Sports Sciences Commons^™

Introducing The “Topics Brief”: Bridging The Gap Between University And Non-Academics In A Potentially More Meaningful Way, James W. Navalta, Robert Salatto, Donald L. Hoover, Andrea Stevenson

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology Volume 4: Issue 1, Article 5, 2023. Introducing the “Topics Brief”, aiming to bridge the gap between university and non-academics. Topics Briefs should include the following: 1. Share what was done to a non-academic audience, 2. Condensed format (limited to 1-2 pages, 1 page preferred), 3. Include only the most important parts (i.e., main concepts, main results, main learned experience) to be implemented in practical application, 4. May be heavily visual (we encourage authors to be creative)

The Invisible Epidemic: A Concussion Assessment Among University Faculty And Staff, Emily R. Brown, Jacqueline D. Villanueva Arevalo

Student Scholar Showcase

Background: The present body of research is deficient, and institutions frequently lack defined return-to-learn policies for students who have incurred or been diagnosed with a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI)/concussion.

Purpose: This research study aims to determine the level of knowledge and awareness university faculty and staff currently have at a private university in the Mid-Atlantic Region.

Participants: 64 collegiate faculty and academic staff

Methods: A Cross-sectional, web-based Faculty and Staff Concussion Awareness and Knowledge survey was completed by participants, consisting of 9 demographic, 21 Likert Scale, and 1 multiple-option question.

Results: Initial descriptive and frequency statistics of the 64 …

Determining High School Athletes’ Awareness Of The College Athletics Recruitment Process: A Systematic Review, Anika E. Ryals

Honors College Theses

The collegiate athletic recruitment process is the pathway for some student-athletes to continue to play sports in college. The purpose of the recruitment process to play college athletics is to establish academic success and create connections with the recruiting coaches and staff. A major benefit that college athletics can provide is scholarships to student-athletes so that they can continue their education. The purpose of this study was to conduct a systematic review of current literature to connect studies of the collegiate athletic recruiting process. In this study, a systematic review was conducted using academic research centered on high school athletes …

Iliotibial Band Syndrome: Risk Factors, Treatment And Practical Implication To Military Training, Trinton Robinson

INSPIRE Student Research and Engagement Conference

To investigate the causes and treatments of ITBS and suggest the implementation into military physical training practices.

The Effect Of Fatigue On Lower Extremity Joint Kinematics And Performance, Sarah Alloto

Undergraduate Distinction Papers

Within recent years there has been an increase in the number of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries within female athletes (Learning how ACL, 2022). The ACL is a ligamentous structure within the knee that connects the femur and the tibia (Mayo, 2022). Its primary function is to provide stability, prevent the tibia from excessive anterior translation, and provide proprioceptive input for the lower limb (Mayo, 2022). ACL injuries are multifactorial in nature, meaning they can be the result of faulty biomechanics, individual genetic predisposition, or environmental factors (Alentorn- Geli et al., 2009). ACL injuries can be classified into two categories: …

Low Pre-Season Hamstring-To-Quadriceps Strength Ratio Identified In Players Who Further Sustained In-Season Hamstring Strain Injuries: A Retrospective Study From A Brazilian Serie A Team, Filipe Veeck, Cassio V. Ruas, Matheus Daros Pinto, Rafael Grazioli, Gustavo Pacheco Cardoso, Thiago Albuquerque, Lucas Schipper, Henrique Gonçalves Valente, Victor H. Santos, Márcio Dornelles, Paulo Rabaldo, Clarice S. Rocha, Bruno Manfredini Baroni, Eduardo Lusa Cadore, Ronei Silveira Pinto

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

A common pre-season injury prevention assessment conducted by professional football clubs is the hamstring-to-quadriceps (H:Q) strength ratio calculated by peak torque (PT). However, it is debatable whether players that present low pre-season H:Q ratios are more susceptible to further sustaining in-season hamstring strain injuries (HSI). Based upon retrospective data from a Brazilian Serie A football squad, a particular season came to our attention as ten out of seventeen (~59%) professional male football players sustained HSI. Therefore, we examined the pre-season H:Q ratios of these players. H:Q conventional (CR) and functional (FR) ratios, and the respective knee extensor/flexor PT from the …

Effect Of Kinesiophobia On Return To Play Of Athletes At Bridgewater College, Jenna Mccaffrey

Honors Projects

Kinesiophobia is known as the fear of movement, injury, or re-injury. It is the primary psychological construct of the Fear Avoidance Model of Chronic Pain under the biopsychosocial model's umbrella. This study tested the effects of kinesiophobia on return to play of athletes at Bridgewater College. Results found that kinesiophobia had no impact on return to play of female athletes at Bridgewater College. Male athletes have a positive correlation between Return Concerns and kinesiophobia.

