Health, Nutrition & Exercise Science Masters Theses

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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Ad Libitum Fluid Intake and Plasma Responses Following Pickle Juice, Hypertonic Saline, and Deionized Water Ingestion
(North Dakota State University, 2012) Allen, Scott Thomas
Some clinicians warn against pickle juice (PJ) ingestion due to its sodium. PJ drinking guidelines have been developed but never tested. The purpose of this study was to determine if drinking PJ, hypertonic saline (HS), or deionized water (DIW) affected ad libitum DIW ingestion, plasma variables, or perceptions of thirst, fullness, or nausea (perceptual indicators). On three days, subjects were dehydrated (~2%), given one of three treatment drinks, rated its palatability, and rehydrated with DIW ad libitum. Over 60 minutes of rehydration blood samples and perceptual indicators were collected. Subjects consumed more DIW ad libitum following HS and PJ than DIW. Plasma variables and perceptions of thirst, fullness and nausea didn’t differ between treatment drinks. The rationale behind PJ drinking guidelines is questionable. Subjects drink more, not less, after PJ ingestion. Plasma variables and perceptual indicators didn’t differ between PJ and DIW. Athletes should schedule their drinking to fully rehydrate.
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.
Differences in Ground Reaction Forces between Take-Offs that are Out, On, or Under in the Pole Vault
(North Dakota State University, 2012) Francis, Shawn Michael
Aim. The take-off is regarded as the most important phase of the pole vault yet there is an insufficient amount of research on the ground reaction forces of the pole vault takeoff. At this time there is not any scientific research comparing force and time between takeoffs that are out, on and under. The purpose of this study is to compare the differences in ground reaction forces between pole vault take-offs that are out, on or under. Methods. Over five days, 15 male and female college pole vaulters completed 226 vaults on a (AMTI Accupower) force plate. The jumps were put into categories of out, on and under and analyzed by Accupower, and Dartfish software. Separate mixed modal ANOVAs (SAS 9.3) were applied (P≤.05) for comparison between jump types. Conclusions. There is no significant difference between ground reaction forces of the three jump types.
The Effect of Pre-Exercise Ingestion of Pickle Juice, Hypertonic Saline, and Water on Aerobic Performance in College-Aged Males
(North Dakota State University, 2012) Peikert, Jarett Ryan Willam
Pickle juice (PJ) is commonly ingested by athletes pre-exercise to prevent muscle cramps. Some scientists fear PJ may negatively impact performance due to its high sodium concentration. The purpose of this study was to determine if ingesting 2 mL*kg-1 body weight of PJ, hypertonic saline or deionized water (DIW) and 5 mL*kg-1 of DIW affected aerobic performance, core temperature, plasma volume changes or sweat volume. On three separate days, subjects rested for 65 minutes. During this period, two blood samples were taken and they ingested PJ, hypertonic saline, or DIW followed by 5 mL*kg-1 body mass of DIW. Subjects exercised at progressing intensities until complete exhaustion. No differences were observed between drinks for time to exhaustion, core temperature, plasma volume or sweat volume (P>0.05). Ingesting PJ or hypertonic saline diluted by a moderate amount of DIW does not impact aerobic performance, core temperature, plasma volume changes or sweat volume.
Evaluation of Biomechanical Risk Factors in Division II Collegiate Female Athletes Using the Landing Error Scoring System (LESS) After an 8-Week Neuromuscular Training Program
(North Dakota State University, 2013) Leif, Hillaree
Neuromuscular training programs are a relatively new injury prevention strategy to reduce the risk of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries, primarily in female athletes. This study evaluated the effects of a neuromuscular training program on Landing Error Scoring System (LESS) scores, maximum knee flexion, and maximum knee valgus before, during (2 wks, 4 wks, 6 wks), and after an 8-week neuromuscular training program. An 8-week neuromuscular training program significantly decreased the maximum knee valgus in female athletes but did not decrease LESS scores or increase maximum knee flexion. The findings may enhance athletic trainers' understanding of the benefits that neuromuscular training programs may provide and help clinicians make decisions on whether to implement these programs to help reduce the risk of ACL injuries in their female athletes.
Therapeutic Ultrasound: The Effectiveness of Ultrasound and the Importance of Parameter Settings
(North Dakota State University, 2013) Londeen, Marika
Therapeutic ultrasound can be an important modality for clinician's use to heat tissue. Previous research has concluded that therapeutic ultrasound treatments may be ineffective. There are several options for parameters depending on type of treatment and desired goal. The purpose of this study was to determine if specific parameters for a specific desired treatment goal were correct. The parameters included 1.0 and 3.0 megahertz frequencies of continuous ultrasound treatment on 20 subjects. Tissue temperature was measured with thermocouples in the calf. Data analysis consisted of running a one way repeated measures ANOVA to compare sample means as well as running t-test's for each change in temperature for each setting. Some subjects reached a temperature which could be considered therapeutic and only a few subjects reached the temperature goal. This is important for clinicians to note that every patient is different and that parameters will differ with each machine.
Plasma and Electrolyte Changes in Humans Following Ingestion of Multiple Boluses of Pickle Juice Associated with Exercise
(North Dakota State University, 2013) McKenney, Michael Anthony
No experimental research has examined the effect of drinking multiple boluses of pickle juice (PJ) on the same day, nor has its ingestion been examined during exercise. Additionally there are fears that PJ supplementation can cause hyperkalemia. We determined the effect of ingesting single or multiple boluses of PJ on plasma variables before, during, and after exercise. On three days, subjects ingested 0, 1, or 2 boluses of PJ and biked vigorously for 60 minutes. Blood samples were collected pre-ingestion and 30, 65, 95, and 125 minutes post ingestion. The number of PJ boluses consumed did not affect [Na+]p, [K+]p, OSMp, or changes in plasma volume over time. Ingesting up to 2 boluses of PJ and resuming exercise causes negligible changes in blood variables and will not increase [Na+]p or cause hyperkalemia.
Effects on Plantarflexor Strength, Calf Girth, and Dorsiflexion Range of Motion When Static Stretching is Implemented During Two Weeks of Immobilization
(North Dakota State University, 2013) Narveson, Samantha Jean
This study examined the effects of chronic static stretching on dorsiflexion range of motion (ROM), calf strength, and calf girth when immobilized for two weeks. Thirty-six North Dakota State University students participated in this study and were divided into one of three groups: control group (CG), experimental group (EG), and experimental stretching group (ESG). All participants completed a pre-test of calf girth, strength, and dorsiflexion ROM. After the pretest, both experimental groups wore an immobilizer for two weeks. In addition, the ESG stretched for 10 minutes, twice daily. Data analysis indicated significant differences were found between groups for post-test measures of girth (F2,31=6.50, p=0.0048), dorsiflexion ROM (F2,31=29.06, p<0.0001), and strength (F2,31=6.74, p=0.0041). Post hoc testing indicated significant increases in dorsiflexion ROM and calf strength in the ESG and significant decreases in dorsiflexion ROM and calf strength in the EG. Also, the EG lost more girth than the ESG.

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