Sports Sciences Commons^™

Seasonal Body Composition And Neuromuscular Changes In High School Wrestlers: Medicine Balls For Fatigue Testing, Courtney Mccall Condie Carroll

All Graduate Reports and Creative Projects, Fall 2023 to Present

This study examines the effects a single wrestling season has on high school athletes’ body composition, muscle quality, membrane capacitance, and neuromuscular performance, and whether instrumented medicine balls are sensitive enough to serve as a field test for chronic fatigue. Twenty-five high school wrestlers (males=18, females=7) were recruited and assessed pre-season (Pre), mid-season (Mid), and end-of-season (Post). Outcome measures included body mass, fat-free mass, fat mass (via bioelectrical impedance spectroscopy), echo intensity (EI, via B-mode ultrasound) of the vastus lateralis (VL) and biceps brachii (BB), and countermovement rotational and backward-overhead throws with medicine balls instrumented with accelerometers.  Repeated measures ANOVA …

Thermography-Derived Skin Temperature Metrics Reflect Physiological And Perceptual Recovery, Tyler Mccollum, Marcos Keefe, Alexandra Brojanac, Isabel J. Richardson, Sophia J. Waller, Yasuki Sekiguchi

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Monitoring recovery following fatiguing exercise requires tools that are sensitive to both physiological and perceptual stress while remaining practical for applied settings. Infrared thermography has emerged as a promising, non-invasive technique, yet its association with established recovery outcomes has not been fully elucidated. PURPOSE: To investigate the association between thermography-measured skin temperature with physiological and perceptual recovery metrics. METHODS: Eight recreationally active individuals (mean ± standard deviation; age: 29 ± 5yrs, height: 174.3 ± 7.7, weight: 72.5 ± 7.1kg) completed a whole-body fatiguing exercise protocol with either pre-exercise sauna, post-exercise sauna, or no sauna bathing in a randomized and counterbalanced …

A Multidimensional Evaluation Of Various Isometric Posterior Chain Strength Assessments: Comparative Force Production Characteristics, Administrative Feasibility, And Athlete-Reported Experience, Adam E. Sundh, Nicholas J. Ripley, Aj J. Lamb, Devin S. Vervoort, Paul Comfort

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Isometric posterior chain strength assessments are increasingly employed in high-performance sports for benchmarking and fatigue monitoring, yet little is known about how practical implementation factors influence protocol selection. The aim of this study was to examine the feasibility, practicality, participant perceptions, and reliability of four commonly used isometric posterior chain assessments, the long-lever bridge (LLB), standing 90:20, supine 90:90, and supine 30:30. Thirty-seven NCAA division II athletes (19 females: age = 20.1 ± 0.9 years, height = 166.7 ± 5.2 cm, body mass = 67.0 ± 12.1 kg; and 18 males: 19.7 ± 1.2 years, height = 178.9 ± 6.6 …

Test-Retest Reliability And Validity Of The Gas Exchange Threshold, Erik Ryan Snell Mr.

Theses and Dissertations--Kinesiology and Health Promotion

Theoretically, the gas exchange threshold (GET) demarcates the moderate and heavy intensity domains, whereby exercise performed at and below the GET results in a change in oxygen consumption ([ΔVO₂] ≤ 200 mL), and exercise above the GET results in a slow component (ΔVO₂ > 200 mL). This study examined the reliability and validity of the GET. 14 subjects performed two maximal graded exercise tests (GXTs) to determine the GET and its reliability. The minimal difference (MD = 21W) was applied to determine the GET above (GET_+MD) and below (GET_-MD) power outputs for 30 min …

The Perceptions And Applications Of Cluster Sets In Strength And Conditioning, Tsuyoshi Nagatani, Shayne Vial, Kristina L. Kendall, Paul Comfort, Jiahao Yang, G. Gregory Haff

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

It is well documented that cluster sets, a modified set structure with additional rest between individual repetitions or groups of repetitions, can be used to modulate exercise-induced fatigue during resistance training. While practical guidelines exist, it remains unclear to what extent strength and conditioning (S&C) professionals utilise this programming tactic. The aim of this study was to examine S&C professionals’ perceptions of cluster sets and their application in practice. A secondary aim was to assess the alignment between cluster set programming tactics used in the field and evidence-based recommendations from the scientific and coaching literature. Forty-six S&C professionals (age: 40.0 …

The Effect Of Ischemic Preconditioning On Rock Climbing Performance, Jordan Fleury

