Kinesiology/EXHP: Student Scholarship

Introduction: Cardiovascular risk factors such as hypertension, abdominal obesity, and high body fat are associated with sedentary behavior and lack of physical activity (PA). Some studies have shown that increasing PA, specifically in the form of increasing number of steps per day, can lower cardiovascular risk factors such as blood pressure (BP) and waist circumference (WC). Methods: This 4-week PA intervention will analyze the effects of increased daily steps on BP, WC, and body fat percentage in 11 healthy adults currently taking fewer than 10,000 steps per day. A baseline week of daily steps will be measured using a pedometer and a daily average will be calculated. Baseline BP, WC (measured in duplicate at the level of the umbilicus), and body fat (measured using InBody 570) will be obtained. Participants will then be asked to increase their average daily steps by 3,000 for 4 weeks while maintaining all usual dietary and activity habits. BP, WC, and body fat will then be reassessed. The data collected will be analyzed using dependent sample t-tests. Hypothesis: We hypothesize that an increase in daily PA will significantly lower BP, WC, and body fat over the course of the intervention. Discussion: Previous research has demonstrated that a modest, short-term increase in PA may lead to improved markers of cardiovascular health in the average sedentary adult. We aim to contribute to this body of knowledge through our intervention examining the effects of increasing PA by 3,000 steps per day.

Proteases aid in the hydrolysis of proteins into smaller peptides and oral protease supplementation may alter the endocrine response to exercise, promoting improved recovery. Purpose: To determine if protease supplementation immediately after an exercise session influences circulating testosterone, cortisol, insulin, insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), and growth hormone (GH) concentrations. Methods: Ten resistance-trained males (24.1±4.1yr, 69.6±6.8 kg 179±8.6 cm) completed 3 acute lower-body resistance exercise sessions consisting of 4 sets of leg press and leg extension exercises in a randomized, crossover fashion. Each exercise was performed at 75% of each participant’s previously determined one repetition maximum, for 8-10 repetitions, with 90 seconds of rest between sets. Following exercise, participants consumed one of 3 treatments (W: 26g whey; PW: 26g whey + 250mg of a protease enzyme blend; PL: non-caloric control). Blood draws were obtained at baseline (BL), immediatelypost (IP), 1-hour (1H) and 3-hours post-exercise (3H) and analyzed for testosterone, cortisol, insulin, IGF-1, and GH. Data for each hormone were analyzed with a 2-way repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results: Significant main effects for time (p<0.05) were observed for all hormones. There was a significant decrease in testosterone at IP (p=0.007), 1H (p<0.001), and 3H (p<0.001). There was a significant decrease in cortisol at all time points (p<0.001) compared to BL. There were significant increases in insulin, IGF-1, and growth hormone at all time points (p<0.001) following exercise. Conclusion: Neither protease nor protein supplementation appear to alter the endocrine response to resistance exercise in trained males compared to a control.

The aim of the current study was to examine the efficacy of whey protein ingestion with or without a digestive enzyme complex on amino acid (AA) availability following acute lower-body resistance exercise. Following an overnight fast, ten resistance trained men performed lower-body acute resistance exercises consisting of four sets each of the leg press and leg extension exercises followed by consumption of one of three drinks of equivalent volume, taste, and appearance which consisted of either: (a) 26g whey protein + 250 mg protease supplement + whey (PW) (b) 26g whey protein (W), or (c) a non-caloric flavored water drink (PL). Results showed significant main effects for time (p<0.001) and time x group interactions (p<0.001) were found for leucine, BCAA, and EAA. WPH drink resulted in significantly greater plasma leucine, BCAA and EAA concentrations at 30 min compared to PL (p<0.001) while not different than W. Leucine was significantly elevated at 30min (p=0.007) and EAAs at 180min (p=0.004) compared to 0min for WPH. The AUC for WPH and W were both significantly elevated groups for leucine, BCAAs and EAAs compared to PL (p<0.001). While no significant differences were found between the W and WPH supplementation groups during the 3-hr period after resistance training; the WPH group produced significantly greater leucine concentrations at 30min and in EAAs at 180min than PL compared to 0m. Results indicate that WPH may provide a more rapid absorption and longer lasting concentration of AAs in the blood after exercise compared with W or PL.

