Medical Education Commons^™

Feasibility Of Implementing An Older Adult Resistance Training Program In A Community Setting, Cody Antonio, Lynn Horiguchi, Eileen Nunez-Ortiz, Russell Chen, Zakoyya Lewis Dr., Lara Killick Dr.

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

The innovative OYO fitness gym device has the capacity to offer an inclusive resistance training experience for older adults, provided that the internal and external validity of the OYO exercise program is established. PURPOSE: Our purpose is to report the feasibility of implementing this 8-week program at a community senior center in a predominantly Spanish-speaking metropolitan area. METHODS: Feasibility is evaluated through measures of fidelity which include participant demographics, participant responsiveness, quality of delivery, adherence to the Program Manual, and pre-to-post changes in physical function. RESULTS: Twenty-three individuals consented for participation. Two participants completed the full 8-week program with an …

Feasibility Of A Random-Action Target System For Enhancing Performance Of Experienced Shooters In High-Pressure Scenarios, Mariana Castro, Andreas Stamatis, Ali Boolani, Matthew L. Smith

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Effective firearm performance demands accuracy and rapid decision-making, especially for law enforcement, competitive shooters, and military personnel. Traditional training often lacks real-world cognitive challenges, such as decision speed and response inhibition under pressure. This study addresses this gap by incorporating cognitive realism into firearm training to improve shooters’ ability to manage the speed-accuracy trade-off (SAT), where balancing quick reactions with precision is critical to avoid errors in unpredictable scenarios. PURPOSE: To evaluate the feasibility of a non-anticipatory, random-action target system (RATS) by collecting preliminary data on its impact on shooting performance, focusing on accuracy, omission, and commission rates among experienced …

Enhancing Mental Toughness In Medical Students Facing Academic Challenges: A Pilot Intervention, Roy Shohat, Zacharias Papadakis, Shorye Durrett, Andreas Stamatis

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Medical students who experience challenges in meeting course requirements often face significant academic pressures, which can include repeating the semester, repeating the academic year, or potential dismissal from the program. Mental toughness (MT) is a performance psychology construct that equips individuals with the skills to face adversity and persist towards their goals, whether in sports or academics. MT is crucial for managing stress and maintaining performance under high pressure, thereby supporting optimal human performance. Psychological Skills Training (PST) systematically develops mental skills, including MT, and is structured into three phases: education, acquisition, and practice. The education phase is the most …

The Physiological And Emotional Responses To Esports Across Different Populations, Christopher Miranda, Daniel Olatundun, Antonio Evola, Frank Billero, Joseph Sauchelli

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Purpose

The study investigated the impact of virtual shooting task on physiological and psychological parameters in various demographics, including sex, athletic status, and gaming experience.

Methods

31 participants were recruited to perform two continuous 1.5-minute virtual target-shooting tasks from a virtual distance of 60 meters and rested for three minutes before and after gameplay. Continuous VO₂, VCO_2, and heart rate were recorded. Psychological states were assessed using the Short Stress State Questionnaire (SSSQ), filled out before and after the gaming session. The athletic status was confirmed during the recruitment process. Participants who were athletes were directly recruited …

Longitudinal Effects Of Graduate Allied Health Education On Physical And Mental Health, Kelly Warren

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Student wellness represents an ongoing focus in academia. Allied health professional (AHP) students complete educational tracks that are rigorous, placing them at risk for impact to physical and mental wellness. Previous data support such changes in this population and poor student wellness may contribute to weak academic performance, attrition, and quality of life.

PURPOSE: This study evaluated the impact of the AHP program on the physical, mental, and sleep health of 1st year graduate AHP students.

