Bachelor of Arts, Wittenberg University, 2024, Exercise Science

Resistance training has become one of the most popular methods to increase muscular strength and cross-sectional area (hypertrophy). Strength is often measured by testing an individual's 1-repetition maximum (1RM) for a specific lift. Hypertrophy is measured by an increase in muscle fiber cross-sectional area of the target muscle group. Rest interval between sets is an important variable that affects both acute and chronic responses to resistance training. Prior research has found conflicting data that makes determining the most effective inter-set rest interval difficult. Most findings show that at least 3-minute rest intervals are required to see significant increases in strength and hypertrophy, but most studies also show that long rest intervals result in further increases when compared to the short rest intervals, regardless of specific times. Therefore, we hypothesized that longer inter-set rest intervals would lead to greater increases in both muscular strength and hypertrophy when compared to shorter inter-set rest intervals. This study recruited 12 participants to undergo a 4-week resistance training protocol consisting of 3 training days a week. Each training day would include the flat barbell bench press, barbell back squat, and barbell or dumbbell curls. Subjects were randomly assigned to either a 3-minute or 5-minute interest rest interval and were told to strictly follow these rest intervals. Pre- and post-tests were performed before and after the 4-week exercise protocol, consisting of heart rate, blood pressure, BIA, girth measurement, and skinfold. Between the two groups, there was no statistical difference prior to testing or post testing. When comparing within groups from prior to post testing, significant differences were found in the 3-minute group biceps skinfold, 3-minute group bench press 1RM, and 5-minute group back squat 1RM. Based on findings from this study, conclusions that can be made are that a 3-minute rest interval might be most ef (open full item for complete abstract)

Committee: John Thistlethwaite (Advisor); Matthew Collier (Committee Member); Molly Hopkins (Committee Member) Subjects: Health Sciences; Kinesiology; Sports Medicine

Master of Science, The Ohio State University, 2018, Kinesiology

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of keto-adaptation via a KD and a strength-power resistance training program on cognitive performance in healthy adults in both a rested and physically stressed state. Methods: Twenty-nine subjects (25 males, 4 females) were placed in either a ketogenic diet (KD) group (N=15) or a high carbohydrate (CON) group (N=14). Resting cognition was measured using the Automated Neuropsychological Assessment Metrics (ANAM) computer battery and physically stressed cognition was measured using a symbol digit modality test (SDMT) before and after high-intensity sprints on a self-propelled treadmill (HiTrainer). These measures were assessed at baseline, and following a 9-12 week dietary and strength/power intervention. Results: No significant difference between groups for diet was observed for resting or physically stressed cognition. For resting cognition within the KD group there existed a significant correlation between acute ketone levels prior to testing and percent change from pre to post for the tests Code-substitution delay and Go/No-go, which test aspects of delayed memory and inhibition. The strength/power intervention produced significant increases for some of the variables in both resting and physically stressed cognition. For resting cognition the tests code substitution - delayed and procedural reaction time, which are associated with learning, delayed memory, and processing speed, improved significantly from pre to post. For physically stressed cognition, the amount of correct answers on the 3rd set of SDMT following the final sets of sprints improved significantly from pre to post. Conclusion: Exercise focused on strength and power seems to beneficially effect cognition at rest and when physically stressed. KD did not improve cognition, but some aspects seemed to be directly affected by acute ketone levels. Further research into both areas and their effects on cognition are needed.

Committee: William Kraemer (Advisor); Jeff Volek (Committee Member); Carl Maresh (Committee Member) Subjects: Health Sciences; Kinesiology; Nutrition

PhD, University of Cincinnati, 0, Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services: Health Education

