Exercise Science Commons^™

Effect Of Β-Alanine Supplementation On Inflammation Response And Subsequent Muscle Function Following An Acute Bout Of Resistance Training., David F. Smith

Masters Theses, 2020-current

Purpose: This study aimed to examine the effects of β-alanine supplementation on the inflammation response, as measured by Interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels, and subsequent muscle function in resistance-trained individuals following a single bout of resistance exercise.

Methods: Fourteen resistance-trained subjects were recruited for a double-blind, between-group experiment. Following a two-week washout period (if needed), subjects were randomly assigned to receive either 6.8g of β-alanine daily or a placebo. After the supplementation period, subjects performed a standardized exhaustive squat protocol (10 sets of 10 repetitions at 60% of their estimated 1RM). Venous blood samples were collected pre-exercise, 24-hours post, and 72-hours post …

Agreement Between Methods For Describing The Intensity Of A High Intensity Functional Training Workout, James W. Henley

Master's Theses

This study examined whether a speed-based metric, expressed as percent of maximal speed (%MS), could serve as a practical and accurate method for quantifying intensity in high-intensity functional training (HIFT). Traditional intensity markers—heart rate (HR), blood lactate concentration ([La-]), and rating of perceived exertion (RPE)—were compared to %MS during low- and high-volume (LV, HV) workouts using a combination of correlation and agreement analyses. Twelve males and twelve females completed a baseline assessment followed by two experimental workout sessions. Participants wore HR monitors, provided pre- and post-exercise [La-] samples and RPE scores, and performed maximal speed tests for each workout movement. …

Physical Function In Young And Older Adult Active Pickleball Players – A Cross-Sectional Study, Leighanne T. Paulson, Eric Martin, Kent Adams, Marcus M. Lawrence

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology Volume 6: Issue 1, Article 5, 2025. Limited information exists on pickleball’s impact on physical function in older adults (65+ years), despite reported health benefits. PURPOSE: This cross-sectional study evaluated the physical function of active older adult (OA) women and men recreational pickleball players via handgrip strength (HGS) and fatigue (HGF), 6-minute walk distance (6MWD) test, as well as the short physical performance battery (SPPB) compared to sex-matched young adult (YA) controls. METHODS: Thirty YA (18-26 years; n=15 women/men) and 27 OA (65-89 years; n=13 women, n=15 men) participants who played pickleball …

A History Of Omics Discoveries Reveals The Correlates And Mechanisms Of Loading-Induced Hypertrophy In Adult Skeletal Muscle. 2024 Camps Young Investigator Award Invited Review, Toby L. Chambers, Kevin A. Murach

Health, Human Performance and Recreation Faculty Publications and Presentations

Since the early 2000s, omics approaches to study skeletal muscle hypertrophy consequent to loading (e.g., resistance exercise) have expanded dramatically. Beginning with genomics and transcriptomics, there are now omics datasets from hypertrophying skeletal muscle spanning methylomics, proteomics, and phosphoproteomics, with further integration of single cell/nucleus-specific omics, among others. The purpose of this review is to explore the history of leveraging omics to enable understanding and discovery with respect to loading-induced hypertrophy in adult skeletal muscle. We elaborate on key historical and contemporary studies and findings, highlight specific examples where omics discoveries led to a mechanistic understanding of skeletal muscle growth, …

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 ± …

Economy Smart Watch Fails To Accurately Monitor Blood Glucose Among Healthy Adults, Thinh Le Mr., Douglas Oberlin Dr., Adam Mohan Mr.

Undergraduate Research

Monitoring and maintenance of blood glucose (BG) concentrations is of critical importance to individuals with diabetes mellitus. However, this often requires multiple finger-sticks and a glucometer, or the use of a prescription continuous glucose monitor (CGM). Recently, some smart watches have become available which claim to non-invasively monitor BG. This should not be confused with watches that pair with CGMs. The purpose of this study was to assess whether the economy smart watches were capable of detecting BG changes among healthy individuals. Currently three participants have completed this study. Healthy young adults reported to the lab after a 4-6 hour …

