A Comparison of Brief Resistance and Aerobic Exercise Bouts on Cognitive Processing Speed in Young Adults

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(4): 119-129, 2025. Research has found even a brief bout of exercise to be beneficial for improving processing speed. However, there is a lack of research directly comparing the effect of exercise modalities on processing speed. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of a single brief bout of resistance exercise to aerobic exercise on cognitive processing speed in young adults. A total of 29 young adults ranging from 20-34 years of age (22.59±2.86 years) participated in a familiarization session followed by two randomized exercise conditions (aerobic, resistance). Each moderate-intensity exercise condition was followed by completion of a symbol search test to measure cognitive processing speed. A paired-samples t-test was conducted to assess differences in processing speed between aerobic and resistance exercise conditions. Processing speed scores in the aerobic exercise condition (M = 42.97, SD = 9.06) did not significantly differ (t(28) = -1.701, p = 0.100, d = 0.316) from processing speed scores in the resistance exercise condition (M = 44.62, SD = 9.28). Findings from our study suggest that either modality may be used by a healthy young adult population when exercising to improve processing speed. Future research should continue to explore the exercise and processing speed relationship using body weight and resistance band exercises, as used in the present study, on processing speed, because this may be a more attractive strategy for college students who often report time, accessibility, and cost as barriers to exercise

Relationship of Hip Range of Motion and Peak Braking Force in DIII Female Athletes

Pelvic floor (PF) dysfunctions have a wide variety of symptoms, with urinary incontinence (UI) being one of the most common in elite level sports. Symptoms of PF dysfunction often reduce the number of women participating in athletics and can prevent them from ideal levels of physical activity. Previous studies have shown hip strength does correlate with SUI severity in the general population, but correlation of hip function and landing kinematics has not been made in athletes that undergo more impact than the general population. This study may help to identify PF preliminary indicators of dysfunction in female athletes by understanding the role hip range of motion plays in jumping and landing tasks. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between hip range of motion and peak braking forces in female Division III acrobatics and tumbling athletes. METHODS: Twenty-one female acrobatic and tumbling athletes volunteered for this study and performed drop jump testing and hip external rotation (ER) and internal rotation (IR) range of motion (ROM) measurements. Data was filtered to include only subjects (n = 14; 163.4 ± 8.4 cm; 65.9 ± 10.9 kg) that completed all testing. On testing day, participants performed two drop jumps off of a twenty-four-inch box onto Hawkin Dynamic force plates to measure peak braking force (PBF). Participants were also put through hip internal and external range of motion while lying prone on the examination table. Data was analyzed in SPSS using multivariate linear regression with alpha set to 0.05 RESULTS: Left hip IR ROM predicted left leg PBF (R2 = 0.447; F = 9.71; p = .009). Left hip ER ROM also predicted left leg PBF (R2 = 0.835; F = 59.778; p = 2 = 0.305; F=5.255; p = 0.041). CONCLUSIONS: A significant, positive relationship was found between hip range of motion and peak braking force during landing tasks. The results of the study indicate that increased hip IR and hip ER both resulted in increased braking forces. This may suggest that force transduction capability of the lower extremity may be related to pelvic floor dysfunction, which may reduce incidence of UI in nulliparous athletes. More research is needed in this preliminary investigation to help clinicians develop a non-invasive test to assess PF dysfunction

Differences in Perceived Readiness to train between two Menstrual Cycle Phases in Division II Female Athletes

