Kinesiology Commons^™

Elite Beach Volleyball Match Analysis: Rally Structure, Work-To-Rest Patterns, And Gender Considerations, Flavia F. Pereira, Jason M. Curtis, Jose Antonio, Jennifer Austin, Riceler Waske, Victor Romano

Journal for Sports Neuroscience

This study analyzed the physical and temporal demands of elite male and female beach volleyball athletes during professional competitions, specifically focusing on match duration, rally characteristics, and work-to-rest ratios. Utilizing the Balltime AI platform, 7,832 rallies from 92 matches (49 males, 43 females) during the 2023 FIVB Elite 16 Tour and the 2024 Paris Olympic Games were examined. The findings indicate an average total match duration of approximately 46 min (45:55 ± 10:11), with active playing time averaging 13:30 ± 03:06 min and rest periods totaling 32:25 ± 07:29 min. The average rally duration was 9.49 ± 0.57 seconds, yielding …

Bridging The Gap: Does Individual Crossfit Open Performance & Event-Type Influence Crossfit Games Team Performance?, Anthony J. Mack

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Individual CrossFit Open (CFO) and CrossFit Games (CFG) performance factors, including physiological metrics, sex, competitive experience, and workout pacing strategies, are well established; however, there is a gap in the literature comparing CFO and CFG team performance. The purpose of this study was to examine whether individual CFO scores and event category (i.e., monostructural, gymnastics-skill, weightlifting, or work capacity) influence a team's final score at the CFG. Teams (n = 196) from the 2018-2024 CFG seasons were included in data collection. Data from CFO workouts (n = 28) and CFG team events (n = 62) were extracted from games.crossfit.com. Scores …

Impression Motivations And Mental Health In Collegiate Athletes And Musicians: The Benefits Of Promoting Virtues, Mary L. Inman, Olufemi A. Oluyedun, Erin Moran, Brendyn Mroz, Madison Mccreery

Faculty Publications

This study identifies two key impression-management motivations that arise in public settings: promoting virtues and preventing harm to one’s image. We explored their impact on mental health—specifically, socially-based perfectionism and depressive symptoms. Drawing from regulatory-focus theory, we predicted promotion motivations would predict strong mental health, prevention motivations would predict poor mental health, and promotion motivations would buffer against the negative effects of prevention motivations. Collegiate athletes and musicians (N = 262) completed validated measures of impression motivation, perfectionism, and depressive symptoms. Results revealed that athletes reported lower levels of perfectionism and depressive symptoms than did musicians. Across both groups, …

Low Energy Availability Prevalence, Dietary Habits, And Sleep In Female Army Rotc Cadets, Hannah K. Eberhardt, Brandon D. Willingham, Matthew F. Brisebois, Patrick G. Saracino

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(6): 1030-1046, 2025. Low energy availability (LEA) results in numerous health and performance decrements. While a high prevalence of LEA and sleep disturbance has been observed in male Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) cadets, no data exists in females. This study aimed to determine LEA prevalence, dietary habits, and sleep quantity and quality in female U.S. ROTC cadets. Following an overnight fast, ten cadets (22±4 yrs, 166.0±6.1 cm, 67.1±9.1 kg, 26.1±6.2% body fat, 49.2±4.8 kg fat-free mass (FFM)) had their body composition and resting metabolic rate measured. Validated questionnaires assessed LEA symptoms and sleep. …

Effect Of Fiber Structure Heterogeneity On The Estimation Of Material Parameters For Cardiac Scar Tissue Mechanics, Desmond Maximilian Flanagan

All ETDs from UAB

Over one million Americans suffer from myocardial infarction (MI) per year. After MI, the heart muscle is replaced by scar, whose mechanical properties play a critical role in outcomes for surviving patients. Previously, Caggiano et al. induced MI in rats, and ex-tracted the scar tissue samples for microscopy and mechanical testing. Building on this, we investigate the effect of incorporating microscopy-derived fiber heterogeneity on the estimation of stress and material parameters. We studied the effect of fiber orientation heterogeneity on the mechanical characteriza-tion of scar tissues using finite element models (FEM) that replicated biaxial tests. We used three constitutive models—Mooney-Rivlin, …

