Sports Sciences Commons^™

Discriminating Talent Identified Junior Australian Footballers Using A Fundamental Gross Athletic Movement Assessment, Carle T. Woods, Henry Banyard, Ian Mckeown, Job Fransen, Sam J. Robertson

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Talent identification (TID) is a pertinent component of the sports sciences, affording practitioners the opportunity to target developmental interventions to a select few; optimising financial investments. However, TID is multi-componential, requiring the recognition of immediate and prospective performance. The measurement of athletic movement skill may afford practitioners insight into the latter component given its augmented relationship with functional sport specific qualities. It is currently unknown whether athletic movement skill is a discriminant quality in junior Australian football (AF). This study aimed to discriminate talent identified junior AF players from their non-talent identified counterparts using a fundamental gross athletic movement assessment. …

The Effects Of Either A Mirror, Internal Or External Focus Instructions On Single And Multi-Joint Tasks, Israel Halperin, Steven Hughes, Derek Panchuk, Chris Abbiss, Dale W. Chapman

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Training in front of mirrors is common, yet little is known about how the use of mirrors effects muscle force production. Accordingly, we investigated how performing in front of a mirror influences performance in single and multi-joint tasks, and compared the mirror condition to the established performance effects of internal focus (IF) and external focus (EF) instructions in a two part experiment. In the single-joint experiment 28 resistance-trained participants (14 males and 14 females) completed two elbow flexion maximal voluntary isometric contractions under four conditions: mirror, IF, EF and neutral instructions. During these trials, surface EMG activity of the biceps …

Iron Supplementation And Altitude: Decision Making Using A Regression Tree, Laura A. Garvican-Lewis, Andrew D. Govus, Peter Peeling, Chris R. Abbiss, Christopher J. Gore

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

No abstract provided.

Exercise Improves Physical Function And Mental Health Of Brain Cancer Survivors: Two Exploratory Case Studies, Gregory T. Levin, Kenneth M. Greenwood, Favil Singh, Daphne Tsoi, Robert U. Newton

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Background

Malignant brain tumors are unpredictable and incurable, with 5-year survival rates less than 30%. The poor prognosis combined with intensive treatment necessitates the inclusion of complementary and supportive therapies that optimize quality of life and reduce treatment-related declines in health. Exercise therapy has been shown to be beneficial in other cancer populations, but no evidence is available for brain cancer survivors. Therefore, we report results from 2 preliminary cases.

Methods

Two female patients diagnosed with glioblastoma multiforme and oligodendroglioma participated in a structured and supervised 12-week exercise program. The program consisted of two 1-hour resistance and aerobic exercise sessions …

Greater Strength Gains After Training With Accentuated Eccentric Than Traditional Isoinertial Loads In Already Strength-Trained Men, Simon Walker, Anthony J. Blazevich, Greg Haff, James J. Tufano, Robert Newton, Keijo Häkkinen

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

As training experience increases it becomes more challenging to induce further neuromuscular adaptation. Consequently, strength trainers seek alternative training methods in order to further increase strength and muscle mass. One method is to utilize accentuated eccentric loading, which applies a greater external load during the eccentric phase of the lift as compared to the concentric phase. Based upon this practice, the purpose of this study was to determine the effects of 10 weeks of accentuated eccentric loading vs. traditional isoinertial resistance training in strength-trained men. Young (22 ± 3 years, 177 ± 6 cm, 76 ± 10 kg, n = …

Accuracy In Measurement Of Elevation Gain In Road Cycling, Paolo Mensaspa, Eric Haakonssen, Avish Sharma, Brad Clark

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Purpose

Accurate measures of elevation gain are important for monitoring energy expenditure and physical load. The aim of this study was to determine the accuracy of barometric devices used for measuring elevation gain.

Methods

Observational validation study. Twenty-eight barometric altimeter devices (SRM and Garmin) were used to measure total elevation gain during cycling over three different climbs (length range: 3.2-18.4 km), giving a total of 216 climbs. An online mapping tool (http://www.freemaptools.com/elevation-finder.htm) was used to calculate the criterion measure of total elevation gain. Data were categorised into two weather conditions: dry and wet.

