Kinesiology Presentations

​Presenter: Heather Ashley Baptiste
Presentation Title: A theory-based examination of students' beliefs towards a bike share program at Jacksonville University.
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Heather Hausenblas
Course: KIN 490 Internship in Health Sciences

Presenter: Robert Paxton
Presentation Title: A review of health, economic, and environmental outcomes of open streets programs in various cities in the Unities States
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Heather Hausenblas
Course: KIN 490 Internship in Health Sciences

Presenters: Blake Fry, Jeremy Jones, Deangelo Howard, Tyler Davis-Alm, Matthew Passeggiata, Robert Paxton
​Presentation Title: Exercise is Medicine Strength Training
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Jeff Wight
Course: KIN 317 Athletic Performance and Conditioning

Description
This year, JU became certified by the American College of Sports Medicine as an "Exercise is Medicine (EIM)" campus.  JU is one of only two campuses in Florida to be certified. For this symposium project, Kinesiology students present the EIM Strength Training workout developed for JU.  This efficient workout consists of just five exercises and can be completed at a fitness center or at home.  Students present functional anatomy, beginner guidelines, results for the JU student fitness competition, and new video analysis from the JU Green Room.

Presenters: Kristin Ridenour, Abigail Remenapp, Erika Brager, Laine Peterson, Kateri Goldammer
Presentation Title: Stroller-running Video Analysis
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Jeff Wight
Course: KIN 317 Athletic Performance and Conditioning

Description
This spring semester, Kinesiology students from KIN-317 completed a stroller-running project. This is an important topic relevant to the health and well-being of caregivers and children.  Students will present 1) video analysis of three stroller-running styles, 2) biomechanical comparison of the three styles, 3) biomechanical comparison of standard running (no stroller) with stroller-running, and 4) video analysis of an elite stroller-runner.

Presenters: Katy Solis, Taylor McCullers, Cody Helgeland, Victoria Tkacz, Lauren Whetzel, Caitlin Marino, Jenira Shufford
Presentation Title: Video Analysis of Soccer Running
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Jeff Wight
Course: KIN 317 Athletic Performance and Conditioning

Description
For this project, JU Kinesiology students examine the running mechanics used by JU soccer players. In soccer, it is important to study both "slow" and "fast" running velocities (since soccer players spend considerable time using both). The purpose of this project is to help develop useful video analysis for soccer players. Three analyses were completed: 1) compare the athlete's mechanics (slow running mechanics to sprinting), 2) compare slow running mechanics to an elite distance runner, and 3) compare sprinting mechanics to an elite sprinter. 

Presenters: Abigail Remenapp, Kristin Ridenour, Erika Brager, Ceyda Bridger
Presentation Title: Distance Running Biomechanics
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Jeff Wight
Course: KIN 485 Biomechanics

Description
For this project, students in an advanced Kinesiology course (Biomechanics) present the running biomechanics used by elite runners. Video analysis was collected in the JU Running Laboratory, at JU track practice, and during top local races. Topics include: 1) the different styles of foot contact used by elite runners, 2) biomechanics of training ace and racing pace, 3) biomechanics at the beginning and end of a race, and 4) comparison of slow and fast running.

Presenters: Paulo Duarte Do Nascimento, John Palumbo-Mccrae, Tyler Davis-Alm
Presentation Title: Advanced Joint Flexibility Analysis
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Jeff Wight
Course: KIN 485 Biomechanics

Description:
For this project, students in an advanced Kinesiology course (Biomechanics) present a tutorial on joint flexibility analysis. The purpose is to present how to thoroughly assess a joint's flexibility using a biomechanical approach. Traditionally, flexibility is assessed using a simple plastic goniometer. This device is limited because it only assesses how mobile the joint is (end range of motion). Students will demonstrate how biomechanical devices can be used to also assess how "tight or loose" a joint is. Data from elite baseball pitchers (shoulder internal and external rotation flexibility) will be presented to demonstrate the relevance. 

Presenters: Rachel Miller, Victoria Tkacz, Leah Thompson, Blanca Fernandez, Lauren White, Caitlin Marino
Presentation Title: Video Analysis of Gait
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Jeff Wight
Course: KIN 485 Biomechanics

Description:
For this project, students in an advanced Kinesiology course (Biomechanics) present a tutorial on gait (walking and running). The purpose is to present how gait is scientifically analyzed using video analysis. Standard video analysis was completed on the JU track. Topics include: 1) the two phases of gait (stance and swing), 2) important critical instants to study (foot contact, toe-off, mid-stance), 3) comparison of slow and fast walking, 4) comparison of slow and fast running, and 5) comparison of elite and recreation runners. 

