Sports Sciences Commons^™

Examination Of Eating Disorder Risks And Body Image Dissatisfaction Among Division Iii Student-Athletes, Maddie Wisener

Masters Theses/Capstone Projects

Eating disorders (ED) and pathogenic behaviors are prevalent concerns among collegiate athletes due to performance pressures and body image expectations. This cross-sectional study examined the risk of ED among 243 student-athletes (Males: 54.9%, Females: 44.3%, Non-Binary: 0.4%) at a private institution in the Midwest. The convenience sample included student-athletes from baseball, basketball, cheerleading, cross country, football, golf, lacrosse, soccer, softball, tennis, track, volleyball, and wrestling teams. The participants were given a demographic survey, the Eating Attitudes Test-26, and Sex-Specific Figural Stimuli Silhouettes to assess eating behaviors and perceived and desired body images. Overall, 22.1% of participants were at risk for …

Impact Of Menstrual Cycle Phase On Upper Extremity Function, Emma D. Cochran, Kaitlyn M. Armstrong

Honors Theses

Abstract

The Impact of Menstrual Cycle Phase on Upper Extremity Function

Background: There has been a significant rise in the number of female athletes participating across the spectrum of sports. While there are a multitude of research studies looking at physiology in sports on performance, training methods, and injuries; this research is general across genders. When it comes to female-specific physiology concerning training and injuries, there is little research. One such gender-specific physiological focus is the menstrual cycle in the female population. The literature suggests changes in joint laxity and muscle repair throughout the various phases of the menstrual cycle, …

Breaking Barriers: Exploring The Impact Of Social Media On Women's Behaviors, Attitudes, And Barriers In The Free-Weights Room, Kate Jensen

Master's Theses

The purpose of this study was to determine social media’s impact on women’s habits and attitudes on the weight-room area of a college recreation center. Using non-experimental quantitative methods, the frequency and type of weightroom use by women was measured, as well as the type and frequency of fitness-focused social media use.

Does Limb Specialization In Track And Field Introduce Asymmetry In Dynamic Stability?, Aaron X. Jones

Master's Theses

Time to stabilization (TTS) represents the time it takes for a person to become still after a hop landing. Lower times suggest greater dynamic stability. Whereas leg dominance (preference) does not seem to have a significant impact on TTS performance in the general healthy populations, limb specialization in sport may introduce asymmetry. This study compares TTS following forward hops in healthy male controls (N = 19) to varsity DIII Track & Field athletes (N = 20). Groups were equal for height, but the athlete group’s average limb length (106.7 ± 5.5 cm) was greater than the control group (101.5 ± …

Menstruation Cycles And The Impact On A Female Athlete's Performance And Perception Of Performance, Mckenzie Mcaloon

Honors Projects in Biological and Biomedical Sciences

This two-part study investigates the impact of menstrual cycle hormone levels on performances and perception of performance among division I athletes. A survey was given to the captains of all Bryant University female sports teams for the dispersal amongst their teams. Each of the 13 female sports teams participated and contributed. A total of 107 survey responses were collected. Data regarding the perception of menstrual cycle on specific aspects of their athletic lives were collected, as well as whether they were on contraception, their age of menarche and heaviness of flow. The results indicate that 83% of athletes surveyed believe …

The Perceived Effect Of The Menstrual Cycle On Sleep, Mood, And Training In Ncaa Di Collegiate Athletes, Rachel Conhoff

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Purpose: This study aimed to understand whether collegiate female athletes perceived that their menstrual cycle influenced sleep, mood, and training. Additionally, it looked to identify which phases of the menstrual cycle (pre-menstruation, menstruation, and post-menstruation) were associated with a positive perception of these three variables. Methods: An online questionnaire was designed and sent out to all NCAA Division I (DI) female athletes whose schools had permitted them to participate in the study. The questionnaire was a novel instrument that assessed the perception of the menstrual cycle on the three variables across the three phases. Inclusion criteria included NCAA DI female …

Time-Of-Day And Chronotype Influence On Cardiorespiratory And Metabolic Responses To Aerobic Exercise, Brian Fardman, Jie Kang, Nicholas Ratamess, Avery Faigenbaum, Jill Bush, Ariselle Vargas, Tyler Andriopoulos, Julia Melao, Eamonn O’Connell, Andrew Duff, Amy Cmielewski, Jena Desalvo, Alexander Johnson, Matthew Watts