Best West Michigan Hiking Trails, Sarah Brandt

Honors Projects

After visiting 45 parks in the West Michigan area, I narrowed them down to the best 20 for hiking in Allegan, Kent, Muskegon, and Ottawa County. This project is a resource with everything you need to know to explore them for yourself, including education, honorable mentions, and ADA accessible trails.

The Benefits And Implementation Of Open Science Practices In Exercise Science Research, Brendan Moore

Senior Theses

This article has the purpose of addressing the need for open science practices in the field of exercise science research. Open science is best defined as the call for greater accessibility and transparency in research (Chakravorty et al., 2022). With more accessible and transparent research, research can be conducted more thoroughly and efficiently. Additionally, the implementation of these practices would discourage many shady and unethical practices. The idea of open science is not without debate however. There are many concerns over the theft of scientific data and ideas, as well as the increased time and monetary costs associated with many …

Health Consequences Of Low Energy Availability In Females And Their Underlying Physiological Mechanisms, Grace Parry

Senior Honors Theses

Low energy availability (LEA) is a state in which energy intake is insufficient to support energy expenditure while maintaining energy balance, which has been shown to result in gastrointestinal distress, immunosuppression, reduced metabolic rate, menstrual dysfunction, diminished bone health, and impaired cardiovascular function in females. Alterations to the microbiome and mucosal lining may propagate gastrointestinal complaints and compromised immune function associated with LEA. The pathophysiology of LEA is otherwise largely driven by hormonal adaptations. Diminished production of thyroid hormones is known to contribute to reduced metabolic rate. Decreases in leptin and insulin and increases in ghrelin disrupt reproductive function through …

Effects Of Eccentric Nordic Hamstring Exercise On Fascicle Length In Females, Sarah J. Triemstra

All NMU Master's Theses

The eccentric Nordic hamstring exercise (NHE) may be useful for increasing fascicle length (FL) of the bicep femoris long head and reduce the risk of hamstring strain injury. Compared to changes in hamstring strength, FL has been shown to reduce the risk of injury to a greater extent. While previous studies have investigated the eccentric NHE on FL, many lack control groups, female participants, and have not measured performance outcomes. Our aim was to examine the effect of 6-weeks of NHE on FL and measures of performance in females. Seven recreationally active females (age: 22.43 ± 2.99 years; BMI: 20.8 …

Vo2max And Playing Time In Female Collegiate Soccer Players, Lauren Shaw

Honors Theses

No abstract provided.

Effect Of Fandom On Sports Gambling, Drake Deitch

Dissertations

The goal in this study was to investigate the relationship between fandom and betting. The hypothesis was that sports fans who gambled on their favorite teams would be more likely to make irrational decisions based more closely on emotional attachment than logical thinking. A total of 191 fans of the Chicago Bears (n = 80), Green Bay Packers (n = 57), and Minnesota Vikings (n = 54) were recruited for the study. Participants completed a survey that assessed their knowledge of and love for the three teams. Results indicated fans were far more likely to bet on their team regardless …

Es-03 The Effects Of A Warmup Protocol Involving The Nordic Hamstring Exercise On Vertical Squat Jump Performance And Peak Muscular Activation, Reagan Hunter, Jeff Barfield

SC Upstate Research Symposium

Background: Vertical jumping is one of the most popular ways of assessing athleticism and power output of the lower body in both professional and recreational sport settings. Therefore, having access to an appropriate warmup protocol for enhancing this skill and the power output associated with it is essential for athletes whose success depends on the ability to perform it. Current literature demonstrates similar posterior kinetic chain muscle engagement during the vertical squat jump and during an exercise called the Nordic Hamstring Curl. The literature additionally demonstrates significant effects on strength and athleticism when the exercise is used in long-term training …

