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Intouch Week Of January 19, 2026, New York Medical College

InTouch

• Celebrating a Landmark Oncology Text and Progress in Cancer Care
• SOM Student Aryan Malhotra Sets Research Presentation Records at Neurosurgery Conference
• Love at NYMC
• Student Spotlight: From Athlete to Aspiring Orthopedic Surgeon
• Faculty Spotlight: From Pupil to Professor: Alumni Lighting the Way at NYMC

Dietary Nitrate Supplementation Worsens Resistance Exercise Performance In Resistance-Trained Females, Sydney N. Brennan, Raymond T. Gerardo, Trevor J. Molnar, Justin M. Foster, Ryan Tran, Kyle S. Geppert, Christopher B. Sottile, Michael Egiazarian, Abigail F. Ballhagen, Stewart D. Gonzalez, Adam Pennell, Rachel Tan

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Dietary nitrate supplementation appears to preferentially target type II muscle fibers for beneficial effects; however, research examining the efficacy of nitrate in females and resistance exercise is scarce. PURPOSE: To investigate if dietary nitrate, provided as concentrated nitrate-rich beetroot juice (BR), improved resistance exercise performance in back squat and bench press compared to nitrate-depleted beetroot juice (PL) in resistance-trained females. METHODS: Eighteen resistance-trained females aged reported to the lab for a total of four visits over a 2-week period. Participants performed a one repetition maximum protocol (1RM) and familiarization to the experimental protocol, and were assigned in a randomized, double-blind …

Glycemic Control After Meals On People With Type 2 Diabetes And Prediabetes Following Resistance Exercise, Isaac Chapman, Kosar Valaei, Oscar Chavez, Marissa Ramirez, Jacob Dawes, Maja Gebauer, Christine M. Mermier, Jonathan Little, Luotao Lin, Gretchen M. Ray, Roberto Mota Alvidrez, Zachary A. Mang, Fabiano Amorim, Valmor Tricoli, Flavio De Castro Magalhaes

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Resistance exercise (RE) has been shown to improve glycemic control after a meal in type 2 diabetes (T2D) and prediabetes under controlled laboratory settings. PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of RE on glycemic control in a free-living environment. METHODS: This was a 4-arm randomized crossover study involving 22 participants with T2D (n=12) or prediabetes (n=10). Glucose was monitored using a continuous glucose monitoring device through the experimental situations that involved three separate exercise sessions: a high-intensity RE session (3 sets x 8 reps, 75%-1RM, 120 sec interval), a rest-redistribution RE session (6 sets x 4 reps, 75%-1RM, 60 sec interval), …

Body Composition Of Older Active Adults: The Huntsman Senior Games Study, Abby M. Hansen, Dale R. Wagner Facsm, Heather Feeny, Paxton Catillon, Alyssa Mcnutt, Elizabeth Cafferty, Ben Taylor, Matthew Densley, Nicolas Clark, Andrew Creer

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Body composition variables are important when it comes to studying athletic performance. With an aging population, being actively engaged in athletic competition in one’s “golden years” is more common than in previous generations. However, there is a lack of normative data for senior athletes relative to their younger counterparts. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to analyze the correlation between age and both body fat percentage (%BF) and fat-free mass index (FFMI) in senior athletes and classify the percentile ranks of these body composition variables. METHODS: Data were collected using an InBody 770 Multi-Frequency Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis machine. Data …

Effects Of Hypobaric Hypoxia During Intermittent Cycling Bouts On Markers Of Acute Kidney Injury, Jacob D. Dawes, Alyssa R. Bailly, Jonathan W. Specht, Christopher B. Hart, Mateo Griego, Marissa Ramirez, Kaia G. Allen, Alexander Smaragdas, Fabiano T. Amorim

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Many individuals travel to high altitudes for recreational or occupational purposes. Hypobaric hypoxia (HH) at altitude decreases arterial oxygen saturation (SaO₂), reduces oxygen delivery to tissues, and can adversely affect organ function. Exercise, independent of HH, significantly decreases renal blood flow (RBF). Therefore, performing exercise in HH may further impair oxygen delivery and place additional strain on the kidneys. While the impact of chronic HH on kidneys has been documented, there is limited research on the risk of acute kidney injury (AKI) under these conditions. PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of acute HH exposure during intermittent exercise …

