Physiology Commons^™

Non-Invasive Detection Of Adeno-Associated Viral Gene Transfer Using A Genetically Encoded Cest-Mri Reporter Gene In The Murine Heart, Shelby Meier, Assaf A. Gilad, Jason Anthony Brandon, Chenghao Qian, Erhe Gao, Jose F. Abisambra, Moriel Vandsburger

Physiology Faculty Publications

Research into gene therapy for heart failure has gained renewed interest as a result of improved safety and availability of adeno-associated viral vectors (AAV). While magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is standard for functional assessment of gene therapy outcomes, quantitation of gene transfer/expression relies upon tissue biopsy, fluorescence or nuclear imaging. Imaging of gene expression through the use of genetically encoded chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST)-MRI reporter genes could be combined with clinical cardiac MRI methods to comprehensively probe therapeutic gene expression and subsequent outcomes. The CEST-MRI reporter gene Lysine Rich Protein (LRP) was cloned into an AAV9 vector and either …

The Influence Of Body Armor On Balance And Movement Quality, Roger O. Kollock Jr, Davis Hale, Rachele E. Vogelpohl, Logan Kremer, Christian Cox, Josh Horner, Matt Allen

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 11(1): 648-656, 2018. Body armor is essential to the protection of military personnel; however, body armor may impede the users balance and movement quality. A better understanding of the influence of body armor on balance and movement quality may help in the development of new guidelines for training standards and procedures to mitigate the risk of injury associated with wearing of body armor in warfighters. The purpose of this study was to identify the effects of body armor (combat boots, tactical vest and combat helmet) on balance and movement quality in male military cadets and …

A Combinatorial Premotor Neural Code: Transformation Of Sensory Information Into Meaningful Rhythmic Motor Output By A Network Of Heterogeneous Modulatory Neurons, Christopher John Goldsmith

Theses and Dissertations

The goal of the following research was to investigate the contributions of neural networks in selecting distinct variants of rhythmic motor activity. We used the premotor commissural ganglion (CoG) in the stomatogastric nervous system of the Jonah crab to understand how this network effectively controls the rhythms produced in downstream motor circuits. Prior research determined that individual CoG neurons are necessary to mediate sensory-induced variation in the effected motor patterns. However, single premotor neuron inputs to the STG are not sufficient to recreate the patterns induced by the selective activation of sensory pathways. Thus, it was hypothesized that the CoG-mediated …

An Individualized, Perception-Based Protocol To Investigate Human Physiological Responses To Cooling, Crystal L. Coolbaugh, Emily C. Bush, Elizabeth S. Galenti, E Brian Welch, Theodore F. Towse

Peer Reviewed Articles

Cold exposure, a known stimulant of the thermogenic effects of brown adipose tissue (BAT), is the most widely used method to study BAT physiology in adult humans. Recently, individualized cooling has been recommended to standardize the physiological cold stress applied across participants, but critical experimental details remain unclear. The purpose of this work was to develop a detailed methodology for an individualized, perception-based protocol to investigate human physiological responses to cooling. Participants were wrapped in two water-circulating blankets and fitted with skin temperature probes to estimate BAT activity and peripheral vasoconstriction. We created a thermoesthesia graphical user interface (tGUI) to …

Mindfulness And Affective Responses To Treadmill Walking In Individuals With Low Intrinsic Motivation To Exercise, Anne E. Cox, Madeline A. Roberts, Hailey L. Cates, Amanda K. Mcmahon

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 11(5): 609-624, 2018. An aversion to the sensations of physical exertion can deter engagement in physical activity. This is due in part to an associative focus in which individuals are attending to uncomfortable interoceptive cues. The purpose of this study was to test the effect of mindfulness on affective valence, ratings of perceived exertion (RPE), and enjoyment during treadmill walking. Participants (N=23; M_age=19.26, SD = 1.14) were only included in the study if they engaged in no more than moderate levels of physical activity and reported low levels of intrinsic motivation. …