All NMU Master's Theses

Rock climbing involves isometric contractions of the finger flexors, limiting forearm blood flow and causing ischemia-induced fatigue. Ischemic preconditioning (IPC) has been shown to improve time to failure (TTF) during climbing-specific tasks, though its mechanisms remain unclear. The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of IPC on hemodynamics and muscle oxygenation during a finger flexor endurance test. This study assessed the effects of IPC on TTF, brachial artery blood flow (BF), vessel diameter (VD), and tissue saturation index (TSI). Variables were measured before (BL1) and after intervention (BL2), and throughout a finger-flexor fatiguing task (FT), including TSI …

Physical Function In Young And Older Adult Active Pickleball Players – A Cross-Sectional Study, Leighanne T. Paulson, Eric Martin, Kent Adams, Marcus M. Lawrence

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology Volume 6: Issue 1, Article 5, 2025. Limited information exists on pickleball’s impact on physical function in older adults (65+ years), despite reported health benefits. PURPOSE: This cross-sectional study evaluated the physical function of active older adult (OA) women and men recreational pickleball players via handgrip strength (HGS) and fatigue (HGF), 6-minute walk distance (6MWD) test, as well as the short physical performance battery (SPPB) compared to sex-matched young adult (YA) controls. METHODS: Thirty YA (18-26 years; n=15 women/men) and 27 OA (65-89 years; n=13 women, n=15 men) participants who played pickleball …

Corrected Echo Intensity Is Not Related To Fatigability Or Indices Of Aerobic Fitness In Healthy Young Adults: A Pilot Study, Kase J. Pennartz, Michael R. Perlet, Marek Kerr, Joshua L. Keller

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Muscle quality (MQ), measured via echo intensity, is regularly used to characterize muscle function and disease. Although it has been related to measures of cardiovascular performance, muscle strength, power, and function in elderly populations, these relations are not consistently observed in younger adult populations. Specifically, the relations of MQ and various functional outcomes (e.g., muscle strength, fatigability, and aerobic fitness) remain unclear, particularly given the interplay between age-related changes in fatiguability and performance. PURPOSE: Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the relation of MQ among muscle strength, fatigability, and indices of aerobic fitness in young healthy …

Muscle Strength, Muscle Endurance, Voluntary Activation, And Perception Of Effort In Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (Me/Cfs): An Overview, James L. Nuzzo, Janet L. Taylor, Christopher Latella

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a debilitating condition characterized by fatigue, post-exertional malaise, perceived muscle weakness and other symptoms. Whether muscle strength is objectively reduced in ME/CFS is unclear. Objective and methods: Our aim was to determine if muscle strength, muscle endurance, voluntary activation, and perceived effort during muscle endurance tasks are altered in ME/CFS by reviewing the relevant literature. Results: We identified 27 studies that compared muscle strength or endurance between individuals with ME/CFS (n = 1,023) and healthy controls (n = 672). Tests typically involved handgrip, elbow flexion, or knee extension tasks. Across studies, muscle strength …

Fatigue Effects On Shoulder And Elbow Joint Loading During The Tennis Serve, Alexander "Sasha" Rovinsky, Sean Chen, Sam Rosenkranz, Christiane O'Hara, Scott Hazelwood

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

An effective tennis serve is one of the most crucial skills an experienced athlete will implement to gain a decisive advantage in a match. It is an incredibly dynamic, powerful chain of movements classified into preparation, acceleration and follow-through phases. Consequently, the peak physical intensity of these accelerated motions put tennis players at increased risk for shoulder injuries. PURPOSE: To assess how tennis serving arm, shoulder joint forces, shoulder rotation moment, kinematics, and muscle activity are affected by match play induced fatigue. We tested the hypothesis that tennis-related fatigue will have a significant effect on tennis serving arm and …

Females Experience Greater Relative But Similar Absolute Neuromuscular Fatigue Than Males During A Ramp-Incremental Exercise Test, Jeff Moore, Daniel T. Cannon, Harry B. Rossiter Facsm, Carrie Ferguson

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Sex differences in pulmonary, cardiovascular, or neuromuscular function may affect the development of neuromuscular fatigue and the primary mechanism of exercise intolerance. Unlike the standard cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET), the musculo-cardio-pulmonary exercise test (mCPET) uses isokinetic power (Piso) to directly assess neuromuscular performance and fatigue. PURPOSE: : To examine sex differences in neuromuscular performance and fatigue during mCPET. We hypothesize that compared to females, males will have greater power (baseline Piso), lower capacity to aerobically support their available muscle power (lower aerobic power index; API), greater reduction in Piso per watt of work performed (higher fatigue index; FI), be …