Introduction: Caffeine has been used as a chief substance to enhance exercise performance. Vast evidence exists detailing the effect of caffeine consumption on improving aerobic performance, yet, research is scarce in explaining performance effects on resistance training and anaerobic systems. More work is needed to determine caffeine’s effect on resistance training in recreationally active individuals. Purpose: The purpose of this investigation is to determine the effects of caffeine supplementation on repetitions to fatigue during a leg extension and leg press exercise. This study will provide an overview on the influence that caffeine has on the human body, its ergogenic effect, and specifically, its anaerobic influence. Methods: A blinded, randomized, repeated measures design will be used. The sample in this study will include 10-12 males and females who regularly consume caffeine and are resistance trained. Each participant will fill out a PAR-Q+ prior to completing a one repetition maximum (1RM) test for the leg press and leg extension. Repetitions to fatigue will be performed 45-minutes after drinking either placebo (maltodextrin), 3mg/kg, or 7mg/kg of caffeine anhydrous. Repetitions to fatigue will consist of participants completing as many repetitions as possible at 80% of 1RM. Data analysis will be performed through the JMP software system by a repeated measures ANOVA test. Hypotheses: It is hypothesized that the effects of caffeine will delay fatigue on anaerobic performance using resistance exercises for lower extremity muscles.

Vitamin D deficiency is prevalent among active adults; therefore, multivitamin products are consumed to correct this deficiency, but many multivitamins are often under-dosed compared to current evidenced-based recommendations. Purpose: To compare the effects of two different forms of low-dose multivitamins on 25(OH) vitamin D status following 10-weeks of supplementation. Methods: Thirty-four healthy males (n=14; 20.1y, 163cm, 71.7kg) and females (n=20; 22.1y, 153.4cm, 69.9kg) participated in this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. At the beginning of the 10-week intervention, participants provided a resting, fasted baseline blood sample and were randomly assigned to a liquid multivitamin supplement (LIQ; n=11), multivitamin capsule (CAP; n=11), or placebo group (PL; n=12). Participants took their respective supplement daily for 10 weeks. The LIQ and CAP supplement both contained 268 IU of Vitamin D. After the 10-weeks, all participants reported back to the laboratory for a resting, fasted blood sample. Plasma samples were assayed for 25(OH) vitamin D concentrations. Data were analyzed using a 2-way repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results: There was a main effect for time (F=11.86, p=0.002, η2 =0.227) with 25(OH) vitamin D concentrations significantly lower (∆: -7.8-14.9ng/ mL) at post-testing. Further, there were no significant differences between treatments (F=0.200, p=0.820, η2 =0.013) in 25(OH) concentrations suggesting no benefit of LIQ or CAP supplementation over PL. Conclusion: It appears that a chronic low dose of vitamin D in liquid or capsule form is insufficient to maintain or elevate 25(OH)D concentrations in healthy, college-aged adults. Consumers should evaluate the dosing of their multivitamins compared to current evidence-based recommendations.

Purpose: To compare muscle activation and bar velocity between the traditional (TRAD) and safety squat bar (SSB) back squat and develop a prediction equation for training loads with the SSB. Methods: Thirtytwo males (21.94±3.1 yr, 1.78±0.8 m, 81.7±10.1 kg) volunteered to complete this randomized, crossoverdesign study. Participants completed two separate1-repetition maximum (1RM) sessions using either the TRAD or SSB. Subsequently, participants completed one session of 3 repetitions at 65% and 85% of their 1RM for each squat condition (SSB &TRAD). Peak muscle activation of seven muscles from the lower body and trunk were recorded through surface electromyography (EMG) and mean velocity (MV) was recorded by a linear transducer. EMG and MV were analyzed by a 2x2 (bar x load) repeated measures analysis of variance (RMANOVA). A Pearson correlation was used to determine the relationship of load between bars and linear regression provided prediction equations. Results: Squat 1RM was significantly higher (p<0.001) for TRAD (144.7kg) compared to SSB (128.8kg). A significant main effect was seen in EMG (p<0.01) and MV for load (p<0.001). No significant bar x load interaction was observed between conditions for EMG or MV (p>0.05). A strong correlation (r=0.94) was observed between 1RM values of each bar. A prediction equation for SSB 1RM was calculated through regression analysis (SSB 1RM = 11.613407 + 0.8536183*TRAD 1RM). Conclusion: The SSB produces similar muscle activation and bar velocities compared to the TRAD at relative intensities. However, absolute loads should be adjusted when changing squat bars during a training cycle.

