Kinesiology Commons^™

Optimizing Cycle Exercise Performance During Normobaric Hypoxia Exposure, Cierra Brittany Ugale

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Introduction: The purpose of the present study was to examine whether implementing factors of OPTIMAL Theory: Enhanced Expectancies (EE), Autonomy Support (AS), and External Focus (EF) during a cycle exercise bout at a simulated altitude of 21,000 feet elevation had an effect on exercise performance and EPOC response in comparison to a control condition.

Methods: Sixteen participants (n = 8 women, n = 8 men) completed resting oxygen measurements (resting metabolic rate) between 6:00 A.M. and 8:00 A.M. Cycle exercise to fatigue at a constant workload was performed (100 W) while breathing air with reduced oxygen content to simulate exercising …

The Effects Of Injury On Running Status And Gait Biomechanics, Kristyne Wiegand

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Over the past several decades, endurance running has grown steadily as a popular form of physical activity. Running is easily accessible, does not require expensive equipment, and can be performed without specific skill training. Individuals who run also experience health benefits like increased cardiovascular health and reduced risk of all-cause morbidity. Despite these benefits, running is also associated with high rates of musculoskeletal injury. Although researchers have attempted to identify injury risks and mitigate the incidence of running injury, there is still no consensus as to why runners become injured. Research has also attempted to identify biomechanical movement patterns that …

The Relationship Between Perfectionism And Self-Determined Motivation In Collegiate Division I Athletes, Christian Sengfelder

Boise State University Theses and Dissertations

Introduction: An athlete’s performance is dependent on both psychological and physical factors. Perfectionism and motivation are two psychological factors that can influence performance of athletes in a positive or negative manner. The relationship between perfectionism and motivation has been studied previously, but the relationship has not been studied with sport specific measurements and the collegiate athlete population has largely been ignored. Purpose: To investigate the levels of perfectionism and motivation in collegiate Division I student-athletes and determine how the forms of perfectionism (adaptive versus maladaptive) are related to the different levels of motivation (controlled vs autonomous forms) in this …

An Artificial Sweating System For Sweat Sensor Testing Applications, Andrew Brueck, Kyle Bates, Trent Wood, William House, Zachary Martinez, Shannon Peters, Blain Root, Kumar Yelamarthi, Tolga Kaya

School of Computer Science & Engineering Faculty Publications

This research proposes a completely automated, computer-controlled fluid mixing and dispensing system, which is suitable for testing sweat sensing devices, as an alternative to requiring human trials during the development phase of a sweat sensor device. An arm mold was designed and implemented with dragon skin and pores to simulate sweating action. The relay controlled mixing tanks allow for the different concentration of fluid solutions at various rates of fluid dispensing through pores. The onboard single board computer controls a dozen electronic relays and it switches and presents an easy to use graphical user interface to allow end users to …

Characterizing The Central Hemodynamic Response To Orthostasis: Influence Of Sex, Fitness And Body Composition, Benjamin Schreck

Honors Theses

Inter-individual responses to orthostasis (i.e., ability to maintain consciousness in the upright posture) exist. However, few studies provide insight into the potential mechanisms for this variation. The purpose of this thesis project was to explore individual differences (i.e., sex, fitness, and body composition) on the central hemodynamic response to a modified head-up tilt table test (HUT). Fourteen volunteers with an average age of 22±1 years and an average body mass index (BMI) of 8±1 kg/m² underwent assessments of pulse wave analysis, heart rate variability, and perfusion determination via near-infrared spectroscopy over the gastrocnemius muscle while supine, followed by a …

The Acute Effects Of Artificially-Sweetened Beverages On Cardiovascular Health, Adria Mulligan

Honors Theses

Consuming artificially-sweetened beverages instead of sugar-sweetened beverages is becoming increasingly popular among those who want to lose weight, have medical conditions that prohibit intake of sugar, or want to improve overall health. However, little research has been conducted on the repercussions of the intake of these diet drinks, specifically on how they affect the cardiovascular system. The purpose of this study was to examine the acute effects of artificially-sweetened beverages on cardiovascular health. Eight participants with no pre-existing heart conditions underwent two separate appointments, one where they consumed a 12 oz. water and one where they consumed a 12 oz. …

