Kinesiology Commons^™

A218: Efficacy Of Kinesio Tape For Plantar Fasciitis: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Tingting Mo, Xinlong Zhang, Shilun Hou

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain in adults and is a very common musculoskeletal system disorder. The incidence of plantar fasciitis is relatively high among sports enthusiasts, especially those involved in high-intensity, high-impact sports. Kinesio tape has the functions of relieving pain, correcting muscle function, and increasing body sensation. Currently, kinesio tape has been gradually applied to the treatment of the disease, but its effectiveness is unclear. The aim of this review is to assess how kinesio tape interventions affect pain and ankle and foot function in patients with plantar fasciitis. PubMed, Scopus, Web …

A226: The Application And Exploration Of An Ai Agent In Physical Education Teaching, Yali Si, Sumei Yu

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

With the rapid development of artificial intelligence technology, AI-Agent, as a new type of educational technology tool, has gradually attracted widespread attention. As a system based on generative large-scale intelligent models, AI-Agent possesses core capabilities such as environmental perception, autonomous decision-making, and complex task execution. In the field of physical education, this technology holds significant application potential, particularly in personalized teaching, multimodal data processing, and enhancing teaching efficiency. However, current research on the application of AI agents in physical education is relatively scarce. This study explores the application of AI-Agent in physical education, analyzes its advantages, and investigates methods for …

A227: Eliminate Or Evolve: Digital Transformation Of Paris 2024 Olympics Under Olympic Ai Agenda, Tong Zheng

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has been promoting sports digitalization since the early 2000s, with the Olympic Agenda 2020 and the Olympic AI Agenda in 2024 providing strategic frameworks for this transformation. This paper examines how digital and AI technologies were applied at the 2024 Paris Olympics, the first Games guided by the exploration of impact on the Olympic movement and global sports landscape. Method: Using literature reviews and case studies from academic platforms like CNKI, WanFang, and Web of Science, this study analyzes digital transformation examples at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. AI empowering the Olympics under the "Agenda" …

A228: Preservation And Dissemination Of Taijiquan Culture In Digital Perspective, Songqi Wang, Bin Yan

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

One of China’s most iconic cultural traditions has increasingly gained: Taijiquned global recognition: Taijiquned. However, rapid digitalization has significantly changed young people's cultural preferences and participation habits, posing challenges to traditional methods of cultural preservation, which often fail to resonate with youth, creating a noticeable disconnect. This study examines the potential of digital communication—especially short videos, livestreaming, and social media—to preserve and disseminate Taijiquan culture through interactive, youth-oriented methods. Specifically, it empirically explores whether digital media strategies effectively improve younger generations’ cultural awareness, participation motivation, and cultural identity, aiming to provide practical insights for digital heritage protection. A randomized controlled …

A224: 15–17-Year-Old Student Swimmers Undergoing High-Altitude Training On Water Load Characteristics, Jiayi Lyu, Yuqi Wang, Xinyi Li

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

With the continuous improvement of swimming competition level, high-altitude training, as a scientific and effective training method, has received attention from swimmers. Both professional teams and amateur sports schools give widespread attention to high-altitude training. The purpose of this study is to explore the characteristics of the three-week high-altitude training load of 15-17 male student swimmers and analyze whether it is effective for competition results. Ten male student swimmers (national level one or above) aged 15-17 years old were selected as the subjects and underwent a three-week high-altitude training at an altitude of 1900 meters. Method: The research method uses …

A207: Ai Era And Sports Equity: A Sociological Perspective, Jieqi Shi

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

This study explores the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on sports equity and inclusion, focusing on its use in training, officiating, and talent selection. AI includes technologies like AI-driven training tools and systems, such as VAR. While AI can enhance access to sports resources, it may also worsen existing inequalities. The goal is to examine how AI influences fairness in sports and promotes inclusion, particularly in university sports, while considering its effects on athlete development, decision-making, and fan engagement across social groups. A qualitative approach was used to examine AI in university sports. Participants include sports students, faculty, coaches, and …

A225: Applications Of Digitalization, Ai, And Big Data In Sports Science Research And Practice, Yixiao Zhang, Yue Xu, Zhihua Yin

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

The rapid advancement of digitization, artificial intelligence (AI), and big data has revolutionized various industries. In the field of sports and exercise science, these technologies provide comprehensive insights into athlete performance, injury prevention, and personalized training (Smith & Johnson, 2022; Lee, 2021). However, the benefits and applications of these technologies in sports and exercise science remain understudied. Therefore, this study provides a systematic literature review of the impact and applications of digitization, AI, and big data in sports and exercise science. The search strategy followed the PEO framework and the PRESS checklist. Five databases were used for searching: ACM Digital …

A232: The Voice-Inclusive Physical Education Class: Primary School Physical Education Teaching Mode Under New Curriculum Standards, Qing Luan

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

Current physical education classes in primary schools face a lot of challenges, such as the low student participation, a dull class environment, and a lack of students’ voice, which has a negative impact on teaching effect and students’ physical and mental health. This study employed the action research method to organize the physical education classes in primary school based on the New Curriculum Standards. The study encouraged primary school students to actively express their understanding and feelings about physical education activities and guided them to enthusiastically participate in the design of teaching content and activities to construct the “voice-inclusive” physical …

