Theses and Dissertations - Department of Kinesiology

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Acute effects of exercise between sets on upper-body power
(University of Alabama Libraries, 2016) Fava, Anthony William; Bishop, Phillip A.; University of Alabama Tuscaloosa
Performing exercise between sets allows for increased workload in a given training session. Prior use of exercises can contribute to muscle activation or mobility which can aid in the performance of the following set. The purpose of this study was to determine the acute effects on upper-body (UB) power when performing different exercise types between sets. Resistance-trained (men: N = 7, age = 24 ± 2.4 years, Ht. = 176 ± 6.1 cm, Wt. = 92.5 ± 18.4 Kg, Body Comp = 18 ± 6.3 % fat; women N = 3, age = 21± 1.2 years, Ht. = 170 ± 5.1 cm, Wt. = 66.5 ± 7.16 Kg, Body Comp = 29 ± 6.0 % fat) volunteers participated in this study. All subjects underwent seven experimental trials and one familiarization trial. Each trial incorporated an exercise that was repeated between four sets of an UB-power test. The effects of six different exercises were tested. A pre-power measurement (PreP) was the first set prior to the start of the exercise and used as a comparison measurement. Exercise performed between sets included: resistance exercise to agonist muscle groups using suspension training (RA), mild stretching exercises to agonist muscle groups (SA), resistance exercise to antagonist muscle groups using suspension training (RAnt), mild stretching exercises to antagonist muscle groups (SAnt), plyometric to agonist muscle groups (PlyoA) and rest as control (C). Treatments were counterbalanced and randomly assigned to participants. There was no significant effect on UB power among treatments performed (p = .080), independent of sets. There was no significant effect on UB power across sets (p = .449), independent of treatment. There was a significant interaction between treatment and sets (p = .038). UB power responded significantly different among treatments and across sets. Mean UB power (MUBP) increased from the first set to the second set for all treatments except control. MUBP for RA and SAnt then decreased on the third set before increasing on the fourth, showing fluctuation in UB power across sets. Over time PlyoA and SA increased until the third set before decreasing on the fourth set demonstrating a ceiling effect, yet effective for early sets. MUBP for RAnt continued to increase across all sets. MUBP remained above C for all treatments for sets two, three and four except RA and the fourth set of SA.
Advancing sport education: the influence of negotiations prior to se, within se, and students’ autobiographical memories of multiple seasons
(University of Alabama Libraries, 2015) Wahl-Alexander, Zachary; Curtner-Smith, Matthew; Sinelnikov, Oleg A.; University of Alabama Tuscaloosa
All teaching includes a series of negotiations between teachers and student. Within traditional direct instruction, most negotiations are initiated by students. Such student-initiated negotiations tend to be negative in nature and aimed at changing or altering instructional tasks so that they are less demanding, reduce the performance standards for task completion, and modify the context in which the tasks are to be carried out. Furthermore, the pattern of student-initiated negotiations appears to vary within different curriculum models. Within Sport Education, a pedagogical model designed around “play education,” aimed at teaching sport, games, and physical education, there tend to be few negotiations based upon the indirect style of the model. This dissertation examined the influence of a training program on the ability of Pre-Service Teachers (PTs) to negotiate, the impact of one purposefully negotiated season of Sport Education on a teacher and his 18 students, and middle school students’ recollections of their participation in a significant number of Sport Education seasons over a period of 5 years. Data were collected by employing a wide variety of qualitative techniques including informal and formal interviews, focus group interviews, stimulated recall interviews, document analysis, reflective journaling, writing samples, and participant and non-participant observations. Data were analyzed using analytic induction and constant comparison. The major key findings were as follows: (a) the training program was effective in that it enhanced PTs’ ability to negotiate with their students, (b) a purposefully negotiated SE season was largely successful and the indications were that SE provided an excellent framework on which to build such a unit, (c) adherence to the central features of Sport Education and meaningful participation in several iterations of quality Sport Education seasons may be required for students to move closer to achieving the lofty goals of the model for students to become competent, literate and enthusiastic sportspeople. All findings indicate the numerous benefits of the Sport Education model.
