48760 research outputs found
Sort by
Comparison of Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry and Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis for Assessing Fat-Free Mass in Older Adults
Get PDFABSTRACT
Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) is frequently used to assess sarcopenia and muscle mass in older adults. However, DXA is expensive, requires a licensed X-ray technician, and involves radiation exposure. In contrast, multi-frequency Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA) is quick, less-costly, requires no expertise, and does not involve radiation. Despite these practical advantages, comparative studies of DXA and BIA in healthy older adults are limited. PURPOSE: We compared DXA vs BIA for fat-free mass assessment and associations with power and strength in community-living older adults. METHODS: Community-dwelling older adults (N = 13, mean age = 68.5 years, 75% females) underwent both DXA and BIA measurements on the same day under standardized conditions. Muscle power and maximal strength were measured using a pneumatic leg press and physical function using a 30 sec chair stand. Spearman\u27s correlations were used to assess associations and Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was used to assess absolute agreement. Bland-Altman (BA) plot was used to evaluate measurement error and limits of agreement. RESULTS: Average fat-free mass (FFM) was 45.8 kg using DXA and 47.3 kg using BIA. FFM from both DXA and BIA showed similar correlations with muscle power (0.58 vs. 0.56), maximal strength (0.77 vs. 0.67), and chair stands (−0.34 vs. −0.40). Absolute agreement between the two methods was excellent, with an ICC of 0.95 (95% CI: 0.81, 0.98). BA plots showed a mean difference of 1.5 kg and limits of agreement of (-3.5, 6.5). CONCLUSION: Our findings demonstrate excellent agreement between DXA and BIA for FFM measurement in older adults, with both methods showing comparable associations with performance and functional outcomes. These preliminary findings are promising, but a larger sample size and longitudinal design are needed to draw stronger conclusions about the utility of BIA
Evaluating Qualitative Data to Develop Injury Prevention Routines Among Adolescent Softball Players
Get PDFOveruse injuries are a growing concern in adolescent softball, with harmful consequences on both physical health and well-being. Yet, age-specific trends and risk patterns remain understudied. This study used mixed methods, surveys, and interviews to explore injury prevalence, risk factors, and lived experiences across developmental stages. PURPOSE: To investigate the prevalence and risk of overuse injuries in youth softball athletes. The study emphasized trends by age and playing history among adolescent athletes. METHODS: In this IRB-approved study (#2115411-6), softball athletes ages 8-16 were grouped into three cohorts (8-10, 11-13, 14-16). A total of 14 athletes completed in-person surveys at Prowess Pitching in Indianapolis, Indiana. Surveys assessed injury history, training load, and mental health as it relates to the sport. Semi-structured interviews were conducted in person with parents at the same facility to gather deeper insight into recovery practices and perceived athlete pressure. Survey and interview data were triangulated to contextualize findings and identify patterns across age ranges. RESULTS: Descriptive statistics were used to analyze survey data, highlighting upward trends in overuse injury rates and fatigue as age and years played increased. The 11–13 age group emerged as akey inflection point, showing signs of increased training volume but limited recovery protocols, indicating a mismatch between physical demand and recovery capacity. Qualitative data from parent interviews were coded and analyzed using Dedoose software through a thematic analysis approach. Two independent coders evaluated the data, and inter-rater reliability was assessed. Thematic findings provided a contrasting perspective with the survey trends, with parents of adolescent athletes reporting less heightened concerns around physical and emotional strain. CONCLUSION: A parent-informed perspective underscores how the middle adolescent group may face the highest risk due to increased expectations without proper recovery protocols in place. These findings support the importance of targeted, developmentally appropriate injury prevention procedures among adolescents and highlight the potential of wearable tech to monitor fatigue and biomechanics in real time for early intervention
A Short Tutorial on Academic Writing and Research Synthesis
