Sex Differences In Exercise And Sleep Among University Faculty And Staff Members, Jorge O. Vazquez, David A. Tobar, Faith Yingling, K Todd Keylock

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology Volume 6: Issue 1, Article 4, 2025. There has been minimal research examining the exercise and sleeping patterns of university faculty and staff members and what role these factors play in overall health. The information gathered in this study was used to analyze how faculty and staff can adapt their behaviors to improve health and well-being. To explore sex differences in exercise and sleep in faculty and staff at a university in the Midwest, the study performed secondary analyses on data collected from the 2022 American College Health Association’s National Faculty and Staff Health …

From Nil To Enrollment: How Nil Agreements Shape College Choices For Top Men’S Basketball And Football Prospects, Will Trantham, Kate Wilson, Grace Shaw, Bruna Gebaili Sampaio

Liberty University Research Week

This study deeply examines how NIL deals have impacted the chosen University of attendance for 5-star men’s basketball and football athletes. The recruitment of high-profile athletes to universities across the country has been greatly altered with the addition of NIL to the college landscape. The process of reaching a conclusion on where to attend school seems to have greatly changed from academic prowess and facilities to guaranteed money and personal brand exposure. Through this study, we will be conducting in depth Zoom interviews with former recruits that are now currently attending college. We will then use those gathered responses and …

Case Study: Effect Of Stroboscopic Vision Training During A Softball Season, Doug Dendy, C Roger James, Toby Brooks, Micah Lierly, Nolan Riley, Larry Munger

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology Volume 6: Issue 1, Article 3, 2025. This case study examined the effects of stroboscopic vision training during an entire varsity softball season for a 16-year-old female. Stroboscopic vision training uses specialized glasses with crystallized fluid that flickers, intermittently impeding vision, a technique that enhances visual performance. The stroboscopic glasses were worn two to three times a week during hitting and fielding skills. The central hypothesis was that the stroboscopic vision training would enhance softball vision performance. The central hypothesis was tested using these specific aims: 1) batting statistics for a year with no …

Resting Blood Pressure And Heart Rate Measurements Are Different In Division Iii Male And Female Athletes At Ohio Northern University From 2000-2023, Scott Swanson, Katie Prusnek, Nora Metcalf, Dani Widmark, Rachel Ruggles

ONU Student Research Colloquium

Introduction/Background

Resting blood pressures and heart rates are common pre-participation cardiovascular measurements in college athletes. Athletes in the NCAA’s Division III comprise nearly 40% of all participants in college athletics. Despite the large number of athletes participating in Division III athletics, few studies have examined resting pre-participation cardiovascular measurements in male and female Division III athletes.

Purpose

Determine resting systolic and diastolic blood pressures and heart rates in male and female athletes at ONU from 2000 - 2023.

Methods

Resting systolic and diastolic blood pressures and heart rates were measured in athletes on 19 ONU sport teams (N = 10 …

Advocacy For On-Campus Occupational Therapy In College Athletics, Doyle C. Taylor, Keisa Boykin

Spring 2025 OTD Capstone Symposium

This project focuses on a growing issue in college sports: the lack of accessible, specialized rehabilitation for student-athletes. Many universities rely on off-campus providers for occupational therapy, which often leads to delays in treatment, missed appointments, and inconsistent care. To address this gap, the project advocates for the integration of occupational therapists directly into athletic departments. By developing and delivering educational workshops, distributing advocacy materials, and engaging with key stakeholders, the project highlights how on-campus OT services can streamline care, improve recovery outcomes, and support both the physical and mental well-being of student-athletes. The goal is to bring awareness to …

Education About Eds: How Can Colleges Reduce The Risk And Prevalence Of Eating Disorders In Ncaa Female Athletes?, Meghan J. Mcnabb, Alexandra Jakubiak

Department of Nutrition Student Projects

Female collegiate athletes are currently recognized as a high-risk group for developing eating disorders due to performance pressures and unrealistic body standards. Limited studies have analyzed the impact of tailored educational and behavioral interventions on the prevalence of eating disorders among female athletes in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). This proposed research will be conducted at Nova Southeastern University to explore how colleges can decrease the cases of eating disorders among female athletes using a multi-component educational intervention. Participants will be screened through the EAT-26 assessment tool and initial BMI measures will be recorded to establish a baseline for …

