Browsing by Subject "Kinesiology"

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APAL/Konya Higher Order Affordances in Soccer 2020-22
(2023-01-30) Peker, Alper Tunga; Boge, Veysel; Bailey, George S.; Wagman, Jeffrey, B; Stoffregen, Thomas A.; tas@umn.edu; Stoffregen, Thomas A.; Affordance Perception-Action Laboratory
This dataset contains all data collected for APAL's "Higher-Order Affordances in Soccer" JEP Publication, 2022. This data allowed for valued additions to be made to both the affordance literature, and the literature examining human performance in sport. We are releasing this data per APA standards upon the acceptance of our paper.
Associations among disease severity, physical activity, and quality of life in psoriasis.
(2011-10) Wilson, Patrick Benjamin
Psoriasis is the most common auto-immune disorder worldwide and most often manifests itself as scaly plaques on the skin. It can substantially affect a person‘s quality of life (QOL) and overall wellness. In addition, individuals with moderate-to-severe psoriasis are likely at greater risk for chronic co-morbidities like cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and metabolic syndrome. There is currently a dearth of literature evaluating the lifestyle habits of individuals with psoriasis, especially in regards to physical activity (PA). This exploratory, cross-sectional study examined the PA habits of people with psoriasis and explored whether PA was related to psoriasis severity and QOL. The results suggest that total PA was not related to psoriasis severity. However, individuals with more severe disease were less physically active in their leisure time. In addition, symptoms such as itchiness, stinging, soreness, and pain showed a strong inverse association with leisure PA, independent of the body surface area involved. Physical and psychological aspects of QOL were not strongly related to leisure PA. Overall, it appears that individuals with more severe disease, as measured by a combination of symptoms, are less physically active in their leisure time, which could contribute to some of the co-morbidities seen in moderate-to-severe psoriasis.
Athlete perceptions and consequences of parental background anger in youth ice hockey
(2012-05) Winges, James Brian
One of the largest problems within the landscape of youth ice hockey is poor parental behavior. It is not uncommon to witness parents yelling and engaging in harassment and arguments with referees, coaches, other parents and players. Occasionally, physical fights between parents and/or coaches occur as well as parents yelling at their own and other kids. From the perspective of the observer these behaviors constitute background anger. Background anger as a construct within sport is defined as "the presence of verbal, nonverbal, or physical conflict between individuals that does not directly involve the observer" (Cummings & Cummings, 1988; Omli & LaVoi, 2009, p. 244). While it is suspected that background anger may promote stress in youth sport participants, little research has been conducted to directly assess its effects (Omli, LaVoi, & Wiese-Bjornstal, 2008; Omli & LaVoi, 2009). The purpose of this project was to assess the perceptions and consequences of parental background anger in youth ice hockey from the players' perspective utilizing the background anger framework of Cummings and Cummings (1988). Two studies were conducted to assess player perceptions of parental background anger. The first utilized a mixed methods design to examine youth perceptions and emotional responses associated with angry dad, angry mom, and fighting dads types of background anger. Participants were adolescent ice hockey players (94 male & 99 female). Players were sampled from USA Hockey's Advance 15 camps who were all born in 1994; making them 15 years old at the time of the study. Exact age was not taken because of the homogeneity of the sample. The Advance 15 camps represent the 102 best male and 102 best female players in the state and are tryout-based camps. Players were asked about experienced situations that were similar to one of three pictures, each depicting a different parental background anger type. Results indicated that female players perceived significantly more background anger in their games than did their male peers regardless of background anger type. Females also responded to background anger with significantly lower confidence and encouragement and greater frustration than their male peers. The angry dad background anger type created significantly greater frustration and lesser encouragement than the fighting dads background anger type, regardless of gender. Player responses indicated that the different types of background anger have different primary causes. These causes included parent behavior, referee call, player behavior, parent personality, player performance and coach behavior. The second study utilized a before and after quantitative design to assess player perceptions of and consequences to parental background anger. One hundred and thirteen Bantam male and 124 U14 female