Sports Sciences Commons^™

The Effect Of A 12-Week Breathwork And Visualization Intervention On Inhibitory Control And Cognitive Flexibility In Adolescent Soccer Players, Louis Hein, Jace Nicolet, Tiffany Gomez, Mei-Jing Ang, Sven Hoekstra, Kelvin C. Wu

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Cognitive inhibition and flexibility are essential for soccer performance, enabling players to adapt to dynamic environments. However, accumulated season fatigue often degrades these executive functions. The Neurovisceral Integration Model posits that prefrontal cognitive function is linked to cardiac vagal tone, suggesting that autonomic regulation may support inhibitory control. While breathwork is known to enhance autonomic regulation, its potential to preserve cognitive function in youth athletes is untested. PURPOSE: This study investigated the effects of a 12-week breathwork and visualization protocol on inhibitory control (Stroop) and cognitive flexibility (Task-Switching) in adolescent soccer players. METHODS: Athletes were recruited from Soccer Central San …

Effect Of Acute Sleep Fragmentation On Skeletal Muscle Blood Flow During Handgrip Exercise, Gabriel Narvaez, Joaquin Gonzales

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Sleep fragmentation (arousals from sleep) has been shown to impair vascular function due to elevated inflammation and oxidative stress. Previous research on this topic has focused on resting vascular function, with little information available about the effect of poor sleep on hyperemic responses to exercise. PURPOSE: To test the hypothesis that acute sleep fragmentation impairs skeletal muscle blood flow during exercise. METHODS: Fifteen adults (7F, 8M, age- 25 ± 5 y, BMI 23.5 ± 2.5 kg/m2) participated in a randomized crossover study that included one night of habitual sleep and one night of sleep fragmentation separated by at least 7 …

The Effect Of Mental Imagery On Free Throw Shooting Percentage, Kaydon Jackson, Kadyn Hall, Casi Helbig

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Mental imagery is a cognitive process involving the internal simulation of sensory experiences without external stimuli and is commonly used in sport performance preparation. When structured and deliberately practiced, mental imagery can enhance skill acquisition and performance outcomes PURPOSE: This study investigated whether PETTLEP-guided mental imagery (Physical, Environment, Task, Timing, Learning, Emotion, Perspective), performed without any physical practice, could enhance free-throw accuracy. METHODS: Twenty collegiate baseball players were randomly assigned to a PETTLEP imagery group (n=10) or a control group (n=10). Over two weeks, the experimental group participated in five guided mental imagery sessions, each lasting five minutes, while the …

What The Dose?: Assessing The Effect Of Different Doses Of Arugula Extract Capsules On Blood Pressure And Endothelial Function, Autumn E. Andrews, Leroy K. Bolden, Andrew R. Gallucci, Tomas J. Chapman-Lopez, Mary C. Pickler, Olivia C. Russell, Katherine M. Lee, Savannah V. Rauschendorfer

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

The effects of consuming nitrate-rich crops and supplements such as beetroot juice and spinach on endothelial function and blood pressure (BP) via nitric oxide (NO) production have been well established in previous literature. However, limited literature exists on arugula supplementation (e.g., arugula extract) as a source of NO and its effect on vascular function.  PURPOSE: The present study assessed the effect of high and low doses of arugula extract (AE) on blood pressure, vascular measures, and nitrate/nitrite concentrations. METHODS: Eight apparently healthy participants completed a single-blind crossover design study. All participants were randomized for three conditions (3000mg, 6000mg, …

Under Pressure: Arugula Extract’S Effect On Cardiovascular Measures In Hypertensive Individuals, Leroy K. Bolden, Andrew R. Gallucci, Autumn E. Andrews, Mary C. Pickler, Blake E. Wright, Tomas J. Chapman-Lopez, Savannah V. Rauschendorfer

