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  Exercise Testing and Prescription With Cancer Patients to Help Relieve Cancer-Related Fatigue (CRF)

  Tanner Hendricks and Paul Williams

  CRF is one of the most prominent side effects in cancer patients (Savina & Zaydiner, 2019). 80-100% of cancer patients report experiencing CRF (American Cancer Society, 2020) • Rest was a crucial recommendation for cancer patients, but now it is being replaced with physical activity (Backer et al., 2007). CRF can lead to: (Horneber et al., 2012): decreased physical activity, hinderance of recovery, Mood swings (depression often occurs), exhaustion (physical and mental), impaired physical performance.

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  Exercise Prescription for Patients with Spinal Cord Injury

  Maggie Jackson and MacKenzie Sauter

  The spinal cord serves as the primary neural communication pathway between the brain and most of the rest of the body. Injury to this region of the spinal column can elicit severe, debilitating conditions. According to the National Strength and Conditioning Association (2018), a spinal cord injury (SCI) is characterized by an injury or disease process of the spinal cord that results in altered motor, sensory, or autonomic functioning (or some combination of these). According to Anjum and colleagues (2020), approximately 250,000 to 500,000 individuals in the world suffer from SCI. SCI pathophysiology consists of acute and chronic phases that incorporate a cascade of destructive events such as ischemia, oxidative stress, inflammatory events, apoptotic pathways and locomotor dysfunctions (Anjum et al., 2020). Gender, age, and ethnicity are not limiting or enhancing factors when it comes to spinal cord injuries. Treatment strategies for spinal cord injury are primarily short-term and fail to completely overcome the detrimental effects of spinal cord injury. These strategies, including pharmaceutical, focus on the improvement of decreased neuro-inflammation, promotion of axonal growth, enhanced myelination, and reduced cavity size (Anjum et al., 2020).

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  The Effects of Food Intake & Physical Activity on Resting Metabolic Rate

  Jasmine Jones, Alexi Card, Danielle Burke, and Abby Callahan

  Resting metabolic rate (RMR) measures the energy a person requires to sustain vital body function while at rest. RMR is the most considerable element of total daily energy expenditure (McArdle et al., 2015). RMR varies depending on gender, age, weight, fat-free body mass (FFM), and physical fitness level (McMurray et al., 2014). During this study, RMR was measured indirectly by measuring the volume of oxygen consumption (VO2), the volume of carbon dioxide production (VCO2) (McMurray et al., 2014). The proper protocol for measuring RMR was to have the subject complete an overnight fast and refrain from working 12-18 hours before the test (McArdle et al., 2015). This protocol ensures an accurate RMR measurement because recent food intake and recently active skeletal muscle can cause an increase in RMR (Speakman & Selman, 2003). However, this study deviated from this protocol to examine the impact of eating and exercising on the measured RMR value compared to the value from an estimation equation, for each subject. The Cunningham equation and the Harris-Benedict equation were used for the prediction values. The drive to understand the physiological changes that occur when one has recently eaten and participated in physically activity, inspired the idea to see how big an impact those aspects had on RMR. Often known as the “rest and digest” stage, the parasympathetic nervous system would normally be in a total resting stage for the RMR test. However, in this lab, the subjects were currently “digesting”, and their skeletal muscle is recovering, causing the subjects to not truly be in a resting state to test RMR. The purpose of this study was to compare subjects measured resting metabolic rate (RMR) results, after breaking standard preparation protocol, to the equation based estimated kcal/day values. The hypothesis of this lab is that the measured RMR level of each subject, both male and female, would have a significant increase of the RMR value when compared to the predicted RMR. Between both the Cunningham prediction equation and the Harris-Benedict equation, it was expected that during the test subjects measured RMR would show a significant increase from the estimation equation.

