Psychology of Movement Commons^™

A Comparison Of Measured Versus Estimated Metabolic Equivalents (Mets) During The Farmer's Carry And Sled Push Exercises On A Commercially Available Step Mill, Colin Miller, Ethan Remotigue, Shane Hammer, J. Jay Dawes, Taylor K. Dinyer-Mcneely

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology Volume 6: Issue 1, Article 8, 2025. The Stairmaster 10G ergometer allows users to perform non-traditional movements such as the sled push and farmer’s carry, which involve substantial upper and lower body contributions. Standard MET calculations for stair stepping do not account for this increase upper-body workload, so there is potential for error when aiming to determine exercise intensity based exclusively on estimated METs. The primary purpose of this study is to compare the metabolic and physiological effects of two training modes on the Stairmaster 10G ergometer, specifically evaluating the accuracy of MET values …

Walk A Mile: Exploring Cause-Based Charity Event Participation As A Catalyst For Increasing Physical Activity Behavior, Kimberly S. Fasczewski, Andrey A. Sanko Posada, Meg Hopkins

Journal of Social, Behavioral, and Health Sciences

Despite the known benefits of physical activity (PA), more than half of U.S. adults do not meet the American College of Sports Medicine’s PA recommendations for health, often resulting in negative health outcomes. Developing programming that increases motivation for PA participation is critical for healthcare professionals to combat physical inactivity. Previous research has demonstrated that framing disease-based PA charity fundraising events as “helping a cause” improved motivation for PA due to the individual’s emotional connection to the cause. There is currently no congruent research on motivation for participation in cause-based charity events. Behavioral economics theory posits that cognitive, emotional, and …

It Is Not Clear How Well Physical Activity Promotion Materials Are Understood: Findings From A Rapid Literature Review, Jafra D. Thomas, Jasmine C. Wong, Regina F. Hockert, Yi Sheng Wu, Winston Kennedy

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology Volume 6: Issue 1, Article 6, 2025. Efforts to promote physical activity and other health-related behaviors are more effective when resource materials are understood by a wide and diverse audience. Before our lab’s previous investigations (Thomas et al., 2024), only one study seemed to use the cloze procedure to directly test the comprehension (i.e., readability) of physical activity promotion material (Cardinal & Seidler, 1995). Thus, this rapid literature review sought to (a) determine the extent the cloze procedure has been used to study physical activity promotion material comprehension in lay adults and (b) collate …

The Effect Of Implementing A Development Program Using Mental Imagery On The Time To Master Psychomotor Skills, Randal Agee

Dissertations

Psychomotor skills development programs that use mental imagery have been demonstrated to help individuals acquire psychomotor skills (Anu et al., 2020; Seymore-Walsh et al., 2020; Toth et al., 2020). The commercial trucking industry is presently experiencing a global shortage of qualified truck drivers (American Trucking Association, 2019; Staats et al., 2017). One reason individuals are avoiding or leaving careers as commercial truck drivers is the time spent away from home (Staats et al., 2017). A couple logistical strategies have been developed to improve the situation (Mittal et al., 2018; Prime Inc, 2024); however, for the solutions to be sustainable, the …

Improving Brain Health: Exercise As A Tool For Enhancing Executive Function And Reducing Stress In Older African Americans, Destiny Ellise Ramos

Theses, Dissertations and Culminating Projects

Older African American (AA) adults face disproportionately higher risk of stress and Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD) compared to other racial and ethnic groups, yet they remain underrepresented in intervention-based research. Previous research has suggested aerobic exercise may reduce stress and benefit executive functioning, which is among the first cognitive domains to be affected in ADRD; however, no studies to date have directly tested the impact of aerobic vs. non-aerobic exercise in older AAs at high risk for developing ADRD. The current study evaluated the effects of a group-based cardio dance fitness (CDF) exercise intervention versus a strength, flexibility, …

Sex Differences In Exercise And Sleep Among University Faculty And Staff Members, Jorge O. Vazquez, David A. Tobar, Faith Yingling, K Todd Keylock

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology Volume 6: Issue 1, Article 4, 2025. There has been minimal research examining the exercise and sleeping patterns of university faculty and staff members and what role these factors play in overall health. The information gathered in this study was used to analyze how faculty and staff can adapt their behaviors to improve health and well-being. To explore sex differences in exercise and sleep in faculty and staff at a university in the Midwest, the study performed secondary analyses on data collected from the 2022 American College Health Association’s National Faculty and Staff Health …

Case Study: Effect Of Stroboscopic Vision Training During A Softball Season, Doug Dendy, C Roger James, Toby Brooks, Micah Lierly, Nolan Riley, Larry Munger

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology Volume 6: Issue 1, Article 3, 2025. This case study examined the effects of stroboscopic vision training during an entire varsity softball season for a 16-year-old female. Stroboscopic vision training uses specialized glasses with crystallized fluid that flickers, intermittently impeding vision, a technique that enhances visual performance. The stroboscopic glasses were worn two to three times a week during hitting and fielding skills. The central hypothesis was that the stroboscopic vision training would enhance softball vision performance. The central hypothesis was tested using these specific aims: 1) batting statistics for a year with no …

