Health, Nutrition & Exercise Science

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Research from the Department of Health, Nutrition & Exercise Science. The department website may be found at https://www.ndsu.edu/hnes/

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The Association Among Social Support, Binge Eating, and Binge Drinking in NDSU College Students
(North Dakota State University, 2009) Zaruba, Julie Irene
The purpose of this thesis was to determine the association between bingeing behaviors and social support in college students. Participants were 216 male (57%) and female students, between 18-25 years, who were enrolled in a university required Wellness course. Participants volunteered to complete an online survey. The survey contained questions related to binge eating (BE), binge drinking (BD), social support, and basic demographic data. Groups were constructed based on the participants' gender or age and reported bingeing behaviors (binge eating (BE), binge drinking (BD), binge eating and binge drinking (BE/BD), and no bingeing behavior (NB)). Further, the social support data were broken down into low, moderate, and high categories for S- and N- Scores. S-scores represent the level of perceived social support an individual reports and an N-Score represents the number of individuals in a social network. Paper 1 (Social Support and Bingeing Behaviors in College Students) examined descriptive data on bingeing behaviors and social support to assess if any associations occur between these variables. Paper 1 also assessed the prevalence of bingeing behaviors among college students and identified gender/age differences among individuals who reported bingeing behaviors. Findings from the study indicate no significant associations between bingeing behaviors and social support (S-Score: p=.778 (BE); .362 (BD); .748 (BE/BD); .144 (NB)) (N-Score: p=.853 (BE); .362 (BD); .602 (BE/BD). Findings from the study also indicate no significant correlation between bingeing behaviors and social support (S-Score: r =.006,p=.573 (BE); r =.047,p=.502 (BD); r =.080,p=.246 (BE/BD)) (N- Score: r =.074,p=.284 (BE); r =.006, p=.936 (BD); r =.036, p=.601 (BE/BD)). The prevalence ofbingeing behaviors was similar to the rest of the nation as 40.3% report BE, and 49.5% report BD. Related to age/gender differences males reported higher levels of bingeing behaviors and males reported significantly higher binge drinking severity level l(males = 64.04% vs. females= 35.96 %, p= .008). Reported binge drinking behaviors were divided into three levels. The three severity levels are; level 0= individuals who drink alcohol, yet have not binged in the past 30 days; level 1 =individuals who binge drank only once in the past 30 days; and level 2= individuals who frequently binge drink (2 or more binge drinking episodes in the past 30 days). Differences in binge drinking severity level 0, 1, and 2 also occurred between age category 18-20 and 21-25 (p=.007, .000, .000, respectively). Implications of this dissertation suggest that, within a collegiate population, social support may not have as much of a positive influence as previously thought. Another implication is the significant differences that exist between age, gender, and bingeing behaviors suggest any attempt to modify binge behaviors within a collegiate population should be gender and age specific.
Head Start Parents: Preferred Learning Methods, Nutrition Interests, and the Barriers to Participating in Nutrition Education Classes
(North Dakota State University, 2010) Gregoire, Anne Rachel
Background: Obesity rates in low-income populations continue to rise. Several federal nutrition programs have been established to increase the nutrition knowledge of individuals in these populations and improve their overall health through dietary change. However, there are unique challenges individuals must overcome in order to participate in nutrition education. Ill Objective: The purpose of this research was to identify barriers to participating in nutrition education classes, the preferred learning methods, and nutrition topics of interest of Head Start parents. Design: Surveys were distributed to Head Start parents in the Fargo, North Dakota area during the Head Start fall picnic. Although 67 individuals completed the survey, only 60 surveys met inclusion criteria for the current study. In order to participate in the survey, individuals were required to be 18 years of age, be able to read English, and have a child registered in the local Head Start program. Surveys were analyzed using descriptive data, frequencies, means, and t-tests. A significance level= 0.05 was used. Results: Most of the participants indicated they were Caucasian/white (72.4%). The top identified barriers to attending nutrition programs were childcare, time of day classes are offered, day of week classes are offered, and arranging to come to classes is too difficult. Not knowing about the classes was also a barrier to attending classes. Preferred learning methods included receiving recipes, practicing cooking in a class, and watching videos. Saving money at the grocery store, planning healthy meals, and maintaining a healthy weight were identified as the top valued nutrition topics. Participants who had at least some college education were more interested in computer and online programs compared to respondents who had a high school education or less. Half of the respondents indicated they would be interested in attending a class about nutrition and/or cooking. Compared with participants with no interest in attending nutrition or cooking classes, respondents who indicated an interested in attending classes reported significantly higher barriers for transportation (p=0.003) and not knowing about when the classes were offered (p=0.027). Differences between races were also identified. Compared to Caucasian/white, lack of transportation was significantly higher for other races (p=0.023). Compared to Caucasian/white, learning one-on-one with an instructor was favored by other races (p=0.046). Conclusions: Reducing barriers and increasing interest in nutrition may help improve attendance and may further the effort to combat obesity rates in lowincome populations. Preferred learning methods vary between groups and individuals. Creative ways to reach this population using online, computer programs, or videos may help educators focus their efforts to reach their target audiences with varying needs and preferences.
