School of Health Promotion & Kinesiology

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Acute effect of whole-body vibration warm-up on footspeed quickness
(Wolters-Kluwer, 2016-08) Donahue, Ryan B.; Duplanty, Anthony A.; Vingren, Jakob L.; Levitt, Danielle E.; Luk, Hui-Ying; Kraemer, William J.
The warm-up routine preceding a training or athletic event can affect the performance during that event. Whole-body vibration (WBV) can increase muscle performance, and thus the inclusion of WBV to the warm-up routine might provide additional performance improvements. The purpose of this investigation was to examine the acute effect of a WBV warm-up, using a vertical oscillating platform and a more traditional warm-up protocol on feet quickness in physically active men. Twenty healthy and physically active men (18–25 years, 22 ± 3 years, 176.8 ± 6.4 cm, 84.4 ± 11.5 kg, 10.8 ± 1.4% body fat) volunteered for this study. A 2 × 2 factorial design was used to examine the effect of 4 warm-up scenarios (no warm-up, traditional warm-up only, WBV warm-up only, and combined traditional and WBV warm-up) on subsequent 3-second Quick feet count test (QFT) performance. The traditional warm-up consisted of static and dynamic exercises and stretches. The WBV warm-up consisted of 60 seconds of vertical sinusoidal vibration at a frequency of 35 Hz and amplitude of 4 mm on a vibration platform. The WBV protocol significantly (p ≤ 0.0005, η2 = 0.581) augmented QFT performance (WBV: 37.1 ± 3.4 touches; no-WBV: 35.7 ± 3.4 touches). The results demonstrate that WBV can enhance the performance score on the QFT. The findings of this study suggest that WBV warm-up should be included in warm-up routines preceding training and athletic events which include very fast foot movements.
The acute hormonal response to free weight and machine weight resistance exercise
(Wolters-Kluwer, 2014) Shaner, Aaron A.; Vingren, Jakob L.; Hatfield, Disa L.; Budnar, Ronald G., Jr.; Duplanty, Anthony A.; Hill, David W.
Resistance exercise can acutely increase the concentrations of circulating neuroendocrine factors, but the effect of mode on this response is not established. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of resistance exercise selection on the acute hormonal response using similar lower-body multijoint movement free weight and machine weight exercises. Ten resistance trained men (25 ± 3 years, 179 ± 7 cm, 84.2 ± 10.5 kg) completed 6 sets of 10 repetitions of squat or leg press at the same relative intensity separated by 1 week. Blood samples were collected before (PRE), immediately after (IP), and 15 (P15) and 30 minutes (P30) after exercise, and analyzed for testosterone (T), growth hormone (GH), and cortisol (C) concentrations. Exercise increased (p ≤ 0.05) T and GH at IP, but the concentrations at IP were greater for the squat (T: 31.4 ± 10.3 nmol·L−1; GH: 9.5 ± 7.3 μg·L−1) than for the leg press (T: 26.9 ± 7.8 nmol·L−1; GH: 2.8 ± 3.2 μg·L−1). At P15 and P30, GH was greater for the squat (P15: 12.3 ± 8.9 μg·L−1; P30: 12.0 ± 8.9 μg·L−1) than for the leg press (P15: 4.8 ± 3.4 μg·L−1; P30: 5.4 ± 4.1 μg·L−1). C was increased after exercise and was greater for the squat than for the leg press. Although total work (external load and body mass moved) was greater for the squat than for the leg press, rating of perceived exertion did not differ between the modes. Free weight exercises seem to induce greater hormonal responses to resistance exercise than machine weight exercises using similar lower-body multijoint movements and primary movers.
The acute hormonal response to the kettlebell swing exercise
(Wolters-Kluwer, 2014) Duplanty, Anthony A.; Budnar, Ronald G.; Hill, David W.; McFarlin, Brian K.; Vingren, Jakob L.
