Browsing by Author "Fedewa, Michael V."
Now showing 1 - 20 of 24
Results Per Page
Sort Options
Item Accuracy of a Mobile 2D Imaging System for Body Volume and Subsequent Composition Estimates in a Three-Compartment Model(Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2021) Fedewa, Michael V.; Sullivan, Katherine; Hornikel, Bjoern; Holmes, Clifton J.; Metoyer, Casey J.; Esco, Michael R.; University of Alabama TuscaloosaPurpose The purpose of the study was to compare a single two-dimensional image processing system (IMAGE) to underwater weighing (UWW) for measuring body volume (BV) and subsequently estimating body fat percentage (%Fat), fat mass (FM), and fat-free mass (FFM) via a 3-compartment (3C) model. Methods A sample of participants age 18-39 yr was recruited for this study (n = 67, 47.8% female). BV was measured with UWW and predicted via the IMAGE software. The BV estimates from UWW (3C(UWW)) and IMAGE (3C(IMAGE)) were separately combined with constant total body water and body mass values for 3C model calculation of %Fat, FM, and FFM. Results BV obtained from the IMAGE was 67.76 +/- 12.19 and 67.72 +/- 12.04 L from UWW, which was not significantly different (P = 0.578) and very largely correlated (r = 0.99, P < 0.001). When converted to %Fat (3C(UWW) = 21.01% +/- 7.30%, 3C(IMAGE) = 21.08% +/- 7.04%, P = 0.775), FM (3C(UWW) = 14.68 +/- 5.15 kg, 3C(IMAGE) = 14.78 +/- 5.08 kg, P = 0.578), and FFM (3C(UWW) = 57.00 +/- 13.20 kg, 3C(IMAGE) = 56.90 +/- 12.84 kg, P = 0.578) with the 3C model, no significant mean differences and very large correlations (r values ranged from 0.96 to 0.99) were observed. In addition, the standard error of estimate, total error, and 95% limits of agreement for all three metrics were small and considered acceptable. Conclusions An IMAGE system provides valid estimates of BV that accurately estimates body composition in a 3C model.Item Associations between Multimodal Fitness Assessments and Rowing Ergometer Performance in Collegiate Female Athletes(MDPI, 2020) Holmes, Clifton J.; Hornikel, Bjoern; Sullivan, Katherine; Fedewa, Michael V.; Washington University (WUSTL); University of Alabama TuscaloosaThe purpose was to examine the association of critical power from a three-minute all-out row (CP3-min) and peak power from a one-stroke maximum test (1-Stroke) with laboratory-based fitness assessments (peak oxygen consumption [(V)over dotO(2peak)] and Wingate anaerobic test [WAnT]) and 6000 m (6K) and 2000 m (2K) rowing ergometer performance. Thirty-one female collegiate rowers (20.2 +/- 1.1 years, 70.9 +/- 6.9 kg, and 172.2 +/- 4.8 cm) participated in fitness and rowing performance testing. Pearson's correlations, linear regression, and Cohen's q were used to determine statistical relationships. Absolute (V)over dotO(2peak) values displayed significant correlations with 6K(total) (-0.68), 6K(split) (-0.68), 2K(total) (-0.64), and 2K(split) (-0.43). Relative (V)over dotO(2peak) displayed significant correlations with 6K(total) (-0.36), and 6K(split) (-0.37). CP3-min demonstrated significant correlations with 6K(total) (-0.62), 6K(split) (-0.62), 2K(total) (-0.61), and 2K(split) (-0.99). For 2K(split), a significant difference was observed between relative (V)over dotO(2peak) and CP3-min correlations with a "large" effect size (q = 2.367). Furthermore, 1-Stroke showed significant associations with 6K(total) (-0.63), 6K(split) (-0.63), 2K(total) (-0.62), and 2K(split) (-0.44), while WAnT produced non-significant correlations. Absolute (V)over dotO(2peak) CP3-min accounted for significant proportions of variance observed with performance measures (p < 0.05). Practitioners should consider incorporating CP3-min and 1-Stroke as additional tests for gauging rowing performance.Item Automatic Evaluation of Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior(University of Alabama Libraries, 2022) Zagdsuren, Battogtokh; Richardson, Mark T.; MacDonald, Hayley V.; University of Alabama TuscaloosaDual-process theories assume that there are two information processing systems that regulate human behavior: A reflective and an automatic system. Most physical activity (PA) intervention is grounded mainly on the reflective system that relies on individuals' intentions and regulatory goals or beliefs. Yet, such interventions are not leading to significant and sustained changes in PA. There is a growing body of research now focusing on the automatic regulatory system that occurs outside of intent. Automatic regulatory processes, however, are conceptualized far less in PA behavior. The broad aim of this dissertation is to expand our current understanding of automatic regulatory processes while accounting for dynamic aspects of PA, reflective processes, and individual differences. This dissertation consisted of three separate studies. The first study examined the automatic and reflective processes in relation to four different components of the PA domain: exercise, light and moderate to vigorous intensity non-leisure time PA (L-NLTPA and MV-NLTPA), and sedentary behavior (SED). AE of exercise was significantly correlated with moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA; min/d) and total PA (total activity counts [tac]/d), particularly in individuals with high PA intention and high self-efficacy. Executive function and personality indices (behavioral avoidance (or inhibition)/approach system [BIS/BAS] scale) significantly moderated the relationship between AE and PA behaviors. The second study aimed to investigate the stability of AE measures. Participants performed a computerized Single- Category Implicit Association Task (SC-IAT) twice, separated by 7-10 days. Internal consistency and test-retest reliability of the SC-IAT for the four PA domains (Exercise, L-NLTPA, MV-NLTPA, and SED) were evaluated. SC-IAT for the exercise domain showed acceptable internal consistency and test-retest reliability. In study 3, we investigated automatic approach-avoidance tendencies in common scenarios where individuals are faced with decisions to approach or avoid energy conserving or energy expending activities. Our