Exercise Science Commons^™

The Relationship Of Anthropometric Measures To Vertical Jump Height., R. C. Kerns

Undergraduate Honors Theses

The capability to perform your best is an important aspect in the sport of soccer. The relationship between anthropometric measures to vertical jump height among NCAA Division I Women’s soccer players is a subject lacking sufficient scientific research. Purpose: To analyze this relationship, body mass and %body fat was correlated with un-weighted countermovement jump height to determine the strength of this relationship in NCAA DI female soccer players. Methods: Data from an ongoing athlete monitoring program from fourteen NCAA D1 female soccer players in the year 2007 was analyzed. Air Displacement Plethysmography (ADP) via a BOD POD (Life Measurement, Inc., …

The Effect Of Skeletal Muscle Mass On Basal Metabolic Rate In College-Age Males 2013, Chase Vaughn

Master's Theses

There are many misconceptions within the fitness community. One such misconception is that an increase in muscle mass will have a large increase in basal metabolic rate, yet this may not be the best way for successful weight loss. The purpose of this study was to determine the strength of the correlation between skeletal muscle mass and basal metabolic rate. The hypothesis tested was that basal metabolic rate is strongly correlated with skeletal muscle mass. The participants were college-aged males (n =17). Skeletal muscle mass (SMM) was estimated using the skin-fold circumference model (SFCM): SMM (kg) = Ht (0.00744 CAG2 …

The Influence Of Respiratory Muscle Training On Exercise Endurance 2013, Justin Vanderbeck

Master's Theses

Exercise endurance in multiple populations has been shown to increase after bouts of respiratory muscle training (RMT) (Bailey, Romer, Kelly, Wilkerson, Dimenna & Jones, 2010; Brown, Sharpe, Graham & Johnson, 2008; Griffiths & McConnell, 2007; Kilding, Brown & McConnell, 2007; Laoutaris et al., 2012; Markov, Spengler, Stuessi, Boutellier & Knöpfli-Lenzin, 2001; Spengler & Boutellier, 2000; Stuessi, Spengler, Knöpfli-Lenzin, Markov & Boutellier, 2001; Volianitis et al., 2000). The use of resistance via respiratory muscle strength training (RMST) has been shown to produce greater increases in endurance than with no resistance, but the method of RMST that produces the greatest increases in …

Resistance Training Behaviors In College-Aged Women 2013, Melanie Kornblatt

Master's Theses

The purpose of this study was to develop an understanding of women’s training behavior in the weight room. A secondary purpose was to determine what their beliefs and perceptions were in regards to lifting weights. Participants were college-aged females ranging in age from 17-29 years. Observations of weight lifting activities were conducted during peak hours of operation (Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 3- 6pm) in the fitness facility. A total of 60 hours of observations were conducted over a period of four weeks. In addition to observations, two focus groups were conducted. Participants were divided into two specific groups: I …

An Investigation Of Preferred Versus Imposed Exercise, Personality Traits, And Motivation On An Exercise Dependent College Aged Sample 2013, Chelsea M. Norton

Master's Theses

The purpose of this study was to: (a) investigate personality traits and motivation among an exercise dependent sample by using and examining theoretically based assessment tools and (b) measure feeling states under different types of physical activity among those who were considered to be exercise dependent. Four hundred twenty-three college students (54.4% male, 45.6% female) who met the inclusion criteria completed the Exercise Dependence Scale-Revised (EDS-R; Symons Downs, Hausenblas, & Nigg, 2004), Exercise Addiction Inventory (EAI; Terry, Szabó, & Griffiths, 2004), Exercise Identity Scale (EIS; Anderson & Cychosz, 1994), Behavioral Regulations in Exercise Questionnaire-2 (BREQ-2; Markland & Tobin, 2004), and …

The Role Of Appearance In Perceptions Of Personal Trainers 2013., Patrick R. Boerner

Master's Theses

The field of personal training in the United States is believed to have begun in the late 1970‟s and the early 1980‟s (Brooks, 2004). Today, personal training is a healthy profession that, according to the United States Department of Labor and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2012), is expected to grow 24% (60,400 jobs) between 2010 and 2020. In comparison, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2012) predicts the average growth rate for all occupations within the U.S. to be only 14% during the same ten-year span. Rapid growth within the field of personal training has brought an increased scrutiny on …

Comparative Effects Of Upper Or Lower Body Ergometry To Facilitate Recovery From High-Intensity Combined Arm And Leg Exercise, Benjamin Chad Lyman