An analysis of U.S. and Korea newspaper coverage on athletes with disabilities during the 2008 Beijing Paralympics
(University of Alabama Libraries, 2012) Baek, Seung Yup; Hardin, L. Brent; University of Alabama Tuscaloosa
The first purpose of this study was to examine how athletes with disabilities have been described and portrayed in the newspaper coverage during the 2008 Beijing Paralympic Games. The second purpose of this study was to explore the socio-cultural perspectives and ideals on athletes with disabilities in the newspaper coverage during the 2008 Beijing Paralympic Games from the U.S. and Korean newspapers. The last purpose of this study was to compare newspaper coverage from the U.S. and Korea newspaper on how the newspapers differently and similarly described and presented athletes with disabilities. For completion of these purposes, this study has examined and analyzed the newspaper texts and photographs during the 2008 Beijing Paralympic Games. This study was involved in the 14 days of newspapers from September 3rd to 22nd, 2008, in USA Today from the U.S. and 15 days of newspapers from September 3rd to 22nd, 2008 in Donga Ilbo from South Korea during the 2008 Beijing Paralympic Games. The results showed that: (1) Hegemony of able bodied and male athletes exists in the newspaper coverage in USA Today and Donga Ilbo; (2) Athletes with disabilities and female athletes have been received less attention in newspaper coverage than able bodied and male athletes; (3) The coverage of USA Today on athletes with disabilities and disability sport during the 2008 Beijing Paralympic Games have been trivialized and marginalized; (4) The treatment of female athletes with disabilities have depicted as passive image in Donga Ilbo, whereas no treatment in USA Today; (5) Lack of newsworthiness on athletes with disabilities in USA Today was found; and (6) Gender and race issues in the newspaper coverage in USA Tdoay and Donga Ilbo are still present. For further research, the newspaper coverage in other countries during the Paralympic Games will be helpful to confirm the treatment and description on athletes with disabilities and disability sports. In addition, the study that examines the coverage on athletes with disabilities through the Internet site which is dominated in current period will be required because of impact of technological current period.
Anxiety and affective responses to acute bouts of moderate intensity exercise (walking): effects of varying durations
(University of Alabama Libraries, 2015) Geary, Colleen Louise; Richardson, Mark T.; University of Alabama Tuscaloosa
Anxiety affects approximately 40 million American adults each year (Kessler, Chiu, Demler, and Walters, 2005; National Institute of Mental Health [NIMH], 2009). However, the dose-response research investigating the antianxiety and affective benefits of acute bouts of exercise indicates that multiple dose-response issues remain unresolved. The purpose of this study was to investigate the anxiolytic and affective responses following an acute bout of moderate intensity walking of different durations (30, 10 and 5 minutes) on a moderately fit, non-clinically anxious population. This study also sought to test the duration of effect by assessing post-exercise responses immediately and at 20 and 40 minutes post-exercise. This is the first study to include the analysis of four specific covariates (trait anxiety, fitness level, enjoyment of activity, and sex) when examining psychological responses to walking. One of the main findings of the current investigation was that a main effect of time was observed for the majority of variables. While some measures showed favorable (anxiety, tense arousal, calmness, tension, tranquility, physical exhaustion, affective valence, and revitalization) other measures ultimately showed unfavorable (positive affect, perceived activation, energetic arousal, energy, and positive engagement) responses following the cessation of exercise. Secondly, although several measures were affected by exercise duration (tranquility, physical exhaustion, and affective valence), the majority were not. Finally, of the four covariates, only fitness (positive affect, energetic arousal, and energy) and sex (positive affect, revitalization, energy, and calmness) influenced the exercise-affect relationship.