Results

The standard errors of the estimate …

The Effects Of A Hip Flexor Stretching Program On Running Kinematics In Individuals With Limited Passive Hip Extension, Jeff H. Mettler

Theses and Dissertations--Kinesiology and Health Promotion

INTRODUCTION: Tightness of the hip flexor muscle group may contribute to altered sagittal plane kinematics of the lumbo-pelvic-hip (LPH) complex during dynamic movements. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to analyze the effects of a three-week home-based stretching program on passive hip extension (PHE), as well as on active hip extension (AHE), anterior pelvic tilt (APT), and lumbar spine extension (LSE) when running. METHODS: Twenty healthy subjects with limited PHE underwent a 3D gait analysis both prior (PRE) and following (POST) a three-week static hip flexor stretching program. RESULTS: Following the stretching program, peak PHE increased significantly (P < 0.001), while no significant improvements were reported in AHE, APT, or LSE. In addition, no relationship was found between the change in PHE with either the change in AHE, APT, or LSE. Finally, a high relationship was observed between AHE and APT during running (r = 0.83, p < 0.001), and low relationships were observed between APT and LSE (r = -0.41, p = 0.08) and AHE and LSE (r = -0.34, p = 0.15). CONCLUSION: A three-week static stretching program of the hip flexor musculature resulted in an increase in PHE, but the sagittal plane kinematics of the LPH complex during running remained unchanged. The correlations observed between AHE, APT, and LSE suggest there is a kinematic relationship between the hip, pelvis, and spine.

Static Stretching And Preconditioning Exercise Augments Power Output In Recreational Athletes, Mark R. Mason

Theses and Dissertations--Kinesiology and Health Promotion

The purpose of this study was to determine the independent and combined effects of performing a preconditioning exercise and antagonist stretching on vertical jump (VJ) performance. Twenty club rugby players performed a VJ in four conditions: control condition, following static stretching, following a preconditioning exercise, and following the combined treatment of static stretching and a preconditioning exercise. Electromyographic (EMG) activity was measured in the gluteus maximus, vastus lateralis, gastrocnemius medialis, and tibialis anterior during the VJ trials. Repeated measures ANOVA were used to compare VJ and EMG outcomes across conditions. A Bonferroni correction was used to account for multiple post-hoc …

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

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

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

Postactivation Potentiation: Practical Implications In The Collegiate Setting, Steven T. Banks

Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers

Banks, Steven, M.S., May 2016

Health and Human Performance, Exercise Science

POSTACTIVATION POTENTIATION PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS IN THE COLLEGIATE SETTING

Chairperson: Matthew Bundle Ph.D.

Postactivation potentiation (PAP) induced by a voluntary conditioning activity (CA) has been shown to increase peak force and rate of force development during subsequent muscle contractions increasing performance. We examined existing PAP literature, the underlying physiological mechanisms responsible for PAP, and the various factors that affect protocols used to elicit the PAP response. Furthermore, we aimed to determine what combination of factors are optimal for eliciting a PAP response in training and competition. The proposed mechanism underlying …

Examining The Relationship Between Throwing Injuries Sustained In Adolescent Baseball Players And Use Of An Injury Prevention Smartphone Application "Throw Like A Pro", David S. Grove

Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers

Objective: To describe the use rate of the injury prevention smartphone app “Throw Like a Pro” (TLP), and determine the relationship between use of the app and throwing injuries in adolescent baseball players.

Design and Setting: The smartphone application TLP was distributed to adolescent baseball players. Instruction was given on correct use of the application. Stretches, exercises, and application features were demonstrated to subjects. Data on use and injuries was compiled through self-reported surveys.

Subjects: A convenience sample of adolescent baseball players (n=20) aged 13-18 from the Babe Ruth Little League organization in Missoula, Montana were selected.

