College-aged Females Research Articles

Arch Height Index Normative Values of College-Aged Women Using the Arch Height Index Measurement System

The arch height index measurement system (AHIMS) device has been found to be a reliable and valid instrument for measuring the arch height index (AHI) of the feet of individuals; however, normative data for the AHI are lacking for various populations. Therefore, the purposes of this study were to establish population normative AHI values for college-aged females and to compare the observed AHI data across right and left feet. Seventy-nine college-aged females served as study participants, and both feet were measured using the AHIMS in the seated and standing positions. The AHI was calculated as the ratio of the dorsum height of the foot at half the total foot length to the length of the foot from the heel to the base of the first metatarsophalangeal joint. The mean ± SD AHI values for the left and right feet in the seated position were 0.355 ± 0.031 and 0.369 ± 0.034, respectively. The mean ± SD AHI values for the left and right feet in the standing position were 0.338 ± 0.031 and 0.343 ± 0.033, respectively. There were significant differences observed between the left and right feet for the seated (P < .001) and standing (P = .003) positions. Normative values were established for college-aged females for the AHI using the AHIMS. Differences were noted between the right and left feet of the participants sampled. Although normative values were obtained, we caution against using these values to classify foot arch types based solely on a sample of the population studied.

Branched-chain amino Acid plus glucose supplement reduces exercise-induced delayed onset muscle soreness in college-age females.

Supplementation with branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) has been used to stimulate muscle protein synthesis following exercise. The purpose of this study was to determine if supplementation with BCAAs in combination with glucose would reduce exercise-induced delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). Using a double-blind crossover design, 20 subjects (11 females, 9 males) were randomly assigned to either BCAA (n = 10) or placebo (n = 10) groups. Subjects performed a squatting exercise to elicit DOMS and rated their muscle soreness every 24 hours for four days following exercise while continuing to consume the BCAA or placebo. Following a three-week recovery period, subjects returned and received the alternate BCAA or placebo treatment, repeating the same exercise and DOMS rating protocol for the next four days. BCAA supplementation in female subjects resulted in a significant decrease in DOMS versus placebo at 24 hours following exercise (P = 0.018). No significant effect of BCAA supplementation versus placebo was noted in male subjects nor when male and female results were analyzed together. This gender difference may be related to dose per body weight differences between male and female subjects.

Sexual Coercion Risk and Women’s Sport Participation

Abstract Sexual coercion affects approximately 58% of college-age females. Victims of sexual coercion often share similar characteristics, such as lower self-esteem, lower assertiveness, higher depressive symptoms, higher alcohol use, increased number of sexual partners, more romantic relationships, prior victimization, and relationship insecurity. Female athletes, on the other hand, have in common such protective factors as higher self-esteem, higher assertiveness, lower alcohol use, and fewer sexual partners. These, then, are assumed to guard against sexual coercion. The purpose of this study was to determine if female athletes were at a lower risk for sexual coercion and whether differences existed in levels of assertiveness, sexual assertiveness, self-esteem, sexual esteem, alcohol use, and the number of sexual partners. Participants included 174 college females (aged 19.94 ± 1.87 years). Participants were identified as an athlete if they reported a history of at least three years of athl iation etic involvement and described themselves as either a high school athlete or having participated in competitive sports (n=125). From among all the participants, 49 were classified as non-athletes. Data demonstrated no differences in either forced or coerced sexual contact history. Athletes and nonathletes differed neither in global nor sexual self-esteem, nor did they differ in global or sexual assertiveness. There was a significant difference across the groups in alcohol use: athletes scored higher on the AUDIT than non-athletes. The number of years of sport involvement positively correlated with the level of alcohol use. Athletes and non-athletes reported similar numbers of sexual partners. The findings of this study imply that athletics may indirectly place females at risk for sexual coercion through an assocwith higher alcohol use.

Effects of Glycine-Arginine-α-Ketoisocaproic Acid Supplementation in College-Age Trained Females during Multi-Bouts of Resistance Exercise

ABSTRACTGlycine-arginine-α-ketoisocaproic acid (GAKIC) has been proposed to increase anaerobic high-intensity exercise performance in male subjects. However, the effects of GAKIC ingestion in female subjects have not been studied. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of GAKIC supplementation on total load volume (i.e., mass lifted) and metabolic parameters during repeated bouts of submaximal leg extensions in college-age females. Nine resistance-trained females participated in a randomized, counterbalanced, double blind study. Subjects were randomly assigned to placebo or GAKIC (10.2 g) and performed six sets of 50% of one repetition maximum leg extensions (two legs simultaneously) to failure. One week later, subjects ingested the other supplement and performed the same exercise protocol. Furthermore, blood lactic acid, blood glucose, and heart rate were also measured preexercise and 5 s after the completion of the exercise protocol (postexercise). GAKIC supplementation significantly increased leg extension total load volume (GAKIC = 1721.7 ± 479.9 kg; placebo = 1479.1 ± 396.8 kg, p < .01). Heart rate and blood lactic acid were significantly increased (p < .01 for both measures) postexercise compared to preexercise, but were not significantly different between GAKIC and placebo (p = .40 for heart rate; p = .88 for lactic acid). Blood glucose was significantly decreased (p = .03) postexercise compared to preexercise, but was not significantly different (p = .78) between GAKIC and placebo. Collectively, these findings suggest that GAKIC increased lower body resistance performance in trained college-age females; however, these findings are not necessarily generalizable.

