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Hamstrings and Quadriceps Muscle Recruitment Following ACL Reconstruction with an Autograft
No full textAnterior Cruciate Ligament reconstructions (ACLr) are one of the most common knee
surgeries. The torn ligament is most often reconstructed with an ipsilateral autograft from the
semitendinosus (ST), patella (PT), or quadriceps (QT) tendon. Surgical outcomes are generally
positive, but around 50% of individuals develop osteoarthritis in the 15 years after their ACLr.
The reasons for this are not completely understood, but reduced and altered knee joint loading
have been suggested as the probable causes. It has also been shown that the ST tendon does not
restore its pre-surgical properties with reduced tendon stiffness, reduced fibril organization, and
increased length common. This study hypothesized that donor site tendon stiffness would also be
reduced following ACLr with a BPTB or QT graft. Additionally, it hypothesized that these
altered donor site tendon properties would cause altered muscle group force sharing in the
hamstrings (ST graft) or quadriceps (BPTB and QT grafts). These deficits would be most
pronounced at shorter muscle lengths and lower isometric torque levels and cause a shift of the
torque-length curve towards longer muscle lengths.
Data were collected on 15 participants who had an ACLr (5 ACLr – ST; 6 ACLr – PT; 4
ACLr – QT) and 11 healthy matched controls. Participants completed isometric contractions
(knee flexion for ACLr – ST and Healthy – ST; knee extension for ACLr – PT, ACLr – QT, and
Healthy – PT) in four different positions that altered muscle length and two different torque
levels while active shear wave elastography images were taken of the muscles in the hamstring
or quadriceps groups. Active shear modulus was multiplied by muscle PCSA to estimate muscle
forces. EMG data were also collected. Donor site tendon shear modulus was also measured. Both
limbs were tested, with the unaffected limb serving as an estimate of pre-ACLr behavior.
Dependent samples t-tests, repeated measures ANOVAs, and effect sizes were calculated within
the ACLr and healthy groups to test for between limb and within limb differences.
The ACLr – ST group had consistently lower ST tendon stiffness on the injured side and
produced less force out of the affected ST. Deficits in force production were not affected by
contraction level, but they were smaller at longer muscle lengths. The degree of ST tendon
stiffness recovery did not impact the size of ST force deficits and there were no consistent shifts
in the torque-length curve. Donor site tendon stiffness was not consistently lower in the PT or
QT following ACLr with these grafts. As such, there were no large effects on quadriceps muscle
force production or load sharing. This improved healing of the PT and QT compared to the ST is
likely due to the surgical technique. While the entire ST tendon is used for ACLr, only a portion
of the PT and QT are sourced which leaves a scaffold for the tendon to regenerate on.
This study was limited by small sample sizes per each graft type; however, it suggested
that donor site tendon recovery is more complete following ACLr with a PT or QT autograft than
with a ST graft and that deficits in the ST tendon lead to reduced force production. Future
research should examine the timeline of PT and QT recovery, as well as explore rehabilitation
techniques that can preferentially activate the ST to improve tendon healing and consequently
normalized knee joint loading due to more normal knee flexor force sharing
Exploring High School Athletics Through An Accounting Perspective
No full textHigh school athletics play an important role for students, encouraging teamwork, physical and mental development, and community involvement with the school. Nevertheless, there can be challenges with the accounting and internal controls of high school system athletics. This project examines several financial settings of importance in the high school athletic environment through an accounting lens, including funding for high school athletics, budgeting, the profitability in athletics, assets, and internal controls. The project will investigate how these high schools get the funding (internal and external), the allocation of the funding, and sustainability of the program. Drawing on personal experience, secondary research, and other sources, this project seeks to study the application of accounting principles and funding strategies that ensure success and accessibility of high school athletic programs. The findings from this study will help with an overall understanding of how accounting concepts work in high school athletics and provide suggestions for improvements
Empowerment Through Patient Education