The purpose of this investigation was to examine the acute hormonal response to the kettlebell swing exercise. Ten recreationally resistance trained men (age, 24 ± 4 years; height, 175 ± 6 cm; body mass, 78.7 ± 9.9 kg) performed 12 rounds of 30 seconds of 16 kg kettlebell swings alternated with 30 seconds of rest. Blood samples were collected before (PRE), immediately after (IP), and 15 (P15) and 30 minutes after exercise (P30) and analyzed for testosterone (T), immunoreactive growth hormone, cortisol (C), and lactate concentrations. Heart rate and rating of perceived exertion were measured at the end of each round. Testosterone was significantly higher (p ≤ 0.05) at IP than at PRE, P15, or P30 (PRE: 28 ± 3; IP: 32 ± 4; P15: 29 ± 3; P30: 27 ± 3 nmol·L−1). Growth hormone was higher at IP, P15, and P30 than at PRE (PRE: 0.1 ± 0.1; IP: 1.8 ± 1.2; P15: 2.1 ± 1.1; P30: 1.6 ± 1.3 μg·L−1). Cortisol was higher at IP and P15 than at PRE and P30 (PRE: 617 ± 266; IP: 894 ± 354; P15: 875 ± 243; P30: 645 ± 285 nmol·L−1). Lactate was higher at IP, P15, and P30 than at PRE (PRE: 1.1 ± 0.5; IP: 7.0 ± 3.0; P15: 4.0 ± 2.7; P30: 2.5 ± 1.8 mmol·L−1). Heart rate increased progressively from 57 ± 12 at PRE to 170 ± 10 at IP. The exercise protocol produced an acute increase in hormones involved in muscle adaptations. Thus, the kettlebell swing exercise might provide a good supplement to resistance training programs.
Acute physiologic responses during alternative modes of treadmill exercise in adults with Parkinson’s Disease
(American College of Sports Medicine, 2017) Levine, Nicholas; Rigby, Brandon R.; Davis, Ronald; Nichols, David; Avalos, Marco; Goudy, Leah; Moo, Patricia; Frederick, Cecil; Patterson, Desiree; Robuck, Mitchell; Guerin, Gena; Beck, Karrie; Reyes, Georgette; Patino, Doris; De La Cruz, Brenda
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative condition characterized by muscle tremors, rigidity and dyskinesis leading to balance and gait abnormalities that could alter physiologic responses during exercise. Locomotion on an aquatic treadmill (ATM) or anti-gravity treadmill (AGTM) may be a safe alternative to exercise on a traditional land treadmill (LTM) in those with PD. PURPOSE: To determine the acute cardiovascular and metabolic responses to three different modes of treadmill exercise in older adults diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. METHODS: Eight adults diagnosed with PD (68 ± 3 years of age) completed one exercise session on an LTM, one session on an ATM, and one session on an AGTM at 50% body weight. Participants walked from 1 to 3 mph in 0.5 mph increments at 0% grade during each exercise session. Heart rate (HR), energy expenditure (EE), systolic blood pressure (SBP), and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were measured at rest and during steady-state exercise at each speed on each treadmill. Rate of perceived exertion was also measured during steady-state exercise. Rate pressure product (RPP) was calculated. RESULTS: All variables, with the exception of DBP, increased as speed increased across all treadmill modes (p < 0.001). Between treadmill modes across all speeds, EE was statistically different (p = 0.025). There was a significant interaction effect for mode and speed for HR (p < 0.001) and RPP (p = 0.003). At all speeds except 1.5 mph, HR was higher on the LTM versus the AGTM (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Exercising on an ATM or an AGTM elicits similar physiologic responses to exercise on an LTM in adults with PD.
Acute supplementation with cannabidiol does not attenuate inflammation or improve measures of performance following strenuous exercise
(MDPI, 2022) Crossland, Brett; Rigby, B. Rhett; Duplanty, Anthony A.; King, George A.; Juma, Shanil; Levine, Nicholas; Clark, Cayla E.; Ramirez, Kyndall P.; Varone, Nicole L.
