Human Kinetics - Master's Theses

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The adaptation challenges and strategies of immigrant high performance coaches working within the canadian sport system
(Laurentian University of Sudbury, 2014-01-27) Cummings, Jessica
The objective of this study was to understand the adaptation challenges and solutions experienced by immigrant coaches relocated to Canada. Ten high performance immigrant coaches were recruited, each completing a demographic questionnaire and partaking in an individual interview, providing insight into their experiences and cultural challenges. Results of the study were presented under two central themes: a) communication (language barriers and coach-athlete negotiations), and b) socialization (Canadian sport backdrop and views of sport in the immigrant coach’s home versus host country). A common adaptation solution was the importance of social support resources, with the immigrant coaches adjusting with less acculturative stress when a reciprocal relationship was developed between themselves and those they worked with. From this preliminary project there is an indication that sport psychology consultants (SPCs) should work with immigrant coaches, and coaches and athletes of the host country to foster this bi-directional learning processes, facilitating the coaches’ transition.
An analysis of physical activity levels of children following the balanced school day schedule
(Laurentian University of Sudbury, 2015-05-28) Jaunzarins, Bridget
Background: Physical activity is a key determinant of children’s health. However, increasingly children are not attaining adequate amounts of physical activity. Children spend a considerable amount of time at school and school-based physical activity can significantly contribute to total daily physical activity achieved by children. Specifically, recess time can significantly contribute to a child’s daily opportunity to attain the recommended 60 minutes of physical activity per day. In this thesis, I assessed the impact of block scheduling on physical activity levels during recess for children in grades 3 and 6. More specifically, I examined the impact of time of day (am vs. pm) and season (fall vs. winter) on levels of recess-based physical activity among children using the “Balanced School Day” schedule. Methods: Data were collected at a school using the Balanced School Day schedule over five consecutive days during fall and winter in a school from a community in northern Ontario. Children wore the Yamax SW-200 pedometer and a segmented data collection approach to assess step counts during ‘class-time’ and ‘recess-time’ was used. Results: Seventy-eight students participated in this study. Average daily steps were higher in the fall compared to the winter. There were no meaningful differences in the number of steps taken when considering time of day. Boys accumulated significantly more steps than girls for total recess steps regardless of season. Grade 3 students experienced the greatest decrease in steps seasonally. Conclusions: As a result of this study, we have reaffirmed that children are not maximizing opportunities for physical activity during the school day. In general, lower step counts are noted among girls and grade 6 students. We can also conclude that the recess schedule (i.e. morning vs. iv afternoon) does not affect physical activity during recess in children using the BSD; however, there is a seasonal influence. All children were less active in the winter recess when compared to the fall and this was particularly accentuated among the younger participants.
Assessing whole-body vibration transmissibility in children's bicycle trailers
(2020-10-19) Kanya-Forstner, Margaret
The overall objective of this thesis was to assess whole-body vibration (WBV) exposure in bicycle trailers to determine 1) vibration exposure characteristics associated with children riding in bicycle trailers, 2) the effectiveness of the bicycle trailer seat in reducing vibration transmitted to children riding in a bicycle trailer, and 3) to determine if gel seat cushions were effective in reducing vibration transmissibility through the seat/gel cushion to the buttock of a child in a bike trailer. These objectives were accomplished through a field study and a laboratory study. The first study, was conducted in the field with the primary objective to 1) to document vibration exposure characteristics measure on the bicycle trailer frame, at the interface between the seat and buttock of a seated child, and at the back of the child’s head, 2) to determine health risks based on an ISO 2631-1 health guidance caution zone (HCGZ) analysis, and 3) to determine if vibration exposure characteristics differed when riding on gravel compared to a paved terrain. The findings revealed an associated health risk, with levels of vibration measured at the buttock/seat interface consistently exceeded ISO 2631-1 health guidance caution zone guidelines. Moreover, vibration exposure magnitude, and associated health risk, was higher when the bicycle trailer was ridden on gravel terrain at higher speeds. When adjusted for a twohour exposure time, vibration experience by the children sitting in the bicycle trailer, for the majority of the trials, revealed a moderate health risk according to the ISO 2631-1 HGCZ. Additionally, all 12 trials had seat-to-head transmissibility levels above 1.00, indicating an amplification in vibration from the child’s seat to their head when riding in the bicycle trailer. The second study, was conducted under controlled laboratory settings with the aim to determine the impact of independent variables terrain type, trailer type, and cushion type, on dependent variable vibration magnitude measured at the interface between the trailer seat and simulated buttock of a child. Terrain type had the largest influence on vibration exposure levels (p<0.001), followed by trailer type (rigid-frame vs. suspension-frame) (p<0.001). Gel cushions did not significantly influence vibration measured at the seat/buttock interface but were found to reduce vibration measured at the rigid-frame trailer. Findings from this thesis suggest that if children were to spend greater than 2 hours a day in a bicycle trailer, they would exceed the ISO 2631-1 HCGZ, and ultimately be at an increased risk for a vibration-induced injury. Children were also exposed to higher levels of vibration when the bicycle and trailer travelled at a higher speed and travelled over rougher (gravel) terrain. Laboratory analysis found the gel seat pad was not effective at attenuating vibration at the seat. Additional research should be conducted with a larger sample of bicycle trailer types. Furthermore, this study highlighted the need for additional research to determine health risks associated with vibration exposure in young children as current international standards are designed to determine health risks of vibration exposure for health adults in an occupational context.