Crae Training Reduces Insulin Resistance And Central Adiposity In Obese Adolescent Females, Rebecca Cuthbert

UNO Student Research and Creative Activity Fair

CRAE Training Reduces Insulin Resistance and Central Adiposity in Obese Adolescent Females

Rebecca Cuthbert, Leena P Bharath, William W Choi, Jae-min Cho, Alexus A Skobodzinski, Alexei Wong, Ty E Sweeney, Dustin Slivka, Song-Young Park University of Nebraska at Omaha, Omaha, Nebraska

Exercise training is recommended for maintaining health and reducing the risks of developing metabolic and cardiovascular pathologies. Combined resistance and aerobic exercise (CRAE) training has been utilized to decrease metabolic risk factors in obese adults. PURPOSE: To determine the effects of CRAE on obese adolescent females with hyperinsulinemia. METHODS: Forty obese adolescent females aged 14.7 ± 1 years (BMI …

Time Course Toward Baseline Of Hand-To-Foot Bia Measures Following An Acute Bout Of Aerobic Exercise, Brett S. Nickerson

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 11(2): 640-647, 2018. The purpose of this study was to determine the time course of BIA-derived body fat percentage (BF%) and total body water (TBW) values in the 1 h following a moderate bout (60% heart rate reserve [HRR]) of steady state aerobic exercise in apparently healthy men. College-aged adult males (n=15) had their BF% and TBW estimated via BIA before (PRE), immediately (IP), 10 min (10P), 20 min (20P), 30 min (30P), 40 min (40P), 50 min (50P), and 60 min (60P) post a 30 min bout of moderate treadmill exercise. Exercise intensity was …

Characterization Of The Roles Of Muscle-Synthesized Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor And Presynaptic Tyrosine Receptor Kinase B In Motor Neuron Axonal Transport, Luke A. Vanosdol

All NMU Master's Theses

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a small, diffusible protein essential for the development and function of neurons. It is synthesized by many types of tissue, including muscle. BDNF actions are mediated via binding to its receptor, tyrosine receptor kinase B (TrkB). The BDNF-TrkB complex is endocytosed into a specialized vesicle, which induces downstream signaling cascades locally in the dendrites, or, more often, is delivered to the cell soma via retrograde axonal transport, where it modulates gene expression. BDNF activation of TrkB is critical for the initiation of axonal transport, and this cellular process relies on the interaction of numerous adaptor …

Comparative Proteomics: Assessing The Variation In Molecular Physiology Within The Adductor Muscle Between Mytilus Galloprovincialis And Mytilus Trossulus In Response To Acute Heat Stress, Joshua Scott Mier

Master's Theses

Increases in seawater temperatures have imposed physiological constraints which are partially thought to contribute to recently observed shifts in biogeographic distribution among closely related intertidal ectotherms. For instance, Mytilus galloprovincialis an introduced warm-adapted species from the Mediterranean, has displaced the native cold-adapted congener, M. trossulus, over large latitudinal expanses off the California coast. Several comparative physiological studies have revealed interspecific differences in thermal tolerance, including variation in aerobic metabolism and gape behavior, which suggest the invasive congener is better adapted to acclimate to increasing seawater conditions as predicted due to climate change. However, current analyses seek to discover the …

A Description Of Physical Activity Outcomes During Beginning Curling, Britton Johnson, Alyssa Vanbelkum, Justin Kraft

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 11(6): 633-639, 2018. Identifying and promoting activities which enable participants to meet exercise guidelines is important for promoting a healthy society. The purpose of this study was to describe activity levels of novice participants during participation in the sport of curling. Participants included 29 novice curlers who were either enrolled in a beginning curling class at a local university or novice members in a city-wide curling league. The average exercise duration was 81.3 ± 19.8 minutes and variables monitored included heart rate (HR), steps, and estimated METs. Results indicated an average HR: 106 ± 12 …

