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  Type 2 Diabetes and Exercise

  Weslyn Almond and Meredith Furgeson

  Type 2 diabetes is estimated to afflict over 400 million people worldwide (Javeed & Matveyenko, 2018). Type 2 diabetes arises from a combination of genetic susceptibility and environmental factors including physical inactivity and poor nutrition (Stanford & Goodyear, 2014). People with type 2 diabetes have normal or high insulin levels, but tissues such as liver, skeletal muscle, and adipose tissue become resistant to insulin. The pancreas compensates by producing more insulin and this increase in circulating insulin can result in impaired glucose transport into these tissues (Stanford & Goodyear, 2014).

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  The Prevalence of the Female Athlete Triad in Division 1 Athletes

  Kylie E. Ameres

  The Female Athlete Triad (FAT) is characterized by three individualized disorders that are present at the same time. Low energy availability with or without disordered eating, amenorrhea, and osteoporosis are the three components that make up the Female Athlete Triad. Due to the competitive nature and extreme exercise expenditure of female athletes at the Division 1 level, it is likely that these females are at a higher risk of experiencing the components of the Female Athlete Triad.

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  The Effectiveness of Topical Application of Cannabinoid on DOMS in Collegiate Athletes Measured by Neuropathic Pain Scale

  Ciarra Ashworth

  The purpose of this study was to further the research on the influence of using CBD on delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). It was hypothesized that CBD would have a positive effect on athletes’ recovery process from DOMS induced exercises. It remains important for athletes and practitioners to know the potential benefits of topical CBD in the treatment for and recovery from strenuously repetitive exercise.

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  The Effectiveness of Topical Application of Cannabinoidon DOMS in Collegiate Athletes Measured by Neuropathic Pain Scale

  Ciarra Ashworth

  The purpose of this study was to further the research on the influence of using CBD on delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). It was hypothesized that CBD would have a positive effect on athletes’ recovery process from DOMS induced exercises. It remains important for athletes and practitioners to know the potential benefits of topical CBD in the treatment for and recovery from strenuously repetitive exercise.

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  The Impact of Exercise Programs on Dementia

  Luke Beamer and Tori Birks

  Dementia is defined by the loss of cognitive abilities such as thinking, remembering and reasoning. It also affects behavioral abilities and interferes with daily life and activities. Each person may experience several signs and symptoms depending on severity, from mild to severe (Jacobs et al., 2018).

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  Comparisons of Primary Arthrodesis and Open Reduction and Internal Fixation in Female Collegiate Soccer Players

  Olivia Benner

  Lisfranc Injuries (LI) are rare but can be devastating to athletes. LI can be ligamentous, boney or a combination of both that occur in the midfoot, affecting the tarsometatarsal (TMT) joint complex. There are various treatment options for these types of injuries. Some require surgical intervention, which includes primary arthrodesis (PA) and open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF).The purpose of this study was to provide a sports-focused outcomes analysis of PA versus ORIF for LI based on return to sports protocol. It was hypothesized that collegiate female soccer players would return to sports faster with PA when compared with ORIF.

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  Effect of Reducing Brain Lactate Levels by Blocking Glutamate Receptors in Panic Disorder Patients

  Tim Bennett

  The purpose of this study was to evaluate the role of glutamate receptor blockers in untreated panic disorder (PD) patients during visual panic stimulation to evaluate its ability to reduce panic response. Untreated PD patients (N=36) were recruited. Patients were given either a sugar pill, CBiPES, Alprazolam, or THIIC. MRI scanning occurred with 10 minutes of rest –eyes closed, 8 minutes of 40 total photos –20 neutral & 20 panic, and 10 minutes recovery for 28 total minutes. Panic severity questionnaires were taken before & after MRI scanning.

