Exercise Science Commons^™

Neural Activation In Blood-Flow-Restricted Versus Non-Blood-Flow-Restricted Exercise: An Fmri Study, Tiffany Dawn Devries

Theses and Dissertations

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) can be used to track neural activation in the brain during functional activities. The purpose of this study was to investigate brain neural responses to blood flow restricted (BFR) versus control handgrip exercise. Using a randomized crossover design, 25 subjects (12 males, 13 females) completed handgrip exercises during two conditions: BFR vs. control. To familiarize participants with the exercise conditions, one week prior to MRI scanning participants completed each exercise condition once on separate days, with 72 hours between days. The following week fMRI scans were performed at the same time of day, separated by …

Exercise Is Medicine, Colby A. Sousa

Senior Honors Projects

College student are often faced with new challenges upon arrival to campus, including making independent decisions about their health and wellness.

As students face new academic and social responsibilities, issues with time management and stress often compromise many students abilities to adopt and maintain health promoting behaviors, including eating well and participating in regular physical activity. The adoption of less health promoting behaviors is associated with increases in rates of illness, increases in weight, adoption of poor sleeping patterns and increasingly poor stress management.

As such, knowledge of the importance of proper nutrition and physical activity/ exercise for optimal health …

Comparison Of Take Off Kinematics During Loaded Countermovement Jumps In Division One Female Gymnasts And Soccer Athletes, Ryan Moreau

All Graduate Plan B and other Reports, Spring 1920 to Spring 2023

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare takeoff kinematics of incrementally loaded countermovement jumps (CMJ) in water and land in female gymnasts and soccer athletes.

Methods: 24 Division I student athletes (12 gymnastics, 12 soccer) volunteered for this study. Subjects performed CMJ on land and water at a level of the xiphoid process without an arm swing. CMJs with loads of body weight (BW), 10% BW, 20% BW, and 30% BW were performed three times per trial at each load. 15 kinematic variables related to the lower extremity were examined.

Results: For environment, significant (p less than …

Determining The Appropriate Timing Of Administration For Baseline Computerized Neurocognitive Testing (Cnt) Following Maximal Exertion, Samantha Mohler

Health, Human Performance and Recreation Undergraduate Honors Theses

Background: Computerized neurocognitive testing is part of the recommended multi-faceted approach to SRC assessment. Prior research has suggested that maximal exertion negatively effects CNT test scores. Purpose: To identify the appropriate timing of the administration of CNT following maximal exertion in healthy college-aged student athletes. Study Design: Prospective, random cross-over, repeated measures design. Methods: Week one participants fill out intake forms and then complete a baseline ImPACT test. The following three weeks, individuals were administered a VO2 max cycle ergometer test. Following the test participants will rest for <5 (immediate), 15, or 30 minutes before re-taking ImPACT. Results: Immediately following maximal exertion, negative composite scores, relative to baseline, were …

Independent Effect Of Heat Stress During Exercise On Arterial Stiffness, Cash Arcement

Health, Human Performance and Recreation Undergraduate Honors Theses

Context: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is one of the leading causes of mortality in the United States, accounting for about 1 in every 3 deaths annually. While studies have shown that arterial stiffness, a leading precursor to CVD, improves with passive heat stress not much is known about the independent effect of heat stress during exercise on arterial stiffness. Objective: The objective of this study was to examine the independent effect of heat stress during exercise on arterial stiffness. Design: Participants visited the lab three times; one familiarization and two experimental trials. Experimental trials were randomized and counter-balanced. Setting: All trials …

Examining Different Exercise Types On Falls Efficacy In Older Adults, Hadley Lewis

Health, Human Performance and Recreation Undergraduate Honors Theses

Context: Around 30% of older adults over the age of 65 fall once a year. These falls can result in hospitalization and permanent injury. Falls efficacy, or the confidence level that one will not fall, has been shown to have a direct correlation to the fear of falling and falls. It has been found that 29-92% of older adults who have fallen have a fear of falling and 12-65% of older adults who have not fallen experience a fear of falling. This fear of falling acts as a hindrance on older adult’s ability to complete daily activities and leads …

Autophagy Regulation After Diet And Exercise In Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease, Megan Elizabeth Rosa

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Along with the rise in obesity, rates of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) have also increased. NAFLD may begin with fat accumulation in the liver, but can progress to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), fibrosis, and eventual cirrhosis. With no pharmacological treatment for NASH, lifestyle interventions appear vital to maintaining liver health. Previous work has shown aberrant mitochondrial content/quality and autophagy in models of NAFLD. Exercise is known to improve mitochondrial health and possibly autophagy, thus autophagy may be a key regulatory factor for treatment of obesity induced-NAFLD. PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to examine how weight loss from diet …

Sensitivity Of The Vasoactive Range In Determining Aerobic Fitness, Preston L. Bell