results indicate that individuals responded faster to energy conserving cues than energy expending cues. In summary, we found that AE and reflective processes synergistically predict PA in active, young adults. Individuals are also more sensitive to energy conserving than energy expending stimuli.Item Barriers to exercise/physical activity for adolescents in rural west Alabama(University of Alabama Libraries, 2016) Cox, Melissa; Richardson, Mark T.; University of Alabama TuscaloosaRegular physical activity (PA) in childhood and adolescence improves strength and endurance, helps build healthy bones and muscles, helps control weight, reduces anxiety and stress, increases self-esteem, and may improve blood pressure and cholesterol levels. The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) shows PA trends among adolescents (defined as 13 – 18 yrs.) decrease such that the majority of adolescents are not participating in sufficient activity to meet recommended guidelines. Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) risk factors that are present in adolescence have a tendency to track into adulthood. Youth who are overweight tend to have a higher prevalence of CVD risk factors than their normal weight peers. Rural adolescents may not be engaging in PA as often as their urban counterparts due to barriers of their rural lifestyle. Many rural communities are characterized by vast distances, low socioeconomic status, transportation challenges, and low public funding levels for facilities, programs, and other public amenities. Rural residency, especially in the southern U.S. has been associated with low levels of PA. The rural population is very unique in that they have specific barriers to PA. These may be social, financial, transportation, personal (i.e. lack of time, resources, caregiver responsibilities) or environmental factors (i.e., transportation, inadequate programs, lack of facilities). The purpose of this study was to extend previous findings by surveying a large sample of rural Alabama adolescents regarding barriers to PA and surveying parents and school administrators in this regard as well. Also, this study evaluated the effect that age, race/ethnicity, gender, and SES have on barriers to PA. This study did indeed demonstrate several demographic differences concerning barriers to PA. Additionally, it demonstrated several differences between students, parents, and administrators regarding perceived barriers to PA. Finally, this study provided additional data concerning common barriers to PA reported in the literature. Gender and SES differences were found to be the two covariates that were barriers to exercise and PA in rural West Alabama adolescents.Item Blood lactate and electromyograpy during aerobic exercise(University of Alabama Libraries, 2017) Snarr, Ronald Lee; Bishop, Phillip A.; Esco, Michael R.; University of Alabama TuscaloosaThe assessment of lactate threshold (LT) is an important measurement to prescribe training intensities and monitor chronic adaptations in athletes. A non-invasive method, electromyography (EMG), has been suggested as an alternative approach to LT testing. Three experiments determined the ability of EMG incorporated into compression shorts to estimate LT, effect of exercise on LT and EMG threshold (EMGT), and determined the most appropriate filtering method of the EMG signal to estimate LT. In the first investigation, participants performed an incremental exercise test while blood lactate and EMG were measured. EMG displayed no differences from blood lactate in the ability to predict LT (p = 0.08). EMGT and LT showed a moderate correlation (r = 0.68, p = 0.01) between the determination of work rates. The EMGT occurred at the same stage of the incremental test as LT in 11 out of the 13 participants (85%). No differences were seen between percentage of maximal oxygen consumption or percentage of maximal heart rate between LT and EMGT. In the second study, the effect of exercise on LT and EMGT measurement was evaluated. Participants completed two maximal exercise tests separated by 30-minutes of exercise. Individual agreement demonstrated that pre- and post-exercise LT occurred at the same work rate in 5 of 10 participants; while pre- and post- EMGT occurred at the same work rate in 6 of 10 participants. Results indicated no significant difference between the work rates of the pre-exercise LT and EMGT (0.43), although post-trial LT was significantly lower than post-trial EMGT (p = 0.007). No difference in test stage were seen between the pre- and post-exercise EMGT; however, post-trial LT occurred at a lower work rate as compared to pre-trial LT (p = 0.03). In the final study, four popular methods of EMG signal transformation were examined in order to determine their effectiveness in estimating LT. The methods used were root mean square (10- and 60-second epochs), 60- second Smoothing, and 60-secons peak-amplitude averaging. Results indicated no differences in the ability of any signal processing variations to predict LT or in relation to %VO2peak at each threshold level. In conclusion, EMG has been demonstrated to be a viable tool to estimate LT and may provide a reliable low-cost, non-invasive method of prescribing training intensities based upon EMGT testing.Item Body composition assessment in adults with down syndrome(University of Alabama Libraries, 2017-12) Russell, Angela R.; Esco, Michael R.; University of Alabama TuscaloosaIndividuals with Down syndrome (DS) have a high prevalence of obesity and low bone mineral density (BMD), but body composition assessment needs additional study in DS. Three studies examined the agreement between body fat percentage (BF%) from air displacement plethysmography (ADP) and dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA), BF% from a four-compartment (4C) model and skinfolds (SF) and bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), and bone mineral content (BMC) from DXA and BIA. Sixty-six adults participated (33 DS, 33 control). In the first study, DXA provided higher BF% than ADP in both DS (t = 5.252, df = 32, p < .000) and controls (t = 7.714, df = 32, p < .000). In the second study, BF% from four BIA equations was not significantly different from 4CBF% in DS (p > .01), but these had a standard error of estimate (SEE) from 4.8 to 6.0 and wide limits of agreement (± 9.5% to ± 11.6%). Two BIA equations were not significantly different than 4CBF% in controls (p < .01), but these had SEE’s of 7.2 and 7.8 and wide limits of agreement (± 24.6% and ± 22.9%). Two SF equations were not significantly different from 4CBF% in DS (p < .007). Two of the SF equations were significantly different from 4CBF% in controls (p < .008). In the third study, BMC from DXA was significantly lower than BIA in DS (t = -5.237, df = 20, p < .000). DXA was significantly higher in controls (t = 3.110, df = 20, p = .006). There was no significant difference in DS males (t = -1.116, df = 7, p = .301) or control females (t = -7.978, df = 12, p = .000). DXA was significantly higher in control males (t = 5.641, df = 7, p = .001) and significantly lower in females with DS (t = -7.978, df = 12, p = .000). In conclusion, many methods of BF% assessment may be acceptable for adults with DS, but only appropriate equations should be selected. BIA should not currently be used to assess BMC in DS.Item Body fat percentage via dual energy X-ray absorptiometry following multiple different approaches compared to a laboratory-based 3-compartment model(University of Alabama Libraries, 2019) Welborn, Bailey Arthur; Esco, Michael R.; University of Alabama TuscaloosaThe purpose of this study was to examine the accuracy of using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) derived body volume (BV) equations in a multi-compartment model for estimates of body fat percentage (BF%) in comparison to traditional under water weighing (UWW) measures of BV. BF% was estimated using three-compartment (3C), two-compartment (2C) models, and the DXA. The 3C-Siri equation with UWW for BV and deuterium oxide (D2O) for total body water (TBW) was used as the criterion. One hundred twenty-nine adults (55 men and 74 women) volunteered to participate (age = 30 ± 13 years). DXA-derived BV was determined with the recent equations from Smith-Ryan et al. and Wilson et al. and then incorporated into multi-compartment models (i.e., 3CSiri-SR and 3CSiri-W). The 3CSiri-SR and 3CSiri-W DXA-derived BV values were highly correlated with UWW measured BV (74.24L, 74.30L, and 71.97L, respectively, and r=.999 for both). However, the mean BF% was overestimated in all multi-compartment models regardless of which DXA-derived BV equation was used. These results were consistent for the total sample and when stratified by sex, with the observed error ranging from 4.92% to 17.75% (effect size [ES] = .61 to 1.96, all p<.001). The correlation between the DXA-derived BV and 3C-criterion BF% was strongest for both Smith-Ryan et al. and Wilson et al. when utilized in the Siri model (i.e., 3CSiri-SR and 3CSiri-W) in the total sample, (r= .979 and .964, respectively) for men, (r= .974 and .971, respectively) and for women (r= .981 and .973, respectively). The 3CSiri-SR yielded the best accuracy in the total sample, as well as when stratified by men, and women as indicated by the smallest SEE of all methods (1.91%, 1.83%, and 1.76% respectively), although it overestimated BF% by 6% in both sex-specific subgroups. These data indicate that both DXA-derived BV equations are strongly correlated with UWW, however do not provide an accurate measure when incorporated in a 3-compartment model for estimation of BF%. This is likely due to the higher BV values produced by the DXA-derived equations (roughly 2 liters), which overestimated BF% by roughly 5%.Item Comparison of weekly HRV measures collected from two different recording times and their relation to performance in collegiate female rowers(University of Alabama Libraries, 2018) Sherman, Sara Rae; Esco, Michael R.; Fedewa, Michael V.; University of Alabama TuscaloosaINTRODUCTION: Root-mean-square difference of successive RR intervals (RMSSD) is a common heart rate variability (HRV) metric used in the realm of athletic monitoring. Time constraints in a collegiate sport environment and irregular practice hours are challenges that make obtaining the mean value (RMSSDM) and coefficient of variation (RMSSDCV) of daily RMSSD assessment difficult. It is unclear whether the time of day (i.e., measured immediately upon waking versus immediately prior to morning practice) influences these metrics and their relationships to performance. PURPOSE: To compare HRV values when recorded immediately upon waking to values recorded later in the morning prior to practice, and to determine the associations of HRV measures with performance outcomes in competitive female rowers. METHODS: Thirty-one NCAA Division I rowers were monitored for six consecutive days. Two seated RMSSD measurements were obtained on at least three mornings using a photoplethysmography application. Each 1-minute RMSSD measure was recorded following a 1-minute stabilization period. The first (T1) measurement occurred at the athlete’s home following waking, the second (T2) upon arrival at the team’s boathouse immediately before practice. From the daily measures, RMSSD mean and CV were calculated. Rank was determined by the coaches based on performance for that week. Two objective performance assessments were conducted on an indoor rowing ergometer on separate days: timed 2000m and distance covered in 30 minutes. Paired samples t-test was used to assess the potential differences between T1 and T2. Bivariate correlations were assessed using an intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Statistical significance assessed using α-level, p<0.05. RESULTS: No differences in RMSSDM and RMSSDCV were observed between T1 and T2 (p=0.73, p=0.66, respectively). RMSSDM at T1 and T2 were strongly correlated (ICC=0.82, 95% CI=0.63 to 0.92), as well as RMSSDCV at both times (ICC=0.75, 95% CI=0.48 to 0.88) (both p<0.01). RMSSDM at T1 and T2 was moderately associated with athlete rank (r=-0.55, r=-0.46, respectively), 30-min distance (r=0.40, r=0.41, respectively), and 2,000m at T1 (r=-0.37). No significant correlations were observed for RMSSDCV. CONCLUSIONS: Ultra-short RMSSD can be measured immediately upon waking or prior to practice, however assessing HRV immediately upon waking yielded stronger correlations with performance.Item Data Set to accompany "Effect of chronic exercise training on plasma leptin: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials"Fedewa, Michael V.; Hathaway, Elizabeth D.; Ward-Ritacco, Christie L.; Williams, Tyler D.; Dobbs, Ward C.; ; University of Alabama TuscaloosaItem The efficacy of subjective and objective indices of recovery during and following exhaustive resistance exercise(University of Alabama Libraries, 2019) Tolusso, Danilo V.; Esco, Michael R.; University of Alabama TuscaloosaMonitoring recovery status within and between exercise sessions can optimize training adaptations. As such, it is critical that the tools we use to monitor recovery status are both valid and reliable. One such tool, perceptual recovery status (PRS), has been developed to assess recovery status between days of repeated sprinting exercise. Yet, few studies have investigated the validity of PRS as a marker of recovery between sets or days of resistance exercise, or how fatigue influences the stability of performance indices. We conducted three studies to address these gaps. Study 1 investigated the utility of PRS as a marker of daily recovery following a bout of resistance exercise. Performance tests and PRS were recorded as baseline, 24, 48, and 72 h following a fatiguing high-volume back squatting protocol. Strong correlations were revealed between PRS and countermovement jump, bar velocity, isokinetic knee extension, and isometric mid-thigh pull (r = .61 to .86; p < .001). Study 2 evaluated the validity of PRS as a marker of inter-set recovery using bar velocity metrics during a high-volume back squatting protocol. Peak and mean bar velocity, as well as their decrements within a set were calculated across 4 sets of back squat. Main effects for time were observed for PRS and mean bar velocity metrics (p < .05) where all metrics tended to decrease throughout the bout. Strong correlations were observed between PRS all bar velocity metrics (r = .55-.65; p ≤ .001). Study 3 investigated the influence of fatigue on the stability of performance indices following a single bout of resistance exercise. Daily recovery scores––calculated from performance tests recorded at baseline and again at 24, 48, and 72 h post-fatiguing protocol––were used to represent four different fatigue states (FS). Reliability analyses for each performance test revealed that intraclass-correlation coefficients (ICC) remained high (ICC > .79) and standard error of the measurement values were comparable regardless of an individual’s FS. Therefore, PRS can be used as a subjective metric of recovery between sets and days of exercise and FS does not affect the stability of objective performance metrics.Item Evaluation of Methods for Determining Various Components of Body Composition(University of Alabama Libraries, 2020) Cicone, Zackary; Esco, Michael R.; Fedewa, Michael V.; University of Alabama TuscaloosaDoubly indirect methods of assessing body composition are commonly used in laboratory and practical settings. The purpose of this dissertation was to expand upon the methodological discrepancies associated with various techniques, and to provide improved equations to overcome these limitations. A series of three studies was conducted to 1) improve the estimation of underwater residual lung volume (RLV), 2) systematically review and quantify the error associated with single-frequency bioimpedance analysis (SFBIA) for the determination of total body water (TBW), and 3) develop a novel equation for predicting percent body fat (%BF) from skinfolds using a criterion multi-compartment model. The first study developed an equation for the prediction of underwater RLV in healthy adults using age and height as predictor variables. The new equation produced superior validity statistics upon cross-validation compared to four existing equations, indicating that it may be used by practitioners to accurately estimate underwater RLV during hydrostatic weighing. The second study systematically reviewed and meta-analyzed 264 effects from 51 original studies designed to compare SFBIA to criterion dilution methods for TBW estimation. Although a non-significant overall effect was identified, there was significant variability associated with SFBIA methodology (i.e., frequency and resistivity index) and sample sex (% female). Moderator analyses indicated that SFBIA procedures utilizing Ht2/R at 100 kHz produced the most accurate estimate of TBW when compared to isotope dilution techniques. The third study developed a skinfold-based equation for the prediction of five-compartment model %BF in a sample of healthy adults. The new equation outperformed selected existing equations when cross-validated, indicating its potential utility for practitioners concerned with obtaining accurate estimates of %BF in the general population.Item Evaluation of selected field and laboratory measures of body composition(University of Alabama Libraries, 2016) Nickerson, Brett Stephen; Esco, Michael R.; Bishop, Phillip A.; University of Alabama TuscaloosaThe four-compartment (4C) model is a laboratory method that is a valid method for the assessment of body composition. Three experiments were performed to 1) determine the validity of selected bioimpedance equations with the 4C model, 2) determine the impact of predicted vs. simultaneous residual lung volume (RLV) during underwater weighing (UWW) on the 4C model, and 3) develop a new body fat prediction equation. In the first study, subjects had body fat percentage (BF%) and fat-free mass (FFM) predicted from four bioelectrical impedance equations and compared to the 4C model. Three equations produced a significant mean difference, while another was non-significant. However, all four equations had a small standard error of the estimate (SEE) and fairly narrow limits of