Kinesiology Commons^™

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 …

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 …

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 …

Changes In In Vivo Knee Contact Forces Through Gait Modification, Allison Kinney, Thor F. Besier, Amy Slider, Scott L. Delp, Darryl D. D'Lima, Benjamin J. Fregly

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Publications

Gait modification represents a non-invasive method for reducing knee joint loading in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Previous studies have shown that a variety of gait modifications are effective in reducing the external knee adduction moment. The external knee adduction moment is often used as a surrogate measure of medial compartment force. However, a recent study showed that reductions in the external knee adduction moment do not guarantee reductions in medial compartment loads. Therefore, direct measurement of changes in knee contact force is important for determining the effectiveness of gait modifications. A previous study found that medial thrust gait and walking …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

Physical Activity Behaviour Of Paediatric Patients With Type 1 Diabetes, Freya Macmillan, Alison Kirk, Nanette Mutrie

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Type 1 diabetes is a common chronic condition in children and young people and its prevalence is increasing worldwide. Paediatric patients with Type 1 diabetes can have poorer health and overall quality of life than their non-diabetic peers and some studies suggest that they may be less active than their non-diabetic peers. Regular physical activity has many potential health benefits for any young person but can also benefit areas of health specifically important for those with Type 1 diabetes. In addition being regularly active can reduce the risk of developing diabetic complications. Promoting physical activity participation in this population is …

Α1-Adrenergic Responsiveness In Human Skeletal Muscle Feed Arteries: The Impact Of Reducing Extracellular Ph, S. J. Ives, R. H. I. Andtbacka, R. D. Noyes, R. Garrett Morgan, J. R. Gifford, Song-Young Park, J. David Symons, Russell S. Richardson

Health and Kinesiology Faculty Publications

• What is the central question of this study?

  In human arteries involved in the regulation of muscle blood flow, there is a lack of data about whether acidosis alters vascular sensitivity to vasoactive agents, as well as altering endothelium dependent vasorelaxation. Little is known about the interaction of metabolites and vascular function in human skeletal muscle feed arteries.

• •

  What is the main finding and its importance?

  Increasing acidosis attenuated the response and sensitivity of the arteries to phenylephrine; this effect was selective to the receptor over smooth muscle.

  Acidosis did not alter endothelium dependent vasorelaxation. Impaired vasoconstriction coupled with …

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Momentary Assessment Of Adults’ Physical Activity And Sedentary Behavior: Feasibility And Validity, Genevieve Fridlund Dunton, Yue Liao, Keito Kawabata, Stephen Intille

Kinesiology Faculty Publications & Presentations - Archive

Introduction: Mobile phones are ubiquitous and easy to use, and thus have the capacity to collect real-time data from large numbers of people. Research tested the feasibility and validity of an Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA) self-report protocol using electronic surveys on mobile phones to assess adults’ physical activity and sedentary behaviors. Methods: Adults (N = 110; 73% female, 30% Hispanic, 62% overweight/obese) completed a 4-day signal-contingent EMA protocol (Saturday–Tuesday) with eight surveys randomly spaced throughout each day. EMA items assessed current activity (e.g., Watching TV/Movies, Reading/Computer, Physical Activity/Exercise). EMA responses were time-matched to minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and …

A Diabetic Adolescent Case Study: Use Of A Website In Combination With An Exercise Program To Increase Physical Activity, Danielle Buckley, Nicole Demilia, Stephanie Tanzi, Furong Xu, Linda S. Lamont

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 5(3) : 296-300, 2012. The purpose of this study was to report on the efficacy of a web-based technology support to encourage physical activity in children. This program was designed to promote physical activity and proper nutrition in the diabetic adolescent with a weekly meeting that consisted of a 30-minute educational session followed by 60-minutes of exercise. A specifically designed website was used as a support to this weekly supervised exercise program. Outcomes assessment included body mass index (BMI), muscle strength (grip strength, back and leg strength), flexibility, exercise self-efficacy, and physical activity participation (pedometer, …

Exercise Therapy For Plantar Heel Pain: A Systematic Review, Ameer A. Almubarak, Nadine Foster

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 5(3) : 276-289, 2012. This study aimed to review the evidence of exercise therapy in the treatment of Plantar Heel Pain. Comprehensive search strategy was conducted to identify randomized and quasi-randomized trials. The primary outcome was pain intensity; the secondary outcome was functional limitation. From an initial list of 2327 potentially relevant trials, seven trials were included. Most trials included short-term follow up only of pain and function outcomes. Narrative review revealed limited evidence that stretching exercise alone was superior to other conservative treatments; combining other conservative treatments with stretching was more effective than stretching …

Nitric Oxide And The Biological Cascades Underlying Increased Neurogenesis, Enhanced Learning Ability, And Academic Ability As An Effect Of Increased Bouts Of Physical Activity, Samuel Hunt, James W. Navalta

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 5(3) : 245-275, 2012. The consummate principle underlying all physiological research is corporeal adaptation at every level of the organism observed. With respect to humans, the body learns to function based on the external stimuli from the environment, beginning in the womb, throughout the developmental stages of life. Nitric Oxide (NO) appears to be the governor of the plasticity of several systems in mammals implicit in their proper development. It is the purpose of this review to describe the physiological pathways that lead to plasticity of not only the vasculature but also of the brain …

Concurrent Verbal Encouragement And Wingate Anaerobic Cycle Test Performance In Females: Athletes Vs. Non-Athletes, Dyana L. Bullinger, Christopher M. Hearon, Stacey A. Gaines, Michael L. Daniel

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 5(3) : 239-244, 2012. To examine the effect of concurrent verbal encouragement on the performance of the WAnT in female athletes vs. female non-athletes. College-age female subjects were recruited where ten of the subjects were intercollegiate athletes (ATH, n₁=10) and the nine were non-athletes (NON, n₂=9). The WAnT was novel to all subjects and the subjects were blinded to the study’s purpose. Prior to the experimental trials, subjects were measured for body composition and performed a familiarity WAnT trial without verbal encouragement. Subjects then performed the WAnT twice, once with concurrent …

Short Duration High-Intensity Interval Training Improves Aerobic Conditioning Of Female College Soccer Players, Andrea E. Rowan, Tannin E. Kueffner, Stasinos Stavrianeas

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 5(3) : 232-238, 2012. We hypothesized that High-intensity Interval Training (HIIT) is comparable to traditional endurance training for improving aerobic capacity over a 5-week training period. A VO_2max test and Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery 1 test (Yo-Yo) were conducted by the HIIT group (Sprint Training (SPR); 5 maximal sprint efforts with 30 seconds of stimulus and 4.5 minutes of active recovery, twice weekly) and the endurance group (END; 40-min run at 80% of VO_2max, twice weekly) before and after intervention. Following initial testing, female NCAA D-III level soccer players were matched for VO …

Development And Comparison Of Two Field-Based Body Fat Prediction Equations: Nhanes 1999-2004, Michael Zanovec, Jing Wang, Carol E. O'Neil

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 5(3) : 223-231, 2012. Clinical guidelines define obesity in terms of excess body weight adjusted for height (i.e., bodymass index [BMI] categories) and/or gender-specific waist circumference (WC) cut-point values. Since body composition, particularly fat mass, is the most variable among individuals due to differences by gender, age, and race, and total percent body fat (%BF) can be estimated accurately using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), the purpose of this study was to develop and compare two field-based body fat prediction equations suitable for a nationally representative sample of the US adult population. Data were analyzed from …