Kinesiology Commons^™

The Effect Of Blinded Hydration State On Thermoregulation And Performance In Male Cyclists, Jon David Adams

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Purpose: The purpose of these studies was to observe the effect of dehydration on exercise performance while subjects were blinded to their hydration status. Methods: Study 1: Seven male cyclists (weight: 71±8 kg, body fat: 14±6%, VO2peak: 59.4±6 ml∙kg-1·min-1) exercised for 2 hours on a cycle ergometer at 55% VO2peak, in a hot-dry environment (35°C, 30% rh), with a nasogastric (NG) tube under euhydrated (EUH-NT) and hypohydrated (DEH-NT) conditions. In both trials, thirst was matched by drinking 25 mL every 5 min. In the EUH-NT trial sweat losses were fully replaced via the NG tube. Following the 2 hours of …

Rna Sequencing In The Development Of Cancer-Cachexia, Thomas Allen Blackwell

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Introduction: Cancer is a major public health problem in the U.S. and the world. In 2013 there were an estimated 1,660,290 new cases of cancer in the U.S. Cancer-Cachexia (CC) is a common effect of many cancers, and is directly responsible for 20-40% of cancer-related deaths. The mechanisms that control the development of CC are not well understood. Most investigations of CC focus on the post-cachectic state and do not examine the progression of the condition. The purpose of this study was to utilize RNA sequencing to analyze transcriptomic alterations throughout the progression of CC. Methods: Lewis Lung Carcinoma cells …

Ground Reaction Forces Through A Range Of Speeds In Steeplechase Hurdling, James Brian Tracy

Theses and Dissertations

The men's steeplechase event requires participants to jump over thirty-five 0.914-meter-tall obstacles, 4 rigid barriers and 1 fixed barrier followed by a 3.66-meter-long water pit per lap, over a 3000-meter distance. This study investigated the effect of increasing running velocity, through a range of 5.33 m/s to 6.66 m/s, on takeoff and landing ground reaction forces, for males during steeplechase hurdling using a force plate embedded under a track surface. Subjects completed 1 trial within each of 6 different pace ranges in a random order, once with a hurdle following the force plate to measure the takeoff ground reaction forces …

Electromyographical Comparison Of A Traditional, Suspension Device, And Towel Pull-Up, Ronald L. Snarr, Ashleigh V. Hallmark, Jason C. Casey, Michael R. Esco

Health Sciences & Kinesiology: Faculty Publications

Strengthening muscles of the back may have various implications for improving functions of daily living, aiding in the transfer of power in throwing, and assist in injury prevention of the shoulder complex. While several versions of the pull-up exist, there is currently no literature comparing their differences. The purpose of this investigation was to compare the electromyographical activity of the latissimus dorsi, posterior deltoid, middle trapezius, and biceps brachii while performing three variations of the pull-up. Resistance-trained men and women (n = 15, age = 24.87 ± 6.52 years) participated in this study by performing traditional pull-ups, suspension device pull-ups, …

Comparing Reaction Time And Postural Stabilization Based On Activity Groups In Older Adults, Lauren Marie Merk

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to compare reaction time and postural stabilization between activity groups in older adults. These variables are important because older adults are at a high fall risk and two major contributors to fall risk are postural stabilization and reaction time. This study examined if the activity group of an older adult had any influence on reaction time and postural stabilization. Fifty-nine older adults aged 66.46 ± 9.47 years old were used in the study. Thirteen subjects were in the master’s athletes which are individuals over the age of 40 who competed in a nationally sanctioned …

Analysis Of Human Movement Patterns During Endurance Running, Joshua Paul Bailey

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Endurance running and participation in racing events has flourished over the last decade. Recreational runners enter the training period for an upcoming race at differing levels of fitness and training. As individuals sign-up for the race, they typically follow the commitment with an increase in training load. The increases in training load are accomplished through a combination of increasing mileage, or duration of running, and running intensity through increase velocity. These increases are theoretically being applied in a progressive overload principle, where the musculoskeletal system has time to adapt to the breakdown provided from the previous training session. Progressive overload …

The Influence Of Crossfit Training On Running Mechanics, Sophia D. Bradley

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Introduction

40 million Americans run regularly.1 Contrary to many runner’s beliefs, increased strength may be beneficial while not adding body mass. An increase in strength in specific muscles may improve running gait and performance. 9,6 Strength training may also play an important role in preventing common overuse injuries in running 11,12 Depending on the style of strength training, it may also have an enhanced benefit on running economy.4,16

Participation in CrossFit is also widely popular, with an increase in participation of 923% in the past ten years.2 CrossFit is a type of strength training in which most movements performed utilize …

Optimization Of Prosthetic Hands: Utilizing Modularity To Improve Grip Force, Grasp, And Versatility, Jordan William Harris

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

It has been demonstrated that although many varieties of upper limb prosthetics exist, commercially available prosthetics are outdated and unsatisfactory. Ineffectiveness and limitations have led to some prosthesis wearers having to own multiple devices, whereas others have given up on them entirely. Even though ample research has been conducted to design and test new hand designs, the industry appears to rest in an overall stagnated state.