Effect of Diabetic Retinopathy Education on Knowledge and Planned Lifestyle Activities
(North Dakota State University, 2010) Youd, Lindsay Marie
Prevalence of diabetes is increasing in the United States as well as in North Dakota. Diabetic retinopathy, a complication of diabetes, is seen in 40-45% of Americans diagnosed with diabetes. It is the leading cause of new cases of blindness in adults. Complications of diabetes can be decreased by controlling blood glucose levels. Blood pressure. and blood lipids as well as receiving preventive care in a timely manner. Since diabetic retinopathy may have no symptoms. it is important for healthcare providers as well as those with diabetes to be aware of the disease and how to prevent and treat it. Currently a diet for diabetic retinopathy does not exist. Although there are diet recommendations for controlling blood glucose. blood pressure. and blood lipids. In this study. an educational program about diabetic retinopathy and diet was developed based on current research. The educational program was provided to two groups of participants. Group I (n=20) and Group 2 (n=40). Group I participants were divided into experimental and control (n=7) subgroups. Participants in the experimental group completed a survey prior to and after an educational program. Participants in the control group completed a survey prior to and after reading a brochure on diabetic retinopathy and diet. Group 2 participants were recruited from a required \\ellness class at North Dakota State University and completed a survey prior to and after an educational program. Mean scores on the pre-and post-surveys were compared to evaluate effectiveness of the educational program. Mean pre- and post- survey scores for Group I experimental and control combined were 12.55 and 14.00 and for Group 2. 11.58 and 12. 78. A significant change in scores was seen in both Ciro up I (p 0 .016) and Group 2 (Sig=.000. df 39. t=4.183). No significant difference in mean pre- (p=.978) and post-survey (p=.381) scores was seen between Group 1 experimental and control group. In Group 1 both the educational program and the brochure were effective. and no significant interaction between and within subjects (p=.486) was seen. Participants did not change their stage of change as a result of participating in the diabetic retinopathy program. although all of the participants indicated an intention to make at least one behavioral change. The program including interactive activities. PowerPoint slides. and questionnaires will be used as part of a state-wide educational curriculum targeted towards older adults.
Evaluation of a Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program
(North Dakota State University, 2010) Strang, Michelle Glee
The goal of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP) on participants' fruit and vegetable behavior at school and at home. The evaluation addressed 2 questions: (1) Did the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program affect students' availability of fruits or vegetable in the home. willingness to try or request fruits or vegetables from a parent, or fruit or vegetable consumption throughout the day? (2) Were any of these factors influenced by student age. ethnicity, family income. or gender? During the 2009-2010 school year, the intervention school distributed a daily fruit or vegetable snack to all students (kindergarten through grade 5) during the school day. Data were collected in the spring of 2010 from 3rd , 4th , and 5th grade students and their parents from two schools, one intervention (n=264) and one control (n=326), using a post-only survey. Data from parent and student surveys revealed no differences between schools; however, significant differences among demographic groups were uncovered. Students' willingness to try new fruits and vegetables was impacted by age, family income, and gender. When testing for the availability of fruits and vegetables in the home, data varied by age and ethnicity, while overall fruit and vegetable consumption scores and willingness to request fruits and vegetables from a parent differed by family income and gender. Findings indicate that the FFVP did not affect students' fruit and vegetable behavior away from school; conversely, student characteristics such as gender and family income did play a role. Future research should investigate if distributing free fruits and vegetables at school as a component of a more comprehensive approach, including supplemental activities such as nutrition education and parental involvement, would increase the positive outcomes of the program.