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  Prevalence of the Female Athlete Triad in NCAA Division I Collegiate Female Athletes

  Jasmine P. Jones

  The Female Athlete Triad is a system of 3 components that afflicts up to 60% of female athletes (McArdle et al., 2015). The components have been defined by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) as low energy availability, menstrual dysfunction, and low bone mineral density. Due to the intense energy expenditure during training and the age at which intense training begins in order to compete at the collegiate level, NCAA Division I female athletes are at a heightened risk for the Female Athlete Triad. This study used the LEAF-Q survey to collect risk assessment levels from each participant. The purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence of the Female Athlete Triad in NCAA Division I female athletes using a large and diverse sample.

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  The Effects of a Caffeine Pill on Time Performance Between Male and Female Division 1 Collegiate Swimmers

  Steven Laflamme

  14 collegiate swimmers from a Division 1 University in North Carolina took part in this study v Testing group consumed a caffeine pill equal to 3 mg/kg of body weight on hour before testing. Control group received a placebo in place of the caffeine pill. v Base line times for a 50-yard freestyle was recorded through their conference championship as well as a 50-yard freestyle performed in the offseason. v Both groups were tested on two 50-yard freestyles performed at Bost Pool. v After the both swims were concluded, the resulting data from the two groups were compared.

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  Utilizing Depth Drop Training to Reduce ACL Rupture Risk Factors In Division I Collegiate Women's Volleyball Players

  Adam Meredith

  The purpose of this study was to determine if increased use of depth drop in strength and conditioning programs decreases ACL rupture risk factors. Injury rates for volleyball players are 4.21 injuries per 100 hours. The knee is the second most common injury site behind the ankle. The most common knee injury for female volleyball players are ACL injuries. (Migliorini et al., 2019). Female athletes are 2-10 times more likely to sustain ACL injuries than males. (Silvers & Mandelbaum, 2007). Jump landings are the most common non-contact ACL rupture mechanism. Collegiate women’s volleyball players, on average, jump between 40-220 times in a 5-set match. (Vlantes and Readdy, 2017). A 2D video analysis found participants ACL injuries showed increased knee valgus at ground contact when compared to uninjured groups. (Numata et al., 2017). Frontal view of knee valgus collapse can be seen by the decrease in knee distance. During knee flexion, tibial abduction and femur internal rotation occurs. (Quatmann & Hewett, 2014). Stiff landings, landing with minimal hip and knee flexion, increase shear force at the quadricep. This increases ACL loading, increasing injury risk. This can be seen through increased ground reaction forces. (Silvers & Mandelbaum, 2007). 400 N of quadriceps force can increase ACL strain by 3-5%. (Ueno et al., 2021). Increased Ground reaction forces can increase ACL strain by 33%. (Ueno et al., 2021)

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  The Effects of Dry Cupping on Overhead College Athletes

  Kayleigh Nicholson

  This study look at the effects of dry cupping on range of motion and pain symptoms in forty overhead athletes involved in sports such as softball, baseball, and volleyball. Two groups were tested during this study, a control group and an experimental group. Both groups were tested before the treatment and after the treatment using a visual analog scale for pain symptoms and a goniometer for range of motion changes (Yim et al., 2017). A dry cupping therapy treatment was applied the shoulder muscles, lattimus dorsi, rotator cuff muscles, and the muscles around the scapular for ten minutes each session (Gregory et al., 2020). A manual suction and ten plastic circular cups of different sizes were used on the subjects with a lubricant to allow the cups to slide and/or stick.

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  The Influence of the Ketogenic Diet on Jump Height in D1 Collegiate Volleyball Athletes

  Danielle Norton

  PURPOSE: The ketogenic diet was originally created in 1911 in hopes of treating epileptic children. Now, the ketogenic is a cultural trend that many stationary individuals use but has seldomly been studied regarding athletes and their performance. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of the ketogenic diet and its direct effects on power through testing jump height in volleyball players. HYPOTHESIS: It was hypothesized that the ketogenic diet will have an overall negative effect on the performance of an athlete specifically in jump height in collegiate volleyball players. METHODS: Participants included twenty apparently healthy, female collegiate volleyball players who volunteered for this study. At the start of week one, the first testing session was conducted to gather participants pre-diet measurements. Weeks 1-4 were dedicated to the ketogenic diet and continuing typical training protocols. The end of week 4 was dedicated to post-diet testing. Weeks 4-8 was dedicated to resuming typical personal diets as well as training. End of week 8 was dedicated to gathering final measurements, post one month of resuming a normal diet. LIMITATIONS: These may include the small sample size that was chosen from the Gardner-Webb female volleyball team. As well as the little amount of time for the ketogenic to properly take into effect.