An assessment of the validity and acceptability of a novel, audio-video food journaling method, in a free-living setting
(2018-06-22) Jago, Emily Mariah
Introduction A novel method of dietary assessment was introduced in a field study with wildland firefighters, published in 2017. The purpose of this thesis was to validate this novel, audio-video method of dietary assessment, and to determine whether it can be integrated into clinical practice, to replace written food journals. The validation process was completed in two phases and is presented as two manuscripts within this thesis. Manuscript One Phase one was designed to validate the audio-video method in comparison to the gold standard: weighed food assessment; in a free-living setting. With the exception of Vitamin E (mg) and total weight (g), kilocalories, macro and micronutrient values were highly correlated between the audio-video diary recorded estimations and weighed food items. We concluded that the novel method was able to make accurate estimations of energy and nutrient intake, and may therefore be a meaningful alternative to diary recording in a free-living setting. Manuscript Two Phase Two was designed to assess the application of the 3-day, audio-video method in a clinical setting, to replace the current method of 3-day, written food journaling. We found that the diet assessments, as performed by a Registered Dietitian for the same participants, were comparable between written and audio-video diaries. In consultation with the Registered Dietitian, we conclude that the audio-video method is acceptable for use in clinical practice. iv Conclusion The audio-video method is a suitable method for assessing food items, when the portion sizes from the video are estimated by persons with training on portion sizing (i.e. researchers or Registered Dietitians). In addition, the AV method was determined to be an acceptable method for use in clinical practice, to replace written food journals. Participants indicated that if the method was developed into a mobile phone application, for use on their personal device, they would be more likely to accept it as a food journaling method, when compared to the written method of food journaling.
Canadian university student experiences participating in a health promotion without borders : excursion to Mongolia
(2018-06-29) Deibert, Shelby Leigh
Health Promotion Without Borders (HPWB) has facilitated International Service Learning (ISL) excursions for Canadian students at Laurentian University (LU) since 2001. During this time, over 80 students have received academic credit for their immersive work promoting health in developing countries. Despite the number of students that participated in the HPWB Program over the years, no research has explored the experiences of these students during their ISL excursions. Furthermore, there was a gap in the ISL literature related to the experiences of participants during their immersive international excursions. Therefore, I participated in a HPWB excursion to Mongolia and analyzed my own experience using an autoethnographic method, and I then thematically analyzed the journals of three of my fellow HPWB group members using a case study method. Overall, although both my group members and I found the excursion to be positive, we experienced a process of navigating different instances of cultural dissonance that emerged during our immersive excursion. I wrote six narratives that explored some of the cultural dissonances that I experienced while in Mongolia. Four themes were also identified within the participants’ journals related to their experiences of cultural dissonance. The results of this research may benefit the HPWB Program Coordinator, other similar ISL programs, and future students, as they plan their excursions through enhanced training, preparation, and field techniques related to cultural dissonance.
