Guidelines for “Topics Brief” Submissions

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology Volume 4: Issue 1, Article 6, 2023. The “Topics Brief”, a novel submissions format, is introduced with authors guidelines. Within this submissions format, a category describing a target audience should be identified, such as Topics Brief for: Patients, Clinicians, Practitioners, or Students. Authors may also suggest their own category for a target audience. The title should be descriptive and allow for maximum searchability. Authorship criteria include a substantial contribution, assisting with the manuscript draft, and approval of the final version. The format is open, with a focus of presenting work in a clear and understandable manner that members of a target audience may choose to implement in some manner. The following items should be considered: 1) use of appropriate reading level, 2) visual representation is encouraged, 3) condensed format, ideally no longer than 1-2 pages, and 4) the most important information is shared. Authors publishing a Topics Brief will agree to review a future Topics Brief submission

Introducing the “Topics Brief”: Bridging the Gap Between University and Non-Academics in a Potentially More Meaningful Way

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology Volume 4: Issue 1, Article 5, 2023. Introducing the “Topics Brief”, aiming to bridge the gap between university and non-academics. Topics Briefs should include the following: 1. Share what was done to a non-academic audience, 2. Condensed format (limited to 1-2 pages, 1 page preferred), 3. Include only the most important parts (i.e., main concepts, main results, main learned experience) to be implemented in practical application, 4. May be heavily visual (we encourage authors to be creative

Important Updates to Submission Types in Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology Volume 2: Issue 1, Article 1, 2021. While Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology (TESK) was originally designed to fill a void in publishing applied information for practitioners in physical activity and sport, the TESK editors have determined a need to update the submission categories. The categories of Process of Science and Implementation Strategies have been retained, and three new types of submissions now will be accepted: Expedited Articles, Review Articles, and Case Studies. Process of Science submissions should seek to answer the question, “What was learned from the experience of performing the investigation?”, while Implementation Strategies should address, “How can what was carried out be explained?” Required elements for both submission types are outlined along with guidelines for conducting peer-reviews. Expedited Articles can be submitted to TESK and undergo an accelerated review by the editors. Required elements and the peer review processes are also outlined for Review Articles and Case Studies

Guidelines for Reviewers: Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology

The purpose of this document is to serve as a guide for evaluators who agree to review work submitted to Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology. To assist evaluators, a Reviewer Rubric has been created with the following sections: Title Page and Abstract, Introduction and Methods Page, Point of Application Page(s), Other Considerations, and Reviewer Decisions. Point of application: Reviewing the Title and Abstract page – rubric shared for title, author list, affiliations, the abstract, and key words. Point of application: Reviewing the Introduction and Methods page – evaluation of introductory paragraph, paragraph for methodology and/or results. Point of application: Reviewing the Point of Application pages – rubric for Each Point of Application, which should consist of a title, written text, and a figure or table. Point of application: Reviewing the Figures and Tables, and Making a Decision – rubric for the evaluation of figures or tables, others comments, and decisions that can be made

Assessing the Validity of Several Heart Rate Monitors in Wearable Technology While Mountain Biking

International Journal of Exercise Science 16(7): 1440-1450, 2023. Purpose: This study sought to assess the validity of several heart rate (HR) monitors in wearable technology during mountain biking (MTB), compared to the Polar H7® HR monitor, used as the criterion device. Methods: A total of 20 participants completed two MTB trials while wearing six HR monitors (5 test devices, 1 criterion). HR was recorded on a second-by-second basis for all devices analyzed. After data processing, validity measures were calculated, including 1. error analysis: mean absolute percentage errors (MAPE), mean absolute error (MAE), and mean error (ME), and 2. Correlation analysis: Lin’s concordance correlation coefficient (CCC) and Pearson’s correlation coefficient (r). Thresholds for validity were set at MAPE \u3c 10% and CCC \u3e 0.7. Results: The only device that was found to be valid during mountain biking was the Suunto Spartan Sport watch with accompanying HR monitor, with a MAPE of 0.66% and a CCC of 0.99 for the overall, combined data. Conclusion: If a person would like to track their HR during mountain biking, for pacing, training, or other reasons, the devices best able to produce valid results are chest-based, wireless electrocardiogram (ECG) monitors, secured by elastic straps to minimize the movement of the device, such as the Suunto chest-based HR monitor

