Exercise Physiology Commons^™

The Relationship Between Lower-Body Flexibility And Running Performance In A Half Marathon Downhill Running Event, Logan Petty, Marcus M. Lawrence

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(3): 1-12, 2025. Although previous studies examining treadmill or relatively flat overground running events have found relationships for running performance and flexibility, no study has examined these outcomes during downhill events, including between sexes. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine if a relationship exists between lower body flexibility and running performance in recreational adult male and female distance runners competing in a downhill half marathon race. Recreational (n=11 male, n=19 female) adult distance runners completed this study. On the day prior to the race, participants performed a standardized warm-up, …

Impacts Of Physical Inactivity Models On Endothelial Function: A Systematic Review, Joel E. Harden, J. David Branch, Leryn J. Reynolds

Exercise Science Faculty Publications

Background

Endothelial dysfunction is associated with cardiovascular disease and cardiac events. Numerous studies demonstrate that a reduction in physical activity/exercise levels are associated with poor endothelial function. Yet, these studies use a plethora of models to mimic reduced activity levels which may have widely different results on endothelial function. It is pertinent to collectively review these articles to provide a comprehensive understanding of the impact of reduced activity on vascular health, as endothelial function is one of many factors that influences vascular tone.

Objective

The purpose of this systematic review is to examine and synthesize the current literature regarding the …

Systematic Review Of Immunohistochemistry Protocols, Arpitha Parthasarathy

Pitzer Senior Theses

Immunohistochemistry (IHC) is an essential technique in biological research that allows for the visualization and localization of proteins within tissue samples. This systematic review analyzes the most effective, efficient and reproducible protocols for IHC. It focuses on three critical steps: freezing, cryosectioning, and staining of skeletal muscle tissues in mice models. A total of 41, 44, and 48 articles on freezing, cryosectioning, and staining techniques, respectively, were analyzed, from reputable sources in biology like PubMed and Web of Science. Results showed the following. For freezing, the use of isopentane combined with liquid nitrogen appeared to be the best method, minimizing …

Menstrual Cycle Phase Effects On Exercise Thermoregulation And Performance In The Heat, Kailei J. Eustis

All Master's Theses

Hormone fluctuations across the menstrual cycle (MC) may influence physiological responses. This study examined whether thermoregulatory measures differ across MC phases, and if these changes impact running performance in the heat. Ten eumenorrheic adults completed two treadmill runs in simulated conditions (wet bulb globe temperature 31.7 ± 1.4°C) during early follicular (EF) and midluteal (ML) phases. First 45min was a constant self-selected light pace followed by a 15min performance test for distance. Core temperature (Tc), mean skin temperature (Ts), heart rate (HR), perceived exertion (RPE), thermal perception (THERM), and comfort perception (COMF) were assessed every 5min. Sweat perception (SP), sweat …

Canine Agility On The A-Frame Obstacle, Derek Wheeler

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Agility dogs rely on speed, strength, and precision to safely complete obstacles, such as the A-frame. These athletes can experience injuries in training or competition and the variability in multiple repetitions is undocumented. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether canine mass and trained contact behavior affected performance variables, including number of footfalls, obstacle completion time, and velocity between repetitions. Twenty-one actively competing dogs, at the masters level in American Kennel Club agility, were recorded completing two repetitions of the A-frame under standardized conditions. Paw placements were tracked manually frame by frame in XMALab and statistical analyses including …

Computational Approaches For Diagnosing Neurological Impairments And Restoring Functional Movement, Serhii Bahdasariants

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Movement is the primary means by which the nervous system converts intention into interaction with the environment. Voluntary limb motion enables standing, walking, reaching, and grasping—actions that underpin self‑care, communication, and economic participation. When diseases or injuries disrupt the pathways that couple neural commands to muscle forces—whether through cortical stroke, spinal cord injury, or peripheral nerve damage—mechanical outcomes such as weakness, loss of coordination, and ultimately reduced mobility emerge. These impairments cascade into secondary complications, increased dependence on caregivers, and diminished quality of life. Quantifying how the lesion alters the mechanics of movement is therefore essential for designing targeted interventions …

Exploring Associations Between Health And Fitness Measures And Metabolic Syndrome Risk Factors In Rural Firefighters, Isaiah Mews

