Kinesiology Commons^™

Examining The Use Of Two-Dimensional Video Capture And A Pressure Sensing Walkway For Collection Of Obstacle Crossing Measures, Ashlyn M. Jendro

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Obstacle crossing research is crucial for providing insights into how and why people trip and fall. However, a growing body of literature has proposed that laboratory-based studies may not directly translate into real-world settings due to the complex nature beyond the sterile lab. Unfortunately, the absence of real-world obstacle crossing literature is likely due to a lack of available validated methods for collection of data outside the laboratory. This dissertation explored two potential methodologies (i.e., 2D motion capture and a pressure sensing walkway) that are more portable and cost-effective for collecting real-world obstacle crossing measures. It is hypothesized that 2D …

The Feasibility And Impact Of Self-Administered Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation On Glycemic Control In Hyperglycemia Population- A Pilot Study, Zahra Fatahimeiabadi

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Introduction: Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) has shown promise in improving glycemic outcomes in supervised, laboratory-based settings. However, its feasibility and effectiveness in real-world, community-based applications remain underexplored, particularly among sedentary, overweight/obese individuals at risk for type 2 diabetes (T2D). This study aims to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of self-administered NMES use on glycemic control and substrate utilization among sedentary, overweight/obese population with hyperglycemia. Methods: Ten participants (N=10 [Males:4; Females:6] Age: 38.9 ± 14.1 years; BMI: 36.0 ± 8.7 kg/m2) sedentary Overweight/obese participants with hyperglycemia were randomized to either an NMES or control group and were trained and instructed to …

Comparison Of Kinematic Outputs And Reliability Of Plug-In Gait Versus Conventional Gait Model 2 During Cycling, Erin Mccallister, Nicholas Russell

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(7): 712-726, 2025. Motion analysis is used to measure proper bicycle fit, avoid injury, and improve cycling performance. Small changes in position can impact joint kinematics and risk for overuse injury. Concerns regarding the often-used biomechanical model Plug-in-Gait (PIG) resulted in the creation of Conventional Gait Model 2 (CGM2). This study aims to compare kinematic outputs of these two models for cycling biomechanics plus between-day reliability of each model. Thirty-five participants participated in two experimental sessions. PiG and CGM2 marker sets were applied, and data was collected while cycling between 80-90 rpm. Model outputs were …

Effects Of Aerobic Exercise On Physical Fitness In Obesity Using Fox Vs. Tanaka’S Maximum Heart Rate And Percentage Vs. Karvonen Methods, Maninthorn Rugbumrung, Tavarintorn Rukbumrung, Sittiwit Impanya, Adison Thurayot

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(8): 695-711, 2025. The intensity of aerobic exercise is influenced by maximum heart rate (MHR), which can be assessed through an incremental exercise test. However, this method requires specialized equipment and a level of fitness that individuals who are sedentary or overweight may lack. Therefore, estimating MHR using formulas is essential. Various methods exist to calculate MHR, but their effects on fitness in obese individuals remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effects of aerobic exercise using different intensity calculation methods, specifically comparing Fox's and Tanaka's maximum heart rate (MHR) equations, as well as …

Resilience Mediates The Association Between Discrimination And Psychological Distress Among Rural, Black Women In South Carolina: A Structural Equation Model, Camryn Garrett, Abhisheak Aggrawal, Huiyi Xia, Cheuk Chi Tam, Bankole Olatosi Ph.D., Sarah Wilcox Phd, Xiaoming Li Ph.D., Shan Qiao Ph.D.

Faculty Publications

Introduction

The marginalization of intersecting racial, gender, and rural identities compounds the structural vulnerabilities (e.g., discrimination, stigma, health disparities) experienced by Black women in South Carolina’s rural areas. Discriminatory experiences can deteriorate mental health; however, resilience can potentially reduce the ill effects of discrimination by decreasing associated psychological distress. This study examines the mediating role of resilience in the association between discrimination and psychological distress among rural, Black women in South Carolina in the post-pandemic era.

Methods

Black women (n = 300, mean age = 48.6) living in rural South Carolina were recruited from January to February 2024 using …

Addressing Head Injuries In High School Football: An Assessment Of Best Practices And Challenges In The Area Of Concussions As Held By New Mexico Activities Association High School Varsity Football Head Coaches And Athletic Directors, Alonzo Maestas

Health, Exercise, and Sports Sciences ETDs

Youth sports participation in the United States offers children and adolescents opportunities for physical activity, skill development, social interaction, and personal achievement. However, with sports comes the risk of injury, including concussions. Concussions can have serious long-term consequences such as chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). In response to the risks of concussions, New Mexico enacted a concussion law, NM Stat 22-13-31. In addition to this law, the New Mexico Activities Association (NMAA) and National Federation of High School Associations (NFHS) have also given guidance on how to manage concussions.