Pilot Study Of Neuromuscular Fatigue After Doubles Pickleball Tournament, Matthew Ritchey, Margaret Falknor, George Beckham, Eric Martin

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

The number of people playing pickleball has grown exponentially for several years in a row, and likewise, the absolute number of injuries due to pickleball have increased. Examining fatigue effects of playing may be a first step to determining injury prevention and game or tournament management strategies. However, in our previous work, we could not detect fatigue after playing multiple recreational games of doubles pickleball. PURPOSE: The purpose of this pilot study was to examine fatigue effects from playing a doubles pickleball tournament. METHODS: Five young men (ages 22-45) tested their force production, as measured by performing a …

Measuring Activity Demands On Fatigue In Individuals With Parkinson's Disease, Laura R. Mccray, Kara M. Lee

Graduate Student Scholarship

The functional presentation of those with Parkinson's disease (PD) are complex, varying depending on cognition, physiological deficits, and support network. This study assesses the perceptions of fatigue across individuals with Parkinson's disease with different clinical presentations to guide clinicians in their selection of evidence-based interventions to facilitate greater functional outcomes. A mixed-methods design was used to collect data on the mental and physiological perceptions of fatigue, utilizing surveys and physiological measures such as heart rate. Participants were recruited from a community group targeting those with PD with inclusion criteria being a diagnosis of PD. Results for both heart rate and …

Determining The Barriers To The Use Of Post-Match Fatigue Monitoring In The Rugby Codes: A Concept Mapping Study., Mitch Naughton, Tannath Scott, Dan Weaving, Scott Mclean, Colin Solomon

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology Volume 5: Issue 1, Article 3, 2024. The rugby codes (i.e., rugby union, rugby league, rugby sevens [termed ‘rugby’]) are team-sports that impose complex physical demands upon players which in-turn, leads to domain-specific fatigue (e.g., neuromuscular, cardio-autonomic). Quantifying post-match fatigue through various methods and metrics is important to monitor player fatigue status, which influences training readiness. The specific and general barriers limiting the use of post-match fatigue monitoring in rugby are not presently known. Therefore, the aims of this study were to identify specific and general barriers (clusters of specific barriers) to the use …

Optimal Ranges Of Training Load And Recovery Status Prior To The Game To Maximize Game-Day Performance In Soccer, Cherish Keeney, Kelly B. Elliott, Jan-Joseph S. Rolloque, Ruben Moya, Kathryn E. Southall, Kealey J. Wohlgemuth, Jacob A. Mota, Yasuki Sekiguchi

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Identifying ideal ranges of training load (TL) and recovery status before soccer games is essential to maximize game-day performance. PURPOSE: To determine how accumulative TL and subjective fatigue affect performance during the game. METHODS: Twenty-one male semi-professional soccer players (mean ± standard deviation; age: 22 ± 2 years; mass: 77.3 ± 6.9 kg) wore a player tracking device to monitor TL during each practice and game. A 7-day accumulation of high speed running and sprinting (HSR+Sprint, ³12.30 mph), total distance (TD), low acceleration (Low_ACC: 0.50-1.99 m×s^-2), and high acceleration (High_ACC: 2.00-50.00 m×s …

Alternating Muscle Activation Patterns Across The Deltoid Muscles During Sustained Fatiguing Contractions, Ningzhen Zhao, Xin Yu, Lisa Griffin

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Alternating muscle activation (AMA) across synergists has been identified in lower-extremity muscles that may function to prolong force output during sustained contractions; however, this has not yet been identified in upper extremity muscles. AMA consists of two periods: co-activation (Co-A), in which a pair of synergists are simultaneously increasing or decreasing EMG amplitude, and trade-off (TO), in which the EMG amplitude of one muscle is increasing while the EMG amplitude of a synergist is decreasing. We hypothesized that TO duration would increase and Co-A duration would decrease during fatigue. PURPOSE: To investigate AMA patterns during sustained submaximal isometric fatiguing …

Using Inertial Measurement Units (Imus) To Assess Fatigue-Related Changes In Running: Applications In Training Load Management, Reiley Thomas Bergin

Theses and Dissertations--Rehabilitation Sciences

The inertial measurement unit (IMU) is the most researched wearable technology in running. Yet, few studies have validated IMU-derived measures against accepted laboratory standards, such as three-dimensional (3D) motion capture and force plates. IMUs have the potential to provide information that can guide training load management decisions; however, no study has explored their capability to assess fatigue-related changes in running across consecutive days of training. Therefore, the purpose of this project was to evaluate the validity and reliability of IMU-derived measures and assess their capability for detecting fatigue-related changes in running in the days following an intensified training bout. The …

