Alek Angeli

Effects of Sodium Bicarbonate on Anaerobic Performance

Athletes that undergo anaerobic exercise will ultimately reach a certain point of fatigue and an inability to maintain exercise intensity. Sodium bicarbonate has been shown to induce a metabolic alkalosis that may be effective in improving anaerobic performance. The information shown was established by analyzing different research articles and scholarly texts on the effects of sodium bicarbonate and processes of metabolic responses. The results showed that sodium bicarbonate induced alkalosis, helped maintain pH levels, and improve performance. The results from this research suggest that the ingestion of sodium bicarbonate does help improve anaerobic performance by improving buffering capacity.

EXSC 407, Senior Capstone

Heike McNeil

P114

9 – 9:30 AM

Tyler Fox

Long Term Effects of Creatine Supplementation On The Body

The consumption of creatine monohydrate is quickly becoming a very popular ergogenic aid. Thus, the purpose of this literature review is to assess creatine monohydrate’s impact on the body and the effects that long-term consumption has on health and performance. Articles assessing these issues have been chosen from scholarly journals and focus on the scientific study of creatine and its impact on the body. In long-term creatine supplementation studies found no idacies that creatine negatively affects blood pressure, plasma creatine, or renal function (2-9). Moreover, these studies suggest that creatine supplementation appears to be a generally effective performance enhancer.

EXSC 407, Senior Capstone

Heike McNeil

P114

9:30 – 10 AM

LeeAnn Fudge

Fish Oil Supplementation and Asthma

The purpose of this presentation is to review literature surrounding fish oil and its influence on asthma and exercise-induced bronchoconstriction. The omega-3 fatty acids present in fish oil have been shown to reduce inflammation and because of this unique characteristic, research has been conducted to see just how fish oil supplementation may be used to counteract the symptoms of asthma, and ultimately reduce bronchial inflammation. This presentation looks in depth at some of the research that has been conducted in regards to this subject and considers whether or not fish oil is a viable solution to bronchoconstriction.

EXSC 407, Senior Capstone

Heike McNeil

P114

1 – 1:30 PM

Ryan Herriage

Vitamin D and How it Relates to Overall Health and Sport Performance

This purpose of this project was to show how the importance of Vitamin-D for both the average individual as well as a collegiate athlete. The significance of my research will help to explain how individual’s current Vitamin-D levels tend to be insufficient, shows how both supplementation and radiation will help to improve an individuals’ health, as well as may improve their athletic performance. Through my research I will be able to show the importance of Vitamin-D. This will assist many athletes in learning the benefits of having proper supplementation and hopefully show how they may benefit in their sport performance.

EXSC 407, Senior Capstone

Heike McNeil

P114

1:30 – 2 PM

Adelayde Hoskins

Hydration

Hydration plays a vital role in an athlete’s performance. It is important because the body is mostly made up of water, and the proper balance between water and electrolytes in our bodies really determines how most of our systems function, including nerves and muscles. If the nerves and muscles are not functioning properly, the athlete cannot perform to their best ability. During this presentation we will look at a few different studies on athletes and their given sports to assess their hydration statuses. 

EXSC 407, Senior Capstone

Heike McNeil

P114

10 – 10:30 AM

Taylor Kraal

The Effects of Caffeine on Endurance Sports

The effects of caffeine on endurance athletes as well as its effectiveness as a performance enhancer examined. Six experimental studies were reviewed to determine the effects of caffeine in various performance related scenarios. After carefully reviewing all the parameters in the different experimental setups, it was concluded that caffeine reduces the athlete’s idea of perceived exertion which can essentially increase performance in endurance events. In certain scenarios, caffeine was shown to function directly as an ergogenic aid. The majority of the research showed that caffeine was beneficial to endurance athletes mostly because it decreases perceived exertion.

EXSC 407, Senior Capstone

Heike McNeil

P114

2 – 2:30 PM

Danae Laufer

Supplemental Carnitine 

Carnitine is an endogenous compound, meaning it originates in the body. It transports long-chain fatty acids into the mitochondria during fat oxidation. I studied the literature of different research articles and their findings to discover if the claims made about supplementing carnitine are accurate. Each study produced specific results in the difference made by carnitine in the body. Altogether, the results show that there are some advantages in supplementing carnitine but there was also no evidence that most athletes eating a balanced diet are at risk for carnitine deficiency and therefor, there is no reason to supplement carnitine.

