Exercise Science
Caleb Marrero, caleb.marrero@unh.edu
University of New Hampshire, Dr. Trish Kelshaw
Health Sciences
Epidemiology of Concussions Among Collision Sport Status in Middle School Athletes
The research regarding the epidemiology of concussions in U.S middle school athletes is limited and underrepresented. Prior research on high school and collegiate athletes suggests that those who participate in contact/collision sports are at a higher risk of concussions. However, the risk of concussions in middle school sports is not well understood. This study aims to compare concussion incidence (i.e., rates) among three groups of sports. Group definitions are consistent with NCAA classifications and defined as contact/collision, contact, and limited contact sports. It is important to compare concussion rates among these three categories of sports (i.e., limited contact, contact, and contact/collision) to bring more awareness of characterizing potential negative influences on the brain of these young athletes. Concussion data were collected by certified athletic trainers for all middle school-sponsored sports events in a public-school division over six school years (2015-16 to 2021-22; excluding 2020-21 due to COVID-19). A retrospective descriptive epidemiological study will then be conducted on a large middle school epidemiological database. This study will examine concussion rates among middle school athletes (grades 6 to 8; 10-14 years old) across sixteen middle schools in Virginia and hope to conclude the difference between rates of limited contact, contact and contact/collision sports.
Anyla Shipman, JShipman@forum.montevallo.edu
University of Montevallo, with Dr. Curtis Fennell
Exercise and Nutrition Science
The Effects of High Intensity Functional Training on a 1-repetition Maximum
A general warm-up (GWU) is usually performed before an individual participates in a resistance exercise one-repetition maximum (1-RM). However, there is a dearth in research as to which warm-ups fully optimize muscle potential. The aim of this study was to measure the effects of traditional (TRAD) versus a high-intensity functional training (HIFT) GWU on
conventional barbell deadlift 1-RM, force, power, and muscular activity. Eleven healthy, resistance-trained men and two women participated in the study. Participants were randomly counterbalanced to complete the TRAD or HIFT GWU. The TRAD GWU consisted of cycling on a Monark cycle ergometer for 15 minutes at a heart rate range of 55–60% of the maximum
heart rate. The HIFT GWU consisted of completing as many rounds and reps as possible in 15 minutes of 250-meter/200-meter row for men and women, respectively on the Concept 2 rowing ergometer, 5 burpees, 10 kettlebell swings (53-pound and 35 pound for males and females, respectively), and 15 air squats. There were no significant differences between TRAD and HIFT in 1-RM, force, power, velocity, or muscular activity (all p > 0.05). These preliminary results demonstrate that a bout of high-intensity functional training exercise preceding a 1-RM lift does not impair strength performance for the conventional barbell deadlift 1-RM. In addition, performing a bout of higher intensity exercise before heavy resistance exercise may be a useful modality order for those who do not engage in regular aerobic exercise, since there may be greater health benefits to engaging in higher intensities of activity.