Effect of Foot Orthoses on Energetics and Lower Limb Mechanics in Healthy Adults During Cycling

College of Professional Studies

The use of custom foot orthotics and wedging techniques has been recognized in the literature as a method to mechanically alter or improve joint function at the hip and knee. This study investigated the effect of foot orthoses on energetics and lower limb mechanics in healthy adults during cycling. We hypothesized that alterations to medial foot support will affect lower limb mechanics as well as metabolic values. Participants completed an individualized protocol that involved cycling in four foot orthoses conditions at three power intensities. The results of this study provide insights into the use of foot orthoses for; correcting mechanics, improving energetics and reducing injury.

Effectiveness of nSuns Powerlifting Program on Increasing 1RM

College of Professional Studies

Study of a powerlifting power to increase 1RM on the bench press.

Effects of a Dual-Task Paradigm on Tandem Gait Performance After Concussion

College of Professional Studies

Sport-related concussions are defined as the somatic and cognitive instabilities caused by direct, biomechanical forces colliding with an individual’s head or body. Health professionals utilize a series of tests to identify these instabilities at the time of injury and throughout recovery; however, each test measures the deficits individually. Alternatively, by combining two tests into a dual-task assessment, subtle impairments are better detected after a concussion. The purpose of this study is to determine if the Tandem Gait with a secondary cognitive task is a valid and reliable tool to distinguish prolonged gait deficits after a concussion in collegiate athletes.

Effects of a Race Timer on the 3 Minute All Out Test for Critical Power

College of Professional Studies

The 3 Minute all-out Test (3MT) provides a lens with which to gain insight on an individual's performance capabilities by measuring both anaerobic capacity and maximal aerobic capacity in one short test. The 3MT measures maximal performance based on the assumption that the subject is giving the test maximal effort. However due to the design of the 3MT, test participants may not be able to accurately gauge their perceived exertion, which could potentially affect performance outcomes during testing. The aim of this study is to examine the effects of introducing a race timer to the 3MT on performance outcomes in healthy active males, and also carries the potential to refine the 3MT.

Effects of Active Versus Passive Recovery on Blood Lactate and Performance in Repeated Wingate Tests

College of Professional Studies

The Wingate anaerobic test is one of the most widely used fitness tests that requires the participants to exert maximum effort. There is a lack of research on the effect of a longer duration active recovery protocol on blood lactate levels and performance in repeated Wingate tests as compared to passive recovery, and a lack of research on those components in females. The purpose of the study is to investigate the effect of active versus passive recovery on performance and blood lactate levels during two 30-second Wingate tests in healthy, college-aged females to further understand how different recovery types can affect performance and recovery. Hypothesis: An active recovery will allow for

Effects of cleft lip and palate on visual scanning and neural processing of infant faces

Nathan Boone, Psychology Graduate Student

College of Professional Studies

Infant faces rapidly capture our attention and elicit enhanced neural processing compared to adult faces, likely due to their evolutionary significance. Cleft lip/palate is estimated to affect 1 in 700 live births worldwide and is associated with difficulties in early caregiver interactions. Behavioral studies have shown that cleft lip/palate reduces perceptions of cuteness; however, the underlying neural and perceptual mechanisms governing responses to cleft lip/palate remain relatively understudied. The current study uses eye tracking and electroencephalography (EEG) to explore visual scanning patterns and neural responses to infants with and without cleft lip/palate.

Effects of cleft lip and palate on visual scanning and neural processing of infant faces

Juergen Riedelsheimer, Psychology Graduate Student

College of Professional Studies

The current study used a combination of eye tracking and EEG to investigate early visual processing of infant faces with cleft lip/palate as well as the impact cleft palate has on perceived cuteness. The results demonstrate a significant decrease in early visual attention to the eye region and increased visual attention to the mouth for infants with cleft lip. Differences in neural processing are evident at both early and late stage processing (N170, P2, LPP).

Effects of Ladder Training on Sprint and Change of Direction Performance

College of Professional Studies

Ladder training is a form of multidirectional lower limb plyometric training utilized by coaches and athletes in a variety of sports. Researchers have not examined how ladder training improves sprint and COD performance. The addition of 4 weeks of LT to a conventional pre-season strength and conditioning program seems to represent a time-efficient stimulus for improvement in sprint performance, stride frequency, and ground contact time. LT should be implemented as a warm up or neural priming exercise. These findings offer practitioners and athletes the ability to improve performance and induce kinematic adaptations at a desired period within the macrocycle.

Effects of Non-Invasive Rehabilitation for Baseball Players Recovering from Tommy John Surgery: Optimizing Safe & Efficient Return to Play

Lexanee Inzunza, Other Undergraduate Student

College of Professional Studies

Baseball pitchers often suffer ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) tears due to repetitive, high-velocity throws. These injuries are commonly treated with Tommy John Surgery (TJS), which requires a 12–18 month recovery. While TJS is effective, its long rehab has led to rising interest in non-invasive options like physical therapy, PRP, stem cells, and biomechanical training. These methods show promise for moderate injuries, offering shorter recovery and fewer risks. More research is needed, but individualized non-surgical care may support a safer, more efficient return to play.

Effects of Participation in a Deliberative Democracy Initiative on Sense of Community

Marissa Morales, Psychology Undergraduate Student

College of Professional Studies

This poster examines the effects of participation in a deliberative democracy on neighborhood and city sense of community (SOC). The study consisted of 15 qualitative interviews of panelists, focusing on how their neighborhood and city SOC changed by taking part in the citizens' assembly. Interviews were coded and resulted in six primary themes: Pride in neighborhood; Knowledge of community; Working as a representative of the community on the panel; Social connectivity within neighborhood; Multiple perspective-taking; and Community advocacy. This study adds to the literature by highlighting ways citizens’ assemblies improve participants' sense of community more broadly.