill may require reorganisation of the cortical areas controlling relevant muscles to accommodate the new skill. To test this idea we studied a group of elite badminton players that were highly skilled in their dominant playing arm. Transcranial magnetic stimulation …

The Effect Of Eccentric And Concentric Training On The Size And Strength Of Human Skeletal Muscle, Haydn J. N. Mcdonald

Theses : Honours

The objective of this study was to determine if the high forces generated through eccentric contractions, and the subsequent damage sustained, contributes to greater growth and force increase in human skeletal muscle than other contraction types, and whether damage from eccentric exercise effects the increase in torque and muscle size expected after a progressive concentric strength training program. 20 healthy subjects were split into four groups which participated in 3 different training protocols, with one group serving as the control (C). Groups underwent either concentric training (CT), eccentric damage (ED), or a combination of the two protocols (DC) with the …

Eccentrically Induced Skeletal Muscle Damage In Patients With Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (Cfs), With Reference To Overtrained Athletes, David L. Wright

Theses : Honours

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and Overtraining syndrome (OTS) are separate, complex conditions which have so many similar debilitating effects that it has led some researchers to conclude that OTS is a sub-condition of CFS. The purpose of this research was to compare the force and damage-recovery characteristics of skeletal muscle in CFS patients and control normals, after a single damaging bout of eccentric contractions in the non-dominant forearm flexors. The subjects ( n = 25 ), a convenience sample were assigned to three groups; [I] CFS + eccentric damage (n = 8), [2] Control Damage (CD)+ eccentric damage (n = …

Effect Of Exercise Induced Muscle Soreness On The Motor Control Properties Of The Biceps Brachii, Alan J. Pearce

Theses : Honours

The objective of this study was to note the time course changes for up to 28 days on the motor control properties of biceps brachii muscle following a bout of eccentric exercise. Eight subjects (5 male, 25-40 years of age) performed 35 maximal voluntary eccentric contractions with the non-preferred arm of the elbow flexors through 130° of extension of 90°s^-1. Voluntary electromyographic (EMG) activity and motor evoked potentials (MEPs) elicited by transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) were recorded via surface electrodes placed over the belly of the biceps brachii muscle. Maximal isometric strength was measured at 90° elbow flexion. …

The Effects Of Low Frequency Electrical Stimulation On Muscular Strength And Endurance In Individuals With Multiple Sclerosis, Lisa L. Oglesby

Doctoral Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to investigate the results of a practical application of a low frequency electrical stimulation (LFES) program of 8 pps to individuals with multiple sclerosis. Previous research has shown that such a program induces a conversion of fast twitch muscle properties to those of slow twitch. Electrical stimulation was applied for 3 hours per day, 6 days a week, for 6 weeks, to the quadriceps femoris muscle of nine subjects with multiple sclerosis. Pre and post measurements of average peak torque, mean force, and fatigue slope were taken as indices of the muscle's strength and …

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 …

The Retirement Experiences Of Former Elite Female Netball Players, J. L. Redmond

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

Research to date on retirement from sport has been dominated by the study of United States, male, collegiate sports. Studies within Australia, which has a substantially different community based sport system, are just commencing. This study provided an insight into retirement from sport as it was experienced by former Western Australian elite female netball players. Using a qualitative interpretive approach a three stage interview process was employed to capture the individual experiences of each of the 15 participants. The interviewees were also asked to recommend interventions or strategies that netball associations could employ to assist players in their transition out …

The Effect Of Long Term Training On The Bone Mineral Density And Muscle Strength Of Perimenopausal Athletes, Jan Dook

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

The aim of this research was to determine if long term training (20 years+) in a high impact weight bearing sport (netball/basketball: NB/88), a low impact weight-bearing sport (running/ field hockey: GEN) and a non weight-bearing sport, swimming (SWI) produced a positive relationship with regional bone mineral density (BMD) and muscle strength. Method: Three groups of perimenopausal athletes (n=20) plus a control group (CON) (n=20) had Total Body BMD and body composition measured by DEXA (Hologic QDR 2000) and isometric strength of dominant arm flexors and leg extensors by a strain tensiometer connected to a strength chair. Differences between groups …

Determinants Of Elite Athletes' Commitment To Sport: Examination Of The Sport Commitment Model In The Professional Sport Domain, Tammy Kay Hall

Dissertations and Theses

This study examined the applicability of the Sport Commitment Model for a group of elite, professional athletes. The model proposes that an athlete's commitment will increase as sport enjoyment, personal investments, social constraints, and involvement opportunities increase and will decrease with an increase in involvement opportunities. The influence of identification as an athlete, a determinant of commitment not included in the original model, was also examined. One hundred and eighty three professional football players from the Canadian Football League (CFL) (n = 121) and National Football League (NFL) (n = 69) participated in the study. Each subject completed …

The Effects Of High And Low Repetition Resistance Training On The Force Profile Of The Rowing Stroke, Benjamin Tarbox