The Impact Of Prenatal Yoga On Hip Mobility And Delivery Outcomes, Zoe Avery

Mahurin Honors College Capstone Experience/Thesis Projects

Yoga has been shown to decrease lumbar pain, improve maternal mental health, and improve delivery outcomes. While there are many well-established benefits of yoga, the mechanism by which yoga elicits these improvements is unclear. One potential mechanism that has not been studied is through improvements in hip mobility. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to test the effect of prenatal yoga on hip mobility. The secondary aim was to determine the relationship between hip mobility and pregnancy outcomes. METHODS: Hip mobility via hip internal and external range of motion and hip flexor muscle length was measured in pregnant females …

Nutrition, Sleep, And Training Habits Enhance Endurance Race Performance, Anna F. Breed

Honors Theses

In recent years, marathon and ultra-marathon participation has grown substantially. Past research has shown that a range of variables influence the performance of endurance athletes. This study included participants of the Forgotten Florida 50-mile and 100-mile race and the Chattanooga Erlanger Half-Marathon and Marathon. These athletes were questioned about their sleep, nutrition, and training habits implemented for the races they completed. The results show the significance of carbohydrate consumption throughout the race for energy maintenance and shortened race times. Also, it was found that hill repeats and tempo runs brought about more successful race times for the runners who implemented …

Dual-Task Cost Of Gait Measures In Individuals With And Without Parkinson's Disease, Addison G. Miller

Health, Human Performance and Recreation Undergraduate Honors Theses

Parkinson’s disease (PD), estimated to affect over one million people by 2030, is a neurodegenerative disease that damages the dopaminergic neurons located in the brain. Losing these neurons cause individuals with PD to experience impairments in basic motor and cognitive functions. Symptoms of PD often include bodily shaking, muscle stiffness, and abnormalities in gait and posture. Individuals with PD can also experience impairment when walking and performing secondary tasks, such as walking while talking, known as dual tasking. Dual tasking can lead to increased risk of falling or losing balance, as well as the inability to move freely while carrying …

Optimization And Personalization Of Fitness Routines Using Mathematical Models, Tyson M. Kerr

Theses/Capstones/Creative Projects

This project aims to develop a mathematical model for generating personalized workout plans tailored to individual fitness goals, preferences, and constraints. By leveraging optimization techniques such as linear programming and genetic algorithms, the model will address key questions, including how to maximize efficiency and consistency in workout plans and which methodologies are best suited for specific fitness objectives. The model involves data collection on user inputs and exercise attributes, defining objective functions for different goals, and integrating constraints like session duration. The implementation will utilize the Python library PuLP to prototype the model, alongside a user-friendly interface for input and …

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 …

The Effect Of Calisthenics Training On Estimated Vo₂Max Values In College Students, Rayhan Amer Imran, Triyanti Triyanti, Fathimah Sulistyowati Sigit, Mury Kuswari

Indonesian Journal of Public Health Nutrition (IJPHN)

Cardiorespiratory fitness (VO₂max) among university students is worryingly low, with more than 50% of students categorized as unfit (<41.7 mL/kg/min). This study was conducted to determine the effect of calisthenic training on estimated VO₂max values using a quasi-experimental study design on 21 male students of the Faculty of Public Health, University of Indonesia from August to October 2024. Subjects were divided into 2 groups: the intervention group (n=10) and the control group (n=11). The intervention group performed treatment in the form of calisthenics exercise for 40 minutes, and the control group received running exercise treatment for 20 minutes, with both exercises done twice a week for 4 consecutive weeks. Body weight, height, body mass index, estimated VO₂max values, body fat percentage, muscle mass, academic stress levels, sleep quality and macronutrient intake data were measured pre-and-post training and were analyzed using independent and dependent t-tests. The results showed a significant (p<0.05) difference in change on the average estimated VO₂max values between the intervention group (3.5 mL/kg/min) and the control group (11.4 mL/kg/min). It can be concluded that the changes in estimated VO₂max values were likely more effective in the running group compared to the calisthenics group.