Can Passive Water Immersion Shape Force Production Capacity?, Joonsun Park, Talin Louder

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Previous studies have shown mechanistic neurophysiological evidence to foster motor cortical and plasticity alongside improved cerebral perfusion. Although evidence remains limited, these neural effects suggest passive immersion may enhance force output capacity. PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the acute effects of passive water immersion in a seated position on lower-extremity isometric strength as measured by isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP) performance on land. METHODS: Thirty-three active young adults (age: 22.64 ± 4.18 years, height: 174.55 ± 10.28 cm, mass: 81.45 ± 18.77 kg) completed both land and water conditions (LC and WC), with pre- and post-tests using within …

Effect Of Previous Night Alcohol On Thermoregulatory And Physiological Strain During Prolonged Physical Work In The Heat, Marissa Ramirez, Jonathan W. Specht, Flavio De Castro Magalhaes, Fabiano Amorim, Whitley C. Atkins

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Many occupational workers engage in strenuous physical work in hot environments for prolonged periods, placing them at risk of heat-related illness due to increasing physiological strain identified by increasing core temperature (Tcore) and heart rate (HR). Lifestyle behaviors, such as smoking, caffeine and alcohol consumption, and sleep deprivation, may further exacerbate heat strain and increase susceptibility to heat-related illness. Notably, alcohol consumption the night before work, and the subsequent hangover, may amplify physiological strain by impairing heat dissipation. However, no previous studies have evaluated the impact of alcohol hangover on heat strain during physical work in the heat. PURPOSE: …

Evaluating The Accuracy Of Sex-Dependent Algorithms In Commercial Wrist-Worn Wearables For Exercise Energy Expenditure, Olivia R. Perez, Dustin W. Davis, Michael W. H. Wong, James W. Navalta Facsm

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Commercial wrist-worn wearable devices are popular among sports and health enthusiasts. Energy expenditure (EE) is a valuable measurement returned from these devices, but the accuracy is variable. A gap exists in sport and exercise science concerning sex-specific accuracy and input algorithms. Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the sex-specific validity of five commercial wrist-worn wearable devices in estimating exercise EE, with indirect calorimetry as the criterion. Methods: 97 adult participants were outfitted with two devices (n = 20 per device), one set to the "female" sex option on the right wrist and the other set to the "male" sex …

Sex-Specific Changes In Pbmc Mitochondrial Respiration Following Acute Exercise, Ryan R. Moon

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Exercise-trained individuals exhibit greater immune system function, which may be attributed in part to enhanced peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) function. Exercise training is a potent stimulator of mitochondrial adaptation, which may help explain improvements in immunity. However, the mechanisms by which exercise acutely modulates PBMCs to promote beneficial adaptations remain unclear. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that a single bout of aerobic exercise modulates PBMC mitochondrial function. Methods: Twenty-eight healthy young adults (13 females, 15 males; age 21.84 ± 2.78 years) completed a graded exercise test (VO₂max: 41.4 ± 7.64 ml O₂·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹) followed …

The Association Between Muscular Strength And C-Reactive Protein Among Post-Menopausal Women: Effect Modification By Hormone Replacement Therapy, Sarah Krager, Bethany Barone-Gibbs, Amanda Paluch, Samantha Ehrlich, Amy Miller, William Boyer

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Previous studies suggest that the inflammatory marker C-reactive protein (CRP) may be elevated in post-menopausal women taking hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Muscular strength is associated with more favorable CRP profiles. However, this association has not been examined among post-menopausal women on HRT. PURPOSE: This study aims to examine the association of lower leg strength and CRP while considering potential effect modification by HRT using a representative sample of U.S. adults. METHODS: The final sample (n=1,238) included post-menopausal women (≥50 years) who participated in the 1999-2002 National Health and Examination Survey (NHANES). CRP was examined continuously and categorically (/dl vs 3-10 …

The Effects Of Percussion Therapy (Theragun™) On Recovery From Contraction-Induced Muscle Damage In Highly Trained Participants, Maja Gebauer, Oscar Chavez Jr., Jonathan W. Specht, Whitley C. Atkins, Christine M. Mermier, Michael Deyhle

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

The Effects of Percussion Therapy (Theragun™) on Recovery from Contraction-Induced Muscle Damage in Highly Trained Participants

