Kinesiology Commons^™

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 …

Rear Leg-Derived Moment Contributes To Resistance Against Hip Extension In Bulgarian Split Squats, Hiroshi Arakawa, Hikaru Nakashima, Xuanrui Li, Michiya Tanimoto

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(7): 881-894, 2025. The Bulgarian split squat (BSS) is a unilateral exercise that emphasizes hip extension more than knee extension, compared to other squat variations. This study aimed to (1) empirically verify the existence of the rear leg-derived moment (M_RL)—a theoretically plausible but previously untested external resistive hip moment acting against the net hip extension moment (M_HE) of the front leg—and (2) examine how stance width and forward trunk-leaning angles affect M_RL during the BSS. Nine trained male participants performed bodyweight BSS under two stance conditions (wide and narrow) and …

16-Week Physical Transition From Professional Mma To Tactical Firefighting: A Case Study, Cole D. Smeester, Gabriel J. Sanders, Corey Peacock, Jose Antonio

Journal for Sports Neuroscience

Firefighters, whose occupation involves intense physical, mental, and environmental demands, must be physically and mentally prepared to perform job-specific tasks effectively and safely. Nearly half of all injuries sustained on and off the fireground are musculoskeletal, highlighting issues in the preparation and maintenance strategies for work preparedness among firefighters. This case study examines the effectiveness of a 16-week conventional, conjugate strength and conditioning model on a fire recruit transitioning from a career as a professional MMA fighter. Specific data metrics were used to assess increases in firefighter-specific performance (i.e., EPAT time and body composition). After the 16-week program, the participant …

Idmatch Bike Fitting Enhances Power Output In Recreational Cyclists: A Pilot Study, Evan T. Hoyt, Gregory N. Ruegsegger

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(2): 864-880, 2025. Optimizing bike position is essential for enhancing cycling performance, improving comfort, and reducing injury risk. This study examined the acute effects of a bike fit using the idmatch^® system on power output, rate of perceived exertion (RPE), and discomfort in recreational cyclists. Twelve participants (10 males, 2 females; 37.0 ± 9.4 years) underwent an idmatch system bike fit, which employs three-dimensional motion capture to optimize rider position. Cyclists completed a six-second peak power test (PPT6) and a 20-minute functional threshold power (FTP) test before and after the fit. Performance metrics (power, …

The Complexity Of Promoting Physical Activity In English State Primary Schools: An In-Depth Qualitative Analysis Of The Role Of Social Context, Robert Walker, Danielle House, Alice Porter, Ruth Salway, Simona Kent-Saisch, Michael Beets Ph.D., David Revalds Lubans, Frank De Vocht, Russell Jago

Faculty Publications

Background

Primary schools present an opportunity to equitably promote physical activity. To date, school-based interventions have had limited success. Contextual differences between schools could be a key factor that contributes to this lack of impact. However, the elements that constitute a school’s social context (i.e. the organisational, political, cultural, and sociodemographic characteristics) and how they might impact on primary school physical activity are unclear. The aims of this study were to conduct an in-depth qualitative analysis of state primary school social context related to physical activity and, using this analysis, provide recommendations for policy and practice.

Methods

We conducted one-to-one …

The Effects Of Exercise Training In A Novel Full-Body Compression Garment On Anaerobic Performance In Healthy Men, Benjamin W. Cunningham, Mikayla M. Reese, Jesse M. Jansen, Benjamin S. Minier, Curtis A. Cornell, Faith C. Benedict, Joshua T. Mayne, Justin A. O'Dell, Gabriel M. Lysak, James R. Sackett

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(8): 836-851, 2025. Although acutely donning compression garments improves several markers of athletic performance, the effects of training in compression garments remains largely unexplored. Thus, this study aimed to determine the effects of exercise training while donning a novel full-body compression garment on multiple measures of anaerobic performance. Sixteen sedentary males (age: 21±3 y; BMI: 25±3 kg/m²) completed 4 weeks of training with (CG; n=8) or without (CON; n=8) a novel full-body compression garment. Subjects performed a 40m sprint (time and velocity), a 5-repetition maximum barbell back squat (barbell weight and serratus anterior …

Change In Free-Living Daily Steps Does Not Affect Vo2max Adaptation In Response To A Supervised Aerobic Walking Program In Females Ages 18-45, Catherine L. Jarrett, Brandon J. Sawyer, Wesley Tucker, Dharini M. Bhammar, Justin R. Ryder, Siddhartha Angadi, Glenn A. Gaesser

