Sports Sciences Commons^™

Effects Of Hydrogen-Infused Water On Endurance Performance, Body Hydration Biomarkers, And Health-Related Quality Of Life In Collegiate Athletes (Hydro2eau): A Randomized-Controlled Clinical Trial, Jovan Kuzmanovic, Nikola Todorovic, Marijana Ranisavljev, David Nedeljkovic, Sergej M. Ostojic

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: Hydrogen-infused water (HIW) has attracted considerable interest over the past two decades due to its potential health benefits. However, its effects on exercise performance and hydration biomarkers remain inadequately explored, particularly in physically active populations such as collegiate athletes. This study aimed to investigate the impact of medium-term HIW supplementation on running performance, hydration biomarkers, and health-related quality of life in collegiate athletes. Methods: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial was conducted with twelve collegiate athletes (age: 25.1 ± 3.5 years, six female). Participants consumed 660 mL daily of either HIW (300 µmol/L dihydrogen) or control water (0 µmol/L …

Footwear Matters: Speed And Barefoot Running Enhance Medial Gastrocnemius Emg, Kaleb M. Luna, Bryon C. Applequist

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Barefoot running alters foot strike mechanics and may change lower-extremity muscle demands compared to shod running, particularly at different speeds. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of footwear (barefoot vs. shod) and running speed (preferred vs. +20%) on normalized electromyographic (EMG) amplitude of the medial gastrocnemius (MG) and tibialis anterior (TA) in recreational runners. METHODS: Five healthy recreational runners completed treadmill running trials at preferred speed and +20% preferred speed in barefoot and shod conditions. Bilateral surface EMG was recorded from MG and TA (1500 Hz). Signals were bandpass filtered (20–450 Hz), rectified, …

Calculation Of A Conversion Factor To Estimate Anaerobic Energy In Trained Men And Women Runners, Austin B. Shaw, Ethan J. Hein, Brady C. Mclain, Jacob L. Mcnary, Sarah E. Deemer, Lydia K. Caldwell, David W. Hill

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Accurate quantification of anaerobic energy contribution is crucial for sport performance and bioenergetics research. A recently popularized method estimates anaerobic contribution and capacity from a single exercise test by multiplying post-exercise blood lactate by an oxygen equivalent (O₂–Eq–Lac; historically 2.7–3.3 mL·kg^–1·mM^–1). Foundational studies have empirically derived this conversion factor across modalities: two have reported 3.0–3.3 mL·kg^–1·mM^–1 for running, two have obtained 2.7 mL·kg^–1·mM^–1 for swimming, and one has determined 3.0 mL·kg^–1·mM^–1 for cycling. These studies are based on physiological assumptions (e.g., the caloric equivalent …

Effect Of Gait Retraining In Minimalist Footwear Or Barefoot On Running Footstrike And Cadence: A Systematic Review, John Desrochers, Alexis Chow, David Rubin, Altamash Raja

Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine Departmental Research

Gait retraining programs take a structured approach to altering a runner's gait, often with the goal of decreasing footstrike angle and increasing cadence, as these outcomes have been correlated to a reduced rate of injury and optimal performance. Minimalist footwear, or running barefoot entirely, has been explored as a tool for gait adjustment in runners, largely due to the increased feedback from ground forces experienced by the runner. This systematic review aims to decipher the effect of gait retraining with minimalist footwear or barefoot running on footstrike angle and cadence. The comparison group included runners that underwent gait retraining in …

How Strong Is Strong Enough? Assessing When Physical Performance Tests Cease To Be Predictive Of Sprint Performance In Trained Football Players, Shayne Vial, Mark Scanlan, Philipp Beranek, Daniel Kadlec, Oliver R. Barley, Jodie Cochrane Wilkie

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Vial, S, Scanlan, M, Beranek, P, Kadlec, D, Barley, OR, and Cochrane Wilkie, J. How strong is strong enough? Assessing when physical performance tests cease to be predictive of sprint performance in trained football players. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2025 - Quantifying underlying capacities of sprint performance are useful for monitoring training and guiding interventions. Traditional statistical techniques, such as correlation and regression analyses, have been widely used to model relationships between physical capacity and sprint performance. However, these methods often assume linearity, potentially oversimplifying complex, nonlinear interactions, and generalizing group-level data that may misrepresent individual trends. For …

