Sports Sciences Commons^™

How Self-Talk Affects Performance Among Ncaa Division Iii Female Athletes, Micah Rabey, Briannah Mejias, Giana Hilliard, Cambryn Holloway, Matt Robinson, Kristen Mcalexander

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Self-talk alters mental toughness, emotional control, and behavioral reactions, and can affect an athlete’s cognitive and psychological condition throughout training, competition, and practice. Few studies have examined the role of self-talk specifically among female athletes and no known study has measured its effects among female athletes at the NCAA Division III level. PURPOSE: Examine how NCAA Division III female student athletes describe the role of self-talk in their athletic performance and identify specific ways they perceive self-talk, its functions during training and competition, and its impact on focus, motivation, confidence, and overall performance. METHODS: In the Fall of 2025, modified …

How Do Firefighters Differ Between Years Of Fire Service Experience: Part 1 - Physical Fitness Profiles, Ian Bivins, Michael J. Conner, Jacob A. Mota, Payton Miller, Steven E. Martin, Lisa C. Colvin, Drew Gonzalez

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Firefighters (FF) face a higher risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) due to aging, job-related stress, and irregular physical activity. Years of experience (YXP) in the fire service have been shown to have a unique impact on FF health and performance; however, profiling the differences between those with less or more YXP has not yet been assessed. PURPOSE: To examine years of experience-related differences in conventional physical fitness parameters among FFs. METHODS: Archival data from annual clinical testing of 142 FFs were analyzed. Groups were defined as those with 5 YXP. General linear models (GLM) were used for multivariate …

Under Pressure: Floor-To-Stage Heart Rate Differences In Elite Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Players, Ashley Holland, Dillon Harris, Zachary R. Mcfadden, Steven B. Machek

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Background: The growing Esports industry features high stakes competition and large-scale viewership. Competitors in titles such as Super Smash Bros. Ultimate (SSBU) may experience increased performance anxiety indicators like elevated heart rate especially when placed into spotlighted stage matches, both live streamed and recorded in front of a live audience. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine if heart rate elevations differ between competitive play on stage relative to the floor of a double-elimination style tournament bracket. Methods: Four internationally ranked SSBU players (24±1y; 4M) wore chest-based heart rate monitors throughout a double-elimination bracket.A 2-way (Bracket [Winners, Losers] …

Influence Of Chronotype On Cycling Performance In Simulated 20-Km Time Trials—A Pilot Study, Sabrina Forster, Sascha Schwindling, Chris Abbiss, Fabienne Döringer, Andreas Klütsch, Anne Hecksteden, Tim Meyer

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The chronotype (CT) refers to an individual's diurnal preference towards morningness (M) or eveningness (E). The aim of this study was to determine the influence of chronotype on 20-km cycling performance throughout the day. Seventy-six competitive male cyclists and triathletes completed the Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire to determine chronotype. Only participants categorised as ‘definite’ M- (n = 10) and E-types (n = 7) were included in the study. In a randomised order and separated by 2–7 days, participants performed four self-paced 20-km cycling time trials at four different times of the day (06:00 h, 12:00 h, 18:00 h, 22:00 h). Mental readiness …

Acceleration Battery Predictive Model Utilizing Field-Based Testing, Peterson Bohannon

Master's Theses or Doctor of Nursing Practice

Sprint performance is a foundational determinant of success across multiple track and field events, yet many of the biomechanical and physiological factors underlying performance are typically assessed using laboratory-based tools that are not accessible to most coaches. The purpose of this study was to develop and evaluate a practical, field-based testing model capable of predicting 60 m sprint performance and identifying key performance determinants in sprint and jump athletes.

A cohort of 40 collegiate track and field athletes (ages 18–24) completed a comprehensive testing battery including 30 m acceleration, 30 m fly sprint, standing long jump, standing five-bound, vertical jump, …

Velocity Based Training In Athletic Development, Ross Martin Sangalang

Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers

The foundation of high-level sport performance is the ability to produce and express force rapidly across the task-specific temporal demands of sport. Traditional percentage-based prescription methods have long been used to develop hypertrophy, maximal strength, and power; however, fixed %1RM prescriptions fail to account for daily undulations in athlete readiness, accumulated fatigue, and changes in neuromuscular capacity. Velocity based training (VBT) offers a practical framework to regulate training through measurement of concentric velocity, allowing coaches to more accurately prescribe loads, stringently monitor repetition quality, and precisely regulate fatigue. This review discusses the neuromuscular qualities underpinning success in athletic endeavors, limitations …

Effects Of Ghost Energy Drink On Muscle Strength, Psychomotor Vigilance, And Mood., Jason M. Curtis, Jose J. Rojas, Flavia F. Pereira, Cassandra Evans, Elizabeth Espocito, Alyana Andal Andal, Gavin Poulshock, Hena Thakkar, Taila De Castro, Alexandra Jimenez, Antonio Cristanti, Antonella V. Schwarz, Juan Carlos Santana, Jose Antonio

Journal for Sports Neuroscience

Abstract

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a commercially available energy drink (Ghost®) compared to a caffeine-matched control on measures of mental and physical performance.