Researchers have found that aging is associated with loss of muscle mass, atrophy of type II fibers, and/or a decline in muscle force production. Long-term resistance and sprint training may preserve certain muscle characteristics. The purpose of this study was to determine if muscle thickness is correlated with peak power during an anaerobic sprint test. Sixteen males (age = 33.6±19.25 yrs; ht = 177±16 cm; wt = 78.25±18.75 kg) and 14 females (age = 26.6±7.61 yrs; ht = 167±10 cm; wt = 66.5±15.5 kg) volunteered to participate. Muscle thickness of the rectus femoris and vastus lateralis in the right leg was measured via ultrasonography (GE NextGen LOGIQ ℮). Participants completed a 20-second sprint on a mechanically braked cycle ergometer (Monark 894 E) against a resistance that corresponded with 7.5% body mass. Pearson correlation was used to determine relationship between muscle thickness and peak power. There were significant positive correlations between peak anaerobic power and muscle thickness of both the rectus femoris (r = 0.6453, p = 0.0001) and vastus lateralis (r = 0.7351, p = 0.0001). Strong positive correlations between anaerobic power and muscle thickness of quadriceps muscles existed despite age and gender differences, suggesting that anaerobic-specific exercise is characteristic of muscle mass preservation.

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of eight weeks of CrossFit training in combination with the consumption of electrokinetically modified water (EMW) on aerobic capacity, anaerobic power, and peak knee torque in CrossFit trained males. This study used a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled design. Twenty adult male CrossFit athletes (28.9 ± 4.69 years, 83.97±12.87kg, 12.5 ± 5.2 percent body fat) volunteered to participate. Participants were randomly assigned to a control (n=11) or EMW (n=9), and instructed to maintain their current training volume and drink a prescribed number of bottles (500ml) based on weight (102.3kg = 4 bottles/day). The subjects performed a graded exercise treadmill VO2max test, a peak knee torque flexion/extension test on a Biodex Isokinetic Machine at 120 sec-1, and a 30-second Wingate test for anaerobic power before and after the 8-week training period. No significant differences (P > 0.05) were identified between groups on improvements in VO2max (EMW=1.7± 3.7 ml/kg/min vs. C=0.0 ± 3.4 ml/kg/min), extensor knee peak torque (EMW=6.4 ± 19.3N/m vs. C=1.4 ± 21.1N/m), flexor knee peak torque (EMW=4.8± 12.5N/m vs. C=8.8± 15.7N/m), or peak power (EMW=13.7 ± 45.1W vs. C=12.7 ± 70.0W). The results indicate that 8-weeks of EMW consumption does not have any ergogenic effect on aerobic capacity, anaerobic capacity, or peak knee torque in male CrossFit athletes.

High levels of physical fitness are positively associated with academic success, self-esteem, and quality of life. Physical fitness testing is helpful in understanding one’s physical fitness status before starting and after completing a fitness program. Lipscomb University offers a 2-credit course titled Lifetime Wellness, which is designed to help freshmen students create and implement an individualized exercise program. Lipscomb freshmen enrolled in Lifetime Wellness in the Fall of 2013 participated in a battery of physical fitness tests, before and after an 8 week individualized exercise program. The test included a timed 1.5 mile run, a 1 minute pushup test, a 1 minute sit-up test, and a sit-and-reach flexibility test. A paired t-test was used to compare pre-and post-test data from all Fall 2013 Lifetime Wellness classes (N=7 classes with each class).