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Exercise enhances skeletal muscle metabolism and promotes overall health. However, the time-of-day effect of exercise on physiological responses in humans remains less clear. This study investigated how exercise timing and individual chronotype influence cardiorespiratory and metabolic responses during aerobic exercise. Thirty healthy, young (20.9 ± 1.5 years) adults comprising 15 men and 15 women were recruited and classified using the Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire into morning types (M-types, n = 5), neither types (N-types, n = 20), and evening types (E-types, n = 5). All subjects underwent a V̇o2max test and 2 randomized exercise trials at ∼75% V̇o2max for 30 minutes, 1 …

Sex Differences In Upper- And Lower-Limb Muscle Strength In Children And Adolescents: A Meta-Analysis, James L. Nuzzo, Matheus D. Pinto

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

On average, adult men are physically stronger than adult women. The magnitude of this difference depends on the muscle tested, with larger sex differences observed in upper- than lower-limb muscles. Whether body region-specific sex differences in strength exist in children is unclear. The purpose of the current meta-analysis was to determine whether sex differences in muscle strength in children and adolescents differ between upper- and lower-limb muscles. Data were extracted from studies of participants aged ≤ 17 years who completed tests of maximal isometric or isokinetic strength of upper-limb muscles (e.g., elbow flexors and elbow extensors) or lower-limb muscles (e.g., …

Scoping Review Of Methods Of Monitoring Acute Changes In Lower Body Neuromuscular Function Via Force Plates, Andrew J. Badby, Nicholas J. Ripley, John J. Mcmahon, Peter D. Mundy, Paul Comfort

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Force plates are amongst the most utilised technological apparatus for monitoring acute changes in neuromuscular function in sports. Practitioners apply monitoring strategies to manage neuromuscular fatigue and physical preparedness with valid, reliable, and sensitive measures. The aim of this scoping review was to identify, map, and describe the variety of monitoring procedures which have been previously applied in research (e.g., test and metric selection, data collection, study design, and data analysis procedures). Searches were completed by 24th June 2024. One thousand, nine hundred, and seventy-eight studies were identified across four databases (PubMed, EBSCO, Clarivate web of science, and Ovid). After …

Comparison Of Physical Characteristics Among English Professional And Semi-Professional Soccer Players Across Different Leagues, Nicholas Joel Ripley, Jack Fahey, Paul Jones, Jake Batsford, Paul Sindall, Christopher Bramah, Paul Comfort

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The purpose of the present study was to investigate if differences exist in neuromuscular qualities between different leagues in English male soccer. Twenty soccer players (age: 23.3±5.2 years, stature: 180.3±7.0cm, mass: 82.5±7.7kg) from English football league two (EFL2). 34 soccer players (age: 25.8±4.3 years, stature: 180.9±5.6cm, mass: 81.4±8.6kg) from National league (NL) and 23 soccer players (age: 27.5±4.3 years, stature: 182.1±5.5cm, mass: 84.1±8.0kg) from National league North (NLN). Each player completed three to five repetitions of the countermovement jump (CMJ), countermovement rebound jump (CMJRJ) and isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP). Trivial to small differences were observed in CMJ jump height, CMJ …

Sports Injury Prevention - Epidemiological Analysis Of Concussion Mechanisms In Female Soccer Players: A Review Of Neiss Data (2020–2023), Caroline A. Bertalotto

Health, Human Performance and Recreation Undergraduate Honors Theses

Concussions are a significant concern in women’s soccer, with many studies showing that women have a higher rate of having them than compared to men. The number of concussions in athletes have raised concerns about long-term health and calls for a deeper look into ways to prevent them from occurring. The purpose of this study is to review the epidemiological data related to the mechanisms of concussions as a result of soccer, specifically within female participants. The data was obtained from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) from the years 2020 through 2023. Specifically, the narrative was used to …

Evaluating Coordination And Variability Within Collegiate Basketball Players Using Vector Coding, Minali G. Patton