Methods: In a randomized, double-blind design, 62 participants were assigned to receive either the energy drink (Ghost®) or a caffeine-matched control (200 mg caffeine). Assessments were conducted at baseline and approximately 45 minutes post-ingestion, including the Psychomotor Vigilance Test (PVT), CNS Tap Test, handgrip strength, and the Profile of Mood States (POMS).

Results: Participant demographics are presented in Table 1. No significant between-group differences were observed for any performance measures. Both groups …

The Use Of Force Plate Technology To Measure Force Production Characteristics In Military Personnel: A Scoping Review Of Methodological Reporting Practices, Peter Ladlow, Kieran M. Lunt, Paul Comfort, Oliver O’Sullivan, Francisco J. Robles-Palazón, Nicholas J. Ripley, John J. Mcmahon, Natalie Masters, Robyn P. Cassidy, Marina De Vecchis, Vanessa Bell, Alexander N. Bennett, Russell J. Coppack

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Force plates have become one of the most frequently used assessment tools in the field of strength and conditioning research and applied practice. Their use for measuring force production characteristics among military personnel is growing. The aim of this scoping review is to: (1) Describe the current evidence base underpinning the use of force plates to assess maximal and rapid lower-limb force production in military in three priority areas; occupational task performance, injury risk profiling, and rehabilitation, (2) Identify potential trends and/or differences by participants’ sex, job role, and/or level of performance in tests, methodologies, and metrics selected, and …

The Menstrual Cycle And Exercise Performance: A Literature Review, Reagan E. Burchill

Honors Thesis

This literature review will examine the current research investigating the relationship between the female menstrual cycle, exercise performance, and exercise instruction. The menstrual cycle is a physiological series of events that includes specific hormones at each stage. These hormones may play a role in how females recover from exercise. This is particularly significant when considering the hormonal fluctuations across the female menstrual cycle, which influence recovery, injury risk, and exercise performance. This could indicate that the suggestions doctors and exercise trainers present to females may not be as beneficial for their health because the research is not specifically tailored to …

Strength And Conditioning Society (Scs) 7th Annual Meeting, Murcia, Spain, 2024, Pedro E. Alcaraz, Konstantinos Spyrou, Anthony J. Blazevich, Tomás T. Freitas, Elena Marín-Cascales, Aarón Manzanares Serrano

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

On behalf of the Strength and Conditioning Society (SCS), we are pleased to present the abstracts submitted for the SCS 7th Annual Meeting. The event was held at the Universidad Católica de Murcia (UCAM) headquarters in Murcia, Spain, on 9–11 October 2024, and comprised several invited sessions by international and national speakers on a variety of topics related to biochemistry and exercise physiology, strength and conditioning practices and their application to health, injury prevention, and sports performance. These included strength training in high-performance sports, sport science and training–competition load management in elite environments, biochemistry and exercise physiology and prescription, nutrition …

The Relationship Between Individualised Speed Thresholds And Changes In Aerobic Fitness In Elite Professional Youth Soccer Players. A Case Study, Ronan Kavanagh, Kevin Mcdaid, David Rhodes, Jill Alexander, Damian Harper, Rafael Oliveira, Kieran Berry, Mark Connor, Piotr Zmijewski, Ryland Morgans

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: This study aimed to examine the dose-response relationship between training load and aspects of physical fitness in English Premier League (EPL) U23 soccer players. Materials and Methods: Seven male EPL U23 outfield soccer players (age 20.1±1.1 years) participated in this study and performed the Bronco test on five occasions within one season. Individualised running thresholds were employed using maximal aerobic speed (MAS), anaerobic speed reserve (ASR) and maximal sprint speed (MSS) values utilising a GPS system. Results: No significant differences in the Bronco performance between the tests (p > 0.05, ES = 0.101) were observed. Distance covered above 30% …

The Effect Of 6-Weeks Of Yoga Training On Measures Of Health & Performance In Sedentary Individuals, Jaykuvarba D. Kher, Brett W. Crossland, Dr. Frank B. Wyatt, Khushbu M. Desai