Supplementation with cannabidiol (CBD) may expedite recovery when consumed after exercise. The purpose of this study was to determine if supplementation with CBD reduces inflammation and enhances performance following strenuous eccentric exercise in collegiate athletes. Twenty-four well-trained females (age = 21.2 ± 1.8 years, height = 166.4 ± 8 cm, weight = 64.9 ± 9.1 kg) completed 100 repetitions of unilateral eccentric leg extension to induce muscle damage. In this crossover design, participants were randomized to receive 5 mg/kg of CBD in pill form or a placebo 2 h prior to, immediately following, and 10 h following muscle damage. Blood was collected, and performance and fatigue were measured prior to, and 4 h, 24 h, and 48 h following the muscle damage. Approximately 28 days separated treatment administration to control for the menstrual cycle. No significant differences were observed between the treatments for inflammation, muscle damage, or subjective fatigue. Peak torque at 60°/s (p = 0.001) and peak isometric torque (p = 0.02) were significantly lower 24 h following muscle damage, but no difference in performance was observed between treatments at any timepoint. Cannabidiol supplementation was unable to reduce fatigue, limit inflammation, or restore performance in well-trained female athletes.
The acute testosterone, growth hormone, cortisol and interleukin-6 response to 164-km road cycling in a hot environment
(Taylor & Francis, 2015) Duplanty, Anthony A.; Vingren, Jakob L.; Budnar, Ronald G.; McKenzie, Amy L.; Luk, Hui-Ying; Levitt, Danielle E.; Armstrong, Lawrence E.
This study investigated the acute endocrine responses to a 164-km road cycling event in a hot environment. Thirty-four male experienced cyclists (49.1 ± 8.3 years, 86.8 ± 12.5 kg, 178.1 ± 5.1 cm) participating in a 164-km road cycling event were recruited. Blood samples were collected within 0.3–2.0 h before the start (PRE: ~0500–0700 h) and immediately following the ride (POST). Samples were analysed for testosterone, growth hormone (GH), cortisol and interleukin-6 (IL-6). The temperature and humidity during the event were 35.3 ± 4.9°C and 47.2 ± 14.0%, respectively. Based on the finishing time, results for the fastest (FAST, 305 ± 10 min) and the slowest (SLOW, 467 ± 31 min) quartiles were compared. At POST, testosterone concentration was significantly (P < 0.05) lower (PRE, 20.8 ± 8.6; POST, 18.2 ± 6.7 nmol · L−1), while GH (PRE, 0.3 ± 0.1; POST, 2.3 ± 0.3 µg · L−1), cortisol (PRE, 661 ± 165; POST, 1073 ± 260 nmol · L−1) and IL-6 (PRE, 4.0 ± 3.4; POST, 22.4 ± 15.2 pg · mL−1) concentrations were significantly higher than those at PRE. At POST, GH and cortisol were significantly higher for the FAST group than for the SLOW group (GH, 3.6 ± 2.0 and 1.0 ± 0.8 µg · L−1; cortisol, 1187 ± 209 and 867 ± 215 nmol · L−1). Participation in an ultra-endurance road cycling event in a hot environment induced significant acute changes in concentrations of circulating hormones, with a greater augmentation of GH and cortisol in those completing the ride fastest.
Adding resistance training to the standard of care for inpatient substance abuse treatment in men with human immunodeficiency virus improves skeletal muscle health without altering cytokine concentrations
(Wolters-Kluwer, 2018) Duplanty, Anthony A.; Vingren, Jakob L.; Curtis, John H.; Levitt, Danielle E.; Lee, Elaine C.; McFarlin, Brian K.; Hill, David W.
Substance abuse and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection can independently lead to myopathy and related inflammatory alterations; importantly, these effects seem to be additive. Resistance training (RT) can improve muscle health in people living with HIV (PLWH), but the efficacy of this intervention has not been examined for PLWH recovering from substance abuse. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of RT on muscle health markers (mass, strength, and power) and basal circulating biomarkers for men living with HIV undergoing substance abuse treatment. Men living with HIV undergoing 60-day inpatient substance abuse treatment completed either RT (3×/wk) or no exercise training (control) for 6 weeks. Muscle mass, strength, and power, and fasting circulating cytokines (interferon γ, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, and IL-10), vascular cellular adhesion molecule-1, and cortisol were measured before (PRE) and after (POST) the 6-week period. Both groups received the standard of care for HIV and substance abuse treatment determined by the inpatient facility. Muscle mass, strength, and power increased (p ≤ 0.05) from PRE to POST for RT but were unchanged for control. No differences were found for circulating biomarkers. Adding RT to the standard of care for substance abuse treatment improved aspects of muscle health (mass, strength, and power) in men living with HIV. These improvements are associated with a lower risk of a number of health conditions. Therefore, practitioners should consider implementing RT interventions as part of substance abuse treatment programs in this population to help manage long-term health.