The career developments of two world champion boxers: interpretive thematic analysis of media stories
(2018-05-01) Bonhomme, Justin
Athlete development can be described through transitions that mark turning phases throughout athletes’ careers. Media data was utilized in this project to unpack the career developments of two prominent world champion boxers from their early lives to world championship status. Employing interpretive thematic analysis, five themes were identified: (1) weathering hardships of early life (subthemes: the rough life of an inner-city kid; abject poverty in war-torn Philippines), (2) entry into sport (subthemes: groomed to fight; boxing to escape poverty), (3) amateur experience (subthemes: Olympic medallist en route to the pros; struggling amateur with dreams of greatness), (4) launching a professional career (impressive American prospect; a charismatic unpolished slugger) and (5) capturing a world title (subthemes: the much-anticipated world champion; the unexpected world champion). This exploration augments our understanding of how two worldrenowned boxers presented their career transitions to the world, with implications for boxers and those who work with them.
Community-based prehabilitation program: a pilot study exploring the impact of exercise and education programs on functional mobility pre-surgery and on length of stay post-total joint arthroplasty
(2016-12-21) Pham, Jasmine
The effect of implementing a community-based prehabilitation program prior to total joint arthroplasty (TJA) on mobility and length of stay (LOS) in hospital post-TJA in obese patients was investigated in this quantitative pilot study. Changes in mobility measures from baseline, at 6 weeks and 12-weeks pre-surgery and post-surgery were assessed using: Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Timed Up and Go (TUG), Self-Paced Walk Test (SPWT), and Stair Test (ST). A prehabilitation group attended education sessions and underwent a 12-week land and pool-based exercise program before TJA, whereas the control group received the usual preoperative standard of care. The prehabilitation group experienced improved mobility before and after surgery whereas the control group only saw improvements post-surgery. The LOS for the prehabilitation group was marginally lower (0.3 days) than the control group. In conclusion, there is evidence that a prehabilitation program prior to TJA may reduce hospital LOS resulting in potential cost savings and improved patient mobility measures both prior to and post-surgery.
Creating canadian olympians: a look at a successful trampoline olympic development environment
(2016-09-07) Seanor, Michelle E.
The process of creating Olympic level talent is complex and multifaceted. Researchers in the worlds of talent identification, talent development and career transitions have contributed to the identification of appropriate sport environments, called athlete talent development environments that contribute to athletic success. In addition, descriptions of sport environments that have the ability to develop senior level competitors have been established. Although researchers have been able to identify these contextual components that help athletes become successful, a description of a sport environment that is able to repeatedly create Olympic medal performances from athletes is still unknown. This project compiled a description of an Olympic development environment– Skyriders Trampoline Place. Four central themes were identified by the participants in this study as relevant to Olympic level success. The four themes are 1) the development of Skyriders, 2) the Skyriders training environment at present, 3) coaching strategies and 4) team interactions.
« C’est sur le terrain que ça se passe » : étude de la couverture du football féminin par les médias digitaux en France
(2015-08-21) Lajeunesse, Michèle
Le manque de visibilité médiatique des athlètes féminines par les médias non traditionnels est un phénomène qui a été critiqué depuis plusieurs années. L’objectif de l’étude est d’examiner la façon dont le football (soccer) féminin est couvert par les médias digitaux en France, à savoir s’ils soutiennent ou non les stéréotypes traditionnels. Le contenu de deux sites web portant uniquement sur le football féminin a été soumis à une analyse de discours foucaldienne féministe. Malgré la présence de quelques discours qui minimisent les accomplissements des joueuses, les résultats primaires suggèrent qu’il est possible de trouver une couverture du football féminin qui est tout simplement axée sur le sport et qui représente le football féminin comme un sport excitant, sérieux et légitime. Les sources de médias digitaux peuvent alors être considérées comme une des meilleures façons d’augmenter la qualité et la quantité de la couverture médiatique des sports féminins aujourd’hui
(De)Constructing the American sport hero: a textual analysis of media representations of Vince Lombardi.
(2015-12-18) Hull, Michael R.
Using the concept of Hegemonic Masculinity, this study seeks to investigate how Vince Lombardi came to embody the values essential to American society during the Cold War. By performing a textual analysis on historic sports media documents taken from the Green Bay Press-Gazette, I argue that sportswriters constructed Lombardi in a fashion that celebrated characteristics of hegemonic masculinity that directly spoke to core American values during the Cold War. In doing so, Lombardi became a national icon, an American sports hero, and a purveyor of social myth, who transformed football into a metaphor for the American way of life within the Cold War period, where “winning isn’t everything, it’s the only thing.”. Although the role of the American sport hero has been investigated before, this is the first time a coach has been critically examined.
Description des manifestations de la pensée critique des joueurs ivoiriens d’élite de handball : une étude de cas.
