Kinesiology Commons^™

Differences In Loading Rate In Shod And Unshod Treadmill Walking, David Austin Kropushek

Master's Theses

The purpose of this study was to compare the loading rates of shod and unshod conditions in treadmill walking. It was hypothesized that walking barefoot would demonstrate higher loading rates than walking with shoes. It was also hypothesized that walking barefoot on a treadmill would result in greater stride-to-stride variability than walking with shoes. Sixteen healthy adult females volunteered and provided their consent to participate in this study. Participants were given time to accommodate to the instrumented treadmill both while wearing shoes and without. Two 10-minute trials were collected with a rest period between. Data were analyzed using Vicon Nexus …

Host-Intrinsic Factors Determine Anti-Tumor Efficacy Of Exercise In Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma, Sumedha Pareek

Dissertations and Theses (Open Access)

Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths with a low 5-year relative survival rate of approximately 13.3% for all stages combined. We have previously shown that exercise can improve quality of life and enhance functional capacity among patients with PDAC. Exercise induces a variety of changes in the tumor microenvironment with beneficial effects in several tumor types. However, our understanding of the clinical effects of exercise and the mechanisms that mediate anti-tumor effects are limited in pancreatic cancer.

In this project, using C57BL/6 mice from Taconic Biosciences (Tac) and Jackson Laboratories (Jax), we established a …

An Examination Of The Relationship Between Unilateral Triaxial Jump Test And Power Skating Profile In Female Recreational Ice Hockey Athletes, Abigail Christie Aultz

Boise State University Theses and Dissertations

Introduction: Skating is a fundamental skill in ice hockey that relies on effective directional force and power generation. Due to biomechanical similarities, off-ice jump tests (e.g., vertical and broad jumps) are often used to assess and predict skating abilities and performance. However, most traditional jump tests are unilateral and do not reflect the multidirectional nature of skating propulsion. The relationship between off-ice force production and in-game skating performance remains unclear, particularly in recreational female hockey players, who are biomechanically distinct and underrepresented in research. Although a 45° push-off angle has been shown to optimize force production in elite male athletes, …

Comparative Assessment Of Lower Limb Neuromusculoskeletal Activation And Joint Kinematics In Normal And Impaired Gait, Jack Ryan Schule

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis evaluates whether accessible and affordable technologies can provide clinically significant, quantifiable gait analysis comparable to traditional marker-based motion capture systems. Modern high-end systems offer excellent accuracy but remain financially and logistically inaccessible to many clinicians and researchers. To address this gap, a framework was developed using markerless pose estimation using the model, MediaPipe, inertial measurement units (IMUs) processed through an Extended Kalman Filter (EKF), and surface electromyography (sEMG) to measure joint kinematics and neuromuscular activity during gait. An experiment was performed where data was collected from participants with both normal gait and pathologies including: Osgood–Schlatter disease, Plica Band …

The Unilateral Neuromuscular Effects Of Cross Education Eccentric-Focused Isokinetic Strength Training With Blood Flow Restriction In Sedentary And Recreationally Active Males, Bryan Mixumi

Theses and Dissertations

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine if BFR unilateral training protocols can elicit the same or greater cross-education effect as observed with HIGH protocols.

RESULTS: Significant time main effects and trained vs. untrained interactions revealed both training groups improved in isometric and isokinetic strength, work and power across limbs (P < 0.05). EMG analyses showed significant increases in vastus lateralis activation, with limb-specific neural adaptations but no group differences (P < 0.05) suggesting potential cross-education influence in the lower musculature.

CONCLUSION: With lower workloads, the BFR training protocols produced improvements in isometrics and isokinetic strength, work, power, and EMG that were comparable to those of the HIGH group across the trained and untrained limbs. The magnitude and limb-specific patterns varied across isometric, isokinetic, and EMG variables, but …

Investigating The Cardiovascular And Autonomic Responses To Energy Drink Consumption: The Role Of Energy And Calorie Content, Sophia Schmidt

Honors Theses

Energy drinks (EDs) are among the most consumed functional beverages, often marketed to enhance focus, alertness, and physical performance. Despite their popularity, the combined cardiovascular and autonomic effects of caffeine and sugar during exercise remain poorly understood. The purpose of this study was to examine the acute cardiovascular, metabolic, and autonomic responses to sugar-sweetened (ED-S), non-nutritive sweetened (ED-NNS), and placebo beverages during submaximal cycling in healthy young males.

