Kinesiology Commons^™

An Investigation Of Relationships Between Body Mass Index And Factors Of Wellness Among Full-Time Employees At Private Kentucky Colleges And Universities, Christopher Schmidt

Dissertations

The United States is in the middle of a health epidemic that shows no signs of stopping. Obesity is a disease that carries a significant number of health-related issues. The adult population has experienced a decrease in overall wellness, where the mental and physical health of individuals is disrupted by the effects of obesity. Even more alarming is the rate of increase in childhood obesity and its impact on America’s future.

The consequences of this health epidemic are especially visible in the increased costs of health care caused by obesity-related diseases. This epidemic reaches across many aspects of life. The …

Development Of A Methodology For The Quantification Of Physiological Load For Soccer Players, Robert W. Wilson

Theses and Dissertations

The overall aim of this research project was to devise valid mathematical models for quantifying the physiological load (PL) of practices and competitions for female and male NCAA Division I collegiate soccer players. Data from sub-maximal and maximal effort tests were used to construct these models. After development of the physiological load quantification (PLQ) models, the validity of them occurred by comparing them to the physiological gold standard of performed work, volume of oxygen consumed (V*O2). Last, comparisons of the scores from the PLQ models to the PL scores from the previous models occurred. In combination these three studies have …

Classification Accuracy Of The Wrist-Worn Genea Accelerometer During Structured Activity Bouts: A Cross-Validation Study, Whitney Allegra Welch

Masters Theses

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to determine whether the left wrist cutpoints of Esliger et al., for the triaxial GENEA accelerometer, are accurate for predicting intensity categories during 14 different activities including; treadmill-based, home and office, and sport activities. Methods: 130 adults wore a GENEA accelerometer on their left wrist while performing various lifestyle activities. The Oxycon Mobile Portable Metabolic Unit was used to measure oxygen uptake during each activity. Statistical analysis used Spearman’s rank correlations to determine the relationship between measured and estimated intensity classifications. Cross tabulation tables were constructed to describe under or over …

Effects Of Head Position And Head-Supported Mass On Nerve Function Of The Flexor Carpi Radialis Muscle In Healthy Individuals, Bethany Lauren Shivers

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Long-term exposure to head-supported mass (HSM) has been linked with spinal degeneration including foraminal stenosis and disc deterioration. Anecdotally, HSM has also been linked to neck and arm pain and muscle atrophy, but nerve function has not been tested specifically. The combined effect of various head positions and HSM may be sufficient to compress the nerve root in aviators and Soldiers during job performance, potentially leading to short- and long-term neuromuscular effects. The Hoffmann (H) reflex, a well-established measure of nerve function, has shown to be sensitive to changes in nerve root space which occurs with different head positions. This …

Postural Control Strategy During Standing Is Altered In Patients With Multiple Sclerosis, Jessie M. Huisinga, Jenna M. Yentes, Mary Filipi, Nikolaos Stergiou

Journal Articles

Disturbances in balance are one of the first reported symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis (MS), yet limited research has been performed to classify the postural control deficits in this population. This study investigated the variability present in the sway patterns during quiet standing in patients with MS (PwMS) and healthy controls. Subjects were assessed (eyes open, closed) standing on a force platform. Variability of the sway patterns was quantified using a measure of amount of variability (root mean square; RMS) and two measures of temporal structure of variability (Lyapunov Exponent – LyE; Approximate Entropy – ApEn). RMS results revealed significantly higher …

Cell-Matrix Adhesion In Muscle Development And Disease, Michelle F. Goody

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

A variety of diseases, both inherited and acquired, affect muscle tissues in humans. The anchoring of muscle fibers to their surrounding environment is critical for muscle homeostasis. Muscle fibers attach to their microenvironment through cell-matrix adhesion complexes. These anchoring complexes are placed under repeated stress during muscle contraction. Genetic mutations in these complexes weaken the attachment between muscle fibers and their microenvironment, making fibers more susceptible to damage and death. This increased fiber degeneration eventually leads to progressive muscle wasting diseases, known as congenital muscular dystrophies. Although clinical trials are ongoing, there is presently no way to cure the loss …

Effects Of Physical Exertion And Alignment Alterations On Trans-Tibial Amputee Gait, And Concurrent Validity Of Prosthesis-Integrated Measurement Of Gait Kinetics, Goeran Fiedler

Theses and Dissertations

This study investigated the effects of slight changes in the alignment of the artificial limb of trans-tibial amputees on the walking pattern on the level of forces and moments, particularly when physical exertion levels increase. Two alignment conditions were assessed in ten trans-tibial amputees while walking with low and with "strong" levels of exertion. Two separate data collection methods were utilized simultaneously: a conventional motion analysis, and continuous recordings from prosthesis-integrated force sensors. While the former was used to compare bilateral leg symmetry across conditions, the latter allowed analyzing unilateral step variability within subjects. This paper presents both analyses in …

