48760 research outputs found
Sort by
ASSOCIATIONS BETWEEN BODY COMPOSITION AND COGNITIVE FUNCTION AMONG FEMALE ADOLESCENTS
No full textAdolescence is a critical developmental period characterized by immense psychological and physical changes, including cognitive functioning and body composition. While research has shown that obesity impacts cognitive functioning, there is a poor understanding of which aspects of body composition impact cognitive function during adolescence. PURPOSE: This study aimed to assess different body composition metrics in relation to cognitive functioning in female adolescents. METHODS: Forty-one female participants (age = 14.59 ± 1.75 years; range = 12–17) had their height and weight assessed to compute body mass index (BMI)-for-age percentile, and percent whole-body fat mass (%BF) was measured using a Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA) scan. Cognitive function was assessed using a modified go/no-go computerized task while electroencephalography (EEG) was recorded. The primary cognitive function variable of interest was the P3 event-related brain potential (ERP), a positive wave in the EEG peaking around 350 ms following stimulus presentation that reflects inhibitory control during no-go trials and target detection during go-trials. RESULTS: Descriptive statistics showed a %BF of 31.48 ± 6.92 and a BMI-for-age percentile of 62.20 ± 25.59 across the sample. A go/no-go EEG task manipulation check indicated that the no-go P3 amplitude was larger than the go P3 amplitude (8.55 ± 6.45 µV vs. 4.49 ± 4.16 µV; t[40] = 4.23, p \u3c .001), suggesting inhibitory control required greater attentional resource allocation compared to target detection. Correlation analyses revealed that a higher %BF was associated with a smaller no-go P3 amplitude (ρ = -.26, p = 0.049; one-tailed) but not with go P3 amplitude (ρ = -.04, p = .395). BMI-for-age percentile was not associated with either no-go or go P3 amplitudes (ps \u3e -.075). CONCLUSION: These findings suggest a negative association between adiposity and cognitive function in female adolescents that was not captured by BMI metrics. Relying on BMI may obscure relationships between body composition and cognitive function. Excess adiposity could not only impair cognitive development, but deficits in inhibitory control could also contribute to behaviors that lead to increased adiposity
Current Research and Applications of Velocity-Based Training Techniques and Technologies
No full textVelocity-based training is a technique within the fields of strength and conditioning and exercise physiology to measure barbell velocity to make informed decisions regarding the implementation of a resistance training program. While the term velocity-based training is well-known by professionals and researchers, the scientific literature and application of these principles into practice is still emerging. In this talk, Dr. Kyle Beyer will present the current velocity-based training techniques that are implemented by practitioners in the field. Additionally, the most common technologies used to measure barbell velocity will be discussed specifically focusing on their accuracy, cost, and feasibility of use. Furthermore, Dr. Beyer will present the current scientific literature that supports, or in some cases refutes, these practices. The gaps in the current literature will be discussed as well as future areas of application for velocity-based training including special populations and return-to-play guidelines
Determining Localization of SURF-4 in Drosophila Melanogaster in the Secretory Pathway
No full textThe purpose of this research is to determine the role of the Surfeit-4 gene, or Surf-4 locus protein, during Drosophila melanogaster development. Surf-4 was identified in the Srivastava lab in a biochemical screen for proteins that associate with the basement membrane (BM): a structure needed and required for normal development and its degradation is a hallmark of tumor metastasis. Surf-4 has been predicted to function within intracellular compartments and is known to be expressed in many parts of the developing fly. We are currently determining why Surf-4 is important in development and what role, if any, it could play during tumorigenesis. Surf-4 is predicted to be a cargo receptor protein, involved in recruitment of coat protein complex vesicles (COP) in the early secretory pathway. This pathway is responsible for the transport of soluble proteins between the Endoplasmic Reticulum and the Golgi apparatus, (Kapadia and Srivastava, unpublished, 2016). It is our prediction that Surf-4’s subcellular localization will place it in either the ER or the Golgi or both. This information will be crucial in determining further Surf-4 functions. These experiments will benefit from our characterization of the Surf-4 antibody – a crucial reagent for further study of this protein. By characterizing Surf-4, we can determine what factors affect basement membrane development and how that can be further applied to cancer research
October 28, 2025 NAGPRA and Tribal Relations Committee Meeting Minutes
No full textOctober 28, 2025 minutes for the WKU NAGPRA and Tribal Relations Committee meeting. Meeting conducted via Zoom
Validity of the Polar Verity Sense in Measuring Heart Rate During a Hand Grip Assessment with Blood Flow Restriction