Minnesota Hockey players were sampled such that player perceptions of the normal game experience were compared to those of an experienced event where one of three types of parental background anger occurred. Results indicated that when background anger occurs there are significant detrimental changes to player emotions, performance, fun, and intensity. All of these changes were contrary to the desired outcomes of a youth sport experience. Females and males responded similarly but with different magnitude to background anger, such that females experienced greater detrimental changes in emotions, performance, and fun than males. Males experienced a greater detrimental change in intensity than did females. Female and male players perceived the causes of background anger similarly and results suggest that the different background anger types have significantly different causes. Overall these studies support the contention that parental background anger is detrimental to the health and well-being of youth ice hockey players. Results lend support to the use of the Cummings and Cummings (1988) model of background anger in the home and the use of this model in sport (Omli et al., 2008; Omli & LaVoi, 2009) as well as the new model of background anger in sport (LaVoi, Omli, & Wiese-Bjornstal, 2012). If parents continue to engage in the creation of background anger, their children will feel worse, play worse, have less fun, and play with less intensity. Downstream this could have negative effects on participation, skill development, and advancement in the sport.
Bone density, geometry and strength in runners with varying menstrual statuses and inactive normally menstruating controls.
(2010-07) Kelly, Jacqueline Temple
Abstract summary not available.
Bone Geometric adaptations and functional outcomes after ACL reconstruction: cross-sectional and prospective observations.
(2010-04) Myhre, Sue Lynn
The main objective of this dissertation is to explore the muscle, bone and functional adaptations after ACL reconstruction via measures of bone volumetric density, geometry and estimates of bone strength. This thesis consists of 3 manuscripts. The first paper, a cross- sectional study, explores the effect of previous ACL reconstruction on bone strength and muscle size of the surgical and non-surgical legs. In the second manuscript, I prospectively observed muscle and bone outcomes before and after ACL reconstruction. The final paper addresses both subjective and clinical functional outcomes in patients with a history of ACL reconstruction; and explores a clinically useful test of function in this population (retro step test).
Bone mass, estimated strength and Kinetic changes in collegiate and post-collegiate runners with a history of stress fracture.
(2009-08) Popp, Kristin Lynn
Purpose: To determine differences in bone geometry, estimates of bone strength, muscle size, bone strength relative to load, and running kinetics, in female runners with and without a history of stress fractures. Methods: A total of 32 competitive distance runners aged 18-35, with (SFX, n = 16) or without (NSFX, n = 16) a history of stress fracture were recruited for this cross-sectional study. Peripheral Quantitative Computed Tomography (pQCT, Orthometrix XCT 2000) was used to assess volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD, mm3), bone area (ToA, mm2), and estimated compressive bone strength (bone strength index; BSI= ToA * ToD2) at the distal tibia (4%). Total (ToA, mm2) and cortical (CoA, mm2= ToA * ToD2) bone area, cortical vBMD, and estimated bending strength (strength strain index; SSIp, mm³) were measured at the 15%, 25%, 33%, 45%, 50% and 66% sites. Participants completed a fatigue run on an instrumented treadmill. GRF's were assessed throughout the run and used in conjunction with pQCT measurements to estimate bone strength relative (cm2) to load at all cortical sites (15%-55%). Results: Bone strength was significantly lower in the SFX group at the mid-upper (45-66% sites) tibia for SSIp (-7-10%). Differences in strength were due to smaller cortical bone area (-6-7%) while total bone area and vBMD were not different at any site. The SFX group also had lower bone strength relative to GRF at the 45% (-12%), 50% (-17%) and 66% (-11%) sites. Peak vertical (Z) GRF's in the SFX group were approximately 5% higher on both legs compared to the NSFX group. Peak breaking force also tended to be higher (0.5%-3.8%) in the SFX group. Propulsion forces were 8-14% in the SFX group compared to the NSFX group, while peak lateral forces were 14.9-32.5% higher. Conclusion: These findings suggest that bone CoA and strength are lower in the middle 1/3 of the tibia in runners with a history of stress fracture. Bone strength relative to load was also lower in this same region suggesting that strength deficits in the middle 1/3 of the tibia indicate higher stress fracture risk. Additionally, our trends indicate that there are several kinetic variables that may be important in predicting stress fracture risk. However, further research is needed to confirm these findings.