Reduction And Recovery Of Self-Sustained Muscle Activity After Fatiguing Plantar Flexor Contractions, Anthony J. Blazevich, Ricardo N. O. Mesquita, Ronei S. Pinto, Timothy Pulverenti, Sébastien Ratel

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Purpose: Persistent inward calcium and sodium currents (PICs) are crucial for initiation and maintenance of motoneuron firing, and thus muscular force. However, there is a lack of data describing the effects of fatiguing exercise on PIC activity in humans. We simultaneously applied tendon vibration and neuromuscular electrical stimulation (VibStim) before and after fatiguing exercise. VibStim induces self-sustained muscle activity that is proposed to result from PIC activation. Methods: Twelve men performed 5-s maximal isometric plantar flexor contractions (MVC) with 5-s rests until joint torque was reduced to 70%MVC. VibStim trials consisted of five 2-s trains of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (20 …

Sex Differences In Fatigability And Recovery Following A 5 Km Running Time Trial In Recreationally Active Adults, Maria Solleiro Pons, Sandra K. Hunter, Paul Ansdell

Exercise Science Faculty Research and Publications

Females demonstrate greater fatigue resistance compared to males in tasks ranging from single-limb contractions to whole-body exercise, including running. Many of the studies investigating sex differences in fatigability following running, however, occur after long duration, low-intensity tasks and it is unknown whether there is a sex difference in fatigability following high-intensity running. This study compared fatigability and recovery following a 5 km running time trial in young males and females. Sixteen recreationally active participants (8 males, 8 females, age: 23 ± 4 years) completed a familiarisation and experimental trial. Knee-extensor maximal voluntary contractions (MVCs) were performed before and up to …

Extended Range Of Motion Does Not Induce Greater Muscle Damage Than Conventional Range Of Motion In The Bench Press Exercise, Patryk Matykiewicz, Michał Krzysztofik, Adam Zając

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Introduction: Range of motion (ROM) of resistance exercise affects the muscle damage magnitude and the recovery-time course. Thus, the main aim of this study was to compare conventional and extended ROM in the bench press exercise on neuromuscular fatigue assessed by velocity changes during bench press throw, as well on the exercise-induced muscle damage evaluated by creatine kinase (CK) activity in the blood. Material and Methods: A total of fourteen healthy, well-trained males performed 5 sets of the bench press exercise at 70% of one repetition maximum with either standard (STD) and cambered (CMB) barbell until reaching volitional failure. CK …

Does Neuromuscular Fatigue Occur From One Doubles Pickleball Match?, Matthew Ritchey, Margaret Falknor, George Beckham, Eric Martin

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Pickleball is an emerging sport that is continuing to gain popularity among people of all ages. Little research has been completed on the performance aspects of the game. PURPOSE: Lower body force production is an important aspect of any sport. A countermovement jump is a useful way to test that characteristic. Acute decreases in force production are an indicator of fatigue. No previous research of force production and fatigue has been completed on pickleball. Therefore the purpose of this study was to test countermovement jump performance before and after a match of doubles pickleball to determine if neuromuscular fatigue …

Localized Pain And Fatigue During Recovery From Submaximal Resistance Exercise In People With Fibromyalgia, Giovanni Berardi, Christine Eble, Sandra K. Hunter, Marie K. Hoeger Bement

Exercise Science Faculty Research and Publications

Objective

Exercise is recommended as a main treatment in fibromyalgia. However, many people have limited exercise tolerance and report exacerbated pain and fatigue during and following a bout of exercise. This study examined the local and systemic changes in perceived pain and fatigue during exercise and through the 3-day recovery following isometric and concentric exercises in people with and without fibromyalgia.