Exercise is one of the most important things a person can do to maintain good health, prevent disease and improve overall psychological well-being, yet so many Americans live a sedentary lifestyle. It seems that most people view exercise as dreaded and not enjoyable, but it doesn’t have to be. Exercise can be fun and exciting if you find the right type of setting in which to participate. If we can change people’s attitudes and feelings towards exercise it will be easier for them to stay committed to their health and fitness. The purpose of this study was to determine whether there is a difference in attitudes, feelings, and overall satisfaction between people who mostly participate in individual training versus those who mostly participate in group exercise classes. It was hypothesized that group exercise participants would be overall more satisfied. Twenty participants were randomly selected from the YMCA, with half being participants in a group exercise class and the other half were training alone on the wellness floor. Participants completed a semantic differential scale type survey asking about attitudes before, during and after exercise as well as perceived quality of workout and satisfaction of results achieved. Results of the independent t-test indicated that there was a significant difference between groups and that people who mostly participate in group exercise classes experienced more overall happiness and satisfaction than those who train alone. While there were many limitations to this study, this might be something future studies examine more in depth.

High levels of physical fitness are positively associated with academic success, self-esteem, and quality of life. Physical fitness norms are helpful in understanding one’s physical fitness status relative to a comparable population. One hundred and ten Lipscomb underclassmen enrolled in PE 2012 in the Fall of 2012 participated in a battery of physical fitness tests including a timed 1.5 mile run, a 1 minute push-up test, a 1 minute sit-up test, a sit-and-reach flexibility test, and skinfold body composition measurements. Descriptive statistics were run on the data from all PE 2012 classes. When compared to national norms for college-age students, the average Lipscomb female ranked above average in push-ups (27.5 ± 8.9), average in sit-ups (29.0 ± 7.3), very good in sit-and-reach (35.1cm ±7.4), poor in aerobic capacity (34.3ml/kg/min ± 5.9), and very poor in percent body fat (29.2 ±4.6). When compared to national norms, the average Lipscomb male ranked above average in push-ups (37.3 ± 12.4), average in sit-ups (37.2 ± 5.9), good in sit-and-reach (29.9cm ± 6.9), fair in aerobic capacity (42.5ml/kg/min ± 7.1), and good in percent body fat (14.7 ±5.8). These statistics provide key teaching points for health and physical activity courses at Lipscomb University, as both male and female students should be encouraged to improve their aerobic capacity in order to reap the physical, emotional, and cognitive benefits of a healthy fitness profile.

Purpose: To compare anthropometric values, body composition, and muscular performance between baseball pitchers and position players. Methods: Thirty-two Division I collegiate male baseball players (20.0 ± 1.5 yr., 184.6 ± 7.2cm, 88.4 ± 9.2 kg) completed anthropometric, body composition, muscle ultrasound, and a lower-body muscular performance testing at the beginning of the off-season. Body composition was completed using a Dual X-Ray Absorptiometry (DXA) device which reported body mass, body fat percentage, and bone mineral density. Muscle thickness (MT) of the rectus femoris (RF) and the vastus lateralis (VL) was measured via ultrasonography. To assess muscular performance, all athletes completed a 30-second maximal effort Wingate Anaerobic Test (WnT) on a cycle ergometer. The WnT assessed average power (APwr), peak power (PPwr), and fatigue index (FI) during the test. Athletes were divided into two groups (pitchers: n=15; position players: n=17) and independent t-tests were used to analyze each variable between the two groups. Results indicated that position players possessed larger leg circumference (p=0.039) and a trend for pitchers being taller (p=0.078) with no other significant differences in anthropometric data. For muscle thickness, position players have larger VLMT (p=0.002) with no difference in RFMT. DXA analysis yielded no differences in body composition. For the WnT, there were no differences in APwr or PPwr, however, trend (p=0.082) was found for a higher FI in position players. Conclusion: Based on our data, it appears that position players may possess a larger amount of leg muscle mass than pitchers indicated by circumference and muscle thickness values.

Caffeine has been studied as an aid to performance in aerobic exercise and muscular power. Fewer studies, however, have studied the relationship between caffeine and anaerobic metabolism. The aim of this study is to measure the effect of caffeine on anaerobic power in college students as measured by a Wingate bike test. Nine college students completed a Wingate bike test without caffeine intake for 12 hours prior to the test. Anaerobic power and peak power output were measured by a Wingate bike test, a 30-second bike sprint with resistance based on the subject’s weight. Approximately one week later, the subjects repeated the test after having been given 200 mg of caffeine one hour prior to the test. Anaerobic power and peak power output measurements were compared to the baseline data to determine significant changes as a result of the caffeine. Both anaerobic power and peak power output were significantly increased with caffeine supplements (p<0.05). The mean increase in peak power output was 113.0 watts and the increase in average power output was 15.899 watts. 200 mg of caffeine taken one hour prior to anaerobic exercise improves overall anaerobic power and peak power output in college students.