Bone's functional and geometric properties in dystrophin-deficient mice and the efficacy of low intensity vibration training to improve musculoskeletal function
(2013-03) Novotny, Susan Anne
Overall, my dissertation work has shown that bone health is affected in dystrophic mice secondary to the muscle disease (Chapter 3), and both prednisolone and physical inactivity accentuate these declines (Chapter 4). I identified two sets of low intensity, high frequency vibration parameters (45 Hz at 0.6 g and 90 Hz at 0.6 g) that initiated an osteogenic response in mdx mice. Further experiments were performed utilizing the 45 Hz and 0.6 g setting, the results of which indicated that vibration was safe for dystrophic muscle (Chapters 5 and 6). However, long-term training adaptations for musculoskeletal function were not realized (Chapter 6). The lack of adaptations following vibration training in mdx or wildtype mice does not negate the utility of vibration as a potential therapeutic exercise modality for DMD, but further research, utilizing alternative strategies, is needed to determine the full extent of vibration's capacity to improve musculoskeletal health.
Cardiac resynchronization therapy in narrow QRS heart failure patients
(2011-06) Gage, Ryan Michael
Introduction: Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is a well-established treatment for heart failure (HF) patients with a wide (>120 msec) QRS complex. Despite not meeting current guidelines, some narrow QRS HF patients with mechanical dyssynchrony receive CRT. The effects of CRT on cardiac function, HF symptoms, and outcomes are not clearly known in these patients. Methods: All consecutive CRT recipients between 2003 – 2008 with ejection fraction (EF) ≤ 35% and New York Heart Association (NYHA) class III or IV were studied. There were 146 and 492 patients with narrow and wide QRS complex, respectively. Eighty-five narrow QRS patients in sinus rhythm with suitable images were matched by age and gender to wide QRS patients for a multi-plane tissue tracking and speckle-tracking echocardiographic analysis. Results: Narrow QRS patients were younger and had less radial dyssynchrony at baseline. Increases in EF of 3.2 ± 9% and 6.8 ± 9% (p<0.05) were seen in narrow and wide QRS patients, respectively. Wide QRS patients had decreased left ventricular size (p<0.01) and increased longitudinal systolic function (p=0.04), while narrow QRS patients had decreased delayed longitudinal contraction (p<0.01), while tending to decrease longitudinal dyssynchrony (p=0.076) and increase radial strain (p=0.086). Both groups improved diastolic function (p<0.01), and had a similar proportion of patients with improved clinical symptoms (p=0.17). Five-year mortality rates were 40% and 46% in the narrow and wide QRS groups respectively (p=0.234); however, wide QRS patients tended to have a more favorable survival free of cardiovascular hospitalization (p=0.056). Conclusion: Narrow QRS HF patients with mechanical dyssynchrony respond favorably to CRT, but to a lesser extent than wide QRS patients.
