Exercise Science Theses

Introduction: Repeated-sprint ability is used to measure the physiological demands of stop-and-go activities. Athletes have a high physiological demand and environmental stress during high heat conditions. Precooling is where you preemptively lower core temperature to increase heat storage capacity. Purpose: The aim of this study was to examine the effect of ice slurry ingestion (0±1°C) vs. water (4°C) prior to the start of and during halftime of a simulated athletic competition in the heat on repeated-sprint cycling in recreationally active college-aged males. Methodology: The researchers used a precooling protocol of 7.5g/kg bodyweight of both water (control) and ice-slurry (experimental) over a 30-minute period prior to the exercise protocol. The participants participated in two, 10 minute halves. Including 5 second sprints, followed by 55 seconds of active recovery at 50 watts. Following the first half of the exercise protocol, participants ingested 2.5 g/kg of ice slurry in the 10 minute passive recovery period. Data collected: core temperature (degrees Celsius), mean power output, peak power output, rating of perceived exertion, heart rate (BPM). Results: There was no significant difference in core temperature, average mean and peak power, and fatigue within condition. There was a statistically significant difference in mean core temperature overall between groups (F=18.36, p=0.00) and fatigue by half within condition (F=5.526, p=0.025). Conclusion: The ice slurry was effective in lowering core temperature, there were no performance enhancements from precooling. Further research needs to be done.

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of Kinesio Tape on throwing velocity, accuracy and range of motion looking at maximum external rotation and the angle of ball release with scapular stabilization. There is little research that looks at Kinesio Tape, female athletes and the dynamic movement of overhead throwing. 9 female NCAA Division II softball players participated in this study. Athletes were randomly assigned to the control group (no Kinesio Tape) or the experimental group (Kinesio Tape) at their first testing session. Each acted as their own control and performed 15 overhead throws, 20 feet from a target each session following a dynamic warmup. There was a 1.45mph increase in throwing velocity from the control, 47.76mph to 49.21 in the experimental group, but no statistically significant difference. There was a 92.78 point increase in throwing accuracy from the control, 81.11 points to 173.83 in the experimental group, but no statistically significant difference. There was a 6.37° increase in maximum external rotation from the control, 79.74° to 86.11° in the experimental group, but no statistically significant difference. There was a 1.17° increase in the angle of ball release from the control, 148.68° to 149.85° in the experimental group, but no statistically significant difference. In conclusion, there was an increase in throwing velocity and accuracy with the addition of Kenisio Tape, although not a statistical difference, it does show practical improvements in athletic performance in game play.

Background: Velocity based training has been proposed as a method of periodization through prescription of velocities rather than loads in training. However, specific velocity ranges have not been studied for each exercise. Cluster sets serve as a form of set in which intra-set rest periods are added for acute recovery periods. The purpose of the study was to determine correlations between loads and velocities in the back squat, as well as examine differences in velocities between cluster sets and traditional sets. Methods: Fourteen participants completed three sessions of the back squat, including a max test and two experimental sessions including sets under different loading conditions (67%, 80%, 85%). Results: Trivial to moderate correlations were found when comparing loads and velocities. Significant differences in recorded velocities by set type were only found at the 67% 1RM condition. Conclusion: Weak correlations at any load imply the need to individualize VBT programs.