Sports Sciences Commons^™

Media Center Gets New Studio, Name, Timesdaily

Documents

New Media Center and grand opening for the new Communications Building (former Gymnasium) in 1988

Health, Physical Education Program At College Will Be Aided By New Gym And Pool, The Florence Times

Documents

Construction of new Gymnasium and Pool at Florence State Teachers College

Platelet Rich Plasma Injection Treatment Outcomes In Patellar Tendinopathy, Hunter M. Butler, Aamir Ahmad

School of Medicine Publications

Background: Platelet rich plasma (PRP) refers to the processed product of autologous peripheral blood with a concentration of platelets higher than baseline. This product has garnered interest for 30 years as a potential method of regenerative medicine. PRP injections have shown to be an effective treatment for patellar tendinopathy. However, some concerns remain with regards to empiric treatment of tendinopathy with PRP injections.

Objective: This article aims to investigate the outcomes of platelet rich plasma injections in patients with patellar tendonitis.

Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted using the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) online database. The …

The Role Of Leadership Style In Team And Individual Performance In Collegiate Athletics, Luke Mulkey

Posters - 2026

• Measuring the effectiveness of leadership is important because strong leaders can bring significant contributions to both organizations and individuals

• Previous studies have said that intrinsic motivation of the individual plays a larger role than the leadership style of a coach

• Studies also show that leadership style has an influence on team success and cohesion

• This study aimed to determine the extent to which transformational leadership played a role in team success, measured in win percentage

• This study went further into the individual perception of their coach’s impact on the athlete’s performance compared to the extent …

Disuse-Induced Muscle Atrophy And Muscle Weakness From Hospitalization To Spaceflight: Exercise Succeeds In Prevention And Treatment—A Meta-Analysis, Camila S. Padilha, Figueiredo, Rafael Deminice, S. Ribeiro, Robert U. Newton, Nicolas H. Hart, José Cesar Rosa-Neto, Marília Seelaender, Fábio Santos Lira

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Exercise has been proposed as both a preventive and therapeutic countermeasure; however, its effectiveness across different disuse conditions and timings of implementation remains uncertain. Methods: This systematic review and meta-analysis (PROSPERO: CRD42021256599) searched ClinicalTrials.gov, Cochrane Central, PubMed, SPORTDiscus, Web of Science, Scopus, CINAHL and SciELO from inception to May 2021, with an update in March 2025. Randomized and nonrandomized controlled trials examining exercise interventions during or after muscle disuse were included according to the PICOS framework. Random-effects meta-analysis evaluated effects on muscle strength, power and mass across hospitalization, bed rest and spaceflight conditions. Effect sizes (ES) are reported as …

Rapid Isometric Hamstring Strength Scores From Professional Soccer Players At Pre-Season: Positional Differences And Relationship To Peak Force, Nicholas Joel Ripley, Ross, Jack Fahey, Christopher Bramah, Paul Jones, Paul Comfort

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The assessment of rapid force within a single joint assessment is becoming common practice within elite sport environments. Recent observations have highlighted that rapid force maybe more sensitive to fatigue than peak force within the hamstrings. Yet limited information exists on rapid force production in elite male soccer players. Eighty-nine senior professional men’s soccer players (age; 24.2±5.1 years, height; 1.83±0.05 m, mass; 78.95±7.53 kg) participated within the present study they performed two isometric assessments at joint angles of 30° and 90° of hip flexion and knee. They performed three trials with mean and standard deviation determined differences between soccer positions …

Menstrual Cycle Hormonal Fluctuations And Non-Contact Acl Rupture Risk In Female Athletes: A Literature Review, Alexa K. Larson

Honors Thesis

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are among the most common and debilitating injuries in athletic populations, with female athletes experiencing significantly higher rates of non-contact ACL rupture compared to males, often while participating in the same sports. Hormonal fluctuations associated with the menstrual cycle have been proposed as a potential intrinsic risk factor influencing injury susceptibility. The purpose of this literature review was to examine current research investigating how menstrual cycle-related hormonal fluctuations may influence the risk of non-contact ACL rupture in female athletes. A comprehensive search of PubMed, SPORTDiscus, and CINAHL databases identified fourteen peer-reviewed studies that met the …

From Story Time To Self-Esteem: Using Books To Foster Positive Body Image In Pediatric Athletes, Emma Lieser

Senior Theses

This creative project explores the relationship between sport-specific musculature development and body image among pediatric girls, addressing how differing athletic movements shape both physical form and self-perception. Research indicates that girls often disengage from sports at a young age due in part to negative body image and comparison with peers, despite the physical and psychological benefits of participation. This project examines how common athletic movements—such as running, jumping, throwing, and skating—develop distinct muscle groups, contributing to diverse yet functional body types. In addition, the project investigates the influential role of children’s literature in shaping perceptions of body image and physical …