Alcohol after resistance exercise does not affect muscle power recovery [abstract only]
(Lippincott, 2020) Duplanty, Anthony A.; Levitt, Danielle E.; Idemudia, Nosakhare O.; Cregar, Carianne M.; Hill, David W.; Vingren, Jakob L.
The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of alcohol consumed after heavy eccentric resistance exercise on measures of muscle power. After familiarization and an initial eccentric exercise bout to control for the “repeated-bout effect,” ten recreationally resistance-trained men completed two identical heavy eccentric squat bouts (4 sets of 10 repetitions at 110% of concentric 1-repetition maximum) one week apart. Each exercise bout was followed by ingestion of a beverage containing either alcohol (1.09 g ethanol[BULLET OPERATOR]kg-1 fat-free body mass) or no alcohol (placebo; volume of alcohol replaced with water). Vertical jump (VJ) peak power, VJ peak force, VJ jump height, change-of-direction ability (shuttle run), sprint acceleration (sprint test), and muscle soreness were measured before (PRE), 24 hrs after (24H), and 48 hrs after (48H) each eccentric exercise bout. Although the exercise bout resulted in significantly (p < 0.05) decreased VJ peak power at 24H, significantly decreased VJ jump height at 24H, and significantly increased muscle soreness at 24H and 48H, consuming alcohol after the exercise bout did not affect any of the performance outcome measures. When consumed after a non-novel heavy eccentric resistance exercise bout, alcohol did not affect soreness or recovery of muscular power. Practitioners can use this information to advise their athletes with regards to responsible alcohol use after non-novel exercise. Although short-term anaerobic performance does not appear compromised as a result of acute post-exercise alcohol ingestion, practitioners and athletes should be aware of potential long-term effects of such alcohol use.
Anaerobic performance in female collegiate wrestlers during ovulation versus the mid-luteal phase of the menstrual cycle: A pilot study
(TopSCHOLAR®, 2023) Varone, Nicole; Clark, Cayla; Morse, Colby; Mallillin, Joseph; Flores, Alyssa; Kreutzer, Andreas; Rigby, Brandon R.; Biggerstaff, Kyle
Anaerobic performance may vary during different phases of the menstrual cycle. The greatest differences occur between the late-follicular phase (i.e., ovulation) and the mid-luteal phase. Optimal anaerobic performance may be observed during the mid-luteal phase. PURPOSE: To explore differences in upper and lower body anaerobic performance during ovulation versus the mid-luteal phase of the menstrual cycle in collegiate female wrestlers. METHODS: Six female collegiate wrestlers (age = 18.6 ± 0.2 yrs; height = 165.0 ± 0.5 cm; body mass = 79.7 ± 9.6 kg; lean body mass = 45.6 ± 2.8 kg; % body fat = 31.4 ± 6.6%) performed both upper and lower body Wingate tests, each lasting 30 seconds, during the ovulation and the mid-luteal phases of the menstrual cycle. Upper and lower body tests were performed 24 hours apart. Menstrual cycle phases were determined by calendar tracking, reverse estimation of ovulation, and administration of a urinary luteinizing hormone test assessed daily until positive results indicated ovulation. Lower body power was measured using a Velotron cycle ergometer, with a resistance of 0.075 kg/kg applied after a 5-second sprint at a resistance of 1 kg (50 W). Peak power (W) and relative power (W/kg) were measured. Upper body power was measured using a Monark hand ergometer with a 0.045 kg/kg resistance applied after a 5-second sprint at a resistance of 0.5 kg (25 W). Peak power (W) and relative power (W/kg) was calculated using rotation count, weight applied, and distance per rotation. Paired t-tests were used to analyze differences in means during the ovulation vs mid-luteal phases with a significance level of 0.05. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between trials for any variables measured. Lower body peak power (W) was 848.3 ± 126.1W vs 855.0 ± 143.9W. Lower body relative power (W/kg) was 11.8 ± 0.7W/kg vs 11.9 ± 0.8W/kg. Upper body peak power (W) was 162.1 ± 29.6 vs 160.2 ± 13.2W. Upper body relative power (W/kg) was 2.3 ± 0.4W/kg vs 2.2 ± 0.2W/kg. CONCLUSION: There may not be an optimal timing of significantly increased anaerobic performance in regard to menstrual phase in these wrestlers.