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Hypertension (HTN) is one of the major contributing factors associated with the progression and development of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Moreover, HTN is expected to significantly increase by the year 2050. Nitrate supplements such as beetroot juice (BRJ) have been utilized as a dietary therapeutic to mitigate the progression of HTN and CVD; however, arugula extract, which has a higher nitrate content, has yet to be assessed. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of arugula extract on cardiovascular health measures in hypertensive individuals.  METHODS: 12 participants (M = 11; F = 1) with stage …

Mental Effort Responses To Low Cognitive Load Stimuli During Euhydrated Versus Hypohydrated Fatigue State, Austin Dunn, Lily Hargrove, James Rowe, Luis Aguerrevere, Eric Jones

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Improper body water regulation contributes to physiological changes, affects mood states, and impacts regulation of behavioral responses. With improvements in eye tracking technology (fixation duration and pupil diameter), the ability to quantify focal points and mental effort has expanded greatly. PURPOSE: To examine the effects that fatigue states and hydration, (euhydrated (Eu) vs. hypohydrated (Hypo)), has on average fixation duration and pupil diameter using five separate low cognitive load hydration stimuli. METHODS: Six college aged males underwent two trials of active fatigue/dehydration in an environmental chamber at 35℃ until 2% body water loss was achieved. Fluid restriction and ad-libitum consumption …

Do Different Practice Approaches Affect Intrinsic Motivation Based On A Goal-Directed Behavior?, Elissa D. Torres-Colon, Anthony W. Fava, Emily J. Sauers

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Optimizing motivation leads to enhanced motor performance and improved psychological health in human performers. However, the influence of the type of practice approach on intrinsic motivation among softball pitchers when they learn new pitches is less clear. PURPOSE: To compare intrinsic motivation in adolescent softball pitchers following a practice session using two different practice approaches. METHODS: Fifty adolescent-aged softball pitchers seeking to obtain a breaking pitch (drop ball) were randomly assigned into two practice designs, each with the same goal-directed behavior of “creating as much downward vertical break on the ball as possible.” One group practiced using a …

Sex Differences In Pre-Cooling Effect On Cognitive Processing Changes During Exercise In The Heat, Kristin N. Grabow, Amber M. Shipherd, Meral N. Culver, Christopher M. Hearon

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Cognitive processing (CP) declines during exercise are greater in the heat, but precooling (PC) prior to exercise in the heat can attenuate this decline. While males (M) and females (F) do not differ with regard to the impact of PC on thermoregulatory variables during exercise in the heat, F do demonstrate better perceptional values than M when using PC prior to exercise in the heat. Thus, if perceptional values potentially impact CP during exercise in the heat, then the PC impact on that response could differ between M and F. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare sex …

The Effects Of Multiple Circuit Training Sessions In Hot Compared To Thermoneutral Environmental Conditions On Environmental Symptomology, Jenna King, Ryan Dunn, Alexandra Brojanac, Mario Hernandez, Yasuki Sekiguchi

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Heat acclimation (HA) protocols have been under constant development since the 20th century, with the optimal HA approach yet to be determined. Adaptations from traditional approaches likely favor aerobic performance due to the nature of low- to moderate-intensity, endurance-based exercise in the heat. However, individuals involved in team sports, military personnel, and occupational workers may benefit from adaptations induced by a HA protocol that is more sport-/activity-specific. PURPOSE: To investigate differences in environmental symptomatology during a circuit training session in the heat (35°C; 40% relative humidity [RH]) following short-term (5 day) circuit training in hot and thermoneutral environmental conditions. METHODS: …

Effects Of Age And Sex On Reaction Time In Masters Track And Field Athletes, Yanbing Zhou, Natalie Mclaurin, Jonas Boecker, Phil Chilibeck, Tanja Taivassalo, Sean Forbes, Dominik Pesta, Jörn Rittweger, Hirofumi Tanaka

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Reaction time (RT) is a key indicator of cognitive processing speed and plays a critical role in athletic performance.  Investigating RT in masters athletes can provide valuable insight as it may help disentangle age-related cognitive processing from physical decline.  However, it is unknown whether masters athletes exhibit age-related declines in RT and whether sex and task complexity modulate these changes.  PURPOSE: To evaluate RT in male and female masters track-and-field athletes varying in age.   METHODS: One hundred and eighty-two masters athletes were recruited from the 2025 World Masters Athletics Indoor Track and Field Championships in Florida.  Four RT …