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 …

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 …

Relationship Between Posterior Tibial Artery Blood Flow And Lower Leg Flexibility Among Collegiate Runners, Jeffrey Williams, Megan Battles, Rachel Bowden, Cameron Greene, Arbin Thapaliya, Justin Stanek

Journal of Sports Medicine and Allied Health Sciences: Official Journal of the Ohio Athletic Trainers Association

Purpose: Understanding relationships between blood flow and muscle inflexibility in the lower leg can support improved healthcare competency. Sports medicine practitioners might use the reference ranges and knowledge of relationships among these variables to support effective health screenings among their competitive runners. These variables have been linked in other areas of the body where inflexibility in the pectoralis minor and scalene muscles have been associated with diminished blood flow to the upper limb. No studies, however, have examined the relationship between vascular and mobility characteristics in the lower legs of runners. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine …

Acute Ingestion Of Dark Chocolate Fails To Affect Running Economy In Recreational Female Runners, Bianca J. De Lucia, Beau Kjerulf Greer, Christopher B. Taber

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology Volume 5: Issue 1, Article 1, 2024. Ingestion of dark chocolate (DC), a dietary source high in flavanols, may increase nitric oxide bioavailability. Elevating blood nitric oxide concentrations may augment metabolic efficiency by reducing the amount of oxygen or energy needed to perform a given task. Utilizing a crossover design, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of acute ingestion of DC on running economy (RE). Nineteen recreationally trained females (age: 20±1 years) volunteered for this investigation, with 16 completing all procedures (n = 16). Two-hours before RE assessment, participants consumed …

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 …

Footwear Selection, Foot Type, And Running Biomechanics Of Male Distance Runners With Previous Running Related Injury: A Case Series, Diego Castro I. Diaz

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

With the rise in popularity of running, running shoe companies have researched and designed several models aimed at the purpose of providing comfort and aiding in the decrease of running related injuries. Technology was developed for running shoes to control forefoot and rearfoot impact forces and rearfoot motion during running. However, there is no overwhelming evidence supporting the notion that footwear corresponding to foot type leads to a decrease in running injuries. Thus, the purpose of this study was to describe footwear selection, foot type, and running biomechanics in previously injured male distance runners. Six total participants completed this case …

The Effectiveness Of Running Power As A Metric Of Exercise Intensity During Running Interval Training, Eric A. Lambert, Dustin W. Davis, Matahn Blank, Tashari A. Carballo, Elias M. Malek, Kathryn Lei A. Lavin, Thea Sweder, Nicole Argueta, Marcus M. Lawrence, James W. Navalta, Jeffrey Cowley

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Wearable power meters are increasingly popular among runners with Coros and Stryd offering running power as a real-time, trackable of a metric. PURPOSE: This study compared running power (RP) to physiological measures, heart rate (HR) and oxygen consumption (VO₂), across high and low intensity running intervals. METHODS: Thirteen adult participants (n = 6 male; height = 174.9 ± 6.9 cm; mass = 72.5 ± 12.0 kg) were equipped with a Stryd 27 RP meter, a Polar H10 HR monitor, and a Cosmed K5 portable metabolic unit. Participants’ self-selected RP was obtained during a 10-min run on …

Comparing Muscle Oxygenation And Maximal Blood Lactate Concentration In Middle-Distance Athletes: A Speed Reserve Ratio Analysis, Braeden Kraft, Ayla Kraft, Kurt A. Escobar, Evan E. Schick, Joshua A. Cotter

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Middle-distance running is a unique discipline that utilizes both aerobic and anaerobic abilities, resulting in a physiologically diverse athlete population. This diversity in athlete makeup underscores the necessity for precise physiological profiling methods to improve individualized training and race strategy approaches. While the Speed Reserve Ratio (SRR) has garnered attention as an accurate and effective tool in athlete profiling, skeletal muscle oxygenation (SmO2) and blood lactate also have shown potential in this field. However, the effectiveness of these biomarkers in middle-distance populations, especially in conjunction with SRR, is less understood. PURPOSE: This research aims to understand the relationships between …