Effectiveness Of Vacuotherapy And Dry Needling As Adjunct Treatment For Musculoskeletal Cases: A Cohort In A Pt Clinic., Adnan N. Balisi, Vince Paul Lobaton, Dane Debulgado, Jhonas Jegira, Mae Adrinne Tumonong, Christian James Brillas, Ritchie Belle Gelito, Mychelle Rae Marasigan

Philippine Journal of Physical Therapy

Introduction: Usage of vacuum therapy and dry needling in physical therapy management of musculoskeletal cases have gained increasing usage but the literature regarding their effects is limited. This study determines the effect size of the interventions, which are vacuotherapy and dry needling as adjunct treatments to exercises, performed in a local PT clinic to musculoskeletal cases in three different treatment sessions with a week gap in between.

Methods: The study is a retrospective cohort where sampling was purposive in gathering historical patient charts. The numerical pain rating scales and relevant range of motion (ROM) in the musculoskeletal cases …

Small Demos, Big Impacts When Teaching Exercise Physiology, Erin White

Educational Practices in Kinesiology

Comprehension of exercise physiology topics as an undergraduate student can be difficult. Thus, finding creative ways to present material can improve student comprehension and retention. The purpose of the three demonstrations presented will teach three concepts to lower-division students in an undergraduate Exercise Physiology course (prerequisite knowledge in college-level Human Anatomy and Human Physiology courses). These demonstrations take place in-person, in the classroom, with an estimated total time commitment of approximately10 minutes. The purpose of demonstrations 1 and 2 will aid students in differentiating between Golgi Tendon Organs (Demonstration 1) and muscle spindles (Demonstration 2), including their location and protective …

The Effects Of Oral Contraceptives On The Mental Health Of Active Females, Sarah Alligood

Graduate Research Showcase

Background: The use of oral contraceptives (OC) to regulate athletic performance has increased in recent years. Literature indicates as OC usage increases, feelings of well-being among those using OCs have decreased. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the effect of OCs on the mental health of active females. I hypothesized that OC-users would report lower values related to well-being and higher values related to depressive symptoms compared to those using other forms of hormonal contraceptive (HC) and no contraceptive. Participants: 74 biological females, over the age of 18, that engaged in 150 minutes of exercise per week. …

Determining Ankle Stability In Collegiate Athletes Using The Biodex Balance System, Delayne Rotolo

Graduate Research Showcase

Context: An ankle injury is the most common lower extremity injury in sports because of the amount of force that goes through the ankle. Understanding the athlete’s ankle stability can better inform a medical team on the probability of an ankle injury occurring and help to mitigate the risk. Objective: The Biodex Balance System (BBS) was used to investigate potential fluctuations in ankle stability over an athlete’s season. Design: Experimental study Patients/Participants: A total of 30 Division II college athletes (25 female, 5 male; ages 18-22) volunteered as subjects. Methods: Athlete single leg test and the Clinical Test of Sensory …

Perception Of Athletic Trainer’S Social Support During An Athlete’S Injury, Alexa Pellack

Graduate Research Showcase

Objective Psychological support for an athlete is equally as important as physiological support when it comes to injury recovery. The purpose of this research was to determine if athletic.trainers feel comfortable and equipped to provide social support for athletes during injury recovery and understand athletic trainers’ views on sports psychology course offerings within an accredited athletic training program. Design A 16 questions Qualtrics survey with 4 demographic questions, 7 yes/no questions, and 5 scaled questions (1 = least comfortable to 4 = most comfortable) was used. Participants 29 certified athletic trainers, recruited via convivence and snowball sampling met inclusion criteria …

The Effects Of Joint Angle And Anchoring Scheme On Performance Fatigability And Neuromuscular Responses Following Isometric Forearm Flexion Tasks To Failure, Jocelyn E. Arnett, Robert W. Smith, Tyler J. Neltner, John Paul V. Anders, Dolores G. Ortega, Terry J. Housh, Richard J. Schmidt, Glen O. Johnson