Cerebral and peripheral hemodynamic responses to increased end-tidal carbon dioxide volumes
(2015-03) Geijer, Justin Robert
Though hypercapnia is a naturally occurring physiological state, it is generally accompanied by hypoxic conditions (Venkataraman et al., 2008). The convolution associated with concurrent changes in carbon dioxide and oxygen volumes offer unclear results to researchers investigating the effects of arterial gas changes (Brogan et al., 2003; Cinar et al., 2012). Researchers at the University of Toronto have developed a computer-controlled gas blender (RespirAct^TM, Thornhill Research, Toronto, Ontario, CA) capable of measuring and altering end-tidal gas volumes, which are indicative of arterial blood gas changes (Brogan et al., 2003; Cinar et al., 2012). Researchers have utilized this technology to investigate cerebral vascular reactivity (Kassner et al., 2010; Mandell et al., 2008; Mark et al., 2011; Prisman et al., 2008), but differing methodologies and a lack of reproducibility studies raise questions about the validity of the findings. In addition, the peripheral response to a hypercapnic, normoxic environment is not well documented. This dissertation will investigate the effects of a hypercapnic environment on the cerebral and peripheral vascular beds. We hypothesize that the vascular changes associated with a hypercapnic environment are repeatable in both the cerebral and peripheral beds. We further hypothesize that the cerebral vascular changes will occur more quickly than the peripheral changes. Lastly, we hypothesize that a comparison between hypercapnia-induced vasodilation of the brachial artery will provide a similar, but slower dilatory response than reactive hyperemia. The results of this dissertation may provide further insight into the mechanisms responsible for hypercapnia-induced vasodilation of the cerebral and peripheral blood vessels, and may provide repeatable methodologies to be utilized in future research.
Certified athletic trainer's treatment of low back pain and utilization of chiropractic services.
(2010-07) Lepley, Adam Scott
BACKGROUND: Low back pain is a common injury among athletes. The management of this disability is as ambiguous as its diagnosis, with no universally accepted treatment. The purpose of this study was to evaluate collegiate certified athletic trainer’s (ATC) treatment of low back pain and their utilization of chiropractic services. METHODS: Surveys were emailed to 500 collegiate ATCs, yielding 151 responses. RESULTS: The majority (46.6%) selected core strengthening/stabilization as their number one preferred method of low back pain treatment. About half (49.7%) reported an ATC or staff performed lumbar joint mobilizations, where 52.3% stated their institution had a chiropractor as part of their staff. Seventy-seven percent of the reporting institutions have referred an athlete with low back pain to a chiropractor. CONCLUSION: Core strengthening/stabilization was the number one preferred treatment of low back pain. There is also significant involvement of chiropractors in the treatment of low back pain in collegiate athletics.
A clinical and biomechanical profile of female athletes with and without patellofemoral pain.
(2009-12) Swanson, Karen Jane
Female athletes may exhibit unique risks and orthopedic presentations when engaging in physical activity. Gender differences have been noted in the incidences of particular knee injuries, with female athletes/runners reported to be two times more likely to present with patellofemoral disorders as their male counterparts. Unfortunately, the etiology of patellofemoral pain (PFP) remains elusive and multifactorial. The purpose of this study was to examine the clinical and biomechanical profiles of female athletes with and without PFP during walking and running to determine if there is a set of variables that differentiates the groups. Forty-three subjects with moderate PFP and forty-five control subjects with no history of PFP participated in one 60 minute testing session. Each participant completed a series of questionnaires and was assessed for height, weight and activity level. A Modified Thomas test, Modified Ober test and straight leg raise assessment were performed bilaterally looking for differences between the right and left limbs. Pelvis and hip range of motion, maximum vertical ground reaction force, contact time, and center of pressure variability (COPx) were measured during 30 second treadmill walk and run trials utilizing a 9-camera motion analysis system and a Pedar insole system. The symmetry index (SI) (Robinson et al., 1987) was used to characterize asymmetry of kinematic and kinetic variables of both groups. Two clinical indices [Tightness Index (TI) and Pelvic Symmetry Index (PSI)] were established based on results of the Modified Thomas and Ober tests. Based on logistic regression results, we found that the TI and PSI clearly differentiated the two groups with the PFP group displaying significantly greater numbers of positive signs within both indices (p<.001). Biomechanical variables did not clearly define the groups, however, there was some evidence that measurement of the mediolateral variability of the COPx/gait line might indicate lower extremity kinetic chain instability as seen at the foot and ankle during activity (p=.07 during walking; p=.013 during running). The results of this study suggest that there is a significant association between the results of the TI and PSI and PFP. Clinically, the tests are quick and easy to perform and may be helpful in distinguishing those at risk for PFP.