Honors Theses

Previous work has demonstrated a direct relationship between aerobic fitness and indices of vasodilatory function (i.e., Flow-mediated Dilation; FMD). Importantly, recent evidence suggests that vasoconstrictor function to reductions in blood flow (i.e., Low-Flow Mediated Constriction; L-FMC), as well as during sympatho-excitation (i.e., Cold Pressor Test), may compliment the FMD measure, thus, providing an overall range of vascular responsiveness. The purpose of this thesis project was to test the hypothesis that vasoactive range indices (peak vasodilation + nadir vasoconstriction) are sensitive to aerobic fitness levels in healthy young men. Fourteen males (age: 22±4 yrs) were recruited, and divided evenly into a …

The Effect Of Fluid Balance On Exercise Performance In The Heat, Yasuki Sekiguchi

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Introduction: In dehydrated individuals thirst seems to disappear after ingestion of small amount of water before full rehydration. This phenomenon has been linked to oropharyngeal receptors. However, some researchers suggest that drinking to satisfy thirst is enough for optimal performance. It is well established that water deficit greater than 2% of body weight decreases exercise performance in the heat. No study has ever examined the effect hydration on exercise performance in the absence of thirst via oropharyngeal stimulation. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of dehydration on exercise performance and thermoregulation during exercise in the …

The Acute Effects Of Aerobic Exercise With Blood Flow Restriction Cuffs On Arterial Compliance In Males And Females, Maria M. Gonzalez

Theses and Dissertations

RESULTS: Significant condition*gender interactions found in in SBP (p<.05), PR (p<.01), SVR (p<.01), SpO2 (p<.05), PWV carotid to femoral (p<.03), and PWV femoral to distal (p<.02). Significant condition*time interactions were found in SBP (p<.01), DBP (p<.01), MAP (p<.01), SV (p<.01), CO (p<.01), SVR (p<.01), TVI (p<.01), HR (p<.01), and SAE (p<.01). Significant condition main effects were found in SBP (p<.02), DBP (p<.03), PR (p<.03), SV (p<.01), CO (p=.01), SVR (p<.01), TVI (p<.01), HR (p<.01), and SAE (p<.03) as well as a condition trend in PWV femoral to distal (p=.06). Significant time main effects were found in SBP (p<.01), MAP (p<.04), PP (p<.01), PR (p<.01), CO (p<.01), SVR (p<.01), TVI (p<.01), HR (p<.01), SpO2 (p<.01), LAE (p<.03), and PWV femoral to distal (p<.01).

CONCLUSION: The 60 min session at a moderate aerobic intensity might have the potential to improve arterial elasticity more than a 20 min BFR session.

A Prediction Model For Acute Core And Lower Extremity Injuries In Division 1 Collegiate Football Players, Alexandra Aline Mcdonald

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Context: Various intrinsic factors such as high exposure, poor endurance of core muscles, previous injury, strength deficits, suboptimal neurocognitive function, and orthopedic abnormalities have been found as predictors for sprains and strains among collegiate football players. Objective: Assess the applicability of pre-participation assessments as predictors of core or lower extremity injury. Design: Cohort Study. Setting: National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I football program. Patients or Other Participants: Athletes who underwent mandatory pre-participation examinations before preseason football training over two consecutive seasons (n=225). Main Outcome Measure(s): Associations between preseason protocols and injury incidence for core and lower extremity injuries were established …

Effects Of A Virtual Training Partner On Cycling Time Trial Performance In Recreationally Active Females, Janae L. Myers

Celebrating Scholarship & Creativity Day (2011-2017)

Introduction. Fatigue is a result of physiological and psychological limits. Associative thoughts (thoughts of physical sensations) and dissociative thoughts (thoughts not regarding physical sensations) compete for attentional focus during exercise and can influence exercise performance and fatigue. Distractions during exercise, such as watching TV or interactive exercise, increase dissociative thoughts and reduce rate of perceived exertion (RPE). Limited research exists regarding the effects of a virtual training partner on exercise performance and fatigue.

Purpose. To examine whether the use of a virtual training partner (ghost) will improve performance by increasing dissociative thoughts. We hypothesized that the use of a ghost …

Concussions, Why They Go Unreported, Drake Matuska

Celebrating Scholarship & Creativity Day (2011-2017)

Introduction: In the world today, concussions are a major health risk in sports and many other physically demanding activities. Every day, we see former athletes who have experienced multiple concussions complain of cognitive impairment and memory loss. It is the risk every athlete takes when they participate in a sport they love; however, when an individual plays through a concussion that is when a line is crossed. People playing through a concussion lead to the foundation of this study, which is to find out why individuals play through their concussions, why they fail to report, and the core cognitive reasons. …

Hydration Status, Habits, And Knowledge Of Collegiate Cross Country Runners, Laura J. Comee

Celebrating Scholarship & Creativity Day (2011-2017)

