Browse Exhibits (3 total)
Anya Eicher | Examining the effects of demographic and athletic variables on the retention of international student-athletes
The purpose of this study is to examine athletic and demographic variables to determine if any of these variables can predict the retention of international student-athletes. Retention is defined as the continuous enrolment in a college or university until graduation, typically in around four years. Eight independent variables will be used to evaluate retention among NCAA Division I international student-athletes; gender, location of home country (by continent), English proficiency, sport, sport type (individual or team), scholarship type (headcount or equivalency), coaching change, and average conference winning percentage. Correlation matrices and multiple linear regressions will be used to determine (1) if there is a correlation between the variables, and (2) if any of the variables can predict retention of international student-athletes. Ultimately, the results will have the potential to help college athletic personnel create best practices for developing and retaining international student-athletes.
Faculty Mentor: Dr. James Johnson
School of Kinesiology
Graduate
Sophia Mancini | Effects of a Soccer Specific Vertical Jump on Landing Mechanics
Soccer is becoming an increasingly popular sport amongst females. This increase also brings an increase in injuries, most notably to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). ACL injuries tend to occur during rapid acceleration and deceleration movements such as jumping. Jumping to head the ball in soccer is a common and useful movement, however, the specific landing mechanics have not been fully investigated. The purpose of this study is to analyze differences between soccer-specific vertical jump (SSVJ) and drop vertical jump (DVJ) landings, assessing 3-D lower extremity kinematics and kinetics, ground reaction forces (GRFs), and muscle activation patterns in female soccer athletes to identify the risk for ACL injury in header landings. 12 females (18-25) will participate in this study. 43 retro-reflective markers and 11 electromyography (EMG) electrodes will be attached to specific body landmarks. Participants will complete a modified dynamic warm-up before completing a series of jumps. DVJ’s and SSVJ’s will begin standing on top of a 31cm box. In DVJ’s, participants will step down, land, and immediately jump up at 100% effort before landing again. In SSVJ’s, participants will step down and upon landing, jump up to head a soccer ball suspended in the air at 50% of their maximum vertical jump height before landing again. Maximum voluntary isometric contractions will be performed using dynamometers for knee flexion and extension, ankle dorsiflexion and plantarflexion, and hip extension and abduction. The current study has collected data for 5 participants and is still in progress. Statistical analyses and discussion will be finalized upon completion of the study.
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Henry Wang
Biomechanics Department, School of Kinesiology
Graduate
Sydney DeJonge | The Effects of a Treadmill Workstation on Coagulation Potential
PURPOSE: The increased trend of prolonged sitting during the workday in combination to added mental stress at work, increases the risk of forming a thrombus in the vasculature. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to observe the effects of low intensity walking at a treadmill workstation on changes in coagulation compared to a sedentary workstation.
METHODS: Five apparently healthy college-aged students (4 men, 1 woman; years: 22 ± 2) reported to the laboratory to complete a series of mental tasks at both a sitting workstation and a treadmill workstation. Blood samples were obtained at baseline and immediately after completion of tasks. The following assays were completed to manufacture guidelines to assess coagulation potential: prothrombin time (PT), active partial thromboplastin time (APTT), factor VII (FVII), factor VIII (FVIII), and fibrinogen. A two-way ANOVA was conducted using time (pre- and post) and condition (sitting, walking) as within-subjects factors. Significance level was set at p<0.05.
RESULTS: A significant finding of the main effect of condition and the time x condition interaction was observed for FVII (p<0.05 for both). A nonsignificant finding of the time x condition interaction was observed in FVIII (p = 0.116, n2 = 0.499). A significant difference of the main effect of time was observed in APTT (p<0.05). No significant changes were observed for fibrinogen and PT (p>0.05).
CONCLUSION: The use of an active workstation can alleviate prothrombotic changes that are associated with working at a sedentary desk without diminishing work performance. Additionally, the use of an active workstation seems to have a positive impact on various indices of mood.
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Paul Nagelkrik
Integrative Exercise Physiology Laboratory, School of Kinesiology
Graduate