Coaches who care: the ethical professional identity development of moral exemplar collegiate coaches
(2015-03) Hamilton, Maya G. B.
Recent media attention has highlighted the commercialization, greed, corruption, abuse, and violence occurring in "big-time" NCAA intercollegiate athletics. While sport has great potential to be a context for moral education and development (e.g., Gibbons, Ebbeck & Weiss, 1995), participation in sport can also undermine athletes' moral judgment and behavior (e.g., Bredemeier & Shields, 1984). As mentors and educators, coaches can contribute to and make a difference in athlete moral development (e.g., Bolter & Weiss, 2012), especially at the collegiate level--an especially powerful time of growth in young adults' lives (Colby, 2008). Unfortunately, big-time intercollegiate athletics has been criticized for its "for-profit" business model, which puts pressure on coaches to place winning ahead of the holistic development of their athletes. While some coaches succumb to these pressures, engaging in unethical actions, others negotiate them and thrive as moral leaders. As central agents in the moral education of their athletes, coaches' own level of moral development and understanding of professionalism is important to consider.The purpose of the present study was to understand the ethical professional identity development of NCAA Division I collegiate head coaches who have made sustained commitments to moral values in their personal and professional lives. In-depth interviews based on moral exemplar (Colby & Damon, 1992) and moral identity development theories (Kegan, 1982, 1998) were conducted with 12 coaches nominated as "moral exemplars" by their peer coaches and athletic directors. Interviews elicited themes of moral exemplarity and professionalism including having an internalized moral compass; a deep responsibility, care, and respect for others; and a high standard of excellence; teaching; engaging in ongoing personal and professional growth; and being able to reconcile conflict in their personal and professional lives. Analyzing interviews using Kegan's (1982, 1998) framework of ethical identity development, 11 of 12 moral exemplar coaches scored above the average adult stage of ethical identity development, demonstrating strong unity of personal, moral, and professional values. Illuminating the mechanisms by which moral exemplar collegiate coaches develop and sustain an ethical professional identity can inform and improve coach education for current and future members of the profession.
Coaching for character: mechanisms of influence on adolescent athletes‟ sportsmanship.
(2010-08) Bolter, Nicole D.
Extensive knowledge exists about how coaches influence youth sport participants' skill development and motivational outcomes, yet less is known about promoting sportsmanship (Horn, 2008; M. R. Weiss, Smith, & Stuntz, 2008). The purpose of the present studies was to identify mechanisms by which coaches make an impact on youths' sportsmanship. It was first necessary to create a comprehensive measure of coaching behaviors that captures the ways in which coaches influence athletes' sportsmanship. With such a measure, it was possible to examine relationships between coaches' behaviors and sportsmanship outcomes consistent with moral development theory. Study 1 included a series of steps to develop the measure: (a) completing a literature review, (b) conducting focus groups, (c) enlisting an expert panel, and (d) conducting a pilot study. These steps resulted in a 40-item measure reflecting 8 coaching behaviors: (a) Sets Expectations for Good Sportsmanship, (b) Reinforces Good Sportsmanship, (c) Punishes Poor Sportsmanship, (d) Discusses Good Sportsmanship, (e) Teaches Good Sportsmanship, (f) Models Good Sportsmanship, (g) Models Poor Sportsmanship, and (h) Prioritizes Winning Over Good Sportsmanship. Results from Study 1 provided content validity for the Sportsmanship Coaching Behaviors Scale (SCBS). Study 2 was designed to provide further construct validity for the SCBS. The sample included 418 youth (211 females, 207 males), ages 13-18, participating in a variety of team sports (e.g., rugby, lacrosse, basketball, soccer). Participants completed the SCBS and a measure of prosocial and antisocial behaviors toward teammates and opponents. A confirmatory factor analysis established factorial validity for a 6-factor model for the SCBS. Tests for gender invariance showed the 6-factor model to be equivalent for male and female athletes. Criterion validity was shown in that four coaching behaviors (modeling, reinforcing, teaching, and prioritizing winning) were related to athletes' prosocial and antisocial behaviors in theoretically consistent ways. Unique findings emerged for boys and girls in the pattern of relationships between coaching behaviors and sportsmanship outcomes. Collectively, results support and extend moral development theory and research by identifying the specific mechanisms by which coaches promote sportsmanship and by creating a valid and reliable measure of coaching behaviors that can be used in future investigations.