It was proposed here, that one problem with prosthetic research is an excess of variables involved in testing, and therefore the improper application of the scientific method. It seems that each time a research …

Biomechanical Adjustments During Landing In Response To Task Perturbations, John Robert Harry

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Landing strategies are evaluated to determine a performer’s favored neuromusculo-skeletal solution for the performance of the task. Depending on the strategy employed, a performer might increase his or her musculoskeletal injury potential, as defined by increased impact forces and/or demands on the involved joints. In recent history, the manner in which a performer modifies his or her strategy has been evaluated following the application of an added external mass during the impact phase of landings performed from atop an elevated platforms or a hanging position from a raised bar. Furthermore, the strategies evaluated in contemporary research are quantified using biomechanical …

Hip Adduction: Abduction Ratio Differences Between Collegiate Male And Female Soccer Players, Addie Lucci

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Context: Soccer is a high-intensity sport resulting in injuries. Strength ratios have been used to identify areas of weakness and help prevent further injuries. Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine if there was a difference in hip adduction: abduction ratios in collegiate male and female soccer players. The hypothesis was that males will have a lower ratio than females. Design: Cohort Study. Setting: Research Center. Participants: Five male and nine female NCAA Division 1 soccer players were recruited for this study. Intervention: Independent variable is gender. Biodex Isokinetic Dynamometer was used for data collection. The subjects performed …

Relationship Between Pectoralis Minor Length, Subacromial Space, And Pain In Swimmers And Overhead Athletes, Erika Jaci Richards

Theses and Dissertations

Introduction (Context): The purpose of this study was to measure and correlate pectoralis minor length (PML) and acromiohumeral distance (AHD) in male and female collegiate swimmers, overhead athletes, and a control group. Methods: Participants underwent assessment of pain related to impingement syndrome with special tests (painful arc, external rotation resistance, empty can, and Neer's impingement test), as well as range of motion, measurement of PML, and measurement of subacromial space via ultrasound. Design: Cross-sectional, correlational study. Setting: University modalities laboratory. Participants: 60 healthy subjects (20 swimmers, 20 overhead athletes, 20 controls, age = 21.5 ± 2.4 years; height = 178.7 …

What You Know Makes A Difference: Physical Activity Maintenance And Adherence Of Collegiate Students, Vista Beasley, Brooke Thompson, Patrick R. Young, Itay Basevitch

Journal of Counseling and Psychology

For decades, exercise psychology researchers dismissed health/exercise knowledge as a determinant of physical activity (PA). We sought to overturn this misconception, showing that psychological theory may serve as a basis for informing physical education curriculum. Based on social cognitive and self-determined motivation theories, we examined health/exercise knowledge as a determinant of collegiate students’ PA maintenance (i.e., ≥ 6 months of regular PA involvement); adherence to United States Department of Health and Human Services (USDHHS) 2008 PA guidelines; and PA types (i.e., aerobic, weight training). Collegiate students (n = 231) provided data via online survey. ANOVA analyses revealed that knowledge …

The Have And Have Nots: An Ever-Present Digital Divide, Erin E. Centeio

Kinesiology, Health and Sport Studies

This article brings attention to the digital divide that still exists between those who have access to the most recent technologies and those who do not. It describes how teachers can be more aware of this challenge before incorporating the use of technology into physical education and health classrooms.

Understanding Differences Between Summer Vs. School Obesogenic Behaviors Of Children: The Structured Days Hypothesis, Keith Brazendale, Michael W. Beets, R. Glenn Weaver, Russell R. Pate, Gabrielle Turner-Mcgrievy, Andrew T. Kaczynski, Jessica L. Chandler, Amy Bohnert, Paul T. Von Hippel

Faculty Publications

Background: Although the scientific community has acknowledged modest improvements can be made to weight status and obesogenic behaviors (i.e., physical activity, sedentary/screen time, diet, and sleep) during the school year, studies suggests improvements are erased as elementary-age children are released to summer vacation. Emerging evidence shows children return to school after summer vacation displaying accelerated weight gain compared to the weight gained occurring during the school year. Understanding how summer days differ from when children are in school is, therefore, essential.