Relationship Between Counter Movement Jump Performance And Extraversion Level, David James Cornell

Theses and Dissertations

Introduction: Sport psychology literature has demonstrated a relationship between personality and physical ability and athletic performance. In general, individuals who exhibit a greater degree of extraversion display a greater physical ability and athletic performance than individuals who exhibit a lower degree of extraversion. The physiology literature has also demonstrated relationships between extraversion level and movement time and electrophysiological mechanisms (i.e., muscle activity) during a fine movement task. However to date, no study has investigated if these physiological relationships manifest themselves during a gross movement task. If a relationship exists, it may provide mechanistic reasoning behind the previously observed relationships between …

Kinematics And Muscle Activation Patterns During Simulated Uphill Pedaling On An Indoor Cycle Ergometer, Benjamin Thomas Stein

Boise State University Theses and Dissertations

INTRODUCTION: An indoor cycle ergometer allows for competitive and recreational mountain bike cyclists to simulate uphill conditions with precisely controlled and monitored pedaling. While simulating an uphill condition indoors, with or without a climbing block, the cyclist body may not be in the same position as while pedaling outdoors. This possible difference in body position may have training implications. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine if there are differences in kinematics and/or muscle activation patterns while pedaling on a level surface compared to an inclined surface while pedaling on a mountain bike on an indoor cycle …

Taking Balance Measurement Out Of The Laboratory And Into The Home: Discriminatory Capability Of Novel Centre Of Pressure Measurement In Fallers And Non-Fallers, Denise Mcgrath, Emer P. Doheny, Lorcan Walsh, David Mckeown, Clodagh Cunningham, Lisa Crosby, Rose Anne Kenny, Nikolaos Stergiou, Brian Caulfield, Barry R. Greene

Journal Articles

We investigated three methods for estimating centre of pressure excursions, as measured using a portable pressure sensor matrix, in order to deploy similar technology into the homes of older adults for longitudinal monitoring of postural control and falls risk. We explored the utility of these three methods as markers of falls risk in a cohort of 120 community dwelling older adults with and without a history of falls (65 fallers, 55 non-fallers). A number of standard quantitative balance parameters were derived using each centre of pressure estimation method. Rank sum tests were used to test for significant differences between fallers …

The Use Of Cortisol And Hba1c As Biomarkers Of Stress In University Administrators, Jacilyn Marie Olson

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to explore the impact of perceived stress and cardiorespiratory fitness on cortisol and HbA1c, biomarkers of stress, in a group of select university administrators. The impact of gender on these relationships was of special concern. METHODS: University administrators with job titles of Chancellor, Provost, Vice Chancellors and Vice Provosts of the university, and Deans and Associate Deans at the college level were recruited. Twenty-five administrators (15 males and 10 females) agreed to participate and completed a battery of assessments that included completion of the University Administrative Concerns Questionnaire, a finger-stick blood test for …

Interactions Between The Thermic Effect Of Food And Exercise On Total Energy Expenditure In Moderately Active Females, Ashley Binns

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Diet and exercise are key components to overall health maintenance. Aspects contributing to weight maintenance include the thermic effect of food (TEF) and total energy expenditure (TEE), with TEF contributing to upwards of 10% TEE. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the interaction between TEF and exercise on TEE in moderately active females. METHODS: A sample population was established with the use of a health history questionnaire (HHQ). Ten active females of normal body composition, determined by body mass index (BMI) and a dual energy absorptiometry x-ray (DEXA) scan, participated in the study. Maximal aerobic …

Effects Of A Bacteriological Filter On Vo2max Measured By A Computerized Metabolic System, Christopher William Bach

Masters Theses

Purpose: To determine the effects of a purple bacteriological filter (PF) on the measured maximal oxygen uptake (VO_2max) during a maximal treadmill test as well as its effect on the expiratory flow measurements during a pulmonary function test. Methods: Male (n=7) and female (n=7) runners (18-35 years old) completed two continuous graded exercise tests (GXTs) followed by pulmonary function tests (PFT); one with a purple filter (PF) and one with no filter (NF). The GXT consisted of running at a constant speed on a treadmill while gradually increasing the grade until volitional exhaustion was reached. Following each of …

Effects Of Positive Feedback On Oxygen Consumption And Heart Rate During A 3-Minute Step Test, Leighann Dewitt