Biomechanical Indicators Of Steeplechase Hurdle Success, Luke Vankeersbilck, Luke Johnston, Iain Hunter

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

The steeplechase is a long-distance running event that requires competitors to jump over 28 hurdles and 7 water jumps over the course of the race. This frequent jumping means that hurdling technique is important and the ability to maintain speed over the barriers can help a runner succeed. PURPOSE: To determine which variables predict maintenance of speed while hurdling in the steeplechase. METHODS: Data were collected at the USATF outdoor championships and Olympic Trials from 2011 to 2023 for both men and women. A Sony video camera running at 120 Hz was used to evaluate several aspects of …

Running To The Beat: Does Listening To Music Affect Running Cadence And Lower Extremity Biomechanics?, Carolyn Meinerz, Jessica M. Fritz, Janelle A. Cross, Cody C. Dziuk, Kristof Kipp, Carole Vetter

Exercise Science Faculty Research and Publications

Background

Gait retraining can be effective in altering lower extremity biomechanics and reducing risk of injury. In attempts to alter running gait, previous studies used metronomes to manipulate cadence.

Research question

The aim of this study was to determine if manipulating running cadence via music could alter lower extremity biomechanics.

Methods

Eighteen runners ran at a self-selected speed (SS) and ran to music where the beats per minute (bpm) of the songs was increased by 5% (+5%) and 10% (+10%). Kinematic and kinetic data were collected with a motion capture system and a triaxial accelerometer. A one-way repeated measures analysis …

Running Marathons In High School: A 5-Year Review Of Injury In A Structured Training Program, Mary A. Kennedy, Lauren V. Fortington, Matt Penney, Nicolas H. Hart, Pierre A. D’Hemecourt, Dai Sugimoto

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Objective: The aim in this study was to quantify the number, nature, and severity of injuries sustained by male and female high school students who took part in a running training program that culminated in the completion of a half or full marathon. Design: This study is a retrospective clinical audit. Methods: Injury reports from high school students (grades 9 – 12) who participated in a half or full marathon 30-week progressive training program comprising four training days per week (three running days and one cross-training day) were reviewed. The number of runners completing a marathon, together with the number, …

Changes In Running Biomechanics In Master Runners Over Age 50: A Systematic Review, Matthew Klein, Chris Patterson

Faculty Publications - College of Physical Therapy

The number of individuals over 50 years of age participating in recreational and competitive running has increased over the past ten years. It has been established that older runners experience a reduction in strength and power. These changes may contribute to different running biomechanics from younger runners. The pur-pose of this study was to synthesise the current evidence on run-ning biomechanical differences in the lower extremity between masters runners over 50 years and younger runners under 40 years. The systematic data search included CINAHL, MEDLINE, and SPORTDiscus databases. Fourteen cross-sectional studies that com-pared lower extremity biomechanics of masters runners to …

Three-Dimensional Visualization And Mechanical Assessment Of The Human Running Gait, John A. Leske Ii

Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers

This thesis had two goals; 1) the development of an anatomically accurate visualization tool capable of illustrating high-speed 3D kinematic data, and 2) to rigorously evaluate the accuracy and capacity of the visualization tool by measuring the joint moments, net extensor muscle forces, and effective mechanical advantage in a group of sprinters running across the range of human speeds. Our visualization tool successfully integrates these complexities, pinpointing a location within 1.3 mm in a volume of 0.87 m x 2.00 m x 1.98 m, and accurately reproduces the observed movement trajectories of the subject's anatomical landmarks. Our approach was successful …

The Relationship Between Gluteus Maximus Activation And Running Economy In Recreational Distance Runners, Carlos Hernandez

Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects

Within the running community, there are strategies that a trainer will utilize to improve the performance of an athlete. One of these strategies suggests that an increase in activation of the Gluteus Maximus (GM) muscle will result in an increase in the efficiency of runners. The primary purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between GM activation and running economy (RE).