Accelerations And Emg Differences Between Isocaloric High-Incline Walking And Level-Grade Jogging, Taj Krieger, Motoki Sato, Lex Gidley, Justus Ortega, Eli Lankford

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(7): 995-1009, 2025. High-incline walking is a popular mode of exercise and often serves as an alternative to level-grade running for improving cardiovascular fitness. This study examined the muscle activation and biomechanical differences between high-incline walking (HIW) at a 20% grade and level-grade jogging (LGJ) at matched exercise intensities. Nineteen physically inactive adults (18-31 years) participated. Participants completed two isocaloric exercise trials (HIW and LGJ), each lasting ten minutes. EMG data were obtained from eight muscles: biceps femoris (BF), gluteus maximus (GM), lateral gastrocnemius (LG), tibialis anterior (TA), vastus lateralis (VL), anterior deltoid (AD), erector …

Editorial: A Step-By-Step Statistical Decision Framework For A Gender-Inclusive Approach In Sport And Exercise Science Research, James W. Navalta, Dustin W. Davis, Jafra D. Thomas, Whitley J. Stone

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(1): 1010-1029, 2025. The conflation of sex and gender in sport and exercise science research has led to gaps in representation and understanding of gender-inclusive outcomes. This invited editorial presents a framework to guide researchers in conducting statistical analyses that account for multiple gender identities beyond the traditional binary classification. The invited editorial guides deliberation on whether to test for sex or gender differences in sport or exercise science research. It prompts investigators to answer the question, “Is there a valid, literature-supported rationale for investigating sex or gender differences?” If “yes”, we propose approaches that …

The Effect Of A Kn95 Mask On High-Intensity Interval Training Performance, Physiological Response, And Perception, David Kenny, Payton Stanziani, Holly Chambers, Madison Vinovrski, Isabel Allocco, Jack Fisher, Morgan Raley, Kyle S. Beyer

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(3): 984-994, 2025. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of a KN95 mask on the performance, physiological response, and perception of high-intensity interval training (HIIT). Twenty college-aged participants (Male: 10, Female: 10) completed a two-visit, crossover, counterbalanced study. The HIIT workout included four 1-minute “all-out” intervals at 3.5% of body mass with 4-minute rest intervals, performed with or without a KN95 mask. Following HIIT, participants remained on the cycle ergometer for a 15-minute recovery period. For each interval, peak power and average power were recorded. Throughout the HIIT workout and recovery, …

Evaluating The Impact Of Zoa Energy Drink On Muscular Strength, Psychomotor Vigilance, And Mood In Active Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial, Jose J. Rojas, Jason M. Curtis, Flavia F. Pereira, Cassandra Evans, Kaelan Jones, Alyana Andal, Juan Carlos Santana, Hena Thakkar, Jose Antonio

Journal for Sports Neuroscience

This study evaluates the effects of ZOA Energy Drink, a commercially available energy beverage, on muscular strength, sustained attention, and mood in exercise-trained individuals. Using a randomized, blinded, two-arm design, 24 participants (15 males, 9 females; age = 31.8 ± 8.4 years) were assigned to consume either ZOA Energy Drink or a caffeine-matched placebo. The primary outcomes included psychomotor vigilance (PVT), mood state (POMS), handgrip strength, and push-up performance. Baseline body composition was also assessed using bioelectrical impedance.