Honors Theses

The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of upper body versus lower body ergometry on blood lactate concentration ([La]) disappearance. Ten individuals (age: 20.6 ± 1.3 yrs, height: 1.72 ± 0.08 m, weight: 66.77 ± 10.42 kg) completed preliminary testing sessions, 3-5 days apart, to determine the power output corresponding with the subject’s onset of blood lactate (OBLA), which for the purposes of this study is considered the subject’s lactate threshold (LT), for leg ergometry (LT_L) and arm ergometry (LT_A). Participants then returned to the laboratory on three separate occasions to complete the …

The Acute Effect Of Two Hip External Rotator Stretches On Range Of Motion, Cody Brian Bremner

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the acute effect of two commonly used static stretches on hip internal rotation passive range of motion (HIR-PROM). Participants (n=30, 15 male, 15 female; 22±1.8 yrs.; 173.5±8.5cm; 73.8±12.7 kg) were randomly assigned (with gender controlled) to one of three groups: control (C), figure 4 stretch (F4), and modified lunge stretch (ML). Pre and post-test HIR-PROM was measured on each participant's non-dominant hip (28 left, 2 right). HIR-PROM was measured from the prone position; the knee was flexed to 90° and the hip was passively internally rotated. After the pretest, each participant completed …

Effect Of Racing Flats On Running Economy In Male Adolescent Runners, Paul Hafen

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether running economy differs in racing flats versus standard running shoes in high school cross-country runners. In order to measure running economy the oxygen cost of running (mL O₂∙kg^-1∙min^-1) was measured in 20 male adolescent runners (mean age = 16.25 ± 0.97 years, 5 km best time = 17.52 ± 0.78 min) when running two separate trials at a controlled speed. The speed was determined by estimating treadmill running speed at 85% of each runner's VO_2max. Each trial required the participants to run while …

Predicting Chest Press Strength From A 4rm Triceps Brachii Exercise In Trained Women, Krystina Nadia Moschella

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Determining maximal strength is important when developing a resistance exercise program for trained athletes. The most frequent strength procedure used to evaluate maximum strength is the 1RM test. However, risk of injury from a 1RM test increases for the athletes, therefore a 4RM test is used in the following study. The purpose of the study is to test whether there is a linear relationship between the bench press and the triceps rope extension exercise. A secondary purpose is the development of a prediction equation for the purpose of prescribing bench press exercise loads from triceps brachii loads using a 4RM …

Development And Implementation Of A Video-Based Activity Preference Assessment For Children With Autism And Their Parents, Lena Sankovich

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Development and Implementation of a Video-Based Physical Activity Preference Assessment for Children with Autism and Their Parents

Individuals with autism often lack the necessary motivation to engage in physical activity. In addition, due to the characteristics defining autism, such as deficits in social skills, motor coordination, and behavior, individuals with autism are less likely to participate in physical activity with their peers than individuals without autism. Additionally, poor motor functioning, sedentary lifestyle, lack of information and lack of access to physical activity may be barriers to physical activity for individuals with developmental disabilities. These barriers, in addition to the characteristics …

Oxidative Stress For An Acute Bout Of Bikram Yoga In Healthy, Trained Adults, Kimberly Anne Trocio

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

BACKGROUND:Generation of free radicals resulting in oxidative damage has been linked to cellular damage, aging, and human disease. Many studies have reported that physical exercise can contribute to oxidative stress. Further, exercise in a hyperthermic environment can promote additional oxidative stress. It is important to consider that practices in yoga may be beneficial in reducing oxidative stress according to some studies. The compound effects of exercise and hyperthermic exposure are experienced in the practice of Bikram yoga, the original "hot" yoga. Because Bikram yoga and other hot exercise classes are an increasingly growing fitness trend, it is necessary to investigate …

Effect Of Dehydration On Concomitant Measures Of Cognitive Function And Balance, Stephanie Marie Watson

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

During activities of daily living, there are demands placed on the body both cognitively and physically. These demands are multiplied when performing an athletic endeavor. Many studies have demonstrated the negative impact dehydration has on cognitive and muscle functions, independently. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of dehydration on central nervous system and peripheral nervous system fatigue as expressed through concomitant factors of cognitive function and balance. Subjects were to consist of 20 participates aged 18-35 years old who reported running a minimum of 45 minutes per exercise bout at least 3 times per week. The …

A Home-Based Exercise Intervention To Increase Physical Activity Among People Living With Hiv: Study Design Of A Randomized Clinical Trial, Jason R. Jaggers, Wesley Dudgeon, Steven N. Blair, Xuemei Sui, Stephanie Burgess, Sara Wilcox, Gregory A. Hand

Faculty and Staff Scholarship

Background

While combination antiretroviral therapy has extended the life expectancy of those infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), there is a high prevalence of comorbidities that increase the risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). The side effects associated with antiretroviral therapy (ART) lead to multiple metabolic disorders, making the management of these metabolic issues and risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in those treated with ART a critical issue. Clinical research trials, primarily clinical exercise, rarely include this population due to unique challenges in research methods with underserved minority populations living with a life threatening …