Methods: Three female and seven male recreational runners (27±8 yrs) from California Polytechnic State University, Humboldt and the local community. A Pearson product-correlation was used to determine the strength of the relationship between Gluteus Maximus activation and …

Joint Angle Calculations Using Motion Capture And Deep Learning Pose Estimation While Running, Luke Vankeersbilck, Isaac Hedengren, Mcgyver Clark, Iain Hunter

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Marker based motion capture is currently the most accurate method of measuring human kinematics; however, it is expensive and is often limited to lab environments making it unsuitable for many applications. Two-dimensional methods are available through open source code, but it is unclear which of these methods provides the greatest accuracy. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to quantify the accuracy of pose estimation from a monocular electro-optical sensor with deep learning to infer segment end points and pose estimation utilizing two open-source code approaches. METHODS: One subject ran at 6.5 m/s for 15 s while being …

Effect Of Air Resistance On Braking And Propulsive Impulses During Treadmill Running., Luke Johnston, Jared Steele, Luke Vankeersbilck, Iain Hunter

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Treadmill running is a convenient option for runners looking to avoid adverse environmental conditions or that prefer a gym setting. Outdoor running includes air resistance, whereas treadmill running typically does not. Very little research has been focused on the influence of air resistance and its role on kinetic factors during running. PURPOSE: To determine how anterior/posterior impulses change due to air resistance during two different treadmill speeds. METHODS: A wind tunnel was placed 0.61m from the edge of a force instrumented treadmill (Bertec, Boston, MA) while attempting to run 1.12m from the opening of it. Seven subjects ran …

Novel Application Of A Performance Prediction Model During Altered Running Gait Strategies, Oluchi Ibe, Robert Musci, Jenevieve L. Roper

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Currently, there is limited research demonstrating that gait retraining can significantly impact running economy and subsequent running performance in distance runners with most of the research showing no or minimal change. Recently, a novel model was developed that predicts running performance based on changes in running economy but has not previously been applied when altering running gait strategies. PURPOSE: The goal of the study was to determine the effect of altering running strategy on predicted running performance in distance runners through application of this novel prediction model. METHODS: Fifteen male (n=10; Age: 22.2 ± 4.9 years; Height: 177.7 ± 7.4 …

Performance Gap Between Men And Women In Ironman Triathlons, Sara D. Glaser, Caio V. Sousa Dr.

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

PURPOSE: The increased participation and performance improvement of women in Ironman triathlons (IM) have been showing that the performance gap with men is shorter than ever. Thus, this study aimed to explore this performance gap by discipline (swimming, cycling, and running) and age-groups. METHODS: Publicly available data from all IM events from 2002 to 2022 were used for this analysis. Each performance variable (swimming, cycling, running, and overall) were included as dependent variables in general linear model with gender and category (elite, age-groups) as independent factors. The effect size (Cohen’s d and delta percentage) was calculated for every “male vs. …

Assessing The Validity Of A Performance Prediction Model For Use With Gait Retraining, Christian Faltas, Robert Musci, Jenevieve L. Roper

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

A common strategy that athletic trainers and high-performance athletes use to manage and treat running-related injuries is gait retraining. However, the research is equivocal on how gait retraining can affect running economy and subsequent running performance in distance runners. A new prediction model was developed that predicts running performance based on oxygen consumption changes, however, it is unclear if this model is valid and can accurately be used to predict running performance as a result of gait retraining. PURPOSE: The goal of the study was to determine the validity of the performance prediction model, particularly when applied to gait …

Let The Rhythm Move You: A Scoping Review Of Music And Athletic Performance, Gabriel Zapata, Zakkoyya Lewis, Edward Jo Dr., Minhyuk Kwon

