2011 Undergraduate Research

Performance and fatigue during exercise with a partner
Jacquelyn M Donohue, Kelly M Fladebo, Sean P Dykhoff
Physical Education

The purpose of this study was to examine differences in performance or fatigue in performing exercise alone or with a partner. Motivation is an important factor in a person's decision to perform exercise, thus, it is important to understand what motivates people to perform exercise so that exercise performance and adherence is increased. One factor that is important and provides significant motivation to people is performing exercise with a partner. Performing exercise with a partner may increase performance and make a person feel less fatigued than they would if they were exercising alone. To test this, subjects performed a one mile run test, a 1 minute push up test, and a 1 minute sit up test by themselves. They were then paired up with a partner of similar fitness and performed the tests again to examine changes in performance and perceived exertion.

A comparison of lactate threshold amongst fit male and female populations
Brett Kramer, Josh Huot, Nicholas Roscoe
Physical Education

Lactate threshold is a good predictor of physical endurance performance, especially in young populations. In addition, lactate levels have been found to respond to a variety of training methods. Differences between genders including: fat free mass, body fat percentage, usage and content of glycogen, and VO2 max may influence lactate threshold in men and women. Due to the physiological differences between males and females, we hypothesized that fit, college aged males will have significantly higher lactate thresholds than their female counterparts. Fit subjects were categorized at or above the 70th percentile for age and gender for a 1.5 mile run test as determined by the National Strength and Conditioning Association. Following qualification for the study, subjects completed a lactate threshold test using the modified Astrand treadmill protocol.

Physiological characteristics of division III and division I/elite female soccer players

Anthony A Willaert, Bridget L Rewitzer, Michael R Schmit, Sean P Dykhoff

Physical Education

Physiological Characteristics of Division III and Division I/Elite Female Soccer Players: We tested the CSB soccer team using vertical jump, pro agility, 40 yard dash, and Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery tests. We compared these results with previously published data of D1 and elite soccer players to see differences in aerobic and anaerobic capacities.

The effects of caffeine on anaerobic run test performance

Anthony Z Bozzo, Marie E Boo, Johnathan M Engholm, Steven R Cherekos

Physical Education

Our study was designed to test the effects of caffeine on anaerobic performance. Caffeine use is rampant in sports as it is a stimulant. Caffeine has been proven to reduce fatigue and increase wakefulness and alertness via various physiological mechanisms. Some of these mechanisms include: increased ATP production, catecholamine release, and motor unit recruitment. These combined effects may have an ergogenic effect on anaerobic performance. In order to test this, we designed a double-blind study in which the subjects performed two anaerobic treadmill tests, once after the consumption of caffeine and once after the consumption of a placebo.

Physiological and biomechanical factors influencing distance running performance
Marie E Boo, Megan E Buermann, Emily M Willaert

Physical Education

There is debate about what factors most contribute to distance running performance. Some research suggests running performance is correlated with VO₂ max. Other factors suggested to influence running performance include: running economy, lower body fat percentage, muscle recruitment and force production, and joint stiffness. The purpose of this study was to examine the changes in aerobic and anaerobic measures in Division III female cross country runners at the beginning and end of the season and to correlate these measures with running performance. Fourteen of the top 20 finishers of the 2.5 mile pre-season time trial participated in the study. Physiological and biomechanical data were collected at the beginning and end of the season, including performance on 2.5 mile time trial, treadmill V̇O₂ max, single repetition maximal vertical jump (power), 4 consecutive vertical jump test, and 20 meter sprint with flying start. The results indicated that female cross country runners had a significantly faster post-season 2.5 mile time trial (p<0.05) and 20 meter sprint time (p<0.05) while no significant change in other measures were noted. Pre-season time trial was correlated with pre-season mean power (p<0.05) and post-season time trial was correlated with post-season V̇O₂ max (p<0.05). Change in 2.5 mile time trial performance did not significantly correlate with changes in other variables. In conclusion, the Division III female cross country runners significantly improved their time trial and sprint time from pre- to post-season. This suggests that increased force production may be advantageous for endurance athletes. However, the degree to which aerobic and anaerobic factors influence distance running performance may vary based on the individual.