However, there is a gap in the literature concerning concussion education, best …

Electromyographic Analysis Of Lower Limb Muscles During Multi-Joint Eccentric Isokinetic Exercise Using The Eccentron Dynamometer, Brennan J. Thompson, Merrill Ward, Brayden Worley, Talin Louder

Kinesiology and Health Science Faculty Publications

Eccentric muscle actions are integral to human movement, rehabilitation, and performance training due to their characteristic high force output (overload) and low energy cost and perceived exertion. Despite the growing use of eccentric devices, a gap in the research exists exploring multi-muscle activation profiles during multi-joint eccentric-only, isokinetic exercise. This study aimed to quantify and compare surface electromyographic (EMG) activity of four leg muscles—vastus lateralis (VL), tibialis anterior (TA), biceps femoris (BF), and medial gastrocnemius (GM)—during a standardized (isokinetic) submaximal eccentric multi-joint exercise using the Eccentron dynamometer. Eighteen healthy adults performed eccentric exercise at 40% of their maximal eccentric strength. …

The Relationship Between Hand Grip Strength And Cognitive Function In Middle-Aged And Elderly People In China: A Cross-Sectional Analysis Based On Charls Data, Haiwei Li, Jing Zhang, Peipei Cheng, Liwei Guo, Xuemei Sui M.D., M.P.H., Ph.D.

Faculty Publications

This study explores the relationship between hand grip strength (HGS) and cognitive function in China’s middle-aged and elderly population. We employed a cross-sectional design using data from 4535 participants aged ≥ 45 years from the 2015 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study national dataset. The relationships between HGS and various dimensions of cognitive function, as well as the association between HGS and cognitive impairment, were investigated using ordinary least squares regression models and logistic regression models. Dose–response relationships between HGS and cognitive impairment were modeled using restricted cubic spline curves. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were performed to assess the robustness …

An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis Of Black Female Swimmers' Experiences Of Belonging, Felicity E. Passon

Master's Theses

Although swimming participation has grown in the United States, the experiences of Black female swimmers remain significantly underrepresented in academic literature. This study addresses that gap by exploring the lived experiences of Black women participating in Division 1 (D1) college swimming. Using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) and Black feminist thought, the research explored how Black female D1 swimmers experienced belonging in this underrepresented sport. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with nine D1 Black female swimmers, and six major themes illustrate the varied factors that shaped their experiences of belonging. Even with racially gendered barriers to inclusion, they identified strategies to foster …

Evaluation Of Physical, Mental, And Mechanical Aspects Of An Extreme Military Training Event: A Continuous Monitoring Approach, Tirthankar Chatterjee, Debojyoti Bhattacharyya, Roshani Meena

Journal of Human Performance in Extreme Environments

Soldiers receive extensive training at extremes of environments and simulated terrains to improve their battle efficiency. A study was designed to evaluate the actual cost of a military physical efficiency test consisting of several physically engaging activities to quantify physiological, mechanical, and subjective demands. Sixteen Indian soldiers participated in a military training session consisting of events such as a 5-km run, 4-m vertical rope climbing, a 2.75-m jump, a 60-m dash, and a 9-m horizontal rope climbing with 6.5 kg of equipment in a hot dry environment. Their physiological status was monitored continuously. National Aeronautics and Space Administration Task Load …

Longitudinal Associations Between Waking Movement Behaviors And Health-Related Quality Of Life In Older Adults: A Compositional Data Analysis Approach, Jaclyn P. Maher, Alexander Jochim, Yeongjun Seo, Brynn L. Hudgins, Iman F. Khan, Peyton A. Greco, Emily M. Postlehwait, Om L. Patel, Krista S. Leonard, Chih-Hsiang Yang, Denver M. Y. Brown

Faculty Publications

Objectives

Movement behaviors, such as sedentary behavior (SB), light intensity physical activity (LPA), and moderate to vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA) are mutually exclusive, in that time spent in one behavior inevitably displaces time spent in another. Yet, few studies have simultaneously considered these health behaviors and their association with health-related quality of life (HRQoL), an important indicator of health and well-being in aging populations. This study aimed to explore the role of waking movement behaviors (i.e., SB, LPA, MVPA) in prospectively predicting HRQoL in older adults. The study further aimed to cross-validate associations between movement behaviors and HRQoL using …