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

PURPOSE: Numerous athletes utilize music to train, warm-up, and during competition. Listening to music during sport activity can capture attention, distract from fatigue and comfort, alter mood state, relieve stress, and evoke a sense of power. The purpose of this study is to examine the literature to determine the impact of music on athletic performance. METHODS: Three databases were searched in September 2022. These included PubMed, Science Direct, Taylor & Francis Online, and the California State Polytechnic University Pomona OneSearch, which indexes over 20 databases within the field of exercise science. Articles that described an intervention program that …

Predictors Of Ncaa Division I Women’S And Men’S Cross-Country Performance, Mac John Carder Iii

Student Theses and Dissertations

Division I cross country (XC) running has many factors that influence performance and is extremely difficult to predict. Consequently, coaches often struggle to identify performance potential in athletes. In this study, personal best race times, VO2max, triceps skinfold, and a series of counter movement jump assessments were performed by female (n=15) and male (n=17) NCAA XC runners to predict XC performance. Simple regression modeling identified 3200-m high school (HS) personal best (PB) time as best predictor for men’s 8-km performance (r = 0.85; p = 0.005, SEE = ± 0.65 min). For women, a model including triceps skinfold, vertical jump, …

The Effects Of A Carbohydrate Hydrogel Beverage On Gastrointestinal Symptoms And Running Performance In Comparison To Conventional Carbohydrate Beverages, Nicholas Minichiello

Masters Theses, 2020-current

PURPOSE: The utilization of hydrogel technology allows carbohydrate beverages to form a gel in the acidic environment of the stomach, potentially enhancing gastric emptying. However, few studies have researched the effects of these beverages on gastrointestinal (GI) tolerance and exercise performance; there is minimal data in a variety of exercise conditions and/or beverage ingestion rates. The purpose of the present study was to assess the effects of a 80 g/h of maltodextrin-fructose hydrogel (MF-H) beverage versus conventional carbohydrate sources on GI symptoms and running performance. METHODS: eight distance runners (26 ± 5 y; VO_2max = 65 ± 7 ml/kg/min) …

Parkinson's Disease And Exercise: Steps Into A Hopeful Future, Jacob Barker

Spring Showcase for Research and Creative Inquiry

In the world of medicine and disease interventions, exercise is too often underlooked as a viable form of treatment or complementary treatment to medication. This is especially true with Parkinson’s Disease, a disease that attacks the basal ganglia of the brain and impairs neuromuscular function. In my analysis, I read a perspective from a PD patient, Gerry Hill, who has struggled with the disease himself and how he used physical activity to aid in his battle with the disease for both physical and psychological aid. Additionally, I performed research to understand how exercise benefits function within the brain. Aerobic exercise, …

Epidemiology Of Ncaa Track And Field Injuries From 2010 To 2014, Chris Hopkins, Joel Williams, Mitchell J. Rauh, Lu Zhang

Open Access Fund Publications

Background:

Track and field (T&F) athletes compete in a variety of events that require different skills and training characteristics. Descriptive epidemiology studies often fail to describe event-specific injury patterns.

Purpose:

To describe the epidemiology of injuries in National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) T&F by sex, setting (practice vs competition), and time of season (indoor vs outdoor) and to compare injury patterns by events within the sport.

Study Design:

Descriptive epidemiology study.

Methods:

Data were obtained from the NCAA Injury Surveillance Program for all indoor and outdoor T&F injuries during the academic years 2009-2010 to 2013-2014. Injury rates, injury rate ratios, …

Lower Extremity Joint Stiffness During Running In Adolescents With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Lauren A. Luginsland Ms, Justin A. Haegele Phd, Hunter J. Bennett Phd

College of Education & Professional Studies (Darden) Posters

During late adolescence, children undergo rapid skeletal growth changes leaving the child more vulnerable to injury during physical activity. This is consistent for autistic youth, who reportedly enjoy individual activities, such as running, more than team-based sports [1-3]. Inadequate joint stiffness is one of several factors that may influence injury risk [4]. The purpose of this study was to examine lower extremity joint stiffness in autistic and non-autistic matched controls at self-selected and matched running speeds.

Twenty-two persons with a confirmed autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis and seventeen age, sex, and body mass index controls (CON) were enrolled into the …