Theses : Honours

The effect of resistance training on the ability to generate force throughout the rowing stroke has to date been unreported. The purpose of this study therefore was to determine the changes that occur in the force profile of the rowing stroke, following low repetition strength (LRS) and high repetition endurance (HRE) resistance training. Eight female and 10 male sub elite heavy weight rowers matched according to gender, strength and anthropometric variables, completed 12 weeks of LRS or HRE resistance training. Pre and post testing was completed to determine changes in bench press and leg press repetition maximum (3RM) strength and …

An Exploratory Study Of The Development Of Perceived Body Image In Elite Female Artistic Gymnasts In One Central Programme, Michelle A. Saliba

Theses : Honours

Women's elite gymnastics is characterised by subjective and aesthetic judgement and together with increasing technical requirements imposes strict body composition and body image requirements throughout the international gymnastic community. Limited research has been conducted on the younger, smaller, leaner and almost prepubescent gymnasts who now dominate the International arena. The purpose of this study is to provide an understanding of the way in which current and retired elite, female artistic gymnasts perceive their own and the "ideal" gymnast's body image, and to identify factors influencing the development of these perceptions. Nineteen subjects were drawn from one Australian women's artistic gymnastics …

A Survey And Comparison Of Selected Health Behaviors Of Student-Nonathletes And Student-Athletes At The University Of Northern Iowa, Raul Costero

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The purpose of this study was to survey and compare selected health behaviors of student-nonathletes and student-athletes at the University of Northern Iowa. Results of this study are based on 212 questionnaires completed by student-athletes during Spring 1992 team meetings and 384 questionnaires completed by student-nonathletes enrolled in Personal Wellness courses during the Spring 1992 term. The 50-item, self-report questionnaire was designed to reveal involvement and frequency of participation in selected health behaviors. Respondents provided demographic data and information regarding general health behaviors, food selection, eating behaviors, health examinations, sexual practices, and substance use. The study was also designed to …

Anaerobic Power Gains Through Plyometrics: Comparison Of College Basketball Players Performing Drills At The Beginning Versus The End Of Practice, Benton Adam Miller

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of plyometric training performed either before or after practice on selected power measurements for NCAA Division I male basketball players.

Sixteen subjects were split into two groups of eight players each. The groups were split up by a matched pairs method, based on preseason estimates of playing time for each player by the coaching staff. All subjects were pretested (Week 0) on four selected measures of power. Each subject was measured on vertical jump, with a no-step and a two-step approach, standing long jump, and the 30-yard (27.3 m) dash. …

The Effect Of Experimental Alterations In Excess Weight On Vertical Jump Performance, Bobbi Becker

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of experimental alterations in relatively small amounts of excess weight on vertical jump height. The objective was to use the consequences of changes in body weight on vertical jump performance. The subjects were 19 Division I college volleyball players from the University of Northern Iowa. The mean value for age was 20.04 years, the mean height was 176.2 cm, the mean weight was 71.58 kg, and the mean percentage of body fat was 22.60% for all subjects. Each subject was tested under six weight conditions: (a) normal body weight, (b) …

Trait Competitiveness In N.C.A.A. Division I And Division Iii Female Basketball Players, Kristin Renee Huffman

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The purpose of this study was to examine trait competitiveness in female basketball players of Division I and Division III universities. It was hypothesized that Division I female basketball players and Division III female basketball players would not differ in trait competitiveness.

The research design for this study was quasi-experimental. The level of N.C.A.A. competition, Division I or Division III, served as the independent variable. Trait competitiveness, as measured by the Sport Orientation Questionnaire (SOQ) (Gill & Deeter, 1988), served as the dependent variable.

The subjects (N = 190) for this study were members of women's basketball teams in the …

A Comparison Of On-Court Performance Aggression And Off-Court General Aggression In Women Basketball Players, Lee-Ann Toler O'Neal

Morehead State Theses and Dissertations

A thesis presented to the faculty of the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences at Morehead State University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Arts by Lee-Ann Toler O'Neal on November 18, 1991.

The Effect Of Prolonged Cycling At The Conconi-Predicted Anaerobic Threshold On Blood Lactate Concentrations, Michael John Newton

Theses : Honours

A study which assessed the validity of the Conconi test to predict the anaerobic threshold (AnT) was undertaken with 20 sport science students. The study involved the subjects undertaking three tests over a one week period. Each test was separated by a period of at least 48 hours which allowed the subjects time to recover. The subjects initially completed a Conconi test which attempted to predict their AnT through plotting heart rate against work intensity. Following the specified recovery, a maximum oxygen uptake test (V0₂max) was undertaken by all subjects. Following another recovery period those subjects who produced …

Effects Of Preshot Routine Time And Movements On Free Throw Shooting Performance, Mick G. Mack

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects that length of preshot routine and use of a set sequence of movements have on free throw shooting in basketball. Seventeen members comprising the University of Northern Iowa intercollegiate men's basketball team attempted 20 free throws in each of four different conditions: (1) normal routine, (2) normal routine with lengthened time, (3) altered routine with normal time, and (4) altered routine with lengthened time. For the altered time condition, subjects used a minimum of 200% of their normal time. For the altered routine condition, subjects used a routine provided by …

Determining The Contributions Of The Intrapersonal Factors Of Personality Disposition, Ability, And Attitude To Precompetitive State Anxiety, Jacquelyn Rae Wright

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The purpose of this study was to determine the relative contributions of personality disposition (competitive A-trait), ability (skill level), and attitude (perceived ability, confidence, self-esteem) to state anxiety prior to competition. It was hypothesized that personality disposition (competitive A-trait) would be the strongest predictor of competitive state anxiety prior to competition.