A comparison of exercise response variables among smokers and non-smokers.
(2010-10) Bonikowske, Amanda Rachelle
Heart rate recovery and chronotropic incompetence are two prognostic variables that have been examined as predictors for CAD and all-cause mortality (Cole et al., 1999). Abnormal heart rate recovery is defined as failure of the heart rate to decrease by greater than or equal to twelve beats per minute within the first minute of recovery (Cole, et al., 1999). Chronotropic incompetence is identified as an impaired heart rate response to exercise (Lauer, 2004) and failure to reach 85% of age-predicted heart rate maximum (Lauer et al., 1996). This study examined the effect of an acute bout of exercise on heartrate recovery in smoking and non-smoking men and women (n=32). Participant’s mood and urge to smoke were also examined with two questionnaires before and after. Pearson’s chi-square revealed no significant differences in chronotropic incompetence between the two groups (p=0.833). None of the participants exhibited abnormal heart rate recovery. The within-subjects ANOVA analyzing the Urge to Smoke Questionnaire revealed no significant differences between pre and post exercise urge to smoke among the smoking individuals (n=9; p=0.537). The within-subjects ANOVA revealed no significant differences between pre and post POMS scores among all participants (p=0.517). The findings indicate no effect of smoking status on heart rate recovery or chronotropic response. The findings also indicate no effect of exercise on urge to smoke or mood. Additional studies with larger sample sizes are needed to discover these relationships.
Competing while injured: what wrestlers do and why.
(2012-05) Hoppis, Shelby Allison
The normalization of risk culture within sport injury has created an environment where athletes train and compete while injured despite the known health risks (Nixon, 1992, 1996; Wiese-Bjornstal, 2010). Athlete beliefs about their capacity to perform while in pain and pressure from social network sources are factors thought to influence their risk taking behaviors related to training and competing while injured. The purpose of this study was to examine this risk subculture characterized by pain beliefs, risk behaviors, and social network influences in the context of a demanding, high injury risk sport. Intercollegiate wrestlers (N = 195) at fifteen National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I universities participated by completing a paper and pencil survey, which consisted of a demographics questionnaire, the Sports Inventory for Pain (SIP), the Risk Behavior Conformity in Sport Injury Questionnaire (RBSCI), and the Sport Network Pressure and Support Questionnaire. Results of a multiple regression analysis examining the ability of beliefs to predict deceit behaviors among those wrestlers with prior injuries showed a significant model (p = .03, Adjusted R square = .043), with the SIP Coping subscale score a significant predictor of the RBCSI Deceit Behaviors (β = - .30, p = .001). Employing direct pain coping thought processes such as ignoring pain and toughing it out were directly related to the undesirable behaviors of deceiving others about one’s health status. A second multiple regression analysis also showed a significant model (p = .003, Adjusted R square = .074) in which two belief measures were significant predictors of RBCSI Impression Management Behaviors, SIP Coping (β = - .20, p = .022) and SIP Catastrophizing (β = -.23, p = .01). Direct pain coping thought processes (such as ignoring pain and toughing it out) and catastrophizing thoughts (such as dwelling on pain and giving up when in pain), were directly related to the undesirable actions associated with maintaining a tough façade. With respect to analyses concerning behaviors and injury components, frequency of injury was moderately correlated (r = .42, p < .05) with RBCSI Healthy Behaviors, with high frequencies of injury associated with the more likely use of healthy behavior strategies. Social network influences descriptive analyses showed that coaches (69.5%) and teammates (63.5%) were reported to “always” or “sometimes” pressure wrestlers to compete while injured. Wrestlers felt pressured to compete while injured “always” or “sometimes” 20.8% of the time by their athletic trainers and 10.9% of the time by their physicians. Implications of these results are discussed as they relate to the beliefs and behaviors of athletes, influences of their social network sources, and ties to injury components.