No full textThis project analyzes the effectiveness of a mnemonic tool designed to enhance healthcare providers' ability to deliver health education while establishing trusting patient-provider relationships to improve patient education
DESIGN OF PDRONPA1.2-BASED OPTOGENETIC SWITHC FOR CONTROL OF DISEASE- ASSOCIATED CYTOSKELETAL STRUCTURES
No full textActin is a protein present in all eukaryotic cells and is essential in muscle contraction and cell movement and structure. In order for actin filaments to function properly, it is important for them to be able to bind to ATP. However, stressful conditions can convert actin to a primarily ADP bound state which can alter its normal function and even cause the formation of actin-cofilin rods. These rods are a common feature in neurons of those who suffer from neurodegenerative disease such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson’s, and Huntington’s disease. Additionally, actin post-translational modifications are hypothesized to play a potential role in disease brains. Although there is a correlation between malformation of actin and neurodegenerative disease, not much is known about the formation of these structures and the role they play under stressful conditions. Previously, research on this topic has been conducted using the CofActor (Cofilin Actin optically responsive) system, which allows insight into the clustering of actin and cofilin through light activation. To analyze the behavior of these clusters independent of stress conditions, mutations were made at the ATP interaction sites. Using PCR amplification, sequencing, and widefield fluorescence microscopy, it was noted that three mutations had notable formations of actin-cofilin rods and inclusions, even in absence of energetic stress. To gain more knowledge on the behavior of actin before clumping, we incorporated the pDronpa1 optogenetic system instead, which allows for a wider range of experimentation due to its photocaging abilities. In other words, the pDronpa1 homodimer surrounds the actin in the dark, restricting its interaction with other actin monomers. Once it is light activated, the pDronpa1 dimer will dissociate allowing for formation of the actin clusters and for a clearer analysis of cytoskeletal dynamics in neurons. Experiments conducted so far have proven the photoswitchable capabilities of the pDronpa1 vector
A Pilot Study of Immersive Virtual Reality Tai Chi Program on Physical and Mental Health Among Older Adults
No full textTai Chi is well-recognized as a recreational therapy intervention that offers significant physical and mental health benefits for older adults. Advances in technology have made Tai Chi accessible through virtual reality, yet there is limited research on the experiences and effects of immersive virtual reality Tai Chi (IVTC) on health outcomes among older adults. Therefore, the purpose of this thesis was to investigate whether IVTC is effective in promoting physical and mental health in this population. Nineteen older adults participated in two weekly 30–40-minute IVTC sessions over four weeks. A paired t-test was conducted to analyze the differences between pre- and post-test results for each participant. The findings revealed significant improvements in balance and reductions in stress levels among the participants. These results suggest that the IVTC program the IVTC program could serve as a promising, technology-driven intervention for older adults at higher risk of falls and mental distress. Furthermore, these findings highlight the need for further research to assess the efficacy of IVTC as a promising approach for diverse populations
MyNetDiary Worth a Try
No full textMedical and dietetic students often co-author a column for the Daily Reflector under Dr. Kolasa's byline. The students research the topic a reader or patient has asked. Dr. Kolasa reviews their draft for technical accuracy, patient friendly language, people first language. She fact checks the study or other evidence-based reference the student provides. If a physician review is appropriate, Dr. Kolasa requests a colleague from ECU physicians to review the article. The final draft is submitted to the Reflector with the editor having the final say. The headline is written by the Reflector headline writer. The food and nutrition column has run weekly since 1987. Starting in 2020, in addition to the Daily Reflector, the article is published in daily and weekly papers owned by the Adams Publishing Group East (https://adamspg.com)This is a weekly Q and A newspaper column under the byline of Dr. Kathy Kolasa. Today's column is about an app called MyNetDiary. MyNetDiary is very similar to Cronometer and works by tracking your calories and exercise. With premium features, app users can meet with a dietitian to create a meal plan, and receive exclusive recipes and guidance on nutrition.No sponsors