METHODS: Graduate students (n=29; 30% men, 70% women) in the Stony Brook School of Health Professions participated across 3 timepoints (T01-Baseline/Sept, T02-Feb and T03-Jun) …

Effects Of Navy Officer Development School On Body Composition In Hpsp Medical Students, Xing Fan, Anna Weissenberg, Shelly Lim, Christine Kurien, Joanne Donoghue

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: This pilot study compared changes in body composition and strength in medical students enrolled in the Navy Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP) who attended Officer Development School, before training, after training, and follow-up. Exploring the possible future application to both medical students and stationary Navy ratings.

METHODS: An ABA quasi-experimental design was used to measure body composition using dual X-ray absorptiometry (iDXA), and strength measured by hand dynamometer. Measurements were collected 5 weeks before training, before departure, upon return, then 5 weeks later. The physical training during officer development school involves 1.5 miles run, push-ups, plank, …

Feasibility Of A Cardio-Oncology Tele-Rehabilitiation Program In Pediatric Patients With Cancer, Inga Zimba, Ruskin S. Del Mundo, Mary E. Mccown, Elena J. Ladas, Vidhu V. Thaker, Pooja S. Vyas, Michael A. Fremed, Aimee M. Layton

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Childhood cancer survivors are eight times more likely to die of heart disease than people who have never had cancer. Exercise during treatment has been found to help protect the heart against the harmful effects of treatment and reduce the risk of developing heart disease in early adulthood. There is insufficient data on the feasibility of delivering cardio- oncology rehabilitation (CORE) in an outpatient telehealth setting. PURPOSE: This study aims to pilot the feasibility and safety of tele- CORE in children ages 10-15 years old. METHODS: Pediatric cancer survivors who underwent cancer treatment participated in this study. Participants performed a …

Wearable Technology And Artificial Intelligence For Health And Performance Optimization In Division 1 Female Soccer Athletes, Hayley E. Whitney, Joseph Amitrano, Gina Lewandowski, Lauren Calabrese, Dhruv Seshadri

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Funding for female athletes is at a significant disadvantage, with male sports funded at a rate twice as high. Female athletes also experience ACL injuries at a rate 2 times higher than their male counterparts. Division I sports face significant disparities in funding, particularly affecting support tools and resources available for female athletes. The study aims to bridge this clinical gap in the sports medicine field by using wearable technology to enhance health and performance monitoring among Division 1 female soccer athletes, with a particular focus on the menstrual cycle's effects on performance metrics. PURPOSE: The purpose of this …

Assessing The Validity And Efficacy Of Wearable Devices Towards Equitable Data For All, Ryan Gross, Emmaly Seyam, Ian Chang, Hayley E. Whitney, Joseph Amitrano, Dhruv Seshadri

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Wearable technology provides the ability to gather cutting-edge data in a practical manner and verify it against industry-leading technology. PURPOSE: This study compares heart rate (HR) data from off-the-shelf wearable technology; Polar H10, Whoop 4.0, and Garmin Fenix 7 to the standard used in hospitals; GE Dash 5000, across subjects of various skin tones, BMI, gender, and age. The wearable devices rely on one of two different technologies, including photoplethysmography (PPG) in the wrist-worn devices and electrocardiogram (ECG) in the devices applied to the participant's chest. METHODS: Data was collected on 28 Division 1 male soccer players from …

Collegiate Athletes’ Menstrual Health Management And Athletic Performance, Sydney Kulenguski, Sachiko Komagata

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

There is limited understanding and support for female collegiate athletes’ menstrual health and its connection to their performance in sport. While it is recognized that the menstrual cycle influences the physical and mental health, as well as athletic performance of these athletes, their actual knowledge and management practices regarding their menstrual cycles have not been extensively studied. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to assess female collegiate athletes’ knowledge of the menstrual cycle and their management practices. METHODS: After receiving approval from Georgian Court University’s (GCU’s) Internal Research Review Board (IRRB), Division 2 female sports teams were …

The Power Of Light: Early Return To Sport With Phoenix Thera-Lase System, Colin Strain, Alex Rothstein