Race And Gender Bias In Sports Media, Jovanni Salazar

Research Days

There is a significant amount of racial and gender bias in sports media, which can impact the way minority and female athletes are perceived by the public. This study closely looks at the way these professional athletes are talked about and treated by the media compared to white athletes. This study highlights the language used by commentators and other members of sports media that reinforces negative stereotypes that minority and female athletes deal with throughout their careers. Some of these stereotypes imply black athletes owe their success to natural physical ability, while white athletes are “smart” and more “skilled. This …

Goat Tying Styles Impact On Performance Consistency With Rodeo Competitors In The National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association Ozark Region, Marie Baxley, C.A. Shea Porr, Thomas Powell

Honors College Theses

Goat tying is a rodeo event involving dismounting a horse, and flanking and tying three legs of a goat. Flanking is defined as picking a goat up and setting it on the ground on its side. Flank/gather (FG) is a style where riders scoop the legs with the right hand and then place them in the left. Catch the flank (CF), stuffing (ST), and funneling (FN) are other methods that involve the goats’ legs landing together so the right hand is not needed for gathering. The objectives of this study were to determine 1) if flanking method affects performance, and …

The Role Of Age, Experience, And Physical Fitness In Technical Performance In Karate: An Observational Analysis, Rui Miguel Silva, Joaquim Ferreira, Georgian Badicu, Jarosław Muracki, Beata Pożarowszczyk-Kuczko, Adam Kawczyński

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: This study aimed to investigate the relationships between age, experience, anthropometric measures, physical fitness, and the quality of technical performance in karate practitioners. We conducted an observational cross-sectional study with 53 federated karate athletes, aged 5 to 55, affiliated with the Youth Karate Association Portugal. The participants were divided into age and experience groups to assess differences in anthropometric measures (body mass, height, BMI) and physical fitness (strength, power, flexibility). The technical performance of four specific karate techniques – kizami, gyaku zuki, mawashi geri, and ura mawashi geri – was evaluated using a custom-designed technical evaluation …

Sports For Gender Equality, Michelle Salmeron, Julia Mott, Eliza Cash

SPARK Symposium Presentations

Recent studies show that participating in sports leads to lower levels of anxiety, depression, and hyperactivity in children while also fostering higher self-esteem (Tahira, 2023). In Mexico, 67% of girls are inactive (Provoking Sport, 2023). However, there has been little direct research conducted in Mexico to illustrate and exemplify the benefits of sports for girls and women. Additionally, there are few role models for them to look up to who share their cultural background, as most examples come from other countries. This creates a cycle that hinders cultural and societal growth, as well as creates a barrier to sports participation. …

Personal Development E-Portfolio Incorporating Digital Badges, Therese Murphy

Case studies: Digital Education

The BIOL 1900 Professional Skills module introduces students to the development of a Personal Development E-Portfolio, submitted via Brightspace Dropbox. This initiative, launched following a Year 1 programme review, aims to enhance the digital skills of the student cohort. The portfolio comprises two key Digital-related components: a Self-Assessment Digital Badge and enhancement of digital skills through participation in workshops and lectures, and online courses offered via TU Dublin digital badges. The Self-Assessment Digital Badge, accounting for 5% of the module, involves completing a self-assessment to evaluate digital capabilities using the JISC Discovery Tool, followed by submission of the badge and …

The Acute Effects Of High-Intensity Functional Training On Inhibitory Control, Julia Daniel, Amaryllis Rubalcaba, Brianna Valadez

Posters - 2025

High-Intensity Functional Training (HIFT), such as CrossFit®, integrates high-intensity, multi-joint movements and has gained attention for its potential to enhance both physical and cognitive performance. While acute resistance exercise (RE) is known to influence physiological responses like heart rate variability (HRV) and cognitive functions such as inhibitory control, the specific effects of CrossFit®—a structured HIFT program—on cognitive outcomes remain underexplored, particularly when comparing trained CrossFit participants to untrained or non-CrossFit populations. HIFT’s unique combination of cardiorespiratory and muscular stress may uniquely enhance cognitive processing speed and response stability, especially in individuals with chronic CrossFit® experience. However, it is unclear how …