A234: The Challenge Of Physical Education Teachers In Primary And Secondary Schools, Ning Li, Jialin Liu

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

Physical health in primary and secondary schools is the foundation for students' comprehensive development, and school sports are an important way to promote students' physical health. The implementation effect of school physical education largely depends on the professional competence and educational ability of physical education teachers. The problems faced by physical education teachers in the new era: the number and structure of physical education teachers; Challenges in teaching philosophy and abilities; The conflict between teaching pressure and the system; the disconnect between professional competence and training needs. Countermeasure: Optimize the construction of the physical education teacher team; Promote the reform …

A021: Analysis Of The Impact Of Ski Diagonal Stride Technique On Rehabilitation Treatment Effects, Xinming Tang

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

The ski diagonal stride technique is a crucial component in cross-country skiing, engaging complex muscle coordination, enhancing cardiopulmonary function, and improving balance. In the realm of rehabilitation, traditional methods often face limitations. This study is dedicated to exploring how the physiological factors associated with this technique affect the rehabilitation treatment outcomes. By doing so, it aims to optimize rehabilitation strategies and ultimately enhance patients' physical capabilities and quality of life. Method: Eighty patients between the ages of 30 and 60, all in need of lower-limb rehabilitation, were evenly distributed into an experimental group and a control group. The experiment was …

A036: “The Champion Gene” Actn3 And Cold Adaptation: An Environmental Regression Model And Systematic Review, Mingrui Wang, Mi Zhou, Jianchun Weng, Longtianjiao Liu, Xiaoyu Jiang, Lijun Shi

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

The ACTN3 R577X (rs1815739) genetic polymorphism is a significant research topic in sports genetics, with the XX genotype exhibiting a marked geographical gradient in different populations worldwide. The frequency of the XX genotype is notably higher in cold, high-latitude regions compared to tropical areas (e.g., Sweden 25%, Russia 14.2%, while Kenya 1%). These phenomena suggest that the ACTN3 R577X polymorphism may be closely related to cold adaptation. This study aims to analyze the evolutionary mechanisms, molecular regulation, and potential application of the ACTN3 R577X polymorphism in winter sports talent selection. Using the genomic database Ensemble and the WWF terrestrial ecoregion …

A053: Research On Adolescent Obesity Experience, Zhenfei Zhu

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

The alarming prevalence of overweight and obesity among adolescents has emerged as a significant public health challenge. Since the World Health Organization (WHO) identified obesity as a global health priority in 2018, it has evolved from an individual concern to a medical condition requiring intervention, with profound implications for both individuals and society. Adolescent obesity is intricately linked to various aspects of health, including social, emotional, behavioral, and cultural dimensions. There is a notable lack of qualitative research on obesity experiences in China. Conducting qualitative studies to explore the life experiences, motivations, and physical activity patterns of students can deepen …

The Nutritional Environment And Food Access Of Female Athletes At Hbcus: A Qualitative Analysis, Nancy A. Uriegas, Zachary K. Winkelmann Ph.D., Lat, Atc, Chse, Dawn M. Emerson, Toni Torres-Mcgehee Ph.D., Lat, Atc, Facsm

Faculty Publications

Purpose:

Female student-athletes attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) may encounter distinct challenges related to food access, particularly when their campuses are situated in areas with limited food availability. This study assessed food security (FS) and explored the lived experiences of HBCU female student-athletes regarding their food environments and access to nutrition.

Methods:

This qualitative study used a semi-structured interview protocol derived from quantitative data. Participants were 10 HBCU female athletes (age = 19 ± 1 years) living in on-campus dormitories; recruited after completing a quantitative study examining energy needs. The three-part semi-structured interview protocol included questions about personal …

Low Energy Availability (Lea) And Its Relationship To Nutritional Status And Bone Health In Collegiate Athletes, Anthony Dempsey

UNH URC Open (2026 and after)

This project aims to identify low energy availability in a sample of collegiate athletes and explore the relationship with bone mineral density and nutrient deficiencies. Participants (n=3,407) were recruited from a northeast university and self-reported athlete status and physical activity via online questionnaire. Food records were used to calculate energy and nutrient intake. Anthropometrics including height, weight, body composition and bone mineral status were measured in duplicate. Energy availability (EA) was calculated as (Energy Intake (EI) -Exercising Energy Expenditure) (EEE)) /Fat Free Mass (FFM) (kg) and categorized as optimal (>45 kcal/kg FFM), subclinical, or clinically low (< 30 kcal/kg FFM). Fifteen percent of participants were characterized as athletes (club or division I varsity); mean EA was lower among athletes vs. nonathletes (17.90.7vs.21.90.3, p< .001). Males were more likely to have optimal EA status vs. females (8.8vs4.7%, p< .001). Most females (75.1%) were categorized as clinically LEA; 20.3% had subclinical LEA. Among men, athletes’ EA was similar to nonathletes (21.11.2vs22.20.5, p=.4); among females, athletes had lower EA vs. nonathletes (16.220.9vs21.70.3, p< .001). Males with clinically low EA were most likely to consume inadequate intakes of potassium, fiber, iron, and vitamin D (77.1,94.0,10.4 and 97.3%, respectively); similarly, females with clinically low EA, were most likely to consume inadequate intakes (81.9,87.6,88.3, and 99.5%, respectively). Bone z-scores were higher among athletes vs. non athletes (-.27±.06vs-.67±.02, p< .001) but were not different by EA status. Given the prevalence of LEA within the college athlete and nonathlete populations, further research and tailored nutritional education is needed for this at-risk population.

