Kinesiology Commons^™

Rhythmic Auditory Cueing Of Gait In Parkinson Disease, Adam Patrick Horin

Arts & Sciences Graduate Student Theses and Dissertations

Parkinson disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative movement disorder characterized by motor complications such as gait deficits and is caused by the depletion of dopamine producing neurons in the basal ganglia (BG). Gait deficits, including decreased velocity and increased variability, are among the most debilitating symptoms of PD and lead to an increased risk of falls. Common pharmacological treatments do not target many gait symptoms. Therefore, gait rehabilitation methods that can improve these deficits in gait are highly important. A common form of gait rehabilitation is known as rhythmic auditory cueing, in which an individual matches their footfalls to the beat …

Examining Minority Youth Swimmers’ Versus Non-Swimmers’ Perceptions Of Swimming Involvement, Timothy M. Dasinger, Laura L. Brown, Ashton J. Sawyers

International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education

Drowning is one of the leading causes of death in youth, especially among minority populations (Gilchrest & Parker, 2014). According to the World Health Organization (2014), every hour of every day approximately 42 people lose their lives to drowning. Additionally, African-Americans are 14 times more likely to drown in a pool than other racial or ethnic group members (Waller & Norwood, 2011). The purpose of this study was to examine survey results between swimming and non-swimming minority youth participants. Forty African American students between the ages of 5-17 from an after-school program completed the Swimming Involvement Survey. Results indicated that …

Parental Perceptions Of Water Safety Among Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders, Amanda Casey Ph.D., Jennifer Blok, Katherine Vaughan, William O'Dwyer

International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education

Children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are twice as likely to die from unintentional drowning compared to same-age children without ASD emphasizing the importance of water-safety skills and knowledge. Yet little research has been published on perceptions of water safety for this population. The objective of the study was to investigate parental perceptions of water safety amongst children with ASD. An online questionnaire focusing on parental perceptions of water safety was distributed to parents of children with ASD associated with autism support groups across Canada. Forty-nine parents completed the self-report questionnaire with items related to demographics, swimming proficiency and lessons, …

The Athletic Gut Microbiota, Alex E. Mohr, Ralf Jäger, Katie C. Carpenter, Chad M. Kerksick, Martin Purpura, Jeremy R. Townsend, Nicholas P. West, Katherine Black, Michael Gleeson, David B. Pyne, Shawn D. Wells, Shawn M. Arent Ph.D., Cscs*D, Fissn, Facsm, Fnak, Richard B. Kreider, Bill I. Campbell, Laurent Bannock, Jonathan Scheiman, Craig J. Wissent, Marco Pane, Douglas S. Kalman, Jamie N. Pugh, Carmen P. Ortega-Santos, Jessica A. Ter Haar, Paul J. Arciero, Jose Antonio

Faculty Publications

The microorganisms in the gastrointestinal tract play a significant role in nutrient uptake, vitamin synthesis, energy harvest, inflammatory modulation, and host immune response, collectively contributing to human health. Important factors such as age, birth method, antibiotic use, and diet have been established as formative factors that shape the gut microbiota. Yet, less described is the role that exercise plays, particularly how associated factors and stressors, such as sport/exercise-specific diet, environment, and their interactions, may influence the gut microbiota. In particular, high-level athletes offer remarkable physiology and metabolism (including muscular strength/power, aerobic capacity, energy expenditure, and heat production) compared to sedentary …

Swimming Past The Pandemic: Importance Of Evidence-Based Science, Stephen J. Langendorfer Ph.D.

International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education

Swimming Past the Pandemic - URL included

The Partial Immersion Aquatic Approach Using Adjustable Weight Bearing To Improve Posture And Sitting Balance Adaptation For Children With Severe Cerebral Palsy, Niv Shelef

International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education

The innovative ‟Partial Immersion” Aquatic Therapy Approach was developed to enhance balance and posture during sitting adaptation for children with severe cerebral palsy who exhibit deficiency in those skills on land. Stable balance during sitting posture is one of the preconditions for hands function in activities of daily living. Aquatic skills learned during aquatic therapy were then transferred to a land environment. Therapy included the use of a treatment chair that enabled adjustable weight bearing in a series of 30 mm steps. A mixed-methods design employing a multiple case study approach (n=5) including quantitative and qualitative methods investigated the effectiveness …

Is Fitspiration Truly An Inspiration? How Social Media Accounts Dedicated To Fitness And Nutrition Affect Physical Activity Levels And Body Image Among College Students, Anna Bowles

Honors Theses

Fitspiration accounts on social media are established to influence those that view or follow them to live a healthier lifestyle. However, just because these accounts are being viewed does not mean that the individuals are following the advice of these influencers. The purpose of this study is to gather data on how physical activity levels and body image are affected by the use, or knowledge of “fitspiration,” or inspiration on fitness and nutrition, accounts on social media among students at the University of Mississippi. The participants were 361 undergraduate students between the ages of 18 and 25 at the University …

