Sports Sciences Commons^™

Physical Fitness And Executive Functions In Early Childhood: A Systematic Review Of Recent Evidence, Nemanja Lakicevic, Marko Manojlovic, Elena Chichinina, Apollinaria Chursina, Kristina Tarasova, Ewan Thomas, Yuming Zhong, Antonino Bianco, Patrik Drid

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background Optimizing physical fitness (PF) and developing executive functions (EFs) is of great importance in preschool children. The link between PF, obtained through repetitive physical activity, and EFs is gaining increasing attention in recent years and we sought to systematically search the literature on the relationship between PF and EFs in preschool children published in the last five years. Methods Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed were databases searched for the relevant literature. Original studies written in English and published in peer-reviewed journals including healthy children aged 3–6 years who were simultaneously tested for PF and EFs were considered eligible. …

Optimizing Agility Training In Team Sport Players—The Role Of Perception-Action Coupling: A Systematic Review With Multi-Level Meta-Analysis, Zhiwei Zhao, Yuhang Liu, Kai Xu

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Agility, characterized by rapid whole-body movement in response to external stimuli, is a key performance determinant in team sports owing to its reliance on perception-action coupling. Despite its importance, existing evidence on training effects is disproportionately focused on change-of-direction ability, overlooking the perceptual-cognitive demands of true agility. This systematic review therefore sought to quantify the effects of agility-specific training, examine moderators and establish dose-response model in team-sport players, while accounting for perception-action coupling. Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, systematic searches were conducted in Web of Science, Scopus and PubMed for peer-reviewed English-language studies. Risk of bias was appraised using a modified …

Measuring Plantar Flexor Voluntary Activation And Maximal Voluntary Contraction In A Portable, Seated Method: A Validity And Reliability Study, Molly E. Coventry, Andrea B. Mosler, Paola T. Chivers, Brady D. Green, Ebonie K. Rio, Myles C. Murphy

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Voluntary activation testing quantifies the ability of the motor nervous system to produce maximal force. Laboratory assessment of ankle plantar flexor voluntary activation is common, but field testing in practical settings is limited by equipment portability. We aimed to compare plantar flexor voluntary activation and maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) using a portable device with a standardised laboratory method and evaluate the test–retest reliability of the portable protocol. Methods: We performed a pseudo-randomised, crossover design. Participants completed two protocols: (1) portable force plate testing and (2) a laboratory-based isokinetic dynamometer. Voluntary activation was assessed using twitch interpolation via tibial nerve …

Physical Activity And Exercise Patterns Of Submariners In Land And Sea Environments, Benjamin Kirk, Georgios Mavropalias, Anthony Blazevich, Jodie Cochrane Wilkie, Aus Molan, Kazunori Nosaka

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Introduction: Submarine environments pose unique challenges to maintaining physical activity and exercise routines due to confined spaces, demanding schedules, and limited resources. This study investigated submariners’ physical activity patterns, sleep quality, and perceived exercise barriers in both land- and sea-based settings, with the goal of informing targeted health interventions. Materials and Methods: Ethics approval was granted by the Defence Science and Technology Group and Edith Cowan University review panels. This cross-sectional study surveyed 21 Royal Australian Navy submariners (25-48 years; 18 male) using a modified version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Participants reported weekly engagement in general physical activity …

Sociodemographic Influences On Student-Athlete Eating Disorder Risk And Treatment-Seeking Behavior In The National College Health Assessment, Savannah Hughbanks, Andrew W. Froehle, Brian A. Edwards

Journal of Sports Medicine and Allied Health Sciences: Official Journal of the Ohio Athletic Trainers Association

Objective: The present study was developed to explicate attributes associated with increased likelihood of disordered eating behaviors and treatment avoidance and help practitioners better-identify and assist high-risk individuals.

Participants: Varsity athletes (n=51,882) who completed the National College Health Assessment (NCHA) between 2011 and 2019.

Methods: Data was collected from survey responses to questions related to disordered eating behaviors. Disorders were cross-sectioned into eight predictors: year in school, gender, sexual-orientation, race/ethnicity, school-type, international-student, history of mental health illness, and anxiety of impending academic performance.