Concurrent Heart Rate Validity of Wearable Technology Devices During Trail Running

Validation of heart rate responses in wearable technology devices is generally composed of laboratory-based protocols that are steady state in nature and as a result, high accuracy measures are returned. However, there is a need to understand device validity in applied settings that include varied intensities of exercise. The purpose was to determine concurrent heart rate validity during trail running. Twenty-one healthy participants volunteered (female n = 10, [mean (SD)]: age = 31 [11] years, height = 173.0 [7] cm, mass = 75.6 [13] kg). Participants were outfitted with wearable technology devices (Garmin Fenix 5 wristwatch, Jabra Elite Sport earbuds, Motiv ring, Scosche Rhythm+ forearm band, Suunto Spartan Sport watch with accompanying chest strap) and completed a self-paced 3.22 km trail run while concurrently wearing a criterion heart rate strap (Polar H7 heart rate monitor). The trail runs were out-and-back with the first 1.61 km in an uphill direction, and the 1.61 return being downhill in nature. Validity was determined through three methods: Mean Absolute Percent Error (MAPE), Bland-Altman Limits of Agreement (LOA), and Lin’s Concordance Coefficient (rC). Validity measures overall are as follows: Garmin Fenix 5 (MAPE = 13%, LOA = -32 to 162, rC = 0.32), Jabra Elite Sport (MAPE = 23%, LOA = -464 to 503, rC = 0.38), Motiv ring (MAPE = 16%, LOA = -52 to 96, rC = 0.29), Scosche Rhythm+ (MAPE = 6%, LOA = -114 to 120, rC = 0.79), Suunto Spartan Sport (MAPE = 2%, LOA = -62 to 61, rC = 0.96). All photoplethysmography-based (PPG) devices displayed poor heart rate agreement during variable intensity trail running. Until technological advances occur in PPG-based devices allowing for acceptable agreement, heart rate in outdoor environments should be obtained using an ECG-based chest strap that can be connected to a wristwatch or other comparable receiver

The Effects of Sitting and Walking in Green Space on State Mindfulness and Connectedness to Nature

People report feeling connected to nature while spending time in green space. The modulators of this relationship are unclear. One modulator may be state mindfulness, which is how mindful someone is in a specific moment. The first step of studying state mindfulness as a potential modulator is describing how state mindfulness and connectedness to nature respond to acute exposure to green space. PURPOSE: This study aimed to determine whether sitting and walking in green space change state mindfulness and connectedness to nature in tandem. METHODS: Participants arrived at one of two green spaces: the Thunderbird Gardens Trailhead in Cedar City, UT, or the Clark County Wetlands Park in Las Vegas, NV. After giving verbal and written consent, the participants completed the State Mindfulness Scale (SMS) and Love and Care of Nature Scale (LCN). The participants then sat alone and undisturbed for 10 minutes near the trailhead and completed the SMS and LCN again. Next, the participants walked alone for 10 minutes on the trail and completed the SMS and LCN once more. The SMS and LCN scores were compared among pre-sit, post-sit, and post-walk via two separate one-way repeated-measures ANOVAs. Population effect sizes were estimated as partial omega squared (ωp2; large effect \u3e 0.14). After each ANOVA, the post hoc pairwise comparisons were dependent-samples t-tests with Bonferroni adjustments. The α-level was 0.05 for all the statistical analyses. RESULTS: Forty-two participants completed the study (22 females, 20 males, 0 intersex; 4 African American/Black, 4 Asian, 19 Caucasian/White, 9 Hispanic/Latino, 1 Mediterranean, 1 Middle Eastern, 3 Multi-Racial, 1 Polynesian; 26 ± 9 years, 170 ± 9 cm, 69 ± 16 kg, 24 ± 4 kg/m2). The SMS scores significantly increased from pre-sit to post-sit (+29 arbitrary units [AU], 95% CI: 20, 38; p \u3c 0.001) but not from post-sit to post-walk (p = 0.23). The LCN scores significantly increased from pre-sit to post-sit (+5 AU, 95% CI: 2, 8; p = 0.003) and from post-sit to post-walk (+4 AU, 95% CI: 1, 6; p = 0.002). CONCLUSION: Sitting for 10 minutes in green space increases state mindfulness and connectedness to nature. Walking for 10 minutes further increases connectedness to nature but not state mindfulness. The next step is determining whether state mindfulness predicts connectedness to nature while in green space