An analysis of health care team communication needs among younger vs older breast cancer survivors: Web-based survey
(JMIR Publications, 2022) Dahlke, Deborah; Yoshikawa, Aya; McAdam, Molly; Malatok, Sharyn; Gonzales, Elaine D.
Background: Prior studies indicate that the age of onset of breast cancer is an important element in considering communication between patients and the health care team. Younger women aged 45 and under diagnosed with breast cancer are often at a higher risk of being more vulnerable to psychosocial issues compared to older women aged 46 years and above. Few studies have examined age differences in patient perceptions of treatment-related discussion and communication during transition with their health care team. Objective: The aims of this survey were (1) to better understand breast cancer survivors’ perspectives regarding communication with health care providers during treatment and during transition to posttreatment care; and (2) to determine the differences between younger women with breast cancer (≤45 years of age) and older women (≥46 years of age). It was hypothesized that (1) breast cancer survivors’ psychosocial and finance-related communications with health care providers may lack effectiveness; (2) younger women experience greater needs for patient-centered communication with physicians and health care providers, especially about psychosocial care and transition to posttreatment care; and (3) younger breast cancer patients (≤45 years of age) need more information on survivorship and follow-up care. Methods: An internet-based survey was conducted with 143 women in Central Texas with 35% (n=50) aged 45 years or under and 65% (n=93) aged 46 years and above. The Mann-Whitney U test was performed to assess differences in participants’ perceptions about communication with health care providers by age group: younger (≤45 years of age) and older (≥46 years of age) women. Results: Statistically significant results pertained to rating health care team and patient discussions about transition from treatment to posttreatment using scores of 0 as “no discussion” and 100 as “in-depth discussion.” For the questions about management of posttreatment care, the overall mean score of the groups was 56.26 and that of the younger group was 43.96; the mean score of the older group was 61.96 (P=.02). For the question about the timing of follow-up appointments, the overall mean score was 64.29; the mean score of the younger group was 54.44, and that of the older group was 68.88 (P=.05). All the group scores related to psychosocial and financial support discussions with health care providers were low, with a rollup average of only 30.02 out of 100, suggesting that this is an important area for improving patient-centered communication. Conclusions: For all patients, transition from treatment to posttreatment requires a greater level of engagement and communication with the health care team. It appears that younger patients aged ≤45 years require more in-depth and personalized messaging to better understand their posttreatment care requirements.
Appropriate physical education service for ALL students
(Texas Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation & Dance (TAHPERD), 2007) French, Ron; Silliman-French, Lisa; Buswell, Deborah
Where as, all students, including those with disabilities, deserve appropriate, safe, and meaningful physical education instructional programs as identified by Texas Education Agency (2006) and that are reflected in the National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE, 2005) standards.
Assessment instruments used by adapted physical educators in Texas
(Texas Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation & Dance (TAHPERD), 2018) Johnson, Geoben; Kyugjin, Kim; Bittner, Melissa; Silliman-French, Lisa
Assessment in adapted physical education (APE) is a complex, multi-faceted process that focuses on: (a) identifying whether or not a student qualifies for APE services; (b) developing appropriate goals; (c) implementing appropriate instructional activities; and (d) determining the most appropriate placement for students in physical education (PE) (Horvat, Block, & Kelly, 2007). PL108-446, Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEIA) (2004) had a major impact (e.g., established guidelines for standardized assessments, alternative assessments, and reporting of students with disabilities) on the assessment procedures of students with disabilities. In the reauthorization of IDEIA, there were changes in reporting requirements on the progress made toward performance goals of students from every two years to every year. Furthermore, it is important to compare previous and current assessment practices used in APE settings to provide information about appropriate application for students with disabilities, and how it might affect student learning in APE (James, Griffin, & France, 2005; Redelius & Hay, 2010). Based on a review of previous literature, only one researcher has conducted a statewide investigation in Texas (Turney, 2000) to examine the most widely used assessment instruments by APE teachers before the federal updates to IDEIA in 2004.