Nine male participants (age 22.2 ± 2.4 yrs; BMI 26.2 ± 2.9 kg/m²) completed three experimental visits in a randomized, repeated-measures design. Each visit involved ingestion of one drink (ED-S, ED-NNS, or …

Transcriptomic And Contractile Adaptations In Skeletal Muscle In A Rodent Model Of Anorexia Nervosa, Oscar Armando Vicen

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

BACKGROUND: Anorexia Nervosa (AN) is a psychiatric disorder marked by severe chronic caloric restriction and is primarily diagnosed through psychological and behavioral symptoms. AN has the highest mortality of any psychiatric disorder with an increased risk of all-cause mortality. Many individuals with a history of AN experience incomplete recovery despite intervention treatment. Skeletal muscle molecular mechanisms under chronic energy deprivation remain poorly understood. PURPOSE: To investigate transcriptomic profiles of the gastrocnemius muscle following one month of a rodent model of AN. This study analyzed whether the molecular changes correlate with collected muscular force data to provide a comprehensive understanding of …

Effects Of Rehabilitative Device On Parkinsonian Gait, Brooke N. Ray, Ksenia I. Ustinova, Joseph E. Langenderfer

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(7): 1422-1440, 2025. https://doi.org/10.70252/TGOI6101 Parkinson’s disease (PD) is second in occurrence among neurodegenerative disorders after Alzheimer’s disease and significantly impacts gait and mobility. This research tested the effect of the NewGait rehabilitative device in PD impaired individuals. Twenty individuals with PD participated in this study. Walking gait for three conditions were analyzed: Normal, wearing NewGait and Post-NewGait. Standard spatial and temporal analysis measures as well as nonlinear measures from recurrence quantification were compared to determine any effects of the device on walking gait. NewGait was perceived to be both comfortable to wear as well as …

Assessing The Validity Of The Mental Health–Related Survey In Collegiate Student-Athletes, Lindsey Keenan, Zachary K. Winkelmann, Luis Torres, Yvette Ingram, Rachel Daltry

Department of Kinesiology Scholarship and Creative Works

Context

Mental health screenings are recommended during preparticipation physical examinations. The Mental Health–Related Survey (MHRS), a 9-item questionnaire adapted from the 18-item Mental Health Screening Form-III, is suggested in 3 consensus and/or position statements. However, there is no evidence on the effectiveness of the MHRS.

Objective

To assess the validity of the MHRS for mental health screening in collegiate student-athletes.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Setting

University athletic program.

Patients or Other Participants

Five hundred fifteen National Collegiate Athletic Association Division II student-athletes (age = 20 ± 1 years).

Main Outcome Measure(s)

Participants completed the MHRS, the Patient Health Questionnaire for depression …

The Effect Of Three Precooling Methods On Endurance Performance In Active Men, Bahman Mirzae, Mohammadreza E. Toloee, Omid Malekshahi, Victor Romano

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(6): 1410-1421, 2025. https://doi.org/10.70252/ERZX6867 The study aimed to compare the effect of three precooling techniques (internal, external, and combined) on the time to reach exhaustion in active men. Eight active men (23 ± 2 yrs; 178 ± 6 cm; 73 ± 11 kg) participated] in 4 exhaustive test sessions with a minimum power output of 40Wmax. Sessions included consumption of 7.5 grams of ice water with a temperature of -1 degree per kilogram of body weight, cold towels (4-6°C) used to cool the skin surface], a combination of ice water consumption and a towel cooling, …

Associations Between Gad-7 And Phq-9 Scores And Willingness To Seek Treatment, Josephine Shaw

