Medical Education Commons^™

Under Pressure: Floor-To-Stage Heart Rate Differences In Elite Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Players, Ashley Holland, Dillon Harris, Zachary R. Mcfadden, Steven B. Machek

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Background: The growing Esports industry features high stakes competition and large-scale viewership. Competitors in titles such as Super Smash Bros. Ultimate (SSBU) may experience increased performance anxiety indicators like elevated heart rate especially when placed into spotlighted stage matches, both live streamed and recorded in front of a live audience. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine if heart rate elevations differ between competitive play on stage relative to the floor of a double-elimination style tournament bracket. Methods: Four internationally ranked SSBU players (24±1y; 4M) wore chest-based heart rate monitors throughout a double-elimination bracket.A 2-way (Bracket [Winners, Losers] …

Remote Activation Of A Connected Mobile-Health Application After A Clinical Exercise Physiology Consultation Within A Preventive Cardiology Practice, Theodore I. Nania, Frank T. Paul Iii, Dennis Fitz-Patrick, Regis I. Fernandes M.D., Robert Scales

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Connected mobile-Health (CmH) is an innovative healthcare model where clinicians use a shared mobile device application (app) and supportive technology to monitor and deliver care remotely. PURPOSE: This investigation pilot tested the feasibility of integrating a CmH communication platform into a preventive cardiology practice within a large integrated healthcare system. METHODS: A 6-month retrospective chart review of electronic medical records was conducted to identify the adoption of CmH in a self-selected group of patients after receiving a 1-hour in-person consultation from a graduate-level Clinical Exercise Physiologist (CEP). Exercise counseling included a short-term progressive home exercise prescription with instruction on how …

Observation Of Emerging Hand Preference Reflected In Hemispheric Eeg Patterns In Infants With Typical Development, Kashish H. Chainani, Riley Elmer, Erika G. Mora, Beth A. Smith

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

ABSTRACT

Reaching behavior in infants typically emerges around 4 months of age. Neural mechanisms reflected in reaching behavior are crucial for understanding brain organization, cognitive processing, and typical neuromotor development.

PURPOSE:

This study investigates the relationship between emerging hand bias and hemispheric electroencephalography (EEG) activity in infants with typical development. We hypothesize that within subjects, brain activation (EEG relative power) will be greater in the left hemisphere (C3) in infants with right reach bias (RB) and greater in the right hemisphere (C4) in infants with left reach bias (LB), with no significant differences between hemispheres for infants with no reach …

Relationships Between Depression And Body Composition In Collegiate Athletes And Non-Athletes, Aysha W. Cunningham, Keegan Pulford-Thorpe, Edward Kerr Iii, Tamara Hew-Butler

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Up to 62.9% of the general college student population report depression. Whether or not collegiate athletes have higher or lower depression scores remains unclear. PURPOSE: To 1) determine the incidence of depression at a midwestern university and 2) explore relationships between depression and body composition in collegiate athletes and non-athletes. METHODS: A convenience sample of student-athletes and non-athletes, from a NCAA Division II school, were screened for depression using the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression – Revised (CESD-R) scale. The threshold for depression was ≥16. Total body composition was assessed using a dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scanner (Hologic, Horizon …

The Effects Of Altitude Hypoxia In Simulated Racing, Yahtziri Martinez, Daniela Torres, Evelin Ramirez Nila, Nathaniel Bodell

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

High-altitude environments impair physical and cognitive performance due to reduced oxygen availability. While hypoxia’s effects on endurance and cognition are well-documented, little is known about its impact on simulated racing performance, which may inform preparation for motorsport events held at altitude. PURPOSE: To examine the acute effects of simulated moderate altitude (~2,500 m) on performance, physiology, and cognition during a simulated racing task. METHODS: Thirteen healthy participants (mean age = 24.15 ± 5.83 y) completed two randomized crossover sessions one week apart: normoxia (~500 m) and hypoxia (~2,500 m), simulated with the Hypoxico Everest II. Outcome measures included …

Acute Effects Of Backpack Load Carriage On Vascular Stiffness And Pinch Strength, Madison Mower, Sean C. Newcomer, Osmar Pinto Neto, Deborah L. Feairheller, Deanna J. Schmidt