(2024-04-19) Aliman, Etchi Marcel
Le but de cette étude de maîtrise est de mieux comprendre le processus de prise de décision des joueurs ivoiriens d’élite de handball sous le prisme de la pensée critique telle que conçue par Lipman. Plusieurs études mentionnent que la prise de décision est un facteur déterminant de la performance en sport. Toutefois, ces études ont été réalisées dans les pays développés et peu d’études empiriques ont été menées en Afrique subsaharienne. Une approche qualitative combinant des entrevues ante et post-match, des entrevues semi- dirigées via la technique de rappel stimulé auprès de huit joueurs a été utilisée. Le corpus recueilli a été traité selon la technique d’analyse de contenu. Les résultats indiquent que le processus de prise de décision s’appuie sur neuf (09) facteurs de la pensée critique incorporant les trois (03) caractéristiques lipmaniennes de cette forme de pensée. La caractéristique « sensibilité au contexte » est la plus convoquée, suivie de la « présence de critères » et rarement « l’autocorrection ».
The determinants of sleep quality in the mining industry
(2020-04-27) Dennie, Alexie
The purpose of this study was to determine the current state of self-reported sleep quality in workers of the mining industry and identify the factors that affect sleep in this sample. A large-scale questionnaire was administered to 2,224 workers of the mining industry with operations in Ontario. A modified version of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (mPSQI) was used to determine sleep quality and quantity. A total of 84% of participants self-reported poor sleep quality with an average mPSQI score of 6.43 (± 3.07). The average sleep duration of participants was 6hr:05min (± 1hr:03min), which is lower than the recommended 7-8 hrs of sleep. Participants engaging in hazardous drug and alcohol use, screening positive for mental health concerns, stress and fatigue, experiencing workplace burnout and working shifts, self-reported worst sleep quality. Finally, depression, personal burnout, fatigue, PTSD, shift work, diagnosis of a chronic disease and hazardous drug use were significant predictors of poor subjective sleep quality, accounting for 37.1% of the total variance of sleep quality (R²= 0.371, F(7, 1572) = 131.78, p ≤ 0.000). These data will assist in developing targeted strategies and interventions for workers to achieve better sleep quality, overall well being and a safer workplace.
Do portable anti-fatigue mats affect the mechanics or discomfort of walking
(2016-08-31) Gauvin, André
Prolonged periods of standing and walking creates loading on the muscles of the back and legs causing pain and discomfort to many employees who stand on hard surfaces such as cement floors. Portable anti-fatigue mats are an ergonomic intervention that is thought to be a solution for musculoskeletal injuries. Thirteen healthy subjects ranging from 18-55 years of age were recruited for the study to represent a working population. Subject completed two 3 hour sessions, one with work boots, and the other with the combination of work boots and portable anti-fatigue mats. Subjects walked for a 3 hour period to simulate a prolonged walking period. Participants were instrumented with reflective marker to collect kinematic data and walked on the force plate to collect kinetic forces acting on the body. They also completed a discomfort questionnaire for “pre”, “during” and “post” exercise. Results showed no significant differences in mechanical variables, and showed significant differences in discomfort ratings for the ankle/foot and knee between conditions; while showing significant differences for the ankle/foot and low back over time.
Dynamic stability of the human body during unstable pushups
(2019-05-14) Nizzero, Adrian
Instability training provides the nervous system with a greater challenge than traditional training, and thus can be performed with a reduced external load, potentially reducing the likelihood of injury. Unstable exercises have also been found to elicit higher levels of core muscle activity than their stable counterparts and so may increase joint loading. The degree to which instability challenges the stability of the human body likely relies on the level of instability of the movement, but the influence of experimental instability, and its effect on the level of stability of the human body, has yet to be determined. This study aims to examine how altering the available degrees of freedom of the pushup, as a means of quantifying instability, may affect the dynamic stability of the lumbar spine. The results of this study indicate that adding two available degrees of freedom to the conventional pushup significantly increases kinematic variance of the L1 vertebra through 3-dimensional space. No significant difference in kinematic variability existed between the two conditions of additional available degrees of freedom. These results may help health care professionals improve the individualization of their training programs by taking desired level of instability into account, and adjusting available degrees of freedom accordingly.