Methods

Forty-seven participants with a physician diagnosis of fibromyalgia (44 women; mean age [SD] = 51.3 [12.3] years; mean body mass index [SD] = 30.2 [6.9]) and 47 controls (44 women; mean age [SD] = 52.5 [14.7] years; mean …

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: …

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 …

Sublingual Caffeine Supplementation And Its Effects On Physical Performance Measures In Highly Fit United States Military Personnel, Reggie B. O'Hara

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Caffeine is a commonly used countermeasure to combat sleep deprivation and alleviate physiological and psychological performance degradations in highly trained military personnel operating in extreme environments for extending periods. Although the mechanisms of action of caffeine are well described in the literature, the ergogenic effects of caffeine are variable based on the individual’s nutritional status, sensitivity to caffeine, genetics, dose, timing, and overall physical condition. PURPOSE: To explore the effects of moderate doses of sublingual caffeine on physical performance measures and perceptions of fatigue in highly fit U.S. military personnel. METHODS: A convenience sample of eleven highly trained, …

Does Fatigue Influence Joint-Specific Work And Ground Force Production During The First Steps Of Maximal Acceleration?, Shayne Vial, Jodie C. Wilkie, Mitchell Turner, Mark Scanlan, Anthony J. Blazevich

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

During initial acceleration, the first steps of a maximal-effort (sprint) run often determine success or failure in the capture and evasion of an opponent, and is therefore a vital factor of success in many modern sports. However, accelerative events are commonly performed after having already run considerable distances, and the associated fatigue should impair muscle force production and thus reduce acceleration. Despite this, the effects of running-induced fatigue on our ability to accelerate as well as the running technique used to achieve it have received little attention. We recorded 3-D kinematics and ground reaction forces during the first three steps …

Fatigue Does Not Increase Limb Asymmetry Or Induce Proximal Joint Power Shift In Habitual, Multi-Speed Runners, Shayne Vial, Jodie Cochrane Wilkie, Mitchell Turner, Anthony J. Blazevich

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

During prolonged jogging, joint moment and work tend to decrease in the distal (ankle) joint but increase at proximal (hip/knee) joints as performance fatigue manifests, and such adaptations might be expected to occur in sprinting. Fatigue is also thought to increase inter-limb asymmetries, which is speculated to influence injury risk. However, the effects of fatigue on sprint running gait have been incompletely studied, so these hypotheses remain untested. Using statistical parametric mapping, we compared 3-D kinematics and ground reaction force production between the dominant (DL) and non-dominant (NDL) legs of 13 soccer players during both non-fatigued and fatigued sprint running. …

Perceptions Of Capacity, Fatigue, And Their Psychophysics: Examining Construct Equivalence And The Relationship Between Actual Capacity And Perception Of Capacity During Resisted Elbow Flexion Tasks, James Steele, Matheus D. Pinto, Kazunori Nosaka, James L. Nuzzo

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The actual capacity to perform tasks, and actual fatigue, are concepts that have been thought of as inherently linked. These considerations also extend to their phenomenology, meaning the perception(s) of capacity or fatigue. The phenomenology of capacity or fatigue thus may be capturing the same underlying latent construct. Further, it is speculated that the actual capacity of a person to perform a given task, and their perception of that capacity, have a psychophysical relationship. The aim of this study was therefore twofold: 1) to explore the extensional equivalence of perceptions of capacity and fatigue, and 2) to explore the relationship …

Study Protocol: Investigating The Feasibility Of A Hybrid Delivery Of Home-Based Cluster Set Resistance Training For Individuals Previously Treated For Lung Cancer, C. M. Fairman, O. L. Owens, Kristina L. Kendall, J. Steele, Christopher Latella, M. T. Jones, L. Marcotte, Carolyn M. J. Peddle-Mcintyre, K. K. Mcdonnell

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Symptom burden remains a critical concern for individuals with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) following the completion of treatment. The most common symptom clusters, dyspnea (shortness of breath) and fatigue, can contribute to physical decline, reductions in quality of life, and a higher risk of comorbidities and mortality. Dyspnea is a primary limiter of exercise capacity in individuals with lung cancer, resulting in exercise avoidance and an accelerated physical decline. As such, designing resistance training with cluster sets to mitigate symptoms of dyspnea and fatigue may result in improved exercise tolerance. Thus, maintaining the exercise stimulus via cluster sets, …

The Effect Of Sleep Quality On Profile Of Mood, Physiological Responses, And Athletic Performance, Sarah Nash, Matthew Fowler, Bulent Sokmen

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

While the extent of an athlete’s physiological adaptations varies due to a range of external factors, sleep deprivation has been proven to negatively affect one’s training and, ultimately, one’s overall athletic success. Sleep deprivation, either for a short or prolonged period of time, also leads to adverse psychological effects, as measured by the alteration of genes in the brain. PURPOSE: This study investigates how both normal sleep and sleep deprivation affect an athlete’s recovery, overall skeletal muscle performance, and mental state. METHODS: Using a randomized-crossover design, 7 healthy individuals, 3 males and 4 females, with at least 1 …