Presenters: Nia Bolen-Daniels, Marc Meny, Grant Howard, Sydney Warpness, Taylor Rossman, Michelle Pereira
Presentation Title: Muscle Recruitment and Strength Training
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Jeff Wight
Course: KIN 485 Biomechanics

​Description:
For this project, students in an advanced Kinesiology course (Biomechanics) present a tutorial on muscle recruitment and the efficiency of strength training. The purpose is to present the relevance of muscle mechanics to health. Topics include: 1) the "size principle" which explains why low effort exercise (like walking) recruits limited muscle fibers, 2) strength loss concerns for sedentary and aging populations 3) the incredible efficiency of strength training (to quickly fatigue all muscle fibers), and 4) the relevance of strength training variables (days per week, sets, repetitions, amount of weight used, etc.).
 
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Presenter: Bonnie A. Thigpen 
Presentation Title: COULD CARDIOVASCULAR REHABILITATION BE MORE EFFECTIVE IF IT WERE UTILIZED AS A PREVENTATIVE HEALTH MEASURE RATHER THAN A REACTIVE ONE?
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Christopher T. Robertson
Course: KIN 499WS Senior Seminar
 
Description:
A steady decline of health in society is leading to an increase in cardiovascular disease becoming a serious health risk. Cardiovascular rehabilitation is a vital, yet underutilized part of combatting cardiovascular health problems. By exploring the psychological, nutritional, and physiological benefits of these programs, doctors may be inclined to use them as a preventative measure rather than post treatment after a major event has occurred.
 
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Presenter: Julianna Welch
Presentation Title: USING CHIROPRACTIC CARE AS A PREVENTATIVE AND CURATIVE TREATMENT FOR ATHLETIC INJURIES
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Christopher T. Robertson
Course: KIN 499WS Senior Seminar

Description:
Many people are skeptical of the efficacy and applicability of chiropractic care for both the prevention and care of athletic injuries, and as a beneficial medical practice for sports teams and athletes as a whole. This thesis provides a sound argument as to how and why modern-day chiropractic medicine is ever-evolving into becoming an effective, reliable, and versatile medical field in the involvement of both athletic care and athletic injury prevention.
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Presenter: Laine M. Peterson
Presentation Title: HOW DOES PHYSICAL THERAPY NEGATE THE SIDE EFFECTS ASSOCIATED WITH CHEMOTHERAPY AND RADIATION IN PEDIATRIC CANCER PATIENTS?
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Christopher T. Robertson
Course: KIN 499WS Senior Seminar

Description:
Children who receive chemotherapy and radiation for the treatment of cancer are forced to live with the side effects their whole lives. Cancer treatments are toxic and lead to life threatening diseases and disabilities. Many of these side effects cause a loss in strength, mobility, balance, and independence. Physical therapy aims to assist patients in regaining or maintaining those properties, however most doctors underutilize physical therapy as part of a treatment plan. Physical therapy and adequate movement exercises can deter some of these harmful side effects and allow survivors to live healthier lives as they age.
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Presenter: Matthew J. Passeggiata
Presentation Title: IS THERE A CORRELATION IN BODY MASS INDEX OF A PARENT AND THEIR OFFSPRING?
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Christopher T. Robertson
Course: KIN 499WS Senior Seminar

Description:
Obesity is an epidemic affecting 1 in 3 children. Research has shown children born in the 21st century may suffer from diabetes and diet related problems at some point in their life. A child's parent is responsible for their actions and their overall health. Parent's wrongly perceive and assess their child's weight and potentially influence sedentary behaviors, as well as implement characteristics that contribute to poor health. Thus, the obesity epidemic begins at home under the parent’s watch where a correlation between body mass indexes arise.
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Presenter: Ryan Wagner
Presentation Title: WHICH FORM OF CARDIO IS BEST SUITED TO REDUCE OBESITY IN ADULTS?
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Christopher T. Robertson
Course: KIN 499WS Senior Seminar

Description:
Obesity is a world-wide epidemic effecting more than one-third of all adults in the U.S. One step to combat obesity is to perform cardiovascular exercise, which has been proven to aid in reducing body weight. However, experts debate whether high-intensity or continuous endurance cardio is most effective in doing so. Research suggests that high-intensity interval training appears to be the most time-efficient form of cardio for improving body composition. Based upon clinical evidence, I hope to influence adults to participate in high-intensity exercise to help reduce body weight and in turn combat the prevalence of obesity in America.
 