agreement. In a second study, RLV was measured simultaneously and predicted when determining UWW and 4C model BF%. The mean differences for UWW BF% was significant when comparing predicted vs. simultaneous RLV, but non-significant when the body density values derived via UWW were incorporated in the 4C model. The error was lower when using RLV prediction equations for determining BF% via the 4C model than UWW. In a third study the variables sex, body mass index (BMI), sum of combined handgrip strength, and vigorous physical activity was utilized in a regression equation to predict 4C model BF%. The new BF% equation, previous BMI-based BF% equations and skinfolds were compared to the 4C model. The new equation and BMI-based equations had significantly different BF% values and provided large 95% limits of agreement. Similarly, skinfolds had a significant mean difference, but the SEE was 3.7%, leading to the recommendation of skinfolds over the new equation and BMI-based equations. In conclusion, BIA equations can be used in the field, but practitioners should consider the tendency of the equations to over-predict BF% and under-predict FFM. Furthermore, the prediction of RLV can be used for the UWW procedure when determining 4C model BF%, but should not be used for UWW BF% alone. Lastly, the new BF% equation and BMI-based equations did not compare favorably with 4C model and the use of skinfolds is recommended.Item An Examination of Disordered Eating Among Undergraduate Students According to Academic Major, Body Mass Index, Physical Activity Levels, and Body/Muscle Satisfaction(University of Alabama Libraries, 2024) Chatham, Samantha; Esco, Michael R.Emerging evidence suggests that undergraduate students seeking health-related degrees are at a higher risk of developing disordered eating patterns compared to those majoring in non-health-related fields. Although prior evidence suggests that disordered eating can be influenced by other health-related variables such as body mass index (BMI), physical activity (PA) levels, and body/muscle satisfaction, no prior studies have examined the potentially synergistic relationship between academic major and these variables. Accordingly, this study aimed to examine whether disordered eating among undergraduate students varies as a function of academic major (i.e., seeking health-related degrees compared to seeking other degrees), PA levels (total MET-minutes per week obtained via the International Physical Activity Questionnaire - Short Form), BMI, overall muscle appearance (summary scores obtained via the Muscle Appearance Satisfaction Scale) and body satisfaction (summary scores obtained via the Body Shape Questionnaire), and biological sex (men and women). Undergraduate men and women from health-related and non-health-related majors were sent an electronic survey invitation that contained demographic questions (i.e., age, sex, race, academic class standing, academic major), and assessed relevant health-related outcomes needed to examine the primary research question. The final sample consisted of 186 participants (health-related majors n = 82 [74 women, 8 men], non-health-related majors n = 104 [62 women, 42 men]). A blocked linear regression approach was used to determine the best fitting model among all independent variables (i.e., final blocked linear regression model), with any significant independent predictors included as interactive effects in a final overall linear regression model. Results from the final blocked linear regression model revealed that after controlling for all other variables, health-related major was associated with lower disordered eating scores, and greater body and muscle dissatisfaction scores were associated with greater disordered eating scores. However, results from the final overall linear regression model revealed that only greater body dissatisfaction scores were associated with greater disordered eating scores. Although replication and expansion studies are needed, these preliminary results provide a rationale for future investigations to examine whether body dissatisfaction is an important target for preventing or reducing disordered eating tendencies among undergraduate populations.Item Examining the relationship physical activity (PA) has with neuropsychological functioning, Attention-Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) symptoms, and academic achievement(University of Alabama Libraries, 2019) Rondon, Ana Teresa; Jarrett, Matthew A.; University of Alabama TuscaloosaObjective: The overarching goal of this study was to better understand the relationships physical activity (PA) and other physical well-being variables (i.e., body composition and fitness) have with mental health symptoms, academic achievement, and executive functioning in a middle-school aged sample. Additionally, this study sought to explore the unique contributions physical well-being variables and in particular physical activity had on youth and teacher- rated symptomatology. Finally, this study aimed to determine whether the relationship between PA and academic functioning was better accounted for directly or indirectly using a serial mediation model whereby PA predicted academic achievement through neuropsychological functioning and ADHD symptoms. Background: Previous research has revealed that youth who engage in physical activity, be it a one-time acute bout or an intervention, generally experience positive neuropsychological outcomes and in some studies, a decline in Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Impulsivity Disorder (ADHD) symptoms. Additionally, studies investigating the efficacy of physical activity in reducing depression and anxiety symptoms have produced promising findings. Furthermore, the relationship that increased physical activity has with academic success has been recognized for several years. Importantly, fewer studies have considered the relationship that everyday PA has with functioning using a cross-sectional design and hardly any studies have included youth ratings. Further, much of the research investigating this relationship