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  Comparison of High vs. Low Fat Diet Influence on VO2MAX in Adolescent Elite Female Soccer Players

  Laura Sloan

  Aerobic fitness relies on ample storage of all macronutrients that come from one’s diet. Dietary recommendations were introduced in the United States in 1977, which have been disputed as to whether a low- or high-fat diet is better for performance. For female athletes, more uncertainty is present due to the lack of research on this population’s dietary guidelines. There is a need for further research comparing high- and low-fat diet influence on the aerobic capacity of adolescent female athletes. This study recruited 30 elite female soccer players, ages 16-18 from Charlotte, NC, who were randomly assigned to either a low- or high-fat diet for 12 months. Each athlete completed the Bruce Treadmill VO2 MAX Test before and after the 12 months to observe the changes in their aerobic capacity. The results were analyzed and compared to determine a correlation between high or low-fat diet and VO2 MAX. PURPOSE: To compare the effect of high- and low-fat diet on VO2 MAX in adolescent elite female soccer players.

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  The Effect of a Standardized Dynamic Warm-up on YBT Scores

  Sophia Smith

  According to Greenberg et al. (2019), the Y Balance Test (YBT) is a clinical measurement of dynamic balance that mimics sports movements requiring unilateral balance. In this lab specifically six NCAA Division 1 athletes were chosen to complete a “cold” YBT with no warm-up prior to the test and a YBT test with a standardized dynamic warm-up protocol before the test. According to Daneshjoo et al. (2012), a dynamic warmup protocol will increase dynamic and static balance and proprioception of the athletes. The six athletes that were chosen contained three male and three female athletes from various sports including track and field, soccer, baseball, swimming, and lacrosse. All the athletes had been cleared for play in their sport and were free from injury or surgery within the past six months. The purpose of this lab was to test the hypothesis that a dynamic warmup prior to a YBT will have higher scores compared to a cold YBT.

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  The Effect of the 6-Minute Walk Test on Vertical Leap

  Sophia Smith, Alexi Card, and Kristen Flateau

  The vertical jump test is a test often used to assess lower body power (Haff and Triplett, 2016). The six-minute walk test (6MWT) has been useful in assessing for a variety of respiratory or cardiac diseases (Olsson, 2005). The 6MWT requires participants to walk as far as they can in the six minutes, which is physically taxing on the body (Olsson, 2005). Studies have found that a gradual, progressive warmup can improve performance whereas static stretching can negatively impact performance (Vetter, 2007). The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of a 6MWT, and a 6-minute treadmill walk test on vertical jump. It was hypothesized that the six-minute treadmill test would produce a higher vertical jump than the 6MWT because of the oxidative work the 6MWT requires.

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  Attitudes Towards Drug Screening in NCAA D-I Football Players: A Perspective from Athletic Trainers and Players

  Paul Williams

  The purpose of this study was to assess and determine the attitudes towards drug screening from athletic trainers (ATs) and D-I football players. Participants within this study included 500 ATs and 15,611 football players who were randomly selected from the Southeastern, Atlantic Coast, BIG Twelve, BIG 10, and Pacific 12 Conferences. A quantitative survey research design was developed with twelve questions for both football players and ATs by using Qualtrics. The surveys asked closed ended questions that were used to assess and determine the attitudes of both through data analysis via Jeffrey’s Amazing Statistics Program (JASP).

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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.