Sports Sciences Commons^™

Application Of The Theory Of Planned Behavior In Concussion Disclosure: A Systematic Review, Michelle L. Weber Rawlins, R. Curtis Bay, Tamara Valovich Mcleod

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Many athletes do not seek care for a suspected concussion for a number of reasons. Failing to do so can lead to persisting symptoms, longer recovery, or secondary injury. The Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), along with knowledge of concussion, has been used to examine concussion care seeking. It is theorized that TPB components including attitudes, subjective norms, and self-efficacy are associated with one’s intention to perform a health-related behavior, and their actual behavior. Many studies have used the TPB in an attempt to predict concussion disclosure, with mixed results. The purpose of this systematic review was to determine …

Moral Distress In Secondary School Athletic Trainers, Matthew J. Drescher, Matthew J. Rivera, Lindsey E. Eberman

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Moral distress is prevalent in healthcare and prolonged moral distress is directly linked to feelings of burnout and intent to leave the profession. Moral distress has been examined in other healthcare professions, including physician practice and nursing, but not in athletic training. Due to their likelihood to be isolated and have high patient loads, secondary school athletic trainers (SSATs) may experience moral distress. This study aimed to examine the experiences and perceptions of moral distress in SSATs. SSATs were recruited via email through the Athletic Training Locations and Services (ATLAS) database. A total of 603 SSATs completed the survey and …

High School Sport Specialization Associated With Missing Time With Friends And Frequent Travel, Madison N. Renner, Kevin M. Biese, Eric G. Post, Mayrena I. Hernandez, Emily C. Srygler, Stephanie N. Adler, David R. Bell

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Physical consequences of youth sport specialization have been established, yet the psychosocial demands remain largely unexplored. Hypothesis: Missing time with friends due to sport demands and frequent out-of-state travel is associated with sport specialization classification for each high school grade, and this association remains after stratifying for gender and sport level. Study Design: Cross-sectional. Methods: Six hundred sixty-eight (349 female) Division I and club sport athletes from a large midwestern university completed a retrospective survey assessing sport specialization classification and the travel and social demands of sport participation for each high school grade. To measure the social and travel …

Impact Of An Education Session On Improving Female Collegiate Athletes’ Comfort With Women’S Health Topics, Pauline Skowron, Ramandeep Kaur, S. Andrew Cage, Carly Wadle, Laurel Trail, Lynzi K. Warner, Brandon J. Warner

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a face-to-face education session on women’s health topics to improve comfort among college female athletes when discussing women’s health topics with coaches, athletic trainers, and primary care physicians. A secondary purpose was to assess the effectiveness of the education session on college female athletes’ perceived knowledge of topics related to women’s health. Methods: A total of 44 female collegiate student athletes competing at an NCAA Division II institution consented to and participated in this study as a convenience sample (age= 20 ± 1 years). Immediately prior to the …

The Effects Of Anchor Scheme On Performance Fatigability, Neuromuscular Responses, And Perceived Factors That Contributed To Task Termination During Fatiguing Tasks, Dolores G. Ortega, Robert W. Smith, Jocelyn E. Arnett, Tyler J. Neltner, Trevor D. Roberts, Justin S. Pioske, Richard J. Schmidt, Terry J. Housh

Journal for Sports Neuroscience

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of sustained, isometric forearm flexion tasks anchored to a rating of perceived exertion (RPE) versus torque on the composite, inter-, and intra-individual patterns of responses for torque and neuromuscular parameters, as well as the perceived factors that contributed to task termination. Methods: Ten men (mean ± SD: age = 20.9 ± 2.2 yrs.; height = 180.0 ± 5.1 cm; body mass = 81.3 ± 10.0 kg) performed maximal voluntary isometric contractions (MVICs) before and after sustained, isometric forearm flexion tasks anchored to RPE = 6 (RPE6_FT) and …

Resistance Training Versus Cardiovascular Training: Which Is Better For Fat Loss?: A Brief Narrative Review., Jason M. Curtis, Jose Antonio, Cassandra Evans

Journal for Sports Neuroscience

Abstract

Introduction: Obesity has risen from 30.5% to 41.9% from 2000-2017. Those who are considered severely obese increased from 4.7% to 9.2% over that same period. There are numerous fitness-center approaches to induce weight-loss or reduction of body fat. These interventions are often categorized into two general categories: Resistance training (using weighted resistance in anaerobic strength training) and cardiovascular training (aerobic training). While both fitness groups have been shown to be effective, there is a debate about which method is most effective for eliciting changes in body composition, primarily fat loss.