The Correlation Between Physical Activity And Grade Point Average, Asia Mccoy

Honors Theses

The correlation between grade point average (GPA) and physical activity has typically been researched in adolescents, but not a lot of research has focused on traditional college students. Previous research in adolescents has shown mixed outcomes, but there is still evidence that a positive correlation exists between physical activity and GPA. It is also believed that adolescents who are physically active tend to have better academic outcomes than their non-active counterparts as they mature. The primary purpose of our study was to examine the correlation between GPA and physical activity in students attending the College of Education and Human Sciences …

Comparison Of Physical Intensity Between Interactive Video Game Cycling And Conventional Stationary Cycling In Adolescents With High Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder, Tariq Mohammed Alsoqairan

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Background: Obesity has become a serious health concern in adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Researchers have indicated that sedentary behaviors, especially technological activities, such as video games and other forms of screen-based activities is the main barrier to participate in physical activities. Active video games have demonstrated the efficacy in increasing physical activity and reducing body weight in children and adolescents with disabilities.

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to examine the exercise intensity and enjoyment level of interactive video game cycling (IVGC) in comparison with conventional stationary cycling (CSC) during matched number of sessions utilizing the same …

Comparative Plasma Proteomics In Muscle Atrophy Induced By Cancer Cachexia And Hindlimb Unloading, Kirsten Rene Dunlap

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Introduction: Muscle atrophy results from a dysfunction in protein turnover that leads to loss of mass and function and occurs concurrently with multiple pathologies such as cancer and extended bed rest. Atrophy reduces overall quality of life while increasing morbidity and mortality. Currently, efficacious therapeutic interventions to treat and prevent muscle wasting in all its forms are lacking, however if conserved mechanisms can be identified between wasting conditions, this would aid in the development of multipurpose therapeutics to ameliorate this pathology. Purpose: To examine circulating factors present across atrophic pathologies. Methods: 35 male C57BL/6J mice were assigned to hindlimb unloading …

Potential Relationships Between Lower Extremity Structural Alignment And Toe Angle During Static And Dynamic Activities, Mark Britt

Honors Theses

Background: The influence of lower extremity structural alignment on foot progression angle (FPA) and toe-out angle (TOA) has been measured, however foot structure has not been included in this analysis. No studies to our knowledge have assessed the influence of lower quarter structure on standing toe-out angle or during dynamic tasks such as squatting. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess the potential influence of longitudinal arch angle (LAA) and weight-bearing dorsiflexion in addition to passive hip internal rotation (HIR) and thigh foot angle (TFA) on the following activities: standing TOA, FPA (walking TOA), forward arm squat TOA, …

Staying Upright By Shutting Down? Evidence For Global Suppression Of The Motor System When Recovering Balance, Caleigh Goode

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

Background: When automatic, yet unwanted action is quickly inhibited, short-lived suppression throughout the motor system ensues. This type of response inhibition causing an all-over motor suppression effect is referred to as global suppression. Although response inhibition is essential for behavioral flexibility, widespread motor suppression may delay action reprogramming. In reactive balance control, even fleeting suppression of the motor system could interfere with our ability to adapt compensatory reactions quickly enough to avoid a fall.Whether this concept of global suppression is occurring in situations that pose a postural threat is undetermined.

Research Question: Is muscle activity in …

Use Of The Wet Bulb Globe Temperature In Ncaa Fbs Athletic Training Staffs, Garrison Chan

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

Background: Heat illnesses present a major risk for athletes, especially football players. The NATA established recommendations to prevent heat illnesses that include measuring wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT), but adherence to this recommendation is unknown.

Methods: A survey was sent to all 130 Division 1 FBS athletic training staffs to determine their use of the WBGT to assess heat stress.

Results: Of the 82 respondents (63% response rate), 59 use WBGT to assess heat stress. However, only 19 use it for summer conditioning. Of the 23 universities that do not use WBGT, 10 noted that extreme heat or humidity is …

Follicle-Stimulating Hormone, But Not Cardiorespiratory Fitness, Is Associated With Flow-Mediated Dilation With Advancing Menopausal Stage, Corinna Serviente, Sarah Witkowski

Exercise and Sport Studies: Faculty Publications

Objective:The aim of the study was to evaluate if there are differences in endothelial function before and after acute exercise in women at different menopausal stages with high and low cardiorespiratory fitness.Methods:Participants were healthy high-fit premenopausal (n = 11), perimenopausal (n = 12), and postmenopausal women (n = 13) and low-fit perimenopausal (n = 7) and postmenopausal women (n = 8). Brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD) was measured before and after acute moderate intensity exercise. FMD was calculated as (Diameterpeak-Diameterbaseline)/ Diameterbaseline) × 100. Differences between high-fit women and between high- and low-fit perimenopausal and postmenopausal women were assessed with repeated-measure …