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Yoga is a part of complementary and alternative medicine aimed at improving overall physical well-being. Yoga is a relatively new treatment approach often used in evidence-based exercise practice. It is known that aerobic exercises like walking, jogging, running, and cycling have beneficial effects on respiratory and cardiovascular systems. While yoga is not entirely an aerobic exercise, previous research justifies the benefits of yoga training on multiple systems of the human body. PURPOSE: Previous research has found a positive effect of Hatha Yoga practice on diseased populations. Minimal research supports the use of Hatha Yoga to increase makers of aerobic …

Metabolic Effects Of R-1,3-Butanediol (Ketone-Iq) During Aerobic And Anaerobic Exercise Bouts, Mathew C. Soto, Andrew J. Jakiel, Latt Mansor, Jenica D. Alvarez, Ashley M. Bruce, Blake Podsen, Sabrina R. Fordham, Parker N. Hyde

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology Volume 6: Issue 1, Article 1, 2025. BACKGROUND: Current evidence demonstrates the efficacy of low carbohydrate/high fat ketogenic diets as it related to exercise. Exogenous ketone supplements have made it possible to ingest ketone molecules, elevating blood b-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) despite consuming carbohydrates (CHO). The purpose of this investigation was to determine both metabolic and performance effects of R-1,3-butanediol (BDO). METHODS: A randomized repeated measures placebo-controlled design was used to compare BDO and placebo (PLA). Each phase of testing utilized two primary testing days: 1) a dose exposure day designed to determine blood metabolite changes …

The Interplay Between Injury And Body Composition With Performance In Police Recruits, Vanessa Sutton

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

The occupational demands of policing are challenging and potentially hazardous, with substantial rates of musculoskeletal injuries occurring during recruit training. Academy injury prevalence can be as high as one in five recruits. Injuries impact performance, result in lost training, and impose financial burdens on police agencies. However, limited research has explored pre-injury body composition or musculoskeletal characteristics in relation to police recruit performance. This thesis investigates injuries, body composition and musculoskeletal characteristics in physical performance and injury risk among law enforcement recruits.

Study One quantified prevalence and severity of pre-academy injuries and association with performance. Among 121 recruits, nearly half …

College Athlete Workload Management To Improve Performance, Brody Reid

Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers

Load management is an often used and misunderstood term within the realm of sport science. It has been described as the reason behind numerous soft tissue injuries as well as being the reason star athletes sit on the bench for games. This review aims to synthesize the existing literature regarding the workload management paradox within sport. Seminal work in this topic has been gathered mostly by Tim Gabbett in the paper “The Injury Prevention Paradox” where a relationship between fitness gain and fatigue accrued is outlined. This theory was first proposed by Roger Bannister in 1975. This paper …

The Effects Of Low And Moderate Caffeine Doses On Cardiorespiratory Responses During Graded Exercise, Spencer Hadfield, Andrew Creer, Alec Okelberry, Daniel Odongo, Dalan Stanford, Hayden Turley, Sydney Norwood, Nicolas Clark

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Caffeine is a commonly used ergogenic aid known to influence cardiopulmonary exercise test outcomes. However, more research is needed to explore the effects of different dosages and the timing of measurements after intake. PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the influence of low and moderate doses of caffeine on cardiorespiratory outcomes during a graded exercise test. Specifically, the study examined the impact of 2.5 mg/kg and 5 mg/kg caffeine ingestion, measured 30 minutes after intake, on variables such as VO2, ventilation (VE), tidal volume (VT), respiratory frequency (RF), heart rate (HR), and power output (PO) at various exercise intensities: rest, …

Race Smart, Finish Strong: Pacing Secrets For The Boston Marathon, Luke Vankeersbilck, Jared Steele, William Bradley Nelson, Iain Hunter

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Much of the literature on marathon pacing is based on flat courses often neglecting the impact of terrain. Runners are often advised to run an even effort throughout a marathon, but it is difficult to establish optimal paces for a hilly race like the Boston Marathon. PURPOSE: This study created a model for effectively pacing the Boston Marathon intending to optimize individual performance. METHODS: 121 runners (72 female, 49 male qualifiers, ages 18-30) entered in the 2023 Boston Marathon participated. Finish times and split times were taken from the official Boston Marathon website, with entry times collected via …

Pilot Study: The Effect Of Weight Belts And Lifting Straps On Conventional Deadlift Performance, Adam Zeidan, Christian Rogacion, Mason Caragao, Braeden Kraft, Kevin A. Valenzuela, Evan E. Schick