Effect of a simulated mine rescue on physiological variables and heat strain of mine rescue workers
(2018-05-04) Konrad, Justin
Workplace Safety North (2015) reported 945 injuries related to mining in 2014 in Ontario, requiring the deployment of 53 emergency response teams. These statistics demonstrate the high risks of serious injury and fatality in the mining industry. Frequently occurring accidents include: underground fires, falls-of-ground, mobile equipment collisions, exposure to harmful environments, and falls from heights, which often require rescue (Government of Ontario, 2015b; Handbook of Training in Mine Rescue and Recovery Operations, 2014, Workplace Safety North Injury Statistics, 2015; Stewart, McDonald, Hunt, & Parker, 2008). Therefore, Mine operators rely on mine rescue teams, who have specialized skills in these issues, to save lives during an underground emergency. Mine Rescuers regularly participate in training simulations, which require teams of five to seven members, to solve a hypothetical rescue problem while timed and observed by judges (Handbook of Training in Mine Rescue and Recovery Operations, 2014). Simulations typically involve trapped miners who have to be found and rescued under challenging circumstances (T. Hanley, personal communication, December 15, 2017). Mine rescuers carry heavy gear (approximately 100lbs), including a metal stretcher, spare breathing apparatus, hydraulic equipment, and first aid supplies; while wearing personal protective equipment (e.g. Selfcontained breathing apparatus (SCBA), gloves, helmet, coveralls, boots etc.) (Handbook of Training in Mine Rescue and Recovery Operations, 2014). Research studying mine rescue participants demonstrate metabolic workloads between 400-700 Watts, with short bouts exceeding 1000 Watts; and often have concurrent heart rates nearing 100% of estimated maximum heart rate (HRmax estimated) (Stewart et al., 2008; Tomaskova, Jirak, Lvoncik, Buzga, Zavadilova, & Trlicova, 2015). In addition to extreme physical demands, underground mine conditions are often characterized by temperatures exceeding 40 °C, as well as humidity exceeding 60%, which can exacerbate physiological loads on the mine rescue worker (Kenny, Vierula, Maté, Beaulieu, Hardcastle, & Reardon, 2012). However, research examining the physical demands; energy expenditure, physical activity levels, and recovery time associated with event specific mine rescue tasks are limited. Such that current literature does not identify differences between positions, and records data primarily during circuit-type tasks, which allow for more than adequate rest (unlike real conditions). The present study documented heart rate (HR), respiration rate (RR), energy expenditure (EE), oxygen consumption (V̇ O2), core temperature (Tc), and skin temperature (Tskin) of mine rescuers to produce descriptive statistics and determine vulnerability to heat illness’ (heat exhaustion, crams, syncope, and stroke) during a simulated rescue emergency. The simulation closely mimicked a real emergency because: rest was limited, participants lacked information about the tasks, and the rescue was performed in an operational, underground mine; which provided realistic physiological responses. Physiological responses were documented with a heart-rate-variability (HRV), body-worn monitor, and a Tc ingestible capsule on each team member, which included a Captain, Vice-Captain, #2person, #3person, and #4person. They performed the following tasks: locating and performing first aid to an unconscious casualty (task 1); building a barricade to extinguish a fire (task 2); provide advanced first aid to a conscious casualty (task 3); and carry the casualty up a steep ramp out of the mine (task 4). The present work highlights the physiological differences between mine rescue tasks and members of a mine rescue team. Laborious tasks were more strenuous than casualty care, however all tasks required a vigorous effort as mean HR of the entire sample exceeded 70% ofthe age predicted maximum heart rate (%APMHR). Captains exhibited a lower physiological load in comparison to Vice-Captains, #2persons, #3persons, and #4persons during the simulated emergency scenario. Captains also elicited lower Tc compared to other team members. Heat strain was evidenced via an increase in mean Tc to 38.6 ºC; 14 participants (non-Captain) registered a Tc above 39 ºC. This research is expected to lead to an improved understanding of the physiological challenges faced by Mine Rescuers. These physiological measures affect worker fatigue and risk of heat stress, both of which increase the risk of injury, and are therefore essential to understand in the development of prevention strategies.