Results revealed no statistically significant differences between the ZOA and the caffeine matched control groups in psychomotor vigilance (p = 0.155), mood …

Performance Fatigability At Task Failure And Beyond: Distinct Patterns Of Recovery Following Constant Load Versus Intermittent Cycling Exercise, Zachary J. Mcclean, Keenan Macdougall, Matthew J. Jordan, Danilo Iannetta, Martin Macinnis, Saied J. Aboodarda

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(7): 971-983, 2025. The total work completed during an exercise session is often assumed to be the primary factor influencing the kinetics of post-exercise recovery. However, the duration of work and rest periods during high intensity interval training (HIIT) have been shown to impact the magnitude of physiological stress and could also impact post-exercise recovery. The aim of this study was to characterize the recovery time course of neuromuscular function following work-to-rest matched HIIT protocols with different work interval durations and conducted to task failure. Participants (n=12, n=6 females) completed a ramp incremental exercise test …

Positive Changes In Functional Capacity, Muscle Strength And Body Composition After Short Time Of Resistance Training Periodization In Older Women: A Quasi-Experimental Study, Ericles Vieira

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(7): 949-970, 2025. We investigated the effects of a new approach with mixed session periodization resistance training (MSP) on functional performance, muscular strength, and body composition in older women. Twenty-one participants were tested before and after the intervention (10 weeks) and were allocated for convenience into two groups according to their available time; our schedule made two classes available, one at 6 a.m. (MSP), and one at 7 a.m. (active group-control). Results were analyzed through a mixed-model analysis with repeated measures. There was a group vs. time interaction for timed up and go (p < 0.001, η_{p …}

Physical Function And Pain As Predictors Of Movement Behaviors In Adults With Arthritis, Scott Jamieson, Sarah Wilcox Phd, Chih-Hsiang Yang Ph.D., Ye Sil Kim Phd, Christine Pellegrini Ph.D.

Faculty Publications

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P.L.A.Y. For All Pilot: Effects Of A Community-Based, Inclusive After-School Program On Physical Activity And Motor-Skill Outcomes, Allison R. Tsuchida, Karl-Richard Hennebach, Erin E. Centeio

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

After-school programs for physical activity (PA) can contribute to helping children and youth achieve the suggested 60 minutes a day of PA. Previous research also suggests that developing motor competency can positively impact long-term PA participation. Additionally, parent and peer support can help children and youth overcome barriers to PA participation. The primary purpose of this pilot research study was to determine the effects of an inclusive after-school program on PA levels and motor-skill outcomes for children with and without disabilities. A secondary purpose was to examine parental support for physical activity and children’s physical activity and motor skills. 38 …

Effects Of Acute Caffeine Ingestion On Physical Performance And Skill Execution In Volleyball Players: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Raoof Negaresh, Shihab Aldin A. Al-Riyami, Alireza Paahoo, Rastegar Hoseini, Juan Del Coso

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(6): 922-948, 2025. It is well established that oral caffeine administration (3-9 mg/kg) is ergogenic, enhancing numerous aspects of physical performance including strength and power. However, the extent to which these effects translate to volleyball-specific skills remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to systematically review the effects of acute caffeine ingestion on performance outcomes in volleyball-specific actions. A systematic review of published studies was conducted using scientific databases from their inception through December 2024 (registered in PROSPERO, CRD420251006314). We included studies with blinded crossover experimental designs that compared caffeine ingestion to a placebo …

Satellite Cells Choreograph An Immune Cell-Fibrogenic Cell Circuit During Mechanical Loading In Geriatric Skeletal Muscle, Nicholas T. Thomas, Camille R. Brightwell, Allison M. Owen, Alexander R. Keeble, Sabin Khadgi, Yuan Wen, Christopher S. Fry, Kevin Murach

Health, Human Performance and Recreation Faculty Publications and Presentations

Muscle stem cells, or satellite cells (SCs), decline in number throughout the lifespan and may become senescent in very old age. Whether and how remaining SCs contribute to muscle adaptation in the oldest-old is unclear. Using acute mechanical overload in geriatric SC replete and depleted mice (28-month-old) combined with single-cell RNA-sequencing, we show: (i) subsets of geriatric SCs display signs of senescence as well as normal fate progression during overload, (ii) SCs express markers that may contribute to the regulation of innervation, (iii) the presence of SCs during overload enhances global intercellular communication and increases mRNA levels of the cell …

Cardiovascular And Aortic Wave Reflection Responses To Evening Binge Alcohol Consumption, Grant Thivierge, Ian Greenlund, Jeremy Bigalke, Carl Smoot, Jason R. Carter, John J. Durocher