Stretching: Type and Timing for Optimal Benefits
(North Dakota State University, 2010) Kijak, Jessica Michelle
It is known that stretching is able to increase the compliance of human tendons and as a result increase the capacity of the tendon to absorb energy. Sports involving "explosive" type skills, with many maximal stretch-shortening cycle (SSCs) movements, require a muscle tendon unit that is compliant enough to store and release a high amount of elastic energy. When an individual's muscle-tendon unit (MTU) is less flexible, there exists a predisposing factor for exercise related injuries since the tendon is unable to absorb enough energy, which may lead to tendon and/or muscle damage. Therefore, increasing the compliance of the muscle tendon unit and increasing the temperature within the muscle unit is vital in avoiding injury and complementing athletic performance. However, there remains a great deal of confusion among coaches and professionals as to which type of stretching will elicit the greatest benefits to the exerciser. Conflict remains as to which type of stretching is the best way to prepare the body for movement. However, by understanding the type of sport the individual is participating in and the physical demands required of the body (i.e. power output, flexibility, rehabilitation), coaches and professionals may be able to prescribe a more suitable warmup and cool-down that will compliment activity opposed to hindering it. Dynamic stretching appears to offer greater benefits to the athlete or individual exercising before competition. With movements and actions that mimic the sport or event, increasing muscle temperature may be the most desirable outcome before competition. Sports or activities that rely heavily on explosive power, speed and strength may choose dynamic activity over static to avoid detrimental tendon elasticity and muscle compliance. It seems that static stretching produces impairments in muscle force production. This impairment may be associated with the stress relaxation explained further below. Including static stretching post-activity may offer greater benefits to the athlete long term in regards to greater flexibility gains acquired over time. Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) stretching offers athletes/individuals with the greatest gains in range of motion, a benefit that reduces the chance of muscle related injury. However, this type of stretching requires greater amount of time to complete. Including PNF stretching in a rehabilitation program may offer athletes the ability to see the greatest gains in range of motion (ROM), allowing them to return to competition sooner. It is important to incorporate these types of stretching in various stages of preparation. Each type offers unique and some shared benefits to the user. However, it is important to understand the timing in which they will have the most success in benefiting the individual as opposed to hindering their performance.
Static Stretching versus Dynamic Stretching in Athletics
(North Dakota State University, 2010) Dale, Dewayne Nathaniel
Athletes in a variety of sports will perform a stretching routine before each workout or competition. This is why coaches, strength and conditioning specialists, and athletic trainers are always in search of new ways to increase performance and reduce injuries. As there are different types of flexibility, there are a variety of types of stretching techniques, and all have their purpose in the athletic world. Static stretching has been the traditional way of physically preparing the body prior to exercise, and recent research is bending toward another stretching technique, dynamic stretching. Static stretching is an easy to learn technique that increases static flexibility, relaxes muscles, and realigns muscle fibers, but it may not be the best way to "warm" the body up before a workout or competition. Performing a dynamic stretching routine can provide athletes with opportunities to perform sports specific movements and to increase blood flow and temperature, which is a true way to "warm" up the body beforehand. These two different techniques can be utilized effectively within an athlete's workout regimen. However, the differences in the athletes, gender, and the type and level of the sport are important factors to consider in the evaluation of the two stretching techniques. By understanding these main areas, it will be easier to develop a well-designed warm-up prior to a competition.
A Standardized Concussion Management Protocol for Concordia College
(North Dakota State University, 2010) Bogenreif, Michael James
Sports-related concussion remains a diagnostic and management challenge for health care professionals. Numerous symptom scales and sideline assessment tools are available for team physicians and athletic trainers to objectively assess this difficult injury. Significant contributions of evidence-based research have led to a better understanding of this multifaceted but still often elusive injury. This information has transformed all aspects of concussion management, from on-field evaluation through return-to-play guidelines. A variety of approaches are currently available for the multi-dimensional management of sport-related concussion. Standardized protocols have been advocated by numerous consensus groups for the provision of uniform care and follow-up procedures for all concussive. The purpose of this paper was to review the literature of concussions, clarify why there is a need for a standardized concussion management protocol, and to develop a specific concussion protocol to be used by athletic trainers and athletic training students at Concordia College.