The Effect Of The Menstrual Cycle On The Reliability Of Contact-Electrode Bioelectrical Impedance Analyzers, Emily A. Cumberledge, Cassandra Myers, Jennifer J. Venditti, Curt B. Dixon, Joseph L. Andreacci

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 11(4): 625-632, 2018. Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) is a noninvasive and relatively inexpensive method of assessing body composition. Manufacturers of BIA technology recommend to avoid testing women when they perceive to be retaining water during the menstrual cycle. The purpose of the present investigation was to examine the effect of the menstrual cycle on body composition determined by contact-electrode BIA analyzers. Forty-three college-aged women volunteered to participate in this study (age=21.2 ± 1.1 years; body mass index = 24.0 ± 3.7 kg/m²). Subjects had their body composition assessed using four different contact-electrode BIA …

Evaluating Energy Expenditure Estimated By Wearable Technology During Variable Intensity Activity On Female Collegiate Athletes, Monica Taylor, Elizabeth Nagle, Fredric Goss, Elaine Rubinstein, Andrew Simonson

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 11(7): 598-608, 2018. Monitoring an athlete’s energy intake and energy expenditure (EE) is an important consideration of nutritional planning for sport conditioning and peak performance. In order to provide appropriate recommendations regarding nutritional requirements and caloric needs, an accurate determination of energy requirements is necessary. By knowing an individual’s EE, a coach, athletic performance staff or trainer can effectively determine training loads and volumes necessary for periodization and seasonal planning for a particular sport. The purpose of this study is to examine the accuracy of the BodyMedia Mini armband while measuring EE in female basketball …

Examination Of Resistance Settings Based On Body Weight For The 3-Minute All-Out Critical Power Test, Marlene J. Schulte, Jody L. Clasey, Bradley S. Fleenor, Haley C. Bergstrom

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 11(4): 585-597, 2018. There are conflicting suggestions regarding the most valid resistance (3-5% of body weight) to use for the critical power (CP) 3-min all-out (CP_3min) test to estimate CP and anaerobic work capacity (AWC). The purpose of this study was to determine if the CP and AWC estimates from the CP_3min test were affected by the percentage of body weight used to set the resistance on a Monark cycle ergometer. Ten recreationally trained participants (mean ± SD: Age: 22.2 ± 2.2 yrs.) completed the CP_3min test at resistances of 4.5% …

Congruent Accuracy Of Wrist-Worn Activity Trackers During Controlled And Free-Living Conditions, Christopher J. Dondzila, Colleen Lewis, Justin R. Lopez, Tonya Parker

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 11(7): 575-584, 2018. To examine activity tracker accuracy for measuring steps, energy expenditure, and heart rate in controlled and free-living conditions. Forty participants performed four, five-minute stages (walking: 53.7 m∙min-1, 80.5 m∙min-1; running: 134.1 m∙min-1, 160.9 m∙min-1) while wearing the Fitbit Charge HR (FB) and the Mio FUSE (MF) activity trackers. Measurements included steps, energy expenditure (kcals), and heart rate (beats∙min-1). In addition to the FB and MF, participants wore the NL-1000 (NL) activity tracker during waking hours of the subsequent day. One way ANOVAs with Tukey’s post hoc analyses were performed to compare mean …

Behavior Change Techniques And Physical Activity Using The Fitbit Flex®, Emily E. Dunn, Jennifer Robertson-Wilson

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 11(7): 561-574, 2018. Due to the availability of low-cost accelerometers, there has been an increase in the adoption of physical activity monitors (e.g., Fitbit®) (14) accompanied by a desire to understand the behavior change techniques (BCTs; 15) present in such monitors. One specific Fitbit® monitor incorporates 20 BCTs (15), but how users experience these BCTs has yet to be explored. The purpose of this study was to explore user’s experience with the Fitbit Flex® regarding physical activity behavior and BCTs. The specific research objectives were to: 1) describe Fitbit Flex® users and 2) explore user’s …