Measurements: A modified …

Monitoring Recovery In Collegiate Strength And Conditioning, Alice Read

Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers

Abstract:

Read, Alice, M.S., Spring 2016 Health and Human Performance

Monitoring Recovery in Collegiate Strength and Conditioning

Chairperson: Steven Gaskill

Introduction: Student-athletes at the NCAA Division I level experience high levels of both physical and mental stress associated with training and competing at the highest level of collegiate athletics. In order for strength and conditioning coaches at the NCAA Division I level to maximize training sessions many utilize techniques to monitor athlete recovery status between training sessions. Unfortunately, little data exists on what monitoring methods are in current use and the validity of those methods. Purpose: The purpose of this …

The Impact Of Hydration Status During Heat Acclimation On Physiological Strain And Exercise Performance, Michael W. Schleh

Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers

Heat acclimation promotes adaptations to attenuate physiological and perceptual strain associated with heat stress, and may be enhanced by promoting dehydration during acclimation. Purpose: To determine i) the effect of fluid delivery during acclimation by inducing dehydration (DEH=0.5 mL / kg / 15 min) vs. euhydration (EUH=2.0 mL / kg ^/ 15min) following three heat acclimation bouts on heat stress factors, and ii) to determine if fluid delivery (EUH vs. DEH) affects aerobic performance in the heat. Methods: Thirteen aerobically fit males completed 90-minute heat stress test (HST) in hot conditions (40°C, 30% RH) walking at 50% VO₂ max …

Effect Of Fluid Temperature And Volume On Thermoregulation In The Heat, Michelle M. Johannsen

Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers

The link between thermoregulation, hydration status, and exercise performance in hot humid environments is controversial. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of volume and temperature of ingested fluid on hydration status, thermoregulation and exercise performance. Recreationally active males (N=11, 24.7±5.9 years; VO₂max=58.2±6.0 mL/kg/min) completed two 3-hour intermittent exercise trials in the heat (31^o WBGT=35.5°C with 50% humidity). Participants consumed either 1 mL/kg body weight (BW) of room temperature water (35.5°C; ROOM) or 0.5 mL/kg of an ice slurry mixture (~0°C; COLD) every ten minutes throughout the trials in a randomized crossover design. Subjects …

The Effect Of Rest Interval Duration On The Volume Completed During A High Intensity Bench Press Exercise, Dennis J. Hernandez

Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects

Between set rest intervals (RI) are one of the most important variables in resistance training; however, no known research has investigated the effects of RIs greater than 5-min during strength training (>85% of 1RM). The purpose of this research was to examine the effects of three different RIs (2, 5, and 8-minute) on training volume (kg, sets x reps x resistance) and repetition sustainability during a high-intensity bench press exercise (> 85% of 1RM). Fifteen resistance trained males (mean+sd, age = 26+5 yr, height = 161+6 cm, body mass = 79+6 kg, bench press 1RM ratio = 1.39+0.1) completed …

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

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

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

Sex Differences In Elite Swimming With Advanced Age Are Less Than Marathon Running, Jonathon Senefeld, Michael J. Joyner, A. Stevens, Sandra K. Hunter

Exercise Science Faculty Research and Publications

The sex difference in marathon performance increases with finishing place and age of the runner but whether this occurs among swimmers is unknown. The purpose was to compare sex differences in swimming velocity across world record place (1st–10th), age group (25–89 years), and event distance. We also compared sex differences between freestyle swimming and marathon running. The world's top 10 swimming times of both sexes for World Championship freestyle stroke, backstroke, breaststroke, and butterfly events and the world's top 10 marathon times in 5-year age groups were obtained. Men were faster than women for freestyle (12.4 ± 4.2%), backstroke (12.8 …

Student Athletes And Factors That Determine Their Social Support Circle, Elizabeth Anne Gelhaus