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  Exercise Prescription for Patients with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome

  Josh Bolin and Caitie Mayo

  EDS is a genetic connective tissue disorder which can be classified 13 different ways. Some key features which distinguish this disease are joint hypermobility, skin fragility, joint pain without arthritis, and rupture of blood vessels and internal organs. This pathology can present itself at any age, and no particular type is more common than another. Ethnicity, race, and gender do not seem to determine prevalence of this disease. 1 in every 20,000 people are diagnosed with classical EDS (Ghali et al., 2019). The process of diagnosing a patient includes examination of medical history, skin and musculoskeletal system, and other factors through primary and secondary care. Pharmacological strategies are targeted at symptom management. For example, benzodiazepines such as Valium or Xanax can be used to treat restless leg syndrome. Benzodiazepines act as a tranquilizer to reduce the muscle spasms in restless leg syndrome (Castori et al., 2012). The Beighton scoring system is primarily used to diagnose joint hypermobility, which is a key indicator of the presence of EDS. Other criteria for diagnosing EDS include: unusual skin characteristics, positive family history for EDS, musculoskeletal pain, recurrent joint dislocations/instability, and skin fragility(Ghali et al.,2019).

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  The Effects of Pectus Excavatum Corrective Surgeries on Inspiratory Capacity of Adults: Comparing Preoperative and Postoperative Results

  Joshua Bolin

  The purpose of this study is to perform specific tests and measurements before and after pectus corrective surgeries to find differences in lung volumes of individuals affected by pectus excavatum.

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  Yoga's Impact on Collegiate Male Soccer Player's Flexibility and Balance

  Haley Church

  As injuries increase in sports due to flexibility and balance issues, coaches and trainers strive to develop new techniques that can decrease the risk of injuries and improve overall performance of their athletes. The practice of yoga and its techniques have been associated with positive results in various aspects for decades. Most literature states that yoga does have a positive impact on flexibility and balance but lacks research on which type has the greatest impact (Polsgrove et al. 2016).

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  Effectiveness of Hatha Yoga on Bone Mineral Density Levels in Postmenopausal Women

  Olivia Crews

  The purpose of this research was to investigate the effects that yoga techniques have on low bone mineral density levels in women post-menopause. Previous research and studies have seen a positive impact that yoga has had on improving bone mineral density levels in women post-menopause, who are facing osteopenia and osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is defined as –1 to –2.5 Standard Deviations (SD) below the mean for young, healthy adults. Different forms of yoga have seen to be impactful, however Hatha yoga has the most positive effects. Focusing on building bone strength even after menopause, which breaks down the bones in females, can be impactful in decreasing the risks of osteoporosis later in life. This study involved 62participants,divided into a Hatha yoga Group (n = 31) and a Control Group (n=31).Bone Mineral Density (BMD) levels were measured using a DEXA(Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry) scan, and a T-score was to be derived from this.

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  Effects of a Post Activation Potentiation Stimulus Coupled with Plyometric Training Program on the Swimming Start Performance of Collegiate Swimmers

  Brady Fields

  30 collegiate swimmers from Division 1 universities in the south east United States took part in this study. Testing group completed plyometric training coupled with post-activation potentiation (PAP) stimulus as well as structured aquatic training. Control group completed only structured aquatic training. Pre and post program data was gathered from both groups to compare the effects of the training. Both groups were assessed on vertical jump height, swim start velocity, time to the 15m marker, and peak horizontal force. After the training program concluded and the resulting data from the two groups was compared

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  The Effect of Visual Stimulation on Standing Posture in Children Diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy

  Kylee Garrison

  Cerebral palsy (CP) is a neuromuscular disorder caused by brain damage, which leads to disruptions in an individual’s ability to complete gross motor movements, to function independently, and to maintain a long mortality rate. The purpose of this study is to determine if children diagnosed with CP will exhibit postural changes when exposed to visual stimulation during quiet standing. Similarly, the hypothesis was that children with CP would have better posture when watching a video than without. Children stood barefoot on force plates, and the Bertec Balance Advantage CDP device was used to determine variances in posture while simultaneously displaying a video for the participants. Some limitations to this study include a small sample size and using complex equipment that may be confusing or intimidating for the children. This study will aid in future treatment regimen for children with CP, allowing for increased independence.