Social Influences On Exercise And Physical Activity, Domanick Speelman

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Background: Regular exercise plays a big role in maintaining an individual’s physical and mental health, preventing diseases, and improving overall well-being. A plethora of things can influence an individual’s exercise habits, for better or worse, including social, environmental, and familial contexts. This study described exercise and social influences among undergraduate college students. More specifically, this study described exercising habits (frequency, duration, type, etc.) as well as the role of social media, environmental conditions, and family support during a typical week of the academic semester.

Design: Cross-sectional, descriptive survey

Methods: A sample of 33 undergraduate students from a public university in …

Neighborhood Socioeconomic Deprivation And Physical Activity Associate With Extracellular Vesicle Size And Cargo In A Community-Based Cohort Of Women, Yvonne Baumer, Elizabeth M. Aquino Peterson, Matthew R. Bavuso, Noel Miller, Cristhian A. Gutierrez-Huerta, Nithya P. Vijayakumar, Sam J. Neally, Kaveri Curlin, Valerie M. Mitchell, Billy S. Collins, Neelam R. Redekar, Subrata Paul, Anca D. Dobrian, Tiffany M. Powell-Wiley

Department of Biomedical and Translational Sciences Faculty Publications

African American (AA) women face disproportionate cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk due to adverse social determinants of health (SDoH), including lower socioeconomic status (SES). Physical activity (PA) and plasma extracellular vesicles (EVs) modulate CVD risk, but their relationships with SDoH remain unclear. This study examines associations between SDoH, PA, and plasma EVs in a Washington, DC-based cohort of at-risk AA women. Participants (N = 24, Age: 57 ± 12, BMI: 35 ± 6, ASCVD: 9 ± 5) joined the Step It Up Community-Engaged, Digital Health Physical Activity Intervention pilot study. EVs were isolated from fasting plasma samples. Multivariable regression, adjusted for …

The Impact Of Heavy Resistance Training On Type Ii Muscle Fibers Throughout Female Reproductive Stages, Lily G. Colberg

Scripps Senior Theses

Type II muscle fibers, also known as fast-twitch muscle fibers, are reliant on aerobic glycolysis and are crucial for high-force contractions, mobility, and rapid movements, such as fast reflexes. Heavy resistance training has been found to increase type II muscle fiber concentration in young, middle-aged, and elderly individuals. However, there have been few studies conducted on female-only sample populations. In women, the impact of heavy resistance training on type II muscle fibers is affected by the progressive decline of estrogen that defines the transition throughout the four female reproductive stages: premenopause, perimenopause, late-transition menopause, and postmenopause. Menopausal estrogen depletion causes …

Examining Weight Related Attitudes And Health Behaviors Among College Students, Alexis C. Denski

Senior Honors Theses and Projects

BACKGROUND: College is a pivotal period for the development of lifelong health behaviors. Factors such as greater personal freedom, poor diet, social norms, and insufficient physical activity (PA) contribute to common weight gain and increase of body image challenges. Although many college students report trying to lose weight, there is limited research examining if their PA and dietary behaviors align with evidence-based health recommendations. PURPOSE: Examine the proportion of college students trying to change their weight and their engagement in weight-related behaviors such as PA, strength training (ST), and dietary factors. METHODS: In Fall 2019, a random sample of 5,000 …

I Want To Be The Very Best: Are Gamified Applications Like Pokémon Go Associated With Positive Health Outcomes?, Derek D. Mesa

Master's Theses or Doctor of Nursing Practice

Physical activity is a significant problem facing the United States, which can be associated with several negative health outcomes. Poor physical health and poor mental well-being are two outcomes that are often examined by researchers alongside reported physical activity. With the introduction of more advanced technology, interventions such as gamification can be made widely available to diverse groups. Gamification is the use of game-like elements in non-game environments, such as physical activity and health improvement. To determine if gamification has an association with the domains of physical activity, mental well-being, and physical health, this study employed a cross-sectional mixed methods …

Enhancing The Playing Field:​ Effects Of Playground Renovation On Recess Physical Activity​, Hudson M. Parsley

2026 Honors Symposium

Background: Children in recent years have become increasingly sedentary, which poses major risks to their health and overall well-being. Recess is a point of interest in the field of exercise science, as research has found increased recess time is associated with increased levels of PA, but little is known on how the quality of recess, such as playground structures, affects physical activity. Purpose: The aim of my study is to investigate if there is a significant change in physical activity habits during recess among elementary school students due to a change in playground play structures and surfaces, in the form …