Graduate Theses/Dissertations

Research has shown that the risk of athletic injury increases with increased psychological stress and that social support can help reduce risk of injury. Collegiate athletic trainers spend a considerable amount of time with and build unique relationships with the athletes on whom they work with. However, no research is available on specific factors that cause an athlete to turn to an athletic trainer for social support. An electronic survey was developed and sent to 938 local collegiate athletes to determine if, how, and why student athletes utilize athletic trainers for social support. The results from this study found that …

Diaphragm Training And Evaluation As A Therapeutic Tool By Athletic Trainers In Orthopedic Rehabilition, Marisa Rashel Foltz

Graduate Theses/Dissertations

Athletic trainers (AT) incorporate diaphragm training techniques into treatment protocols; however, further understanding of the techniques’ purpose and application is needed. An investigation of clinical reasoning for use of diaphragm training and evaluation as therapeutic tools in rehabilitation was conducted. Research questions sought to identify AT perspectives and rationale for incorporating these techniques, explore how ATs gain knowledge, and identify evaluation and educational methods utilized in rehabilitation. A qualitative investigation employing a phenomenological approach was used to address the research questions. Procedures included convenience sampling, one-on-one semi structured interviews, transcription, and coding that led to overall theme development. Thirteen ATs …

Parent Perceptions Of A Child Physical Activity Initiative In A Rural Community., Katie F. Leslie, Kristi M. King, Richard W. Wilson, Patricia Gagne, V. Faye Jones

Faculty and Staff Scholarship

This study assessed the extent to which a community-based intervention developed for children impacted parent perceptions and behaviors toward physical activity in a rural community. Focus groups and individual interviews were conducted with parents of children who participated in physical activity programs. Analysis revealed an increased community awareness surrounding physical activity following program implementation. Parents and children encouraged each other to be physically active. Ecological barriers and enabling factors to adult physical activity were identified these findings indicate a bidirectional influence between parent and child physical activity and the need for community facilities where families can be active together.

The Influence Of Hip Mobility And Fatigue On Spinal Flexion And Muscle Activation In Rugby Scrum Performance, Joshua D. Clayton

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

Introduction: Rugby scrumming is a means of restarting play following a minor rule infringement that can occur up to 28 times per game. The scrum poses a significant injury risk, with more days missed due to injury per event than any other rugby activity. Rugby players also have a significantly higher rate of spine injury than the general population, perhaps due to flexion in combination with high compression forces, which has been cited as the main mechanism of injury. Flexion of the spine has also been associated with poor hip mobility and quadriceps fatigue in other athletic tasks and may …

Risk Factors Associated With Osteoarthritis Post-Acl Injury: A Literature Review, Allison S. Barnes

Honors Theses and Capstones

Background: Anterior cruciate ligament ruptures are a relatively common injury in both contact and non-contact sports and are known to have a long rehabilitation process. In addition to a long recovery to get back to competitive sport levels, ACL tears are also associated with a high risk of early onset osteoarthritis, resulting in pain, functional limitations, and a diminished quality of life. There are many variables that have been studied that have a correlation to the occurrence of this condition.

Objectives: To examine peer reviewed literature to determine evidence based risk factors for developing osteoarthritis post-ACL injury.

Data …

The Effects Of Acute Dehydration Of 5% Body Mass On Performance And Physiology Of Mixed Martial Arts Athletes, Oliver Roland Barley

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) athletes are weighed 24 h prior to competition. In order to compete in a lower weight class MMA athletes will often rapidly lose weight via dehydration. Despite the prevalence, there is currently no known published data examining the effects of acute dehydration on physiology and performance in mixed martial arts athletes. The present study aimed to examine: i) the effects of 5% acute dehydration on performance (vertical jump, medicine ball throw, grip strength and repeated sled push) and physiology (body weight, haematocrit, urine specific gravity, serum osmolality and urine osmolality) of MMA athletes. A total of …

Comparison Of Body Composition, Neuromuscular Characteristics And Anaerobic Endurance Between Novice, Semi-Professional And Professional Ballet Dancers, Penelope Blanco Ochoa