The Effects of Green Exercise on Perception and Connectedness to Nature

Purpose: The purpose of this dissertation is three-fold: 1. Investigate the effects of acute beta alanine ingestion during green exercise on connectedness to nature, and perception of pain. 2. Investigate the test-retest reliability of the Love and care of Nature Scale during the task of mountain biking. 3. Investigate the effects of green exercise on connectedness to nature and perception. Methods: Three individual studies were conducted: The first was a double-blinded, placebo-controlled, crossover study design which examined the effect of induced painful sensation (via acute Beta Alanine (B-ALA) ingestion) on Love and Care of Nature (LCN), heart rate (HR), rating of perceived exertion (RPE), and McGill Pain Questionnaire (MPQ) during outdoor exercise. Twenty participants were recruited to participate. Participants in the respective studies either completed two .8km hikes after consuming 6.4 grams of beta alanine or placebo. The second and third study had 20 participants complete two bouts of Mountain biking (MB). Fot the second study, participants completed The Love and Care of Nature (LCN) scale, Brunel Mood Scale Vigor (BRUMS) subscale, Felt Arousal scale (FAS), and Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) scale before and after each 1.6km-trial. These scales have all previously demonstrated validity and reliability, but not in a mountain biking green exercise (MBGE) task. Reliability of these perceptual scales was ascertained during the second study. To be considered reliable, three criteria must be met: ICC values must exceed 0.70, the lower bound (LB) of the 95% CI must exceed 0.70, and CV must not exceed 10%. The third study evaluated the effects of MBGE on connectedness to nature and perception. A 2 (Time: Pre, Post) x 2 (trial: 1, 2) repeated measures ANOVA was conducted for all four dependent variables (LCN, BRUMS Vigor, FAS, and RPE). These repeated measures ANOVAs, where necessary, were followed by post hoc paired-samples t-tests with Bonferroni corrections. Results: Study 1: Total MPQ scores increased with consumption of B-ALA (p = 0.001). An increased LCN score was observed following exercise regardless of condition (p = .035). Study 2: The LCN scale was the only scale to meet all three criteria post-MBGE (ICC = 0.939, 95%CI: LB = 0.849, UB (Upper Bound) = 0.976, CV = 2.25%). Study 3: RPE, FAS, and LCN increased post-trial compared to pre-trial, while not differing from the first to second trial. Vigor increased from pre to post trial, as well as increased from trial 1 to trial 2. Conclusions: The findings of the first and third study demonstrated that connectedness to nature, indicated by increased total LCN scores, increased from pre to post workout during both hiking and mountain biking. This was also demonstrated in two different biomes, the mountain forest, and desert foothills. The findings of the second study demonstrated that the LCN is reliable for use during GE. Also, the BRUMS Vigor, FAS, and RPE scales were not reliable during GE

Concurrent heart rate validity of wearable technology devices during trail running.