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  The Effect of Pre-Competition Lower Limb Sport Massage on Vertical Jump Height of Collegiate Female Volleyball Athletes

  Audrey Gun

  The purpose of this study was to examine the acute effects of pre-competition massage, dynamic warm-up, combination of massage and a dynamic warm-up, and a placebo ultrasound on vertical jump height performance in collegiate female volleyball athletes. Vertical jump height was selected is a common performance assessment for measuring strength and power in sport, specifically volleyball (Mancinelli et al. 2006). Four different protocols: pre-competition massage (PM), traditional warm-up (WU), combination of a massage and traditional warm-up (CM), and a placebo ultrasound (PU) were administered in a randomized, counterbalanced, repeated measure. Twenty female NCAA Division I, volleyball athletes participated in the current study. Each subject completed each warm-up protocol with a 48-hour gap between training sessions. The Vertec™ unit was used to measure vertical jump displacement (MF Athletic Co. Cranston, RI)

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  Do gender and collegiate sport participation correlate with healthier body composition in collegiate subjects?

  Audrey Gun, Tim Bennett, and Lauren Deaver

  There has been extensive research by many in the past into body fat percentage measurement methods as well as these measurements. It is historically proven that the common method of BMI is not a good measurement of this, as it is often found that male and female college athletes BMI are significantly higher than non-athletes (Ode et al., 2007). With this in mind, there were many other methods that proved to be more reliable when compared to the golden standard, the bod pod. These methods include bioelectrical impedance (BIA) measurements, and waist-to-hip ratio. For our study, we decided to use three different types of BIA measurements including the handheld BIA, standup BIA, and the electrode BIA, the waist-to hip ratio, and the BodPod to compare between male athletes and non-athletes and female athletes and non-athletes

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  Chronic Hemodynamic Response to Blood Flow Restriction Training on Geriatric Hypertensive Patients

  Maggie Jackson

  Studies have shown that BFRT has elicited improved hemodynamic characteristics associated with hypertension such as lowered systolic blood pressure (SBP)and diastolic blood pressure (DBP). The purpose of the research study was to determine the chronic hemodynamic effects from BFRT in geriatric, hypertensive patients. Engaged BFR walking and chair-stand conditions as a therapeutic modality. The perceived usefulness of this study is its positive influence on hypertensive patient’s quality of life and their body’s ability to mediate hypertension.

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  The Effect of Static versus Dynamic Stretching Programs on the Lower Body Power Assessments of the Broad and Vertical Jumps on Male Collegiate Football Players

  Antwann McCray

  Football is a sport that requires power to be successful. The broad and vertical jumps are used for talent identification as it relates to power. Increases in range of motion should increase power and therefore better performance on the broad and vertical jumps. This study analyzed dynamic versus static stretching and its effects on jumping performance, determining which had a greater positive effect on performance. This study used skill players from the Gardner-Webb University football team. The participants participated in the study during their off-season training (15 weeks), but their respective stretching protocols were implemented into the training. To determine which stretching protocol was more beneficial, the study looked at percentage of change.

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  Effects of Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS) and Active Recovery on Blood Lactate Levels

  Andrew N. Mintz

  Electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) is a method of muscle recovery used by athletes before, during, and after competition. Active recovery is arguably the most popular recovery technique after intense exercise because of how much it reduces lactate levels in the blood. Few studies have analyzed the effects of EMS and active recovery on blood lactate levels in swimmers, and none have been found on the combination of the two. Therefore, there is an insufficient amount of information linking the two methods together for the purpose of maximizing blood lactate reduction. This study sought to analyze the effects that EMS and active recovery have on Division 1 collegiate swimmers’ blood lactate levels specifically in their quadriceps muscles. Participants completed two sets of seven 200-yard swims separated by a week, with the intensity of each swim gradually increasing until the last two which are maximum effort. Following the final swim, each participant completed the EMS and active recovery protocol. Blood samples were taken after each swim and following recovery protocol to analyze lactate levels. It was hypothesized that the combination of the two methods would lower lactate in the blood faster than only utilizing active recovery or EMS.