EXSC 407, Senior Capstone

Heike McNeil

P114

2:30 – 3 PM

Guillermo Torres-Sanchez

Improving Fat Oxidation Through Exercise, Carnitine Supplementation, and Caffeine Supplementation

Endurance exercise training results in an enhanced ability to oxidize fat which leads to improvement of athletic performance. Fat oxidation not only affects athletes but also helps the average person that participates in an endurance type activity such as walking. This is important because there has been a bigger shift of focus towards exercise in order to help people live healthier lifestyles and for athletes to perform at their absolute peak. This study looks into ways that you may be able to increase fat oxidation by looking at types of exercises and also through carnitine and caffeine supplementation.

EXSC 407, Senior Capstone

Heike McNeil

P114

10:30 – 11 AM

Camille Anguiano

Postural Stability Post Sport Concussion

This review paper examines different ways to test and measure postural stability that can be helpful to sports medicine clinicians, athletic trainers, and coaches as they are making return to play decisions following a sport concussion. Six articles were searched on EBSCO Host. This review concluded that measuring postural stability and neuropsychological post concussion symptoms of athletes is a very effective measurement designed to aid sports clinicians in return to play decisions. Postural stability tests were found to be extremely important because they measure the center of force in neutral position, any deviation away from neutral position results in a sway. 

EXSC 407, Senior Capstone

Heike McNeil

L203

1 – 1:30 PM

Jackie Brooks

Prevention of Recurring ACL Injuries: Rehabilitation Strategies

Athletes that have undergone anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction are at risk of re-injury. This presentation discusses the risk factors and recommendations for safe return to sport for athletes after ACLR. Information supporting use of objective, measurable criteria that focuses on resolution of neuromuscular deficits that are know and modifiable risk factors, in addition to time from surgery guidelines, must be implemented to decrease re-injury rates.

EXSC 407, Senior Capstone

Heike McNeil

L203

1:30 – 2 PM

Katie Collins

Glenohumeral Instability and Dislocations in Athletes

Athletes are at a high risk of encountering glenohumeral instability and dislocations due to overuse or traumatic collisions. Six peer reviewed articles were researched in order to better understand the classification, etiology, and treatment options of glenohumeral instability. The results implied that initial management should include a non-operative rehabilitation program. However, if this is unsuccessful within 6 months, then surgical treatment should be considered. Also, it was found that depending on the activity level and requirements of the athlete, surgery may be the better initial option for treating glenohumeral instability and dislocations so that the athlete can quickly return their sport.

EXSC 407, Senior Capstone

Heike McNeil

L203

2 – 2:30 PM

Kelsey Combs

Contributing Factors in Rotator Cuff Injuries

Rotator cuff injuries (RTC) are common among athletes, particularly athletes that are involved in sports that require overhead exercises. The purpose of this review was to look at different factors and see how they influence one’s risk for an RTC injury. The review includes materials gathered from six different studies and discusses the influence of muscle flexibility, fatigue, range of motion, and overuse on rotator cuff injuries. It was concluded that there are a multitude of factors that influence the risk for injury; this results in an imbalance in the strength of the RTC muscles, increasing one’s risk for injury and re-injury.

EXSC 407, Senior Capstone

Heike McNeil

L203

2 – 2:30 PM

Calvin Green

Mechanics and Resulting Injury of the Golf Swing

Golf is a sport that is gaining worldwide popularity thanks to the play and stardom of players like Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy, and Bubba Watson. With recent advances in technology, instructors and researchers have been able to analyze the mechanics of the swing and the muscles used. This review will look at the muscles being used during the swing, how injuries could be sustained due to the mechanics of the golf swing, and an effective treatment plan for the injury prone golfer. 

EXSC 407, Senior Capstone

Heike McNeil

L203

3 – 3:30 PM

Jessica Jeffreys

Great Recovery Methods for Incomplete Spinal Injuries

Incomplete spinal cord injuries have a lengthy and unique process of recovery for every patient. Understanding the options of gait recovery for those who have an incomplete SCA will better the chances of a successful gait. Six studies were used from EBSCOHost to understand the physical therapy options to regain gait strength.

EXSC 407, Senior Capstone

Heike McNeil

L203

3:30 – 4 PM

Sierra Schorer-Noll

The Relationship Between Medial Plica and Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

Medial plica syndrome is a sports injury that affects a relatively small population and is therefore not very well known or researched. Medial Plica is extra tissue in the knee which changes shape with flexion and extension. The pain comes from the friction between the tissue and the bone articulations. This review attempts to analyze the relationship between patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS), an overuse injury, and medial plica of the knee. Both sport injuries were researched extensively. Historically, no direct relationship has been established between the two. Six original research articles were chosen and it was concluded that there is a strong relationship between PFPS and medial plica. 

EXSC 407, Senior Capstone

Heike McNeil

L203

3:30 – 4 PM