No full textAcademic writing and research synthesis are critical skills for students to advance professionally in higher education and beyond. In this presentation, students will learn practical tools and strategies necessary for a strong foundation in scholarly writing, research analysis, and knowledge integration. This tutorial presentation will equip students with practical strategies for writing with clarity, engaging critically with scholarly sources, and contributing effectively to academic and professional conversations. The session will begin with introducing the foundations of academic writing, emphasizing evidence-based argumentation, clarity of expression, and adherence to scholarly practices. The tutorial will then address research literacy by focusing on efficient strategies for locating credible, peer-reviewed sources. Participants will learn how to refine database searches, use keywords effectively, and assess the quality and relevance of materials. These skills help students navigate vast amounts of information and avoid unreliable or non-scholarly sources. A core component of the presentation is critical reading and analysis. Students will learn to identify central arguments and evaluate evidence. These strategies enable learners to read with focus and purpose, a skill that is transferable to any professional or academic setting. The tutorial will conclude with a discussion on how to synthesize information, moving beyond summary to integration and analysis. By the end of the session, participants will have a clear roadmap for progressing from searching and reading scholarly literature to producing well-structured, synthesized academic writing. These skills will strengthen their academic performance and prepare them for careers where critical thinking, evidence-based communication, and professional writing are indispensable
Alfred Russel Wallace Notes 38. Alfred Russel Wallace\u27s Revolt of Democracy : A Critical Analysis of Early 20th Century Labor Theory and Its Contemporary Relevance
No full textThis article examines Alfred Russel Wallace’s political treatise The Revolt of Democracy (1913), analyzing his theoretical framework for addressing labor unrest and economic inequality in early 20th-century Britain. Wallace\u27s work presents a comprehensive critique of competitive capitalism and proposes systematic government intervention to address structural poverty. Through close textual analysis and comparison with contemporary UK labor conditions, this study evaluates the enduring relevance of Wallace\u27s economic theories and policy prescriptions. The analysis reveals significant continuities between early 20th-century and contemporary debates about living wages, government employment standards, and wealth redistribution, while highlighting both the prescience and limitations of Wallace’s analytical framework
Pre-frailty is Associated with Reduced Percent-Predicted Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Patients with Heart Failure
No full textFrailty and pre-frailty affect over half of patients with heart failure (HF) and are linked to less favorable outcomes, independent of age and New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class. Pre-frailty, a transitional and potentially reversible state, is more prevalent than overt frailty but remains less studied. Cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) is the gold standard for assessing functional capacity (VO2peak) and prognosis in HF, but the relationship between pre-frailty and CPET metrics remains unclear. PURPOSE: Determine whether pre-frailty status is independently associated with lower percent predicted cardiorespiratory fitness (%VO2peak) among individuals with HF compared to those classified as robust. METHODS: In a prospective, cross-sectional cohort, HF patients referred for a CPET completed a Modified Fried Frailty Test and were classified as robust (score = 0) or pre-frail (score = 1–2). Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was obtained from electronic medical records. The Wasserman equation was used to estimate %VO2peak. Multivariable linear regression was used to assess whether pre-frailty status was independently associated with %VO2peak, after adjusting for LVEF. RESULTS: One hundred and seven pre-frail (81 males) and 56 robust (41 males) participants who completed a treadmill CPET with a respiratory exchange ratio (RER) ≥1.05 were included for analysis. There were no significant differences between groups in age (61.8 ± 12.3 vs. 58.3 ± 11.1 years), BMI (28.3 ± 5.4 vs 28.2 ± 5.7kg/m2), NYHA Class II-III status (76% vs. 61%), or prevalence of HF with reduced ejection fraction (60% vs. 53%). However, pre-frail participants had significantly lower VO2peak (17.8 vs. 20.6 mL/kg/min, p = 0.01). No differences were seen in VE/VCO2 nadir or RER. Pre-frailty was independently associated with lower %VO2peak (β = -7.9, 95% CI [–13.82, –1.94] p = 0.01) and higher LVEF (β = 0.51 per %, 95% CI [0.32, 0.70], p \u3c 0.001). CONCLUSION: Pre-frailty is independently associated with reduced %VO2peak in HF patients, even after adjusting for key clinical factors, highlighting the importance of frailty assessment in this population
The Effects of Dietary Capsaicin on Movement-Induced Hyperemia
No full textCardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in the United States and affects men and women differently, highlighting the importance of understanding vascular regulation across both sexes. Regular consumption of dietary capsaicin (found in spicy peppers) has been associated with reduced CVD risk, potentially through improvements in vascular function. However, the mechanisms by which dietary capsaicin influences vascular health are not well understood. Passive limb movement-induced hyperemia (PLM) is a non-invasive technique used to assess vascular health. During PLM, a limb (typically the leg) is moved passively—without muscle contraction—by an external force, such as a researcher or mechanical device. This movement increases blood flow primarily through nitric oxide (NO)-dependent vasodilation, making it a useful indicator of endothelial function. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of six weeks of capsaicin (cayenne pepper) ingestion, compared with a placebo (psyllium husk fiber), on vascular function measured by PLM-induced hyperemia. METHODS: Sixty young, healthy college students participated in a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Vascular responses were assessed using PLM before and after the six-week intervention. RESULTS: Vascular function, as assessed by the movement-induced hyperemia area under the curve, was 106 ± 109 mL for placebo and 221 ± 219 mL for capsaicin. The difference between groups at post-testing was statistically significant (p \u3c 0.05), suggesting that capsaicin improved the hyperemic response over time. However, no differences were observed in central hemodynamic responses to PLM, indicating no effect of capsaicin on the mechanoreflex. CONCLUSION: Six weeks of dietary capsaicin supplementation enhanced local vascular function, as indicated by greater PLM-induced hyperemia, without altering central cardiovascular responses. These findings suggest that capsaicin may improve endothelial function and peripheral blood flow regulation, supporting its potential role in promoting vascular health
Mind Over Injury: Exploring Mental Imagery as a Game Changer in Athlete Rehabilitation
No full textGNYACSM Original Research
Mind Over Injury: Mental Imagery for Recovery
MARIA ANGELINA BUDELMAN, JEFF CHERUBINI Alumni Hall; Kinesiology; Manhattan University; Bronx, New York
Category: Undergraduate
Advisor / Mentor: Cherubini, Jeff ([email protected])
ABSTRACT According to the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), approximately five million injuries occur annually among collegiate athletes, many of which are associated with increased risks of negative mental health outcomes. As participation in collegiate athletics continues to grow, likely, both physical and psychological demands on athletes will also increase. Mental imagery (MI), the intentional practice of visualizing movements through the mind’s cognitive, emotional, and sensory processes, has been proposed as a useful strategy to support recovery during injury rehabilitation. PURPOSE: This study aimed to identify patterns in how injured collegiate athletes apply MI techniques to maintain motivation, improve cognitive function, promote healing, and manage pain perception. METHODS: Using the Athletic Injury Imagery Questionnaire-3(AIIQ-3), 133 collegiate athletes from Manhattan University and other institutions who had previously experienced a sports-related injury completed an online survey via Google Forms. Participants ranged in age from 18–23 years. The sample included 62% female (n=82) and 38% male (n=51) athletes. The AIIQ-3 consists of 16 items representing four types of MI: motivation, cognitive, healing, and pain management. Participants rated their imagery use on a 9-point Likert scale ranging from 1 (never) to 9 (always), indicating how frequently they used specific mental imagery techniques during rehabilitation. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze group differences across gender and sport. RESULTS: Motivational imagery was reported as the most frequently used type (M = 6.75), followed by pain management (M = 6.00), healing (M = 5.52), and cognitive imagery (M = 5.21). A significant gender difference (p \u3c .05) was observed in cognitive imagery use, with males reporting higher use (M = 5.65) than females (M = 4.88). Across sports by gender, Men’s Basketball reported the highest overall MI use for male athletes (M = 7.40) and Women’s Soccer reported the highest overall MI use for female athletes (M=6.09). Conversely, Women\u27s Lacrosse reported the lowest overall MI use for female athletes(M = 3.80) and Men’s Crew/Rowing reported the lowest overall MI use for male athletes(M=3.95). Although all athletes in this study had indicated experiencing an athletic injury, less than half of the participants (46%) reported being prompted to use MI during rehabilitation. When encouraged to use MI, athletes indicated being prompted by athletic trainers, physical therapists, or parents/guardians. CONCLUSION: Findings indicate that although MI is an effective and versatile rehabilitation tool, it may be underutilized in practice. Incorporating guided MI instruction into rehabilitation programs may improve both physical and psychological recovery outcomes. This study sample was primarily drawn from one university, and thus, the results should be interpreted with that in mind. Future research should explore sport-specific and gender-related differences in MI use and develop and test the efficacy of structured interventions to help athletes and rehabilitation professionals integrate MI more consistently into recovery practices
NO RISK, SOME REWARD? RELATIONSHIPS WITH FICTIONAL CHARACTERS BASED ON MALADAPTIVE PERSONALITY TRAITS AND GENDER INFLUENCES