Study One Abstract: High-intensity low-volume exercise training (HILVET) has been shown to improve health-related outcomes while reducing the time required to exercise. However, the effects of HILVET while incorporating a weight-supported kinetic chain resistance training (WSKCRT) modality are unknown. The purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate the impact of a novel high-intensity low-volume WSKCRT program on health-related fitness through measurements of maximal oxygen consumption (VO2 max), muscular strength, muscular endurance, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), body fat percentage (BF%), and lower body flexibility. Six recreationally active undergraduate college students completed high-intensity low-volume WSKCRT three days per week for six weeks. Participants performed 4-9 intervals of WSKCRT, for 30 seconds at 90% of heart rate reserve (HRR) followed by 60 seconds of treadmill exercise at 40% of HRR. Significant improvements in BF% (23.1 ± 8.7 to 20.3 ± 7.6%; p = 0.004) and muscular strength (504.9 ± 223.01 to 596.2 ± 206.1 kg; p = 0.0001) were observed from baseline. Changes in VO2 max, muscular endurance score, and WC failed to reach statistical significance. There were no changes in BMI or lower body flexibility. These results indicate the potential efficacy of HILVET, using WSKCRT, for college students seeking to improve their health. Future research is warranted to determine if HILVET, utilizing a novel WSKCRT modality, is comparable to nationally recommended exercise guidelines. Study Two Abstract: High-intensity low-volume exercise training (HILVET) has been shown to be a time efficient method for improving measures associated with being overweight or obesity. However, the impact of HILVET using a novel standing weight-supported kinetic chain resistance training (WSKCRT) modality on these measures is unknown. The purpose of this pilot study was to examine the impact of HILVET utilizing a novel WSKCRT modality on factors related to lo (open full item for complete abstract)

Committee: Bradley Wilson Ph.D. (Committee Chair); Laura Nabors Ph.D. (Committee Member); Thomas Palmer Ph.D. (Committee Member) Subjects: Health Education

MDES, University of Cincinnati, 2024, Design, Architecture, Art and Planning: Design

The older adult age group is a significant and growing population. After 60, older adults experience up to 3% decrease in muscle mass a year. This reduces their mobility and activity to exercise and often leads to loss of independence. Additionally, there are not many in-home exercise solutions for older adults to combat muscle weakness in the current market. Therefore, it is essential to explore these challenges and find an in-home exercise solution for older adults to combat muscle weakness, especially for those who are losing their independence. Literature reviews, market research, a survey of older adults, and interviews with geriatric physicians and personal trainers are conducted to establish an informed approach to designing lower body exercise equipment to combat muscle weakness and improve mobility. As older adults are an extensive age range, an exploration into mobility evaluation tools is conducted. A mobility level map is developed from a combination of Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) and Walking Speed Test to further pinpoint the target group's motor skills and used as design criteria. Research results suggested that squats are one of the best lower body exercises that older adults can do to improve lower body strength and balance. Additionally, it is found that health, growth, and social connection are the primary motivations in the life of older adults. These indicate a need for a design solution composed of an in-house equipment for exercise and an app for motivating users. These were developed through three design phases. After each phase, a design review surveys with older adults and design review interviews with experts are conducted to collect feedback and suggestions for the following development. At the end of the development process, it is found that the function and design of the machine are in the right direction, but further testing and development are needed. Additionally, market positioning research should b (open full item for complete abstract)

Committee: Isil Oygur Ph.D. (Committee Member); Steven Doehler M.A. (Committee Chair) Subjects: Design

Master of Arts, Miami University, 2007, Speech Pathology and Audiology

The demands placed on respiration during simultaneous exercise and speech creates the potential to increase dyspnea and the time for recovery. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of an inspiratory muscle strength training (IMST) program on these two functionally limiting factors during simultaneous exercise and speech. Ten healthy adults were randomly assigned to an Experimental and Sham training program. MIP was used as an indirect measure of inspiratory muscle strength and measured at baseline and weekly during the training. All participants completed pre-and post-training simultaneous exercise and speech tasks at a moderate intensity. The results indicated a significant improvement in MIP across 4 weeks of training. Analysis pre-and post-training indicated no significant changes in dyspnea between the groups. A decrease was, however, observed in recovery time providing potential for functional gains for individuals who must complete exercise and speech simultaneously.

Committee: Susan Baker (Advisor) Subjects: Health Sciences, Speech Pathology