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(5): 852-863, 2025. We hypothesized that an increase in nonexercise physical activity (NEPA), assessed by daily steps outside of steps accrued during supervised exercise training sessions, would be positively correlated with the change in VO_2max. Females ages 18-45 yr (n = 44; 30 ± 7 yr; 67.7 ± 18.3 kg; 24.9 ± 6.4 kg/m²) completed 36 supervised training sessions on a motorized treadmill (3 sessions/week, 30 min/session) over 12 weeks, at 70% VO_2max (80% max heart rate). VO_2max was assessed at baseline, 4, 8, and 12 weeks, and …

Advancing Rfid Systems: From Head Orientation To Robotic Localization Using Passive Tags, Guilherme Ricardo Mendes Da Silva Barreto De Figueiredo

Doctoral Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Development, Validation, And Applicability Of A Race-Specific Insulin Sensitivity Estimator (Rise) In Youth And Young Adults, Wonhee Cho

Dissertations - ALL

Parallel to the escalating rate of overweight and obesity in the youth and young adult population, the incidence and prevalence of type 2 diabetes are also mounting, presenting significant public health problems. Among the various pathophysiological factors, insulin sensitivity has emerged as a critical risk factor for impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and type 2 diabetes in youth. Despite the pivotal role of insulin sensitivity in the development and progression of these conditions, current methodologies for its assessment, such as the hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp and intravenous glucose tolerance test, are limited by their invasive methods, high cost, and unsuitability for use in …

Menopause-Related Changes In Sleep And The Associations With Cardiometabolic Health: A Narrative Review, Joshua R. Sparks, Xuewen Wang Ph.D., Faha

Faculty Publications

This narrative review examines the complex relationship between sleep changes during the menopausal transition and cardiometabolic risks. The most common complaint about sleep is increased awakenings during sleep. Other complaints include having trouble falling asleep, waking up too early, insufficient and non-restorative sleep, and overall poor quality. Sleep determined using objective methods also indicates that greater awakenings after sleep onset are associated with the period of menopausal transition. Polysomnography recordings suggest physiological hyperarousal during sleep. Changes in other sleep metrics, such as sleep latency and sleep duration, are less consistent, and some studies suggest they may not worsen during the …

Unrecognized And Unreported Concussions Among Community Rugby Players, Rachael Wittmer, Thomas A. Buckley, Charles Buz Swanik, Katelyn M. Costantini, Lisa Ryan, Ed Daly, Regan E. King, Arryana J. Daniels, Katherine J. Hunzinger

Department of Exercise Science Faculty Papers

This study examined the prevalence of intentionally unreported and potentially unrecognized concussions in community rugby players and whether nondisclosure reasons vary by sex, position, or playing history. An online survey was completed by 1037 players (41.0% female; mean age 31.6 ± 11.3 years; 10.1 ± 8.1 years playing) who reported diagnosed, unreported, and unrecognized concussions. Poisson regression models estimated prevalence ratios (PRs), and Fisher's exact tests compared reasons for nondisclosure. The diagnosed, unreported, and unrecognized concussion rates were 66.5%, 32.4%, and 42.2%, respectively. Players with diagnosed concussions had a 7.2-fold higher prevalence of nondisclosure and a 2.3-fold higher prevalence of …

Comprehensive Fitness Assessment In A Professional Military Education Cohort: A Cross-Sectional Study, Daniel J. Lawson, Russell K. Lowell, C. Brooks Mobley, Katherine Frick, Nicholas C. Bordonie, Kaitlyn G. Clouse, Cameron D. Ott, Harrison C. Dimick, Nicholas R. Mauldin, Joellen M. Sefton

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(8): 811-835, 2025. Military personnel face rigorous physical and cognitive demands critical for operational readiness and long-term health. This study evaluated body composition, cognitive performance, and physical fitness metrics in non-entry-level service members to inform tailored fitness interventions. This cross-sectional study analyzed data from Air Command Staff College personnel (N = 307; 89 females, 218 males; age: 37 ± 5 years) at Air University, Maxwell Air Force Base. Participants completed assessments for body composition (body mass index [BMI], body fat percentage [%BF], fat mass index [FMI], fat-free mass index [FFMI]), flexibility (sit-and-reach test, functional reach …

Validity And Reliability Of The 'Feelfit®' Accelerometer In Evaluating Physical Activity And Sedentary Time In Children: A Comparative Study With Two Different Accelerometers, Songdhasn Chinapong, Korntawat Klinchan, Hanif Abdul Rahman, Michael Chia, Waris Wongpipit, Jetsada Arnin, Areekul Amornsriwatanakul

