Exercise Science Commons^™

Disordered Eating Risk And Body Image Dissatisfaction Of Division I Male And Female Cheerleaders, Christopher Blaszka

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The sport of cheerleading is growing both in the high school and college setting, however there is little research on cheerleaders specifically, both sideline and competitive. It is clear that while this sport does not benefit from being affiliated with the NCAA, the athletes are still at large risk for disordered eating and eating disorders, and are in need of more accurate screening and prevention methods. With the lack of cheerleading studies in general, there is an even larger scarcity of studies that focus on males in cheerleading. The current study aims to fill the gap in the research regarding …

Electromyographic And Joint Kinematic Patterns In Runner's Dystonia., Omar F Ahmad, Pritha Ghosh, Christopher Stanley, Barbara Karp, Mark Hallett, Codrin Lungu, Katharine Alter

Neurology Faculty Publications

Runner’s dystonia (RD) is a task-specific focal dystonia of the lower limbs that occurs when running. In this retrospective case series, we present surface electromyography (EMG) and joint kinematic data from thirteen patients with RD who underwent instrumented gait analysis (IGA) at the Functional and Biomechanics Laboratory at the National Institutes of Health. Four cases of RD are described in greater detail to demonstrate the potential utility of EMG with kinematic studies to identify dystonic muscle groups in RD. In these cases, the methodology for muscle selection for botulinum toxin therapy and the therapeutic response is discussed. Lateral heel whip, …

An Evaluation Of Physical Activity Methods Of College Students With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Justin Vagnozzi

Honors Theses

Physical activity has been proven to improve autistic conditions in areas such as motor skills and social skills (Sowa and Muelenbroek, 2011). The purpose of this study is to evaluate the different ways that physical activity affects autistic individuals. To do this, 16 individuals at the WMU Autism Services Center will be surveyed through Qualtrics. The survey will be based off of the study of Stanish and colleagues (2015). Questions will be taken from this survey and a few additional questions that do not appear in any study will be designed by the student investigator. Results will be analyzed both …

Comparative Analysis Of Impact Of Ballistic Stretching And Dynamic Stretching On Power Output In Female Collegiate Dancers, Elisabeth Ohrnberger

Honors Theses

The purpose of this study was to examine two different stretching techniques, ballistic and dynamic, and observe their effects on power output, measured via vertical jump height and vertical ground reaction force (vGRF). In the past, there has been insufficient and conflicting research regarding the type of stretching on power output. Stretching has been used in athletics to increase flexibility, prevent injury, and increase overall athletic performance. However, there is little research specifically demonstrating whether stretching has the ability to prevent injury or improve performance. Dance skills require significantly more flexibility than other sports while still requiring power to complete …

The Effect Of High Intensity Interval Training Vs Resistance-Based Circuit Training, Matthew Monaco

Honors Theses

High intensity interval training and resistance-based circuit training are both effective forms of exercise that promote muscular growth and can provide improvements in body composition. These different exercise methods were compared side-by-side in this study. The time commitment and intensity of each method were made uniform to yield the most accurate comparisons. Upon completion of the exercise regimen, each participant concluded by performing post-testing requirements that would be compared with their pre-testing results.

Effects Of Aging & Exercise On Production Of Glial Cell Line-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Protein By Fast & Slow Skeletal Muscle, Maria Jaramillo

Honors Theses

Exercise is a positive form of reinforcing positive lifestyle choices. There are many benefits to exercising such as decreased risk of cardiovascular disease and improved mental condition (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). In addition, exercise can serve a protecting role for the nervous system. One form in which exercise can protect the nervous system is by increasing the production of neurotrophic factors, specifically glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor. Another way by which exercise can protect the nervous system is by preserving muscle tissue due to actively recruiting it. The goal of this study was to explore the effects of …

Thermoregulatory Adaptations Following Sprint Interval Training, Jonathan E. Wingo, Charlie P. Katica, Svetlana Nepocatych, Andrew T. Del Pozzi, Greg A. Ryan

Journal of Human Performance in Extreme Environments

Traditional endurance training typically involves weeks of long-duration (60–90 min) exercise performed at a moderate to vigorous intensity. An alternative paradigm, sprint interval training, is characterized by multiple bouts of short-duration, high-intensity exercise. Similar fitness benefits from the two paradigms have been demonstrated, but whether sprint interval training—like traditional endurance training—induces heat acclimation remains unclear.