Methods: Google Scholar and Pubmed were scoured for …

Relationship Between Fluid Intake, Hydration Status And Cortisol Dynamics In Healthy, Young Adult Males, Mitchell E. Zaplatosch, Laurie Wideman, Jessica Mcneil, Jesse Sims, William M. Adams

Faculty Articles

Background: Previous studies have identified links between fluid intake, hydration related hormones and cortisol measured at one timepoint but have not considered how hydration may influence cortisol dynamics throughout the day. This study assessed associations between hydration status (copeptin, urinary osmolality, urine volume) and habitual fluid intake with cortisol dynamics.

Methods: The day before (DB) a 6-h laboratory visit, 29 male participants (age, 23±4y; BMI, 25.5 ± 4.3 kg/m2; body fat, 17.3 ± 9.3 %) provided 24-h urine samples and a fasted blood sample for hydration status assessment, recorded their 24-h fluid intake for three days prior, and provided 10 …

Sports Injury Prevention - Epidemiological Analysis Of Concussion Mechanisms In Female Soccer Players: A Review Of Neiss Data (2020–2023), Caroline A. Bertalotto

2025 Honors Symposium

Background/Introduction: Concussions are a significant concern in women’s soccer, with many studies showing that women have a higher rate of having them than compared to men. The number of concussions in athletes have raised concerns about long-term health and calls for a deeper look into ways to prevent them from occurring. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to review the epidemiological data related to the mechanisms of concussions as a result of soccer, specifically within female participants.

The Games Kids Play: Determining Concussion Risk Of Playground Sports A Review Of Neiss Data (2013-2022), Brynlee Morgan

2025 Honors Symposium

This study aims to identify which playground games or recreational sports pose the highest risk for injury, specifically concussions, and highlights the importance of concussion prevention training for all school personnel to minimize potential health risks for children.

Heart Rate Variability Following Blood Flow Restriction Resistance Exercise And Traditional Resistance Exercise In Trained Men And Women, Michael R. Perlet, Lauren I. Mendonça, Peter A. Hosick, Nicholas Licameli, Evan L. Matthews

Research Data

Autonomic nervous system responses are attenuated following blood flow restriction (BFR) resistance exercise vs traditional resistance exercise (TRE) in men, but women’s responses are unknown. The purpose of this investigation is to compare the effects of a single BFR vs TRE session on HRV. Thirty-nine adults (M=20, W=19, age: 23±4yrs, body mass: 72.3±13.2kg, height: 169±9cm) participated in the study. Barbell back squat 1 repetition maximum (1RM) testing was performed followed by two randomized and counterbalanced exercise visits ≥48hrs apart (BFR: 4 sets, 30-15-15-15 repetitions, 30% 1RM, 60s rest; TRE: 4 sets x 10 repetitions, 70% 1RM, 60s rest). Pre- and …

Parting Thoughts Li, Tracy L. Mainieri

Faculty Publications - Kinesiology and Recreation

This Paring Thoughts reflects on how leisure scholars could use their expertise to preserve or increase the humanity in higher education policies related to sabbatical leave and beyond.

Lost In Transition: The Need For Research On Immersive Clinical Experiences In Athletic Training Education, Julie M. Cavallario, Stephanie M. Singe

Rehabilitation Sciences Faculty Publications

Context

Immersive clinical experiences (ICEs) were integrated into athletic training education to enhance student learning. However, their structure and effect remain poorly understood.

Objective

To highlight the lack of research on ICEs and the need for data-driven improvements in athletic training education.

Background

Since the transition to graduate-level education, ICEs have been required to provide students with uninterrupted exposure to professional practice. Despite this requirement, little evidence exists regarding their effectiveness or best implementation practices.

Synthesis

Authors of recent studies have revealed inconsistencies in implementation, limited placement diversity, and inadequate preceptor training. Despite widespread adoption, little evidence supports how ICEs …

Physical And Perceived Effects Of The Menstrual Cycle On Female Athletes, Talia E. Casarella, Alyssa M. Quiteles, Emily E. Liddick, Madelyn R. Swarthout, Rebecca J. Turner

Student Research Poster Presentations 2025

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to understand the physical and perceived effects of the menstrual cycle on female athletes’ performance during training and competition.

Hypothesis: The researchers hypothesized that there would be a significant difference in performance based on the phase of the menstrual cycle.