Validation Of Piezorx Pedometer Derived Sedentary Time, Katelynn Donahoe, Dany Macdonald, Mark Tremblay, Travis Saunders

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 11(7): 552-560, 2018. Although pedometers are valid tools for measuring physical activity, to date they have not been used to assess sedentary time. The primary purpose of this study was to determine if the PiezoRx pedometer is a valid and reliable measure of sedentary time compared to the hip-worn Actical accelerometer. A secondary purpose was to compare sedentary time derived via the Fitbit Flex with that of the Actical. Finally, a third purpose was to compare sedentary time derived from the above devices, with that of the ActivPAL inclinometer. Thirty-five participants ages 11-69 years (M …

Validation Of The Piezorx® Step Count And Moderate To Vigorous Physical Activity Times In Free Living Conditions In Adults: A Pilot Study, Myles W. O'Brien, William R. Wojcik, Lisette D' Entremont, Jonathon R. Fowles

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 11(7): 541-551, 2018. The purpose of the study was to: 1) Validate the PiezoRx® for steps and intensity related physical activity in free-living conditions compared to the criterion measure. 2) Compare PiezoRx®’s steps and intensity related physical activity to physiological assessments. 3) To assess the utility of the PiezoRx® in a subsample of participants. Thirty-nine participants consisting of 28 females aged 54.9±10.6 (33-74) years and 11 males aged 63.9±10.9 (44-80) years wore the PiezoRx® physical activity monitor and the ActiGraph® accelerometer for one full week and completed a physical assessment. A subsample (n=24) wore the …

The Accuracy And Validity Of Ios-Based Heart Rate Apps During Moderate To High Intensity Exercise, Alexa M. Bouts, Lauren Brackman, Elizabeth Martin, Adam M. Subasic, Edward S. Potkanowicz

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 11(7): 533-540, 2018. People use their smartphones for everything from web browsing to tracking fitness metrics. However, it is unclear whether smartphone-based apps that use photoplethysmography to measure heart rate are an accurate or valid measure of exercise intensity. Purpose was to determine the accuracy and validity of two iOS-based heart rate monitors, Runtastic Heart Rate Monitor and Pulse Tracker PRO by Runtastic (Runtastic) and Instant Heart Rate+: Heart Rate and Pulse Monitor by Azumio (Instant Heart Rate), when compared to the electrocardiogram (ECG) and Polar® T31 uncoded heart rate monitor from moderate to vigorous …

A Descriptive Study Of Objectively Measured Pokémon Go Playtime In College Students, Charles J. Fountaine, Emily J. Springer, Jasmine R. Sward

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 11(7): 526-532, 2018. Since its debut in July 2016, Pokémon GO has been a wildly popular mobile gaming app. In contrast to many previous apps, Pokémon GO requires the user to be physically active. However, the extent to which Pokémon GO contributes to physical activity is unknown. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the physical activity profile of playing Pokémon GO for 60 minutes in recreationally active college students. College students (n=27, n=19 female) were fitted with an accelerometer, pedometer, and heart rate monitor to assess the activity demands during a 60-min …

Intraindividual Variability And Validity In Smart Apparel Muscle Activity Measurements During Exercise In Men, Jonathan Aquino, Jenevieve L. Roper

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 11(7): 516-525, 2018. The purpose of the study was to compare smart apparel (SA) muscle activity measurements to surface electromyography (sEMG) muscle activity measurements during exercise, and determine if any systematic bias of the apparel exists. Thirty-five male participants (Ages 23.1±2.92 yrs, height 178±0.09 cm, mass 81.14±10.59 kg, body fat percentage 15.4±4.79%) provided informed consent for participation. During two separate exercise sessions, participants performed three sets of 12 bodyweight squats and pushups in both SA and sEMG. Conditions (sEMG or SA) were randomly counterbalanced. During sEMG, sensors were placed at selected anatomical locations on the …