Health, Nutrition & Exercise Science Masters Theses

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The Acute Effects of L-Arginine Supplementation on Flow-Mediated Dilation after Resistance Training to Fatigue
(North Dakota State University, 2017) Streeter, Daniel
The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of acute L-arginine supplementation on the endothelial health in healthy adults by assessing flow-mediated dilation (FMD) and cardiovascular indicators both before and after resistance exercise to fatigue. Thirty (15 male, 15 female) physically active healthy participants (mean ± SD: age 20.4 ± 1.8 years, height 176.9 ± 10.2 cm, body mass 76.0 ± 12.2 kg) volunteered for a randomized, cross-over, double-blind, placebo controlled clinical trial. Participants completed five sets of isokinetic elbow extension/flexion exercise after consumption of either placebo or 3 g L-arginine one hour prior. Baseline brachial artery diameter significantly increased post FMD (p<0.001), post-exercise (p<0.001), post-exercise FMD (p<0.001). There was no significant supplement effect on FMD (p=0.179). The increase in brachial diameter due to fatiguing exercise was not enhanced by acute supplementation with L-arginine nor did supplementation alter FMD responses after exercise.
Acute Exercise Response of Caffeine and Nitric Oxide Stimulating Pre-Workout Supplement among Healthy Male Recreational Athletes
(North Dakota State University, 2017) Blake, Michael Scott
The effect of cocktail or “pre-workout” supplements containing L-arginine nitrate and caffeine are equivocal with anaerobic performance. The purpose of this study was to compare anaerobic performance and blood flow of pre-workout supplement containing L-arginine-nitrate and caffeine-to-caffeine and placebo. In a randomized, double-blind study, 12 resistance-trained males (caffeine users) completed three trials. Biodex concentric-concentric elbow-flexion and extension (5-sets, 10-repetitions). Ultrasound measured brachial blood flow (M-Vel, V- r2 and V-C). Statistical analyses revealed a significant difference in total dynamic work PRE-PLA (P<0.0001) and CAF-to-PLA (P<0.0001) but not PRE-to-CAF (P=0.9581). Furthermore, a significant difference V- r2 PRE-to-CAF (P=0.0391) and PLA-to-CAF (P=0.0070) and M-Vel PRE-to-CAF (P=0.0281). Conclusion, PRE did not differ CAF in strength measures other than a difference in M-Vel. PRE compared to PLA were not statically different in blood flow. The study illustrated no improvement beyond individual ingredient. This research may be useful for future cocktail supplement and Nitric Oxide research.
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.
Analysis of Availability, Quality, and Price of Food Options in Denver, CO Grocery Stores
(North Dakota State University, 2016) Lunsford, Jesse Adam
In certain areas in the United States low-income, non-white populations have less access to healthy foods. This lack of access can manifest itself with higher costs, lower quality, or less availability of healthy food options. Research has shown a correlation between health status and ethnic and/or income status, which is related to negative correlations in health disparities and dietary intake. This study examined the Denver area grocery stores to identify if any populations had significant differences in food cost, food availability, or food quality. Thirty stores were randomly selected from Denver and analyzed using Nutritional Environmental Measure Survey for Supermarkets (NEMS-S). Results showed no significant relationships between cost, availability, or quality and socioeconomic status or minority status. Large supermarkets had better prices of healthier food options, and of higher quality than small, ethnic markets. Further research should assess behavioral decisions by consumers in Denver.
An Analysis of Certified Athletic Trainers’ Ability to Provide High-Quality Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) over Hockey Shoulder Pads
(North Dakota State University, 2018) Estabrooks, Adam Gregory
Certified Athletic Trainers (ATCs) are expected to perform CPR for athletes regardless of whether the athlete is wearing protective equipment. The goal of this research was to determine /if ATCs were able to/ deliver high-quality CPR over hockey shoulder pads. Fifty ATCs completed CPR according to 2015 AHA guidelines on a medium-fidelity manikin, which had been fitted with hockey shoulder pads. CPR quality was measured with the Resusci Anne Wireless SkillReporter. CPR data included the following dimensions of compressions: overall score, mean rate, chest compression fraction, mean depth, % chest recoil, and % compressions with appropriate depth. Data were analyzed to compare differences of CPR performance between covariates. Overall score separated by gender was significant with men outperforming women. 56% of ATCs did not compress at the recommended depth. Therefore, the removal of hockey shoulder pads is recommended to ensure high-quality CPR performance as administered by ATCs.