No full textThis research study examined the influence of maladaptive personality traits and gender on the formation and maintenance of parasocial relationships with characters from fictional literature and video games. It was hypothesized that participants who endorse clinically significant characteristics of personality disorders will be more likely to engage in parasocial interaction and relationship behaviors with fictional characters than participants with subclinical ratings. Additionally, it was hypothesized that females with clinically significant characteristics of personality disorders will be more likely to engage in parasocial relationships with book characters than males, and that males with clinically significant characteristics of personality disorders will be more likely to engage in parasocial relationships with video game characters than females. 164 participants were recruited utilizing the Department of Psychology Study Board at Western Kentucky University (WKU) and snowball sampling via Facebook. Participants completed the Celebrity-Persona Parasocial Interaction Scale and the Personality Inventory for DSM-5, Brief Form, Adult. Linear regression analyses and Chi-Square analysis were used to determine statistical significance. Results demonstrated that a higher average total score on the PID-5-BF was associated with a higher total score on the CPPI, indicating that maladaptive personality traits influence the formation and maintenance of parasocial relationships. Results provided partial support for gender influence, demonstrating that females were more likely to engage in parasocial relationships with book characters; however, results indicated that males were also more likely to engage in parasocial relationships with book characters
Change in Free-Living Daily Steps does not Affect VO2max Adaptation in Response to a Supervised Aerobic Walking Program in Females Ages 18-45
No full textInternational Journal of Exercise Science 18(5): 852-863, 2025. We hypothesized that an increase in nonexercise physical activity (NEPA), assessed by daily steps outside of steps accrued during supervised exercise training sessions, would be positively correlated with the change in VO2max. Females ages 18-45 yr (n = 44; 30 ± 7 yr; 67.7 ± 18.3 kg; 24.9 ± 6.4 kg/m2) completed 36 supervised training sessions on a motorized treadmill (3 sessions/week, 30 min/session) over 12 weeks, at 70% VO2max (80% max heart rate). VO2max was assessed at baseline, 4, 8, and 12 weeks, and steps outside of the supervised exercise sessions were recorded daily during each week of training with a hip-worn pedometer. For each participant, linear regression was used to determine the slope of steps/day during the 12 weeks of training. Mean VO2max increased by 8.2% (30.5 ± 5.9 ml/kg/min to 33.0 ± 5.9 ml/kg/min; range -2.65 ml/kg/min to +6.24 ml/kg/min; P \u3c 0.001). Although mean (± Standard Deviation) steps/day did not change during the 12-week intervention, 25 participants decreased daily steps (-1624 ± 1210) and 19 participants increased daily steps (+1713 ± 1402). The change in VO2max was not different between the two groups (P = 0.74), and the correlation between Δ VO2max and the slope of the regression (steps/day) over the 12 weeks was not significant (R2 = 0.0005; P = 0.88 for ml/kg/min; R2 = 0.008, P = 0.59 for l/min). Change in NEPA, assessed by daily steps, does not impact the VO2max adaptation observed during a vigorous-intensity walking exercise program in females ages 18-45 yr
MODELING METABOLIC SYNDROME SEVERITY USING ANDROID FAT PERCENTAGE
No full textThe disease state metabolic syndrome (MetSyn) is defined by underlying physiological dysfunction that manifests as hypertension, dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, and central adiposity. MetSyn is associated with several negative health outcomes including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, proinflammatory state, and reproductive disorders. As a constellation of metabolic conditions, MetSyn cannot be measured directly, and its diagnosis typically requires dysfunction across at least three metabolic indicators. In recent years, however, latent variable models have been employed which can quantify the severity of MetSyn. These models generally employ waist circumference (WC) as a manifest measure of central adiposity, but it is unknown whether a more precise and specific measure of central adiposity, such as android fat percentage (AFP), would produce a better model for MetSyn severity. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine if MetSyn severity could be modeled more accurately by using AFP instead of WC. METHODS: Data were extracted from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Study from 2003-2006 (n = 4010). MetSyn was measured using factor analysis with fasting blood glucose, systolic blood pressure, plasma triglycerides, plasma HDL cholesterol, plasma LDL cholesterol, and a measure of central adiposity as manifest indicators. A model was fit using WC and another using AFP measured via dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. Data-model fit was compared between the models to determine which better approximated MetSyn severity. RESULTS: All measurement models were over-identified in accordance with the t-rule. The AFP model demonstrated adequate fit (CFI = .941, TLI = .900, RMSEA = .067, SRMR = .036). Data-model fit for the WC model, however, was poor (CFI = .905, TLI = .822, RMSEA = .096, SRMR \u3c .046). Model information criteria comparisons also indicated that the AFP model was a better measurement model compared to the WC model (AIC = 218464.68 vs. 220805.00, BIC = 218546.54 vs. 220886.85). CONCLUSION: AFP is a better manifest indicator of central adiposity compared to WC for purposes of modeling a quantifiable measure of MetSyn severity