No full textBlood flow restriction (BFR) training has acquired significant attention in rehabilitation and performance sciences. Polar is a popular heart rate (HR) device manufacturer, Polar Electro OY. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the validity of HR from the Polar Verity Sense biceps band vs the Polar H10 chest strap during a hand grip assessment with blood flow restriction. METHODS: Twenty-three adults (9 females, 14 males, Identified otherwise n = 0; age=24.74±8.19 years, height = 172 cm (SD =9) Mass = 79kg (SD= 18.5) were recruited via convenience sampling. Participants were asked to do a warm-up including 5-min rowing followed by a sponge grip test (75 reps across 4 sets) while using the SmartCuff BFR device on their arms to create a blood flow restriction (50% occlusion). After the warm-up a hand grip strength test was done while wearing a Polar Verity Sense on the BFR arm and the arm that was not occluded (Non-BFR). Average and maximum HR were recorded for analysis. Mean Absolute Percent Error (MAPE) and Lins Concordance Correlation Coefficient( CCC) were used to assess validity: MAPE ≤ 5% and CCC ≥ 0.90. RESULTS: The Polar Verity Sense met the threshold for average HR in both arms (BFR MAPE=3.9%, BFR CCC=0.92; Non-BFR MAPE=2.6%, Non-BFR CCC=0.96) but for max HR only in the non-occluded arm (Non-BFR MAPE=3.5%, Non-BFR CCC=0.94; BFR MAPE=12.3%, BFR CCC=0.94). CONCLUSION These results specify that in the present study, the Polar Verity Sense was accurate for measuring average HR but that BFR affects maximal HR accuracy in the occluded limb
Menstrual Phase Effects on Performance Readiness in Division I Women’s Basketball: A Longitudinal Multi-Modal Study
No full textHormonal changes across the menstrual cycle influence cardiovascular, neuromuscular, and recovery responses, potentially altering athletic readiness and injury risk. Despite this, cycle phases are rarely integrated into athlete monitoring. PURPOSE: To examine menstrual phase–related differences in physiological and psychological readiness in Division I women’s basketball players. METHODS: Thirteen NCAA Division I athletes (IRB #2113291-6) were tracked daily from October 2024 to April 2025. Subjective measures include energy, soreness, sleep quality, and stress. Workload metrics were collected with the Beyond Pulse platform, and biometric data (recovery score, sleep index, resting heart rate, heart rate variability) were obtained from the Ultrahuman Ring AIR. Menstrual phase was assigned by daily yes/no self-report of menstruation; no additional phase labels or contraception/cycle-regularity adjustments were used. The merged dataset included 2,742 entries, with 211 complete cases. Analyses used within-athlete, covariate-adjusted models (game/practice, within-athlete workload, and month fixed effects) comparing menstruation versus non-menstruation days. RESULTS: During menstruation at the team level, recovery score increased (+7.1%, β=+5.29, p\u3c0.001) and resting heart rate decreased (−3.3%, β=−1.64 bpm, p=0.002). Sleep tended to be higher (+4.5%, β=+3.58, p=0.100), while heart rate variability (β=−0.70 ms, p=0.577), workload (β=−0.24, p=0.577), top speed (β=+0.12 m/s, p=0.353), and stress (Academic: β=−0.01, p=0.960; Other: β=+0.16, p=0.307) showed no meaningful change. CONCLUSION: In within-athlete, covariate-adjusted models, menstruation days were associated with greater physiological readiness (higher recovery and lower resting heart rate), while HRV, external load, top speed, and perceived stress did not differ significantly. Integrating menstrual tracking into athlete monitoring may improve recovery planning, performance optimization, and injury risk reduction
Yoga vs. Static Stretching: Recovery Impact on Male Athletes’ Post-HIIT Heart Rate, Respiratory Rate, Blood Pressure, and Heart Rate Variability Analysis
Get PDFInternational Journal of Exercise Science 18(6): 79-91, 2025. Heart rate and heart rate variability indicate an athlete\u27s cardiovascular recovery and autonomic balance after intense exercise. While stretching aids recovery, its effects on autonomic balance are inconsistent. Yoga’s combination of postures, breathing, and relaxation may further activate the parasympathetic system, making it a promising tool for sports recovery. This study employed a crossover design to examine the effects of yoga and stretching on post 30-min session of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) recovery in male athletes. Twenty athletes of Mae Fah Luang University (Age 20.95±0.99 years old, VO2max 42.53±4.79 ml/kg/min) were given recovery methods, 15-min stretching and 15-min yoga following HIIT. Heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, and heart rate variability were evaluated immediately after HIIT, 5-min, 10-min, 15-min of the recovery period, and at 24-hour after recovery. A Two-way repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was employed to examine the interaction effects between different methods and time of recovery. A significance level of 0.05 indicated a statistically significant difference. The findings indicated a statistically significant interaction between the group and time of heart rate variability and respiratory rate (
POSITIONAL VARIATIONS IN PHYSICAL AND PHYSIOLOGICAL PROFILES OF COLLEGIATE WOMEN’S ICE HOCKEY ATHLETES
No full textPositional differences in on-ice demands among ice hockey players have been linked to variations in physical and performance characteristics, with forwards generally demonstrating higher speed and explosive movements compared to defense players. However, there is a relative lack of literature investigating positional differences in physical attributes and off-ice physiological testing among collegiate women’s hockey players. PURPOSE: To examine the positional differences in anthropometric and physiological profiles of collegiate women’s ice hockey players. METHODS: Twenty-two collegiate women’s ice hockey players (forwards = 13, defense = 9) participated in this study. Body composition was assessed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). Anaerobic performance was evaluated using a Wingate test conducted at 9% body mass resistance. Lower-body power was assessed through countermovement jumps (CMJ) on dual force plates and skater jumps. Testing