Recently, the effects of the menstrual cycle (MC) and hormonal fluctuations on performance outcomes and training readiness have received significant research focus, leading to the potential for more individualized and informed approaches in athlete training. Training readiness refers to an athlete´s state of balance between their current training load, fatigue, and potential risk of injury or illness. The MC is divided into two phases (± 28 days), commencing with the follicular or proliferative phase (days 1 to 13) followed by the luteal phase, also known as the secretory phase (days 14 to 28). Its hormonal fluctuation throughout the cycle can significantly affect an athlete´s readiness and thereby directly influencing overall performance outcomes. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the potential differences between two stages of the menstrual cycle (early follicular & luteal phase) on subjective and objective readiness to train measures in Division II female athletes. METHODS: A repeated measures crossover design was used to determine differences in Heart Rate Variability (HRV), psychological readiness and jumping performance (JP). Fifteen participants completed all data collection (age = 19.6 ± 1.3 yrs., height = 164.67 ± 5.78 cm, weight = 62.44 ± 10.95 kg, body fat = 24.34 ± 6.46 %). Participants from track & field (n = 8), softball (n = 5) & cycling team (n = 2) arrived at the laboratory during the early follicular phase (days 1 to 7) and the early luteal phase (days 14 to 21) to perform to identical ST training in conjunction with their current training regimes. For each trial, participants completed a pre and post measurement including body composition assessment (dexa body composition), a three-minute heart rate variability measurement (Scosche Rhythm & Elite HRV phone application), a wellness questionnaire form and four consecutive maximal countermovement jumps with a 30 second rest period after each jump). RESULTS: Significant differences were found in the early luteal phase (p \u3c 0.01) compared to the early follicular phase. No significant differences were found for HRV (p = 0.62) & JP (p = 0.12) between the two phases. In the early luteal phases, athletes tend to be less negatively affected by psychological factors and appear more ready to work out, although this does not have a significant impact on performance metrics. CONCLUSION: Recent research has hypothesized a potential influence of hormonal fluctuations on performance and training variables. Our study concludes that in the early luteal phases, athletes tend to be less negatively affected by psychological factors and appear more ready to work out, although this does not have a significant impact on performance metrics. Simple sport science tools such as wellness questionnaires to measure psychological readiness, heart rate variability and jumping performance assessments can effectively monitor athlete´s training responses through the MC. These tools help enhance awareness and understanding of fluctuations in training readiness & performance

Biocultural Mobility: The Impact of Osteoarthritis on Rural Kentuckians

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common chronic degenerative joint disease that results in joint pain and loss of joint function, and it is rising in prevalence alongside an aging population. OA has a complex etiology, with various biological, mechanical, and sociocultural factors affecting its acquisition and progression. Like most diseases, OA has a differential prevalence among populations; it is disproportionally more common in underserved communities, including rural areas. This thesis presents (1) a study comparing selected OA treatment type and patient travel time, (2) a study comparing OA comorbidity amount and rurality, and (3) a discussion of exploratory interdisciplinary methods in OA prevention and management. (1) Analysis showed patients with longer travel times and rural patients utilized no treatment and fewer types of treatment for hip OA compared to those with shorter travel times and urban patients. (2) Results also showed rural patients experience higher amounts of OA comorbidities than urban patients. These findings suggest the need to create stronger OA prevention and treatment infrastructure in rural areas. (3) The presented interdisciplinary methods also indicate that fully understanding OA causes and risk factors requires a biocultural, holistic lens incorporating lines of evidence across multiple fields

DIVERSITY AND PHYLOGENY OF SPIDER BEETLES (PTINIDAE: PTININAE) IN COASTAL CHILE AND PERU

Spider beetles of South America have historically received little systematic study, though now they are the subject of recent diversity surveys and documentation. This investigation contributes to the ongoing exploration of spider beetle diversity in South America by adding records for the recently described Cordielytrum and the yet to be described Furcillifer, as well as constructing phylogenies with new genetic material. MaxEnt was used to create an ecological niche model revealing habitat suitability in Chile and Peru for Cordielytrum, a genus of flightless spider beetles currently known only from Peru. Even with few occurrence records, a model with good discriminatory power was generated. The most suitable conditions for Cordielytrum are situated along the coast of Peru reflecting, in part, drainage patterns. The model created in this investigation can be used to guide field surveys and can be improved by adding more occurrence records for Cordielytrum. Phylogenetic analyses using CO1, 16S, and 28S gene fragments supported the validity of the genus Furcillifer. Trigonogenius appeared invariably nonmonophyletic. Further investigation into the clades comprised of Cordielytrum and Trigonogenius is recommended. A novel species of spider beetle, Furcillifer locumbaensis, is described from specimens collected from Rio Locumba near Ite, Peru. Overall, the investigations herein describe the current understanding of spider beetle diversity in Peru and northern Chile as well as suggest that diversity patterns are influenced by temperature, precipitation, topography, and potentially other unidentified environmental variables