Discussion: There is limited evidence on the etiology of accelerated weight gain during summer, with few studies comparing obesogenic …

Weak Relationships Between Three Clinical Assessments And Core Stability Tests, Andy Waldhelm, Li Li

Health Sciences & Kinesiology: Faculty Publications

Core stability measurements are commonly used to identify individuals who may be at risk for athletic injuries. However, the relationship between core stability tests and other clinical assessments used to assess injury risk are not well established. The purpose if this study is to determine the relationships between three clinical assessments and core stability tests. We anticipate the relationships between the three clinical assessments and core stability tests will be low and not significant. Participants included 36 college-aged males and females. The three clinical assessments consisted of the Star Excursion Test and the Frontal Plane Projection Angel (FPPA) of the …

Students’ Time In Their Heart Rate Zone With And Without Polar Display, Amy Marzano

Theses and Dissertations

The lack of physical activity (PA) and rise in sedentary behavior has become an increasing problem in the United States (Owen, Sparling, Healy, Dunstan & Matthews, 2010). The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (USDHHS) recommends sixty minutes of daily PA for young people ages 6-17 (CDC, 2013). Despite this recommendation, the 2012 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data reported that only 24% of youth 12-15 years of age were obtaining sixty minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) every day (Fakhouri, et al., 2014). Physical education (PE) is one of the few environments where all children are …

Dynamic Balance Changes Within Three Weeks Of Fitting A New Prosthetic Foot Component, Jenny A. Kent, Nicholas Stergiou, Shane R. Wurdeman

Journal Articles

Balance during walking is of high importance to prosthesis users and may affect walking during baseline observation and evaluation. The aim of this study was to determine whether changes in walking balance occurred during an adaptation period following the fitting of a new prosthetic component.

Margin of stability in the medial-lateral direction (MOSML) and an anterior instability margin (AIM) were used to quantify the dynamic balance of 21 unilateral transtibial amputees during overground walking. Participants trialled two prosthetic feet presenting contrasting movement/balance constraints; a Higher Activity foot similar to that of their own prosthesis, and a Lower Activity foot. Participants …

Trpv1 Channels In Human Skeletal Muscle Feed Arteries: Implications For Vascular Function, Stephen J. Ives, Song-Young Park, Oh-Sung Kwon, Jayson R. Gifford, Robert H. I. Andtbacka, John R. Hyngstrom, Russell S. Richardson

Health and Kinesiology Faculty Publications

New Findings

• What is the central question of this study?

  We sought to determine whether human skeletal muscle feed arteries (SFMAs) express TRPV1 channels and what role they play in modulating vascular function.

• What is the main finding and its importance?

  Human SMFAs do express functional TRPV1 channels that modulate vascular function, specifically opposing α-adrenergic receptor-mediated vasocontraction and potentiating vasorelaxation, in an endothelium-dependent manner, as evidenced by the α1-receptor-mediated responses. Thus, the vasodilatory role of TRPV1 channels, and their ligand capsaicin, could be a potential therapeutic target for improving vascular function. Additionally, given the ‘sympatholytic’ effect of TRPV1 activation and …

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Wnt5a Regulates Adipose Tissue Angiogenesis Via Antiangiogenic Vegf-A165b In Obese Humans, Melissa G. Farb, Doan T.M. Ngo, Song-Young Park, Samantha M. Saggese, Naomi M. Hamburg, Brian Carmine, Donald T. Hess, Kenneth Walsh, Noyan Gokce

Health and Kinesiology Faculty Publications

Experimental studies have suggested that Wingless-related integration site 5A (WNT5A) is a proinflammatory secreted protein that is associated with metabolic dysfunction in obesity. Impaired angiogenesis in fat depots has been implicated in the development of adipose tissue capillary rarefaction, hypoxia, inflammation, and metabolic dysfunction. We have recently demonstrated that impaired adipose tissue angiogenesis is associated with overexpression of antiangiogenic factor VEGF-A165b in human fat and the systemic circulation. In the present study, we postulated that upregulation of WNT5A is associated with angiogenic dysfunction and examined its role in regulating VEGF-A165b expression in human obesity. We biopsied subcutaneous and visceral adipose …

A Program Evaluation Of A Worksite Wellness Initiative For Weight Loss, Nicholas Martinez

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to conduct a program evaluation of ACME’s worksite weight loss initiative and collect evidence relative to the efficacy of the program. An anonymous online survey was administered to participants of the weight loss initiative. The survey was designed to gather information relative to the research questions, which explored the initiative’s barriers to participation, alignment of initiative with the goals of participants, utilization of initiative resources, overall strengths, weaknesses, and areas of improvement for the weight loss initiative, as well as the respondents’ general profile for the six dimensions of wellness. Reporting of data included …