Results: Two percent of the student-athletes self-reported an ED diagnosis, and within those two percent 65.9% reported …

Reliability And Score Agreement Of A Modified Lower Quarter Y-Balance Test As Compared To The Lower Quarter Y-Balance Test In Healthy Adults, Braden L. Lawson, Jordan Morris, Alan Brubaker Rodriguez, Wendy Wheeler

Journal of Sports Medicine and Allied Health Sciences: Official Journal of the Ohio Athletic Trainers Association

Introduction: The Y-Balance Test (YBT) is a dynamic balance test assessing range of motion, flexibility, neuromuscular control, and strength. The YBT is used to evaluate individuals for increased injury risk, deficiencies, and progress of rehabilitation. Due to the higher cost associated with materials in a YBT kit, a modified YBT (mYBT) was created using three cloth measuring tapes, and three blocks of wood to help mitigate financial barriers. In previous studies the mYBT has demonstrated adequate agreement of composite scores with the Upper Quarter Y-Balance Test (UQYBT). The purpose of this study was to determine the agreement of composite scores …

The Effect Of Vitamin D Supplementation On Serum 25(Oh)D And Its Association With Stress Fractures In High-Risk, Physically Active Adults: A Critically Appraised Topic, Connor Lewis, Martha Yost, Aric J. Warren

Journal of Sports Medicine and Allied Health Sciences: Official Journal of the Ohio Athletic Trainers Association

Clinical Scenario: In collegiate athletic and military populations alike, the repetitive and intense training increase the risk of experiencing a stress fracture, representing a significant time loss and financial cost. Research suggests the use of supplemental vitamin D to prevent the occurrence of stress fractures in high-risk adults. Clinical Question: In high risk, physically active adults, does the effect of vitamin D supplementation on serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentration effect the occurrence of stress fractures? Clinical Bottom Line: The findings suggest that clinicians should consider the use of supplemental vitamin D as a protective measure against the occurrence of stress …

A Comparison Of Novel Treatment Interventions To Improve Hamstring Range Of Motion, Sadie Buboltz-Dubs, Brittney Dejong, William S. Gear

Journal of Sports Medicine and Allied Health Sciences: Official Journal of the Ohio Athletic Trainers Association

Purpose: Perceived hamstring tightness is a prevalent condition caused by multiple factors, including anterior pelvic tilt and neural tension. Traditional treatments, such as static stretching, do not address these underlying conditions. This study aimed to determine the short-term effectiveness of two neuromuscular treatment techniques for increasing hamstring flexibility compared with a traditional static stretching technique. Methods: Hamstring range of motion was measured using PSLR and AKE pre-and post-intervention for two treatment sessions and again as a single discharge measurement one week after the first treatment session. Three treatments were studied: Primal Reflex Release Technique, Neurodynamic Sliding Technique, Static Stretching, …

Effects Of Functional Ankle Instability On Muscle Activation Latency In Ice Hockey Athletes: A Pilot Study, Nicolas Gonzalez, Tyler A. Wood, Nicholas E. Grahovec

Journal of Sports Medicine and Allied Health Sciences: Official Journal of the Ohio Athletic Trainers Association

This study examined lower extremity muscle activation latency during the push-off phase in ice hockey athletes with and without functional ankle instability (FAI). Ten athletes participated, divided into FAI and control groups based on the Identification of Functional Ankle Instability scale. Participants completed three push-off trials while wearing electromyography sensors on the tibialis anterior, fibularis longus, medial gastrocnemius, and gluteus medius. The FAI group demonstrated a significant increase in muscle activation latency across all muscles tested (p

Pre- To Post-Season Changes In Body Composition Among Division Iii Football Players, Sebastian Schaefer, Cesar Navarro, Edward Merritt

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Collegiate football player body composition likely changes over the course of the season, and might differ based on player position. The extent to which this occurs in Division III football players is not known. PURPOSE: To examine differences in body composition from pre- to post-season and positional differences among Division III football players at Southwestern University. METHODS: Division III NCAA football players at Southwestern University were recruited prior to the 2025 season. Body composition was determined pre- and post-season by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA).  Only athletes who completed the season and were not sidelined due to injury …

Footwear Matters: Speed And Barefoot Running Enhance Medial Gastrocnemius Emg, Kaleb M. Luna, Bryon C. Applequist

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Barefoot running alters foot strike mechanics and may change lower-extremity muscle demands compared to shod running, particularly at different speeds. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of footwear (barefoot vs. shod) and running speed (preferred vs. +20%) on normalized electromyographic (EMG) amplitude of the medial gastrocnemius (MG) and tibialis anterior (TA) in recreational runners. METHODS: Five healthy recreational runners completed treadmill running trials at preferred speed and +20% preferred speed in barefoot and shod conditions. Bilateral surface EMG was recorded from MG and TA (1500 Hz). Signals were bandpass filtered (20–450 Hz), rectified, …

