Theses
Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/1969.6/1140
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Browsing Theses by Department "Kinesiology"
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Item Comparison of Normal Plantar Cutaneous Sensation between Children with Obesity and Peers with Healthy Weight(2018-12) Gilson, Andrea Cristina; Gilson, Andrea Cristina; Ajisafe, Toyin; Garcia, Theresa; Ajisafe, Toyin; Garcia, TheresaAjisafe, Toyin; Garcia, Theresa; Spaniol, Frank; Spaniol, FrankSpaniol, FrankObesity is a chronic disease resulting from excessive fat accumulation and body mass. There have been equivocal findings regarding plantar cutaneous in sensation children. Deficits in plantar sensation can impact postural control, balance, and the capacity to proficiently engage in physical activity. Therefore, it is important to establish whether normal plantar cutaneous sensation differs between children who have healthy weight and those who are obese. Twenty-seven subjects from 3rd, 4th, 9th – 12th grades (mean ± standard deviation 12.90 ± 3.6 years) participated in this study. Ten subjects were obese and 17 had healthy weight. Plantar cutaneous sensation was measured using a Semmes-Weinstein pressure aesthesiometer kit. Each subject was tested by one of four assessors whose interrater reliability (α = .710; p = .005) was previously established. Nine sites were tested on each foot. The respective force gram magnitudes required to bend the two thinnest monofilaments (i.e., 0.07 g and 0.4 g) was assigned whenever a subject reported sensing touch at a specific site. Both filaments are associated with normal sensation. An independent samples t-test was calculated to determine plantar sensation differences between children who have healthy weight and those with obesity. Mann-Whitney U test was calculated where assumptions of normality were violated. Statistical significance was set at p < .05. There were 10 and 17 subjects in the obese and healthy weight groups, respectively. There were no significant differences (p > .05) in normal whole foot sensation (i.e., .07 g and 0.4 g monofilaments) on the right and left feet between the groups. Right whole foot sensation of healthy weight subjects (3.5929 g + 0.64742) and right whole foot sensation of obese subjects (3.3410 g + 0.85461) did not differ significantly from each other, t(15.132) = 0.806, p = 0.433. Left whole foot sensation of healthy weight subjects (3.4468 g + 1.01623) and left whole foot sensation of obese subjects (3.2390 g + 1.06027) did not differ significantly from each other, t(18.342) = 0.499, p = 0.623. Additionally, sensitivity among foot regions did not indicate effect of foot region on plantar sensation. Subjects who were obese in this study reported to feel less than subjects with healthy weight. However, there was no significant difference in the values of the plantar sensation scores. It was concluded that normal plantar cutaneous sensation does not differ between preadolescents with obesity and peers with healthy weight. Given the small current sample size, more subjects need to be tested, in order to increase confidence and substantiate findings from this study.Item The effect of backpack load on gait biomechanics in college-aged individuals(2023-05) Morales, Breanna; Applequist, Bryon; Spaniol, Frank; Park, JangwoonThe aim of this study was to investigate the effects of backpack load carriage on gait and lower extremity biomechanics in healthy college-aged students. A total of 14 participants completed gait trials while walking carrying a backpack weighing 20% of their body weight and without a backpack. The kinematics, kinetics, and spatiotemporal parameters of gait were analyzed under both unloaded and loaded conditions. The results of the study showed that load carriage had a significant impact on several kinematic variables. Participants exhibited a decrease in hip flexion range of motion and knee flexion and extension peak velocities when carrying a load. This suggests that load carriage alters the normal movement patterns of the lower extremities during the gait cycle. Additionally, several gait kinetic variables were found to be significantly different between the unloaded and loaded conditions, including mean peak vertical force, mean peak mediolateral force, mean peak propulsion, mean peak brake, hip flexion peak moment, and ankle plantar flexion peak moment. These results indicate that load carriage not only affects the movement patterns of the lower extremities but also alters the forces acting on the body during walking. The findings of this study are consistent with previous research and suggest that load carriage should be considered when choosing a backpack or occupational tasks that involve load carriage. However, it is important to note that the effect of load carriage on gait biomechanics may depend on several factors, such as the weight and distribution of the load. The limitations of this study included the backpack weight being too heavy for some participants, leading to discomfort in their shoulders, and the