A Caffeine And Theacrine Combination Improves Cognitive Performance In Tactical Personnel Under Physically Fatiguing Conditions, Blaine S. Lints, Adam T. Harrison, Sten O. Stray-Gundersen, Gianna F. Mastrofini, Riccardo F. Romersi, Noah K. Nakagawa, Mackenzie B. Yonder, Chimaobim E. Martin-Diala, Alexa J. Chandler, R. Davis Moore, Shawn M. Arent Ph.D., Cscs*D, Fissn, Facsm, Fnak

Faculty Publications

Background

Optimizing human performance under stressful physical and cognitive conditions is paramount during high-stakes military operations. As such, interventions to improve warfighter performance by mitigating task-induced cognitive performance deficits are necessary. While caffeine is the most widely consumed psychoactive substance in the world, common side effects (i.e. anxiousness, micro-saccades, irritability) may be detrimental to warfighter operations. Theacrine, a purine alkaloid similar in structure to caffeine but with a longer half-life, less habituation, and fewer side effects, is proposed as a caffeine-alternative to enhance cognitive resilience.

Methods

Tactically trained participants (n = 20; F = 5; M = 16; age …

Accuracy Of Anthropometric Equations In Estimating Body Fat Percentage In Transgender Men Undergoing Gender-Affirming Hormone Therapy, Barbara Buosi, Yana Barros Hara, Rodolfo André Dellagrana, Rafael Martins Da Costa, Mateus Rossato

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(1): 686-694, 2025. Transgender people may opt for the use of sex steroids and, in some cases, hormone blockers, which can lead to changes in body fat distribution. The aim of this study was to verify the accuracy of anthropometric equations to estimate the body density (BD) of transgender men who are undergoing Gender-Affirming Hormone Therapy (GAHT). Four transgender men (25-32 years old), who had performed GAHT for at least six months and used the hormone testosterone cypionate participated in the study. The reference criteria for BD was air displacement plethysmography (ADP). In addition, BD …

Inter-Effort Recovery Intermittent Hypoxia And Force Parameters In Sprint Interval Exercise, Tarine Botta De Arruda, Felipe Alves Ribeiro Ms, Germano Marcolino Putti, Marcelo Papoti

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(3): 672-685, 2025. Performing training sessions in hypoxia leads to a decrease in effort quality. The inter-effort recovery intermittent hypoxia model seems to ensure training session performance. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of sprint interval exercise under normoxic (NOR), continuous hypoxic (HYP), and inter-effort hypoxic (IEH) conditions on force parameters. Seven swimmers (age: 26.04 ± 4.64 years) volunteered and performed one session of the 10 × 30-s all-out tethered swimming efforts with 4-min passive recovery intervals for each condition. Considering the simulated altitude at F_iO₂ = 0.13 …

Designing Context-Specific Physical Activity Interventions For English Primary Schools: Key Learning From A Four-Month Rapid Ethnography, Robert Walker, Danielle House, Simona Kent-Saisch, Alice Porter, Ruth Salway, Lydia Emm-Collison, Michael W. Beets Med, Mph, Phd, David Revalds Lubans, Frank De Vocht, Russell Jago

Faculty Publications

Background

Physical activity is essential for children’s health. Primary schools offer an opportunity to equitably promote physical activity. However, school-based interventions have been shown to have little to no effect, potentially due to a lack of consideration of school heterogeneity. This study reports on a rapid ethnography study that was used to capture insights into English primary schools physical activity. The data are intended to inform the design of a context-specific intervention to improve pupil physical activity.

Methods

Three researchers conducted a four-month rapid ethnography study within three primary schools in Bristol, UK, between March and July 2024. Several methods …

Designing Context-Specific Physical Activity Interventions For English Primary Schools: Key Learning From A Four-Month Rapid Ethnography, Robert Walker, Danielle House, Simona Kent-Saisch, Alice Porter, Ruth Salway, Lydia Emm-Collison, Michael Beets Med, Mph, Phd, David Revalds Lubans, Frank De Vocht, Russell Jago

Faculty Publications

Background

Physical activity is essential for children’s health. Primary schools offer an opportunity to equitably promote physical activity. However, school-based interventions have been shown to have little to no effect, potentially due to a lack of consideration of school heterogeneity. This study reports on a rapid ethnography study that was used to capture insights into English primary schools physical activity. The data are intended to inform the design of a context-specific intervention to improve pupil physical activity.