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  Cupping Therapy on Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness of Back Musculature in College-Aged Male Lifters

  D'Kota Isaac Sams

  The present study was as a randomized placebo-controlled three-armed parallel-group trial comprised of twenty-one healthy novice men who were randomly assigned to one of three groups: a dry-CT intervention group, a placebo, sham cupping (SC) group, or a control group that received no post-exercise treatment. Training and treatment sessions took place every three days over an eight-week period. The effectiveness of CT was determined based on decreases in visual analogue scale (VAS) scores indicating DOMS severity. Secondary outcome measures, multidimensional fatigue inventory (MFI) scores indicting fatigue variations and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) scores indicated quality of sleep, were also evaluated for each group.

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  Gender Differences of Body Composition Across Four Different Forms of Assessment

  D'Kota Isaac Sams, Isabel Eigenbauer, and Reah Barger

  The present study aimed to evaluate the differences in body composition, specifically body fat percentage (BF%), fat-free mass (FFM), and body mass index (BMI), across four forms of assessment. It was hypothesized that male subjects, on average, would display consistently lower BF% when compared to females across four body composition data collection methods, and results would be highly correlated between the four. The BOD POD acted as the present study’s gold standard due to it being one of the most accurate methods of assessing BF% (Collins et al., 1999). It was assumed that women would have a higher BF% than men on average. According to Robergs and Roberts (1997), a healthy range of body fat for women is 20% to 25%, and a healthy range of body fat for men is 10% to 15%. A BF% over 20% for men and 30% for women is considered an indication of obesity. Additionally, Akindele et al. (2016) suggested that as BMI increases there is a corresponding increase in the BF%. Females are more likely to report BF% higher than their BMI but this concept is flipped for males meaning they will report lower BF% than their BMI.

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  Effectiveness of cardiac rehabilitation in preventing a second negative cardiac event for 15 years.

  Kaylin Schuda

  The purpose of this study was to determine if cardiac rehabilitation was effective in reducing risk of the participant undergoing a second negative cardiac event for up to 15 years. Participants between the ages of 65 and 75 underwent 12 weeks of cardiac rehab. The 12 weeks of cardiac rehab consisted of 3 sessions a week and each session had an educational component to it. The participants would then return to their daily living and live as they normally would. Approximately 15 years after the completion of cardiac rehab for the participants, researchers would access their medical records. This was to see if the participants suffered a cardiac event after the completion of cardiac rehab. The participants had to sign an informed consent prior to participation in this study. The study was conducted at the Edward Elmhurst Hospital cardiac rehabilitation center. It was hypothesized that cardiac rehab was effective in reducing risk of a second negative cardiac event.

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  The Effects of Dry Needling on Pain, Range of Motion, and Strength in Elite Overhead Athletes with Shoulder Injuries

  Sophia K. Smith

  Previous literature has examined using dry needling as a treatment method for rehabilitation in shoulder injuries along with physical therapy. The purpose of this study was to observe the effects of dry needling on pain, range of motion, and shoulder strength in elite overhead athletes with shoulder injuries. It was hypothesized that dry needling would decrease pain and increase range of motion and strength in elite overhead athletes with shoulder injuries.

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  Treatment Effects of Pop Music Combined with Aerobic Exercise on COPD Patients

  Jessica Vetter

  The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between music-exercise therapy on patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. Specifically, looking at the effect of pop music combined with aerobic exercise over the course of 12-weeks using a quantitative approach. It is hypothesized that exposing COPD patients to aerobic exercise and pop music will decrease COPD symptoms and improve their overall quality of life. This study will use N=60 participants. There will be a control group and a music-exercise therapy group. The music-exercise therapy group will be taken through aerobic exercises while listening to pop music. This will be completed three times a week over the course of 12-weeks. This research will measure the physical, emotional, and cognitive effects of music exercise therapy on COPD patients.

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  Benefits of a Yoga-Based Cardiac Rehab Program

  Weslyn Almond

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  Wrist-worn Fitness Trackers and their Application to the Wheelchair Bound Population

  Micah Balltzglier