Undergraduate Research Symposium Posters

In recent years, mental health concerns among college students have increased significantly. This study aims to analyze data on student willingness and frequency to seek counseling services, such as UNLV CAPS (Student Counseling and Psychological Services), and the appeal of utilizing alternative interventions such as exercise and meditation. This study collected data from UNLV students, faculty, and staff through distribution of a scannable QR code. It included whether they were in therapy, the PHQ-9 and GAD-7, their respective functional impairment questions, and willingness to consider therapy alternatives. Based on respondents’ answers to the PHQ-9, the highest proportion peaked at 36% …

Assessing How Early Vs. Late Exercise Influences Whole Body Glucose Tolerance And Insulin Signaling Pathways In Quadriceps During Social Jetlag, Ariana Khzarjyan, Austin Cooper, Paula Martinez, Joshua Corpuz, Srushti Wagh, Elias Malek, Todd Schrubb

Undergraduate Research Symposium Posters

BACKGROUND: Circadian rhythms regulate our physiological and metabolic processes throughout a 24-hour cycle. Disruptions to this rhythm with modern lifestyles creates irregular patterns. One of the most common forms of circadian rhythm disruptions amongst humans happens during the weekends, when people tend to stay up later and sleep in later compared to weekdays. This phenomenon is referred to as social jetlag (SJL).

PURPOSE: To determine whether timed exercise (early vs. late) can reduce the negative effects of social jetlag in mice. More specifically, determining whether exercise conducted in the early or late active phase of mice will impact the effects …

Can Motivation And Self-Efficacy Predict A Law Enforcement Officer’S General And Job-Specific Fitness?, Robert G. Lockie, Maria M. Beitzel, Tyler Campana, Jennifer Kramer, Robin (Rob) Marc Orr, J. Jay Dawes, Joseph Dulla

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(8): 1393-1409, 2025. https://doi.org/10.70252/GEHB5425 Sedentary behaviors contribute to law enforcement officer fitness declines over a career. An officer’s motivation (desire to exercise) and self-efficacy (belief in ability to exercise) could affect whether they exercise and predict resulting fitness. Data from 60 officers (48 men, 12 women) were analyzed. Motivation (amotivation, external, introjected, identified, integrated, and intrinsic regulation) was measured via the Behavioral Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire. A 6-item questionnaire assessed coping (confidence in exercising under challenging conditions) and scheduling (confidence in scheduling exercise) self-efficacy. General fitness variables included sit-and-reach, grip strength, 60-s push-ups, 60-s sit-ups, …

Assessing Aerobic And Anaerobic Thresholds With Emphasis On Isocapnic Buffering In Endurance Runners, Yahya Mushaflar Fathi, Seyed Houtan Shahidi Dr., Prof. Dr. Mohamed Twfeq Othman Alhusaen Aga

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(5): 1381-1392, 2025. https://doi.org/10.70252/IYED1370 Accurate determination of metabolic thresholds is essential for designing effective endurance training. This study aimed to apply a multi-visit Step–Ramp–Step (SRS) protocol to identify aerobic (VT1) and anaerobic (VT2/RCP) thresholds in trained endurance runners, with a particular focus on delineating the isocapnic buffering region—the ventilatory phase between VT1 and VT2 where carbon dioxide (PetCO₂) remains stable despite rising ventilation. Twelve trained male runners (mean age: 27.1 ± 1.9 years; VO₂max: 60.5 ± 2.1 ml·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹) completed the SRS protocol across separate lab visits. Each session included a 4-minute moderate-intensity phase, a progressive …

Countermovement Jump Force Plate Metrics As Neuromuscular Indicators For Seasonal Micro-Adaptations And Hitting Performance Variability In Professional Baseball, Brandon Russell Pentheny

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This dissertation explored the use of countermovement jump (CMJ) force plate metrics as indicators of neuromuscular status and their relationship to hitting performance variability across a competitive season in professional baseball. Although there is an increase in the integration of sports science and performance analytics in professional sports, a significant gap remains in longitudinal, in-season monitoring models that connect neuromuscular adaptations to hitting-specific outputs, such as bat velocity and ball exit velocity (BEV). This study examined lower-body force production as measured by uniaxial bilateral force plates and how they interact with hitting output task demands over time. Using a longitudinal …

The Effects Of Visual And Audio Secondary Cognitive Tasks During Landing: A Statistical Parametric Mapping Analysis Of Hip And Knee Biomechanics, Hillary Nguyen, Amber Lyle, Kevin Tran, Dominic Espinoza, Gerwyn Hughes