Comparison Between Shoulder Flexed And Extended Positions In Elbow Flexion Resistance Training On Regional Hypertrophy And Maximum Strength: Preacher Versus Bayesian Cable Curls, Parsa Attarieh, João Pedro Nunes, Saeed Khani, Saman Negahdar, Amirali Goli, Hamed Nazarirad, Shahriar Nazarirad, Shima Mojtahedi, Kazunori Nosaka, Rahman Soori

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

In the present study, the effects of resistance training on regional hypertrophy and maximum strength of the elbow flexor muscles were compared between elbow flexion exercises performed with different shoulder joint angles (∼50° of flexion vs. extension) while matched for resistance profiles. In a within-subject design, 15 young men (25.6 ± 2.1 y; 77.3 ± 6.8 kg; 175.1 ± 5.7 cm) underwent a resistance training program twice a week for 10 weeks (3–5 sets, 8–12RM), and their arms were dominant-side balanced, randomly assigned to one of the two conditions according to elbow flexion exercises: unilateral cable curl with shoulder flexed …

Discussion Boards - What To Blog About?, Leanne Harris

Case studies: Digital Education

Discussion boards in Brightspace afford users the opportunity to engage in meaningful virtual communication. The implementation of discussion boards facilitates access to an online platform that allows students to think, discuss and critically evaluate their discipline. Not only does it enhance digital literacy skills, but it also aids in the development of critical analysis skills, writing skills and reflective thinking skills. This technology links well with the TU Dublin graduate attributes to encourage students to become digitally capable lifelong learners. The EU policy entitled the Digital Education Action Plan 2021-2027 emphasises the need for digitally competent and flexible graduates that …

The Impacts Of Physical (In)Activity On Endothelial Function, Joel Ernest Harden

Rehabilitation Sciences Theses & Dissertations

Exercise and physical activity are known to have beneficial effects on endothelial function and vascular health. Sedentary behavior and physical inactivity, however, have been shown to be related to poor endothelial function and vascular health. The overall purpose of this dissertation was to further elucidate the physiological links between physical (in)activity and vascular health. In the first study, 12 active, young (18-40 yr) individuals and 12 active, old (55+ yr) individuals were recruited. Participants underwent 5 days of removal of exercise, and had their endothelial function assessed via flow-mediated dilation (FMD) during their normal, habitual exercise state (EX) and during …

Profiling Competitive Malaysian Archers: Musculoskeletal Injuries And Related Risk Factors, Ambusam Subramaniam, Fariza Zainudin Fairus, Mon Redee Sut Txi

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: Archery requires precision, strength, stamina, and attention, yet musculoskeletal injury data is scarce. The study aimed to profile the musculoskeletal injuries and the associated risk factors among Malaysian archers. Methods: A cross-sectional approach was used to recruit 165 elite archers. The Standardized Nordic Questionnaire (SNQ), adapted risk factors questionnaire, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and Depression Anxiety Stress Questionnaire (DASS-21) were used to screen participants. Results: Shoulder (drawing arm) (54.5%), shoulder (bow arm) (56.4%), upper back (38.8%), lower back (38.2%), and neck (37.6%) musculoskeletal injuries were common. The injuries were reported during training (85.5%), accumulation/overuse injuries (72.1%), and sudden …

The Effects Of Situational Variables On Expected Goals: A Case Study In International Football, Panagiotis Ximialis, Vasilis Armatas, Mark Scanlan, Nikolaos P. Rachaniotis

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: In the ever-evolving field of football analytics, understanding the factors influencing expected goals is crucial for gaining deeper insights into team performance. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of match conditions on the expected goals (xG) from defensive and offensive points of view in international elite football matches of the Greek national team. Methods: Twenty-four (24) Greek national team matches during the period between 23 March 2019 and 14 November 2021 were analyzed for the study. In these selected matches the Greek national team took 369 shots and conceded 174 shots, out of which scored …

Optimizing Interventions For Major Depressive Disorder And Provider Burnout: Self-Speak Exercise Dosing (Sed), Laureen Maloney-Gepfert

Lynchburg Journal of Medical Science

ABSTRACT

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is ranked highest among mental illnesses in the United States (US) and significantly contributes to the mental health care crisis. Patients experience resistance to pharmacologic interventions, side effects, co-morbidities, and mental health provider shortages. Subsequently, 33 % of Serious Mental Illnesses (SMIs) are being redirected to Primary Care Providers (PCPs). Concurrently, prescriber mental health is in crisis. Growing workloads for physicians and Advanced Practice Providers (APPs) have increased provider burnout syndrome (BOS). Major Depressive Disorder and BOS are positively affected by exercise, Cognitive Restructuring (CR), and Behavioral Activation (BA). Sports medicine and psychology research shows …