inability to increase the weight of the load for safety reasons. Future studies could investigate these factors and explore optimal load carriage conditions. In conclusion, this study provides valuable insights into backpack load carriage on gait biomechanics in college-aged adults. The findings suggest that load carriage significantly alters gait patterns and should be taken into consideration when selecting a backpack or when involved in occupational tasks that require load carriage.Item The effect of education on perceived risk of diabetes in traditional-age college students(2017-08) Strawn, Shannon; Webb, Heather; Davis, Liana; Boham, MikaelaNon-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus, or type II diabetes, is a large and growing concern in the United States. Risk factors that contribute to this disease are largely mediated by lifestyle interventions such as improved diet, exercise, and overall weight loss. Identification of those at high risk for type II diabetes and implementation of risk reduction behaviors may prevent onset of the disease. This study seeks to investigate the effect education on the perceived risk of type II diabetes and intent to adopt healthier lifestyles in traditional-age college students. A total of 29 participants provided demographic information, physical activity level, anthropometric measures, and a blood sample. They also completed the Risk Perception Survey-Developing Diabetes (RPS-DD), perceived risk of diabetes visual-analogue scale (PRD-VAS), and the diabetes risk calculator (DRC), with 17 of these participants also providing information on their intent to change fitness behaviors. RMANOVAs assessed changes across time in the RPS-DD and PRD-VAS. Kendall’s tau-B correlations were conducted to examine relationships between the abovementioned variables. Data analysis revealed six participants at high risk for prediabetes and 12 with at least one risk factor for metabolic syndrome. RPS-DD risk and RPS-DD knowledge scores did not change across time, but analysis of the PRD-VAS indicated a significant change across time (p = 0.01). The DRC did not correlate with prediabetes nor metabolic syndrome. Further, analysis revealed significant interaction between prediabetes status and perceived risk (p = 0.04), but not between prediabetes risk and intent to adopt healthier lifestyle (p = 0.42). Significant correlations existed between metabolic syndrome and prediabetes risk (p = 0.03) as well as criteria for both diseases, excluding HbA1c (p = 0.15). The college students in this study possessed many risk factors for developing type II diabetes and/or cardiovascular disease. Those at high risk for such diseases demonstrated an understanding of their risk, but did not express an intent to modify their lifestyle behaviors. Further, the noninvasive prediabetes and diabetes risk calculator did not consistently identify these diseases in this population. Research should be dedicated to determining how to change perceived risk of developing type II diabetes, methods of promoting healthier lifestyles, and development of a validated noninvasive instrument for use among traditional-age college students.Item The effect of heat stress on hydration status and renal biomarkers in NCAA d1 female soccer players in south Texas(2020-05) Wainwright, Jordan; Newmire, Daniel; Webb, Heather; Willoughby, Darryn; Gonzales, XavierRecent research suggests that recurrent heat-associated hypohydration and strenuous physical exertion may be associated with the development of acute and potentially chronic renal dysfunction. South Texas pre-season conditions in which collegiate soccer is performed in August, may warrant concerns for promoting acute kidney injury (AKI). PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to investigate hydration status and renal biomarkers in NCAA Division I female soccer players in South Texas. METHODS: (Mean±SEM; n=21; age: 19.3±0.25 y; ht: 169.6±1.3 cm; wt: 68.4±2.4 kg; LBM: 45.9±1.1 kg). Each subject participated in baseline and ending body composition measures via DXA (iDXA, Lunar Prodigy; GE Healthcare, Madison, WI), and provided 14-urine samples throughout the preseason for the analysis of Urine Specific Gravity (USG), Urine Color Analysis (UCA), Cystatin-C (uCys-C), and Creatinine (uCr). Urine samples were collected at start of preseason (PRE-PS), fitness testing days (FT1, FT2), regular practices (MidW1, MidW2, POST-PS) and exhibition games (PRE-BU, POST-BU,12HR-BU, 24HR-BU, PRE-UT, POST-UT, 12HR-UT, 24HR-UT). Heat index (37.4± 0.8) was assessed at practice sessions and exhibition matches (Kestrel 5000 environmental meter; Kestrel Meters, Boothwyn, PA). RESULTS: UCA and USG showed an effect of time (p <0.0001) between days with PRE-BU and PRE-UT values being lower compared to multiple days. A difference in USG (p = 0.0009) was found comparing PRE-BU (1.012 0.001) vs POST-BU (1.018 0.001) and PRE-UT (1.010 0.001) vs POST-UT (1.021 0.001) (p = 0.00001). uCr showed an effect of time (p <0.0001) between days with PRE-BU and PRE-UT being lower than multiple days. Significant increases