Concussion Awareness & Recognition: Youth Sport Parent's Perceptions
(North Dakota State University, 2011) Lindback, Marissa Jae
Youth sport concussion has recently become a topic of concern for health care professionals. Young athletes are at greater risk of sustaining a concussion because children have a greater head-to-body ratio and their cervical musculature and cranial bones are not fully developed. Access to on-site medical professionals is limited for young athletes, leaving recognition and management of the injury to the parents. Limited research has examined parental knowledge of concussion. The purpose of this study was to examine youth sport parents' knowledge regarding the recognition, assessment, and management of concussion. A cross-sectional descriptive design utilizing a SurveyMonkey™ questionnaire was emailed to all parents associated with two gymnastics organizations in the Fargo-Moorhead metro area. Included in the survey were outcome measures that included knowledge of concussion etiology, the ability to recognize concussive symptoms, and knowledge of concussion management. Eighty-nine parents of youth sports athletes participated in this study, a 25 percent response rate. A novel survey instrument was developed to assess parental concussion knowledge. Internal reliability of the instrument was established prior to the study with a pilot group (Cronbach's alpha= 0.67). Data analysis included information regarding frequency and percentages of overall results and demographic data. Overall, participants in this study had moderate knowledge of concussion recognition, diagnosis, and management. Participants with and without prior medical training differed significantly in their knowledge of concussion etiology (P= 0.0016). There was no significant difference between these groups in their ability to recognize concussive symptoms (P= 0.08) or in the knowledge level regarding concussion management (P= 0.68). There was no significant difference between parents with children who participate in more than one sport and those whose children participate in gymnastics only (P= 0.76). Those who have personally (themselves or their children) been diagnosed with a concussion and those who had never been diagnosed with a concussion were not significantly different in their overall concussion knowledge (P= 1.92). Parents have a moderate level of knowledge regarding some aspects of concussive injuries. Additional educational opportunities for parents may help increase concussion awareness.
Evaluating Effectiveness of an Undergraduate Dietetics Curriculum
(North Dakota State University, 2011) Middaugh, Amanda Lyn
Assessment is necessary in many programs to be certain that expected outcomes are being met. Without curriculum evaluation, higher education faculty would be unaware if students are competent in the skills and knowledge that the faculty thought they were teaching. New curriculum competencies related to dietetics are introduced every five to seven years from the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education (CADE). CADE establishes the minimum requirements of foundation knowledge, skills, and competencies for institutions to train entry level dietitians. Even though a variety of criteria have been proposed to evaluate curricula, no common model or format is used because of the differences in each program, college, or university. The purpose of this study is to evaluate North Dakota State University's (NDSU) dietetics program through students' understanding and knowledge as demonstrated by the change in pretest and post-test scores to ensure they are meeting competencies. The Dietetics Program Assessment Test is made up of questions contributed by each instructor in the dietetics program at NDSU regarding their particular area of expertise. The effectiveness was assessed by comparing students' Dietetics Program Assessment pretest scores, taken during sophomore year, with their post-test scores, taken during senior year. This evaluation was used to determine if pretest scores predict program course grades or if high pretest results indicate a more successful student. Therefore, the scores could be used as a selection criterion for acceptance into the dietetics program if there is a strong correlation. Results from students in the Coordinated Program in Dietetics (CPD) were compared to those in the Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) and those not accepted into either program to see if there is a difference between the groups. The test was also divided into dietetics core content areas (community nutrition, medical nutrition therapy/clinical, food service, basic nutrition/lifespan, and management) to see if there was an area in which students were scoring poorly. Pretests were taken by 122 pre-dietetics students; of these, 46 were admitted into the CPD, 29 were admitted into the DPD, and 47 were not admitted into either program. A paired t-test found there to be a significant difference (p<0.0001) between individual mean pretest scores and post-test scores, which means students' knowledge about the area of dietetics had greatly improved through courses throughout each program. A t-test found there was not a significant difference between either the pretest scores (p=0.9847) or the post-test scores (p=0.4263) of those in the CPD and DPD programs. In all of the core dietetics content areas the average percentage of correct questions improved from the pretest to the post-test, and each content area had a similar improvement, roughly a 25 percentage point increase. Using an exact Kendall's Tau Test to examine the association between pretest score and final course grades, no significant difference was found in all of the core dietetics courses expect for Food Selection and Preparation Principles (HNES 261) (p=0.0324). In conclusion, since no one content area on the post-test appears to be lacking more than any other, it would appear that the students are learning from all courses. Due to the lack of association between all core dietetics course grades and pretest scores along with the small sample size, pretest scores should not currently be used alone or as one of the selection criterion for admittance into either dietetics programs.