has been completed with either community or clinical samples. When studies have involved school samples, they have excluded participants with elevated ADHD symptomatology and considered the relationship fitness, rather than PA, has with academics. Finally, while a large literature suggests that PA can contribute to improvements in academic achievement in typically developing children, there is limited information on whether this relationship occurs in the context of ADHD symptoms. Method: 59 youth enrolled at a local middle school and six youth attending a day camp completed questionnaires, tasks of neuropsychological functioning, and measures of body composition during a one-hour period. Further, for students, their elective course teacher completed a rating scale yielding scores for inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity symptoms and scores from the Alabama Physical Fitness Assessment were retrieved. Results: There was a positive relationship between self-reported PA and self-reported academic achievement, and a negative relationship between self-reported PA and internalizing problems. Regressions showed that physical well-being variables accounted for a unique portion of the variance when predicting youth-reported internalizing problems. Notably, this relationship held when controlling for demographic variables and task-measured neuropsychological functioning but not when self-reported executive functioning was included in regression models. Mediation analyses revealed significant direct effects between self-reported PA and self-reported academic achievement but did not identify any statistically significant indirect effects. Conclusions: The findings in this study support the research suggesting that higher levels of PA are associated with better academic performance and fewer internalizing problems. While significant relationships between PA and attention difficulties did not emerge the results still highlight the importance of physical activity to overall well-being and encourage continued research on the topic of physical activity, mental health, and domains of functioning.Item Exploring the utility of unobtrusive methods of acquiring heart rate variability at rest and following exercise(University of Alabama Libraries, 2018) Dobbs, Ward; Esco, Michael R.; Fedewa, Michael V.; University of Alabama TuscaloosaUse heart rate variability (HRV) for monitoring cardio-autonomic perturbations in response to physical stimuli has increased in popularity and demand. However, the utility of measures of HRV to reflect acute changes in muscle recovery from exercise is controversial. As criterion short-term HRV recordings are performed with a gold standard electrocardiogram (ECG), less obtrusive methods have been developed for improved practicality of HRV measures. Three studies were performed to investigate the accuracy of less obtrusive methods for acquiring HRV and the utility of HRV for tracking changes in muscular performance recovery. The first study involved a systematic review and meta-analysis on the accuracy of portable devices for acquiring HRV. Twenty-three studies yielded 301 effects and revealed that HRV measures acquired from portable devices differed from those obtained from ECG (ES=0.23, 95% CI: 0.05, 0.42), although this effect was small and highly heterogeneous (I2=78.6%, 95% CI: 76.2%, 80.7%). Moderator analysis revealed that HRV metric (p<0.001), position (p=0.033), and biological sex (β=0.45, 95% CI: 0.30, 0.61; p<0.001), but not portable device, modulated the degree of absolute error. Within metric, absolute error was significantly higher when expressed as SDNN (ES=0.44) compared to any other metric but was no longer significantly different after a sensitivity analysis removed outliers. Likewise, the error associated with the tilt/recovery position was significantly higher than any other position and remained significantly different without outliers in the model. In the second study, the time course in recovery between criterion short-term HRV measures and acute muscular performance 72 hours following an exhaustive bout of resistance training was investigated. All HRV metrics had a significant interaction with muscular performance (performance) over time (p < .01) indicating change scores in performance and HRV following the physiological stressor were not parallel and did not track. Mean change scores in all HRV metrics significantly differed from performance across time (p < .05), except the standard deviation of all normal-to-normal R-R intervals (SDNN), low frequency power (LF), and the standard deviation of long-term HRV from the Poincaré plot (SD2) at the 0.5-hr mark, and high frequency power (HF) at the 24-hr time point. Furthermore, repeated measures correlation analysis indicated a lack of intra-individual association between the change in performance and HRV over time (all < .45). In the third study, the agreement between ultra-short and criterion short-term HRV measures surrounding a bout of exhaustive resistance training was investigated. Results displayed the highest levels of agreement from the log-transformed (ln) root mean square of successive R-R differences (lnRMSSD) [LOA = -0.91– 0.69, ICC = .91, p = .082, ES = 0.15] and the standard deviation of the points through the width of the plot (lnSD1) [LOA = -0.90 – 0.72, ICC = .91, p = .156, ES = 0.13] compared to all other metrics.Item Heart rate variability over three days relates to body mass index but not aerobic fitness in adult women(University of Alabama Libraries, 2018) Liu, Yuan; Esco, Michael R.; University of Alabama TuscaloosaBACKGROUND: Heart rate variability (HRV) is an efficient non-invasive method to represent the autonomic nervous system (ANS) activity. In clinical settings, HRV has been demonstrated to be a prognostic indicator related to cardiovascular diseases (CVD). A common approach for measuring HRV is to record within an isolated condition. However, HRV varies from day to day, hence an isolated measurement is often not suitable for reflecting a true change in ANS status. According to previous research