Methods

Three researchers conducted a four-month rapid ethnography study within three primary schools in Bristol, UK, between March and July 2024. Several methods …

Predicting Sleep And Sleep Stage In Children Using Actigraphy And Heartrate Via A Long Short-Term Memory Deep Learning Algorithm: A Performance Evaluation, Robert Weaver Med, Phd, James White, Olivia Finnegan, Hongpeng Yang, Zifei Zhong, Keagan Kiely, Catherine Jones, Yan Tong, Srihari Nelakuditi, Rahul Ghosal, David E. Brown, Russell R. Pate Ph.D., Gregory J. Welk, Massimiliano De Zambotti, Yuan Wang, Sarah Burkart, Elizabeth L. Adams Phd, Bridget Armstrong, Michael Beets Med, Mph, Phd

Faculty Publications

Children's ambulatory sleep is commonly measured via actigraphy. However, traditional actigraphy measured sleep (e.g., Sadeh algorithm) struggles to predict wake (i.e., specificity, values typically < 70) and cannot predict sleep stages. Long short-term memory (LSTM) is a machine learning algorithm that may address these deficiencies. This study evaluated the agreement of LSTM sleep estimates from actigraphy and heartrate (HR) data with polysomnography (PSG). Children (N = 238, 5–12 years,52.8% male, 50% Black 31.9% White) participated in an overnight laboratory polysomnography. Participants were referred be-cause of suspected sleep disruptions. Children wore an ActiGraph GT9X accelerometer and two of three consumer wearables(i.e., Apple Watch Series 7, Fitbit Sense, Garmin Vivoactive 4) on their non-dominant wrist during the polysomnogram. LSTM estimated sleep versus wake and sleep stage (wake, not-REM, REM) using raw actigraphy and HR data for each 30-s epoch. Logistic regression and random forest were also estimated as a benchmark for performance with which to compare the LSTM results. A 10-fold cross-validation technique was employed, and confusion matrices were constructed. Sensitivity and specificity were calculated to assess the agreement between research-grade and consumer wearables with the criterion polysomnography. For sleep versus wake classification, LSTM outperformed logistic regression and random forest with accuracy ranging from 94.1to 95.1, sensitivity ranging from 94.9 to 95.9 across different devices, and specificity ranging from 84.5 to 89.6. The addition of HR improved the prediction of sleep stages but not binary sleep versus wake. LSTM is promising for predicting sleep and sleep staging from actigraphy data, and HR may improve sleep stage prediction.

The Effects Of A Combined Exercise Intervention On Body Composition, Gdf-15, Apelin-12, And Il-15 Among Older Korean Women According To Obesity Status, Jeongsook Kim, Eadric Bressel, Minkyo Kim, Taekyu Kim, Suhan Koh, Doyeon Kim

Kinesiology and Health Science Faculty Publications

Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of a 16-week exercise program combining aerobic and resistance training on body composition, growth differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15), apelin-12, and interleukin-15 (IL-15) in older Korean women according to obesity status. Methods: Participants were divided into obesity (n = 15) and normal-weight groups (n = 14). A walking exercise was performed at 60–70% heart rate reserve (RPE 13–15). The bodyweight resistance exercises were progressively intensified over 16 weeks. Analysis methods included two-way repeated measures ANOVA, ANCOVA, and paired and independent t-tests. Results: Significant main effects of time and …

Firefighters Versus Law Enforcement Officers: A Comparison Of Cardiovascular Disease Risk, Bethany C. Guerra, Steven E. Martin, Lisa C. Colvin, J. Jay Dawes, Matthew J. Mcallister, Drew E. Gonzalez

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(6): 659-671, 2025. Firefighters (FFs) and law enforcement officers (LEOs) have heightened cardiovascular disease (CVD), with data suggesting that ≈45% of on-duty FF fatalities are related to CVD, while LEOs have a 1.7 times higher CVD prevalence than the general public. This study compared CVD risk biomarkers, fitness, and body composition between FFs and LEOs. Ninety-eight career, structural male FFs (age = 35.1±9.6 yrs; weight = 94.3±15.4 kg; height = 178.4±13.2 cm) and seventy-three career LEOs (age = 41.4±9.0 yrs; weight = 92.3±16.8 kg; height = 179.6±8.1 cm) from local departments were studied. Participants completed …

Ergonomic And Biomechanical Assessment Of Vertical Ladder Climbing For Exoskeleton Integration In Construction Tasks, Ehsan Shourangiz

LSU Master's Theses

Active exoskeletons are increasingly utilized in physically demanding industries such as construction and manufacturing to reduce strain and lower the risk of work-related musculoskeletal disorders, supporting worker safety and long-term health. However, most existing systems are designed for repetitive tasks like lifting or prolonged standing, with limited consideration for dynamic activities such as vertical ladder climbing. Ladder climbing is common and physically demanding in industrial environments, often required to access elevated areas like scaffolding, tanks, or rooftops. Since exoskeletons are intended to remain worn throughout multiple tasks, requiring workers to remove and re-don the device during ladder climbing would reduce …