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

CASE HISTORY: A 52-year-old male referred to physical therapy by his orthopedist with complaint of 10/10 achy pain in right (R) calf precipitated by “popping” sensation while cutting during a tennis match 1 week ago. PHYSICAL EXAM: Patient presented ambulating with bilateral axillary crutches weight bearing as tolerated (WBAT). Active Range of Motion (AROM) and Passive Range of Motion (PROM) of R ankle assessed as within normal limits (WNL) with noted increase in R medial calf pain with AROM plantarflexion (PF) & PROM dorsiflexion. Manual Muscle Testing (MMT) was 2+/5 for R plantarflexion and 5/5 for all other motions. Ecchymosis …

Cost-Effectiveness Of Cardiovascular Screening For Prevention Of Sudden Cardiac Arrest In High School Athletes, Abbey Santanello

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is rare, but each death has a significant impact on the victim’s family and community. Pre-participation physical evaluation is a critical step in preventing SCD, but studies indicate that proper screening is infrequently performed. The inclusion of electrocardiogram (ECG) and/or focused echocardiogram in screening is controversial. The purpose of this study is to determine the value of integrating ECG and echocardiography with cardiac-focused history for screening. Screening was offered with parental consent to athletes at 7 high schools in Staten Island. Students completed a questionnaire about cardiac symptoms, physical exam abnormalities, and family history. Each screening …

Effect Of Aerobic Exercise With Blood Flow Restriction On Post-Exercise Hypotension In Young Adults: The Role Of Histamine Receptors, Dongnyeuck Seo, Dae Sik Song, William Boyer, Trevor Gillum, Sean Sullivan, Nailiyah Liwanag, Iltark Yoon, Jong-Kyung Kim

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Although a single session of low to moderate intensity exercise induces post-exercise hypotension (PEH), the effect of blood flow restriction (BFR) exercise on PEH is still unknown. PURPOSE: We tested hypothesis that aerobic exercise with BFR induced (PEH), and the reduction in blood pressure (BP) was due to peripheral vasodilation via the histamine receptors. METHODS: Ten male subjects participated in this study. The subjects were randomly assigned to walk on the treadmill for 10 minutes at 6.4 k/m, 0% grade with or without BFR after taking histamine receptor blockade. Following exercise, BP was measured at 10 min interval for 60 …

Are Responses To Submaximal Exercise Less Reproducible In Females Vs Males Due To The Menstrual Cycle?, Grace Loveless, Hadley Peay, Jayson Gifford, Jessica Linde

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Exercise-science research often excludes young eumenorrheic females due to the presence of a menstrual cycle (MC) and lack of knowledge on how much variability the MC adds to the physiological responses to exercise. PURPOSE: To determine if the metabolic response to submaximal exercise is less reproducible in females with a menstrual cycle compared to males. We hypothesized females would exhibit greater variability in the metabolic response to submaximal-intensity exercise across the MC than males across a similar timespan. METHODS: Eumenorrheic, endurance-trained females (n=10, age=24.1 ± 5.59) performed two 5-minute bouts of constant-load, moderate-intensity cycling at three time points across the …

Upper-Limb Asymmetries Of University Club Sport Athletes, Elizabeth Cafferty, Sara Harper, Dale R. Wagner

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Asymmetries are commonly researched in sports. Dominant-sided sports tend to favor these adaptations, suggesting the development of lean mass (LM) and bone mineral content (BMC) asymmetries. Professional and collegiate athletes are often the primary population for this line of research. Further investigation into university club sport athletes provides more insight. PURPOSE: To investigate upper-limb LM and BMC asymmetries in club sport athletes. METHODS: University club sport athletes (N = 207) from 18 different teams participated in the study. Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) whole-body scans collected LM and BMC data. Participant data were separated into club sport upper-limb dominance …