The Impact Of Judo On Aggressive Behaviors In Youth With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Paola Rivera

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of an 8-week judo program on lifestyle habits and behavior in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). METHODS: Participants included 25 children (ages 8-17), with a formal diagnosis of ASD. The sample participated in an 8-week judo program (45 minutes, 1x week), with measures taken at baseline and at the end of the 8-weeks. In order to assess activity levels and sleep quality, participants were instructed to wear Actigraph GT9X Accelerometers for 7 days and nights. In order to assess behavioral changes, parents were given the ABC survey to fill …

The Effects Of Shoe Type On Biomechanical And Physiological Responses To Stepping And Inclined Walking, Ashley L. Vansumeren

All NMU Master's Theses

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of hiking shoes and hiking boots on the biomechanical responses to a stepping task and physiological responses to an inclined walking task. Participants (n = 16) performed six two minute stepping trials at a stepping rate of 72 bpm; three trials in hiking boots and three trials in hiking shoes. Following the stepping task, participants (n = 19) walked at 3.0 mph and 10% grade for five minutes in hiking shoes and hiking boots. Lower limb joint angles and moments were calculated using Visual 3D. Physiological data was averaged over …

Follicle-Stimulating Hormone Is Associated With Lipids In Postmenopausal Women, Corinna Serviente, Tomi-Pekka Tuomainen, Jyrki Virtanen, Sarah Witkowski, Leo Niskanen, Elizabeth Bertone-Johnson

Exercise and Sport Studies: Faculty Publications

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relation between FSH and lipid levels in postmenopausal women from the Kuopio Ischaemic Heart Disease Risk Factor Study.

Methods: Postmenopausal women (n = 588) aged 53 to 73 years and not using hormone therapy were included. The relation between FSH and total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and triglycerides (TGs) was evaluated using linear regression, adjusting for estradiol, body mass, smoking, and other hormonal and lifestyle factors. The relation between FSH, dyslipidemia, and abnormal lipid levels were also evaluated.

Results: FSH was positively and linearly …

Changes In Salivary Antimicrobial Protein Concentrations In Response To Maximal Exercise In Collegiate Swimmers, Katelyn Hardin

Honors Capstones

No abstract provided.

The Effects Of A 10-Week Judo Program On Cortisol And Stress In Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Justine Renziehausen

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) often have increased levels of stress, leading to dysregulated production of cortisol. Elevated levels of cortisol have numerous known adverse health consequences, and therefore, interventions should be established to help attenuate cortisol production. As judo combines physical activity and mindfulness practice, it may aid in stress reduction and decreased levels of cortisol. Purpose: To examine the effects of a 10-week judo program on stress reactions and salivary cortisol levels in youth with ASD. Methods: 20 children with ASD participated in the 10-week judo program. Changes in acute (before and after one judo session) …

Kinetic And Kinematic Characteristics Of Accentuated Eccentric Loading, John Wagle

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The current investigation was an examination of the kinetic and kinematic characteristics of the back squat using accentuated eccentric loading (AEL) and cluster set programming strategies. Trained male subjects (age = 26.1 ± 4.1 years, height = 183.5 ± 4.3 cm, body mass = 92.5 ± 10.5 kg, back squat to body mass ratio = 1.8 ± 0.3) volunteered to complete four different load condition sessions involving traditionally loaded straight sets (TL), traditionally loaded cluster sets (TLC), AEL cluster sets (AEC), and AEL straight sets where only the first repetition of each set used eccentric overload (AEL1). The use of …

Investigation Into Characteristics Of Bench Press Using Push Band, Avery Peters, Kimitake Sato

Undergraduate Honors Theses

Introduction: Sport scientist and strength coaches use resistance training to increase athletic performance and muscle hypertrophy. Improving muscular strength is the most essential task for these scientists, however, how best to identify weakness has yet to be established. The popularity of velocity-based resistance training has recently increased as a method to prescribe resistance training intensity, therefore, the purpose of the study was to identify the characteristics of bench press concentric velocity. It is hypothesized that the velocity output will decrease during the change from the 75% relative load of the 1RM to the 85% relative load of 1RM. It is …