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

Study 1 Comparison of body composition, neuromuscular characteristics and anaerobic endurance between novice, semi-professional and professional ballet dancers.
/="/"> The purpose of this study was to compare selected physiological fitness parameters including: body composition, neuromuscular characteristics and aerobic endurance were significantly different between novice, semi-professional and professional ballet dancers. The secondary purpose was to establish which parameters were best discriminators between these dancers. Thirty-five classical ballet dancers (male: n =11 and female: n =24) divided into three different groups according to their dance skill level: novice (n=12) (age: 16.6 ± 1.5 y; height: 1.7 ± 0.1 m; weight: 58.0 ± …

Assessment Of Competitive Requirements, Repeated Sprint Paddle Ability And Trainability Of Paddling Performance In Surfers, Oliver Farley

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

Studies examining the physical demands of surfing, the physiological characteristics of surfers, training techniques and various indices important to surfing performance are limited and characterised by methodological discrepancies. This thesis consists of five studies to assess the competitive requirements, test specific repeat sprint fitness and the trainability of sprint paddling in surfers.

Initially an understanding of surfing movement patterns and a determination of the reliability and validity of custom-made GPS units was established (SurfTraX, Gold Coast, Australia) (Study 1: The validity and inter-unit reliability of custom-made SurfTraX GPS units and use during surfing). Durations, intensities, external loads and velocity …

Training Adaptations In Lower-Body Muscle Structure And Physical Performance Capacities Of Competitive Surfing Athletes, Josh Secomb

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

The overall aim of this thesis was to increase strength and conditioning coaches, and sport scientists’ understanding of the lower-body muscle structures related to enhanced lower-body physical capacities, and how to best evoke desirable training-specific adaptations. To address this aim, three successive steps of research were evaluated: (1) analysis of the factors related to increased performance in competitive surfing, (2) relationships between lower-body muscle structures and factors associated with enhanced physical performance, and (3) comparison of the training-specific adaptations evoked from various training methods. Whilst this research specifically focused on competitive surfing athletes, these results may benefit the training practices …

The Efficacy Of Periodized Resistance Training In Older Adults, Jennifer Anne Conlon

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

Sarcopenia describes the slow and inevitable age-related loss of skeletal muscle mass and consequent function. Fortunately, a continually growing body of research highlights the robust adaptability of the aging neuromuscular system in response to resistance training (RT). Yet, despite an abundance of research studies describing the benefits of RT in the elderly, there is a large variation in the type of training programs employed. Therefore, within the extensive range of beneficial RT stimuli, it is vital to confirm what organizational structure of acute program variables is most effective (i.e. the appropriate dose). The process of organizing a training program considering …

Muscle Damage And The Repeated Bout Effect In Male Bodybuilders Following Unaccustomed Resistance Exercise, Kennedy Blowfield

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

This study investigated muscle damage of bodybuilders who performed an unaccustomed intense resistive exercise bout. Ten male bodybuilders (age: 23 ± 2 y, height: 177.6 ± 6.3 cm, body mass: 85.7 ± 8.1 kg) with a minimum of 4-years resistance training experience performed 17 exercises targeting the pectoral muscles. Eight of the 10 bodybuilders repeated the same exercises two weeks later. Muscle function (bench press throw, maximal isokinetic elbow extension and flexion concentric torque: MVC torque), muscle soreness using a visual analogue scale (VAS: 100-mm), and plasma creatine kinase (CK) activity were assessed before, immediately after and 24, 48 and …

Accuracy In The Badminton Short Serve: A Methodological And Kinematic Study, Shayne Marc Vial

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

In sports, accuracy is an essential component of actions such passing, shooting, and aiming. Executing a movement or action that requires a high degree of accuracy is a critical determinant of success in many individual and team sports. Each sport has different methods for evaluating accuracy, however an overarching goal is to determine whether an object hits its target, or assess the distance by which it misses. However, in some sports accuracy is not readily measureable because an object might not reach a target, i.e. the object is intercepted, or it collides with another object or a person, or an …