Master's Theses

The countermovement jump (CMJ) is a popular tool used to assess neuromuscular capabilities and production of power. The literature has also shown the CMJ to assess differences in strategic approaches, and it is common to see the variables countermovement depth, impulse, and ground-reaction force (GRF) curve shapes being used to describe differences in strategy. However, these variables are not descriptive enough to evaluate how individuals are moving at a segmental level. Vector coding, a qualitative analysis of coordination, may be the better answer for assessing differences in strategy from a coordination point of view. Thus, the purpose of this project …

Jump Strategy Changes In Collegiate Women Soccer Players, Madeline Klubertanz

Master's Theses

Countermovement jumps (CMJ) are often utilized to monitor athletes because of their sensitivity to neuromuscular fatigue, which can be seen through assessing jump strategies. The current literature has reported conflicting views on how jump performance is impacted over acute and longitudinal testing. This is likely due to insufficient analyses regarding the impact of fatigue on jump strategy. This study aimed to investigate how the integration of jump strategy metrics and single-subject analysis could provide a better representation of the presence of fatigue among collegiate women soccer players. Eighteen participants were utilized in this study. Participants were required to complete three …

Acute Metabolic, Physiological, And Perceptual Responses To Different Set And Rep Schemes In The Back Squat, Shawn Wayland

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine the acute effects of ecologically valid schemes of sets and repetitions in the back squat during the bout and into recovery. Such understanding is expected to contribute to knowledge of the strength-endurance continuum and differential responses to various training emphases in practical settings. Eleven participants completed back squat protocols consisting of a warm-up followed by either 3 x 2 at 90% of 1RM, 3 x 5 at 82.5% of 1RM, and 3 x 10 at 62.5% of 1RM in a randomized and counterbalanced design. VO2, heart rate (HR), lactate, and RPE were …

The Reliability And Validity Of Accelerometry And Gnss, Christine Coniglio

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation seeks to evaluate the reliability, validity, and utility of accelerometers and GNSS in sport-like scenarios, assess accelerometry-derived metrics and GNSS for distance prediction, and explore how accelerometer placement, specifically chest and back, affect the detection of various locomotor events. In Study I, the purpose was to investigate the accelerometer reliability and predictive capabilities of accelerometers and GNSS to predict a known distance. Thirty physically active female participants (mean height = 163.6 ± 6.8 cm, mean weight = 57.8 ± 8.7 kg) completed jogging trials over two courses (5m and 20m). Each participant wore two tri-axial accelerometers (100Hz) and …

Effectiveness Of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Stretching For Improving Hamstring Flexibility In Athletes: A Critically Appraised Topic, Natalie Turcotte

All Student Scholarship

Introduction/Clinical Scenario

During a clinical rotation as a graduate athletic training student, I worked with collegiate-level football athletes. A common issue frequently observed was hamstring tightness, which often presented with discomfort during activity, limited range of motion, or reduced performance in activities like sprinting, cutting, or kicking. Traditional static and dynamic stretching was part of the daily warm-up routines, but many athletes continued to demonstrate limited hamstring flexibility. In a therapeutic exercise course, Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) stretching, specifically the contract-relax technique, was introduced as a method to improve flexibility by targeting both the contractile and reflexive components of muscle …

Quality Improvement Report On Self-Guided Rehabilitation Programs For Athletes In Secondary Settings, Matthew Romano Ats

All Student Scholarship

Background:

Secondary school athletic training rooms are often challenged by limited staffing and high athlete volumes, leading to extended wait times and decreased access to timely care. A significant portion of visits involves non-urgent injury prevention and maintenance exercises, which may be effectively managed through self-guided interventions. This quality improvement (QI) initiative aimed to implement a self-directed rehabilitation program to reduce in-clinic congestion and improve provider efficiency.