The Impact Of Trekking Poles On Smart-Watch Step Counts During Outdoor Hiking In Healthy Adults, Josie Gines, Bethany Hoag, Kavon Mcarthur, Myranda Peck, Catalina Kerwin, Wyatt Fullmer, James W. Navalta, Kelly Goonan, Marcus M. Lawrence, Julie E. Taylor

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Hiking is a popular form of recreation with over 57 million participants in the U.S. Many of those hikers also use smart-watches to track their steps, distance and other variables. Anecdotally, the use of trekking poles appears to reduce the accuracy of these smart-watch measures, most notably step counts. PURPOSE: To determine if differences were observed in step counts when hiking with or without trekking poles. METHODS: 10 recreationally active adults (n=5 males, n=5 females, aged 20-39 yrs) randomly completed three trekking pole hiking conditions (no poles, 1 pole, or 2 poles) of ~10 min. uphill and ~10 min. downhill …

Body Mass & Muscle Weight Following Volumetric Muscle Loss Injuries, Kyndal Jones, Jj Payne, Matt Mangus, Jake Sorensen

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Volumetric muscle loss (VML) is the traumatic or surgical loss of a significant amount of skeletal muscle, resulting in decreased function and regenerative abilities. Despite the decrease in function, when one muscle is injured or removed, there is typically a compensatory response in the surrounding muscles that promote hypertrophic adaptations. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to observe how surgery impacts body mass and the weight of certain muscle groups 6 weeks after a VML injury to the tibialis anterior (TA) muscle, with particular interest in determining if a hypertrophy response occurs in surrounding muscle groups. METHODS: …

Bone Adaptations To Blood Flow Restriction Training, Jacob Laubach, Sophia Lissin, Victoria Batlle, Caroline Osen, Todd Shoepe

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Blood flow restriction training (BFR) has demonstrated effects on various physiological parameters, with similar regulatory mechanisms to bone. PURPOSE: Bone and BFR literature is currently sparse, therefore the purpose of this investigation was to perform a pilot study of bone mineral content (BMC) and density (BMD) responses to BFR. METHODS: The BFR group [n = 23; age = 20.72 ± 1.93; BMI = 25.81 ± 4.40 kg/m2] and control (CON) group [n = 19; age = 19.76 ± 1.31; BMI = 23.62 ± 3.18 kg/m2] underwent dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scans at initial and post interventions for forearm, …

Impact Of High-Dose Sodium Supplementation On Cardiovascular And Thermoregulatory Responses, Madison Leale, Abbie Linhares, Ryan Ott, Kamiry Robison, Melani Kelly, Shane Draper

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Proper sodium intake can help maintain plasma sodium levels, prevent plasma volume reduction, and improve performance, but specific guidelines on high dosages remain unclear. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of a large dose sodium supplement before submaximal cycling on cardiovascular and thermoregulatory responses in a hot and humid environment. METHODS: Nine participants (6 males, 3 females; age = 22.22 ± 1.99 yrs; weight=79.93 ± 18.78 kg) completed both trials. Using a randomized, crossover design, participants consumed no supplement (control) at one trial and one with a large-dose sodium supplement (experimental, 810mg sodium/serving). …

Evaluation Of Average And Maximum Heart Rate When Hiking With Differing Numbers Of Trekking Poles, Myranda Peck, Bethany Hoag, Josie Gines, Kavon Mcarthur, Setareh Zarei, Julie E. Taylor, Kelly Goonan, Marcus M. Lawrence, James W. Navalta

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Hiking is an evergrowing activity, and trekking pole sales were valued at $0.75 billion in 2023 and are projected to reach $1.41 billion by 2030. The trekking pole industry is growing and our laboratory group conducted a study on the physiological responses and perceptual measurements associated with hiking with or without trekking poles. PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of trekking pole usage (no poles, 1 pole, and 2 poles) on average and maximum heart rate when hiking. METHODS: Eleven participants (F=5) hiked the Rocky Peak Trail in the Three Peaks Recreation Area in Cedar City, UT (elevation gain …