The Relationship Between Landing Error Scoring System-Real Time and Dorsiflexion Range of Motion in Recreational Athletes

Participation in physical activity is important for overall health; however, lower extremity injuries are a major risk associated with physical activity. Injuries can lead to time away from physical activity and be associated with negative health consequences. The most common injuries are traumatic injuries to the knee and ankle; which may be related to poor landing mechanics and decreased range of motion. Previous research utilizing motion analysis systems have determined people with greater dorsiflexion range of motion (DROM) demonstrated smaller ground reaction forces and greater knee and hip flexion displacement while landing; indicating a softer landing strategy. The ability to screen for landing mechanics and range of motion deficiencies is an important step in the prevention of physical activity related injuries. Therefore, the purpose of this thesis was to examine the relationship between jump landing biomechanics and DROM utilizing real-time, field-based assessments in recreational athletes. Thirty-six collegiate club soccer and basketball athletes participated in a single testing session. Jump-landing mechanics were assessed with the Landing Error Scoring System-Real Time (LESS-RT) and DROM was measured with the Weight Bearing Lunge Test (WBLT). Spearman’s rank correlations identified a weak, insignificant relationship between the WBLT summary and LESS-RT (r = 0.11, p = 0.52). Although a significant relationship was not identified, scores from individual items on the LESS-RT related to knee flexion, trunk flexion, and knee valgus were the primary contributors to poor landing mechanics and warrant further examination. Although these findings do not support previous laboratory studies, it appears the LESS-RT and WBLT may provide unique information to be considered when examining injury risk. We reject the hypothesis that there would be a relationship between LESS-RT and WBLT; however, measures of DROM and LESS-RT items in these recreational sport participants revealed areas of further examination for these lower extremity assessments

Peaks of Otter Salamander (Plethodon hubrichti) Condition Declines along an Elevational Gradient

Undergraduate Basi

Report on a visit to CIFT, Cochin, India to provide training and guidance in studying microbiological problems in cultured fish/seafoods - 13 February - 11 March 1995

A visit was made to the Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (CIFT), Cochin as part of the ODA funded collaborative programme between NRI and CIFT. The aim of the work was to further strengthen the skills of CIFT staff and to help in institution building. Staff within the Microbiology, Fermentation and Biotechnology Section (MFB Section) were given training in the identification of selected microbial pathogens and guidance in undertaking research studies at CIFT into the microbiological problems likely to be encountered with the spread of aquaculture systems in India

The Associations of Cardiovascular Disease, Physical Activity Intensities, and Measures of Obesity on Static Balance in Middle-Aged and Older Adults

The burden of falls is widely known in older adults, though less research has targeted middle-aged adults (40-64 years of age), particularly at the population level. The purpose of this dissertation was to explore the roles of cardiovascular disease, physical activity (PA) intensity, and body anthropometrics on balance among middle-aged adults. Study 1 sought to determine if balance was impaired in middle-aged adults with poor ankle-brachial pressure index (ABPI), a marker of cardiovascular disease. Study 2 determined the associations between PA intensity with odds of having good static balance. Study 3 explored how strongly a variety of anthropometric measures, including two novel ratios, associated with static balance. Studies utilized 1999-2002 and 2003-2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data. Study 1 included 1,046 middle-aged adults to examine the associations between ABPI and static balance (Romberg Test of Standing Balance) via logistic regression. This study determined middle-aged adults with at-risk ABPI had a significantly higher 3.38 (95%CI 1.66, 6.87) odds of having poor balance, indicating that balance may be an important functional assessment used in conjunction with ABPI to identify those at a higher risk of cardiovascular disease and falls. Using logistic regression, study 2 analyzed data from 1,068 middle-aged adults to examine the associations of light physical activity (LPA) and moderate-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) with static balance. No significant relationships were found between MVPA or LPA and having good static balance in middle age. However, a sub-analysis in older adults (≥65 years) determined every 60- minute increase in LPA was significantly associated with 1.19 (95%CI: 1.09, 1.31) higher odds of good static balance after controlling for covariates, including MVPA. Study 3 included anthropometric measures of body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), calf circumference (CC), thigh circumference (TC), WC/CC, WC/TC, WC/CC2 , and WC/TC2 in 1,050 middle-aged adults. While a number of anthropometric measures were significantly associated with static balance, in both middle-aged males and females, analyses found higher WC/CC2 and WC/TC2 were significantly associated with decreased odds of good static balance. In both genders, area under the curve predictive ability resulted in WC/TC2 followed by WC/CC2 to be the highest predictors of static balance in middle-aged adults. Similarly, older-age males and females with higher WC/CC2 and WC/TC2 have significantly decreased odds of good static balance. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that WC/TC2 and WC/CC2 are good predictors of balance in middle-aged and older adults

Genetic Variation Between Populations of Plethodon hubrichti

Undergraduate Basi

Understanding The Long-term Impact Of Flooding On The Wellbeing Of Residents A Mixed Methods Study