Forty-two Luther College women basketball and softball players were selected for participation in the study. The Sport Competition Anxiety Test (SCAT) was used to assess A-trait. The Competitive State Anxiety Inventory-2 (CSAI-2) was used to assess three subcomponents of precompetitive state anxiety (cognitive anxiety, somatic anxiety and self-confidence). This …

The Effects Of Two Plyometric Exercises On Vertical And Horizontal Jump Performance, Joseph Daniel King

Graduate Theses

This study investigated performance outcomes of vertical and horizontal jump tests after specific horizontal and vertical plyometric training. There were forty-six subjects with an average age of 113 months. Sixteen females and thirty males were randomly assigned to one of four plyometric treatment groups. Group I performed continuous horizontal bounds. Group II performed a combination of continuous horizontal and vertical bounds. Group III executed continuous vertical bounds, and Group IV was the control group and they did not receive any training. The duration of the training sessions was six-weeks. Each subject was pretested and post-tested on vertical and horizontal jumping …

The Effect Of Interval And Continuous Training On Maximal Oxygen Consumption And Performance On The 1.5 Mile Run Of College Age Males And Females, Deborah Lynn White

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Interval and continuous training and their effects on maximal oxygen consumption have been studied extensively. Virtually all of the studies reported in the literature have defined interval training as running a given distance at a maximal or near maximal intensity with intervening [sic] rest periods. This study defined interval training as running a given distance at a submaximal intensity of 85% of the maximum heart rate. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of interval and continuous training on the maximal oxygen consumption, performance on a 1.5 mile run, and body composition of college age males and …

Peak Isokinetic Torque Of Knee Flexors And Extensor Muscles Of College Football Players, David L. Boerem

University of the Pacific Theses and Dissertations

The problem of the study addressed knee injuries in college football. Imbalance of the musculature surrounding the knee would predispose the athlete to knee injury. Recognition of those who have muscular deficiencies would be a primary way of preventing knee injuries. The focus of the study was to determine if there was a significant difference in peak isokinetic torque of knee flexor and extensor muscles across speeds (60 degrees/second, 180 degrees/ second and 300 degrees/second) of a college football team subsequent to participation in a spring football season.

Computerized Scoring Of Results In Track And Field And Multiple Event Competitions, Steven C. Johnson

Culminating Projects in Kinesiology

Recording results and scoring track and field competitions is time consuming and contains a number of areas in which errors can be made. A need exists to decrease the potential. for errors and facilitate the organization and scoring of track and field meets and multiple event competitions.

Computer programs were developed to improve the accuracy and efficiency of scoring track and field competitions. Three separate computer programs were developed: (1) to assist in storing all IAAP multiple event scoring tables on computer disks, (2) select point values for individual. performances and then add total scores during multiple event competitions and, …

The Effects Of Augmented Attentional Focus On The Performance With Practice Of A Closed Perceptual-Motor Task For Individuals Who Differ In Task Mastery, John Allen Richards

Doctoral Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of augmented attentional focus on the performance with practice, of a closed perceptual-motor task for individuals who differ in task mastery. Sixty-four male volunteers were assigned to either the beginning or advanced task mastery group (n = 32) based on bowling averages (≤ 130, ≥ 150 respectively). Each subject in the task mastery groups was randomly assigned to one of four augmented focus of attention conditions, i.e., focus on: (a) environmental results of the movement that was performed (KR); (b) the movement that was performed (KP); (c) self via presence …

A Comparison Of Oxygen Consumption In Light And Heavy Resistance Weight Training Methods In Males, Kean Gerard Richard

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Heavy resistance and low resistance weight training methods are commonly used in off season conditioning programs for various sports. Research has indicated that heavy resistance training elicits muscular strength development whereas low resistance training elicits the development of muscular endurance. However, there is very little or no research which has investigated a comparison of oxygen consumption between heavy resistance and low resistance training while keeping work constant.

The purpose of this investigation was to compare the oxygen cost of performing heavy and low resistance weight training methods. Also, a second purpose of the study was to determine the contribution of …

Differences Of Selected Performance Parameters Of Dominant And Nondominant Legs Of Soccer Players, Bruce M. Spaulding

University of the Pacific Theses and Dissertations

The main problem of this study was to determine if a significant strength difference existed between the mirror muscles of six muscle groups in the dominant and nondominant legs of University of the Pacific male soccer players at differing contraction speeds as measured by the Cybex II Isokinetic Dynometer.