MAJA GEBAUER, OSCAR CHAVEZ JR., JONATHAN W. SPECHT, WHITLEY C. ATKINS CHRISTINE MERMIER & MICHAEL R. DEYHLE

Exercise Science Laboratory; Department of Health, Exercise, and Sport Sciences; University of New Mexico; Albuquerque, NM

Category: Doctoral

Advisor / Mentor: Deyhle, Michael ([email protected])

ABSTRACT

The impacts of percussion therapy on athletes is not fully understood. PURPOSE: Investigate the effects of a two-minute treatment with a percussion gun (Theragun™) on muscle soreness, ROM, and strength performance following eccentric exercise of the hamstring muscles in highly trained …

Precision Education In Health Sciences Education: A Call-To-Action For Developing An Interprofessional Strategy., Arvie Vitente, Jennifer Bosworth, Robert Sweet, Rebecca Cozzi, Christopher Galloway, Piotr Szczurek, Melanie Obispo-Young, Eron Bozec, Erica Brkovic, Tina Bobo, Jennifer Lubinski

Rehabilitation Sciences Department Faculty Articles

Introduction. Growing learner diversity, expanding biomedical knowledge, and rapid clinical digitization have exposed the limits of on-size-fits-all health sciences training. Competency-Based Education (CBE) has sharpened the focus on outcomes, yet many programs still move learners through fixed sequences, infrequent assessments, and retrospective remediation. Precision Education (PE) offers a complementary, data-enabled approach that uses learning analytics, artificial intelligence (AI), and continuous feedback loops. Embedded within CBE, PE converts competencies from static milestones into dynamic trajectories that can be measured, visualized, and adjusted in real time across the curriculum. This abstract highlights the need for an interprofessional strategy to design, fund, …

From Asylums To Hospitals To Prisons: The History Of Institutional Psychiatric Care In America, Mary E. Horton

History of Medicine Seminar

No abstract provided.

Intouch Week Of January 12, 2026, New York Medical College

InTouch

• Department of Cell and Molecular Physiology Unites Three Disciplines
• Paul Arnaboldi, Ph.D., Receives More Than $500,000 NIH Grant to Support Respiratory Vaccine Development
• Action speaks louder than words in dealing with antisemitism and violence
• Celebrate the Publication of the 8th Edition Principles and Practice of Radiation Oncology
• Gabriel Project Mumbai, Welcomes Second Cohort of TCDM Students and Faculty
• Love at NYMC
• Student Spotlight: A Full-Circle Journey

Beyond The Classroom: Physiological Stress Of Academic Travel, Whitley J. Stone, Paula Upright, Stacey Forsythe

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Long-distance travel is often celebrated as an opportunity for growth, but its physiological and cognitive consequences are rarely addressed in academic contexts. PURPOSE: This study investigated the physiological and cognitive effects of long-distance travel on university students journeying from the Southeastern U.S. to Hawaii. METHODS: Using a repeated measures design, participants were assessed at baseline (pre-travel) and across the first four days on island (post-travel). RESULTS: Results from a repeated measures ANOVA revealed significant disruptions in cardiovascular and stress markers. Average daily heart rate increased markedly across the trip (F(4,56)=12.96, pn=38 participants for CRF, n=71 for PSS, n=124 …

A Multi-Stage Pilot Study To Develop Procedures To Examine Diversity, Equity & Inclusivity (Dei) Statements Within Kinesiology Journal Submission Guidelines, Vivianne Felker, Zoe Howard, Jafra D. Thomas, Shannon R. Siegel, Shiina Tsuchiya, Jorge Portillo, Deanna Jun, Alexis V. Willing, Jill M. Maples, James W. Navalta, Matthew J. Garver, Joel D. Reece, Dustin W. Davis

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

While diversity, equity, and inclusivity (DEI) principles support ethically responsible, cost-effective, evidence-supported health promotion and performance interventions, they are rarely addressed within published biomedical/behavioral science research, including in kinesiology. PURPOSE: Because journal submission guidelines could increase integration of DEI principles’ application, we sought to develop a valid and reliable procedure to quantify DEI statements within kinesiology-related journal submission guidelines. METHODS: The pilot study was conducted between 2023 and 2025. Faculty investigators developed a codebook with good content validity (100% consensus achieved), then the primary faculty investigators produced a written protocol and coding form to standardize the coding process. …