Assessment in physical education
(University of Alabama Libraries, 2018) Starck, Jenna Rae; Sinelnikov, Oleg A.; Richards, K. Andrew R.; University of Alabama Tuscaloosa
The utilization and practice of assessment in physical education has recently been targeted as the missing ingredient in the teaching-learning process. Although some progress has been made towards the use of alternative assessment, preservice and inservice teachers’ assessment practices are far from being educationally productive. Therefore, guided by occupational socialization theory and the assessment literacy framework, this dissertation explored how preservice and inservice teachers understand and enact beliefs of assessment. In study 1, a research-based conceptual framework is presented for helping preservice teachers develop assessment literacy. Arguments for developing assessment literacy are couched in occupational socialization theory to help overcome barriers to the adoption and use of assessment practices. Further, a four phase model is provided for physical education teacher education programs to integrate assessment progressively across a program toward the goal of promoting assessment literacy.Study 2 investigated the influence of workplace factors and teachers’ conceptions of assessment on the extent to which they report integrating quality assessment into their practice. Survey data from 90 inservice physical education teachers from Alabama were analyzed through Ordinary Least Squares regression. Specifically, teachers’ perceived quality of assessment was regressed on workplace factors (perceived organizational support, marginalization, and class size) and conceptions of assessment. The first regression model (adjusted R2 = .08) did not include any significant predictors, therefore a second was run to examine if workplace factors and conceptions of assessment could be used to predict the belief that assessment improves education. In the second model (adjusted R2 = .66) the following variables were significant: assessment makes schools accountable, assessment makes students accountable, assessment is irrelevant, marginalization, and perceived organizational support. Study 3 investigated how six preservice physical education teachers understood and enacted the message system (assessment, pedagogy, and curriculum) while employing the Sport Education model. The model was taught to elementary students during a seven week early field experience, totaling 540 instructional minutes. Data collection methods comprised of interviews (formal, focus group, and informal), passive participation observation, weekly journals, critical incidents, document collection, and video recordings of Sport Education lessons. Results of the study included three themes: (a) the structure and features of the Sport Education model and informal assessment were driving forces of instructional decisions, (b) the Sport Education model was a driving force of formal assessment, and (c) although valuing assessment, the preservice teachers demonstrated low literacy upon implementation of assessment.
Association among aerobic performance, resting heart rate and heart rate variability in physically active college-aged adults
(University of Alabama Libraries, 2018) Martin, Darrell; Esco, Michael R.; University of Alabama Tuscaloosa
The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between smartphone-derived heart rate measures (resting heart rate [RHR] and heart rate variability [HRV]) and performance on an aerobic performance test. Seventeen male college students performed 55-second HR measures in the seated position every morning for 5 days. The root mean square of successive normal-to-normal interval differences (RMSSD) was used as the HRV metric. The weekly mean and coefficient of variation of RHR (RHRM and RHRCV, respectively) and RMSSD (RMSSDM and RMSSDCV, respectively) were determined. Participants completed the 2 mile run (2MR) on the last day of the week. Intra-class correlations (ICC) were used to determine the stability in the heart rate measures across the 5-day period. Pearson correlations were performed to determine the relationship between 2MR and RHRCV, HRM, RMSSDM and RMSSDCV. RHR (ICC = 0.87 [0.74 to 0.95], p < 0.05) displayed better stability over the 5-day period relative to the RMSSD (ICC = 0.66 [0.32 to 0.86], p < 0.05). RHRM was very strongly correlated with 2MR (r = 0.63), as was RMSSDCV (r = 0.55). Conversely, neither RHRCV nor RMSSDM correlated significantly to the 2MR. Therefore, both RHRM and RMSSDCV may be useful objective heart rate indicators to reflect aerobic performance.
An awakening: the life history of a female physical educator, coach, and administrator
(University of Alabama Libraries, 2016) Fowler, Vivian; Hardin, L. Brent; University of Alabama Tuscaloosa
The purpose of this dissertation was to examine the experiences of a female athlete, physical educator, and higher education administrator born the in the 1930s through the use of life history research. This study documents her life history as a female athlete, physical educator, administrator, and a coach who was working during the Civil Rights Movement and the passing of Title IX. Through qualitative life history methods this participant was interviewed extensively via a variety of naturalistic techniques. The collected data of her life history were analyzed and her story is retold at length in her own words. The data from her life history are also organized into themes that chronicle her journey through sport and athletics as a female athlete, teacher, coach, and administrator for sixty-five years from 1937 to 2002.
Barriers to exercise/physical activity for adolescents in rural west Alabama
(University of Alabama Libraries, 2016) Cox, Melissa; Richardson, Mark T.; University of Alabama Tuscaloosa
Regular 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.