Spasticity And Pain And The Improvement Of Muscle Strength In Athletes With Partial Spinal Cord Injury, Dariusz Tadeusz Skalski, Kinga Łosińska, Magdalena Prończuk, Alicja Markiel, Jarosław Markowski, Jan Pilch, Joanna Motowidło, Petr Stastny, Adam Maszczyk

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Spasticity and chronic pain are common secondary complications following spinal cord injury (SCI), significantly impacting functional recovery and quality of life. Robot-assisted gait training (RAGT) using the Lokomat has been proposed as an effective rehabilitation method to improve motor function and reduce these symptoms. However, the impact of training frequency on rehabilitation outcomes remains unclear, particularly in athletes and physically active individuals. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of Lokomat training on spasticity reduction, pain alleviation, and improvements in gait function and lower limb muscle strength in athletes and physically active individuals with partial SCI. A total of 45 …

Exploring The Role Of Physical Health Interventions In The Management Of Mental Health Disorders: A Comparative Study Of Mental Health And Kinesiology Professionals' Perspectives, Vicki Hamill

Doctorate in Kinesiology

The study's purpose was to understand the factors that may influence the use of physical health interventions in the mental health treatment process. The lack of professional guidelines for kinesiology professionals has been linked to an implementation gap of evidenced based exercise prescription in the prevention of the physical health comorbidities associated with mental illness. These comorbidities are linked to a 15-20 year decrease in life expectancy, long-term disability, and increased healthcare costs. The Exercise in Mental Illness Questionnaire-Health Professional (EMIQ-HP) was used in the study to compare the mental health and kinesiology professional perspective in the domains of exercise …

Assessment Of The Effect Of Classic Sports Massage On The Reduction Of Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness In The Rectus Abdominis, Dariusz Boguszewski, Cezary Kaaroud, Jakub Grzegorz Adamczyk

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of classic massage on the reduction of post-exercise pain in the rectus abdominis muscle. Twenty-eight people between 20 and 43 years of age (mean age 27.4) were qualified for the study. There were nine women and six men in Group 1 (experimental) and six women and seven men in Group 2 (control). All participants of the study qualified after in the initial interview they performed sit-ups, according to the guidelines of the International Physical Fitness Test. Group 1 was subjected to the convergence of classical sports massage (3 treatments). The …

Assessment Of The Reliability And Validity Of Simple And Complex Reaction Speed Tests In Mixed Martial Arts Athletes Using The Blazepod System, Jacek Polechoński, Jan Pilch, Alan Langer, Magdalena Prończuk, Jarosław Markowski, Adam Maszczyk

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

The main aim of the research was to evaluate the reliability and validity of measurements of simple and complex reaction speed using the BlazePod system in MMA athletes. Additionally, these motor skills for the right and left hands of the studied athletes were compared. The study involved 34 male professional MMA practitioners (training experience 7.0±4.0 years, age 26.5±5.3 years, body mass 76.9±9.8 kg, height 178.5±5.7 cm). The evaluation of reaction speed utilized the BlazePod^TM system and classic computer tests. The time from the activation of a light stimulus to the hand striking a glowing target in front of the …

Sports Injury Epidemiology In The Women’S National Basketball Association 2023-2024, Lucas Seehafer

Doctorate in Kinesiology

Injury rates are increasing in multiple professional sports, yet the rates specific to American professional women’s basketball are unknown. This study tracked injury occurrence, games missed due to injury, and injury occurrence among the 12 teams of the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) through the 2023 and 2024 seasons. All injuries that occurred during the regular seasons and/or resulted in games missed during the regular seasons were included in this analysis. Injuries that resulted in the athlete being evaluated by the team athletic trainer on the bench and/or reporting to the locker room were also included, even if the injury …

The Acute Impact Of Reflexive Performance Reset On Heart Rate Recovery In Division Ii Collegiate Basketball Athletes, Jordan Sorensen