Fear of Reinjury: A Survey of NCAA Athletes Post ACL Reconstruction and Rehabilitation
(North Dakota State University, 2011) Salvesen, Nicole Marie
The purpose of this study was to determine if a fear of reinjury and degree of current knee pain, as measured by the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (TSK) and Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) respectively, were associated with a collegiate athlete's decision to return to sport after suffering from an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, having reconstructive surgery, and performing rehabilitation. The secondary purpose of this study was to determine if the scores on the TSK varied among the athlete's pain at time of injury, age at time of injury, an athlete's return to a pre-injury level of activity, National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) divisions, gender, graft type. mechanism of injury, and months since the time of injury. The tertiary purpose of this study was to determine if gender or the KOOS-Pain score affected an athlete's return to pre-injury level of activity. The results of this study may contribute to improvements in rehabilitation processes by orthopedic surgeons and sports medicine professionals in order to decrease the fear of reinjury in those athletes that are being treated for injuries to the ACL. Subjects for this study were selected from a group of 273 NCAA-sanctioned Division I, II or III institutions. All subjects previously participated or were currently participating in NCAA sanctioned athletics during their college career and had suffered an ACL tear. Additionally, all of the subjects experienced ACL reconstruction surgery, rehabilitation for the ACL injury and repair surgery, and were cleared by a physician. Emails were sent to supervising athletic trainers of each randomly selected NCAA institution asking for their assistance through the distribution of an informational letter to potential study participants. The informational letter provided student-athletes with a link allowing them to access the Survey Monkey™ questionnaire. which utilized questions taken from the TSK and KOOS survey instruments, as well as a general questionnaire for collection of limited demographic data for each participant. A total of 14 males and 35 females (n = 49) participated in the study. The information collected in the current study revealed that the participants· fear of reinjury was only significantly related to an athlete's degree of current knee pain and overall quality of life after suffering from an ACL tear, reconstructive surgery, and rehabilitation. The results of the study indicated a statistical significance (p < 0.05) between the participants' fear of reinjury and KOOS-Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and KOOS-Sports and Recreation (Sports/Rec). Third. the results indicated a statistical significance between the fear of reinjury and the participants· age at the time of the injury to the ACL. The results of this study indicated that NCAA athletes, regardless of division, do, in fact, possess a high fear of reinjury. Although the factor regarding fear of reinjury was not found to be directly related to a return to pre-injury levels of activity in this study. improvements in rehabilitation processes and implementation of different psychological strategies by orthopedic surgeons and sports medicine professionals may help to decrease or eliminate the fear of reinjury in those athletes that are being treated for injuries to the ACL.
Short-term Training Effects of Dynamic Warm Up Volume on Speed, Power, and Agility
(North Dakota State University, 2011) Senn, Daniel LeRoy
This study examined the short-term training effects of two volumes of a dynamic warm up performed 4 days per week over a 3 1/2-week period. A total of 25 Division III wrestlers volunteered for the study. Three participants either dropped out or were unable to attend post-testing, resulting in 22 total participants completing the study. Groups were divided into control, low volume, and high volume groups. All participants completed pre and poststudy performance tests including the standing long jump, proagility, start-stop-cut, and 30- meter sprint. The low and high volume training groups each performed the same dynamic warm up prior to each pre-season captain's practice. The control group did not participate in an organized warm up. The low volume group performed one set of each warm up exercise, and the high volume group performing two sets of each warm up exercise. Data analysis indicated significant increases in performance for the standing long jump (p = .011) and start-stop-cut (p = .000) measures among the entire sample population. However, there was no significant difference between the groups in these measures. No significant results were found either for the sample as a whole or between groups for the proagility and 30-meter measures. The increased performance of all groups, including the control group, fails to provide evidence for the effectiveness of training with either warm up volume. Further research is needed to address limitations of this study to determine effectiveness of various warm up volumes.
Effect of Evening Food Composition on Pre-Breakfast Fasting and Overall Glucose Control in Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes : A Review
(North Dakota State University, 2011) Vannelli, Anna Jane
This paper reviews current data on medical nutrition therapy (MNT) strategies related to evening food composition and the effect on pre-breakfast fasting and overall blood glucose control in people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. A comprehensive literature search was conducted to locate pertinent articles, and a review of literature was completed. Eight studies related to type 1 diabetes and nine studies related to type 2 diabetes were identified and reviewed. The available evidence shows that people living with type 1 diabetes should consume a daily bedtime snack composed of carbohydrate and protein, but not high in fat. People with type 2 diabetes may not benefit from a bedtime snack, since eliminating the snack does not result in hypoglycemia and studies have not definitively shown that a snack reduces pre-breakfast fasting glucose compared to placebo. People with type 2 diabetes should also avoid a supper meal high in kilocalories.