in uCys-C were present at 12H-BU, 24H-BU, MidW1, PRE-UT, POSTUT, and 12H-UT (p= ≤ 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that subjects arrived at exhibition games (BU, UT) in a euhydrated state with hypohydration occurring 12-hours post- exhibition game, prior to fitness assessments (FT1, FT2), and regular morning practice (MidW1). Values of uCr increased above normative post-exhibition game and may be an indicator of exercise-induced muscular injury. Concentrations of uCys-C remained elevated following 12HBU and did not return to normative values until 12H-UT. Our results indicate that NCAA D1 female soccer players in South Texas are at increased risk of both hypohydration and potential renal injury.Item Effect of observation on exhaustion and social physique anxiety(2023-12) Parikh, Vishwa Sameer; Davis, Liana; Snarr, Ronald; Ricard, RichardIntroduction: Exercising in a crowd could make some people more anxious regarding their body which can affect exercise performance (McCann et al., 2007; Gammage et al., 2009). A construct within anxiety, social physique anxiety (SPA) combines body image with social anxiety, by measuring the apprehension reported when one worries about others’ perception of one’s body structure (Hart et al., 1989). General anxiety has been found to be associated with fatigue (McCann et al., 2007), but whether crowd-related anxiety is also associated with more risk of fatigue is uncertain. Purpose Statement: This study examined the differences in exhaustion and SPA following exercising while being observed versus without observation. Methods: Fifteen recreationally active volunteers were recruited as participants. Exercise testing was performed in two different sessions through the cycling maximal oxygen consumption test, at fixed speed for each participant. SPA scoring was done using a nine-item questionnaire before and after each session. While one session of testing for everyone involved no recording, another included a recording device being set up. After each session, participants were requested to give their rate of perceived exertion (RPE) ratings. Repeated measure nonparametric test was used to analyze the differences in all scores between and within the two sessions. Results: Differences in each question of SPA were trivial to moderate. Large difference was observed for male participants’ respiratory exchange ratio (RER). Trivial differences were observed between the two sessions for time to exhaustion. Small negative correlations were noted between RPE and SPA and between SPA and time to exhaustion (TTE).Item Effects of sprint training on kinematic and kinetic variables of countermovement jump and drop jump(2017-08) Delgado, Ferdinand; Ajisafe, Toyin; Spaniol, FrankThe purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of a four-week sprint training protocol on various kinematic and kinetic variables for the countermovement vertical jump (CMJ) and drop jump (DJ). Jump training has been used to enhance sprint training. However, there is a dearth of research on whether sprint training affects jumping performance. Since both types of activities involve applying force to increase propulsion and, with sprinting and DJ, regulation of vertical stiffness to promote optimal propulsion is involved, then it is appropriate to investigate the possible effects of sprinting to jumping. Fourteen recreationally active college students (age: 23.07 years ± 2.97; height: 170.49 cm ± 7.19; mass; 67.46 kg ± 10.18; seven males and seven females) with normal body mass index readings performed a four-week sprint training protocol. The sprint training protocol involved two training sessions per week while sprinting as fast as possible with maximal rest in between repetitions. CMJ and DJ performance were assessed the week before and after the sprint intervention. Jump height and peak propulsive force (PPF) were assessed for the CMJ. Jump height, PPF, ground contact time, reactive strength index (RSI), propulsive impulse, minimum vertical center of mass displacement (CoMmin) and vertical stiffness were measured for the DJ. Height jumped was higher during the CMJ following sprint training (t(13) = -2.648, p = 0.020). Although PPF (t(13) = -1.525, p = 0.151), did not significantly differ, there was an increasing trend post-test. Height jumped during the DJ was higher following sprint training (t(13) = -3.795, p = .002). However, no statistically significant differences were found for PPF (t(13) = 0.452, p = 0.659), ground contact time (t(13) = -0.280, p = .784), RSI (t(13) = -1.094, p = 0.294), propulsive impulse (t(13) = -1.141, p = 0.274), CoMmin (t(13) = 1.137, p = .276) or vertical stiffness (t(13) = 1.502, p = 0.157). An increasing trend was found with PPF and a decreasing trend was found with vertical stiffness. The results show that sprinting may improve CMJ and DJ height. However, further research would be needed on the exact mechanisms that allow this phenomenon to occur.Item Marksmanship accuracy and precision after tactical exercises among special weapons and tactics (SWAT) team