From Eccentric Force To Explosive Output: A Multidimensional Analysis Of Mechanical Efficiency, Neuromuscular Strategy, And Performance Prediction In National-Level Junior Badminton Athletes Undergoing Overload Training, Mariola Gepfert, Kinga Łosińska, Dariusz T. Skalski, Magdalena Prończuk, Izabella Socha, Alicja Markiel, Aleksandra Markowska, Adam Maszczyk, Artur Gołaś

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

This study aimed to investigate the neuromechanical pathways linking eccentric force production to explosive concentric output during countermovement jumps (CMJ) in national-level junior badminton athletes undergoing a specialized eccentric training program. Objective: 36 male athletes (age 16.5 ± 1.2 years) were quasi-randomly assigned to an experimental group (EG; n=18), which completed a 6-week supervised eccentric overload training in-volving flywheel squats and depth jumps thrice weekly, or a control group (CG; n=18), which maintained their habitual in-season training without additional interventions. Methods: Pre- and post-intervention assessments included CMJ performance measured on a force platform, with detailed analysis of kinetic and temporal …

Physical And Physiological Profiles Of Competitive Fencers: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis Of Strength, Power, Endurance, Agility And Asymmetry, Joanna Motowidło, Miłosz Drozd, Petr Stastny, Dariusz T. Skalski, Izabella Socha, Adam Maszczyk

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: Evidence on lower-limb strength, explosive power and bilateral asymmetry in competitive fencing is fragmented, and the relative impact of general neuromuscular capacity versus targeted training interventions remains unclear. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to provide a multidimensional, evidence-based synthesis of data on strength, power, and bilateral asymmetry of the lower limbs in professional fencers. Materials and methods: Following PRISMA 2020 (PROSPERO CRD420251041007), six databases were searched by 31 January 2025. Forty studies of fencers aged ≥ 12 years met the inclusion criteria. Three domain-specific random-effects meta-analyses (DerSimonian–Laird) were conducted: (1) integrated strength and power across …

Evaluating Forearm Strength Variability In Collegiate Tennis Players Over The Course Of A Competitive Season, Jeffrey Williams, Payton Jensen, Kevin Laudner

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

The muscles of the forearm undergo routine, forceful, and repetitive contractions while playing tennis and may experience adaptive changes that can precede injury. An understanding of forearm strength profiles of tennis players following a competitive season would assist clinicians’ evidence-based management of the forearm’s readiness for training, competition, and return-to-sport participation. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to explore the effects of a competitive tennis season on forearm strength among collegiate tennis athletes. A prospective, case-series design was used to examine a convenience sample of 15 asymptomatic NCAA Division I tennis players (males = 10, height = 182.88 [SD …

Prescribed Aerobic Exercise And Sport-Related Concussion Recovery: A Validation Case Series, Lacy L. Chapel, Tamara C. Valovich Mcleod

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Active rehabilitation, including prescribed sub-symptom threshold aerobic exercise implemented during the acute phase of recovery after sport-related concussion, has been shown to facilitate recovery and reduce the risk of persisting postconcussion symptoms. The purpose of this validation case series was to evaluate currently available external evidence regarding the effects of prescribed aerobic exercise interventions on recovery after sport-related concussion. For this study, the patient population included college athletes diagnosed with a sport-related concussion who participated in at least 5 days per week of supervised, prescribed aerobic exercise, based on graded aerobic exercise testing and heart rate threshold. Our study findings …

Quality Of Athletic Training Services For Lower Extremity Injuries, Katie Sniffen, Michael Rozier, Katherine Stamatakis, Paula Buchanan, Janet E. Simon, Leslie Hinyard

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

The use of patient-reported outcomes in athletic training is inconsistent, limiting the ability to communicate service quality and value to key stakeholders. The objective of this study is to calculate meaningful quality outcome measures for athletic training services for lower extremity injuries in high school student-athletes. Data were collected from a subset of the National Athletic Treatment, Injury and Outcomes Network Surveillance Program and a convenience sample of high school student-athletes with patient-reported outcome measures for lower extremity time-loss injuries. Failure-toprogress proportions (FTPPs) were calculated using the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) for knee/thigh injuries and the Foot …

Comfort Level Of Collegiate Student-Athletes In Opposite And Same-Gender Patient/Provider Relationships In Athletic Training, Samantha Dickie, Yashu Tang, Sydney Nelson, Emily Madrak

