Exercise Science

Damilola Morodolu, oluwadamilola.d.morodolu-1@ou.edu
University of Oklahoma, with Dr. Christopher Black

Investigating The Effects of Anxiety and Stoicism on Pain Perception in Young Adults
This research explores how stoicism and anxiety influence pain perception in young adults (ages 18-25), a demographic often overlooked in studies that primarily focus on older populations. Stoicism, a philosophy emphasizing emotional restraint, has been linked to reduced pain sensitivity in older adults, but its effects on younger individuals remain underexplored. In contrast, pain anxiety, associated with neuroticism and catastrophizing, tends to increase pain sensitivity. This study will utilize validated questionnaires to assess stoicism, anxiety, and pain perception, with the objective of understanding how these psychological traits shape young adults' responses to pain. The findings seek to aid in the development of more personalized healthcare strategies, particularly in rehabilitation settings, by tailoring pain management approaches to individual psychological profiles. Ultimately, the goal of this research is to foster more empathetic, individualized, and effective patient care in pain management.

Danielle Hall, hall3d3@mail.uc.edu
University of Cincinnati, with Dr. Jason Long

Gait Retraining Using Real-Time Biofeedback to Minimize Tibial Acceleration in Long Distance High School Runners
Overuse injuries are a significant concern among adolescent long-distance runners, especially during key developmental years. One contributing factor is elevated peak tibial acceleration (PTA), which reflects the magnitude of impact force transmitted through the lower leg at footstrike. High PTA has been linked to increased injury risk due to repetitive loading. This study investigates the feasibility of using real-time visual biofeedback as a gait retraining tool to help runners reduce PTA and adopt safer running mechanics. High school participants were equipped with tibial accelerometers and reflective markers for 3D motion capture during treadmill trials. They received real-time visual feedback displaying their raw PTA data relative to a target threshold line and were encouraged to use self-selected gait modifications to stay below the threshold. Preliminary results suggest that runners were able to adjust their mechanics and reduce PTA within a single session. These findings support the use of real-time biofeedback as a promising intervention for injury prevention and performance enhancement in adolescent athletes. Future research will explore the long-term retention of gait changes and the potential for broader application in field-based settings.
 

Karla Lopez, Karla.i.lopez-1@ou.edu
University of Oklahoma, with Dr. Hugo Pereira

The Potential Effect of Direct Current Stimulation on Motor Performance
Motor function is essential for performing daily activities that maintain independence. Impairments in motor function can result from injury, aging, or neurological conditions that significantly affect the quality of life. This project aims to investigate whether Transcutaneous Spinal Direct Current Stimulation (TSDCS) can alter motor performance in healthy individuals. TSDCS is a non-invasive technique that delivers a comfortable direct current (1 to 5 mA of intensity) through electrodes over the spine. This technique aims to modulate spinal cord activity through an induced electrical field that has the potential to improve the loss of motor performance. However, the effects of different stimulation polarities (i.e., anodal versus cathodal) remain unclear. A review of the literature identified six studies in healthy individuals and one in a clinical population that revealed significant variability in electrode placement, stimulation polarity, and exercise protocols ranging from explosive maximal movements to submaximal tasks. Differences in polarity, contraction type and task duration likely contribute to the conflicting results examined in TSDCS effects. The expected outcome is that TSDCS will enhance motor performance, providing insight into TSDCS as a potential tool for improving motor function. These findings could inform future research on using TSDCS in clinical populations with motor impairments that can benefit from the technique. Improved understanding of stimulation parameters could lead to effective rehabilitation approaches contributing to efficient application of TSDCS.