An Analysis of CPR Performance, Self-Efficacy, and Deliberate Feedback
(North Dakota State University, 2022) Martinez, Caroline
During sudden cardiac arrest (SCA), prompt initiation of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) by a healthcare provider or layperson is critical to a patient’s odds of survival.4 The absence of health care providers in athletic settings often leaves coaches as the primary responder in competitive or recreational athletics. The goal of this study was to determine if coaches could provide high-quality CPR. Twenty coaches completed confidence and deliberate feedback questionnaires before and after two sessions of 5 minute compression-only CPR. Data were analyzed to compare confidence pre and post CPR assessment, as well as to determine the relationship between CPR performance, self-efficacy, and deliberate feedback. After receiving feedback on the initial five minutes of compression-only CPR as well as completion of a one-minute bout of CPR with deliberate feedback, a strong, positive relationship between self-efficacy and quality of CPR performance was observed.
An Analysis of Kinesio® Tape on Mitigation of Dynamic Knee Valgum
(North Dakota State University, 2022) Smedley, Katelynn
Kinesio® Tape has potential to be an intervention to mitigate dynamic knee valgum. This research project investigated the effect of Kinesio® Tape has on dynamic knee valgum through three-dimensional (3D) motion analysis in females with a history or current participation in competitive basketball or volleyball. Thirty volunteers preformed a Y-Balance test and drop jump landing (DJL) test with three different taping conditions. No tape, Kinesio® Performance Plus Tape for the facilitative gluteus medius application, and Kinesio® Tex Classic Tape for the spiral technique (ST). Results observed a statistically significant decrease in knee abduction valgum angle during 100 ms after initial contact on a DJL with application of the Kinesio® spiral technique. No significant results were observed between all three conditions during Y-Balance testing. Based off these findings we can conclude that applying the Kinesio® spiral technique mitigates dynamic knee valgum, therefore possibly decreasing the risk for ACL injury in females.
An Analysis of Kinesio® Tape on Myofascial Pain Syndrome of the Iliotibial Band
(North Dakota State University, 2021) Riegel, Hannah Nicole
This study analyzed the effects of Kinesio® Tape on pain pressure threshold (PPT) of trigger points (TrPs) within the iliotibial band (ITB). Fifty participants were evaluated for TrPs in the ITB. An algometer was used to measure pre-intervention PPT followed by a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score for pain. A sham or fascial taping technique was applied. After 10 minutes, a post-intervention PPT was obtained. After 48 hours, participants returned where post-intervention PPT and VAS was obtained with the tape on and PPT again 10 minutes following tape removal. Participants reported a decrease in pain. There was a slight increase in PPT from pre-tape to 10-minutes post tape. An ANOVA model incorporating all four measurements was statistically significant. There is sufficient evidence to suggest the fascial taping technique is effective at manipulating PPT of TrPs. Overall, more pressure was needed to elicit pain and the TrPs became less symptomatic.
Anterior Cruciate Ligament Neuromuscular Training Protocol of the Core and Hip Musculature: Effects On Female Athletes' Landing Mechanics
(North Dakota State University, 2013) Young, Charley John
Landing is a dynamic activity and considered one of the leading causes of noncontact ACL injuries. Poor biomechanics during dynamic activity resulting from neuromuscular imbalances may contribute to ACL injury. The purpose of this study was to determine if a trunk and hip neuromuscular training program for female high school athletes facilitates neuromuscular changes during landing mechanics. Participants were assessed using the Landing Error Scoring System (LESS) after a drop box jump, pre-test, mid-test, and post-test. A high LESS score indicates poor landing mechanics. Additionally, participants filled out a survey regarding their perceptions of neuromuscular changes and their landing mechanics. LESS scores decreased significantly between pre to post testing. Participants believed their landing mechanics improved, they became stronger, and they become more aware of their body. Results showed that an eight week hip and trunk neuromuscular program improved landing mechanics and may help decrease noncontact ACL injuries in this population.