Do Body Composition And Cardiovascular Fitness Differ By Gender In Firefighters?, Giuliet L. Kibler, Kelly Hines, Michael J. Conner, Lisa C. Colvin, Steven E. Martin, Drew E. Gonzalez

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Firefighters (FF) endure substantial cardiovascular stress during their occupational tasks; yet, males and females differ in cardiovascular fitness (CRF) due to biological factors. The differences in body composition (BC) and CRF among FFs remain unclear. PURPOSE: To compare gender-specific outcomes in body BC and cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) of FF. METHODS: BC assessments via BIA and CPET on a cycle ergometer for 509 FF were analyzed from annual clinical testing. Gender was self-reported as follows: female (n = 29), male (n = 476), or other (n = 4). BC metrics, including body fat, lean body mass, skeletal muscle …

How Do Firefighters Differ Between Years Of Fire Service Experience: Part 1 - Physical Fitness Profiles, Ian Bivins, Michael J. Conner, Jacob A. Mota, Payton Miller, Steven E. Martin, Lisa C. Colvin, Drew Gonzalez

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Firefighters (FF) face a higher risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) due to aging, job-related stress, and irregular physical activity. Years of experience (YXP) in the fire service have been shown to have a unique impact on FF health and performance; however, profiling the differences between those with less or more YXP has not yet been assessed. PURPOSE: To examine years of experience-related differences in conventional physical fitness parameters among FFs. METHODS: Archival data from annual clinical testing of 142 FFs were analyzed. Groups were defined as those with 5 YXP. General linear models (GLM) were used for multivariate …

Evaluating Self-Reported Dietary Habits And Barriers Among Rotc Cadets Across Body Mass Index Classifications, Sarah E. Johnson, Sheyla Leon, Michael Conner, Lisa Colvin, Steven Martin, Stella Volpe, Drew Gonzalez

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Limited data exist on the overall and sports nutrition knowledge among Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) cadets across different body mass index (BMI) categories. PURPOSE: We aimed to study ROTC cadets' dietary habits and barriers across BMI groups. METHODS: Cross-sectional data were obtained from 184 ROTC cadets regarding validated questionnaires, such as the Perceived Barriers to Healthy Eating (PBHE), Food Choice Questionnaire (FCQ), and Rapid Eating Assessment for Participants-Short Version (REAPS). The cadets were stratified into body mass index (BMI) groups: underweight (RESULTS: Chi-square analyses showed BMI-related differences in responses to REAPS' breakfast skipping question (χ²=14.289, p=0.027, V=0.199), …

Effects Of Bungee-Based Training On Physical Performance And Arch Jump Kinematics In Female College Rhythmic Gymnasts, Nasser Abouzeid, Mariola Gepfert, Abdulrahman I. Alaqil, Abdulmalek K. Bursais, Hussein Hashoos, Mohammed S. Alibrahim, Labeeb Z. Moseekh, Amr S. Hamza

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of an eight-week bungee-based training program on selected physical performance variables and arch jump kinematics in female college rhythmic gymnasts. Material and methods: Eighteen female college students (age: 18.1 ± 0.9 years) were randomly assigned to an experimental group (EG; n = 9) or a control group (CG; n = 9). The EG completed a bungee workout training program three times per week for eight weeks, while the CG followed a traditional rhythmic gymnastics training program. Physical performance variables included vertical jump, leg strength, back strength, standing long jump, …

Dynamics Of The Airborne Phase In Discus Throwing, Andreas Maheras

Track and Field Faculty Publications

From a mechanics point of view, the execution of the airborne phase in discus throwing can affect the execution of the delivery phase, and eventually the distance thrown. It is not very important to minimize the time it takes to complete the airborne phase or how fast the thrower turns in the middle. The important element in this phase is to create the conditions for a quick planting of the left foot in the front of the ring, while at the same time keeping the shoulder axis towards the thrower's right in the final double support phase. That, can be …