Purpose

To test the hypothesis that sprint interval training performed over six sessions results in measureable thermoregulatory and cardiovascular adaptations consistent with heat acclimation.

Methods

Seven untrained men [mean ± SD, 13 ± 5% body fat, 22 ± 3 y, 3.1 ± 0.3 L/min peak …

Pertinacity Volume 4 Issue 1, Courteney Benjamin

Pertinacity

No abstract provided.

The Relationship Between The Metabolic Responsiveness To A High-Fat Meal And An Acute Bout Of Moderateintensity Exercise Among Postpartum Women, Apoorva Tadakaluru

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Background: There has been very little research regarding the metabolic health of women during the postpartum period. Metabolic flexibility is the physiological ability to alter substrate oxidation in response to substrate availability and is a good indicator of overall metabolic health. Metabolic flexibility can be assessed by placing metabolic demands on the body and observing metabolic responsiveness- two examples of such metabolic stressors are lipid oxidation rates in response to a high-fat meal and as well as exercise. However, it is unknown whether postpartum women will respond similarly to these two different types of metabolic stressors. This information will allow …

Correlation Between Female Athlete Screening Tool (Fast) Scores And Biomarkers To Identify Female Athlete Triad Among Collegiate Athletes And To Evaluate The Validity Of The Instrument, Lindsey Elise Hinken

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

The purpose of this study was to determine if the Female Athlete Screening Tool (FAST) is a valid indicator of the three physical components of Female Athlete Triad (FAT), malnutrition, amenorrhea, and low bone mineral density, and if administration of the FAST can be used as a time- and cost-effective way to identify FAT. Participants completed the FAST, the Menstrual Status Questionnaire, and had a blood sample drawn. Interpretation of the total FAST score placed participants in one of three conditions: normal, subclinical disordered eating, or clinical eating disorder. The presence of the three biomarkers of FAT was determined by …

Interactions Between Aerobic Exercise Volume, Academic Stress, And Immune Function, Teresa Wiczynski

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Many college students exercise individually or participate in collegiate and intramural sports in addition to fulfilling their stressful academic requirements. The combination of accumulated stress and vigorous exercise could result in an impaired immune system, prompting the onset of disease and absences in class and sports practice.

Twenty-six male and female participants aged 18 to 23 were recruited for this study. Over the course of an academic semester, participants completed weekly electronic surveys documenting stress levels, aerobic exercise, and symptoms related to upper respiratory tract infections. Participants were evaluated at four different time points (Baseline, Post-Midterm Exam, Baseline Reassessment, and …

The Effects Of Bingocize® On Cognitive Aging: A Health Promotion Intervention, Rilee Pauline Mathews

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Previous research has suggested that physical exercise can play a role in not only improving functional performance, but also cognitive function. In this study, adults age 60 and older participated in a health promotion intervention that included two groups: (a) a Bingocize® group, who exercised and learned about relevant health information while playing bingo, and (b) a control group who only learned about relevant health information while playing bingo. The intervention was completed over the course of 10- weeks at community senior centers. Cognitive function, functional fitness, and health knowledge were assessed before and after the intervention to test for …

Assessment Of Needs For Dementia Care Partners Related To Wellness/Fitness Respite Programs, Mary Mckeown

Health Sciences Student Work

When an individual becomes ill or disabled, it is common for family members to fill the role of caregiver. The same is true in cases where an individual is diagnosed with dementia. Care partners, or care givers, of individuals with dementia are under a great deal of both mental and physical strain due to the debilitating nature of the disease as well as the demands of providing care. As a result, the mental and physical health of care partners often suffers. There are programs, such as respite, that aim to alleviate some of the strain, however there are few existing …

The Effects Of Physical Stress On Performance, Hannah Magerman

Health Sciences Student Work

Physical stress affects an athlete’s performance and can also lead to potential injuries. To avoid that, identifying physical stress levels can help determine if their training needs alterations to avoid injuries and improve overall performance. The purpose of this study was to compare physical stress on high school athletes overall performance measured by vertical jump height. Methods: In this study, physical stress was measured by vertical jump as well as a questionnaire. The participants were 8 female high school athletes aged 15-17 who were training to play a spring sport at their high school. The participants completed a baseline vertical …