A Comparative Analysis Of Maladaptive Perfectionism In Male And Female Competitive Bodybuilders, Maddox B. Utter, Christian O. Quintero, Samantha S. Dardaman, Stephen E. Rowden, Scott B. Martin

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Bodybuilding is a sport focused on physique optimization, where success is determined by judges’ evaluations of muscle mass, symmetry, and definition. Due to the sport’s emphasis of physical aesthetics, bodybuilders may feel the need to compare themselves with other competitors. This evaluation and comparison of physique may expose athletes to maladaptive perfectionistic tendencies, such as setting unattainably high standards, excessive worry over mistakes, and a diminished sense of competence. While current bodybuilding literature is limited, previous research suggests that perfectionism may lead to psychological impairments (e.g., body dysmorphia, anxiety, and reduced self-confidence) which may manifest differently between male and female …

How Does The Stage Of Pregnancy Influence Gait And Sway In Pregnant Women From Six To Eight Months., Lilie-Rose S. Gilbert, Scott P. Mclean, Edward Merritt

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Physiological changes that affect gait, posture, and balance during the late stages of pregnancy increase the risk of falling.  These changes were examined across the stages of pregnancy using simulated pregnancy loading. PURPOSE: To compare gait and postural balance measures under three loading conditions simulating zero, 6, and 8-months of simulated pregnancy. We predicted that the added weight in late-stage pregnancy would adversely affect gait characteristics and reduce postural control. METHODS: Twenty-one healthy females (20.1±1.2 years, 1.79±0.11 m, 64.1±9.5 kg) completed a 10-m walking gait assessment.  They then completed three trials under each condition, including the Stability Evaluation Test (SET) …

Inter-Rater Reliability Of Manual Waist Circumference And Agreement With Dxa-Derived Waist In Male Collegiate Rugby Players, Hayden Johnson, Christian Rivera, Stephanie Hansford, Regan Renfro, Dalton Prye, Matthew Poole, Saheed Jaiyeola, Sage A. Newman, Adesiji Adetona, Oscar Woodside, Jmya Hughes, Preston James, Kelly Hines, Jade Simon, Drew E. Gonzalez, Christopher D. Greenleaf, Micheil Spillane

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Waist circumference (WC) is a low-cost surrogate of central adiposity, but measurement error can limit athlete monitoring. PURPOSE: Evaluate inter-rater reliability of manual WC and agreement with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA)-derived WC in male collegiate rugby players. METHODS: Twenty-one male collegiate rugby players completed baseline testing (manual WC and DXA completed same day) following an overnight fast and euhydration. Two trained raters independently measured WC on bare skin at the superior border of the iliac crest (site not pre-marked) using a seca 201 measurement tape, with participants standing feet together and arms relaxed at their sides; the tape was verified …

Associations Between Dxa-Derived Trunk Adiposity And Resting Hemodynamics In Male Collegiate Rugby Union Athletes, Adesiji Adetona, Hayden Johnson, Christian Rivera, Stephanie Hansford, Regan Renfro, Dalton Prye, Matthew Poole, Saheed Jaiyeola, Sage A. Newman, Oscar Woodside, Jmya Hughes, Preston James, Kelly Hines, Jade Simon, Drew E. Gonzalez, Christopher D. Greenleaf, Micheil Spillane

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Trunk adiposity is a cardiometabolic risk factor that may relate to resting hemodynamics even in young athletic populations. PURPOSE: To examine associations between DXA-derived trunk percent fat and resting heart rate (HR) and blood pressure (BP) in male collegiate rugby union athletes. METHODS: Twenty-one male rugby athletes completed morning testing (06:00–09:00 h) following ≥12 h fast and post-void, with stimulants (including caffeine) restricted ≥12 h and no exercise ≥24 h. Hydration was screened using urine specific gravity (USG; CLINITEK Status+ with Multistix 10 SG) and urine color (clear yellow). Whole-body DXA (Hologic Horizon W; APEX v5.6.1.3 rev 007) provided trunk …

Effects Of An 8-Week Resistance Training Program On Segmental Lean Mass, Corie N. Smith, Kornkanok Sophonsakulrat, Payton E. Miller, Laura Roden, Avery Prickell, Karley Rayfield, Katherine Adcock, Canyon Massengale, Jessica Jones, Grant Tinsely, Jacob A. Mota