Beverage choice impact on hydration and performance for the recreational athlete
(University of Alabama Libraries, 2010) O'Neal, Eric Kyle; Bishop, Phillip A.; University of Alabama Tuscaloosa
Three studies examined hydration and performance for recreational exercisers (REC). Three beverages (flavored caloric (CE) and non-caloric (NCE) electrolyte-containing sport drinks and water (W)) were served to male (n = 24) and female (n = 14) REC in a counter-balanced order during 1-h of moderate intensity cycling (mean ± SD heart rate = 146 ± 4 beats/min) in an environment of 25° C wet bulb globe temperature. The volume of beverage served was equal to sweat loss measured (mean ± SE = 834 ± 59 mL) in a familiarization trial with no fluid intake during exercise. No differences (p > .05) among beverages were found in: performance (peak and mean power) during a set of three Wingate Anaerobic Tests completed after cycling, perceived exertion, or mood states among beverages. After exercise in the familiarization trial with no fluid intake, participants drank ad libitum for 30 min with all beverages available. Consumption volume among beverages did not differ (p > .05). Participants reported that replacing 100% of sweat loss was an appropriate volume and did not result in stomach discomfort for the majority of individuals in fluid intake during exercise sessions. Total intake in the familiarization session when fluids were consumed in recovery only (mean ± SD, 971 ± 375 mL) was less (p < .001) than when consumed during both exercise and recovery (W (1,415 ± 560 mL,), NCE (1,244 ± 538 mL, p < .001), and CE (1,196 ± 444 mL), and W was greater than CE (p = .01)). The survey found decreased performance (69%) and heat-illness (45%) believed to be related to dehydration among runners was very common. Almost all (94%) of participants (n = 276) reported drinking during outdoor runs in warm weather. Faster higher volume runners believed that consuming sport beverages would result in improved performance and better hydration than water. For REC exercising for ~1 h, replacing sweat loss during exercise and drinking ad libitum afterwards, should result in a fluid intake level that will return body mass close to pre-exercise level, be tolerable, and result in no decrease in performance when W or CE are used instead of CE.
Blood lactate and electromyograpy during aerobic exercise
(University of Alabama Libraries, 2017) Snarr, Ronald Lee; Bishop, Phillip A.; Esco, Michael R.; University of Alabama Tuscaloosa
The 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.
Body composition assessment in adults with down syndrome
(University of Alabama Libraries, 2017-12) Russell, Angela R.; Esco, Michael R.; University of Alabama Tuscaloosa
Individuals 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.
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 Tuscaloosa
The 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%.
Cardiovascular and themoregulatory responses to ice slurry ingestion during heat stress
(University of Alabama Libraries, 2015) Ng, Jason; Wingo, Jonathan E.; University of Alabama Tuscaloosa
Fluid ingestion has been reported to influence cardiovascular and thermoregulatory function, thereby affecting exercise performance. It remains unclear whether ice slurry ingestion during exercise results in similar effects. Three experiments examined thermal-, cardiovascular-, and exercise-related responses to ice slurry ingestion. In the first study, participants in firefighter protective clothing walked at ~7 METs in 35 °C while ingesting carbohydrate-electrolyte beverages as a tepid fluid, cold fluid, and ice slurry in a counterbalanced repeated measures study design. When ingested in large quantities and during uncompensable heat stress, ice slurry ingestion mitigated physiological strain by attenuating the rise in heart rate and rectal temperature. In a second study, cardiovascular drift (CV drift) was measured during 45 min of cycling at 60% maximal oxygen uptake (V̇O2max) in 35 °C, immediately followed by measurement of V̇O2max. Participants ingested fluid and ice slurry during two counterbalanced trials of exercise. CV drift was attenuated with ice slurry ingestion but V̇O2max was unaffected. In a third study, participants ingested ice slurry or cold fluid ad libitum while cycling at 50% maximal workload in 35 °C, immediately followed by a 15-min time trial during which participants completed as much work as possible. Compared to the fluid treatment, participants consumed half as much ice slurry, but total work completed during the time trial was not different. In conclusion, ice slurry ingestion blunts physiological strain during conditions in which evaporative heat loss is impaired, such as when wearing occlusive coverings. Furthermore, ice slurry ingestion attenuates the magnitude of CV drift during exercise in the heat, but this does not blunt the decrease in V̇O2max associated with exercise in hot conditions. Lastly, a smaller quantity of ice slurry is voluntarily ingested compared to cold fluid during prolonged submaximal exercise in the heat, but this does not differentially affect exercise performance.