Physical Attributes Of Competitive Collegiate Co-Ed Men, Base/Backspots, Flyers, And Tumblers, Grace M. Liebhart, Harry P. Cintineo

2025 Student Academic Showcase

Cheerleading is a demanding sport often overlooked in research. This study examined physical attributes of 41 collegiate cheerleaders representing co-ed men, base/backspots, flyers, and tumblers. Participants underwent body composition, relative countermovement and squat jump, isometric mid-thigh pull, and 1RM seated military press assessments. Data were analyzed using ANOVA with gender adjustment followed by Bonferroni-adjusted post-hoc tests (α=0.05). Analyses showed significant positional differences for body fat percentage (P< 0.003), lean mass (P< 0.001), squat jump (P=0.034), and 1RM strength (P< 0.001). Bases/backspots had higher body fat percentage than flyers (P=0.016) with no other differences (P>0.110). Lean mass and 1RM strength were highest in co-ed men (P< 0.018) followed by bases/backspots and tumblers than flyers (P< 0.073). Post-hoc analysis revealed no differences in squat jump (P>0.052). These findings highlight unique physical characteristics of cheerleading positions and suggest implementation of specific strength training programs. Future investigations should …

Maintenance Of Anaerobic Power Across A Competitive Season In Collegiate Women’S Ice Hockey Playersquinn, Quinn M. Mclaren, Olivia J. Grabianowski, Molly K. Henderson, Kyle Sunderland

2025 Student Academic Showcase

The purpose of this study was to examine changes in anaerobic power and capacity in women’s college ice hockey players from pre-season to post-season. Fourteen NCAA Division I female ice hockey players performed a 30-second Wingate test (WAnT) two weeks prior to the start of the competitive season and three weeks following the final game. Athletes completed a standardized warm-up including a short sprint on the cycle ergometer to prepare for the maximal effort test. The WAnT began from a rolling start, with the athlete pedaling at 100–110 RPM. Athletes then completed a 30-second all-out sprint against 9% body weight …

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 …

Leveraging Agent-Based Modeling And A Randomized Intervention To Advance Childhood Physical Activity: A Study Protocol, Matt Kasman, Adam B. Sedlak, Lydia Reader, William J. Heerman, Russell R. Pate, Amelie G. Ramirez, Evan C. Sommer, Shari L. Barkin, Ross A. Hammond

Faculty Publications

This study (1R01HD107002-01A1) protocol describes the planned creation and use of an agent-based model (ABM) of early childhood physical activity (PA). Successful early childhood PA interventions can potentially play an important role in both increasing overall population health as well as closing health disparities across subpopulations. At present, effective strategies for doing so are currently unknown. In large part, this is because PA determinants operate across levels dynamically, interact with one another, and can differ substantially across children. A complex systems approach—specifically, ABM—can be used to provide important insights about effect pathways driving child PA. Design of the proposed ABM …

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 …

Aging In Motion: The Impact Of Activity On Visceral Fat In Senior Individuals, Heather Feeny, Paxton Castillon, Alyssa Mcnutt, Mattew Densley

Student Research Symposium

The aim of this study is to investigate activity levels, including sleep duration, sitting time, and their relationship with visceral fat area (VFA).

A Cross-Sectional Analysis: Employment And Its Impact On Physical Activity, Academic Performance, And Quality Of Life Among Bellarmine University Students, Orlando Exposito Nuñez

Undergraduate Theses

Introduction: Half of undergraduate students are employed, meaning they must balance work with academics, physical activity (PA), and personal responsibilities. This study examines the potential negative impact of employment on PA, academic performance, and quality of life (QOL) among college students. Methods: The cross-sectional survey comprised 125 Bellarmine University students (Age 21.07 ± 3.40; 52% female, 48% male). Measures included the RAND SF-36 for QOL, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form (IPAQ-SF), and a custom academic and employment questionnaire. Racial and ethnic demographics included White (75.2%), Black or African American (11.2%), Hispanic or Latino (15.2%), Asian (4.8%), Multiracial (4.8%), …

Preseason Mileage Influences The In-Season Training Effect In Female Cross Country Runners, Abby Ervin, Dean Calsbeek

Celebration of Research

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to analyze how preseason mileage influences the in-season training effect on maximal oxygen uptake (VO_2max) and lactate threshold (LT) in trained NAIA runners. Methods: Eight female distance runners (age 21.2 0.5 y) ran preseason mileage prior to the start of the cross country season. Subjects completed a graded treadmill test to determine VO_2max and VO₂ at OBLA (VO₂ OBLA) at the beginning and end of a 9 week competitive season. Results: Postseason testing revealed VO_2max significantly improved (p=0.009), while no significant improvement occurred in VO₂ OBLA …