Association between the on-plane angular motions of the axle-chain system and clubhead speed in skilled male golfers
(MDPI, 2020-08) Madrid, Morgan V.; Avalos, Marco A.; Levine, Nicholas A.; Tuttle, Noelle J.; Becker, Kevin A.; Kwon, Young-Hoo
The on-plane rotations of the inclined axle-chain system on the functional swing plane (FSP) can represent the angular motions of the golfer–club system closely. The purpose of this study was to identify key performance factors in golf through a comprehensive investigation of the association between the angular motion characteristics of the axle-chain system and clubhead speed in skilled golfers. Sixty-six male golfers (handicap ≤ 3) performed full-effort shots in three club conditions: driver, 5-iron, and pitching wedge. Swing trials were captured with an optical motion capture system, and the hip/shoulder lines, upper lever, club, and wrist angular positions/velocities were calculated. Time, angular position, range of rotation, and peak angular velocity parameters were extracted and their correlation coefficients (Pearson and Spearman) to actual and normalized clubhead speeds were computed (p < 0.05). Higher clubhead speed was associated with shorter downswing phases, larger rotation ranges (hip/shoulder lines, and upper lever), larger hip–shoulder separation at impact, delayed transitions (hip line and upper lever), faster rotations (backswing, downswing, and impact), and larger angular velocity losses (hip line and upper lever) with additional club- and body-specific correlations. Clubhead speed was not well associated with wrist cock angles/ranges, X-factors/stretches, and timings of the downswing peak.
Biomechanical effects on lower-body extremities during a maximum effort kettlebell swing protocol
(6/13/2022) Levine, Nicholas A; Kwon, Young-Hoo
Kettlebell training provides multiple health benefits, including the generation of power. However, previous biomechanical research has been restricted to a few sets or a few repetitions performed in one effort. The primary purpose of this study was to examine the kinematics and kinetics of lower-body joints during a repeated, maximum effort kettlebell swing protocol. Sixteen resistance and kettlebell swing experienced males performed 10 rounds of a kettlebell swing routine (30 s of swings followed by 30 s of rest). Each participant utilized a kettlebell of approximately 20% of their respective body mass and were instructed to perform as many swings as possible each round. Kinematic (i.e., swing duration and angular velocities) and kinetic (i.e., normalized sagittal plane ground reaction force, resultant joint moment [RJM] and power) variables were extracted for the early portion and late portion of the round. Swing duration and normalized ground reaction forces (GRF) increased within a round, while hip joint power decreased. Changes in swing duration were minimal, but consistent due to an increase in overall fatigue. An increase in GRF was observed at the end of the round, which is a potential concern for injury. Hip joint power decreased primarily due to a slower angular velocity. For experienced (both kettlebell and overall resistance trained) individuals, this protocol may be beneficial towards power-training focused routines, as power was not different across rounds while also maintain large RJM values throughout the duration of the exercise.
Both a holistic and external focus of attention enhance the learning of a badminton short serve
(Springer, 2021-01-25) Abedanzadeh, Rasool; Becker, Kevin; Mousavi, Seyyed Mohammad Reza
Attentional focus research consistently demonstrates a benefit of an external focus relative to an internal focus. However, this dichotomous comparison may oversimplify the variety of attentional focus strategies a learner uses when acquiring a motor skill. Recent research suggests a holistic focus of attention provides a similar benefit over an internal focus in performing a standing long jump, but the generalizability of this effect is unknown. The purpose of this study was to determine how an internal (IF), external (EF), and holistic focus (HF) and control condition impact the learning of a badminton short serve. Novice participants (N = 60) were randomly assigned to IF, EF, HF, or control groups. They practiced the badminton short serve for 150 trials over 5 days and completed retention and transfer tests 48-h post-acquisition. Serve accuracy was analyzed in separate repeated-measures ANOVAs for acquisition and pretest/retention/transfer. All groups improved accuracy through acquisition with the HF group serving more accurately than the IF and control groups. In retention, the HF and EF group served more accurately than the control group, and in transfer, the HF group was more accurate than the IF and control groups. The present findings suggest a benefit of both a holistic and external focus in the learning of an accuracy-based task.