Validation of heart rate responses in wearable technology devices is generally composed of laboratory-based protocols that are steady state in nature and as a result, high accuracy measures are returned. However, there is a need to understand device validity in applied settings that include varied intensities of exercise. The purpose was to determine concurrent heart rate validity during trail running. Twenty-one healthy participants volunteered (female n = 10, [mean (SD)]: age = 31 [11] years, height = 173.0 [7] cm, mass = 75.6 [13] kg). Participants were outfitted with wearable technology devices (Garmin Fenix 5 wristwatch, Jabra Elite Sport earbuds, Motiv ring, Scosche Rhythm+ forearm band, Suunto Spartan Sport watch with accompanying chest strap) and completed a self-paced 3.22 km trail run while concurrently wearing a criterion heart rate strap (Polar H7 heart rate monitor). The trail runs were out-and-back with the first 1.61 km in an uphill direction, and the 1.61 return being downhill in nature. Validity was determined through three methods: Mean Absolute Percent Error (MAPE), Bland-Altman Limits of Agreement (LOA), and Lin's Concordance Coefficient (rC). Validity measures overall are as follows: Garmin Fenix 5 (MAPE = 13%, LOA = -32 to 162, rC = 0.32), Jabra Elite Sport (MAPE = 23%, LOA = -464 to 503, rC = 0.38), Motiv ring (MAPE = 16%, LOA = -52 to 96, rC = 0.29), Scosche Rhythm+ (MAPE = 6%, LOA = -114 to 120, rC = 0.79), Suunto Spartan Sport (MAPE = 2%, LOA = -62 to 61, rC = 0.96). All photoplethysmography-based (PPG) devices displayed poor heart rate agreement during variable intensity trail running. Until technological advances occur in PPG-based devices allowing for acceptable agreement, heart rate in outdoor environments should be obtained using an ECG-based chest strap that can be connected to a wristwatch or other comparable receiver

Evaluating the Validity of the Salatto-Love and Care of Nature Direct Indication Scale Against the Love and Care of Nature Scale During Rest and After Self-Paced Hiking

There are several scales used to measure one’s connectedness to or love of nature. Amongst these scales is The Love and Care of Nature Scale (LCN), which has been used across several disciplines in research. While the LCN is a valid and reliable scale, completing the 15-question scale may be time consuming and difficult during field research. PURPOSE: The purpose of the current investigation was to establish a fast, easy-to-administer, and easy-to-understand visual analog scale that is valid for evaluating participants’ connectedness to or love of nature. METHODS:Nineteen participants met on two consecutive days at Thunderbird Gardens Trailhead in Cedar City, Utah. Upon arrival at the trailhead, participants completed the LCN and the Salatto-Love and Care of Nature Direct Indication Scale (SLCNDIS). The SLCNDIS is a 100-mm-long visual analog scale with two written phrases at opposing ends of the line: “Very Strongly Disagree” and “Very Strongly Agree” (see below). Participants were then instructed to walk into nature, sit, and observe the natural environment for 10 minutes. After this immersion period, participants completed the LCN and SLCNDIS again. After completing the scales this second time, participants completed a 10-minute, self-paced hike. After hiking, participants completed the LCN and SLCNDIS a third time. Scores on the LCN were calculated and compared to the measured mark indicated on the SLCNDIS. Validity will be established by observing a MAPE of 10% or lower as well as a Lin\u27s concordance correlation coefficient above 0.7 Pearson’s r will also be evaluated. RESULTS: While the SLCNDIS did not initially satisfy some criteria, the strength of correlation between the two scales increased throughout the investigation. See table below: CONCLUSION: According to the validity criteria of a MAPE ≤ 10% and Lin\u27s Concordance Correlation Coefficient (rc) \u3e 0.7, the SLCNDIS is concurrently valid with the LCN after 10 minutes of seated immersion and 10 minutes of hiking at a self-selected pace in nature (post-walk, MAPE = 9.75%; rc = 0.87). Both MAPE and rc were too high at baseline (pre-sit; MAPE = 22.49%; rc = 0.62) and after 10 minutes of seated immersion (pre-walk; MAPE = 13.00%; rc = 0.80) to be considered valid. However, at all three time points, the SLCNDIS scores were strongly and positively correlated with the LCN scores (r = 0.72 at pre-sit, r = 0.84 at pre-walk, and r = 0.88 at post-walk). Given the strength of the significant, positive correlations (Pearson\u27s) between the SLCNDIS and LCN scores at all three time-points, the SLCNDIS may be a feasible and valid tool for measuring a person\u27s connectedness to and love of nature. The validity of the SLCNDIS should be tested in larger and more diverse samples of participants before and after exposure to nature