Honors Theses, Ohio Dominican University, 2017, Honors Theses

Indoor and recreational rock climbing has become an increasingly popular sport among children and adults. Additionally, recent research has demonstrated that active therapy, such as swimming and hippotherapy, is beneficial for children with autism. PURPOSE: To determine the effects of six weeks of rock-climbing on functional strength, spatial reasoning, and executive function for children with autism. METHODS: Seven subjects (8-14 years old, all male) completed six weeks of rock climbing at a pre-established gym. Examinations of Cognitive Trail Making Tests (CTMT) and hand grip strength were completed for all participants prior to the start of classes and after six weeks of training. For hand grip strength, three trials were completed on each hand using a standard hand grip dynamometer. The two highest results were taken and added to represent total grip strength. The CTMT was performed via directions given through the standard protocol. RESULTS: The data did not reveal any significant differences; however, there were positive trends among all variables. CONCLUSION: The research was limited by the number of subjects and variability between subjects. Even so, the positive trends suggest that more research may show significant benefits from rock-climbing. Past research evaluating adventure education, psychological benefits of rock climbing, and neurological and physiological adaptations to exercise still support the possibility of rock climbing as a viable therapy option. With continued research in rock climbing, we hope to be able to implement a different, potentially more beneficial, therapeutic modality that addresses cognitive and physical impairments commonly observed in children with autism.

Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering (MSBME), Wright State University, 2024, Biomedical Engineering

This research explores how motor neurons (MNs) and Kv2.1 clustering change with age, emphasizing sex differences and MN subtypes. We found that MN density decreases with age in both sexes, while soma size increases in male mice. FF MNs were the most affected, and old weak mice had smaller MNs than their stronger counterparts, underscoring FF MN vulnerability. Baseline studies revealed that FF and FI MNs have larger Kv2.1 clusters compared to FR and S MNs. Female mice had smaller, denser Kv2.1 clusters than male mice, suggesting less clustering in females. With age, Kv2.1 clusters grew larger but became less dense and intense, indicating increased clustering. Old weak mice showed even more pronounced clustering than strong ones, linking Kv2.1 changes to age-related weakness. These findings highlight the susceptibility of FF MNs to aging and position Kv2.1 clustering as a key factor in motor neuron function and age-related decline.

Undergraduate Honors Program, Malone University, 2023, Honors Thesis

Pitchers with higher spin rates generally see higher swing and miss rates when pitching. The goal of this study was to find out how to improve spin rates without cheating (using foreign substances like pine tar). The hypothesis was that an increase in grip strength would show a positive correlation to spin rate. The study split 37 athletes into two groups. Both groups went through preliminary testing. The test group received extra grip strength exercises while the control group did the normal lifting routine for a three-month period. At the end of the study, post-testing data was collected for both groups. The data proved to be inconclusive, as there were no significant differences in grip strength between the test group and the control group.

Master of Science, Miami University, 2022, Kinesiology, Nutrition, and Health

Background: Physical activity (PA) is a vital behavior to maximize health and wellness. Less is understood regarding the impact of muscle disuse on children, specifically during key stages of skeletal muscle development. The time frame between weaning and sexual maturation is known to be a critical period of development in mice. Purpose: We propose that, similar to malnutrition, exposure to different levels of physical inactivity (PIA) early in life will impair growth rate, muscular function and tissue composition. Methods: We exposed postnatal mice (3-4 weeks old) to 2 weeks of physical inactivity (PIA) in the form of hindlimb unloading (HU) and small mouse cage (SMC) or standard mouse cage activity (controls) after weaning. Grip strength and body composition were assessed before inactivity and after the inactivity period. Muscle weights were collected after completing PIA or 7D recovery. Results: Body weights and lean mass in PIA mice (SMC and HU) were significantly (CON>SMC, P<0.001; CON>HU, P<0.0001) attenuated compared to controls immediately following PIA. Fat mass was significantly (P<0.0001) higher in control and SMC mice compared to HU mice after PIA. Absolute maximum grip strength between weeks 3 and 5 was significantly (P<0.05) reduced in SMC and HU mice after PIA. All muscle weights, except the tricep, collected in SMC and HU mice weighed significantly less than control mice following PIA. Conclusion: Mice subjected to physical inactivity displayed lower body weights, maximum grip strength, and lean & fat mass compared to control mice. Comparing HU and SMC, HU mice appear to have lower body weight, grip strength and lean mass than SMC mice. Changes in lean mass and body weight suggest significant deficits in physical health that may have bearing on healthy development and aging. Additionally, since grip strength is a strong predictor of health status, reduced functionality, and early mortality, these findings of premature dynopenia (open full item for complete abstract)