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Gender-based comfort in patient-provider relationships is a vital aspect of athletic training care. As the profession continues to evolve—particularly with a growing number of women athletic trainers (ATs) and progression of athletic training curriculum—it is essential to understand how gender dynamics influence the comfort of collegiate athletes when receiving care. This cross-sectional survey study examined how athlete comfort varies when treated by same- versus opposite-gender ATs in general patient care and in pathology-based scenarios. Ninety-six collegiate student-athletes (62.5% female) with the mean age of 20.26 (SD 1.7) years from NCAA and NAIA institutions completed the Gender Comfort with Athletic Trainer …

Acute Management Of A Hamate Fracture In A Collegiate Baseball Player: A Disablement Model Case Study, Kayleigh A. De Koker, Cory E. Barton, Lindsey E. Eberman

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

The purpose of this disablement model case study was to outline a collegiate baseball player with an isolated hamate fracture including the injury evaluation, diagnosis, and acute management. During a tournament game, the collegiate career of the patient ended abruptly following an injury sustained while at bat. The patient attempted to bat again but encountered significant difficulty due to the increasing pain in his hand. Consequently, the athletic trainer was called out for an on-field examination. The patient presented with no edema or ecchymosis but severe pain in the hypothenar eminence. This patient also presented with decreased grip strength with …

Suture Augmentation With Ucl Repairs In Baseball Pitchers As An Alternate To Reconstructions: An Evidence-To-Practice Review, Kayleigh A. De Koker, Kenneth E. Games

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

An injury to the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) is sustained through repetitive valgus motions, increasing in prevalence across all levels of baseball due to the increasing workload demands placed on the medial elbow in pitching. Traditionally, UCL tears have been managed through reconstructions followed by a lengthy rehabilitation process. In recent years, the UCL repair with suture augmentation has gained favor given the enhanced patient and clinician outcomes in return-to-play timelines, decreased medial gapping, improved Kerlan Jobe Orthopedic Clinic (KJOC) scores, and long-term functionality. Utilizing 4 databases (MEDLINE, Embase Cochrane library, Science Direct, and Scopus), literature was obtained addressing the …

Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections In An Elite Level Diver: A Disablement Model Case Study, Matt O'Sullivan, Dominique M. Stevens, Lindsey E. Eberman

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

This article presents a case of complicated and recurrent pyelonephritis, an infection of 1 or both kidneys, in an elitelevel diver. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most common outpatient infections in the United States; most are uncomplicated and resolve without significant mortality or morbidity. However, UTIs have the potential to present significant clinical challenges if the UTI becomes complicated or recurrent. Additionally, recurrent UTIs can carry a significant burden to both the individual patients and the larger healthcare system. The current paper reviews the epidemiological literature surrounding UTIs, the significant impact they have on a patient’s health-related quality …

Comparison Of Vibrating And Non-Vibrating Foam Roller On Hamstring Range Of Motion, Rakhoon Sung, Portia B. Resnick, Karen G. Roos, Mimi Nakajima

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Tightness in the distal hamstring is a common complaint among active individuals. While a foam roller is used to release muscle tension, there are limited studies about the effect using a vibrating foam roller (VFR) on hamstring flexibility and knee range of motion (ROM). For this reason, the purpose of the research was to compare the effect of a VFR and nonvibrating foam roller (NVFR) on hamstring flexibility and knee ROM in active college students. It was hypothesized that there would be more improvement in hamstring flexibility and knee ROM with a VFR than an NVFR. A randomized controlled trial …

A Review Of Mentorship And Recruitment Strategies For Minority Athletic Training Students, Dariana M. Brown

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

The underrepresentation of minority athletic trainers remains a critical issue, affecting both the profession and the quality of patient care. While patient demographics continue to diversify, the athletic training workforce has not kept pace, leading to potential communication barriers, mistrust, and inadequate culturally competent care. This review examines whether culturally tailored mentorship programs and targeted recruitment initiatives improve retention, career satisfaction, and diversity in athletic training compared to standard methods. By analyzing studies on underrepresented minority students in athletic training, the review highlights key institutional barriers and systemic factors impacting recruitment and retention. Findings suggest that tailored mentorship and supportive …

Influence Of Serve Type And Speed On Passing Success In Elite Czech Men's Volleyball, Miroslav Krajcigr, Petr Bahenský, David Marko, Sára Šestáková, Ladislav Čepička

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: Serve effectiveness plays a critical role in volleyball, influencing the opponent’s reception and subsequent attack. While smash serves are powerful, float serves may disrupt the opponent through unpredictable flight patterns. This study examined how serve type and speed affect reception quality in elite men’s volleyball. Methods: A total of 543 serves (254 float, 289 smash) from one Czech Extraliga team across seven home matches were analyzed using video recordings and radar measurements. Serve speeds were grouped into predefined categories. Effectiveness was defined as the sum of effective receptions and aces; error serves were excluded. Reception outcomes were classified as …