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Backpack load carriage has been shown to affect upper limb microvascular blood flow, nerve conduction and fine motor skills. But to the best of our knowledge Pulse Wave Analysis (PWA) measurements have yet to be reported pre- and post-carriage. PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to investigate the acute effects of backpack carriage on vascular stiffness and hand function which may inform injury prevention strategies for individuals in physically demanding occupations requiring backpack carriage. METHODS: Thirteen healthy participants (5 F, 8 M; mean ± SD of 27.1 ± 7.4 yrs, 80.1 ± 19.8 kg) recruited as a …

Concurrent Heart Rate Validity And Reliability Of Polar Verity Sense Devices During Light And Moderate Intensity Resistance Training In Recreationally Active Adults, Kynlee Sperry, Catalina Kerwin, Juni Timmins, Jamaal Bovell, Jose Vasquez, Satereh (Star) Zarei, Jeff Guzman, Nathaniel Bodell, James W. Navalta Facsm, Marcus M. Lawrence

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Our laboratory previously determined that while wrist-worn wearable technology devices (e.g. Garmin watches) are not valid or reliable for heart rate, bicep-worn wearable technology devices (e.g., Polar Verity Sense) were valid and reliable for heart rate during light intensity resistance training (RT). However, these devices have never been tested for validity or reliability with varied intensities during resistance training. PURPOSE: To determine the concurrent validity and reliability of identical Polar Verity Sense bicep-worn devices to assess valid measures of average and maximum heart rate (HR) during light and moderately heavy RT. METHODS: Twenty adults (n=16 male, n=4 female, age: 25.65±8.59 …

Sex Differences In Perceived Stress And Emotional Eating Patterns Among College Students, Colton P. Reger, Claire Lindemier, Cody Takenaka, Nickolas Urias, Kaley Brennan, Alyssa Frumkin, Zachary Zeigler

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

This study examined sex differences in perceived stress and emotional eating behaviors among college students (N = 283; 164 males, 119 females; Mean age = 20.82 years, SD = 3.29). Participants completed the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire (TFEQ), and Mindful Eating Questionnaire (MEQ). Analysis of variance revealed significant sex differences in several key measures. Female students reported higher levels of perceived stress (M = 20.19, SD = 5.58) compared to male students (M = 17.50, SD = 6.39; p = .001). Regarding eating behaviors, females scored significantly higher on emotional eating (TFEQ-emotional: M = 2.43, SD = …

The Impact Of Deadlift Exercise Intensity On Rating Of Perceived Exertion, Perceived Fatigue And Anxiety During An Acute Session In Recreationally Active Adults, Juni Timmins, Kynlee Sperry, Catalina Kerwin, Jae Bovell, Jose Vasquez, Setareh Zarei, Jeff Guzman, Nathaniel Bodell, James W. Navalta Facsm, Marcus M. Lawrence

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Most literature examining the influence of exercise intensity on anxiety symptoms has been aerobic training and has found high-intensity efforts to be more beneficial than low-intensity on reducing symptoms. Yet, no study has directly assessed resistance training exercise intensity on anxiety symptoms and other perceptual outcomes acutely. PURPOSE: To determine the impact of deadlift exercise intensity on rating of perceived exertion (RPE), perceived fatigue and anxiety during an acute session. METHODS: 20 recreationally active adults (n=4 females, n=16 males, age: 25.7±8.6 yrs; mass: 92.8±29.7 kg; height: 179.4±9.8 cm) completed 4 sets of 6 repetitions of the deadlift exercise at a …

Gender Moderation Of Academic Performance And Blood Pressure Relationships Among College Students, Kayley E. Brennan, Elise Bayer, Lindsay Carter, Zachary Zeigler

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Academic stress and performance may influence cardiovascular health in college students, but the relationship remains unclear. Previous research examining grade point average (GPA) and blood pressure has yielded inconsistent findings, potentially due to unexamined, gender differences. PURPOSE: To investigate whether gender moderates the relationship between academic performance and blood pressure in college students. METHODS: College students (n=106, 60.4% male, age range 18-24 years) provided GPA data and underwent blood pressure assessment, including brachial systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) measurements. Independent t-tests compared, gender differences. Hierarchical moderated regression tested GPA x gender interactions, with gender-stratified correlations calculated separately. RESULTS: Females demonstrated …