Achilles Tendon Morphology Adaptations In Chronic Post-Stroke Hemiparesis: A Comparative Analysis With Neurologically Intact Controls, Jing Nong Liang, Greg Bashford, Kornelia Kulig, Kai-Yu Ho

Physical Therapy Faculty Research

Introduction: In individuals with chronic post-stroke hemiparesis, slow walking speed is a significant concern related to inadequate propulsion of the paretic limb. However, an overlooked factor is this population's altered morphology of the Achilles tendon, which may compromise the propulsive forces by the paretic limb. This study aimed to explore changes in Achilles tendon morphology, including gross thickness and intra-tendinous collagen fiber bundle organization, following stroke-induced brain lesions.

Methods: Fifteen individuals with chronic post-stroke hemiparesis (at least 6 months post-stroke) and 19 neurologically intact controls participated. Ultrasound imaging was used to evaluate Achilles tendon thickness and collagen organization in the …

The Importance Of Older Seniors Attempting To Stay Fit, Moses A. Hutchens

CSU Tower Day

Fitness is important to all but is indeed important to seniors. Partaking in fitness positively contributes to seniors in all fascists of life. Seniors attempting to stay fit is essential as it improves their mental health, physical health, and social well-being while stimulating independence and longevity. Mentally, exercise helps relieve depression and anxiety, boosts cognitive function, and improves sleep. Staying active also promotes better balance and mobility, reducing the risks of falls and making daily duties easier. Regular exercise strengthens muscles and bones, improves heart health, weight management, and enhances joint function. These help reduce the risk of conditions like …

Can Spatiotemporal Gait Parameters Predict State Anxiety?, Stephanie M. Cotariu, Ashlyn M. Jendro, Yale B. Hughes, Abigail C. Schmitt

2025 Honors Symposium

Background: Anxiety is one of the most experienced mental health disorders. Recent research has suggested a relationship between gait parameters and anxiety, however the disparity in measurement methodologies of both anxiety and gait makes it difficult to draw broad conclusions. Better understanding the relationship between anxiety and gait mechanics creates opportunity for a more holistic understanding of the interaction between mental health, functional capacity, and quality of life. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to evaluate if spatiotemporal gait parameters measured on a pressure-sensing walkway are related to anxiety.

Examining Group Components On Exercise Adherence In Older Adults, Brody Polk

Masters Theses

Older adults remain the least active population despite the well-known benefits of regular exercise (Beauchamp et al., 2007; Rúa-Alonso et al., 2023). Researchers examining exercise adherence in older adults have determined two modalities of training—individual and group—with individual training being the preferred mode of exercise for older adults (Beauchamp et al., 2007). However, previous research has failed to evaluate the various components of group exercise before making a comparison with individual exercise to determine which form best predicts older adults’ adherence to exercise (Hawley-Hague et al., 2014). As such, the purpose of the current study was to examine the effects …

The Relationship Between Nutrition Knowledge And Dietary Behavior Of Student-Athletes, Kerry A. Smith, Kathleen Fritch, James Rost, Amy Jo Riggs, Juliann Sergi Mcbrayer, Monika Krah

Georgia Educational Researcher

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between nutrition knowledge and dietary behavior while controlling for academic major, year, and gender among Division III student-athletes. Sufficient nutrition is essential for athletic performance, injury reduction, and overall health. However, student-athletes face unique challenges that can disrupt optimal nutrition, including poor nutrition knowledge and access to available resources. While several studies have examined the relationship between nutrition knowledge and dietary behavior, no known studies have addressed this among Division III student-athletes. This non-experimental correlational study examined dietary behavior using the Rapid Eating and Activity Assessment for Participants (REAP-S) and …

Psychological Impacts In Exercise Riders And Professional Jockeys Following Injury, Kelley M. Renner

Theses and Dissertations--Kinesiology and Health Promotion

One of the most well-known equestrian sports, horse racing, is not only a cornerstone of Kentucky’s economy, but also a vital part of its culture, with professional jockeys playing an essential role in the local communities and traditions that define the state. Despite its popularity and financial impact, mental health challenges within the sport have continually been shrouded in silence and ignored in research (Ball et al., 2007). Equally concerning is the high injury prevalence, and psychological impact of these injuries (e.g., psychological distress, depression, anxiety, loss of identity, and self-esteem (King et al., 2022; Losty et al., 2019; McConn-Palfreyman …

Associations Of Different Types Of Physical Activity And Sedentary Behavior With Self-Rated Health In Children And Adolescents: A Systematic Review Of Research From 2010 To 2024, Yahan Liang, Xihe Zhu, Ji-Hye Yang, Fei Wang, Danqing Zhang, Xingyi Yang, Sitong Chen, Yang Liu

Human Movement Studies & Special Education Faculty Publications

Self-rated health (SRH) is one of the common measures to evaluate individuals’ overall health. Many studies have explored the associations between different types of physical activity (PA), sedentary behavior (SB), and SRH in children and adolescents. These studies report inconsistent findings and sometimes highlight gender differences. This systematic review aims to synthesize findings to provide a comprehensive evaluation of these associations.