Mindful Eating: Is There a Relationship among Gender, Age, Physical Activity, Grade Level, Focus of Academic Major and Eating Mindfulness among College Students
(North Dakota State University, 2012) Berdal, Lisa Marie
Mindful eating is the concept of being physically and emotionally aware of what and why you are eating. Currently the research is limited, especially in a large college aged population. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine if age, gender, physical activity, year in school and focus of academic major made a difference in mindful eating practices in college students. In this cross-sectional study, 427 students completed a 28-item validated Mindful Eating Questionnaire. The results show that only gender played a role in the total mindful eating score. Combined effects of the factors did affect total score as well as subscale scores. These findings suggest that a combination of factors affect mindful eating more than one factor alone. More research is needed in large college aged populations in order to better determine mindful eating practices of individuals in this age group.
Motivational Climate in Physical Education and Youth Sport
(North Dakota State University, 2012) Prichard, Alison Leigh
The purpose of this paper was to gain an understanding of how the motivational climate can affect children in the context of Physical Education (PE) and youth sport. In an effort to combat the increase in overweight and obesity rates, creating an environment in which children enjoy and develop positive habits related to physical activity has become a priority. The constructs of PE and youth sport have been identified as opportunities to reach children and instill healthy habits and attitudes regarding exercise that extend into adulthood. The motivational climate is a key structure for the proper facilitation and development of these cognitions.
Effect of Nutrition Education with Fruit and Vegetable Supplementation on Fruit and Vegetable Intake and Anthropometric Measurements among Adults of Varying Socioeconomic Status
(North Dakota State University, 2012) Hert, Kerrie Ann
Intake of fruit and vegetable (F/V) is inadequate and obesity is more prevalent among adults of lower socioeconomic status (SES) in the U.S. This study determined the effect of nutrition education (NutrED) and F/V supplementation (F/VSupp) on F/V intake and anthropometrics of individuals of varying SES. Thirty-eight overweight or obese adults were randomly assigned into a control, education, or F/V group. Participants in the education and F/V groups attended weekly NutrED classes for 10 weeks. The F/V group also received one serving of fruit and two servings of vegetable daily. Results showed that NutrED with F/VSupp improved fruit intake significantly. Improvements between the education and F/V groups were not significantly different. Individuals with a graduate degree had significant improvements in fruit intake. Few of the improvements in anthropometrics seen were significant. Future research should focus on specific barriers to F/V intake and include information on total energy intake and expenditure.
Time Away from Mandatory Physical Training and its Effect on Maximal VO2 in ROTC Cadets
(North Dakota State University, 2012) Krebsbach, Kassie Georgette
During the school year, cadets in ROTC programs are required to participate in mandatory physical training. However, during the summer months, training is not required. Changes can occur in VO2max with both training and detraining. The purpose of this study was two-fold: (1) to determine if VO2max changes over the summer in cadets returning to campus and (2) to determine if there is a difference in VO2max between returning cadets and new cadets. Participants completed a graded exercise treadmill test to determine their VO2max in the spring of 2010 and in the fall of 2010. The results show a significant decrease in the returning cadets’ VO2max from time point 1 (spring) to time point 2 (fall). No difference was noted between returning cadets’ and new cadets’ VO2max. In conclusion, by providing the cadets with a program to be completed during extended breaks, a decrease in VO2max could possibly be avoided.
Learning Styles: Differences in Undergraduate versus Graduate Entry Level Athletic Training Students
(North Dakota State University, 2012) Thon, Sarah
The purpose of this study was to determine the preferred learning style of undergraduate and graduate entry level athletic training students. This study also investigated the preference of males and females in both groups. Marshall and Merrit's Student Learning Style Questionnaire (1986) based on Kolb's theory was used to survey 429 undergraduate and 69 graduate students. The preferred learning style of undergraduate entry level athletic training students was Diverger, which was the same as the graduate students, and males and females of each group. There was no significant difference of preferred learning style between undergraduate and graduate students or between the males and females. Using the Chi-Square goodness of fit test, it was concluded that the Diverger learning style was preferred by undergraduate and graduate entry level athletic training students and was statistically significant.