Exploring Therapeutic Sailing as an Intervention for the Veteran Population
No full textTherapeutic sailing is an intervention used in recreational therapy, or therapeutic recreation to improve quality of life in the physical, psychological, social, and emotional domains. While participation in therapeutic sailing by people with disabilities is regarded to have positive outcomes on quality of life, evidence based research is still lacking. Veterans are a unique population in which they tend to need treatment for a range of conditions; such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and physical disabilities. Therapeutic sailing as a modality leverages the unique environment of the water, combined with the physical and cognitive challenges of sailing to promote emotional well-being, self-esteem, self-efficacy, and improved social connection by mindfulness. The connection to nature provides opportunity for stress relief and emotional regulation. Additionally, physical activity on the water improves mobility, strength, and endurance. This literature review analyzes whether therapeutic sailing is an adequate form of treatment for the Veteran population
THE INFLUENCE OF TYPES OF FOOD CONSUMPTION DURING PREGNANCY ON MATERNAL WEIGHT AND FAT GAIN
No full textObesity is more common even in the pregnant population, as over 20% of the pregnant population is obese. This condition is of particular concern as it is associated with a higher risk of complications during pregnancy, including gestational diabetes, preterm birth, low birth weight, and developmental problems in the baby. Excessive Gestational Weight Gain (EGWG) and fat gain are prevalent among half of all pregnant women globally and are linked to adverse pregnancy outcomes, including small for gestational age (SGA) infants, large for gestational age (LGA) infants, macrosomia (excessive birth weight), cesarean delivery, gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), preeclampsia, postpartum weight retention, and increased risk of obesity in offspring. Among various dietary factors, saturated fat consumption is a significant concern due to its potential to exacerbate obesity and related complications. Relatedly, nutrition during pregnancy affects the health of the mother and the development of the baby. Specifically, saturated fats have been scrutinized for their role in increasing gestational weight and fat gain. Awareness of the foods consumed during pregnancy can influence maternal weight and fat gain; thus, focusing on foods consumed during pregnancy makes it possible to aid future expecting women to attain a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby. Therefore, examining the impact of saturated fat intake is crucial for developing dietary recommendations that promote optimal pregnancy outcomes. This change could reduce the risk of complications for both the mother and her baby, such as gestational diabetes, preterm birth, low birth weight, and developmental problems.
Objective: The purpose of this study is to determine the influence of saturated fat consumption during pregnancy on gestational weight and fat gain at 36 weeks gestation. I hypothesize that pregnant women consuming lower saturated fats during pregnancy will experience reduced gestational weight gain (GWG) and fat gain relative to those consuming higher saturated fats.
Methods: Pregnant mothers between the ages 18 and 40 were enrolled between 13- and 16-weeks gestation. This is a secondary analysis of women that participated in a randomized control trial assessing the influence of exercise types on maternal and infant health outcomes. During the study, women completed screening questions and a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) at 16 and 36 weeks gestation. The FFQ was used to compare high saturated diet vs. lower saturated diet during pregnancy on GWG and fat gain; an alpha level of 0.05 and a power of 95% was set for between-group comparisons. For t-test analysis, the IBM SPSS statistics Version 29 was used. A linear regression model and a chi-square test were used to assess variables that predict GWG and fat gain in late pregnancy.
Results: At 16 and 36 wks gestational age, there were no differences in maternal descriptors between groups. Specifically, maternal characteristics such as maternal age, pre-pregnancy BMI, BMI (kg/m²), body fat percentage, gravida, and parity were similar between the low and high saturated fat groups (all p > .05). The change in maternal body morphometrics from 16 to 36 weeks gestation was also similar between groups. However, women who consumed more high saturated fats had increased thigh and suprailiac skinfolds relative to women who consumed low saturated fat foods at 36wks.