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(2): 794-810, 2025. Accurate physical activity (PA) measurement is crucial for public health surveillance. While self-report questionnaires are commonly used, they have limitations, especially in young children. An affordable and user-friendly device like Feelfit® offers a promising alternative particularly for countries with limited research resources. This study aimed to evaluate Feelfit®’s performance against the widely used ActiGraph® accelerometer in measuring PA among children. A quasi-experimental design was applied. Thirty-nine children (19 boys; 20 girls; aged 11.4 ± 0.5 years) wore both Feelfit® and ActiGraph® during sequentially specified activities of varying intensity ranging from sedentary to …

Cardiac And Coronary Hemodynamics: Using An Integrated Ex-Vivo Beating Heart Experiments And Computational Modeling, Chenghan Cai

Master's Theses (2009 -)

Cardiovascular function arises from the complex interactions among the heart, the arterial system, and the coronary circulation. Questions such as how variations in left ventricular (LV) loading conditions affect LV and aortic functions through LV–aorta interactions; and how coronary artery diseases, such as stenosis, impact cardiac function and myocardial perfusion including left and right coronary perfusion via LV–coronary interactions, remain understudied. To answer these questions, this thesis focuses on two core objectives: (1) investigate the effects of LV loading conditions on LV and aortic functions through LV–aortic interactions by performing ex-vivo beating rat heart experiments, and (2) elucidate the impact …

Differences In Fitness Between Cadet And General Population Firefighter Academy Recruits, Scott D. Brau, David Cornell, Benjamin J. Mendelson, Rudi A. Marciniak, Kyle Ebersole

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(8): 774-793, 2025. This longitudinal study explored entry route- and age-related fitness differences between cadet (CR) and general population (GR) firefighter recruits. Fitness data were collected from eight separate firefighter recruit academy cohorts (N = 317; 122 CR, 195 GR; 27.17 ± 7.58 yrs, 177.30 ± 8.72 cm, 88.65 ± 17.78 kg). In the first week of the academy, recruits completed an assessment battery including: body composition via skinfold measures to estimate body fat (BF, %) and fat-free mass (FFM, kg); aerobic fitness (VO_2peak, mL· kg^-1· min^-1) and …

Associations Of Laboratory- And Field- Derived Measurements Of Critical Power With W’-Kinetics During 40-Km Cycling Time Trial Performances, Dewey Luke Wilkins, Robert W. Pettitt, Julie Taylor, Mark Kramer

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(8): 757-773, 2025. This study aimed to establish whether a laboratory (lab) based 3-minute all-out (3MT) protocol and a field-based 3MT protocol would yield similar peak power (P_max), critical power (CP), and curvature constant (W’) profiles and the implications of parameter estimation for informing a 40-km time trial (TT) performance. Nine competitive male cyclists (mean ± SD: age 36.5 ± 10.42 y, mass = 80.5 ± 10.6 kg, height 1.8 ± 0.1 m) completed two 3MTs on separate days, as well as a 40-km time trial. Both lab and field-based protocols evoked similar …

The Association Of Walking Cadence With Sleep Quality In Adults 18-65, Almothana M. Matarneh

Masters Theses, 2020-current

Sleep quality is essential to physical and mental health, influencing physiological functions including muscle recovery, hormonal balance, immune response, and cognition. Poor sleep may impact physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior (SB), potentially contributing to reduced overall well-being. Walking cadence, the number of steps per minute, is an accessible proxy for PA intensity, but its relationship with sleep quality remains unclear. Objective: This study examined the relationship between PA, SB, and sleep quality, as measured by step cadence, among adults aged 18–65 years. Methods: participants wore an ActiGraph GT3X accelerometer on the hip during waking hours and on …

Screen Time And Objectively Measured Sleep Of U.S. College Students: A Brief Report, Donya Sedaghat, Eunkyung Lee, Jeanette Garcia, Keith Brazendale

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(4): 747-756, 2025. The objective was to investigate screen time (ST) and objectively measured sleep quality in college students. Participants were undergraduate students attending a large metropolitan public university in the southeastern U.S. Participants wore accelerometers on their wrist for 24hr/day for 14 days to capture sleep outcomes, and completed a survey reporting ST duration. Analyses explored weight-status, race/ethnicity, and sleep patterns (presence of daytime sleep) differences among students. Participants (n=29, 86% female, ~21.5 years old, 38% White, 35% Overweight/Obese) slept for an average of 433.8 minutes/night, reported 419.1 minutes of daily ST, and 112 …