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Weight belts and lifting straps are frequently worn when performing deadlifts for their ergogenic advantages, but no prior research has examined their effects. Purpose: The pilot study investigated the effects of weight belts and lifting straps on deadlift performance variables. Methods: One male subject participated (age 26 years, 78kg, 1.73M) in four separate days, performing conventional deadlifts (CDL) under varying conditions. On day one, the subject performed the CDL without weight belts and lifting straps (RAW). The remaining sessions were randomized between using a weight belt only (BO), lifting straps only (SO), or both weight belt and lifting …

The Effect Of Beetroot Juice Supplementation Dose On Neuromuscular Performance During Resistance Exercise, Raymond T. Gerardo, Isabella G. Lincoln, Keonabelle P. Paniagua, Justin M. Foster, Lauren E. Wideen, Nathan J. Ornelas, Isaac Tchaprazian, Jeffrey Li, Michael Egiazarian, Adam Pennell, Rachel Tan

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Nitrate-rich beetroot juice may have more pronounced ergogenic effects on exercise that requires high-power and high-velocity muscle contraction; however, the efficacy of, and the optimal dosing for nitrate to enhance resistance exercise performance is unknown. PURPOSE: To assess whether nitrate elicits dose-dependent ergogenic effects during a battery of resistance exercises in resistance-trained men. METHODS: Eighteen resistance-trained men were assigned in a randomized, double-blind, crossover design to consume 280 ml nitrate-depleted beetroot juice (PL; negligible nitrate), 70 ml nitrate-rich beetroot juice and 210 ml nitrate-depleted beetroot juice (BR-LOW; ~6.5 mmol nitrate), 140 ml nitrate-rich beetroot juice and 140ml nitrate-depleted …

Lower Extremity Muscle Volume As A Prediction For Sprint Speed In Collegiate Football Players, Malorie Wilwand, Joshua Sponbeck, Steven P. Allen, Greg Snow, Iain Hunter, Aaron W. Johnson

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Sprinting is a crucial component of success in American football regardless of the position group. PURPOSE: To evaluate the relationship between muscle volume (MV) of the lower body muscles and sprint performance among different AF position groups. METHODS: This was a secondary analysis from the HAMIR study. The study included NCAA Division I AF players aged 18 and older who were active on the roster and not injured at the time of data collection. Positions were grouped as follows: the combo group (linebackers and tight ends), the big group (offensive and defensive linemen), and the skill group (defensive …

Rapid Weight Changes And Competitive Outcomes In Muay Thai And Mixed Martial Arts: A 14-Month Study Of 24 Combat Sports Events, Colin S. Doherty, Lauren V. Fortington, Oliver R. Barley

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

This study investigates the rapid weight loss (RWL) and rapid weight gain (RWG) of contest winners and losers from Muay Thai (MT) and mixed martial arts (MMA) events. The relationship between rapid weight change variables of males and females, and competitive success is also examined. Data from a weight management questionnaire was collected one day post-competition from 185 participants across 24 fight events, resulting in 263 responses (MMA: n = 78, MT: n = 185). Official and secondary weigh-in data were provided by the Combat Sports Commission. The results show that in MT, contest winners compared to losers had significantly …

The Role Of Pennation Angle And Architectural Gearing To Rate Of Force Development In Dynamic And Isometric Muscle Contractions, Bas Van Hooren, Per Aagaard, Andrea Monte, Anthony J. Blazevich

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Associations between muscle architecture and rate of force development (RFD) have been largely studied during fixed-end (isometric) contractions. Fixed-end contractions may, however, limit muscle shape changes and thus alter the relationship between muscle architecture an RFD. Aim: We compared the correlation between muscle architecture and architectural gearing and knee extensor RFD when assessed during dynamic versus fixed-end contractions. Methods: Twenty-two recreationally active male runners performed dynamic knee extensions at constant acceleration (2000°s−2) and isometric contractions at a fixed knee joint angle (fixed-end contractions). Torque, RFD, vastus lateralis muscle thickness, and fascicle dynamics were compared during 0–75 and 75–150 ms …

Scs 6th Annual Meeting—Eevfa—11th International Congress Of Biochemistry And Physiology Of Exercise, Athens, Greece, 2023, Pedro E. Alcaraz, Elena Marín-Cascales, Anthony J. Blazevich, Tomás T. Freitas, Olyvia Donti, Konstantinos Spyrou, Gregory C. Bogdanis