Asking Why, Instead of What: Investigating a Picky Eating Spectrum
(North Dakota State University, 2021) Jellison, Savanna Elizabeth Jean Westrom
There is currently no universal definition for picky eating. Picky eating is also currently viewed as a binary decision. The purpose of the current study was to develop a spectrum of picky eating. The researchers used a why instead of what approach to identifying 23 picky eating categories and themes among individuals. Exploratory Factor Analysis was utilized on pilot data (N = 412) and items loaded on three factors. The first factor consisted of 7 items (α = .76) and accounted for 24.56% of the variance in the data. Factor two consisted of 10 items (α = .79) accounting for 9.87% of variance and factor three consisted of 5 items (α = .66) and accounted for 6.85% of the variance. Our results indicate that the picky eating spectrum identifies various behaviors of picky eating that could lead to targeted interventions and potentially reduce parental frustration and picky eating.
Assessing Critical Thinking Skills of Athletic Training Professional and Post-Professional Students
(North Dakota State University, 2014) Adamietz, Daniel James
Critical thinking (CT) can be described as using resources, identifying assumptions, asking questions, comparing alternatives, and finally coming to a conclusion. Critical thinking can be used in daily life, general work, or in specialty situations and is a valuable skill in health professions. Athletic training integrates CT into evaluations, treatments, rehabilitation programs, and other activities. Critical thinking is needed in the profession of athletic training to increase accuracy of diagnosis and evaluation and to improve patient outcomes. The purpose of this study was to establish CT baseline scores for athletic training professional and post-professional students. Results revealed that the post-professional students in this sample scored higher on the Health Science Reasoning Test than professional students.
Assessing the Reliability of Two Orthopedic Special Tests to Determine Hip Flexor Contracture with the Assessment of Pelvic Tilt Angle during a Back Squat
(North Dakota State University, 2018) Grieshaber, Derrick
Orthopedic specialists use Special Tests to determine a pathology’s presence. Hip flexor contracture is linked to injury predisposition and postural anomalies. This research examined reliability for the Modified Thomas and Ely’s Special Tests when evaluating hip flexor contracture, and its effect on dynamic exercise. Twenty adults were randomized in a study and analyzed for hip flexor contracture. Dartfish Motion Analysis measured hip and knee flexion angles. Participants performed isometric squats to determine their maximal voluntary isometric contraction, which was later used to calculate exercise prescription for the eight-repetition dynamic back squat. Inter-rater reliability was slight to fair for iliopsoas contracture during the Modified Thomas Test. Overall analysis of pre-/post-test pelvic tilt and dynamic pelvic tilt between repetitions was not statistically significant (p<.05). Hip flexion between repetitions was statistically significant (p=.016). Clinicians should exert caution when defining pathology utilizing Special Tests and the effect of hip flexor contracture on dynamic movement.
Assessment of Protein Intake and Social Support among Bariatric Surgery Patients
(North Dakota State University, 2017) Gehl, Ashley Marie
People who have bariatric surgery often fall short of their desired weight loss. The purpose of this study was to assess adherence to protein recommendations of the post-bariatric surgery patients. Results of 59 participants indicated that over half did not meet protein recommendations. Over half used protein supplements to help meet the recommendations. Another purpose of this study was to determine individuals whom post bariatric surgery patients identified as important in their social support network. The use of social support bariatric groups was also assessed. Results showed bariatric support groups were an important form of social support to aid in weight loss. Both studies will aid healthcare professionals deepen their understanding of the long journey of weight loss in post-bariatric surgery patients. Bariatric surgery is an effective solution for individuals with obesity because it results in long-term weight loss; therefore, learning the characteristics of successful bariatric surgery patients is priority.
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.
ASSOCIATIONS OF ANTIOXIDANT CONSUMPTION FROM FOOD AND SUPPLEMENT SOURCES ON COGNITIVE FUNCTION IN OLDER ADULTS
(North Dakota State University, 2024) Knoll, Kelly
Oxidative stress, the imbalance of prooxidants and antioxidants, has been recognized as a possible risk factor for cognitive impairment. We postulate that increased dietary antioxidant consumption could help preserve cognitive function during aging. Dietary intake and cognitive function of 50 adults aged ≥65-years (66% women; aged 71.5±5.1 years) was assessed using Cronometer, an electronic nutrition analysis application, and the Saint Louis University Mental Status examination. The fisher’s exact test (p < 0.01) identified a significantly lower percentage of cognitive dysfunction (31.6%; 6 of 19 participants) among participants that met the Recommended Daily Allowances (RDAs) for the antioxidants, vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium, and manganese, and a higher percentage of cognitive dysfunction among those that did not meet the antioxidant RDAs (74.2%; 23 of 31 participants). However, mean cognitive scores differed insignificantly between those meeting RDAs (26.2 ±4.2 points) and those that did not (24.9 ±2.9 points; p = 0.07).