Carbohydrate Restriction Drives Greater Perturbations In Circulating Metabolites Than Low Energy Availability In Elite Male Athletes, Kyle A. Dunlop, Nathan G. Lawler, Jamie Whitfield, Alannah K.A. Mckay, Nicolin Tee, Megan L. Ross, Stacey N. Reinke, John A. Hawley, David Broadhurst, Louise M. Burke

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Periods of low energy availability (LEA) are common in elite athletes and typically arise from reduced energy intake, often involving some degree of carbohydrate (CHO) restriction. Whether the metabolic profile created by energy restriction per se is distinct compared to that driven by CHO restriction is unknown. Using untargeted metabolomics, we examined metabolic perturbations linked to CHO restriction and energy restriction in plasma from elite male endurance athletes. In a semi-randomized controlled trial, athletes (n = 20) completed one of three 5-day dietary interventions: high energy-high CHO (HCHO); LEA (energy-restricted, CHO-reduced); or low-CHO, high-fat (LCHF; energy-matched, CHO-restricted). Plasma samples were …

Comment On ‘Muscle-Specific Strength Better Predicts Physical Performance Decline Than Conventional Metrics: The I-Lan Longitudinal Aging Study’ By Chien Et Al., Ricardo M. Lima, Anthony J. Blazevich

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

No abstract provided.

Peak Lower Limb Joint Angles Are Weak Predictors Of Hamstring Length Change During Sprinting, Shayne Vial, Jodie Cochrane Wilkie, Anthony J. Blazevich, Daniel Kadlec

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Non-contact hamstring injuries (HSIs) commonly occur during the late swing phase of sprinting, when muscle–tendon units (MTUs) approach maximum length. Although sagittal-plane pelvis, hip and knee angles are often used as surrogate measures of overall hamstring lengthening, their predictive validity remains uncertain. This study investigated whether peak three-dimensional lower limb joint angles predict length change in the biarticular hamstring MTUs from peak hip flexion through to toe off (0–100 %) in fourteen intermediate-level male soccer players sprinting at maximal speed (8.56 ± 0.47 m·s−1). Participant-specific musculoskeletal models were used to compute MTU lengths for the biceps femoris long head (BFlh), …

Dual-Task Effects On Spatiotemporal, Kinematic, And Kinetic Parameters And Their Variability During Running, Hsiang-Ling Teng, Jo Armour Smith, Will F.W. Wu

Physical Therapy Faculty Articles and Research

Background

Running in real-world environments often requires using cognitive resources simultaneously with the motor task (dual tasking, DT). Limited existing evidence suggests that DT reduces running speed. Movement variability is essential for a healthy, adaptable motor system. DT has been shown to affect movement variability during walking. Nonetheless, it remains unclear how DT affects spatiotemporal, kinematic, and kinetic parameters and their variability during running.

Research question

Does DT affect spatiotemporal, kinematic, and kinetic measures and their variability during running? Does running speed influence DT effects?

Methods

Thirty-one asymptomatic runners participated in this cross-sectional study. Three-dimensional running biomechanics were recorded while …

Evaluating The Efficacy Of Aerobic Exercise As Therapy For Depression And Anxiety In Women With Pcos: A Systematic Review, Lorna Evelyn Mansell, Caitlin Fox-Harding, Robert U. Newton, Pedro Lopez Da Cruz, Sara Bayes, Favil Singh

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Objective This systematic review aims to evaluate the effectiveness of exercise interventions in alleviating depression and anxiety symptoms in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Data sources PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, SportDiscus, EMBASE and Web of Science databases were searched from their inception to July 2025. Eligibility criteria for selecting studies Randomised controlled trials were eligible if they examined the effects of exercise lasting ≥4 weeks on validated measures of depression and/or anxiety in women aged 18–45 with PCOS diagnosed using the Rotterdam criteria. Publications not written in English were excluded. Data extraction and synthesis Two reviewers independently extracted data …