Can exposure to heat attenuate neurodegeneration in older adults with Parkinson's disease?
(Frontiers, 2023-09-07) Clark, Cayla E.; Rigby, Brandon Rhett
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurological disorder characterized by dysfunction with movement resulting in motor and nonmotor symptoms. Primary motor symptoms include tremors, bradykinesia, rigidity, and posture and balance abnormalities (Armstrong and Okun, 2020). Not all motor symptoms are noticeable upon disease onset; however, over time, symptoms associated with motor dysfunction become more prevalent and debilitating (Zhao et al., 2021). Nonmotor symptoms of PD, including autonomic dysfunction, sleep and mood disorders, fatigue, gastrointestinal symptoms, cognitive impairment, and sensory issues, can also impair health (Chaudhuri et al., 2011). Up to 90% of individuals with PD experience nonmotor symptoms through every stage of PD progression (Chaudhuri et al., 2011; Gökçal et al., 2017). The combined motor and nonmotor dysfunction typically decreases quality-of-life over time for individuals with PD (Zhao et al., 2021).
Case study: The USA Paralympic Volleyball Coaching Internship Course
(The Journal of Athlete Centered Coaching, 2016) Mann, Mark David
A group of American University Graduate Students participated in a one week internship at the USA Paralympic Volleyball training center in Oklahoma, USA. A primary goal of the internship was to increase the motivation of the students in the program towards their own coaching endeavors as they examined and re#ected upon their core values in coaching. The student coaches in the study (n=9) were exposed to Coaching by Master Coaches from the USA Paralympic Volleyball team. These master coaches were skilled in an Athlete Centred Coaching Style that manifested the core values of: 1) an exemplary work ethic, 2) player empowerment, and 3) a prioritization of team cohesion. Upon the completion of the internship, data analysis revealed that there was a signi!cant di"erence on scores for the student coaches on the Sport Motivation Scale II, a reliable and valid instrument designed to measure sport motivation. This increase in coach motivation occurred in large part as a result of the students’ exposure and interaction with the Paralympic Master Coaches and the USA Paralympic Volleyball teams.
Changes in health and physical fitness parameters after six months of group exercise training in firefighters
(MDPI, 2020-10-28) Sokoloski, Matthew L.; Rigby, B. Rhett; Bachik, C. Ryan; Gordon, Ryan A.; Rowland, Isaac F.; Duplanty, A.
Proper training methods may be used as an effective preventative measure for many of the musculoskeletal injuries sustained as a first responder that are inherent to the profession. The traditionally low fitness levels and poor exercise habits of city firefighters may predispose this population to an increased risk of chronic conditions, such as cardiovascular and metabolic disease. The purpose of this study was to analyze changes in the health and fitness parameters of professional firefighters across North Texas during a six-month training program. Twenty-two professional firefighters completed six months of group training, consisting of two training sessions per week. These individuals underwent a pre- and post-fitness testing protocol that consisted of body composition, range of motion, anaerobic power, muscular endurance, and cardiorespiratory fitness. Improvements (p < 0.05) in flexibility, anaerobic performance, fatigue index, muscular endurance, and aerobic fitness were found following the six-month training program. No differences in body composition or peak power were observed (p > 0.05). Six months of group exercise improves aerobic and anaerobic fitness, exercise tolerance, muscular endurance, and flexibility in firefighters.
Changes in motor skill proficiency after equine-assisted activities and brain-building tasks in youth with neurodevelopmental disorders
(Frontiers in Veterinary Sciences, 2020-01-31) Rigby, B. Rhett; Davis, Ronald W.; Bittner, Melissa D.; Harwell, Robin W.; Leek, Eileen J.; Johnson, Geoben A.; Nichols, David L.