Comparison Of Isokinetic Testing To Upper Extremity Closed Kinetic Chain Testing In Recreational College Athletes, Joe Bernardo

Health Sciences Student Work

Background: Clinicians utilize various techniques during the rehabilitation process to ensure that patients can successfully recover from injury. Isokinetic testing and Closed Kinetic Chain testing have both been utilized during this process by various health care practitioners. Through the utilization of data gathered from these tests, clinicians can develop strengthening programs to target specific areas of weakness on the patient. However, there has not been extensive information in the literature regarding if the results from these two modalities correlate and share commonality with each other. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to discern whether data gathered from Isokinetic testing …

Can A Unilateral Lower Body-Training Program Increase Lower Body Power Output More Than A Bilateral Lower Body Training Program?, Michael Vaughan

Health Sciences Student Work

(1) Introduction The purpose of this study was to analyze the effects of a unilateral or bilateral lower body training program on off ice power production. (2) Methodology Twenty NCAA Division 1 female hockey players were randomly assigned to either a unilateral (UNI) or bilateral (BI) group. The UNI training group performed all lower body exercises over a 6-week period using 1 leg at a time, while the BI performed all lower body exercises with both legs simultaneously. Both groups trained at the same rating of perceived exertion (RPE) two times per week throughout the training cycle. Subjects within the …

Nutrition And Physical Activity Recall To Assess The Health Status Of Commuters And Residents On A College Campus, Holly Scott

Health Sciences Student Work

Introduction: Behavioral patterns acquired in college may contribute to overweight and obesity later in life. Food found in college dormitories and dining halls are those of convenience. Physical activity and a healthy diet are important components to maintaining a healthy weight. Research Questions: The purpose of this study is to investigate if residency during college and access to kitchen appliances impacts students’ dietary composition and physical activity levels and other health behaviors. Methodology: 38 students (27 residents and 11 commuters) from Merrimack College participated in the study. These participants were recruited through convenience sampling on campus. All participants completed a …

Exploring The Relationship Among Role Models, Physical Activity And Dietary Behaviors Among Young Adults Enrolled In A Weight Management Trial, Rachel Ingersoll, Meghan Mavredes, Melissa Napolitano

GW Research Days 2016 - 2020

Background. Role models can have a profound impact on an individual’s development and lifelong behaviors. However, there are gaps in research when it comes to the impact of role models among young adults, particularly related to health behaviors. Previous research has primarily focused on youth, leaving a gap of knowledge surrounding the developmental life stage of young adulthood. Little research has been done examining health risk behaviors such as physical inactivity and unhealthy dietary practices. It is important for young adults to develop healthy habits in college, for many habits will follow young adults into their adult lifespan.

Purpose. To …

Active And Passive Stress Management Mechanisms In Physically Active Young Adults, Krista Lepping, Melissa Napolitano

GW Research Days 2016 - 2020

Background: Physical activity and stress are common factors that affect the health and wellness of young adults worldwide. Higher levels of stress in students can lead to increased blood pressure and decreased immune system defenses. Previous studies have found that students who report more physical activity also report lower levels of stress. Perceived stress is subjective, however, and therefore the amount of physical activity that affects stress levels could vary. Additionally, extensive research has yet to be conducted on the different coping mechanisms that physically active students use to relieve stress. These mechanisms may include physical activity as a …

The Benefits Of Exercise For Individuals With Concussion Grant Proposal, Tyler Dundore

Honors Projects

This is the abstract for a grant proposal for the following study following the NFL Concussion Grant Guidelines.

Concussions are an issue in many sports at both the amateur and professional level. In 2015, 43.5% of athletes across all age groups and sexes that sustained a concussion returned to sport too soon1. In the past, patients with a concussion were told to restrict physical and cognitive activities until they are asymptomatic2. Recently, research about concussion recovery has shown that a rest period beyond 1-2 days’ post-concussion can be more detrimental to recovery than beneficial3.

The Buffalo Concussion Treadmill Test (BCTT) …