Journal for Sports Neuroscience

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of joint angle on MVIC and neuromuscular responses at task failure following sustained, isometric forearm flexion tasks anchored to a rating of perceived exertion (RPE) of 8 (RPE = 8) and anchored to the initial torque that corresponded to RPE = 8 (TRQ). Methods: Ten women (age: 21.0 ± 2.8 yrs; height: 168.5 ± 7.2 cm; body mass: 68.0 ± 7.2 kg) performed 2, 3 s MVICs at joint angles (JA) of 75°, 100°, and 125° (randomized order) before and after sustained, isometric forearm flexion tasks to failure at …

Athletic Trainers Value The Intrinsic Rewards Of Specialty Certifications More Than Barriers And Extrinsic Rewards, Michael B. Hudson, Eva M. Frank, Taylor Harper, Lyndsey Comer, Kelsey Lamont

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Health care professionals may earn specialty certifications to recognize their advanced knowledge and skills. Athletic training has implemented specialties; however, it is unclear what athletic trainers (ATs) know and perceive about specialty certifications. We developed a survey to examine the following issues: (1) analyze what ATs know about specialty certifications; (2) rank the rewards and barriers ATs perceive to be associated with earning/pursuing specialty certifications; and (3) examine differences in these findings based on ATs state practice acts being more restrictive or less restrictive. Method: We utilized a nonequivalent group, cross-sectional survey design and collected data for one month …

Physiotherapists’ Work In Public Perception, Andrzej Lewandowski, Jadwiga Sarwinska, Zuzanna Piekorz

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Introduction: The aim of the study is to determine basic physical traits of physiotherapists and indicators of their occupation according to social expectations. Material and Methods: 2121 people of different sex, age and education participated in the study. The preferences were categorized by sex and the education level. The test for equality of two percentage structures based on statistics ‘Z’ and the test for equality of proportions based on Fisher-Snedecor’s test were implemented. Results: The preferences for the physical traits are consistent with those commonly expected, and the high level of fitness is expected in the context of significant psychological …

Adaptation Of The Love–Hate Scale For Sports Fans Into Turkish: A Validity And Reliability Study, Sercan Kural, Oguz Ozbek, Bulent Gurbuz

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Introduction: This research has been conducted so it can help to understand the feelings of love and hatred towards the opposing team and their supporters of football club fans and to determine and control the fans’ aggression. Objective: This study aims to adapt the Love–Hate Scale for Sports Fans (LHSSF) to the Turkish context to evaluate the fanatic (love and hate) feelings of football fans. Methods: The study groups consisted of 205 football fans aged 18–58 years (mean age = 30.11). The original version of the scale consists of seven items and two sub-dimensions. To test the construct validity of …

Do Lower Extremity Injuries Of Nfl Players Affect Their Yearly Income?, Abdullah Sahyouni, Robert De La Torre, Gautham Pavar, Kinan Sawar, Yasmeen Alcodray, Bohdan Matsko, Justin Bennie, Nicole Xu, Harika Bollineni

Medical Student Research Symposium

Introduction: Injuries are arguably the most daunting career setbacks professional sports players have to face. To better understand the drawbacks of sports injuries, we decided to examine players’ annual income before and after sports injuries. Income is arguably the most important metric of success for professional athletes. To make the study more relevant for the US, we collected data on one of the most viewed professional sports leagues in the country: the National Football League (NFL).

Methods: We examined the NFL’s weekly injury reports for seasons from 2016 to 2020, and recorded players with lower extremity injuries (LEI) (Hamstring, Calves, …

Which Position In American Football Is More Likely To Get You Benched Due To Lei? An Analysis Of Nfl Players Injured In The Years 2016-2020., Robert A. De La Torre, Abdullah Sahyouni, Kinan Sawar, Gautham Pavar, Cristian J. Diaz Alvarenga, Shravan Morisetty, Bohdan Matsko, Justin Bennie, Niyaz Uddin, Olvia Pakula

Medical Student Research Symposium

Title: Which position in American Football is more likely to get you benched due to LEI? An Analysis of NFL Players injured in the years 2016-2020.