was conducted within a one-week period with DEXA scans, Wingate testing, and jump testing all occurring on separate days. Independent t-tests (α = 0.05) were performed to compare positional groups (forwards vs. defense) for height and weight, DEXA measures (% body fat, total leg fat-free mass), Wingate variables (absolute and relative peak and mean power, time to peak power, rate of fatigue), CMJ metrics (jump height, peak propulsive power, average relative propulsive power, mRSI), and skater jump total distance. RESULTS: The analyses revealed that there were no significant differences in anthropometrics, body composition measures, countermovement jump metrics, or skater jump distance. During the Wingate test, forwards produced significantly greater relative peak power (p = 0.028) compared to their defensive counterparts (13.4 ± 1.1 W/kg vs. 12.4 ± 0.9 W/kg), while all other Wingate variables were not statistically different. CONCLUSIONS: The significantly greater relative peak power observed in forwards during the Wingate test reinforces the positional differences in explosive efforts required on-ice. The absence of differences in other metrics suggests that training programs could focus on enhancing position-specific skills while maintaining overall fitness, given the differing on-ice physical demands across positions
EMPOWERING AFTERSCHOOL STAFF FOR YOUTH PHYSICAL ACTIVITY PROMOTION: CATALYSTS FOR WHOLE SCHOOL, WHOLE CHILD, WHOLE COMMUNITY INITIATIVES
No full textAfterschool programs (ASPs) offer substantial potential to promote physical activity (PA) among children while supporting their physical, academic, social, and mental growth. Recent data highlights that over 7.8 million children in the United States participate in ASPs. ASPs provide essential opportunities to increase daily PA levels and foster social and mental well-being. Despite these benefits, school-ASP partnerships face significant challenges. Olson (2018) emphasizes that strong school-community-based organization (CBO) partnerships must be student-centered, driven by a shared vision, and defined by formal agreements. Effective partnerships require common goals and clear communication; otherwise, differing expectations and a lack of mutual understanding can undermine collaborative goals. The current study conducted semi-structured interviews with six ASP directors in Northwest Arkansas, who oversee over 100 staff members across partnerships with 23 elementary schools. Using inductive analysis guided by Grounded Theory, the interviews revealed key barriers to social-motivational PA program implementation during ASP hours. Directors described flexible parent pick-up times as disruptive to scheduled activities, reducing the impact and consistency of structured programming. ASP staff frequently must strive to change public perceptions of their programs as mere “babysitting” services by emphasizing their roles as mentors and leaders committed to holistic child development. For some ASPs, cultural barriers, such as language differences and community preferences, particularly impact engagement. These barriers highlight the need for cultural competence and tailored strategies to foster community and parent involvement. Empowering ASP staff to act as catalysts for the Whole School, Whole Child, Whole Community (WSCC) initiatives can further strengthen their role in promoting youth social emotional learning and PA participation. ASP staff are uniquely positioned to integrate PA and mentorship, aligning with the WSCC framework’s emphasis on creating supportive environments and reinforcing health-promoting behaviors both within and beyond school hours. By addressing systemic challenges through community engagement, cultural responsiveness, delivering evidence-based interventions, and strengthening CBO partnerships, ASPs can maximize their impact, positioning themselves as essential contributors to children’s physical, social, and holistic well-being
A CONVERGENT PARALLEL MIXED METHOD DESIGN ANALYSIS OF SPONSORSHIP AND THE ADVANCEMENT OF WOMEN IN THE WORKPLACE
No full textSponsorship is vital for advancing women\u27s careers but is often inconsistently applied. Limited programs for women seeking leadership roles and a lack of sponsors can hinder progress. This study used a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative survey data from 73 participants with qualitative insights. Sponsors advocate for protégés, emphasizing visibility, promotion, and networking, while mentorship offers guidance and coaching. Many leadership roles confuse sponsorship with mentorship, as noted by Helms et al. (2016). However, the key difference lies in influence. The study had four objectives: to explore women\u27s perceptions of sponsorship, analyze how roles and tenure influence these perceptions, enhance discussions about women’s workplace experiences, and advance theories on Leader-Member Exchange (LMX) and the challenges women encounter in leadership, as outlined in the Labyrinth Theory. A convergent design collected and analyzed qualitative and quantitative data separately before merging, testing LMX theory on the impact of sponsorship on high-potential talent\u27s career paths. Qualitative data also examined the leadership styles of engaged sponsors and their link to sponsorship effectiveness. The study proposes practical measures: 1) Raise Awareness: Organizations should educate junior staff about sponsorship\u27s definition and significance. 2) Formalize Sponsorship: Create structured, inclusive programs for fair career advancement. 3) Incentivize Leadership Participation: Senior leaders must be encouraged and held accountable for sponsoring underrepresented employees. 4) Target Early-Career Development: Focus sponsorship on junior employees, especially women, due to their limited access and greater needs