The Impact of Weighted Vest Exercise on Central Hemodynamics

Exercise enthusiasts use ergogenic aids, such as weighted vests, to improve health and enhance exercise adaptations. Previous studies suggest that weighted vest use during exercise may influence peripheral blood pressure (BP). While peripheral BP provides insight into cardiovascular health, central blood pressure (cBP)—though more challenging to assess—is a more accurate index of cardiovascular stress. Recent advancements have enabled noninvasive estimation of cBP using validated modeling techniques. However, the impact of weighted vest use on estimated cBP remains unclear. PURPOSE: To examine differences in estimated cBP with and without a weighted vest at self-selected exercise intensity. METHODS: In two study visits, 17 physically active adults (n = 6 women) ran 0.5 miles on a treadmill at an exertion level corresponding to 11-12 RPE on the Borg scale, once wearing a weighted vest standardized to 10% of their body weight and once wearing the vest unweighted. A brachial oscillometric cuff was used to measure the suprasystolic BP waveform and estimate central hemodynamic variables at baseline, 5 minutes after exercise, and 15 minutes after exercise. cBP and peripheral augmentation index (pAIx) were estimated by simulating the arterial system using elastic, thin-walled tube elements and the Navier-Stokes equation. A RM-ANOVA was used to determine time effects on the variables of interest with and without the weighted vest. RESULTS: There was no significant time × condition interaction effect of the weighted vest on systolic cBP (Vest Pre: 105±9 mmHg, Vest Post1: 115±13 mmHg, Vest Post2: 109±10 mmHg; No Vest Pre: 107±10 mmHg, No Vest Post1: 113±8 mmHg, No Vest Post2: 110±8 mmHg; p \u3e 0.05), diastolic cBP (Vest Pre: 62±7 mmHg, Vest Post1: 74±8 mmHg, Vest Post2: 71±8 mmHg; No Vest Pre: 64±8 mmHg, No Vest Post1: 74±8 mmHg, No Vest Post2: 69±6 mmHg; p \u3e 0.05), or pAIx (Vest Pre: 32±9%, Vest Post1: 25±11%, Vest Post2: 24±10%; No Vest Pre: 31±13%, No Vest Post1: 25±13%, No Vest Post2: 27±13%; p \u3e 0.05). CONCLUSION: Jogging a half-mile with a weighted vest did not significantly alter central hemodynamics compared to jogging a half-mile without a weighted vest. When given the option to self-select exercise intensity, participants appeared to maintain a similar level of exertion and hemodynamic load regardless of weighted vest use