Athletic Trainers' Ability to Establish Peripheral Intravenous Access
(North Dakota State University, 2022) McCormack, Elizabeth
Certified athletic trainers (AT) are usually the first to respond to an athletic emergency heat illness (EHI) and are expected to provide prehospital care. The goal of this study was to investigate the percentage of athletic trainers who could successfully place an intravenous (IV) line and retain the skill for 30 days. Fifteen ATs received an educational training on how to place an IV from a nationally registered paramedic (NR-P) Those ATs who were successful in administering an IV were asked to report 30 days later for follow-up. Data were analyzed to compare IV placement success rates, confidence levels before and after each attempt, and ATs perceived value in the newly learned skill. The concept of ATs’ success in IV placement will need additional study to help develop athletic training educational curricula and modify any prehospital care standards if necessary.
Attracting a New Generation of Participants to the Elderly Nutrition Program
(North Dakota State University, 2017) Stangl, Christa Ann
The purpose of this study was to explore the types of services, programs, and activities needed and/or desired by older adults. The secondary purpose of this study is to explore what prompts and/or influences older adults, to participate in programs related to their health and wellbeing. This study is needed, because the population of older adults has increased, due to the baby boomer generation. Even though there is a large population increase there is a decrease in the use of senior centers. The study used qualitative methods by the means of eight focus group locations in the state of North Dakota. The results showed that current senior centers are not meeting the baby boomers’ expectations and/or needs to successfully age in place. Therefore, if changes are not made to the current senior center to attract baby boomers, it will no longer be a major service provider to older adults.
Caffeine Intake in College Students
(North Dakota State University, 2015) Caldarone, Michelle Gail
Caffeine is a widely consumed substance that is readily available through many sources that may influence consumption in the college setting. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between caffeine intake and sleep behavior and the effect of campus dining frequency on caffeine intake in college students. Three hundred and fifty students (212 males and 138 females) participated in a 72-hour dietary analysis that provided the students’ age, gender, body mass index (BMI), and physical activity level. The students were asked to record dining frequency as well. Ninety-six of the 350 students completed a 7-day sleep diary to complete the sleep analysis. Chi-square tests, regression analysis, and t-tests were performed to analyze relationships and differences between variables. Results showed that there were no significant relationships between caffeine intake and age, gender, BMI, physical activity, sleep time, or frequency of dining and caffeine intake in college students.
Changes in Energy Intake and Appetite Following Different Intensities of Aerobic Exercise
(North Dakota State University, 2019) Shaughnessy, Keith Alan
This research evaluated changes in appetite, energy intake, and body composition following 15 sessions of both moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) in overweight and sedentary adults (n = 4 female, n = 2 male). All subjects performed both MICT and HIIT. Paired t-tests were used to analyze data between testing sessions. A repeated-measures ANOVA along with a Bonferroni adjustment was used for measures over the study duration. Chronic appetite was unchanged over the study duration, but appetite post-exercise was 5.7% higher in HIIT (p = 0.03) in the first session compared to MICT. Energy intake was reduced within subjects (p = 0.023) over the study. Systolic blood pressure was significantly reduced (p = 0.027) between post-testing 1 and post-testing 2. While this study suggests aerobic exercise has no effect on chronic feelings of appetite, more research is needed as energy intake was reduced.
Clinical Outcomes of Different Tempos of Music during Exercise in Cardiac Rehabilitation Patients
(North Dakota State University, 2014) Miller, Jarad Steven
This study examined the effects of stimulating and sedative music on ratings of perceived exertion (RPE), heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP), and feeling status during exercise in cardiac rehabilitation (CR) patients. Twenty-two male and female older adults age 64 ± 8.0 y currently enrolled in phase III CR completed the study. Repeated measures crossover designs guided data collection. The manipulated independent variable was music condition (sedative, stimulating, and non-music control). The dependent variables were RPE, BP, HR, and feeling status with each represented by four repeated measures ANOVAs over time via SAS 9.3. Data analysis indicated significant differences for all exercise related variables besides BP. While standardizing the exercise, we observed that sedative music is the best choice to manipulate for decreases in RPE (p=.0019), increases in feeling status (p=.0192), and decreases in HR (p<.0001). Stimulating music would only be the correct choice to observe increases in HR (p<.001).

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