Authors: Robert de la Torre, Abdullah Sahyouni, Kinan Sawar, Gautham Pavar, Cris J. Diaz Alvarenga, Shravan Morisetty, Justin Bennie, Bohdan Matsko, Niyaz Uddin, Olivia Pakula

Introduction:

In American Football, there are twenty-four different positional roles that a player may assume. Some positions are unique to offense, such as quarterback and wide receiver. Others are unique to defense, such as cornerback or linebacker. There are also unique positions such as kicker or punter. All of …

Preparedness Of Doctor Of Athletic Training (Dat) Credentialed Athletic Trainers To Take Roles In Academia, Andrew J. Schweitzer, Matthew J. Rivera, Cailee E. Welch Bacon, Lindsey E. Eberman

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

ABSTRACT

Purpose: The athletic training education landscape is shifting, which has opened new avenues for postprofessional education. Previous literature has investigated stakeholder perceptions and attitudes towards hiring a DAT degree holder in academia. Yet, there is no research investigating the experiences of DAT degree holders in academic roles. The purpose of this study was to explore the preparation and experiences of DAT degree holders related to their roles in academia. Methods: We used a consensual qualitative research design to explore the lived experiences of DAT degree holders in academia through semi-structured web-based interviews. Twelve DAT degree holders with at least …

Conservative Treatment Of A Symptomatic Os Vesalianum Pedis In A Professional Soccer Player: A Case Report, Mario F. Cruz, Lori A. Bolgla, Ryan Alexander, Peter J. Symbas, Jeremy Royal, Jordan Serrano-Dennis

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Objectives: Symptomatic os vesalianum pedis (OVP), a small accessory bone located adjacent to the base of the 5^th metatarsal of the foot, rarely affects individuals who participate in sports. The condition typically is treated with surgical intervention. This case report documents the examination, evaluation, and treatment approach for a professional soccer player treated conservatively with a symptomatic OVP. Methods: A nineteen-year-old professional soccer player presented with pain to the base of the left 5^th metatarsal. Physical examination and imaging resulted in a diagnosis of a symptomatic OVP. The player underwent a 5-stage criterion-based rehabilitation program. Results: The player …

The Current Youth Sport Culture And Its Impact On Sport Participation Experiences Of Low Socioeconomic Status Families, Mayrena I. Hernandez, Elena C. Miller, Laura A. Prieto, Luis Columna, Kevin M. Biese, David R. Bell

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The rise of sport specialization can jeopardize the opportunities for families of low socioeconomic status (SES) to participate in organized sport. However, obtaining an athletic scholarship may be a motivating factor for low SES youth to sport specialize. Yet, the experiences of low SES athletes in sport participation are not well known. Method: We used an Interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) to explore experiences of low SES families with children participating in sport and how this may be impacted by the current youth sport culture that promotes sport specialization. We engaged in semi-structured interviews with 12 low SES parents. Results: …

Relationship Between Allied Health Student's Behavioral Style And Ideal Clinical Instructor Behaviors, Tonya Y. Miller, Robert Creath, Eva M. Frank, Lori Portzer, Jennifer Price

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The focus of this research is to understand the relationship between students' primary DISC behavioral styles (dominant, influencing, steadiness, compliance) and their perception of ideal clinical instructor behaviors. A review of the literature supports the connection between the behaviors of the clinical instructor (CI) and the success of the allied health professional student (AHPS). Additionally, a body of research supports the connection between DISC behavioral styles and student success. The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between AHPS primary DISC behavioral styles and their perception of the ideal CI behaviors. Methods: A total number …

Secondary School Coaches’ Perceptions Of Sport-Related Concussions: A Qualitative Approach, Richelle M. Williams, Madyson Anglim, Maggie Ferguson

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: This study was conducted to understand current perceptions of secondary school coaches on concussion culture, safety, and management. Method: In this consensual qualitative research study, 17 secondary school coaches participated (12 males, 5 females). Participants were recruited through the state secondary school athletic associations. Participants were interviewed over Zoom using a semi-structured interview guide to allow for flexibility (16 questions). All interviews (30 - 60 minutes in length) were recorded and transcribed. A codebook, including themes and subthemes, was created and data were analyzed using thematic analysis. The researchers each reviewed the transcripts separately. The initial codebook …