The Effects Of High-Intensity Acute Exercise On Implicit Memory And Face-Name Explicit Memory, Morgan Gilbert

Honors Theses

Objective: The majority of previous research evaluate the effects of acute exercise on memory function have focused on explicit memory tasks involving word-list paradigms. For more real-world application, the present experiment evaluates whether high-intensity acute exercise can improve implicit memory function as well as increase one’s ability to remember names associated with faces (face-name paradigm). Methods: A two-arm, parallel-group, randomized controlled intervention was employed. Participants (N=91; M_age= 20 yrs) were randomized into one of two groups, including an experimental group and a control group. The experimental group exercised for 20 minutes on a treadmill at a high-intensity …

Acute Exercise On Prospective Memory Function: Open Vs. Closed Skilled Exercise, Grace Burnett

Honors Theses

Background: Accumulating research suggests that acute exercise may enhance memory function. Limited research, however, has evaluated whether the movement patterns of acute exercise may have a differential effect on memory. Such an effect is plausible, as research demonstrates that open-skilled exercise (e.g., racquetball) may have a greater effect on memory-related neurotrophins (e.g., brain - derived neurotrophic factors) when compared to closed-skilled exercise (e.g. treadmill exercise). A key distinction between open- and closed-skilled exercise is that open-skilled exercises are those that require an individual to react in a dynamic way to a changing, unpredictable environment. The purpose of this study was …

Veridical And False Memory Performance As A Function Of The Timing Of High-Intensity Acute Exercise, Claire Sanderson

Honors Theses

Background: Our recent experimental work demonstrated that high-intensity acute exercise improved veridical (true) memories and also increased the rate of false memories. The present experiment was designed to re-evaluate these effects for replication purposes. We also extend this literature by evaluating whether these effects are influenced by the timing of acute exercise. Methods: The sample included young adults (N=37; M_age = 21.16 years). We employed a three-condition, within-group, counterbalanced controlled design, consisting of two exercise conditions and a control condition. The exercise conditions involved a 15-minute bout of high-intensity acute exercise. These conditions included the bout of …

Preparation For An Half-Ironmantm Triathlon Amongst Amateur Athlete: Finishing Rate And Physiological Adaptation., Francois Lalonde, Sarah-Maude Martin, Vincent Gosselin Boucher, Marc Gosselin, Mélanie Roch, Alain Steve Comtois

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 13(6): 766-777, 2020. Long distance triathlon has gained in popularity amongst the general population. Coaches establish training programs based upon their knowledge, personal experience and on current training principles. The goal was to observe the effect of a triathlon training program for a half Ironman event in neophyte amateur athletes. A specific triathlon training program was followed from February to June 2016 by a group preparing for their first half ironman. Out of the 32 participants (19 Males and 13 Females; mean age of 39 ± 9.9 years old; body weight of 72.7 ± 13.4 …

Acute Capsaicin Analog Supplementation Improves 400 M And 3000 M Running Time-Trial Performance, Lasaro Albuquerque Costa, Marcelo Conrado De Freitas, Jason Cholewa, Fabio Nakamura, Valeria Panissa, Vilton Emanoel Lopes De Moura E Silva Vilton Emanoel Lopes De Moura E Silva, Alcione Maria B Sá, Priscila A. Queiroz, Sergio Luis Galan, Marcos Antonio P Santos, Nelo E. Zanchi, Fabio Santos Lira, Fabricio Eduardo Rossi

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 13(2): 755-765, 2020. Objectives: Performance in running-based sport depends on the ability to perform repetitive high intensity muscle contractions. Previous studies have shown that capsaicin analog (CAP) (i.e. Capsiate) supplementation may improve this performance. The purpose of this study was to investigate the acute effect of CAP supplementation on short (400 m) and middle distance (3000 m) running time-trial performance, maximum heart rate (HR), and rate of perceived exertion (RPE). Methods: Twelve physically active men completed four randomized, double-blind trials: CAP condition (12 mg) or a placebo condition. Forty-five minutes after supplementation, the participants performed …

The Function Of The Intrinsic Foot Muscles During Turns And Mediolateral Shifts In Balance, Hope E. Kircher

Senior Honors Projects, 2020-current

Purpose: Atrophy of the intrinsic foot muscles (IFM) has been associated with foot deformity, balance deficiencies, and plantar ulceration in patients with diabetes. Nevertheless, little is understood regarding the function of the intrinsic foot muscles responsible for abduction of the toes, and no study has directly assessed the role of the abductors in maintaining mediolateral balance or foot alignment and integrity during turning and other nonlinear activities. The purpose of this study was to determine the activation levels of abductor hallucis (ABDH), abductor digiti minimi (ABDM), the first (PDIO1) and third (PDIO3) dorsal interossei, and flexor digitorum brevis (FDB) during …