The Effect of a Single Bout of Moderate vs. Vigorous Exercise on Mood in College Students
(2011-01) Kennedy, Betsy F.
The prevalence of depression is between 5-10% in adults and is the fourth most significant cause of disability in the world. It also is the second most common reported mental health disorder among college students, second to eating disorders. Research indicates that exercise is an effective intervention for depression (Blumenthal et al., 2007); however, few laboratory-based experimental studies have examined the effect of exercise on depression. The purpose of this research was to conduct an experimental study examining the effect of exercise intensity on depressed mood in college students. The study consists of undergraduate college students (n=25) self-reporting depressed mood. These students were randomly assigned to a vigorous exercise group, a moderate intensity exercise group, or a control. Depressed mood was examined before, immediately after, and 24 hours following a single bout of exercise using the Profile of Mood States (POMS). The hypothesis was that participants randomly assigned to vigorous intensity exercise would have greater mood changes (in the positive direction) than participants assigned to moderate intensity exercise or the control. Results indicated no differences between the groups on pre-test to post-test changes on mood as measured by the POMS at either timepoint. Future studies should use larger sample sizes in order to better detect significant differences. Also, it would be beneficial to use a population of clinically depressed students to better determine if exercise can be used and how it should be used in the treatment of depression.
The effect of basketball warm-up on vertical jump, sprint time and shooting accuracy.
(2010-05) Reif-Wenner, Mara Suzanne
A majority of basketball athletes do a warm-up up prior to playing basketball. This study examines the effects of aerobic warm-up, static stretching and dynamic movement on female athlete’s basketball performance. Fourteen female NCAA Division III athletes were recruited to participate in this study. They were assigned different treatments on three different testing days. The treatments included different combinations of aerobic warm-up, static stretching and dynamic movement. They were tested for maximum vertical jump, sprint time and shooting efficiency. There were no differences between warm-up treatments for any of the tests. Therefore by completing a warm-up prior to playing basketball, the female basketball player is ready for anaerobic performance.
Effects of cognitive stress in handwriting movements in a pursuit loop-drawing task.
(2010-11) Yank, Jane Redfield
The effects of concurrently presented visual traces of hand movements on timing, smoothness, and spatial accuracy were investigated during a loop-drawing tracking task. Thirty-five healthy young right-handed adults used a stylus on a digitizing tablet to track a left-to-right loop-drawing animation presented on a computer monitor. A dot target moved over a template of twelve connected cursive letter e’s, leaving a track as it drew over each loop in the series. Participants were instructed to draw along with the target to reproduce the shape of the loops at the tempo of the target. Participants performed sixteen trials in a 2 × 2 design, eight trials with their trace visible on the computer monitor and eight trials without a visible trace, half with a constant target rate and half with a variable rate change mid-trial. Spatial accuracy was greater when the participant trace was visible, as expected (p < .0001). An inverse relationship was found between drawing speed and spatial accuracy, consistent with the expectation that more spatial errors would occur at increased speeds. However, timing accuracy (p < .0001) and smoothness (p = .0026) decreased when the participant trace was visible. These results suggest that the visual trace of the participant tracking presented on the computer screen disrupted timing characteristics of perception-action coupling and increased the complexity of the task. Findings are discussed in the context of cognitive load.