Discussion: Based on previous research, I hypothesized that women who consumed less saturated fats during pregnancy would experience reduced GWG and fat gain compared to those consuming high saturated fats. However, the findings did not fully support my hypothesis. Instead, the results showed no difference between groups (low saturated fat group and high saturated fat group) for GWG, BMI, and body fat. However, the differences in skinfold measurements suggest a slight influence of diet. Several limitations must be considered, including overall dietary patterns, physical activity, genetic factors, and pre-pregnancy BMI. Despite these limitations, this study is the first to assess the influence of high vs. low saturated fat consumption during pregnancy on maternal weight and body fat gain, providing valuable insights for future dietary recommendations. Further research is needed to explore these findings in more detail
Evaluation of Flood Control and Treatment of Total Suspended Solids by Dry Detention Basins in Greenville, NC
No full textUrban development has increased the total impervious area in human settlements, which has disrupted natural hydrology resulting in increased nuisance flooding and water quality degradation from storms. Over the past several decades, stormwater management has become an integral component of urban planning to mitigate damage through use of stormwater control measures (SCMs). Dry detention basins (DDBs) are a commonly used SCM designed to mitigate peak flow volumes by capturing and storing runoff that is slowly released into the existing stormwater infrastructure. The goal of this study was to characterize functionality and evaluate flood control and treatment of total suspended solids (TSS) by 4 DDBs located in Greenville, NC. Of the 4 DDBs, 2 are within potentially underserved communities according to NC DEQ designation. Onset HOBO pressure transducers were installed in the Winter of 2023 to measure water levels during storms. Water level data will be used to evaluate storm hydrology to assess flood control by DDBs. Additionally, samples were collected from the inlet and outlet of DDBs for a total of three storms to assess the reduction of TSS concentration. Discharge entering and exiting were also measured during the storms to estimate mass inputs and exports of TSS
VISUAL ATTENTION AND SELF-EFFICACY IN COED CHEERLEADING
No full textApproximately 35,000 cheerleading injuries were reported annually for participants between the ages of 5-25 years old (Amy et al., 2021). Self-efficacy, role, and attention provide predictive information and contribution to the quality of motor execution, including group settings. However, there remains a gap in knowledge about the activity of cheerleading and the growing rate of injuries PURPOSE: Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the extent to which self-efficacy relates to visual fixation duration and frequency in co-ed cheerleading, and if visual fixation and duration differ between base and flyer across self-identifying role, skill level, and roles observed (flyer and base). METHODS: Members of the same university’s coed cheerleading team consisting of male and female participants between the ages of 18-25 participated in the study. Inclusion criteria were as follows: 1) current member of a collegiate coed cheerleading team 2) normal or corrected to normal vision 3) no current self-reported neurological illness/injury. Eligible subjects were recruited through email. The sample consisted of (n = 3) males and (n = 2). participants completed a self-efficacy questionnaire and watched a series of progressively difficult stunts, categorized into 3 levels of difficulty. Visual attention was measured using eye tracking to determine fixation count and duration. RESULTS: Multiple t-tests were used to test the relationships between each variable. Across each skill level self-efficacy decreased for easy M = 9.63, SD = 0.42. Flyers fixated in the flyer AOI (Mfreq = 134.75) less compared to how much the bases fixated in the flyer AOI (Mfreq = 148.69). The shortest fixation occurred during the hard skill level in the flyer AOI for bases (1316.611 ms) and flyers (1377.263 ms). The correlation between self-efficacy and fixation count of the base was negative and medium to large but not significant for easy, medium, and hard tasks (r = -.78, -.81, -.41; p = .12, .09, .49). The correlation between self-efficacy and fixation duration of the base was negative and small to medium but not significant easy, medium, and hard tasks (r = -.31, -.58, -.19; p = .61, .31, .76)There were no significant differences observed across bases and flyers for fixation count and duration (t = .34 - 1.92; p = .15 - .75). Significant differences were observed across skill level for fixation count (Mfreq = 13.80; p = < .001, η²ₚ = .70) and duration on the flyer AOI (Mfreq = 19.54; p = < .001, η²ₚ = .77). No significant differences were observed across base and flyer AOIs except in the instance of fixation count during the medium skill difficulty (t = 2.73, p < .05, d = 1.22). Regardless of role, participants looked at the flyer more often (M = 60.87) than the bases (M = 43.67) during the medium tasks. CONCLUSION: According to the present study, confidence is associated with changes in visual attention. Additionally, visual attention differs by role, and skill difficulty. From this data we have seen influences on teamwork, specifically in coed cheerleading while highlighting the high risks in stunting