Placebo-Induced Changes In Force Production For Types Of Muscle Contractions, Nicholas V. Antonacci

Senior Honors Projects, 2020-current

Purpose: To test the impact of a placebo drink on acute force production during isometric and isokinetic leg extensions in male and female college students. Methods: Nine male and five female subjects apparently healthy and free of leg injury completed familiarization testing and two counterbalanced trials. In one trial, participants were told they were consuming a performance-enhancing drink, although the drink contained only flavoring. In the other trial, participants were not given any drink (control). Both trials then included concentric and eccentric strength tests performed at 60 degrees per second, and isometric strength tests with the knee at a 70 …

Relationship Between Muscular Strength And Balance In An Elderly Population, Mikayla N. Basil

Senior Honors Projects, 2020-current

Purpose: To examine the association between grip strength, leg strength and balance test performance in elderly individuals.Methods: Fourmales and four females (average age = 72.8 ± 2.1 years, average height = 167.8 ± 9.4 cm, average weight = 74.8 ± 14.4 kg) participated in this study. Participants were administered the Berg Balance Test and assigned a score out of 56. They then performed a maximal grip strength test, and maximal isokinetic leg extension and flexion tests on their dominant leg to obtain peak torque. Correlations were calculated between all testing variables using Pearson correlation coefficients.Results: No significant correlations …

Physiological And Perceptual Responses To Various Types Of Exercise, Jenna Thompson

Honors Theses

Previously, we found that variable-intensity exercise (VIIE) was more enjoyable than high-intensity interval exercise (HIIT), but the physiological stress was reduced. This study will examine exercise intensity, energy expenditure (EE), and perceptual responses during and after moderate-intensity exercise (MIE), HIIT, and VIIE. On separate days, the three work-matched bouts of exercise (MIE, HIIT, & VIIE) were randomized and performed. Oxygen consumption, heart rate (HR), and muscle oxygenation were collected over the entire bout for all conditions. OMNI ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) and affect, via Feelings Scale, were measured in-exercise and enjoyment was measured post-exercise using the physical activity enjoyment …

Effects Of Unilateral And Bilateral Squatting On Rotational Speed In Male And Female Collegiate Golfers, Emmett Van Der Snick

Masters Theses, 2020-current

Resistance training in combination with plyometrics and medicine ball routines has been shown to improve rotational speed and power. One area that has not been observed has been the difference between bilateral squatting and unilateral squatting on rotational speed. The purpose of the study was to observe the effects of unilateral and bilateral squatting on club head speed in collegiate golfers. Eight male and nine female collegiate golfers were randomly assigned to a unilateral squat group which was the experimental and a bilateral squat group which was the control group and participated in twelve training sessions over the course of …

Market To Table: A Physical Activity And Healthful Eating Approach To Diabetes Prevention, Alison Schwartz

Masters Theses, 2020-current

According to the Center of Disease Control and Prevention (2019), one out of three US adults has prediabetes and healthful eating and physical activity can help to prevent or delay the onset of Type 2 diabetes. This study examines physical activity and healthful eating behavior following a 6-week Market to Table intervention that includes an experiential workshop series among participants who have prediabetes or are at risk for prediabetes. Current participants or graduates of the Sentara RMH Medical Center Diabetes Prevention Program and James Madison University faculty or staff who had been diagnosed with prediabetes or are at risk were …

The Impact Of Acute Exercise On Factor Viii In Young E-Cigarette Smokers, Andrew R. Allen

Masters Theses, 2020-current

Abstract

Background: There is a strong association between factor VIII (FVIII) and presence of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Exercise is a known trigger for myocardial infarction, and the majority of ischemic events from physical stress occur due to an occlusive thrombus. FVIII increases acutely with exercise and remains elevated hours after exercise. Furthermore, FVIII is also higher in cigarette smokers, however, it has not been investigated in e-cigarette smokers. The purpose of this study is to identify potential differences in FVIII before exercise, after exercise, and its magnitude of change in e-cigarette users versus non-users.

Methods: Eighteen individuals (8 …

Swim Instruction For Individuals With Developmental Coordination Disorder, Susan J. Grosse

International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education

Almost every swim teacher has encountered an individual who had difficulty learning to swim, whose movements appeared dissimilar from peers, or who needed to repeat swim course instructional levels many times. That individual might have had difficulty with sport activities, handwriting, and been clumsy in gross and fine motor tasks. Difficulty with coordination and control of movement may suggest a diagnosis of developmental coordination disorder (DCD). Individuals experiencing DCD may feel left out, inadequate, unhappy, frustrated, and embarrassed by his or her ineptness. These feelings may result in an individual withdrawing or refusing to join in and participate in physical …