utilizing isolated HRV recordings, both aerobic fitness and body mass index (BMI) are correlated with HRV. Yet, the extent to which aerobic fitness and BMI independently relate to HRV is less clear, especially when HRV is expressed as an average over time or as the coefficient of variation (CV) of multiple measures. Furthermore, our understanding of these relationships among young adult women subjects is limited as the majority of HRV research has involved men. PURPOSE: To determine if HRV collected over a period of days is associated with aerobic fitness and BMI in young adult women. METHODS: Healthy, untrained young adult women (n=30; 20.6±1.2 yr) who were overweight (26.9 ±7.1 kg/m2) participated in this study. HRV was measured for three consecutive days at the same time in the early morning and averaged (3dayM). A maximal graded exercise test on the treadmill was performed to evaluate the peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak) after 3-day HRV data collection. BMI was calculated using subjects’ height and weight. Independent associations between HRV (i.e., 3dayM and corresponding CV [3dayCV]) and aerobic fitness and BMI were evaluated using correlations. RESULTS: Aerobic fitness (VO2peak) was not correlated with any of the HRV parameters for the 3dayM and 3dayCV values (all P>0.05). BMI was not correlated with any of the HRV parameters for the 3dayM values (all P>0.05), however, BMI was correlated with all but one HRV parameter (HFCV, p>0.05) for 3dayCV: SDNNCV (r=0.471, p=0.009), RMSSDCV (r=0.396, p=0.030), LFCV (r=0.499, p=0.005), SD1CV (r=0.394, p=0.031), and SD2CV (r=0.426, p=0.019). CONCLUSION: The results of this study showed that HRVCV values were significantly correlated to BMI among 30 healthy, untrained women subjects over 3-day measurement.Item Inter- and Intra-Day Comparisons of Smartphone-Derived Heart Rate Variability across Resistance Training Overload and Taper Microcycles(MDPI, 2020) Williams, Tyler D.; Esco, Michael R.; Fedewa, Michael V.; Bishop, Phillip A.; Samford University; University of Alabama TuscaloosaThe purposes of this study were: (1) to determine if smartphone-derived heart rate variability (HRV) could detect changes in training load during an overload microcycle and taper, and (2) to determine the reliability of HRV measured in the morning and measured immediately prior to the testing session. Twelve powerlifters (male = 10, female = 2) completed a 3-week resistance training program consisting of an introduction microcycle, overload microcycle, and taper. Using a validated smartphone application, daily measures of resting, ultra-short natural logarithm of root mean square of successive differences were recorded in the morning (LnRMSSD(M)) and immediately before the test session (LnRMSSD(T)) following baseline, post-overload, and post-taper testing. LnRMSSD(M) decreased from baseline (82.9 +/- 13.0) to post-overload (75.0 +/- 9.9, p = 0.019), while post-taper LnRMSSD(M) (81.9 +/- 7.1) was not different from post-overload (p = 0.056) or baseline (p = 0.998). No differences in LnRMSSD(T) (p < 0.05) were observed between baseline (78.3 +/- 9.0), post-overload (74.4 +/- 10.2), and post-taper (78.3 +/- 8.0). LnRMSSD(M) and LnRMSSD(T) were strongly correlated at baseline (ICC = 0.71, p < 0.001) and post-overload (ICC = 0.65, p = 0.010), whereas there was no relationship at post-taper (ICC = 0.44, p = 0.054). Bland-Altman analyses suggest extremely wide limits of agreement (Bias +/- 1.96 SD) between LnRMSSD(M) and LnRMSSD(T) at baseline (4.7 +/- 15.2), post-overload (0.5 +/- 16.9), and post-taper (3.7 +/- 15.3). Smartphone-derived HRV, recorded upon waking, was sensitive to resistance training loads across an overload and taper microcycles in competitive strength athletes, whereas the HRV was taken immediately prior to the testing session was not.Item Monitoring changes in resistance training performance following overload and taper microcycles(University of Alabama Libraries, 2017) Williams, Tyler Dale; Bishop, Phillip A.; Esco, Michael R.; University of Alabama TuscaloosaDuring competition preparation, a common practice of strength athletes is to utilize a short-term overload period followed by a taper to enhance strength performance. Three studies were conducted to evaluate changes in repetition velocity, estimated repetitions to failure (ERTF), and smartphone-derived heart rate variability (HRV) across overload and taper microcycles. The first study examined changes in bench press average concentric velocity (ACV) recorded during a load-velocity profile assessment consisting of loads ranging from 40-85% of one-repetition maximum (1RM). Additionally, this study investigated whether the load-velocity relationship could accurately predict bench press 1RM. Following an overload microcycle (PostOL), ACV of the load-velocity profile was significantly reduced compared to baseline (BL), however 1RM was unchanged. Following the taper (PostTP), ACV had returned to BL, while 1RM was significantly higher than PostOL and BL. The load-velocity profile was unable to accurately predict 1RM; however, the near perfect correlations suggest that it may be used to assess recovery and adaptation to resistance training. The second study evaluated the accuracy of ERTF during a bench press repetitions-to-failure assessment with 70% 1RM. There was no difference between ERTF and actual repetitions-to-failure (ARTF) during BL and PostOL; however, ARTF were significantly higher than ERTF at PostTP. Further, PostTP ARTF and ERTF were both significantly higher than PostOL, while ARTF were also higher than BL. Thus, the accuracy of ERTF is dependent on the proximity to muscular failure. The third study evaluated changes in HRV across overload and taper microcycles. Additionally, this study investigated the intra-day reliability of HRV measured upon waking (HRVM) and upon arriving to the training facility (HRVT). HRVM decreased significantly at PostOL, and returned back to baseline at PostTP. While HRVT followed a similar trend, there were no statistical difference across BL, PostOL, and PostTP. There were