Cardiovascular drift and maximal oxygen uptake during heat stress in women
(University of Alabama Libraries, 2019) Stone, Tori; Wingo, Jonathan E.; University of Alabama Tuscaloosa
During prolonged constant-rate exercise, heart rate and stroke volume progressively increase and decrease, respectively, characterizing cardiovascular (CV) drift. CV drift is greater when driven by hyperthermia and generally results in proportional decreases in maximal oxygen uptake (V̇O2max). Less is known about CV drift and decrements in V̇O2max in women because nearly all studies on this topic focused on men. This dissertation determined the effects of hormonal status, fitness level, and sudomotor function on CV drift and V̇O2max in women. In 3 separate studies, CV drift was measured during 45 min of cycling in 35 °C, immediately followed by measurement of V̇O2max. V̇O2max also was measured after 15 min in a separate trial to assess changes in V̇O2max over the same time interval that CV drift occurred. Study 1 compared follicular (FP) and luteal phases (LP) of the menstrual cycle during exercise at 60% V̇O2max. Resting and exercise core temperatures (Tre) were higher in LP, but increases during exercise (ΔTre) were similar to FP, so the CV drift/V̇O2max relationship was not modulated by phase. Study 2 compared high-fit (HI) and low-fit (LO) women during exercise at 60% V̇O2max (REL) and 500 W of metabolic heat production (FIXED). During REL, heat production and ΔTre were significantly greater in HI versus LO, as were magnitudes of CV drift and decrements in V̇O2max. During FIXED, heat production, ΔTre, CV drift, and V̇O2max were similar between groups. Study 3 compared women to men during exercise at 500 W of metabolic heat production. For women, sweating plateaued and accelerated ΔTre compared to men, but differences in CV drift and V̇O2max were not statistically discernible between sexes. In conclusion, the relationship between CV drift and V̇O2max during heat stress does not change across the menstrual cycle and is not affected by fitness level, independent of metabolic heat production. The relationship is similar between men and women during 45 min of exercise at the same, relatively high load.
Clothing fabric effects on physiological and comfort responses
(University of Alabama Libraries, 2011) Balilionis, Gytis; Bishop, Phillip A.; University of Alabama Tuscaloosa
During exercise and in hot environments, the main cooling mechanism is through sweat evaporation. However, clothing can disrupt evaporation, which leads to decreased performance and in some cases can lead to heat illness. New fabrics and designs have been introduced with the purpose of improving thermoregulatory properties. One of those innovations is a channeled synthetic fabric. The first of three studies evaluated the effects of a channeled synthetic and synthetic t-shirts under a ballistic vest on physiological and comfort responses during exercise in a hot environment. Eight participants, in counterbalanced order, completed two simulated "industrial" protocols for three hours. The overall (0 - 180 min) change in rectal temperature was significantly (p = 0.04) lower with channeled synthetic shirt compared to a synthetic shirt. Additionally, overall change in thermal comfort (p = 0.05), sweating sensation (p = 0.06), and heart rate (p = 0.07) were, or tended to be more favorable throughout exercise with channeled synthetic compared to synthetic shirt. We also examined the effects of channeled synthetic shirt and synthetic cycling shirt effects on thermoregulation, thermal comfort, and heart rate. Eight participants attempted a 30-km cycling time trial. Results indicated significantly (p = 0.04, n = 8) smaller increase in rectal temperature from baseline to 15th km (first dropout) with the channeled synthetic shirt compared to cycling shirt. Also, the change in thermal comfort was significantly (n = 5, p = 0.03) lower with channeled shirt compared to cycling shirt from baseline to 30th km. A third study examined channeled compression shorts, compression shorts, and cycling shorts effects on thermoregulation, heart rate, and thermal comfort response during 30-km cycling trial in hot a environment. Eight participants completed a 25-km cycling trial. Results revealed no significant main effect for rectal or skin temperatures, heart rate, and thermal comfort between the three different types of shorts (n = 8, p > 0.05). In conclusion, wearing a channeled synthetic shirt provided better thermoregulatory or thermal comfort responses compared to synthetic shirt in two studies. Channeled compression shorts did not improve thermoregulatory or thermal comfort responses compared to cycling and compression shorts.