The purpose of this study is to compare levels of intrinsic motivation and exercise adherence between those who exercise in a group setting and those who exercise individually. 21 college-aged students enrolled in a yoga-based exercise class participated in this study, as well as 19 college-aged students who completed an at home exercise protocol on their own. Each subject completed a survey prior that measures attitudes and perceptions about exercise. The intervention lasted 7 weeks. The first group attended one exercise class per week, and the second group completed one provided exercise video per week that was similar in length and style to the class. After 7 weeks the subjects repeated the survey, and factorial ANOVA compared scores between the pre- and post-tests, between the two groups, and the interaction. There was a significant main effect for group (p0.05). We noted that the home group were volunteers whereas the class group were required to take the class. However, our class group had higher exercise adherence than our home group. Our results suggested that exercising in a class setting does not have a significant effect on intrinsic motivation when compared to exercising individually at home.

Researchers have found that music acts as a stimulant on the brain. The distraction music provides increases performance and decreases perceived exertion during a timed run test. The purpose of this study was to determine whether listening to music has an effect on performance during a 1.5 mile run in non-athlete college students. Twenty college students participated, ten males and ten females. Each participant completed a 1.5 mile run twice with counterbalanced trials, without music (NM) and with music (Mu). Their heart rates and run times were measured for each trial. The participants rated their level of perceived exertion (RPE). Data was analyzed with independent t-tests to determine the effects of listening to music while running on heart rate, RPE, and run time. Means, standard deviations, and p values were: heart rate change = 66.3 ± 18.1 bpm (NM) and 63.4 ± 19.8 bpm (Mu), (|t| = 0.57; p > 0.05); RPE = 14.6 ± 2.2 (NM) and 14.2 ± 2.5 (Mu), (|t| = 0.45; p > 0.05); run time = 811.2 ± 97.5 sec (NM) and 801.35 ± 110.3 sec (Mu), (|t| = 0.31; p > 0.05). These results from showed that listening to music versus not listening to music while running does not have a significant effect on the change in heart rate, feeling of exertion, or run time.

Researchers have found that acute exercise is related to an increase in cognitive abilities and lack of exercise causes a decrease in cognitive abilities. Participation in acute exercise may temporarily increase cognitive abilities. The purpose of this study was to determine whether exercise produced increased cognitive abilities, and which exercise timing was most beneficial. Twelve participants (age 20-22 yrs) volunteered to participate. Subjects completed two trials of exercise followed by a cognitive abilities test (1-2 hours after exercise and 6-8 hours after exercise) and one trial of no exercise within the past 24 hours followed by the same cognitive abilities test. Exercise consisted of 20-30 minutes of cardiovascular work, reaching a heart rate of 75% max HR. The cognitive abilities test consisted of four separate tests which gave an overall score, memory score, reasoning score and verbal score. Repeated Measures ANOVA was used to determine if acute exercise has an effect on cognitive abilities. Cognitive ability was significantly greater1-2 hours post exercise than after no exercise, (M=11.42 and 9.31, respectively, p = .0092). The 1-2 hours trial (M=11.42) and the 6-8 hours trial (M=10.43) were statistically equal (p=.2738) as were the no exercise vs. 6-8 hours trials (p=.2021). Results suggest that acute exercise causes an increase in cognitive abilities, with immediate post-exercise being most advantageous.