large to very large correlations between HRVM and HRVT during BL and PostOL, while the relationship at PostTP was not significant. Smartphone derived HRV, recorded upon waking, was sensitive to resistance training loads across an overload and taper microcycle in competitive strength athletes, whereas HRV taken just before the training session was not.Item Monitoring heart rate variability in elite college football players throughout the preparatory and competitive season(University of Alabama Libraries, 2017) Flatt, Andrew A.; Esco, Michael R.; University of Alabama TuscaloosaVagally-mediated heart rate variability (lnRMSSD) reflects cardiac-parasympathetic modulation and may be a useful marker for reflecting recovery status and training adaptation in football players. Three studies were conducted to evaluate lnRMSSD responses to training based on playing position (SKILL, MID-SKILL and LINEMEN) among an elite college football team during three distinct phases of training including the off-season (Spring camp), preseason camp and the in-season competitive period. The first study evaluated daily and chronic lnRMSSD responses to training during Spring camp. Following ~20 h of recovery from a football practice, a significant reduction in lnRMSSD for LINEMEN was observed, while lnRMSSD for SKILL and MID-SKILL returned to near or within baseline values. Individual changes in lnRMSSD from baseline to 20 h post-training were significantly related to body mass with greater lnRMSSD reductions occurring among heavier players and vice versa. Chronic responses showed that individual coefficient of variation of lnRMSSD derived from the entire 4-week Spring camp was significantly inversely related to individual mean training load after adjusting for body mass. The second study evaluated daily lnRMSSD and perceived wellness responses to a 13-day intensive preseason training camp in hot and humid conditions. After the first few days of training, decrements in lnWellness and increases in lnRMSSD, peaking on Day 12 following a day of passive rest among SKILL and LINEMEN were observed. The peak in lnRMSSD was associated with the return of lnWellness to Day 1 values. MID-SKILL showed no meaningful changes in lnRMSSD while their lnWellness remained chronically suppressed throughout the duration of preseason camp. The third study evaluated the daily lnRMSSD response to the most intense training session of the week across three separate weeks during the first month of the competitive season. Compared to resting values, lnRMSSD ~20 h following training was significantly reduced for LINEMEN and MID-SKILL but not for SKILL. The individual change in lnRMSSD from rest to 20 h post training was significantly related to both body mass and training load. In conclusion, the lnRMSSD response to training among elite football players depends on playing position, body mass, training load and training phase. Subjects with greater body mass and lower mean training loads tend to show the largest reductions in lnRMSSD while subjects with lower body mass and higher mean training loads tend to show smaller daily changes in lnRMSSD. While these lnRMSSD responses to training were consistent during Spring camp and during the early in-season competitive phase, this trend was obscured during preseason training in hot and humid conditions. Rather than decreasing with accumulated fatigue, lnRMSSD tended to increase. Thus, heat acclimatization responses during preseason camp may prevent typical training-induced reductions in lnRMSSD observed during Spring camp and in-season.Item Reallocating sedentary time to sleep or physically active behaviors: associations with body mass index in college students(University of Alabama Libraries, 2018) Sanders, Rachel Marie; Fedewa, Michael V.; University of Alabama TuscaloosaMore than 160 million US adults aged 20 years and older are overweight or obese. The greatest increase in the prevalence of overweight and obesity has occurred among young adults aged 18 to 29 years. College students represent a subpopulation at a higher risk for excess weight gain, which is often perpetuated by daily health behaviors, particularly, how time is spent in sleep, sedentary time (SED), and physically active behaviors. This study applied a novel isotemporal substitution model approach to investigate how reallocating time spent in SED activities to sleep and physically active behaviors influenced body mass index (BMI). College-age (20.1±1.5 years) students (n=1,533) of normal weight ( (BMI=24.4±4.7 kg/m2) provided self-reported BMI (height and weight), sleep, SED, and physical activity data anonymously through an online survey. Sleep and physical activity (SED and physically active behaviors) were assessed via the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and International Physical Activity questionnaires. Sleep (r=-.070) and moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA) (r=-.068) behaviors were weakly but significantly associated with BMI (all P<.05). SED (r=.043) and light-intensity-physical activity (LPA) (r=-.014) behaviors were not associated with BMI (all P>.05). In both the single and partition models, sleep (B=-.223 and B=-.238) and MVPA (B= -.333 and B=-.348) were inversely associated with BMI (all P<.05). Among the total sample (BMI: 24.4±4.7 kg/m2), reallocating 60-min of SED behavior with sleep (B=-.277, 95% CIs: -.461, -.093) or MVPA (B=-.386, 95% CIs: -.635, -.147) resulted in small but significant reductions in BMI. When limited to individuals with overweight and obesity (n=543, BMI: 29.2±4.3 kg/m2), reallocating 60-min of SED behavior with sleep (B=-.384, 95% CIs: -.667, -.108) or MVPA (B = -.796, 95% CIs: -1.15, -.436) resulted in small to large reductions in BMI, with the greatest effect coming from MVPA in overweight/obese individuals, was inversely associated with a lower BMI. Reallocating 60-min of sedentary time with sleep or MVPA produced favorable effects on BMI among college students. Reductions in BMI were greater among overweight and obese individuals, especially when SED was replaced with 60-min of MVPA.