The Case for Ungraded

Alexandria Rumbel, Education Graduate Student

College of Professional Studies

We use grades to categorize student achievement and provide feedback, but is this really the best way to foster accountability, prompt meta-cognition, and instill students with an intrinsic love of learning? Despite the near ubiquitous acceptance of grading as a standard feature of secondary and post-secondary education, educational philosophers and educational practitioners have had reservations about grading–practically since its inception. If grading does not lead to the best outcomes for our students, what shall we do instead? "The Case for Ungraded" is a poster created and presented by Alexandria Rumbel, a graduate student in the Master’s of Education program at Cal Poly Humboldt.

The Effect of Adopting an External Focus of Attention on EMG Activity and Fatigue in the Bicep Curl.

College of Professional Studies

It has been reported that adopting an external focus may enhance movement efficiency in individuals. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of adopting distal external focus of attention on muscle activity and repetitions to failure during barbell bicep curls. This study utilized three trials for three different focus conditions (control, internal, external) to measure muscle activity through electromyography and repetitions to failure. For the internal focus condition, participants were instructed to focus on their arm performing the movement. For the external focus condition, participants focused on a light attached to the barbell and pointed at the wall.

The Effect of Descending Resistance Sets Compared to Constant Resistance Sets on the Volume Completed During a High Intensity Free Weight Back Squat Exercise

College of Professional Studies

Resistance training is effective for improving anabolic hormone production; however, no previous research has developed optimized descending resistance sets to increase training volume. The purpose of this study is to compare two different loading protocols of the free weight back squat with 85% 1RM and 30 second rest period to determine the extent of progressive resistance reductions necessary to maintain repetition performance based on the %1RM. 15 resistance trained males completed experimental sessions, including descending sets and constant sets, with the goal of greater training volume. Specifically, using descending resistance sets for back squats allows for greater training volume.

The Effect of Dynamic Balance & Muscular Strength on Fall Prevention in the Elderly

Tatum Carlin, School of Applied Health Undergraduate Student

College of Professional Studies

Falls are a major risk for older adults, leading to injury and loss of independence. This research explores how age-related declines in dynamic balance and muscular strength increase fall risk. Evidence shows that combining balance and strength training significantly reduces falls, offering an effective strategy to support mobility and safety in the aging population.

The Effect of Interval Intensity on Time To Exhaustion During High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) Running in Recreational Male Runners

College of Professional Studies

High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) has become popular in recent years, but a lack of guidelines for interval intensities and margins compromise exercise prescription. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of 3 HIIT sessions and 1 continuous running session of the same average intensity (80% VO2max) on total Run Time to Exhaustion (TE). Ten adult male recreational runners (Age=22.9 ± 2.5 yr, Height=1.72 ± 0.1m, Body Mass=74.1 ± 7.4 kg) completed running sessions, with HIIT trials featuring 2 minute bouts and a 1:1 ratio of work to active recovery. A repeated measures ANOVA revealed mean TE differed significantly between conditions (F (3, 27) = 23.4071, p < 0.05).

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 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.