Effects of Nutrition Education and Fruit and Vegetable Consumption on Knowledge of Antioxidants and Biomarkers of Inflammation and Chronic Disease
(North Dakota State University, 2012) Wagner, Meredith Grace
Obesity rates have reached epidemic proportions contributing to the majority of Americans experiencing a state of chronic inflammation. Associations between inflammation, oxidative stress, and increased disease risk contribute to detrimental consequences of obesity. Regulation of inflammation and oxidative stress is possible via antioxidants consumed through a diet adequate in fruits and vegetables but consumption among adults is poor. Previous studies have assessed the impact of fruit, vegetable, and antioxidant consumption on oxidative stress and inflammation among healthy individuals. However, no studies have examined effects of education and fruit and vegetable consumption on markers of oxidative stress, inflammation, and other chronic disease biomarkers in a single study of overweight and obese adults. The purposes of this study were to examine effects of nutrition education and fruit and vegetable consumption on: interest and knowledge related to antioxidants; consumption patterns; weight, body mass index (BMI), body composition, blood lipids, and blood glucose; and biomarkers of oxidative stress and inflammation. Fifty-four adults (19 men/35 women; age 44.7±12.1 y; BMI 33.2±7.7 kg/m2 were randomly assigned to one of three intervention groups. The control group received no intervention, the education group attended weekly nutrition lessons, and the fruit and vegetable group attended weekly nutrition lessons and received one serving of fruits and two servings of vegetables per day for 10 weeks. Fruit and vegetable-related knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors were assessed using questionnaires. Fruit, vegetable, and antioxidant consumption was assessed using semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaires and three-day food records and anthropometric measurements and fasting blood draws were conducted. Results indicated improvements in fruit and vegetable-related knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors and increased consumption of antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables following nutrition education. Associations existed between increased fruit and vegetable consumption and improvements in LDL cholesterol. However, minimal associations between changes in consumption of fruits, vegetables, and antioxidants and biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress were indicated. In order to be effective, nutrition intervention programs need to thoroughly address participants' fruit and vegetable-related knowledge and attitudes, provide exposure to fruits and vegetables, and promote adequate consumption of antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables while concurrently emphasizing management of overall energy intake.
The Effect of 5% Hypohydration on Muscle Cramp Threshold Frequency
(North Dakota State University, 2012) Braulick, Kyle William
Many clinicians believe exercise associated muscle cramps (EAMC) occur because of dehydration and electrolyte losses. Experimental research supporting this theory is lacking. Mild hypohydration (3% body mass loss) does not alter cramp threshold frequency (TF), a measure of cramp susceptibility, when fatigue and exercise intensity are controlled. No experimental research has examined TF following significant (3-5% body mass loss) or serious hypohydration (>5% body mass loss). TF and blood variables of ten subjects were measured pre-post exercise. Subjects exercised in an environmental heat chamber alternating between upper arm ergometry and non-dominant leg cycling every 15 minutes until they lost 5% of their body mass or were too exhausted to continue. Significant (n=5) or serious hypohydration (n=5) did not alter cramp TF, cramp intensity, or cramp EMG amplitude. Significant and serious hypohydration with moderate electrolyte losses does not alter cramp susceptibility when fatigue and exercise intensity are controlled.
Physiological Changes in Women Following a Concurrent or Resistance Training Program
(North Dakota State University, 2012) Manikowske, Trista
This research evaluated physiologic changes in women after a 12 week resistance training (RT) or concurrent training (CT) program. Eighteen women (38-61 years) were randomized to a training group that trained three times per week. Resistance workouts (both groups) included 30 minutes of exercises. The concurrent group also completed 30 min of moderate intensity cardiovascular exercise during each training session. Two-factor (group x time) repeated measures analysis of variance evaluated group differences and time-related changes in FFM and RMR. Alpha was set at < .05 for all analyses. Repeated measures ANOVA evaluated group differences and time-related changes in all other variables. Significant increases in FFM (p = .045), RMR (p = .01), bench press (p = .0001), and HDL (p = .03) were found for the entire sample from pre- to post-test. Neither training modality (RT or CT) proved superior in eliciting physiologic change in individuals.

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