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

This study investigates the relationship between metabolic syndrome (MetS) and muscular fitness measures in career rural firefighters. MetS is a cluster of conditions that increases the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), a leading cause of death among firefighters. Previous research has shown that cardiorespiratory fitness is inversely related to MetS, but the role of muscular fitness variables remains unclear. This study aims to determine if fitness measures, such as cardiorespiratory endurance, muscular strength, muscular endurance, and muscular power, can give insight into MetS in firefighters. Participants were recruited from a Southeastern rural fire department and underwent assessments of muscular fitness, …

Effect Of Exercise In Children, Jessica L. Moler

Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers

Although the health benefits of exercise in adults are well established (Ruegsegger & Booth, 2017), the role of physical activity in promoting health in children is often overlooked. This narrative review synthesizes current research on the physical, cognitive, and emotional benefits of exercise in children aged 5 to 18, with a focus on providing practical, evidence-based guidance for families, educators, and healthcare providers. Studies consistently show that moderate-to-vigorous physical activity reduces cardiovascular and metabolic risk factors (Dias et al., 2017; Kovács et al., 2009; Migueles et al., 2023), improves insulin sensitivity (Bell et al., 2007; Davis et al., 2012), and …

Utilization Of Sprint Interval Training In Intermittent Sports, Marcus David Garcia

Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers

Sprint interval training (SIT) is a powerful training method that involves short, maximal sprint efforts followed by brief recovery periods. This modality shares similar physical demands of intermittent sports, where athletes repeatedly transition between maximal exertion and submaximal efforts or rest. The purpose of this paper is to explore the impact of SIT on key performance metrics in intermittent sports, such as sprint speed, repeated sprint ability (RSA), aerobic capacity, and anaerobic power. SIT not only enhances anaerobic performance but also promotes adaptations like faster phosphocreatine resynthesis, increased glycolytic enzyme activity, and shifts in muscle fiber composition. These adaptations contribute …

Lactate's Role In Appetite Suppression, Seth Mccarthy

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

Once considered metabolic waste produced during exercise, lactate is now known to have diverse roles in biology. Muscle-derived lactate can travel through the bloodstream and be taken up by other tissues and i) oxidized, ii) converted to glucose via gluconeogenesis, or iii) bind to its receptor to trigger molecular signaling cascades. Lactate has been described as a “myokine” capable of inter-organ crosstalk and compelling evidence demonstrates lactate’s role as a signalling molecule in pathways related to the regulation of appetite. The purpose of this dissertation was to further elucidate lactate’s role in appetite regulation using series of studies aimed at …

The Use Of Primal Reflex Release Technique To Address Pain And Stress: An Exploratory Case Series, Nathan R. Reep, Sydney N. Leverett, Rebecca M. Heywood, Zachary Johnson, Alan Nasypany, James May, Scott W. Cheatham

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

The majority of the world population is experiencing more stress after the COVID-19 pandemic. Working in an outpatient healthcare setting it can be expected that patients will present with stress in combination with other perceptions of pain related to injury. Stress alone may be the cause of pain perception especially in patients who present with no specific mechanism of injury. There is a need for a quick full-body approach to assessment and treatment while considering the stress response to injury. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the immediate effects of Primal Reflex Release Technique (PRRT) Primals on …

College Student-Athlete Perceptions Of Characterizations And Interpersonal Trust In Their Athletic Trainer: A Point-Of-Care Research Study, Ryan N. Moran, Deidre Leaver-Dunn, Jeff Allen, Jessica Wallace

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Patient-centered care is essential in athletic training with limited research examining the relationship between patient and clinician. Previous theory has identified constructs of quality athletic trainers (ATs); however, it remains unknown how current athletes perceive these theorized constructs in the ATs providing them medical care. The purpose of this study was to determine the perceptions of characterizations of a quality athletic trainer and interpersonal trust between the student-athlete and AT in the collegiate setting and establish reliability of these surveys. A second aim was to explore differences between sex, previous exposure to an AT, and having had access to an …

The Impact Of Video-Assisted Education On Knowledge And Retention Compared To Paper Education Material, Keiona M. Nance, Matthew J. Drescher, Lindsey E. Eberman, Matthew J. Rivera

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

When educating patients, clinicians must be effective to assure patients understand their treatment plan and abide by such to achieve optimal outcomes. Teaching methods that stimulate numerous senses more positively impact learning outcomes. The purpose of this study is to compare paper and video-assisted education at the point-of-care with the aim of changing patient education and local practice in a system for individuals undergoing total hip arthroplasties (THAs). We used a randomized cohort design to explore patient knowledge and retention and educational method at the point-of-care. We compared the current education method (paper) to video-assisted materials using pre and post-education …

