5105 research outputs found
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USING DYNAMIC NEUROMUSCULAR STABILIZATION TO FACILITATE INTRA- ABDOMINAL PRESSURE REGULATION FOR IMPROVED SHOULDER OUTCOMES IN VOLLEYBALL ATHLETES POST-LABRUM TEAR
No full textThis graduate research project proposal seeks to explore how Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS) may affect shoulder rehabilitation for volleyball athletes recovering from a labral tear. Given the link of Intra-Abdominal Pressure (IAP) regulation and respiratory mechanics to improved functional outcomes, this study seeks to use DNS to improve stabilization outcome measures of the shoulder, facilitating a safe return to sport. The study will involve male and female college volleyball players who have undergone arthroscopic surgery and are in the later stages of rehabilitation. Participants will be equally divided into control and experimental groups, with the experimental group participating in a supplemental routine consisting of DNS corrective exercises while wearing a Core360 Belt. Pre-and post-intervention assessments include the Upper Extremity Patterns from the Selective Functional Movement Assessment, various shoulder range of motion measurements, and the Upper Quarter Y-Balance Test. The findings could help establish DNS as a viable intervention for improving rehabilitation outcomes and inform discharge criteria for volleyball athletes post-labrum injury
Virtual Reality Interventions for Early Management of Phantom Limb Pain
No full textPhantom limb pain (PLP) can have a profound impact on an amputee’s life. PLP is when an amputee feels pain in the amputated limb. Mobility, sleep, self-esteem, stress, and relationships are just some of the many things that are affected by phantom limb pain. Treatment such as medications, mirror therapy, and electrical nerve stimulation are common for phantom limb pain. However, virtual reality (VR) has emerged as another treatment option. The use of VR extends beyond use for fun and can be used as a valuable tool to aid amputees. Research had yet to be conducted on VR as a post operative protocol to lessen PLP in amputees. This study used 14 trans-radial amputees (\u3c30 days after amputation) with various VR activities to see if phantom limb pain would lessen over the course of one month. If VR treatment is proven to be successful, new amputees could have an enhanced quality of life compared to existing amputees who had their amputation(s) years prior. Certified prosthetists could see a positive impact on patient compliance and prosthesis use if PLP is treated early after amputation.
Keywords: Virtual reality (VR), phantom limb pain (PLP
The Role of Aesthetics in AFO Compliance
No full textThe goal of this study was to determine how the aesthetics surrounding AFOs could be approached differently in order to improve poor rates of patient compliance. The participants in the study consisted of 12 current AFO patients who were recommended by their provider due to a record of non-compliance related to aesthetic complaints. Interviews were utilized to determine patient preferences, and each participant\u27s personal aesthetics were factored in to produce new AFOs of a similar design that were worn for the following 6 months. Interviews were again conducted to gain participants\u27 perspectives on wearing the new devices. Participants\u27 daily wear time was recorded with their original AFO and the new AFO to determine if compliance had increased. These results could be used to better understand how to integrate a patient\u27s personal aesthetic into their device, limiting issues with non-compliance due to negative perceptions
Exploring the Impact of Coaching Styles and Gender on Athlete Outcomes and Burnout Rates in Youth Sports
No full textThe study investigates how coaching methods combined with gender factors influence athletic performance measures and burnout rates among young athletes. The research seeks to fill existing literature gaps about how detailed coaching behaviors affect athlete well-being. The main research question assesses how various coaching styles and the coaches\u27 gender impact athlete development and performance levels. Student-athletes between 13 and 18 years old at Le Sueur-Henderson Middle and High School will provide data through validated tools including the Athlete Perception of Coaching Behaviors Scale (APCBS), the Athlete Burnout Questionnaire (ABQ), and the Coach Gender Perception Scale (CGPS) according to the proposed methodology. A comprehensive strategy guides both the collection and analysis of data, which integrates descriptive statistics along with inferential statistical methods. The anticipated results will provide guidance for evidence-based coaching methods that improve athlete satisfaction, motivation, and performance outcomes in youth sports environments
Can Flywheel Training Serve as a Viable Intervention for Dynamic Strength Index Based Programs?
Full text linkThe purpose of this case series was to examine the effects that flywheel training had on a person’s dynamic strength index in comparison to concurrent training (DSI). It has been shown that with strength training alone there can be an overall decrease in the DSI, due to an increase the IMTP peak force and no significant change in the CMJ performance (Comfort et al., 2018). Flywheel training’s effect on the DSI specifically have not been previously examined. It was hypothesized that a regimented flywheel training intervention will demonstrate an
improvement in the peak force for the countermovement jumps as well as the isometric mid- thigh pull yet not changing the DSI score significantly. The participants performed a three-week
block consisting of concurrent training then followed by a three-week block consisting of solely flywheel-based training. The DSI was measured eight times throughout a six-week intervention. The three participants all had a previous history of strength training; however, none have trained extensively utilizing flywheel training. At the end of the study, there was an average increase of 20% in CMJ peak force across the three individuals. There was an average increase of 9.4% in IMTP peak force across the three individuals. The average peak force increases of the three individuals in both the CMJ and the IMTP can be considered sizeable, yet these results are not considered statistically significant indicating that further studies with larger populations need to be examined
FOSTERING ACTIVE PARTICIPATION IN PHYSICAL EDUCATION.