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Resistance training is a powerful stimulus that is known to induce a myriad of positive effects in humans. A popular result desired by athletes is to increase muscle mass. However, the existing literature on resistance training and muscular hypertrophy focuses on whole body lean mass changes. The body of work which elucidate the effect of training on segmental lean mass is less documented. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of a short-term resistance training intervention on segmental lean mass in previously untrained college aged women. METHODS: 22 college aged women (age: 21 ± 4) volunteered …

Changes In Ankle Angle And Knee Angle Throughout Gait With Ankle Bracing And Ankle Taping, Genavieve T. Evans, Tristyn G. Kattawar, Scott Mclean

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Ankle taping and ankle bracing are the most common solutions to chronic ankle instability and ankle injuries, however, scientific findings suggest that changes in the individual’s gait patterns can occur with the addition of ankle restrictions. PURPOSE: to compare the effects of ankle bracing and taping with no support to lower extremity joint kinematics while walking on a treadmill. METHODS: Seventeen collegiate athletes (19.9 yrs, 1.74 m, 71.2 kg) completed walking trials on a treadmill under three ankle support conditions; no support, ankle taping, and ankle brace.  Ankle and knee angles were measured during the walking trials using electrogoniometers. Peak …

Impact Of An 8-Week Personalized Exercise Program On Health-Related Fitness Parameters, Michelle Castro, Jasmeen Fajardo-Lopez, Major Martin, Raejone Lucas, Brock Niceler Md, Yunsuk Koh

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Introduction: A routine exercise program has been recommended across all demographic groups to improve cardiovascular health, muscle function, cognitive function, and mental health. Purpose: This study examined how personalized exercise affects health-related fitness parameters. Method: A total of 17 patients (age=42.88±12.89 years, male=1, and females=16), attending the fitness program at a regional hospital, were recruited. A health-related fitness battery test, including cardiorespiratory endurance, resting heart rate and blood pressure, motor fitness, musculoskeletal fitness, flexibility, body composition, and balance, was administered at the pre- (week 0), mid- (week 4), and post-study (week 8) periods. Results: Body fat (%) significantly decreased by …

Differences In Lower Body Power, Maximum Voluntary Contraction (Mvc) Of The Arms, Grip Strength, And Reaction Time In Recreational Pickleball Players And Sedentary Women: A Pilot Study, Ayah R. Elshafie, Kamila Naranjo, Pamela Gonzalez, Hashim Elshafie, Victoria Garcia, Areli Cisneros, Jabeth Azpeitia, Ulku Karabulut, Rebekah Schlatter, Guillermo Perez

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Recreational pickleball participation has increased substantially among adult women; however, limited research exists examining neuromuscular performance in this population. PURPOSE: The purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate the feasibility of assessing lower body muscular power, maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) of the biceps and triceps brachii, grip strength, and reaction time in active pickleball-playing women compared to sedentary women to inform future research. METHODS: Ten participants (pickleball n=5, sedentary n=5) visited the laboratory to complete anthropometric measurements, lower body power assessment using a standardized sit-to-stand protocol with a Power Tendo device, and upper-extremity assessments including MVC for elbow flexion …

Comparison Of Dxa-Derived Body Volume Estimation Equations (Wilson Vs Smith-Ryan) In Collegiate Rugby Union Athletes, Jmya Hughes, Hayden Johnson, Christian Rivera, Stephanie Hansford, Regan Renfro, Dalton Prye, Matthew Poole, Saheed Jaiyeola, Sage A. Newman, Adesiji Adetona, Oscar Woodside, Preston James, Kelly Hines, Jade Simon, Drew E. Gonzalez, Christopher D. Greenleaf, Micheil Spillane

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Accurate estimation of body volume (BV) is required for multicomponent body composition models. PURPOSE: Compare two published DXA-derived BV equations (Wilson vs Smith-Ryan) using whole-body Hologic DXA tissue masses in collegiate rugby union athletes. METHODS: Twenty-one male rugby union athletes underwent whole-body DXA (Hologic Horizon W; APEX v5.6.1.3 Rev 007; Classic calibration [NHANES BCA disabled]; standard tissue analysis; daily QC within tolerance) during morning testing (06:00–09:00 h) while fasted and post-void; caffeine was avoided (≥12 h) and exercise was avoided (≥24 h). Hydration was assessed prior to scanning via urine specific gravity (Siemens CLINITEK Status+; Multistix 10 SG) and urine …