A Quantitative Comparison Of Energy Expenditure Between Exergames And Physical Activity Recommendations, Dalton A. Newell

Honors Theses

The purpose of this study was to analyze the energy expenditure associated with two commercially available exergames (Dance Dance Revolution 2 (DDR2) and Wii Sports 1: Tennis) and evaluate whether or not this type of activity could be used as a means to obtain the recommended amount of physical activity. Thirty individuals (15 males, 15 females) participated in the study. Each participant attended 3 sessions: a 30-min familiarization session and 2, 45-min testing sessions. During each testing session, participants played one of the exergames for 30 min while continuously being measured for oxygen consumption (VO₂), respiratory exchange ratio …

Firefighter Fitness-For-Duty Medical Screening: A Peer Review Quality Improvement Pilot, Julie Collings Rochefort

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Despite the overwhelming evidence that sudden cardiac death is the most frequent cause of firefighter fatalities, many fire departments do not have a program to measure or maintain basic firefighter fitness and health. This project evaluated and compared medical screening outcomes of four industrial fire brigades within a multinational oil and gas corporation and introduced a quality improvement plan. The goal of this project was to apply the evidence and measure outcomes to determine the most effective way to ensure that firefighters in a corporate setting are healthy. This was accomplished by utilizing established guidelines in developing an educational program …

Effect Of Step Rate On Foot Strike Pattern And Running Economy In Novice Runners, Janae Lynn Richardson

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

Purpose—The objective was to examine if step rates ±5% or ±10% of a novice runner's preferred step rate (SR) is sufficient enough to shift a novice runner’s foot strike pattern (FSP) (rear-foot, mid-foot, forefoot) and whether these SR changes produce changes in the rate of submaximal oxygen consumption (VO2). Methods—Foot strike angle (FSA) was recorded using sagittal plane video images and VO2 was measured for novice runners while running on a treadmill at a constant speed during increased and decreased (±5% and ±10%) SR conditions. Foot strike angle was used to predict strike index (SI) (predicted strike index = [FSA …

The Effect Of Implementing A Weight Loss Program On Participant Attendance, Club Usage, And Gym Membership Attrition, Stephanie Bonkemeyer Haymond

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

The purpose of this research study was to evaluate the effect of a weight loss program on individual participant attendance, total club usage and membership attrition. This retrospective study involved a fitness gym located in Utah County, Utah with a total membership of 1,100. The number of clients participating in the weight loss program between December 2011 and May 2012 was 36 (32 females and 4 males). A total of 11 clients were analyzed for the individual attendance data as this analysis was limited to only those clients who were gym members one year prior to the implementation of the …

Physical Activity And Exercise During Adolescence And Young Adulthood Can Act As Preventative Measures Against The Development Of Osteoporosis In Elderly People, Christine C. Center

Honors College Theses

Osteoporosis, “the silent killer,” is responsible for 8.9 million annual fractures. Although not bound to these factors, osteoporosis typically targets females that are post-menopausal and have a family history of the disease. Osteoporosis is caused by a decrease in bone mass density. Physical activity and exercise and often spoken about when the topic of osteoporosis is discussed because of the impact they have on maintaining bone mass density in an effort to delay osteoporosis. This paper first provides an overview of osteoporosis, explanation of methods of diagnosing osteoporosis, risk factors, complications and treatment for osteoporosis. Topics covered include, bone mass …

Eight Weeks Of Supplementation With A Multi-Ingredient Weight Loss Product Enhances Body Composition, Reduces Hip And Waist Girth, And Increases Energy Levels In Overweight Men And Women, Hector L. Lopez, Tim N. Ziegenfuss, Jennifer E. Hofheins, Scott M. Habowski, Shawn M. Arent Ph.D., Cscs*D, Fissn, Facsm, Fnak, Joseph P. Weir, Arny A. Ferrando

Faculty Publications

Background: Numerous natural products are marketed and sold claiming to decrease body weight and fat, but few undergo finished product-specific research demonstrating their safety and efficacy.Objective: To determine the safety and efficacy of a multi-ingredient supplement containing primarily raspberry ketone, caffeine, capsaicin, garlic, ginger and Citrus aurantium (Prograde Metabolism™ [METABO]) as an adjunct to an eight-week weight loss program.Methods: Using a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind design, 70 obese but otherwise healthy subjects were randomly assigned to METABO or a placebo and underwent 8 weeks of daily supplementation, a calorie restricted diet, and exercise training. Subjects were tested for changes in body …