Psychological Techniques For Athletes With Orthopedic Musculoskeletal Injuries: A Systematic Review, Nicole L. Williams

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

Musculoskeletal injuries and recovery from them play a vital role in both the physical and psychological wellbeing of the public. Existing research has been conducted primarily within the athlete population with rehabilitation from these injuries having a profound impact on the physical and mental health. One of the most frequent psychological responses related to sports injuries is a trauma response, which has been shown to hinder the rehabilitation process and to increase the likelihood for reinjury upon return to play. Embedded within the many inputs to trauma responses to these injuries are psychological distress reactions, in particular fear connected to …

Game On! A Comparative Analysis Of External Load In Division Iii Soccer Players Across Gender And Position, Bianca J. De Lucia, Daniel M. Smith, Ashima Fillbach, Mary K. Feit

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology

Global positioning systems have been used increasingly in sports science due to their ability to quantify external loads of athletes during competitions and practices. Limited research has examined gender differences in external load throughout a collegiate soccer season. PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to compare game workloads across collegiate men (MSOC) and women (WSOC) soccer players. Division III MSOC and WSOC players wore GPS devices during games throughout a 15-week season. METHODS: Metrics analyzed from GPS data were: total distance (TD), sprint distance (SD), number of deceleration efforts (decel) (>-3 m/s²), number of acceleration efforts (accel) ( …

Advocating For Occupational Therapy Intervention With In-House Athletics, Jatia Littles, Cynthia Haynes

Fall 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

Occupational therapists (OT) have the opportunity to work with athletes by outsourcing through orthopedic centers with professional leagues such as the National Football League (NFL) (Jobs in Sports, 2022) but rarely do you see OTs within the sports complex working in-house. Although many studies go into great detail on the benefits of occupational therapy during the rehabilitation process, there are only a limited number of studies that explore occupational therapy intervention in athletics (Andreas et al., 2021). This project designed and implemented an occupational therapy-focused advocacy project that involves informing interprofessional sports faculty on the benefits of OTs being a …

Influence Of Acute High-Intensity Resistance Exercise On Cognitive Performance And Prefrontal Cortex Oxygenation In Recreational Weightlifters, Samuel M. Camacho, Terence Moriarty, Mick G. Mack, Jacob P. Reed, Hyeyoung Cho

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology

Acute exercise has been shown to be effective in improving post-exercise cognitive performance, including executive function. In addition, changes in prefrontal cortex (PFC) activation have been linked to any such improvements. Since resistance and higher intensity exercise is much less studied, the aim of this study was to examine the effect of high-intensity resistance exercise on cognitive performance and to determine if PFC activation was related to this cognitive performance in recreationally trained weightlifters. Ten (M = 5, F = 5) college aged (22 ± 2 years) recreationally trained weightlifters completed the Stroop task prior to and 15- and 30-min …

Incidence Of Achilles Tendon Ruptures And Associated Factors In Women's Artistic Gymnastics, Kayla Horton, Amanda Hawkes

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology Volume 5: Issue 1, Article 10, 2024.

Achilles tendon rupture risk appears to be higher in women's artistic gymnastics compared to other collegiate sports, however little is understood about personal, training, and performance factors potentially associated with this elevated risk. Previous research has only examined gymnasts who have sustained Achilles tendon ruptures while in an NCAA environment. The overall incidence of Achilles tendon ruptures among gymnasts has not been assessed. This study aims to identify injury factors, Achilles rupture incidence and training habits related to Achilles tendon ruptures in current and former women’s artistic …

The Effects Of Anchor Scheme On The Central And Peripheral Contributions To Performance Fatigability, Perceived Responses And Sensations, And Psychological Factors Following Sustained, Isometric Forearm Flexion Tasks To Failure, Robert Walker Smith

Dissertations and Doctoral Documents, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2023–

The Effects of Anchor Scheme on the Central and Peripheral Contributions to Performance Fatigability, Perceived Responses and Sensations, and Psychological Factors Following Sustained, Isometric Forearm Flexion Tasks to Failure Robert W. Smith, Ph.D. University of Nebraska, 2024 Advisor: Terry J. Housh This study assessed time to task failure (TTF), performance fatigability (PF), neuromuscular responses, central and peripheral measures of fatigue, and perceived responses including sensations and psychological factors that contributed to task termination during sustained, isometric forearm flexion tasks anchored to ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) and the torque corresponding to RPE. Fifteen men (age = 21.5 ± 2.3 yrs; …