Effects Of Acute And Multi-Day Beetroot Juice Supplementation On Power And Velocity Of Ncaa Division I Baseball Players, Justin M. Foster, Raymond T. Gerardo, Sydney N. Brennan, Trevor J. Molnar, Ryan Tran, Kyle S. Geppert, Christopher B. Sottile, Michael Egiazarian, Abigail F. Ballhagen, Stewart D. Gonzalez, Adam Pennell, Rachel Tan

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Dietary nitrate supplementation can enhance power via modulating type II muscle fiber contractility; however, no study has examined the ergogenic potential of nitrate in elite level power-based athletes that heavily rely on type II muscle fiber activation such as baseball players. Moreover, there are no nitrate dosing guidelines available for elite level athletes. PURPOSE: To investigate if acute and multi-day nitrate supplementation influences power and velocity during barbell back squat and barbell bench press in elite level baseball players. METHODS: Eighteen male collegiate baseball athletes (NCAA Division I) reported to the laboratory for 6 visits over ~8 weeks, and were …

Effect Of Sodium Bicarbonate On Gastrointestinal Injury During Repeated Sprints In The Heat, Ozan Kumbasar, Jonathan W. Specht, Marissa Ramirez, Jennifer Raef, Mackenzie Schwartz, Alyssa R. Bailly, Oscar Chavez Jr., Jade X. Dawson, Jessica Apodaca, Raul Freire, Withley C. Atkins, Flávio De Castro Magalhães, Jason Siegler, Fabiano T. Amorim

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Sodium bicarbonate (SB) is a widely used supplement that can enhance repeat sprint performance; however, a common side effect is gastrointestinal (GI) distress. Exercise in the heat can cause intestinal injury and endotoxemia, but no study has examined whether SB heightens this injury. PURPOSE: To determine whether SB ingestion exacerbates intestinal discomfort, injury, and endotoxemia during repeated sprints in the heat. METHODS: Ten endurance-trained athletes (6 male) completed randomized, counterbalanced, double-blind trials in which they ingested capsules containing SB (0.2 g·kg⁻¹ body mass) or placebo following a high-carbohydrate meal. The trials consisted of a 22-min warm-up followed by …

Dietary Nitrate Supplementation Worsens Resistance Exercise Performance In Resistance-Trained Females, Sydney N. Brennan, Raymond T. Gerardo, Trevor J. Molnar, Justin M. Foster, Ryan Tran, Kyle S. Geppert, Christopher B. Sottile, Michael Egiazarian, Abigail F. Ballhagen, Stewart D. Gonzalez, Adam Pennell, Rachel Tan

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Dietary nitrate supplementation appears to preferentially target type II muscle fibers for beneficial effects; however, research examining the efficacy of nitrate in females and resistance exercise is scarce. PURPOSE: To investigate if dietary nitrate, provided as concentrated nitrate-rich beetroot juice (BR), improved resistance exercise performance in back squat and bench press compared to nitrate-depleted beetroot juice (PL) in resistance-trained females. METHODS: Eighteen resistance-trained females aged reported to the lab for a total of four visits over a 2-week period. Participants performed a one repetition maximum protocol (1RM) and familiarization to the experimental protocol, and were assigned in a randomized, double-blind …

Acute And Chronic Dietary Nitrate Supplementation On Resistance Exercise Performance In Healthy Resistance-Trained Adults., Trevor J. Molnar, Sydney N. Brennan, Justin M. Foster, Ryan Tran, Raymond T. Gerardo, Kyle S. Geppert, Christopher B. Sottile, Michael Egiazarian, Abigail F. Ballhagen, Stewart D. Gonzalez, Adam Pennell, Rachel Tan

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

The efficacy of dietary nitrate supplementation for enhancing resistance exercise remains unclear, and nitrate dosing guidelines are relatively unexplored. PURPOSE: To determine whether acute and chronic dietary nitrate supplementation, provided in the form of nitrate-rich beetroot juice (BR), can improve resistance exercise performance in resistance-trained males. METHODS: Thirty-six resistance-trained males and females will be recruited. Participants will complete a standardized one-repetition maximum (1RM) test in barbell back squat and barbell bench press and a familiarization prior to experimental visits. In a randomized, double-blind, controlled, fashion, participants will complete two conditions of 14-day supplementation periods to consume: (1) nitrate-depleted beetroot juice …