No full textPhysical educators work to inform their students about fitness and the importance of physical education for lifelong health. Physical education received less time as administrators admitted to cutting class time for core subjects. There has been a decrease in physical activity participation and an increase in obesity and cardiovascular diseases. This study sorted and analyzed the data from the participation motivation questionnaire, the physical education lesson questionnaire, heart rate monitors, and the self-perception on teaching styles. The data was broken down by grade level and gender. This study helped physical educators understand what motivated students aged 10–15, how technology could be used to enhance lessons, and which teaching styles were the most effective for middle school-aged students
Feasibility of Using Blood Flow Restriction Training for Adults with Cerebral Palsy: A Case Comparison
Full text linkIntroduction Cerebral palsy (CP) affects mobility and strength due to spasticity, incoordination, and weakness,1 making traditional high-load training challenging. Blood flow restriction (BFR) training enables increased work and fatigue at a lower load, resulting in adaptations in muscle composition similar to those achieved with high-load training.2 Despite evidence supporting BFR use in neurological conditions3, limited information exists on how it will benefit young adults with ambulatory CP.4,5 Therefore, this study investigated the feasibility of BFR compared to progressive resistance training (PRT) in young adults with ambulatory cerebral palsy (CP).
Methods Two individuals with spastic CP, both actively engaged in sports and recreation, participated in this case comparison (Table 1). Completed two separate sessions of sit-to-stand movements. The first utilized high-load PRT with a weighted vest, while the other employed BFR training. Outcome measures included the OMNI Perceived Exertion Scale, the Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale, and an adverse symptoms interview.
Results Both participants reported similar enjoyment for both exercise regimes (Figure 1) and lower perceived exertion with BFR (Figure 2). Participant 1 reported better muscle engagement with BFR, while participant 2 experienced more delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) and fatigue with BFR compared to PRT. Cuff application posed technical challenges for both participants.
Conclusion Data trends indicate the effectiveness and safety of BFR as a viable intervention option for this population. DOMS was the only adverse symptom experienced by both participants and is a consistent response to weightlifting.6 Participant comments highlight the potential of this training approach to provide similar, if not superior, muscular responses compared to PRT. Individuals with CP should initially perform BFR regiments under the supervision of a trained professional to ensure proper adjustment of the tourniquet before using it independently.
Clinical Relevance This study contributes to the growing evidence supporting BFR as a safe and effective strength training alternative for individuals with CP, when supervised by a trained professional to mitigate potential adverse events
Sleep in Relation to Physical Activity
No full textThis project was created mainly to look at the potential relationship between sleep and physical exercise. Sleep is a critical part of recovery and performance in athletes. The study looked at sleep quality and physical exercise, performance and sleep, and caffeine use and sleep. The data was collected through a Gramin fitness watch and an individual diary style activity log where participants tracked their daily activity and sleep status. Participants range in age, background, gender, and ethnicity, creating a strong sample of eighty to one hundred people. It was important to select a sample that contained both athletes and nonathletes to be able to compare the information collected. The data both quantitative and qualitative, were sorted into categories and carefully analyzed by the researchers. Information obtained from this study can benefit many groups of people. The data collected shows how physical activity impacts sleep duration, sleep quality, and sleep stages. This study provides information to coaches and athletes on the best time to train in order to obtain optimal recovery
Optimal Protein Strategies for Muscle Gain
No full textThis project examines optimal protein intake strategies, including timing, quantity, and source, for promoting muscle hypertrophy and recovery in resistance-trained individuals. Findings from recent studies suggest that total daily intake and protein quality, such as whey and casein. They are more impactful than the timing of intake. Practical recommendations support evidence-based nutrition for athletes and fitness professionals
Unmasking the Shadows: A Comprehensive Exploration of Serial Killers
Full text linkUsing a mixed-methods approach that combines quantitative literature review and qualitative case study analysis, this capstone investigates the developmental pathways of serial killers. The study investigates a variety of biological, psychological, and sociological elements—such as genetic predispositions, neurological disorders, childhood traumas, and environmental stressors—interact to shape serial killers. The study offers a multidisciplinary perspective, grounded in criminological models such as routine activity and labeling theories, sociological frameworks such as social disorganization and strain theory, and psychological theories such as psychopathy and attachment theory. Theoretical findings are contextualized through case studies of notorious serial killers like Ted Bundy, Jeffrey Dahmer, and Samuel Little, and the impact of sensationalism and bias on societal understanding of serial murder is evaluated through an analysis of media representation and public perception. Research limitations include limited access to firsthand psychological evaluations and reliance on secondary data. The project also discusses evidence-based prevention and intervention strategies, such as therapeutic interventions, early risk assessments, law enforcement training, and community-based programs. The findings are intended to guide future research into early intervention and violence prevention, as well as to inform criminal justice and human services practices. The capstone concludes that serial killing is not the result of a single factor but rather the convergence of multiple variables over time.
Keywords: biological, psychological, sociological factor, genetic predisposition