Abstract: Dehydration exceeding 2% loss of body mass can cause decreased cognitive and physical performance in endurance athletes. While many runners carry water bottles with them, most do not know their sweat rate or fluid recommendations, increasing the risk for heat-related illnesses such as heat stroke. Purpose: To assess hydration status, habits, and knowledge of collegiate cross country runners. Methods: Institutional Review Board approval was obtained and subjects completed informed consents. Thirty-three female and twenty-five male Division III collegiate runners participated in the study. Hydration status was assessed measuring the specific gravity of three urine samples one each …

Electromyographic And Mechanomyographic Time And Frequency Responses During Fatiguing, Submaximal, Isokinetic Muscle Actions Of The Biceps Brachii, Ethan C. Hill

College of Education and Human Sciences: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

The purpose of the present investigation was to examine the time-course of changes in electromyographic (EMG) and mechanomyographic (MMG), time and frequency domain responses during repeated, submaximal, concentric, isokinetic, forearm flexion muscle actions. Twelve men (mean age ± SD = 22.6 ± 2.2 yrs; body weight = 84.0 ± 8.3 kg; height = 178.6 ± 8.3 cm) performed 50 repeated, submaximal (65% of concentric peak torque), concentric muscle actions of the dominant forearm flexors on an isokinetic dynamometer at 60°·s^-1. Surface EMG and MMG signals were simultaneously recorded from the biceps brachii muscle. Polynomial regression analyses (first, second, …

Nutrition And Exercise: Best Of Both Worlds, Jacob Allen Burns, Lukas Swysgood, Trenton Antonaros

Senior Year Experience Student Projects

To teach the students of the Best of Both Worlds (BOBW) program how to live a healthy lifestyle by introducing simple nutrition and exercise methods that can be done at home. To offer a program that is understandable at all levels of education that introduces effective and easy ways to eat healthier and exercise simply. A PowerPoint that explains nutrition and exercise information. Hands on learning and visuals to help students capture positive health ideas. Interactive demonstration of exercises and introduction of banded exercises. A before and after survey to quiz students on knowledge prior to and after seminar. An …

Assessment Of Anti-Saccades Within 24 To 48 Hours Post-Concussion, Nathan D'Amico

GS4 Student Scholars Symposium

INTRODUCTION: Approximately 90% of concussions involve oculomotor impairment, with saccadic eye movement deficits being the most prominent oculomotor impairment. Saccades are rapid eye movements that bring a fixed point or area of interest into the center of sight and are important for safely navigating through the environment. Anti-saccades are saccadic eye movement deficits that involve a reflexive, involuntary saccade away from a fixed point or area of interest. Assessments of anti-saccades may provide a fast, accurate, and reliable way to screen for concussion. However, little research quantitatively explores anti-saccades post-concussion.

PURPOSE: To investigate anti-saccades between NCAA Division I athletes 24-48 …

Identification Of Kinematic And Kinetic Injury Risk Predictors In Division I Football Athletes, Corbin M. Rasmussen, Guilherme M. Cesar, Shinya Takahashi

UCARE: Research Products

biomechanical patterns and insufficiencies that may influence risk of ligamentous injury, such as an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear. One kinematic pattern that has been identified as detrimental to ACL integrity is frontal plane knee collapse (valgus) during jumping and landing tasks.1 Inter-limb differences in force generation have also been connected to the occurrence of lower extremity injury.2 It is not known, however, whether these patterns contribute to the occurrence of lower extremity (LE) non-contact soft-tissue injury. The counter-movement vertical jump (CMVJ) is one way to simultaneously screen for knee collapse and asymmetrical force production patterns. This method was therefore …

Time Course Of Changes In Neuromuscular Parameters During Fatiguing High-Load And Low-Load Concentric Dynamic Constant External Resistance Leg Extension Muscle Actions, Cory M. Smith

Department of Nutrition and Health Sciences: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

The purpose of this study was to simultaneously assess electromyographic (EMG) and mechanomyographic (MMG) signals to examine the time course of changes in EMG amplitude, EMG frequency, MMG amplitude, and MMG frequency from the vastus lateralis (VL), vastus medialis (VM), and rectus femoris (RF) muscles during high-load (70%1 repetitions maximum; 1-RM) and low-load (30% 1-RM) concentric, dynamic constant external resistance (DCER) leg extension muscle actions to failure. Twelve men performed two randomized visits consisting of either 30 or 70% 1-RM DCER leg extension muscle actions to failure. Maximal voluntary isometric contractions (MVIC) and 1-RM measurements were performed before and after …

Examining The Relationship Between Training Environment And Muscle Dysmorphia Symptoms, Michelle F. Bubnis

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Muscle Dysmorphia (MD) is characterized by preoccupation with muscularity. Although there is a growing body of research concerning MD, there is a lack of research concerning the potential role exercise training environment has on the clinical features of MD. The purpose of this study was to compare MD symptomology in traditional strength-trained (TRAD) individuals to individuals training in communal high intensity functional training environments (HIFT). Participants were recruited from both types of facilities. Participants (N=376) completed online (Qualtrics) demographics survey and Muscle Dysmorphia Inventory (MDI). One-way ANOVA compared the effect of training environment on MDI scores among HIFT, TRAD, both …