Exploratory Clinical Assessment And Treatment Of Autonomic Nervous System Dysregulation Post Concussion: A Case Study, Megan Coker, James May

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

The physiological alterations in autonomic nervous system (ANS) function due to concussion are suggested to play a role in persistent post-concussion symptoms (PPCS). Currently, there are few objective and clinically feasible measurements to assess ANS vitality in patients experiencing PPCS. The following case study details an assessment and treatment protocol targeted towards regulating the ANS in an adolescent female suffering from PPCS one month after injury. Pre-intervention, patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) used to assess perceived pain, anxiety, stress, and breathing function were administered as well as a physical assessment performed for breath function and vagus nerve integrity. The patient was …

Comparing Mental Health Between Ncaa Division Iii Student-Athletes Competing In Team- And Individual-Sports, Autumn Presley, Tiffany Franklin, Jeffrey Williams

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Mental health is a topic that has gained attention in recent years, but few studies have examined NCAA Division III student-athletes. Division III student-athletes are known to experience high levels of distress, and previous literature indicates there may be a significant psychological difference between student-athletes who compete in individual-sports compared to those who participate in team-sports. The purpose of this study was to explore mental health challenges (levels of depression, stress, and anxiety symptoms) among Division III student-athletes, particularly between those participating in team- and individual-sports. A cross-sectional survey design was used. The independent variable was group (team-sport athletes and …

Medical Disqualification As A Barrier To Healthcare In Military Service Members, Kaitlyn A. Jones, Joshua R. Jaime, Zachary K. Winkelmann

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

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Concussions In Women’S Rugby: A Timely Review Of Available Data, Shannon M. Wright

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Rugby is a growing full-contact sport across the world for both men and women; as a full-contact sport with no protective equipment, it has a reputation for high injury rates, including concussions. Organized men’s rugby has been established for over a century, whereas organized women’s rugby has struggled to achieve the same success over the years. With a much shorter amount of time to track injuries, women’s rugby lacks data to assess when, where, and what kinds of injuries are most common. The guiding study attempts to examine epidemiological trends for concussion in women’s rugby union and league. After pooling …

Effective Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury Prevention Programming In Young Female Athletes: An Evidence-To-Practice Review, Janay Ward, Kina M. Ingram, Jackson Biffle, Emily E. Hildebrand, Peter Lisman

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are common in adolescents, in particular females participating in sports requiring frequent jumping, pivoting, and rapid acceleration. Consequently, the prevention of ACL injury is a principal concern of athletic trainers and other sports medicine professionals. Neuromuscular training (NMT) programs have been effective in reducing ACL injury risk in athletic populations, though additional clarity on programmatic factors, such as exercise selection, timing, and training dosage is warranted. Therefore, the primary purpose of this evidence-to-practice review was to present which components of NMT programs have been found to be most effective in reducing ACL injury incidence in …

Treating Type Ii Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome With Primal Reflex Release Technique: A Novel Approach, Shelli Green, Jenna Morogiello, Kurrel Fabian, James May, Alan Nasypany

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Five NCAA Division I cheerleaders (age 20 ± 1.4; 3 males, 2 females) presented with Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome (MTSS). Following an evaluation, all patients diagnosed with MTSS were treated using Primal Reflex Release Technique (PRRT). Immediate improvements in reported pain were demonstrated after one treatment. Improvements in perceived dysfunction were demonstrated after 4.2 (± 0.84) treatments over 15.4 (± 5.86) days with no time lost. All improvements were maintained at two-week follow-up. Type II MTSS patients treated with PRRT may experience an immediate, lasting reduction in pain, improvement in function, and shorter time to overall resolution.

A Descriptive Examination Of Perceived Stress And Coping Among Athletic Trainers Employed In The National Collegiate Athletic Association, Stephanie M. Singe, Elisabeth M. Mckenna, Alexandrya Cairns, Christianne Eason

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Time and work demands are high for the collegiatea athletic trainer, which can increase work stress and burnout may result. High perceived levels of stress and burnout can impact an athletic trainer’s mental health and wellness. Data were collected via an online descriptive, cross-sectional survey (Qualtrics) examining the perceived stress and coping strategies used among athletic trainers employed in the collegiate setting. Respondents completed the pereceived stress scale (ɑ=.90), and a series of close-ended questions related to their self-reported strategy of coping. Data was collected during September of 2022. We had 987 (men 371, women 607, did not disclose 9) …