A Review Of Plyometric Training And The Implications It Has On Rehabilitation And Prevention Of Lower Extremity Injuries In Collegiate Volleyball Athletes., Christopher R. Wight

All Student Scholarship

With the rise in popularity of volleyball the occurrence of injuries has been on the rise, and how do athletic trainers manage and prevent these injuries. Surakhamhaeng et al 13 , Gallego- Izquierdo et al 15 , Ardakani et al 16 , and Huang et al 14 have shown several important aspects to prevent lower extremity injuries in collegiate volleyball players. These aspects include plyometric training, balance training, glute strengthening, and proper landing techniques. Research by Han et al 6 also noted the benefit of combining these elements in order to reach the desired outcome for the athlete. The importance …

Expanding The Role Of Athletic Trainers: Injury Prevention And Cost Reduction In Large Retail Settings, Deanna Rainey Ms, Atc

All Student Scholarship

Work related musculoskeletal injuries are a significant concern in physically demanding environments such as large retail stores, often leading to high workers’ compensation costs and decreased productivity. This evidence to practice paper explores the potential benefits of integrating industrial athletic trainers (ATs) into standard workplace safety programs within retail settings. Drawing from existing literature, the paper highlights ATs’ expertise in injury prevention, ergonomic assessment, rehabilitation, and health education. Studies indicate that incorporating ATs results in fewer workplace injuries, faster return to work times, and substantial cost savings. Positive outcomes include improved employee health, reduced days away from work, and enhanced …

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 Victorian Institute Of Sport Assessment – Achilles Is Fundamentally Flawed And Unfit For Clinical Practice Or Research: A Rasch Measurement Theory Analysis Using Cosmin Recommendations, Nigel Travers, Myles C. Murphy, Benedict M. Wand, Paul Kirwan, Mervyn Travers, James Debenham, William Gibson, Dana Hince

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Objectives: Evaluate structural validity, hypothesis testing and measurement invariance of the Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment–Achilles (VISA-A) using Rasch analysis to determine if it can be recommended to measure Achilles tendinopathy severity. Methods: We performed an evaluation of the VISA-A measurement properties using Rasch Measurement Theory by pooling individual participant data from previously conducted studies (n = 217). Structural validity was assessed via threshold/category mean order; adequate item fit; unidimensionality; local dependence; internal consistency. Hypothesis testing was assessed via divergent validity. Measurement invariance assessed via differential item functioning. Results: The VISA-A has inadequate construct validity. This is evident from issues …

Injury Trends And Patterns In Collegiate Football: A Retrospective Analysis Of Position-Specific Injuries At A Division I College, Cassidy Cave

All Student Scholarship

Injury surveillance in collegiate football provides critical insight for the identification of trends, risk factors, and prevention strategies. While national databases have offered foundational knowledge, program-specific analysis remains essential for targeted clinical care. A retrospective analysis was conducted on injuries sustained during the 2024 season by a NCAA Division I collegiate football team, with emphasis on injury type, affected body part, and athlete position. Data was collected from internal injury reports spanning from August through November of 2024, including all orthopedic injuries and general medical concerns evaluated by the sports medicine team during official team activities. A total of 293 …

The Inclusion Of Goal Setting In Promoting Exercise Adherence In Adolescent Athletes Who Sustained A Concussion: A Critically Appraised Topic, Caitlin Culhane

All Student Scholarship

Introduction/clinical scenario: Almost 2 million youth in the US sustain a concussion every year with several of them experiencing persistent post concussive symptoms. Past intervention has suggested that rest until symptom free is the best approach, while current findings suggest this approach is outdated and early exercise can help with a faster recovery. Several studies have researched the effects of goal setting strategies in different populations however there is a need for study in adolescent athletes. Focused clinical question: Is goal setting beneficial in promoting exercise adherence for adolescent athletes who sustained a sports related concussion? Summary of key findings: …

In Competitive Athletes, Does Adding Psychological Rest Compared To Regular Training Reduce Burnout: A Critically Appraised Topic, Amy A. Umutoni

All Student Scholarship

Burnout among competitive athletes is a multifaceted syndrome characterized by emotional and physical exhaustion, a diminished sense of accomplishment, and sport devaluation. 1 The rigorous demands of training and competition can lead to chronic stress, potentially culminating in burnout. While physical rest is a well-established component of athletic recovery, the role of psychological rest in mitigating burnout is gaining attention. 2 Psychological rest encompasses mental breaks and activities that promote cognitive relaxation, potentially aiding in recovery and performance. Emerging evidence also suggests that structured psychological interventions can enhance emotional well-being and resilience among athletes, particularly those coping with injuries. In …