The effect of a six-week whole body vibration training protocol on the physical capacities and fatigability of overweight young female adults
(Laurentian University of Sudbury, 2014-05-21) Serresse, Suzanne
Whole body vibration (WBV) training is a relatively new training technique and is considered low intensity as it elicits non-voluntary muscle contractions generated by mechanical vibrations. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of a 6-week WBV training paradigm on the physical capacities and fatigability of overweight young female adults. We hypothesized that WBV would increase fat free mass as well as leg power and strength, decrease the fatigue index of the lower limbs during the Wingate test, increase fatigue resistance, improve neuromuscular efficiency and decrease fatigue perception in overweight young female adults. Participants (n=24) were overweight young female adults (body fat percentage 30-35) between the ages of 20 and 40 and were randomized into 2 groups; control group (CON; n=10) or whole body vibration group (VIB; n=14). This study consisted of six weeks of training and four testing sessions: 2 before (sessions 1 & 2) and 2 following (sessions 3 & 4) the training regimen. During testing sessions 1 and 3, the basal metabolic rate, body composition, leg power (Wingate), elasticity index (EI), squat and countermovement jumps and fatigue perception (questionnaires) were assessed for all subjects. Isokinetic tests to measure strength and muscle fatigue tests were performed during testing sessions 2 and 4. The training protocol lasted 6 weeks and exercises were performed 3 times a week. Sessions lasted 30 minutes and entailed 15 sets of 1-minute exercises followed by 1-minute rest intervals. One set consisted of 15 controlled and timed squats (15 flexion and extension per minute). The VIB group performed their exercises on the power Plate® pro 6. Vertical vibration amplitude settings were kept on low (2mm) throughout the entire 6 weeks and set at a frequency of 30Hz for weeks 1-3 and increased to 35Hz for weeks 4-6. The CON group performed the same exercises without vibration. iv The results revealed that a 6-week WBV training regimen had no effect on body composition or basal metabolic rate. WBV training did not affect EI as evidenced by similar squat jump and countermovement jump measures for both the CON and VIB groups. WBV training had no effect on leg power as measured using the Wingate ergocycle. The Wingate test did show a decrease in the fatigue index for both groups (p˂0.05). Unexpectedly, a decrease in strength was found in extension phase during the eccentric contractions (120°/s) and flexion phase during concentric contractions (120°/s and 180°/s). As there were no changes in fat free mass, it seems that the reduction in strength was due to central changes. The fatigue rate represented by regression slopes showed that the VIB group was more fatigue resistant post training compared to the CON group. Fatigue perception as measured using a multidimensional approach with questionnaires (FSS, MFI and SHARP) revealed no changes in fatigability for either group. To conclude, this study demonstrated that WBV training in overweight young female adults had minimal effects on the physical capacities and fatigability of our subjects. Higher intensity vibration parameters, a longer training regimen or individualized vibration parameters may have greater benefits for overweight subjects and should be considered in future studies.
The effect of experience, personality and learning style on health and safety performance and physiologic responses of miners training in a simulator
(2017-09-01) Blanchard, Trevor
This study examined how learning style, personality type, and experience level influence the performance and heart rate variability (HRV) (quantified by LF:HF ratio and RMSSD) of individuals operating NORCAT’s mining simulator. At Baseline, the twenty participants completed: Kolb’s learning style questionnaire, the 44 item Big Five Inventory Index; and an Operator Experience Questionnaire. After which, participants were fitted with a Zephyr BioHarness to measure HRV. HRV data and performance scores (a computer-based evaluation generated from performance measures taken while the operator is using the simulator) were collected for three simulator trials: 1) first use of the simulator; 2) at the end of the operator training program; and 3) post training during a troubleshooting trial where emergency situations and faults are initiated by the trainer. During the troubleshooting run, reaction time to each fault was also recorded. Results indicated that the personality trait: conscientiousness; was associated with improved performance and increased Root Mean Square of Successive Differences (RMSSD). Moreover, experienced operators showed higher performance scores later in the training process.