High-Dose Sodium Supplementation On Cardiovascular Responses While Cycling In The Heat, Ryan Ott, Abram Caruso, Sterling Hatch, Melanie Mcquinn, Melani Kelly, Andrew Creer, Shane Draper

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Sodium intake plays a major role in maintaining fluid-electrolyte balance and cardiovascular function during exercise. PURPOSE: To evaluate how a high-dose sodium supplement impacts heart rate (HR), mean arterial pressure (MAP), and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE). METHODS: Twenty recreationally active participants (15 males, 5 females; age = 23.4 ± 2.8) completed a 2-h bout of cycling in an environmental chamber (37.3℃, 59.1 ± 4.4% relative humidity) on two occasions separated by > 7 days. Participants were randomly provided a large-dose sodium supplement (810mg/532 mL of water) before one trial. Participants were instructed to consume 266mL 1-h pre-trial and consumed the …

Investigating Respiratory Frequency As A Core Temperature Proxy In Division 1 American Football, Beverly Albert, Shane Draper, Paula Johnson, Victor Romano, Scott Willis

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Exertional heat illness (EHI) is a leading cause of preventable sudden death in sports. American football (AmFb) accounts for 75% of reported heat-related illnesses in NCAA sports. EHI fatalities in AmFb have surpassed those from direct trauma since 1990, mainly occurring during preseason practices when wet bulb globe temperatures (WBGT) exceed 27.8°C. Although internal temperature monitoring has been explored, the relationship between electrocardiogram-derived respiratory frequency (EDR) and core temperature (Tc) remains undefined. PURPOSE: This study aims to evaluate EDR as a non-invasive, real-time monitoring strategy for heat stress compared to ECG-Tc during preseason practices. METHODS: Six University of Utah football …

Evaluating Participant Responsivness To The Chair Based Resistance Program, Eileen A. Nunez-Ortiz, Zakkoyya Lewis

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Physical inactivity among older adults remains a major public health concern, with fewer than 15% meeting national guidelines. Resistance training has been proven to help prevent these outcomes, yet participation remains low. This research utilized the OYO Fitness Program, an 8-week chair-based intervention using the portable OYO double flex device to offer a more accessible and inclusive approach to resistance training for older adults. PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to examine participants' responsiveness to the program, with a focus on post-program focus group findings. METHODS: Adults ages 65 and older (n = 28) completed the 8-week program across …

The Impact Of Resistance Exercise Intensity And Position Of Wrist-Worn Wearable Technology Devices Measuring Heart Rate Validity During An Acute Session In Recreationally Active Adults, Catalina M. Kerwin, Jae Bovell, Kynlee Sperry, Juni Timmins, Jose Vasquez, Setareh Zarei, Jeff Guzman, Nathaniel Bodell, James W. Navalta Facsm, Marcus M. Lawrence

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Wearable technology is widely used in recreational exercise. We recently found that wrist-worn devices (e.g., Garmin Instinct) were not valid or reliable for measuring average or maximal heart rate (HR) during resistance training (RT). We postulated that lack of accuracy could be due to the intensity of RT or even positioning of the device on the wrist. PURPOSE: To determine the impact of RT intensity or wrist position on average or maximal HR validity and reliability of identical wrist-worn Garmin Instincts. METHODS: 21 recreationally active adults (n=4 females, n=17 males, age: 25.7±8.6 yrs; mass: 92.8±29.7 kg; height: 179.4±9.8 cm) completed …

Acute Effects Of Asymmetric Loading On Hip Loading And Oblique Muscle Activation During Walking Gait, Kevin Almontes, Sarah Browning, Dawn Veditz, Owen Mccarry, Scott J. Hazelwood, Christiane R. O'Hara