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

On behalf of the Strength and Conditioning Society (SCS) and the Hellenic Society of Biochemistry and Exercise Physiology (EEVFA), we are pleased to present the abstracts of the SCS 6th Annual Meeting and EEVFA—11th International Congress of Biochemistry and Physiology of Exercise. The event was held at the Hellenic Olympic Committee headquarters in Athens, Greece, on 19–22 October 2023, and comprised several invited sessions from international and national speakers on a variety of topics related to biochemistry and exercise physiology, strength and conditioning practices and their application to health, injury prevention and sports performance. These included strength training in high-performance …

Kinetic And Kinematic Effect Of Flag-Carrying On Referee Agility And Sprinting Performance, William Reed

Master's Theses

Within competitive soccer, assistant referees are expected to keep up with the top speed of players on the field, despite being hindered mechanically by a flag held down at their side. This ability to keep up with speed-of-play can determine effectiveness of calls on the field, yet while being tested, referees are not required to replicate the game-like state of flag-carrying. The purpose of this study was to examine kinetic and kinematic effects of flag-carrying within sprinting and change-of-direction performance in assistant referees to better inform training programs and testing protocols. 18 male referees (mean age 32.11 ± 9.08 years) …

The Effects Of Blue Light Exposure On Measures Of Lower-Body Strength And Power, Noah Reinertz, Brett Crossland Dr, Rigby B. Rhett, Alvis Hunter

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Recently blue light exposure at night has received negative attention due to its ability to interrupt the sleep-wake cycle through reducing melatonin production and increasing alertness. However, when individuals are exposed to blue light in the morning a number of positive benefits have been observed such as; decreases in depressive symptoms, increases in cognitive function, decreases in reaction time, and increases in alertness. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine if blue light exposure in the early morning was capable of increasing measures of lower-body strength and power. METHODS: A repeated measures crossover design was used …

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 …

The Physiological And Performance Consequences Of The Australian Special Forces Selection Course, Angela Uphill

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

Special Forces (SF) soldiers are the most elite element of military forces, who have undergone rigorous training in order to prepare them for a wide array of specialised missions. In Australia, entry into the SF is determined through the highly competitive SF Selection Course (SF-SC), which is a gruelling program involving extreme physical demands, psychological stress, and restricted access to sleep and nutrition. The stressors involved in arduous military training events such as the SF-SC can result in significant losses of fat mass and lean mass, disruption to hormonal homeostasis, and significant decreases in neuromuscular capacity, which can potentially increase …

Change In Sprint Cycling Torque Is Not Associated With Change In Isometric Force Following Six Weeks Of Sprint Cycling And Resistance Training In Strength-Trained Novice Cyclists, Shannon Connolly, Peter Peeling, Martyn J. Binnie, Paul S.R. Goods, Wouter P. Timmerman, Toni Haddad, Chris R. Abbiss

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Strong relationships exist between sprint cycling torque and isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP) force production at one timepoint; however, the relationships between the changes in these measures following a training period are not well understood. Accordingly, this study examined the relationships in the changes of sprint cycling torque and IMTP force following six-weeks of sprint cycling and resistance training performed by strength-trained novice cyclists (n = 14). Cycling power, cadence, torque and IMTP force (Peak force [PF]/torque, average and peak rate of force/torque development [RFD/RTD], and RFD/RTD from 0 to 100 ms and 0–200 ms) were assessed before and after training. …

Recovery From Sport-Induced Muscle Damage In Relation To Match-Intervals In Major Events, Kazunori Nosaka, Trevor C. Chen

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Muscle damage could affect the next match performance in sports when the time to recover from a previous match is shorter. We examined the interval between matches in nine team sports (e.g., soccer, rugby, field hockey, basketball, volleyball, baseball) and two racket sports (badminton, tennis) in World Cups held in 2022-2023, 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games and Gland Slam in 2023. We then performed narrative review using three electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar) to get information about muscle damage and recovery in the 11 sports, and discussed whether the intervals in the events would be enough for athletes. We found …

The Cardiorespiratory Differences Between Physically Trained Vs Untrained Collegiate Competitive Riffle Athletes, Jakob Rankin

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

This research study will examine the differences in cardiorespiratory response of trained vs untrained physically active collegiate athletes participating in the sport of Competitive Rifle. The goal of this study is to determine how the heart and lungs respond from participation in Competitive Rifle with division one collegiate and intercollegiate club athletes. If successful, this study will help to determine a correlation of athletic performance in the sport of Competitive Rifle and structured physical training. We will also compare the results of males vs females within both division one and club athletes. The final output of this project is to …