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(7): 1367-1380, 2025. https://doi.org/10.70252/KGHI3479 ACL injuries often occur when athletes perform cognitive tasks while performing a landing/cutting movement. This study investigated the effects of secondary cognitive tasks on hip and knee biomechanics during single limb landing. Sixteen recreational athletes (10 females and 6 males, age: 21.6 ± 2.5 years, mass: 65.2 ± 8.9 kg, height 1.66 ± 0.07 m) performed landings on their dominant limb as a single task and while simultaneously performing secondary cognitive tasks (mental arithmetic) provided through audio and visual means. Hip and knee joint angles and moments were calculated in all …

Single Vs. Whole Muscle Group Assessments: Does The Specific Muscle Influence Its Association With Performance?, Carina M. Velasquez, Kealey J. Wohlgemuth, Mckenzie M. Hare, Kathryn E. Southall, Jacob A. Mota

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology Volume 6: Issue 1, Article 11, 2025. Biometric Muscle size and echo intensity are thought to influence muscle function. Unfortunately, previous works often will examine a single muscle from a group of agonists as a metric of whole muscle performance. This approach may not always be the most appropriate to assess performance outcomes. The purpose of the study was to 1) quantify the association of muscle size and echo intensity with vertical jump performance (VJ), 2) Compare the associations between individual and whole muscle group size and echo intensity, 3) determine whether single or …

Treadmill Exercise And Indoor Cycling: Self-Selected Intensity, Perceived Enjoyment, And Importance Of Preference For Activity Mode, Ernst A. Hansen, Jonathan Ipsen, Jari Schneider, Simon Petersen, Alexander Petersen, Marianne Lindahl

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(5): 1344-1354, 2025. https://doi.org/10.70252/NCPI2090 For advancement of public health through exercise, exercise intensity and enjoyment are important. We aimed at testing whether self-selected exercise intensity was higher during treadmill exercise than during indoor cycling. Secondly, the enjoyment associated with the two activities was evaluated. Thirdly, in a person-centered analysis, taking into account the participants’ preference for mode of activity, we assessed whether preference for one of the activity modes was accompanied by greater intensity. Healthy adults (n=21) participated in the repeated measures crossover-designed study. They performed 16-min bouts of treadmill exercise and indoor cycling at …

Acute Physiological Responses To Rope Climbing Ergometer High-Intensity Interval Training In Males And Females, Hannah K. Eberhardt, Matthew F. Brisebois, Matthew A. Yeomans, Patrick G. Saracino

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(3): 1355-1366, 2025. https://doi.org/10.70252/EAFV3707 This study aimed to assess the acute physiological responses to a single bout of rope climbing high-intensity interval training (RC-HIIT) and compare the responses between sexes as no data currently exists on this training modality. Following an overnight fast, body composition was assessed, and resting measurements were recorded. Participants then completed an exercise protocol consisting of 10 rounds of maximal effort rope climbing using a 30:60 second work:rest ratio. Gas analysis and heart rate (HR) were recorded continuously. Blood lactate (BLa) was measured following the final work interval. Participants remained seated …

Hydration Strategies In Ultra-Endurance Running: A Narrative Review Of Programmed Versus Thirst-Driven Approaches, Shawn C. Wierick, Rosie I. Perez, Xiujing Zhao, Brendon P. Mcdermott

Health, Human Performance and Recreation Faculty Publications and Presentations

Background/Objectives: Ultra-endurance running (UER) presents unique hydration challenges due to prolonged duration, variable terrain, environmental extremes, and gastrointestinal limitations. Athletes often use either programmed fluid intake (PFI), which prescribes fluid volumes based on estimated sweat rate, or thirst-driven fluid intake (TDFI), which relies on internal cues. This review examines the effectiveness and limitations of each strategy in the context of UER performance and safety. Methods: A narrative review was conducted using a targeted selection of peer-reviewed studies. Both laboratory- and field-based research were included to evaluate the physiological rationale, practical feasibility, and outcomes associated with PFI and TDFI. A total …