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The positive effects of enhanced expectancies on motor performance and learning have been demonstrated by numerous studies. A more recent study by Stoate, Wulf, and Lewthwaite (2012) showed than enhancing one's expectancy by giving positive feedback increased movement efficiency and decreased oxygen consumption in experienced runners during a 20 minute running test at 75% of max oxygen consumption, compared to those who received no feedback. The purpose of the present study was to test if enhancing expectancies can improve movement efficiency (i.e., reduce oxygen consumption) during a sub-maximal exercise test. Participants were randomly assigned to one of two groups, enhanced …

Kids Can Bike! A Parks And Recreation Program To Promote Youth Cycling, Jessica Lynn Chandler

Masters Theses

Physical inactivity is a major concern, and is believed to contribute to the high prevalence of childhood obesity in U.S. schoolchildren. To address this problem, the Knoxville Area Coalition on Childhood Obesity launched a ‘Kids Can BIKE!’ program in 2012. The bicycling program is seven weeks long and is designed to increase physical activity, teach safe cycling skills, and explore Knoxville parks and greenways while having fun. The program targeted children in grades 4 and 5 who were already enrolled in an afterschool or summer program. Once a week, the children were transported to a location where they could safely …

The Effect Of Footwear On The Mechanics Of The Lower Back During Treadmill Running, Jeffrey Ray Mcclellan

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Little is known regarding the effect that footwear cushioning can have on the mechanics of the low back. The purpose of this study was to 1) determine the material characteristics of a minimalist running shoe tested with and without a commercially available shoe insole, 2) determine if there are differences in lower back or knee kinematics when minimalist shoes are worn with and without a shoe insole during treadmill running, and 3) determine if there are differences in levels of muscle activation when minimalist shoes are worn with and without a shoe insole during treadmill running. Following the receipt of …

Effects Of Controlling Versus Autonomy-Supportive Language On Learning A Novel Motor Skill And Cortisol Release, Andrew Mcmahon Hooyman

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The purpose of this study was to compare how different types of instruction effect the learning of a novel motor skill and how salivary cortisol correlates to learning differences. Participants (N = 44), average age 22.3 years (standard deviation 2.37), were randomly assigned to an autonomy-supportive, controlling-language or neutral language group which was manipulated via instructional video. Saliva was collected before and after each session, and questionnaires were given after pitching was completed during each day. Results showed that there was a significant difference among groups in throwing accuracy on performance and retention. Questionnaire results also showed significant group differences …

Thick-To-Thin Filament Surface Distance Modulates Cross-Bridge Kinetics In Drosophila Flight Muscle, Bertrand C.W. Tanner, Gerrie P. Farman, Thomas C. Irving, David W. Maughan, Bradley M. Palmer, Mark S. Miller

Mark S. Miller

The demembranated (skinned) muscle fiber preparation is widely used to investigate muscle contraction because the intracellular ionic conditions can be precisely controlled. However, plasma membrane removal results in a loss of osmotic regulation, causing abnormal hydration of the myofilament lattice and its proteins. We investigated the structural and functional consequences of varied myofilament lattice spacing and protein hydration on cross-bridge rates of force development and detachment in Drosophila melanogaster indirect flight muscle, using x-ray diffraction to compare the lattice spacing of dissected, osmotically compressed skinned fibers to native muscle fibers in living flies. Osmolytes of different sizes and exclusion properties …

Relationship Between Total Body Mass, Fat-Free Mass, Fat Mass, And Bone Mineral Density Of The Hip In Middle-Age Women: The Roles Of Diet, Physical Activity, And Menopause, Elizabeth Reid Fosson

Theses and Dissertations

Objective: This study was conducted to investigate the relationship between hip bone mineral density (BMD), fat free mass (FFM), fat mass (FM), and total body mass (TBM) and the extent to which these relationships were modified by various confounding factors. The cross-sectional analysis included 262 healthy females (mean age 41.6±3.0 years). Methods: BMD of the hip and body composition were assessed by the Hologic 4500W dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) system. Total and intensity of physical activity (PA) were objectively measured using an Actigraph accelerometer. Dietary calcium and vitamin D from food and beverages, as well as from supplements, were …

Path Integration: Effect Of Curved Path Complexity And Sensory System On Blindfolded Walking, Panagiotis Koutakis, Mukul Mukherjee, Srikant Vallabhajosula, David J. Blanke, Nikolaos Stergiou

Journal Articles

Path integration refers to the ability to integrate continuous information of the direction and distance traveled by the system relative to the origin. Previous studies have investigated path integration through blindfolded walking along simple paths such as straight line and triangles. However, limited knowledge exists regarding the role of path complexity in path integration. Moreover, little is known about how information from different sensory input systems (like vision and proprioception) contributes to accurate path integration. The purpose of the current study was to investigate how sensory information and curved path complexity affect path integration. Forty blindfolded participants had to accurately …