Methods: This study used EBSCO Academic Search Complete and Science Direct, focusing on peer-reviewed articles from the last 10 years. Search terms included: (exercise or physical fitness or physical activity) AND (menstrual cycle or period or menstruation or menses or follicular phase or luteal phase) AND (female athletes or women athletes or athletic …

Time Of Urine Sampling May Influence The Association Between Urine Specific Gravity And Body Composition, Patrick B. Wilson, Brian K. Ferguson, Ian P. Winter

Exercise Science Faculty Publications

Urine specific gravity (USG) is frequently utilized in sports practice and research to assess hydration status. Prior research suggests that individuals with large amounts of fat-free mass (FFM) and muscle have elevated USG, but little is known about whether the time of collection (first-morning vs. spot sampling) and various nutritional factors influence these relationships. This cross-sectional, observational study assessed fasted first-morning (n = 55) and non-fasted spot USG (n = 51) samples in adults and evaluated relationships of USG with body composition and nutrition intake. The InBody 770 was used to estimate FFM, skeletal muscle mass (SMM), and total body …

Occupational Therapy's Role In Supporting Sustainable Trauma-Informed Wellness Practices In A Surfing Program For Women, Margaret J. O'Hara

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

Individuals living with trauma-related mental health conditions are often less participatory in meaningful occupations. Additionally, women are two to three times as likely as men to experience a trauma-related mental health condition or event (Olff, 2017). A local surf therapy organization was founded to provide local women who have experienced trauma an empowering community and meaningful activity to heal. The purpose of this quality improvement capstone experience was to enhance the sustainability of the skills taught within clinics through the creation and dissemination of a user-friendly resource platform. The skills specifically addressed are 1) Mindfulness, 2) Growth Mindset, 3) Comfort …

The Cost Of A Playing Surface: Artificial Turf Versus Natural Grass, Tyler Whitaker

Emerging Writers

The debate between whether artificial grass or natural grass is better has recently gained popularity among sports advocates and athletes. The immediate explanation for this surge of popularity can be indicated by the increased concerns regarding environmental conservation, health concerns, and growing costs. Previous research has shown that the choice between the two surfaces often depends on specific needs and preferences, each having their own unique advantages and disadvantages. Natural grass is often portrayed as being the safest option when it comes to playing because of its longevity in use and other factors. This has contributed to the overall discussion …

Exploring Law Enforcement Officers' Experiences With Athletic Trainers And Work-Related Injury, Stephanie H. Clines, Rubie Gaudette, Amanda Wheeler, Jennifer Ostrowsk

Athletic Training Faculty Publications

Law enforcement is an emerging clinical setting for athletic trainers (ATs), yet little is known regarding law enforcement officers (LEOs) perceptions of the profession. This qualitative study following a general inductive approach explored LEOs' experiences with musculoskeletal injury and their interactions with ATs. Seven officers (N = 7) participated in one-on-one semi-structured interviews. Three themes emerged: (1) roles and responsibilities of ATs, (2) education and training, and (3) impact of injury on LEOs. While participants viewed ATs positively, they demonstrated limited understanding of the profession's scope and expertise. Participants commonly described managing musculoskeletal injuries on their own due to …

Prepared To Protect: Improving Cardiac Emergency Response Through Education And Action Planning In Youth Club Sports, Melissa Garcia

Nursing | Senior Theses

Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is the leading cause of death in youth sports, illuminating the essential demand for adequate emergency response, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), automated external defibrillator (AED) usage, and comprehensive emergency action plans (EAPs). Research shows that despite the importance of prompt intervention, the majority of youth club sports programs outside of the school setting lack the training and resources needed to respond effectively to SCA incidents. This study will evaluate the effectiveness of an educational seminar that includes CPR/AED training and EAP simulation exercises in improving participants’ knowledge, skills, and confidence in managing cardiac emergencies. A quasi-experimental …

The Effects Of The Image Attributes Of Golf Star Athletes Supported By Adult Amateur Golfers On Sports Participation Desire And Continuation Intention, Ji-Hye Yang, Ga Young Kim, Hye Jin Yang, Chulhwan Choi, Chul-Ho Bum

Human Movement Studies & Special Education Faculty Publications

The image attributes of sports star athletes demonstrate positive effects on sports fans' psychological factors. In the context of golf, fans are also influenced by the players they support, experiencing a range of emotions. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the effects of the image attributes of golf star athletes—supported by adult amateur golfers—on the desire for sports participation and the intention to continue. This study involved 356 adult amateur golfers in Korea (253 male, 103 female). Questionnaires were used to measure participants' perceptions of image attributes, their desire for sports participation, and their intention to continue participating in the …

A Study Of Differences In Enjoyment, Exercise Commitment, And Intention To Continue Participation Among Age Groups Of Adult Amateur Golfers, Hye Jin Yang, Ji-Hye Yang, Chulhwan Choi, Chul-Ho Bum

Human Movement Studies & Special Education Faculty Publications

Golf is one of the leisure sports that offers various benefits and has become a popular public sport with participation from people of various age groups. A total of 262 questionnaires were distributed online, with 240 valid responses collected after excluding 22 with non-responses or partial answers. The results showed statistically significant differences in enjoyment by age group, except for recognition from others. Regarding physical health, those in their 60s and above had higher mean scores than other age groups, and those in their 50s scored higher than those in their 30s. Stress relief was greater among those in their …