Master of Science, Miami University, 2020, Kinesiology, Nutrition, and Health

Sarcopenia, the age-related loss of skeletal muscle mass and function is associated with risk of falls/fractures and mortality. Physical inactivity and inadequate protein intake are lifestyle factors that may contribute to the development of sarcopenia. Weight-adjusted skeletal muscle index (wSMI), grip-strength (GRIP) and gait-speed (GAIT) are utilized to diagnose sarcopenia. The PURPOSE of the study was to evaluate the relationships among indicators of sarcopenia, physical activity and protein intake in older adults. METHODS: In 112 subjects (81W/31 M, 67±6.3 years) gait speed, grip strength, body composition, and habitual physical activity were measured. wSMI [skeletal muscle mass (SMM)÷body mass] was also calculated. In a subset of 52 subjects, habitual dietary intake was determined. RESULTS: MODMIN/DAY PA was significantly correlated with wSMI (r= 0.306) and ASM (r=-0.310). MVPA was significantly correlated with GAIT (r=0.195). There was a significant correlation between TPI and ASM (r= 0.436) and ASM/m2 (r=0.45). CONCLUSION: These data show that PA and protein intake are associated with better scores for some indicators of sarcopenia. Thus, increased physical activity and protein intake may represent effective strategies for decreasing the risk of sarcopenia.

Honors Theses, Ohio Dominican University, 2015, Honors Theses

There are many distinguishable differences between typically developing children and special needs children. There are often physical differences that may be attributable to variation in muscle tone among special needs children. These children usually suffer from low muscle tone which makes it harder for them to accomplish basic, daily tasks. These children have signal delays in their neural pathways and sensory and motor signals often misfire while traveling to and from the brain. This makes it much more difficult for these children to properly respond to stimuli, which causes poor posture and coordination. PURPOSE: To determine if strength and flexibility differences exist between normal developing children and children with Down Syndrome. METHODS: A total of 10 children were involved in this experiment. All children assented through oral communication. Parental/guardian consent was also obtained. Hand-grip strength and trunk flexion were measured between typically developing children and children with Down Syndrome. Hand-grip strength was measured using a digital hand grip dynamometer. Trunk flexion was measured using a sit-and-reach box. Each child was asked to perform each task (hand-grip and flexion) in triplicate to obtain a true peak value. RESULTS: A one way multivariate ANOVA on strength and flexibility was run, controlling for age. There was a significant difference between participants with Down syndrome and typically developing participants in terms of grip strength, (p=0.02) as shown in Figures 1and 3. Typically developing children were stronger (12.01 ±5.1 kg) than children with Down Syndrome (7.23 ±2.8 cm). There was also a significant difference between participants with Down syndrome and typically developing participants in terms of flexibility, (p=0.02) as shown in Figures 2 and 4. Children with Down Syndrome were more flexible (31.1 ± 5.6cm) than typically developing children (24.1 ± 2.5cm). There was no correlation found between (open full item for complete abstract)

Master of Arts (M.A.), University of Dayton, 2014, Psychology, General

Male body image research focuses on deleterious effects of a muscular ideal on positive self-regard following self-ideal comparisons. Imbuing oneself with the masculine ideal may buffer against effects. Media self-assimilation (MSA) may attenuate differences in responses. MSA with the ideal could instill higher self-regard and provide impetus for achieving one's ideal self with respect to the collective ideal. Study 1 analyzed men's relationships with media role models. Results were not significant for the theoretical model but provided evidence of MSA's primacy to PSR. Study 2 was a manipulation of MSA as participants wrote narratives about themselves as their favorite (or a disliked) superhero. Participants' grip strength increased following MSA, but only with a favorite superhero. Confidence in performing a physical task was augmented by MSA. Results demonstrate how embodying personal and collective ideals bolsters physical strength and confidence in ability. Narratives served as a teleological proxy by creating a coherent view of the self as part of both a personal and cultural ideal.

Bachelor of Science, Marietta College, 2012, Athletic Training

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to compare grip strength and range of motion (ROM) against each other, and to player¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿s position and hand dominance (HD) to determine whether catchers have increased grip strength on the non-dominant side and ROM of the wrist and elbow will be affected by increased grip strength. DESIGN/SETTING: Cross-sectional study; took place at practice and game facilities of participants. PARTICIPANTS: 94 male, baseball players (mean ± SD, age = 22.24 ± 2.84 years, height = 72.70 ± 2.58 inches, weight = 196.19 ± 20.15 pounds); 81 non-catchers and 13 catchers; 77 right-handed and 17 left-handed participants. MEASUREMENTS: Baseline® Hydraulic Hand Dynamometer (Fabrication Enterprises Incorporated, White Plains, NY) used in a relaxed, sitting position with three measurements of maximal effort for three seconds in each hand; standard goniometer used for one measurement of wrist flexion/extension in a sitting position with forearm on the table and a standing position for elbow flexion/extension with arms next to body. RESULTS: Dominant side (DS) grip strength significantly higher for non-catchers between sides (t(80) = 3.84, p = 0.00); player's position significantly influences the ROM on the non-dominant side (NDS) (Lambda(4,89) = 2.67, p = 0.04); HD affects ROM (Lambda(8,178) = 0.54, p = 0.00).