College wheelchair athletes' reflections on their physical education experiences
(University of Alabama Libraries, 2010) Hargreaves, Jean Ann; Hardin, L. Brent; University of Alabama Tuscaloosa
This study examined the reflections of 10 college wheelchair athletes with physical disabilities on their prior physical education experiences in elementary, middle, and high school. Using qualitative techniques, each participant was interviewed individually twice and then two separate focus group interviews were held. Each participant brought an artifact with them to their assigned focus group interview that represented their prior physical education experiences. Both the individual and focus group interviews were designed to establish how these college wheelchair athletes with physical disabilities reflect back on their prior physical education experiences. Using analytic induction, the data analysis revealed five themes: (a) the participants felt they were included in physical education, but not really equally and meaningfully; (b) physical fitness testing was the most remembered physical education experience; (c) the participants' sporting experiences were recognized by the school; (d) overall, the participants' physical education experiences were enjoyable; and (e) the participants have suggestions for physical educators on including individuals with disabilities in physical education. Also, within four of these overall themes, several sub-themes emerged. Although this study was limited to the reflections of these 10 college wheelchair athletes with physical disabilities on their prior physical education experiences, the themes found in this study provide a basis for future studies on how individuals with physical disabilities experience physical education.
A Comparison of Traditional Blood Flow Restriction Versus Band Tissue Flossing for Induction of Muscular Fatigue
(University of Alabama Libraries, 2021) Jones, Morgan Taylor; Winchester, Lee J; University of Alabama Tuscaloosa
Resistance training with blood flow restriction (BFR) exaggerates metabolic stress and increases the number of muscle fibers recruited, resulting in greater improvements in muscular strength. An alternative method for occluding blood flow is band tissue flossing (BTF), in which an elastic band is wrapped around the limb. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of BTF to BFR on muscular fatigue. METHODS: Fifteen subjects (6 females; mean ± SD: age = 23.3 ± 0.1y, BMI = 25.7 ± 0.9kg/m2, thigh circumference = 59.9 ± 1.6cm) completed 3 sessions on separate days, each under a different condition: control (CON), BFR at 50% limb occlusion pressure, and BTF. During each session, participants performed maximal effort leg extension and flexion for 3 sets of 20 repetitions using an isokinetic dynamometer. At the start of each session, baseline heart rate (HR), lactate, glucose, and blood flow were recorded. During the BFR and BTF sessions, HR and blood flow were recorded before and 1-minute after occlusion. HR, glucose, and lactate were recorded immediately post- and 1-minute post-exercise for all sessions. Repeated measures ANOVAs were used to compare outcome measures between time points as well as between conditions. RESULTS: BFR and BTF both caused significant increases in HR compared to baseline (4.67 ± 2.14 BPM and 6.07 ± 2.56 BPM, both p < 0.01, respectively), with no significant differences between conditions. BTF significantly decreased arterial distance (-0.04 ± 0.04cm, p = 0.001), volume flow (-7.56 ± 6.88 cc/min, p = 0.001), and arterial area (-0.02 ± 0.01cm2, p < 0.001). Whereas BFR significantly decreased time-averaged mean velocity (-1.03 ± 1.65cm/s, p = 0.001). BTF caused a greater reduction in arterial distance compared to BFR (p = 0.006). However, no differences were observed in all dynamometry, electromyography, glucose, or lactate measures between occlusion conditions. CONCLUSION: BTF occluded more blood flow and yielded comparable changes in muscular fatigue when compared to BFR, providing an inexpensive training alternative when more sophisticated laboratory techniques are unavailable.
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 Tuscaloosa
INTRODUCTION: 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.