The effect of personality and behaviour on muscle co-contraction ratios In the trunk when people are exposed to different types of emotional stimuli while performing a lateral bend and simple lifting task
(2016-01-12) Robazza, Jesse
Psychosocial factors have long been implicated in occupational injury risk, but the nature of this relationship is obscure. Recent investigations have concluded that emotional responses affect muscle force outputs; which may, in turn, affect joint loading. Personality type has also been shown to affect joint loading (Marras et al., 2000). Likewise, there is an interaction between emotional stimuli and personality. Exposure to pleasant emotional stimuli has been shown to facilitate flexion movements; whereas exposure to unpleasant emotional stimuli has been shown to facilitate extension movements (Coombes et al., 2008). However, it is not clear what co-contraction ratio, and consequently what joint load, any given emotional stimulus might result in, or how personality variables might affect this relationship. To address this, participants filled out an International Personality Inventory Pool (IPIP) Survey and a Behaviour Activation System and Behaviour Inhibition System (BAS/BIS) Survey to determine each participant’s specific personality and behaviour traits. Participants were then exposed to emotional stimuli prior to a torso lateral bend, requiring both flexor and extensor cocontraction. A total of 29 participants were tested. Participants were randomly exposed to unpleasant, neutral, pleasant, and colour image types; 30 images in total. They were exposed to these images for five seconds, then a tone sounded after which they initiated a lateral bend. The current results indicate that image type had no significant effect on flexor/extensor and left/right side co-contraction ratios. Varying levels of personality and behaviour were the only factors to produce significantly different co-contraction ratios. There was also a significant difference vi of left/right side co-contraction ratios between men and women, where men had produce significantly greater right side dominant co-contraction ratios for all image types compared to women. The second part of the experiment had subjects stand on a force-plate and listen to different types of emotional sounds. These sounds ranged from unpleasant, pleasant, and neutral. Subjects would listen to a specific emotional sound for six seconds, and after the sound was over, a voice would inform them to lift a 15 pound crate off of the floor in front of them and place it on a table waist height. The second sound would have subjects pick up the crate from the table and place it back on the ground. This was done a total of 30 times with 30 different sounds. The results indicate that sound type had no significant effect on cocontraction ratios. Varying levels of personality and behaviour were the only factors to produce significant changes in co-contraction ratios for both flexor/extensor and left/right side co-contraction ratios. There were also significant changes between co-contraction ratios and sex. Both men and women produced flexor dominated co-contraction ratios for all sound types, but men produced significantly higher flexor dominated co-contraction ratios for all sound types compared to women. Men also produced significantly greater right side dominant co-contraction ratios, compared to women, for all sound types.
Effects of high intensity interval exercise versus steady state exercise with similar energy expenditures on Epoc
(2019-08-12) Leroux, Sébastien
The purpose of the study was to determine whether steady state exercise (SSE) or high intensity interval exercise (HIIE) would better improve energy expenditure (EE) during 90 minutes of excess post exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC) while attempting to match EE between both exercise protocols. We also wanted to examine physiological changes during post exercise measurements, which included VO2, RER, VE and HR. Twelve males aged between 19 and 24 were assigned to the SSE and HIIE conditions. A VO2max and a 30s-all-out sprint set at 150% of maximum workload was performed on a cycling ergometer interspersed by 5 minutes to ensure sufficient recovery time. Participants randomly completed SSE or HIIE followed by 90 minutes of EPOC. A gross efficiency (GE) of 18% was used in order to best quantify the anaerobic attributable EE during the HIIE in order to estimate total EE. Our results indicate that the HIIE expended less EE than SSE and from our pre-test EE estimations (p<0.05). With that being said, HIIE was able to generate a greater EE during EPOC in comparison to SSE, while utilizing more grams of fat during post exercise measurements (p<0.05). There was no significant difference between both protocols when adding exercise and EPOC EE. Physiological markers such as VO2 (L.min-1), VE (L.min-1) and HR were significantly greater in HIIE during EPOC. To conclude, our findings indicate that HIIE is a time efficient workout able to expend more EE, utilize more fat and have greater physiological responses during EPOC when compared to SSE.
The effects of homophobia, biphobia and transphobia in high school physical education classes, school sports and community sports on future sports and physical activity participation: a retrospective study
(2019-04-18) Dennie, Anik
LGBTQ2-S-phobia is still present within physical education (PE) classes, school sports and community sports. According to Denison and Kitchen (2015), one in five participants reported that PE classes are the most homophobic sporting environment. This mixed method retrospective survey seeks to examine the effects of LGBTQ2-S-phobia in high school PE classes, school and community sports on future sports and physical activity participation along with identifying whether gender and geographical locations are factors in the experiences in which individuals witnessed or had LGBTQ2-S-phobic events in these environments. Results show that PE classes in high schools represent a higher proportion of LGBTQ2-S-phobia than school sports and community sports. Furthermore, those who identify as male and that attended high school in Northern Ontario were faced with higher levels of LGBT2-S-phobia. Some experiences in these specific geographical areas discouraged some individuals to pursue physical activity and sports participation.

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