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Presenter: Josh Baker
Presentation Title: OVERUSE INJURIES IN THE UPPER EXTREMITIES IN BASEBALL PITCHERS
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Christopher T. Robertson
Course: KIN 499WS Senior Seminar

Description:
In today’s age, athletic injuries are occurring at an epidemic rate in all levels of baseball. There is a combination of overuse and specific injuries that are occurring in younger players, which are leading to more serious, possibly career ending injuries in adult baseball players. In this presentation, I will explain why I believe there has been this rise in throwing injuries in baseball players, and what the next steps need to be in order to hopefully decrease injury occurrence in the sport of baseball.

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Presenter: Victoria Hernandez
Presentation Title: HATHA YOGA: A MORE ECONOMICAL TREATMENT METHOD FOR COLLEGIATE ATHLETES WITH LOW BACK PAIN
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Christopher T. Robertson
Course: KIN 499WS Senior Seminar

Description:
This presentation will explore the possibility of using Hatha yoga as a treatment modality for collegiate athletes with low back pain. This will be important in the medical field because as college students, sometimes more costly treatment methods are not financially an option. I will explore both the psychological and physiological benefits of hatha yoga. I will be arguing the use of Hatha yoga as an alternative or supplemental treatment plan for low back pain.
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Presenter: Jessalyn D. Earley
Presentation Title: WHAT ARE THE EFFECTS OF NEUROPLASTICITY-FOCUSED THERAPY ON GROSS MOTOR FUNCTIONS ACROSS MATURATION LEVELS IN PATIENTS WITH CEREBRAL PALSY?
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Christopher T. Robertson
Course: KIN 499WS Senior Seminar

Description:
Gross motor function for patients with cerebral palsy is limited and often non-existent. Common therapies aim to improve functionality, yet they often prove to be ineffective. New studies have revealed that completely altering the pathways of the brain may be the answer to providing such patients with the mobility and functionality that they seek. By exploring the incorporation of neuroplasticity-focused therapy into traditional therapy settings, the efficacy of traditional therapies may be drastically improved in years to come.
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Presenter: Audrey Webb
Presentation Title: ANABOLIC STEROIDS: IF TAKEN PROPERLY AND WITH PROPER KNOWLEDGE, CAN ANABOLIC STEROIDS BE TAKEN OFF THE CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE LIST?
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Christopher T. Robertson
Course: KIN 499WS Senior Seminar

Description:
Anabolic- androgenic steroids (AAS) are used by athletes and non-athletes to gain muscle, enhance their appearance, and increase endurance. AAS has been frowned upon by society and is considered cheating when it comes to competition. In the 1990s congress passed the Control Substance Act, which added AAS to the banned substance list unless prescribed by a doctor. But how can something used for medical purposes be such a bad thing? In this presentation I will go over the pros and cons of AAS and if taken properly, how they can do more good than harm.
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Presenter: Blanca Fernandez

Presentation Title: WHAT ARE THE PSYCHOLOGICAL EFFECTS ASSOCIATED WITH CHRONIC BACK PAIN IN COLLEGE ATHLETES?
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Christopher T. Robertson
Course: KIN 499WS Senior Seminar

Description:
A background will be given on how the nervous system is affected from chronic pain. Traits that increase the likelihood of depression from chronic pain will be discussed. How attitude and postural changes increase the likelihood of chronic back pain persisting. Cognitive therapy as well as being around social support can help with coping and recovery. Athletes have a need to be on a team because of the social support and tend to perceive injuries worse than non- athletes. Athletes face withdrawal symptoms when giving up sport, psychological effects of coping with injuries will also be shared.
 
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Presenter: DeAngelo M. Howard Jr.
Presentation Title: DOES PHYSICAL ACTIVITY PROVIDE A POSITIVE/NEGATIVE AFFECT ON ADOLESCENTS’ ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE?
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Christopher T. Robertson
Course: KIN 499WS Senior Seminar

Description:
Research has shown that physical activity is associated to many behavioral and cognitive characteristics in adolescents like brain neural development, enhanced classroom cognition and concentration, increased levels of self-esteem, and decreased levels of anxiety. This thesis will attempt to show if these characteristics associated with regular physical activity contribute to improved adolescent academic performance.
 