Doctorate in Kinesiology

Reflexive Performance Reset (RPR) is a system of breathing and tactile input that utilizes specific reflex points that could impact heart rate recovery (recHR), average concentric power output (W), and athletic performance. Participants were recruited from the men’s and women’s basketball teams at Bemidji State University. All participants were between 18-25 years old, had no current injuries, and all had a minimum of 3 years experience. Subjects were randomly selected to be in 1 of 3 groups: Control (CON), RPR first session only (RPR1), and RPR second session only (RPR2). Acute effects of RPR on HR and W were assessed …

Barriers To Exercise For Individuals With Developmental Disabilities, Mark Fleming

Doctorate in Kinesiology

Individuals with developmental disability have been known to be less physically active and more prone to obesity than the rest of the population. One way to understand this is to examine the barriers that these individuals perceive to prevent them from getting the proper amount of exercise. An online survey was conducted to determine whether previously known barriers significantly affected these individuals' perceptions. The survey consisted of 513 individuals who identified as having Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, or being a parent/caregiver. The barriers they were asked about were time, cost, transportation, energy, and interest. It …

Construct Validity, Test-Retest Reliability, And Inter-Rater Objectivity Of The Swimming Competence Assessment Scale (Scas), Jon Sundan, Håvard Lorås, Monika Haga

International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education

This study aimed to investigate the construct validity, test-retest reliability, and inter-rater reliability of a newly developed and comprehensive instrument for assessment of children’s swimming competence. The Swimming Competence Assessment Scale (SCAS) consists of six consecutive test items (entry, swim on front, surface dive, float, swim on back and exit) that aligns with the Norwegian curricular standard of swimming competence. The exploratory factor analysis retained a unidimensional model, supporting one underlaying statistical dimension with acceptable internal consistency (α = 0.79). Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) between test and retest ranged from .84 to .98, and .97 for the total score. Strong …

"Feel For The Water": What Is It, Really?, Robert Keig Stallman, Kristine De Martelaer

International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education

The phrase, 'feel for the water,' is commonly used. But what does it really mean? The traditional idea of this 'feel' focuses on the sensation of touch and use of the hands to produce propulsion. But what about water resistance? Mastering a feel for how to reduce resistance is equally important as the unique relationship between aquatic propulsion and resistance is of great importance. While being in the water, the effects of gravity and buoyancy also need to be perceived by the learner and taught by the instructor. Reflection on the effects on propulsion-resistance and gravity-buoyancy requires relevant exercises to …

Water Orientation Skills And Basic Safety And Swimming Skills Of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Kelle L. Murphy, Min Liu

International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education

Drowning is the leading cause of death among individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The current study examined water orientation (i.e., comfort level), water safety, and beginning swimming skills of individuals with ASD of ages ranging from 3 to 13 years using the Aquatic Orientation Checklist (AOC) (Kilian et al., 1984). Data were collected during consecutive Fall and Spring semesters. A total of 23 children (n = 15 boys; n = 8 girls) volunteered for the study. Lessons were conducted twice a week for 10 weeks continuously and each lesson was 45 minutes in length. Overall, the swimming program had …

Fighting Instinct: The Brain, Emotions And Decision-Making In The Water, Jill Nash, Sam Hills

International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education

This conceptual paper explores the complex interplay among the human brain, emotions, and decision-making processes, particularly in aquatic environments. Integrating insights from neuroscience, psychology, and behavioural economics, we investigate how instinctual responses and emotional states influence our decisions during water-related activities. By analysing both biological and psychological factors, the paper aims to illuminate the intricacies of human behaviour in various aquatic settings and highlights significant gaps in the research on emotional decision-making that warrant further investigation. Additionally, the paper suggests interventions, including plausible communication strategies, to mitigate the impact of instinctual responses and improve safety and decision-making efficiency.

Goggles And Water Competence: An Addendum, Marek Rejman, Robert Keig Stallman Ph.D.

International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education

We offer this short addendum to the 2017 article that appeared in IJARE, ‘’From swimming skill to water competence: Towards a more inclusive drowning prevention future’’ (Stallman et al., 2017), as an editorial to argue that the essential water competencies ought to be mastered “without goggles.” The focus is on the potential negative effect of goggle use during beginning swimming instruction along with their likely absence during unintended and unexpected immersions in natural bodies of water that often lead to drowning. Rejman and Stallman (2024) demonstrated the development of dependence on goggles among young adults and described its negative effect …