Effect Of Relative Age On Gross Motor Coordination Development, Considering Biological Maturity And Sex, Xiaoyu Zhang, Gaël Ennequin, Anthony J. Blazevich, Sébastien Ratel

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effect of relative age on gross motor coordination (GMC) development, taking into account biological maturity and sex. Methods: 729 participants aged 10 to 16 years completed three GMC tests newly designed to minimize the potentially confounding effects of physical fitness. The tests included a Hand-Foot coordination test, Dribbling-Targeting test (DT test), and a T balance and agility test (T test). Relative age was determined using birth quartiles: BQ1 (January–March); BQ2 (April–June); BQ3 (July–September); and BQ4 (October–December). Regarding biological maturity, the participants were categorized according to their estimated peak height velocity (pre- and post-PHV). …

Inequities In The Rehabilitation Process Of Musculoskeletal Injuries In Maine, Devon A. Grant

Thinking Matters Symposium

Since 2016, Maine’s population has grown as a result of migration and a welcoming of refugees. Changes in state demographics influence the population’s and individuals’ social determinants of health (SDOH) (ie., “where people live, learn, work, and play”) and health literacy (ie., a person’s ability to find, understand, and use information to inform health-related decisions). This project aims to identify the health inequities or disparities throughout Southern Maine in the care of injuries to the lower extremity, such as the knee or ankle, as well as explore factors that influence the healthcare outcomes of athletes in surrounding communities. This study …

Differences In Peak Relative Landing Forces In Division Ii Women’S Gymnastics, Basketball, And Soccer, Hailey J. Meyers, Kalli Van Tassell

Research & Creative Achievement Day

PURPOSE: Female athletes tend to be at high risk for lower limb injuries during non-contact landing. Relative peak landing force (RPLF) is the metric being monitored in this study to compare landing forces among three different women’s sports teams. RPLF is the amount of force the athlete is landing with compared to their body weight. This gives insight into athletes that could be at risk for lower limb injuries. METHODS: 16 gymnasts (height: 163.04 ± 4.84cm; BW: 62.17 ± 5.01kg) from the Winona State University gymnastics team participated in five weeks of countermovement jump (CMJ) testing using two force plates …

Effect Of Unilateral And Bilateral Resistance Training On Performance Tests Of Collegiate Softball Athletes, Kamryn S. O'Dell

Electronic Theses & Dissertations

Strength and conditioning coaches typically have athletes perform either unilateral (UL) or bilateral (BL) lower body training, based on the perception that UL may be more sport-specific, and may enable lighter loads due to different stability requirements. A randomized controlled design was used to assess the effects of UL (n=6) and BL (n=5) on collegiate DII softball athletes. After three weeks of familiarization training, testing was done pre- and post- 8 weeks of the athletes’ Fall offseason training program. Performance testing consisted of strength (front squat, hex bar deadlift, front rack split squat, rear foot elevated split squat), change of …

Triathlete’S Preferences For Adding Strength Training To Triathlon Training Programming, Brannon Deugan

Doctorate in Kinesiology

This dissertation examined triathletes’ preferences and behaviors related to strength training integration within triathlon training programs, and despite growing evidence supporting the benefits of resistance training for injury prevention and performance enhancement, many endurance athletes remain hesitant to adopt strength training. The purpose of this study was to expand the current understanding of how age, gender, and experience influence strength training decisions and to translate those insights into practical strategies for coaching and athletic programming. A total of 210 triathletes completed an online survey assessing training behaviors, preferred strength modalities, session frequency, and load estimation methods. Quantitative data were analyzed …

Do Super Shoes Improve Drop Jump Performance?, Emily Urban

Honors Theses

Super shoes are responsible for the astonishing improvements in marathon times; however, it is unknown whether they can also aid athletes when it comes to jumping performance. Thus, the present study was designed to investigate if super shoes improve jump performance in athletes in comparison with regular athletic shoes, as measured by vertical jump height and torque during a drop jump maneuver. In addition, the study investigated if there were differences in kinetic and kinematic variables during jumping between shoes, as measured by torque production at the hip, knees, and ankles during takeoff.