Differences between endurance athletes and power athletes is widely understood and researched. The Wingate anaerobic test (WAnT) is recognized as a test for anaerobic power. It is a 30 second maximal effort cycling test and gives peak power output, mean power output, and percent power drop values for the duration of the test. Anaerobic power can often be used to distinguish endurance athletes from power athletes. The purpose of this study is to determine the difference in power output values between female cross-country runners (endurance athletes) and female softball players (power athletes). Ten female crosscountry runners (ages 18-22) and ten female softball players (ages 18-22) volunteered to participate. Participants completed a 5-minute bike warm-up followed by a 5-second trial of the WAnT protocol. After taking 2 minutes to recover from the trial, they completed the 30-second WAnT protocol followed by a 5-minute cooldown. An independent T-test was used to determine significant differences between peak power output and mean power output between the two groups. There were significant differences in peak power (p= 0.0001), mean power (p= 0.0063), and percent power drop (p= 0.0003) between the two groups. The power athletes had higher peak power outputs and mean power outputs, while the endurance athletes had lower percent power drops. Significant differences in power output values between endurance athletes and power athletes on the WAnT suggest sport-specific training has an effect on anaerobic power/capacity and performance on the WAnT can distinguish between types of athletes.

The aim of the study is to compare the effects of two modalities of myofascial release (foam rolling vs. massage therapy) on the running efficiency of college-aged female cross-country runners. Methods: 11 Female cross-country runners (n = 11) completed VO2 max treadmill tests. Biometric data (height, weight, and BIA) were measured prior. Resting lactate was taken prior, immediate post lactate was taken immediately after cessation, and 2 minutes after. Heart rate and RPE were also measured during the VO2 max tests. There were 3 interventions. Each subject completed 3 submaximal treadmill tests at about 60% of their original VO2 max. Prior to each of their submax tests, they were assigned to 1 of 3 intervention groups: foam rolling, massage, or the intervention control group. Resting lactate and IP lactate values were taken. Heart rate and RPE were measured every 2 minutes during the submax test. Results: There was a significant difference in IP lactate values between intervention groups FR and C (p<.05). There was a 32 significant difference in IP lactate values between intervention groups M and C (p<.05). There was no significant difference in IP lactate values between intervention groups FR and M (p>.05). There was no significant difference in HR between the intervention groups (FR, M, C) (p= .31). There was a significant difference in RPE values between C group and FM, M groups (p<.05). Conclusion: The results suggest that pre-run interventions may improve running efficiency in college-aged female cross-country runners.

The purpose of this research is to determine whether or not there is a significant difference between the prevalence of intuitive eating in male and female athletes. Intuitive eating is characterized by honoring hunger, respecting fullness, enjoying the pleasure of eating, and making food choices without experiencing guilt or an ethical dilemma. Participants were volunteers from various Lipscomb University athletic teams. We surveyed 15 males and 15 females using the 27-question Likert-type Intuitive Eating Scale to determine their intuitive eating score. The scale includes four specific areas: intrinsic eating, extrinsic eating, antidieting, and self-care. The results indicate that in the subscales of intrinsic eating (p=.116) and self-care (p=.577), the genders were statistically equal. The males scored significantly higher in extrinsic eating (males M = 21.53 ± 3.2, females M = 18.93 ± 1.9; p=.012), which indicates that men are less influenced by external factors. Men also scored higher in anti-dieting (males M = 54.13 ± 8.3, females M = 44.6 ± 9.6; p=.007), suggesting that males more often disagree with dieting practices and behaviors. We concluded that there do seem to be some gender differences in intuitive eating variables.

The purpose of this study is to provide physiological evidence of intuition, signifying that the body is physiologically reacting to something the human consciousness is not able to perceive. The objective in this study is to replicate a previous experiment published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine that the body can respond to an “emotionally arousing” or disturbing stimulus in the seconds before it occurs. Our hypothesis was that when the body senses an arousing image coming, the heart rate variability drops, putting the heart into a more stable state. Twenty male participants were chosen to be in this study where they were shown 45 images, which had all been previously rated as either calm (30 images) or emotionally arousing or disturbing (15 images). Their heart rate variability numbers were recorded during the six seconds prior to the image being shown. The results of this study show that the difference in heart rate variability between calm images and arousing images was nonsignificant (t=1.56; p=0.134). The mean heart rate variability for the 15 arousing images was 84.85 ± 20.8; the mean heart rate variability for the 30 calm images was 90.7± 18.3. The results of this study do not prove that the body can subconsciously sense what is coming, though the data may support a trend in this direction.