The effects of lean mass and hormonal characteristics on bone geometry and bone strength in young adult women
(2008-12) Kaufman, Beth C.
lthough skeletal development is globally determined by genetic factors early in life, hormonal status and mechanical loading are also important determinants of bone development, peak bone mass accrual, rates of bone turnover, as well as rate of bone loss prior to menopause. Bone is thought to adapt its strength primarily to mechanical demands from growth, changes in muscle force and physical activity. The effects of mechanical loading seem to primarily effect the periosteal growth of the loaded bones, increasing modeling and remodeling on the periosteum, which increases overall bone strength. Other factors, specifically sex steroids, may influence bone loss by mediating the impact of loading on bone by altering the sensitivity of the periosteal and/or endosteal surfaces to loading. Women in this age range (18-30) are often overlooked in bone research. Therefore, in these studies, we use pQCT to assess cortical and trabecular bone vBMD, bone geometry and estimates of bone strength. thus provides the first pQCT human evidence of: 1) the relationship between measures of estrogen and measures of bone geometry and strength and 2) the effects of subtle changes in menstrual cycle characteristics on bone radial vBMD and tibial area and strength. The results suggest that measures of mechanical load are the greatest predictor of bone density in strength in young adult women, and other factors such as hormonal characteristics and nutrition have a smaller role in bone strength and density.
The effects of two modes of exercise training on plasma biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress in patients with symptomatic peripheral artery disease
(2014-08) Salisbury, Dereck Lee
Introduction: Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) is a manifestation of progressive atherosclerosis involving the main conduit arteries supplying the lower extremities. It is well known that atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease including PAD, is related partly to vascular inflammation and oxidative stress. Treadmill walking exercise to moderate claudication pain is considered the gold standard for improving walking distance in patients with PAD and claudication. Our group had previously reported that non-ischemia inducing upper body ergometry exercise training improves pain-free and maximal walking distance similar to ischemic inducing treadmill exercise training in patients with claudication. The influence of ischemic and non-ischemic inducing exercise training on systemic inflammation and vascular oxidative stress remains to be fully elucidated. Methods: A total of 75 patients (59 male and 16 female) with symptomatic PAD from the randomized controlled trial, Exercise Training to Reduce Claudication (EXERT), were used in a secondary analysis of inflammation and oxidative stress. Analysis of plasma for TNF alpha, IL-10, and F2 Isoprostane were performed at baseline and following 12 weeks of moderate intensity, claudication inducing treadmill training (T), upper body ergometry training (UBE), or usual care (C). Analysis of covariance was used to evaluate changes among groups for all biomarkers following intervention, using baseline level as a covariate. Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to assess correlation among baseline plasma biomarkers and physical and physiological variables. Results: After 12 weeks of intervention, all patients, regardless of the group increased TNF alpha levels. In particular, patients randomized to the UBE group significantly increased TNF alpha levels compared to the control group after adjusting for baseline TNF alpha and allopurinol (a significant covariate). Participants in the treadmill group had non-significant increases in IL-10, while all groups showed non-significant decreases in F2 Isoprostanes. Additionally there was no significant correlation between baseline plasma inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers, with physical and physiological variables such as ankle-brachial index, pain-free walking distance, and maximal walking distance at baseline. However, body mass index was significantly correlated to baseline TNF alpha levels (r=0.228, p=0.05). Conclusion: Moderate intensity UBE training appears to significantly increase the proinflammatory cytokine TNF alpha compared to a control group in patients with symptomatic PAD. However, all groups increased TNF alpha after 12 weeks of intervention, which contradicts the deemed anti-inflammatory effect of aerobic exercise training. It is clear that further study is required to establish if exercise training in patients with claudication is anti-inflammatory.

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