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Asymmetric load carriage is a common daily task and may alter gait mechanics, potentially increasing the risk of musculoskeletal strain and injury. This study examined the acute effects of asymmetric loading on hip joint mechanics and external oblique muscle activity during walking in healthy young adults. Six participants (4 female, 2 male; mean age 21.6 ± 1.1 years) completed three walking trials each of unloaded, symmetrically loaded, and asymmetrically loaded (right side) conditions, with loads equal to 10% of body weight. Kinematic, kinetic, and electromyographic data were collected using a motion capture system, force plate, and surface EMG sensors placed …

Walking On An Omnidirectional Treadmill: Implications For Gait Training, Wendy T. Pham, Gwendolyn Retzinger, Blake Bigham, Kayla E. Hori, Jacob Hinkel-Lipsker

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Virtual reality (VR) has been increasingly used for rehabilitative gait training, however, and only training on a unidirectional treadmill limit the replication of real-world walking. Thus, the omnidirectional frictionless treadmills allow users to slide on a concave surface enhancing the VR experience while imposing new gait challenges. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to examine the differences in gait kinematics and muscle activation in healthy participants between omnidirectional treadmills and traditional modalities like conventional treadmills and overground. We hypothesize that there will be a significant difference in cadence and gastrocnemius muscle activity between the omnidirectional treadmill with virtual …

Prediction Of Collegiate Pitching Performance From Longitudinal Neuromuscular Performance Testing Data, Evan Kroll, Arnel Aguinaldo Facsm, Jacob R. Goodin, Hillary Plummer

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

BACKGROUND: Objective performance testing has become central to baseball, offering insights into force production, neuromuscular readiness, and joint-specific strength that are often invisible through observation. Despite advances in pitch tracking, no study has examined the relationship between these testing outcomes and advanced in-game metrics such as Stuff+. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the predictive accuracy of neuromuscular performance testing metrics in forecasting pitching performance defined by Stuff+. METHODS: NCAA Division II pitchers were monitored during the 2025 season using countermovement jump (CMJ) and isometric strength testing, paired with in-game ball flight data. Each …

Effect Of Walking With Blood Flow Restriction On Post-Exercise Hypotension In Individuals With High Bmi, Iltark Yoon, Kathryn Connors, Sarah Krager, Kaylee Hauck, Marcos Gutierrez, Jong-Kyung Kim

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Purpose: this study is to assess whether walking with blood flow restriction (BFR) induced post exercise hypotension (PEH), and the reduction in blood pressure (BP) was due to peripheral vasodilation in individuals with individuals with high BMI. Methods: Ten male participants were recruited in this study. The participants was randomly assigned to walk for 10 minutes at 6.4 k/m, 0% grade with or without BFR. Following exercise, BP was measured at 10 min interval for 60 minutes in a seated position. Heart rate (HR), stroke volume (SV), cardiac output (CO), mean arterial pressure (MAP), and total peripheral resistance (TPR) were …

Equilibrium Or Silence, Why Understanding The Balance Is Crucial, Kayla E. Hori, Jacob Hinkel-Lipsker, Marek R. Kwasek, Sarkis Sarkisyan, Kenneth M. Mazariegos

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

PURPOSE: People who are Deaf and hard of hearing have an “invisible” disability because they can do everything except hear. The inner ear has two primary functions: sound and balance. The purpose of a cochlear implant is to restore and simulate the loss of sounds sensed by the auditory nerve. METHODS: A total of 20 subjects, including 10 Deaf with both-sided users, 10 Deaf with one-sided users, 10 Deaf without CIs, and 10 normal-hearing subjects performed bilateral (BLS) and single-leg stance tests (SLS) with open eyes (OE) and closed eyes (CE), on the ground or foam pads, and the Y-Balance …

Relationship Between Lower Body Performance Testing Metrics And Pelvis Energy Flow In Collegiate Baseball Hitting, Adrian Ramirez, Arnel Aguinaldo

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The baseball swing is a complex sequence of coordinated movements in which pelvis energy flow plays a central role in driving swing efficiency and performance. However, the relationship between lower-body performance testing metrics and mechanical energy flow during the swing is not well understood. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between lower-body performance metrics and energy flow during baseball hitting. METHODS: Eleven collegiate hitters (age: 20.7 ± 1.4 years) first underwent a battery of performance tests, including the countermovement jump (CMJ), isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP), hip abduction and adduction isometric strength, and passive …