Intercranial Blood Flow is Determined by Diastolic Blood Pressure

A deeper understanding of cerebral hemodynamics at rest is warranted to identify pathological changes associated with maladaptive changes in cognition. The need stems from evidence supporting cortical hypoperfusion during early adulthood as a predictor of late adulthood Alzheimer’s disease. PURPOSE: To disseminate which physiometrics can aid at identifying changes in cerebral blood flow. METHODS: A total of 22 young (22.55 ± 2.58 years) men participated in this study. Ultrasound sonography (doppler & pulse wave) was utilized to assess the peak systolic (PS) and end diastolic (ED) velocity (cm/s), while simultaneously measuring the vessel diameter (cm) in the internal (ICA) and external (ECA) carotid arteries. Blood flow volume (mL · min-1) for each artery was calculated [π(diameter/2)2 x velocity x 60] during PS and ED phases, and then used to calculate a hemodynamic ratio (ICA:ECA) between arteries. Fasted blood plasma was collected via antecubital venipuncture and utilized to quantify nitric oxide (NO), erythropoietin (EPO), phosphocreatine (PCr), and inorganic phosphate (Pi). The latter two were utilized to calculate a systemic surrogate (PCr:Pi) of metabolic status. Stepwise linear regression was utilized to identify the physiometrics affecting the ICA:ECA. An independent sample t-test was utilized to examine upper and lower 50th percentile comparisons within the ICA:ECA. All data was reported as mean ± standard deviation, with a statistical significance of p \u3c 0.05 and Cohen’s d reported as effect size. RESULTS: The linear regression explained 36.6% of the variability in the ICA:ECA [F(2,18) = 6.769, p = 0.006]. For every 1 unit increase in diastolic blood pressure (p = 0.048), the ICA:ECA decreased by 0.024 units, indicating a greater blood flow volume towards the ECA. In addition, for every 1 unit increase in the PCr:Pi (p = 0.036), the ICA:ECA decreased by 0.623 units, also indicating a greater blood flow volume towards the ECA. Stratified into upper and lower than 50th percentile of the ICA:ECA, groups became highly dichotomous with no distribution near the median. This comparison revealed a significant difference [t(20) = 3.233, p = 0.004, d = 3.01] in the ICA PS (upper: 924.92 ± 190.55 mL· min-1; lower: 676.15 ± 169.80 mL· min-1) blood volume. The significant difference [t(20) = 2.293, p = 0.033, d = 1.22] was also present in the ICA ED (upper: 305.52 ± 76.12 mL· min-1; lower: 234.09 ± 69.88 mL· min-1) blood volume. CONCLUSION: In young men, having a lower diastolic blood pressure is linked to a greater intracranial blood flow. Such hemodynamic predominance might indicate a greater metabolic demand at rest, explaining why a higher ICA blood volume coexisted with a lower PCr:Pi. Conducting continuous follow-ups throughout late adulthood is critical to identify the extent to which maintaining a controlled blood pressure is beneficial in preventing cortical hypoperfusion and associated cognitive decline

Exploring the Connection Between Gameplay and Physical Activity in Adult Video Game Players

The video game industry is extremely successful, with its annual revenue surpassing the film and music industries combined. Globally, nearly 3 billion people play video games (VGs) with most being adult casual video game players (VGPs). Despite this, little research has investigated adult VGPs, the amount of time they spend playing VGs, and this duration’s relationship with physical activity (PA). PURPOSE: To describe the relationship between weekly VG play and leisure time PA (LTPA) duration in adult VGPs. METHODS: 221 participants (153 males, 68 females) completed an online questionnaire evaluating their demographic and health history information and their daily and weekly VG play and PA behaviors (in hours and minutes). RESULTS: An ordinal logistic regression (OLR) was run to model the relationship between weekly LTPA quartile membership and weekly VG play duration categories (minimal, low, moderate, high, and excessive). The OLR model between these two variables showed a non-statistically significant improvement in fit compared to the null model, χ2(4, N=220) = 7.09, p = .13. When the independent variables of race, VGP level (casual or professional), occupation type (sedentary, active, or unknown), and the interaction between race and weekly VG play duration category were added to the model, there was a statistically significant improvement in model fit, χ2(25, N=220) = 195.71, p = \u3c .05. McFadden pseudo-R2 indicated the prediction of LTPA quartile membership was improved by approximately 38%. Pearson Goodness-of-Fit test was non-significant (χ2 = 111.57, p = .92). There was a statistically significant reduction of 1.20 in the log-odds of being in a higher quartile of weekly LTPA for participants who were casual VGPs (N=193) compared to those who were professional VGPs (N=27), meaning casual VGPs were 3.33 times more likely to fall in lower quartiles of weekly LTPA compared to professional VGPs. CONCLUSION: Consistent with existing literature, casual VGPs are more likely to fall in lower quartiles of weekly LTPA by a unit decrease of 1.20. This indicates that casual VGPs are more likely to develop physical chronic health conditions compared due to lack of PA compared to professionals. Due to this increased risk, further research on PA, sedentary behavior, and physical health in adult casual VG playing populations should be conducted. Finally, these results emphasize the need to develop and implement PA interventions and sedentary behavior guidelines, especially for casual adult VGPs

The Effect of SJS/TEN on Skin Blood Flow and Sweating Responses During Heat Stress- Preliminary Data

Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) is a severe disorder that is often caused by a rare reaction to medication that results in widespread blistering and peeling of skin and mucous membranes. This condition can progress to Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) if the affected region covers more than 30% of the patient’s body. After healing, histological assessments of the SJS/TEN affected areas suggest abnormal sweat ducts that may impair thermoregulation. Consistent with that observation, these patients also report heat intolerance which may be due to impaired thermoregulation. Skin blood flow and sweating are two primary mechanisms that contribute to thermoregulation. Thus, there is a clear need to identify the effects of SJS/TEN on skin blood flow and sweating responses to heat stress in the affected areas. PURPOSE: We tested the hypothesis that skin blood flow and sweating responses to passive heat stress will be blunted in the affected area of recovered SJS/TEN patients. METHODS: Recovered SJS/TEN patients who were otherwise healthy participated in one experimental visit. Participants were heated by perfusing hot-water (~50°C) through a tube-lined suit until voluntary withdrawal (i.e., thermal tolerance) or until core body temperature was increased by 1°C. We measured skin blood flow (via laser-Doppler flowmetry) and local sweat rate (via ventilated capsule technique) from SJS/TEN affected and non-affected areas (not covered by the water-perfused suit) at rest and following heat-stress. Additionally, we measured core body temperature (via ingestible telemetric pill), heart rate (via electrocardiogram), and blood pressure (via automated auscultation of the brachial artery) during the experimental visit. RESULTS: Five participants (4 females, 1 male age: 29 ± 6 years) with a previous SJS/TEN diagnosis (4.5± 2.6 years ago) completed the study. Core body temperature increased by 0.85 ± 0.13°C from baseline to end-heating. The change in skin blood flow from baseline to end heating was not different (p=0.38) between SJS/TEN affected (∆156 ± 168 p.u.) and non-affected (∆145 ± 145 p.u.) areas. Additionally, the change in local sweat rate from baseline to end heating was not different (p= 0.141) between SJS/TEN affected (∆1.03 ± 0.20 mg/cm2/min) and non-affected (∆0.76 ± 0.27 mg/cm2/min) areas. CONCLUSION: Based on the obtained preliminary data, the thermoregulatory responses to passive heat stress (i.e. skin blood flow and local sweat rate) do not appear to be altered on SJS/TEN affected areas

AI-Driven Insights from the NFL Scouting Combine: Principal Component Analysis, K-Means Clustering, and Regression for Predicting Draft Position and Status

The NFL Scouting Combine provides prospective professional American football players the opportunity to demonstrate physical performance abilities and position-specific skills in a series of standardized assessments, though the current understanding of the influence of these tests on draft status and position remains unclear. PURPOSE: This study evaluates the NFL Combine\u27s physical tests for explaining variance in performance within positions and predicting relative draft position (RDP) and draft status (DS). METHODS: Players (n=1234) were categorized into four position groups (PG) using k-means clustering: quarterbacks (QB), skill, linemen, and mid-size. Predictors included results of the six NFL Combine tests, height, weight, power, and momentum. Only players who completed all combine assessments were included (n=1234). Principal Component (PC) analysis with oblimin rotation and Horn’s parallel analysis reduced data dimensionality for each PG. Linear mixed models and binary logistic regression were used to predict the impact of PCs on RDP and DS for each position. RESULTS: Two to three meaningful PCs (adjusted eigenvector ≥ 1) were identified for each PG with the first PC universally representing momentum metrics, explaining 33-45% of intra-PG variance. PCs significantly associated with RDP were identified for all PGs but defensive backs and running backs, while PCs significantly associated with DS were found for all PGs except QBs and power running backs (p0.05), and 10/26 PCs showed no significant relationship with DS (p\u3e0.05), suggesting that physical performance alone does not account for most variability in RDP once underlying physical thresholds to be drafted are met. CONCLUSION: The NFL Combine physical performance tests inconsistently predict DS and RDP but should not be overlooked during draft preparation. Prospects should prioritize position-specific skills and game performance over optimizing these test results. Future research should explore the influence of these components on NFL career success and longevity