There is a lack of current research to support the efficacy of a combination of equine-assisted activities (EAA) and brain building activities to influence motor skill competencies in youth with neurodevelopmental disorders (ND). The primary objective of this study was to quantify changes in motor skill proficiency before and after 8 weeks of EAA and brain-building activities in youth with ND. A secondary objective was to quantify changes in motor skill proficiency before and after 1 year of EAA and brain-building activities in youth with ND. Twenty-five youth completed the same 32-week protocol that was separated into 4, 8-week blocks, in the following order: (1) control; (2) EAA-only; (3) washout; (4) GaitWay block (EAA and brain building activities). Before and after each block, motor skills were assessed using the Short Form of the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency-Version 2 (BOT-2). Seven youth continued with the GaitWay intervention for one additional year, and the BOT-2 Short Form was also administered following this intervention. A repeated-measures analysis-of-variance was performed to compare BOT-2 subtest and overall scores between interventions with a significance of 0.05. Manual dexterity was higher at Post-Washout [3.3 (2.4)] vs. Pre-Control [2.2 (2.1); p = 0.018] and Post-Control [2.6 (2.0); p = 0.024], and at Post-GaitWay vs. Pre-Control [3.2 (2.4) vs. 2.2 (2.1); p = 0.037]. Upper-limb coordination was higher at Post-GaitWay vs. Post-Control [6.0 (4.1) vs. 3.9 (3.8); p = 0.050]. When compared to Pre-Control [3.2 (3.0)], strength was higher at Post-EAA [4.9 (3.5); p = 0.028] and at Post-GaitWay [5.2 (2.9); p = 0.015]. Overall scores were higher at Post-GaitWay [39.1 (22.2)] when compared to Pre-Control [32.4 (21.6); p = 0.003] and Post-Control [32.5 (21.9); p = 0.009]. Additionally, motor skills were maintained for 1 year following the Post-GaitWay testing session among seven participants. This is the first known study to include and demonstrate the short-term and long-term effects of a combination of EAA and brain building activities with motor proficiency in youth with ND.
Chronic binge alcohol-induced dysregulation of mitochondrial-related genes in skeletal muscle of simian immunodeficiency virus-infected rhesus macaques at end-stage disease
(Oxford University Press, 2017-01) Duplanty, Anthony A.; Simon, Liz; Molina, Patricia E.
Aims: Alcohol use disorders are more prevalent in HIV patients than the general population. Both chronic alcohol consumption and HIV infection have been linked to mitochondrial dysregulation; and this is considered an important mechanism in the pathogenesis of muscle myopathy. This study investigated if chronic binge alcohol (CBA) administration impairs the expression of genes involved in mitochondrial homeostasis in SIV-infected macaques. Methods: Male rhesus macaques were administered daily CBA (to achieve peak blood alcohol concentrations of 50–60 mM within 2 h after start of infusion) or sucrose (SUC) intragastrically 3 months prior to intravenous SIVmac251 inoculation and continued until macaques met criteria for end-stage disease. Skeletal muscle (SKM) samples were obtained at necropsy. Muscle samples were obtained from a cohort of healthy uninfected macaque controls and used for comparison of analyzed variables. Total RNA was extracted and gene expression was analyzed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Results: The relative expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1 beta (PGC-1β) was significantly decreased in the SKM of CBA/simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) macaques compared to uninfected controls (P < 0.05). SIV infection resulted in a significant upregulation (P < 0.05) of mitophagy-related gene expression, which was prevented by CBA. CBA suppressed expression of anti-apoptotic genes and increased expression of pro-apoptotic genes (P < 0.05). Conclusions: These findings suggest that SIV infection disrupts mitochondrial homeostasis and when combined with CBA, results in differential expression of genes involved in apoptotic signaling. We speculate that impaired mitochondrial homeostasis may contribute to the underlying pathophysiology of alcoholic and HIV/AIDS associated myopathy. Short summary: This study investigated if CBA administration dysregulates gene expression associated with mitochondrial homeostasis in the SKM of SIV-infected macaques. The results suggest that SIV infection disrupts mitochondrial homeostasis and when combined with CBA, results in differential expression of genes involved in apoptotic signaling.

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