Congruence of practice in Alabama schools with national and state policy texts for physical education
(University of Alabama Libraries, 2009) Asola, Eugene Fadola; Curtner-Smith, Matthew; University of Alabama Tuscaloosa
Case study work on the occupational socialization of physical education teachers in Alabama suggests a major incongruence between official, policy-described physical education and actual practice. To counter the negative effects of occupational socialization, Curtner-Smith (2009) suggested that sport pedagogists follow the lead of Evans and Penney in the United Kingdom (e.g., Penney, 2008) and Rink and associates in the United States (e.g., Rink & Mitchell, 2002) taking more of an activist approach in their work by engaging in research with a political/policy focus. The purposes of this study were to (a) describe what was occurring in the name of physical education in the state of Alabama and (b) illustrate discrepancies between teachers' practice and national and state policy texts. Two hundred forty-eight physical education teachers (137 elementary, 74 middle school, and 37 high school teachers) completed the Physical Education in Alabama Survey (PEAS), a 20-item instrument designed to obtain demographic and programmatic information about physical education teachers and teaching in Alabama. Frequency counts were made and percentages calculated for forced-choice answer questions on the PEAS. Analytic induction was used to code and categorize data generated by open-ended questions. Frequency counts were then made and percentages calculated for each inductive category. Key findings were that physical education programs in Alabama were often congruent with national and state policy in terms of teachers' role emphasis, stated goals and objectives, and assessment techniques when formal evaluation was carried out. Time allocated for the subject was also equal to or exceeded national and state minimums at the elementary and middle school levels. Conversely, areas of non-compliance or which often contradicted national and state policy texts were formal grading criteria, the allocation of time for pupils to engage in "free play," and content. A concerning number of teachers were not certified to teach physical education or conduct formal evaluations. Class sizes were much larger than suggested or required at many elementary and middle schools. Major implications included the need for improved physical education teacher education, state enforcement of its own existing policy, and state provision of more rigorous guidelines regarding content and curriculum models.
Effect of different warm-ups and upper-body vibration on performance in Masters Swimmers
(University of Alabama Libraries, 2009) Nepocatych, Svetlana; Bishop, Phillip A.; University of Alabama Tuscaloosa
ABSTRACT The purpose of the study was to evaluate the effects of no, short, or regular warm-up and Upper-Body Vibration (UBV) only or UBV+ short warm-up on swimming performance in Masters Swimmers. Six females and four males, aged 24-50, healthy master swimmers volunteered to participate in the study. Participants completed all assigned warm-ups (no, short, regular, UBV-only, or UBV + short) in counterbalanced order, rested for three minutes and completed a 50-yard (45.7 m) freestyle maximal performance time trial. Rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and heart rate (HR) were measured post warm-up and post 50-yd time trial. No significant difference (p = 0.987) was found among no, short or regular warm-up regarding 50-yd freestyle time (29.0 ± 3.7, 29.0 ± 3.6, and 29.1 ± 3.4 s, respectively). No significant difference (p = 0.563) was found among regular, UBV-only or UBV + short warm-ups regarding 50-yd freestyle time (29.1 ± 3.6, 28.9 ± 3.4, and 29.1 ± 3.6 s, respectively). RPE after no warm up (6 ± 0) was significantly lower compared to after short (13 ± 2, p < 0.001) or regular warm-up (12 ± 2, p < 0.001). RPE after regular warm-up was higher (12 ± 2) compared to UBV-only warm-up (9 ± 2), approaching statistical significance (p = 0.059). RPE post 50-yd for no, short or regular warm-up and after regular, UBV-only or UBV + short were not significantly different (p =0.76, p = 0.216). HR after no, short or regular warm-up before 50-yards was not significantly different (p = 0.062); however, a significantly higher (p = 0.023) HR was observed after regular warm-up (88 ± 15 b/min) compared to UBV + short (75 ± 9 b/min). HR post 50-yd after regular warm-up (148 ± 15 b/min) was significantly higher compared to no (136 ±20 b/min) p = 0.001, UBV-only (139 ± 12 b/min) p = 0.005 and UBV + short ( 138 ± 14 b/min) p = 0.013, but not short (142 ± 17 b/min) warm-up (p = 0.077). In conclusion, Master Swimmers may perform the same or better with no or short and UBV-only or UBV + short, compared to regular warm-up.

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