Michigan Tech Publications

Evening binge alcohol consumption contributes to sleep disruption and autonomic dysregulation that persists into the following morning. However, its impact on morning-after arterial stiffness and aortic wave reflection remains unknown. Using a randomized, crossover, fluid-controlled design, we hypothesized that heart rate (HR), carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV), aortic augmentation index (AIx), and aortic pulsatile load (APL) would be increased acutely after binge drinking at night (study 1) and the morning-after binge drinking (study 2). Participants (n=33, 18 females, 15 males, age 25±1 years, BMI: 27±1 kg/m) completed binge alcohol (4-5 drink equivalent) and fluid control protocols. Study 1 examined cardiovascular …

Optimizing Hip And Knee Assistance For Walking And Sit-To-Stand Transitions: An Intrinsic Muscle Mechanics Based Predictive Approach, Neethan Ratnakumar

Dissertations

As the global population ages, the demand for wearable assistive technologies continues to rise, driven by their potential to enhance mobility and independence in older adults. Effectively designed controllers for lower-limb exoskeletons to assist sit-to-stand (STS) and walking are crucial for delivering efficient, safe, and comfortable assistance during daily activities. Traditionally, controller optimization involves biomechanical modeling and user-specific customization. Musculoskeletal simulations play a central role in this process by providing insights into human-exoskeleton interaction dynamics, thereby informing and refining control strategies.

This work presents a simulation-driven approach for developing exoskeleton controllers for walking and STS using two distinct methods: optimal …

Difference In Knee Joint Structure And Lower Extremity Functioning Among People With Varying Severity Of Knee Osteoarthritis: A Cross-Sectional Study, Shubham Tawade, Rajani Mullerpatan Dr., Bela Agarwal Dr.

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(5): 910-921, 2025. Osteoarthritis (OA) is a highly prevalent musculoskeletal condition. It is reported that knee OA progressively affects lower-extremity functioning. Evidence is lacking on when there is a substantial decline in function and whether this trend differs between males and females and disease severity. This study aimed to examine influence of gender and increasing grade of knee OA on lower-extremity function. Following Institutional Ethical Committee approval and signed-informed consent, 115 participants (57-males, 58-females), aged 40-65 years, with diagnosed knee OA (grade 1-4) were recruited. Lower-extremity function was studied using reliable and valid outcome …

Biddle Physical Ability Test (Bpat) Performance By Attempt In Southern California Structural Firefighter Candidates, Robert G. Lockie, Joseph Dulla, Jennifer Meloni, Kristina A. Ross, Robin (Rob) Marc Orr, J. Jay Dawes, Tomas J. Ruvalcaba

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(8): 895-909, 2025. The Biddle Physical Ability Test (BPAT) is a job task simulation that must be completed in ≤9:34 min:s by structural firefighter candidates to be accepted to a fire training academy. This study investigated the influence of prior attempts on BPAT time. Retrospective analysis was conducted on 1435 male and 72 female candidates. All participants received equivalent instruction on how to complete the BPAT which incorporated: dry hose drag; charged hose drag; halyard raise; roof walk; attic crawl; roof ventilation; victim removal; ladder removal and carry; stair climb with hose bundle; crawling search; …

The Illusion Of Internal Models In Biological Movement, Madhur Mangalam

Journal Articles

The concept of internal models dominates contemporary theories of sensorimotor control, with researchers across neurosciences, specifically motor control, routinely explaining observed behaviors through computational representations that supposedly exist within the nervous system. In this perspective, I present a critical examination of internal model frameworks in sensorimotor control. I argue that representational approaches mischaracterize biological systems for several fundamental reasons: (1) Internal models require homuncular interpreters, creating infinite regress problems; (2) The purported neural implementations of internal models remain empirically elusive despite decades of research; (3) Biological movement systems exhibit multiscale, nonlinear, and non-Gaussian dynamics that fundamentally defy reduction to conventional …