BackgroundAs the effects of climate change become more visible, extreme weather events are becoming more common. The effects of flooding on the wellbeing of residents has been reported, the long-term impact on those affected need to be considered. This mixed methods secondary analysis of a cross-sectional survey examined the extent to which being flooded in the past is associated with ongoing concerns about flooding. MethodSurvey data were collected from residents in Hull 11 years after the initial flooding event. Respondents were asked about the floods in 2007 and their current level of concern about flooding. Ordinal logistic regression explored the effect of age and tenancy status as predictors of current concern. Textual data were analysed using thematic content analysis. Results: Responses were received from 457 households, of whom 202 (48%) were affected by flooding in 2007. 20% of respondents were very concerned about future flooding. Those who were not flooded were significantly less concerned about the risk of future flooding (U = 33391.0, z = 5.89, p < 0.001). Those who reported negative health and wellbeing effects from the floods were significantly more concerned about future flooding than those whose health was not affected (U = 7830.5, z = 4.43, p < 0.001). Whilst some residents were reassured by the introduction of new flood alleviation schemes, others did not feel these were adequate, and worried about the impact of climate change. The financial and emotional impacts of the floods still resonated with families 11 years after the event, with many fearing they would not cope if it happened again.ConclusionDespite the floods in Hull happening over a decade ago, many members of the community continue to experience high levels of anxiety when storms are forecast. Residents feel powerless to protect themselves, and many remain unconvinced by the presence of new flood alleviation schemes. With the ongoing threat of climate change, it may be that residents are unrealistic in their expectation to be ‘protected’ from flood events. Therefore, public health agencies need to be able to mobilise organizations to come together to pro-actively support families affected by flooding, to ensure those in need do not fall through the gaps of public healthcare delivery

A study in the determination of quality/value relationships in rice (NRI Bulletin 55)

Econometric approaches to the valuation of a food product based on the implicit values of its individual quality attributes are a relatively recent development. Whilst such approaches have been used to explain and quantify consumer preferences at different market levels and in different countries, they offer considerable potential for storage enterprises. Armed with a knowledge of the financial significance of individual quality attribute changes over predicted storage periods, the enterprise can select a technology package which minimizes the most significant of those changes for a given commodity. A methodology for such an approach, based on a Natural Resources Institute case study in Indonesia, is described

The Impact of Blood Flow Restrictive Exercise on Endothelial Function

Blood flow restriction training (BFRT) is the occlusion of blood flow during resistance exercise to elicit enhanced skeletal muscle hypertrophy while lifting lower weights compared to standard resistance training. Research has shown BFR with low intensity resistance training to elicit similar results in skeletal muscle hypertrophy when compared to higher intensity resistance exercise. Although BFR demonstrates similar levels of skeletal muscle hypertrophy, no research has examined the effects of BFR exercise on brachial artery endothelial function which has been demonstrated to be closely linked to coronary artery endothelial function and thus predisposition to developing atherosclerosis. Due to the effect on endothelial function, this type of training modality may not be suitable for individuals with cardiovascular disease (CVD) or those at a greater risk for developing CVD. The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of blood flow restriction training on endothelial function. Subjects were 9 healthy males, 23.9±1.2 years, 27.7±1.2 kg/m 2 who regularly participate in resistance training exercises at least 2 times per week. Subjects performed 3 sets of bicep curls at 30% of their 1 repetition maximum to failure with a blood pressure cuff at 80% arterial occlusion pressure. Endothelial function was assessed by flow mediated dilation performed before, immediately after, and one hour post BFR. These data indicate BFR exercise does not alter endothelial function in healthy males. Given that studies have demonstrated that an acute bout of traditional resistance training increases flow mediated dilation, BFR may be impairing the ability of exercise to improve endothelial function. Future studies will be aimed at examining plasma markers of vascular dysregulation, such as endothelin-1 and vascular cell adhesion molecule in response to BFR to determine potential mechanisms for the blunted flow mediated dilation.https://digitalcommons.odu.edu/education_darden/1006/thumbnail.jp

Evaluation of Balance and a Timed Walk on Ankle Brachial Pressure Index and Potential Blood Measures of Cardiovascular Health

Clinicians are focused on ways to preserve function, independence, and quality of life in the aging adult population. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S.[1]. Thus, assessing the extent of this disease is a high priority in preserving health throughout the lifespan. When determining risk of cardiovascular (CV) disease, functional assessments are recognized as a way to embed function-focused care into assessing disease risk [2]. Ankle-brachial pressure index (ABPI) is a non-invasive reliable predictor for identifying cardiovascular disease risk and mortality [3]. Thus, the purpose was to evaluate the association between functional assessments and ankle brachial pressure index in an aged population. Data was collected from the 1999-2002 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, which included 1696 adults (age 40-70 years). Measurements evaluated were functional assessments of a vestibular balance test and a timed 20ft walking test, and laboratory measurements of right and left leg ABPI score. Results found poor balance associated with higher odds of being in a high-risk ABPI category when looking at both left ABPI (odds ratio [OR] = 1.70; 95%CI: 0.58, 5.0) and right ABPI (OR = 2.37; 95%CI: 0.76, 7.33). Slower timed walk scores were associated with increased odds of being in the high-risk ABPI category for the left (OR = 3.21; 95%CI: 1.73, 5.98) and right (OR = 3.44; 95%CI: 2.13, 5.58). When combined, those with poor balance and slower walking speed are at higher odds for being in the high-risk ABPI category for the left (OR = 1.97; 95% 0.80, 4.85) and right (OR = 2.55; 95% 1.23, 5.79). We conclude, functional assessments are associated with a commonly used measure of CV disease risk, ABPI. Specifically, functional assessments of balance and walking speed are suggestive of risk category of ABPI, which indicates risk category for CV disease [4].https://digitalcommons.odu.edu/gradposters2020_education/1003/thumbnail.jp