operators(2021-08) Woodford, Kristina; Webb, Heather E,; Newmire, Daniel E.; Pollock, Wendi K.Law enforcement is one of the most stressful occupations and investigations have demonstrated law enforcement officers (LEOs) have greater CVD-related morbidity and mortality than the general population. LEOs are chronically exposed to events including physical dangers and psychological stress. Every day, LEOs utilize their training to save lives and keep themselves and their communities safe, however, Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) teams have duties that are beyond the scope of normal law enforcement personnel. Part of this training includes the use of firearms to prepare officers to protect themselves and others in highly dangerous situations. Engaging in these dangerous situations can often cause high levels of stress and decrease shooting accuracy and precision. PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of consecutive tactical task exercises on accuracy and precision of pistol shooting in SWAT team operators. METHODS: Thirty-two active SWAT team members (age = 38.04 ± 1.29 y.; experience on SWAT = 7.33 ± 1.04 y.), were recruited from a local police department. SWAT members performed 3 tactical exercises using their service weapon. Participants completed a 73.31-m sprint entry into the range, performed a 13.71 m dummy drag (79.73 kg), and a 13.71 m battering-ram carry (17.5 kg). After each tactical exercise, participants discharged 5-rounds of ammunition into separate paper targets located 13.71 meter from the firing line while wearing full tactical vest and situated behind a tactical barrier. Participants completed psychometric questions and provided saliva samples prior to and after completing the testing protocol. RESULTS: SWAT team members completed the tactical exercise protocol in 77.31 ± 3.22 sec. RMANOVAs demonstrated significant differences in marksmanship accuracy between shooting conditions for: distance from the target center-of-mass (DCMSG; F3,93 = 4.78, p < .01), distance from center of mass shot average (DCMS; F3,93 = 4.29, p < 0.001). RMANOVAs demonstrated significant differences in marksmanship precision between shooting conditions for: radius of the shot grouping (MRS; F3,93 = 4.29, p < 0.001), horizontal range (HR; F3,93 = 4.16, p < 0.05), vertical range (VR; F3,93 = 3.15, p < 0.05), area of the dispersion of shots (AD; F3,93 = 6.35, p < 0.01), and the diagonal of dispersion (DD; F3,93 = 6.18, p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Accuracy and precision decreased from static baseline shooting as a result of physical exertion. Fatigue and stress may contribute to the differences seen between static baseline marksmanship and posttactical exercise marksmanship with greater differences seen in tactical tasks that require upper body involvement.Item The Neuromuscular and muscle damage responses to the farmers walk(2019-05) Struder, Jeb Franklin; Webb, Heather; Newmire, Daniel; Boham, MikaelaItem The relationship between the Army physical fitness test and a twelve-mile ruck(2018-08) Hall, Harrison AJ; Bonnette, Randy; Ajisafe, Toyin; Boham, MikaelaThe purpose of this study was to investigate the association between the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT) and the twelve-mile ruck assessment of Army Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) cadets (CDT’s). The APFT is a vital part of every soldiers time in the US Army because it is the only fitness test required to pass twice a year, and also allows soldiers to receive pay and be considered for promotions upon passing the assessment. The twelve-mile ruck is an assessment which CDT’s march twelve miles carrying 35 pounds in less than three hours, but is only performed once. Due to the evident importance of training for the APFT, officers in the US Army have been found to overtrain in running, push-ups, and sit-ups, which has caused injuries from repetitive stressors, and has not prepared servicemen for heavy load carriage. Since the APFT is crucial to all soldiers for career advancement, and the twelve-mile ruck relates directly to combat specific tasks (i.e., soldiers carry up to 130 lbs. of equipment during combat), it is important to investigate if the APFT is correlated to the twelve-mile ruck to determine if a more combat specific assessments should be utilized for such important fitness standards in place of the APFT. A linear multiple regression analysis was performed in a stepwise backward model to interpret the relationship between seventeen Army ROTC Cadets’ (Age = 20.5 ± 2.50, weight (kg) = 71.69 ± 11.74, height (m) = 1.67 ± .09, BMI = 25.45 ± 5.11) archived APFT measures, and twelve-mile ruck times. Significant positive relationships between BMI (r = 0.771, p = 0.001, n = 17), and weight (kg) (r = 0.579, p = 0.007, n = 17) when compared to the twelve-mile ruck were found. Also, a significant relationship was observed between the two-mile run score (r = -0.654, p = 0.002, n = 17) and the twelve-mile ruck. These results indicate there were significant relationships between the APFT and a twelve-mile ruck.