The Effect of Posture on Running Economy, Kinematics, and Muscle Activation

College of Professional Studies

This study investigated the effect of postural alterations (degree of forward lean and strategy) on running economy (energy consumed), kinematics (joint motion), and muscle activation during running. We found that running with a large lean resulted in a decrease in running economy and increased hip flexion such that the body increases its reliance on the less efficient gluteus maximus muscle. Furthermore, leaning forward increased gluteus maximus activation during stance phase, particularly when accepting body weight in landing. These findings suggests that running with an upright posture or more moderate forward lean, may be more energetically optimal.

The Effect of Prescribed Fire in Northern California Dune Habitat for Avian Species

Cameron Morgan, Wildlife Undergraduate Student

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

The objective of my study is to determine relative abundance and species diversity of avian species in dune habitat by comparing point counts conducted in burned sections of prescribed fires that were either treated or untreated with herbicides prior to application of fire compared to unburned areas of invasive beach grass or native dune mat. The prescribed fire event was conducted last fall in Loleta's Ocean Ranch Unit, and I am seeking to inform CDFW and Cal Fire on the potential effects of the burn on birds, with the goal of restoring our dunes to habitat with native vegetation.

The Effect of Salinity on the Concentration of Various Trace Metals in The Little River Estuary

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

Trace metals are crucial to many biological processes in marine environments. In estuaries linear relationships between salinity and concentration indicate that mixing is the main determinant of concentration, while exponential relationships indicate active removal. In this study it was expected that scandium would have an exponential relationship with salinity due to its similar ionic size to iron, however, Sc displayed a linear relationship while elements that were expected to be linear were exponential. To the author’s knowledge, this data represents the first river and estuary measurements of Sc, Ce, Zr, and La, and the reasons for these surprising relationships are not fully known.

The Effect of Stride Frequency Variations on Running Performance at the Velocity of VO2max

College of Professional Studies

Running economy(RE) is considered to be a critical factor to improve running performance. Stride frequency(SF) is an important variable for determining RE. However, no previous research has investigated the interaction between running performance and SF at the velocity of maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max). The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of SF variations on running performance (duration/distance) at the velocity of VO2max. 14 male recreational runners completed total 7 experimental sessions with different SF conditions. The SF variations have a significant influence on running performance, especially 105% of preferred SF conditions revealed the best performance.

The Effect of Turn Angle on the Energetic Cost of Running

College of Professional Studies

Unlike other activities, running paths do not have easily measured difficulties (ie., ski slopes, climbing level). Turn characteristics (tortuousness) are one strong contributor to path difficulty, therefore the purpose of this study is to determine if turn angle will alter the energetic cost of running.

The Effect of Workload on Exercise Volume during Exhaustive Anaerobic Treadmill Running

College of Professional Studies

The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of three different workload protocols on exercise volume completed during multiple sets of exhaustive anaerobic running on a treadmill. The longer times per set and greater volume achieved during the descending speed (DS) protocol, in comparison to the descending grade (DG) and constant set (CS) protocols, suggests the potential for a greater training effect. Total exercise volume achieved during the four sets of the DS protocol was significantly higher than both the CS and DG protocols. Differences in cadence values among the protocols could help explain differences in performance implicating muscle fiber type recruitment and fatigue.

The Effectiveness of A Matter of Balance on Rural Community Dwelling Veterans and Non Veterans

College of Professional Studies

In the aging population, falls are a leading public health concern. Evidence-based community programs such as A Matter of Balance (AMOB) have shown a reduction in medical costs and an increase in falls efficacy. The purpose of this study is to examine the effectiveness of AMOB on fall risk factors among rural community dwelling veterans and non-veterans.

The Effectiveness of Artificial Intelligence in Fall Risk Assessment for Older Adults

Ian Church, School of Applied Health Undergraduate Student

College of Professional Studies

Falls in older adults are a leading cause of injury, hospitalization, and reduced independence, with significant healthcare costs and impacts on quality of life. Traditional fall risk assessments (e.g., clinical tests) are time-consuming, subjective, and may lack predictive accuracy. Advances in wearable sensors, AI, and machine learning offer real-time, objective, and scalable solutions for fall risk prediction and prevention. The purpose of this review is to synthesize current evidence on Artificial Intelligence-driven fall risk assessment tools and highlight gaps for future research.

The Effectiveness of Different Teaching Methods in Physical Education

BRAYAN CALEL, Other Undergraduate Student

Library

The Effectiveness of Different Teaching Methods in Physical Education. This will be the topic I’ll be addressing. I will also be printing my own poster for the day for idea feast.

The Effects of Aerobic Exercise on Preventing Ischemic Strokes in Postmenopausal Women

Riley Shopp, School of Applied Health Undergraduate Student

College of Professional Studies

This research project examines the effects of aerobic exercise in reducing the risk of ischemic strokes among postmenopausal women. Across several studies, consistent moderate-intensity cardiovascular activity—such as walking, cycling, and swimming—was associated with improved blood pressure, lipid profiles, and overall heart health. Findings support aerobic exercise as an effective preventive strategy.