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Presenter: Marc R. Meny
Presentation Title: HOW DOES RESTRICTED ENVIRONMENTAL STIMULUS THERAPY IMPROVE ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE?
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Christopher T. Robertson
Course: KIN 499WS Senior Seminar

Description:
Restricted environmental stimulus therapy (REST) has been shown to improve athletic performance over multiple sport domains and in numerous research investigations. This thesis delves into how flotation REST affects performance through psychological and physiological changes. Factors examined are the effectiveness of gaining self-efficacy within the flotation tank as a way to modify behavior, as well as, the biological changes that occur within the body during and after REST. This thesis attempts to explain how and why these changes occur when 'separating' the mind from the body.

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Presenter: Brady DeCouto
Presentation Title: HOW DOES CHIROPRACTIC CARE AFFECT ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE?
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Christopher T. Robertson
Course: KIN 499WS Senior Seminar

Description:
Chiropractic care has the potential to enhance athletic performance. The manipulation of the spine can reduce muscular inhibition depending on the region of the spine manipulated, and this can increase force production. Muscular endurance can also be improved through the decrease in muscular inhibition. An increased availability of motor units can result in a prolonged time to fatigue. Movement efficiency can be improved through enhancements in force development and transfer due to an increase in joint mobility. An improved ability for motor learning can result from the manipulation of the cervical spine.
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Presenter: C. R. Bridger
Presentation Title: DISTANCE RUNNING AND ITS IMPACT ON ADOLESCENTS
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Christopher T. Robertson
Course: KIN 499WS Senior Seminar

Description:
How can running impact the lives of our children? Distance running is not reserved for adults only; as a matter of fact adolescents may receive many benefits from regularly participating in running events too. Similar to all sporting activities there are certain risks to take into consideration when working with children; however, most of the risks may be mitigated. My goal is to explain how adolescents may significantly benefit from participating in distance running. Additionally, risk factors will be presented with the intention of bringing awareness to common preventable injuries related to distance running.
 
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Presenters: Ana Gabriela Nieto Gomez
Presentation Title: CAN ANTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT INJURIES BE REDUCED AND PREVENTED WITH LANDING TECHNIQUES THROUGH A SPECIFIC NEUROMUSCULAR TRAINING IN FEMALE VOLLEYBALL PLAYERS?
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Christopher T. Robertson
Course: KIN 499WS Senior Seminar
Description:
Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury rates in female volleyball players have remained steady over the course of the past two decades. Research has shown that females are at a higher risk than males to incur an ACL injury (2 to 8 times) due to factors associated with anatomical, hormonal, and neuromuscular characteristics. Neuromuscular characteristics can be changed through efficient training and improved landing technique to reduce the risk of ACL injury. Thus, an effective neuromuscular training program may reduce the risk of ACL injury in female volleyball players.

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Presenter: Taylor Rossman
Presentation Title: DOES EXERCISE DELAY AND/OR MANAGE THE SYMPTOMS OF ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE?
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Christopher T. Robertson
Course: KIN 499WS Senior Seminar
Description:
Alzheimer’s disease affects roughly 4 million people in the United States and is estimated to reach 14 million people by 2040 (G. Small et. Al, 1997). The purpose of this research is to examine the benefits of exercise as an intervention to prolong the onset of Alzheimer’s disease. There is not yet a cure for this progressive disease but exercise has been shown in some cases to delay the advancement of the disease, as well as help patients manage the symptoms.
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Presenter: Michelle Pereira
Presentation Title: DOES TRAINING AT HIGH ALTITUDE ENHANCE ENDURANCE PERFORMANCE
WHAT TYPE OF THERAPY IS MOST EFFECTIVE FOR HEADACHE RELIEF: EASTERN OR WESTERN MEDICINE APPROACHES?
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Christopher T. Robertson
Course: KIN 499WS Senior Seminar
Description:
Headache is a common, yet debilitating, pain associated with electrical imbalances caused by many health factors. When the body is under stress, distorted electrical signals cause blood vessels to contract impeding serotonin in the tissues; in return, blood vessels swell up often, causing inflammation on the trigeminal nerves. To understand headache, this research includes Western and Eastern approaches and a combination of both to verify their efficacy. Medications can provide temporary relief, although adverse side effects outweigh its benefits. Alternative medicine could be effective and a lasting pain relief.
 
Presenter: Lauren A White
Presentation Title: Training at ​high altitude does not affect endurance performance
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Christopher T. Robertson
Course: KIN 499WS Senior Seminar
Description:
Athletes have been training at higher altitude to gain physiological changes in order to be more efficient when performing. However, research has shown that these physiological advances do not always enhance performance and could actually decrease performance output. This thesis will examine the effects of training at high altitude on the body as well as endurance performance. Through a comprehensive meta-analysis, it has been shown that athletes may be putting themselves through tough conditions to get little to no gain at all.
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