A Serial Mediation Model of Message Framing on Intentions to Receive the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine: Revisiting the Role of Threat and Efficacy Perceptions

Previous research has yielded mixed findings regarding the potential for message framing to influence HPV vaccine-related intentions. Drawing on the Extended Parallel Process Model (EPPM), the current study focuses on the role of threat and efficacy as serial mediators linking message framing and HPV vaccine-related intentions. College-age females and their parents participated in a between-subjects, posttest only experiment to investigate whether behavioral intentions to talk to a doctor about the HPV vaccine differ as a function of framing messages in terms of disease prevention. For young women, framing messages as preventing genital warts (as compared to cancer prevention) significantly increased perceptions of self-efficacy, which enhanced response efficacy perceptions that, in turn, increased intentions to talk to a doctor about the HPV vaccine. There were no effects of message framing among parents. However, response efficacy was a significant mediator of self-efficacy and behavioral intentions for both the college-age females and their parents. The results of this study suggest new approaches for considering the relationship among EPPM constructs.

Negative Affect, Alcohol Consumption, and Female-to-Male Intimate Partner Violence: A Daily Diary Investigation.

While research suggests that both negative affect and alcohol use are related to the risk of intimate partner violence (IPV) in male samples, less is known about the status of these risk factors in female samples. Forty-three college-age females who reported a recent history of IPV perpetration submitted six weeks of on-line daily reports pertaining to their levels of negative affect, alcohol consumption habits, and the occurrence of both male-to-female (MFPV) and female-to-male IPV (FMPV). Results indicated that negative affect significantly predicted increases in the daily risk of FMPV. MFPV also significantly predicted FMPV risk. Alcohol consumption failed to predict FMPV perpetration on both levels of analysis. Results are discussed in terms of prevailing models of alcohol use, negative affect, and IPV.

Mechanomyographic and metabolic responses during continuous cycle ergometry at critical power from the 3-min all-out test

There are limited data regarding metabolic responses during continuous exhaustive rides at critical power (CP) from the 3-min all-out test. In addition, no previous studies have examined the mechanomyographic (MMG) responses at CP from the 3-min all-out test. Therefore, this study examined the metabolic and MMG responses during continuous exercise at CP determined from the 3-min all-out test. Nine college-aged females (mean±SD: age 23.0±3.6yrs) performed an incremental test to exhaustion on a cycle ergometer to identify the gas exchange threshold, peak oxygen consumption rate (V˙O2 peak) and heart rate peak (HR peak). The V˙O2, HR, MMG amplitude and mean power frequency (MPF) responses were examined during continuous rides to exhaustion at CP (81±6% peak power). There were significant increases in V˙O2 and HR over time and there was no significant difference between V˙O2 peak and V˙O2 at exhaustion or HR peak and HR at exhaustion. There were, however, no significant changes for MMG amplitude or MPF over time. Therefore, the current findings suggested that the 3-min all-out test overestimated CP and the demarcation between the heavy and severe intensity domains. Specifically, the V˙O2 and HR responses did not reach a steady state and were driven to peak values. Furthermore, the non-significant change in MMG amplitude and MPF were consistent with the responses observed at fatiguing power outputs (i.e., >80% peak power).

Using Twitter for prenatal health promotion: encouraging a multivitamin habit among college-aged females.

Half of the pregnancies in the United States are unplanned and the highest rate of these unplanned pregnancies occurs in young women aged 18-24y. Serious birth defects, such as those that affect the neural tube, occur early in pregnancy, most of the time before a woman knows she is pregnant. These neural tube defects can be reduced by 50-72% with an adequate daily intake of folic acid. In continuing the research on how to effectively communicate the important benefits of folic acid to young women, this study sought to investigate the use of social media as a tool for health promotion. Young women are considered the 'power users' of social media and the current study uses Twitter as a vehicle for multivitamin promotion messages due to the ability to quickly share content and the potential to attract viral attention through re-tweets.

To eat or not to eat red meat. A closer look at the relationship between restrained eating and vegetarianism in college females

Previous research has suggested that vegetarianism may serve as a mask for restrained eating. The purpose of this study was to compare the dietary habits and lifestyle behaviors of vegetarians ( n = 55), pesco-vegetarians ( n = 28), semi-vegetarians ( n = 29), and flexitarians ( n = 37), to omnivores ( n = 91), who do not restrict animal products from their diets. A convenience sample of college-age females completed questionnaires about their eating habits, food choice motivations, and personality characteristics. Results indicated that while vegetarians and pesco-vegetarians were more open to new experiences and less food neophobic, they were not more restrained than omnivores. Rather semi-vegetarians; those who restricted only red meat from their diet, and flexitarians; those who occasionally eat red meat, were significantly more restrained than omnivores. Whereas food choices of semi-vegetarians and flexitarians were motivated by weight control, vegetarians and pesco-vegetarians’ food choices were motivated by ethical concerns. By focusing specifically on semi-vegetarian and flexitarian subgroups, more effective approaches can be developed to ensure that their concerns about weight loss do not lead to unhealthful or disordered eating patterns.

Influence of Reading on Heart Rate while Riding a Monark Exercise Bike

Many college age students (18-24) may enjoy reading while they exercise. Reading while exercising may be more beneficial compared to not reading at all. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine whether or not heart rate was influenced by reading. METHODS: Nine (N-9) college age females (20.6 ±0.70) completed two thirty minute trials. Subjects wore heart rate monitors and heart rate was assessed. Each of the two trials was randomly assigned to have the subject read or not read during their session. The heart rates were analyzed and a t test was performed. RESULTS: The results of the t test show that there was a statistically significant difference (p value <0.05) in heart rate for reading. Similarly heart rate was significantly higher (p<0.05) at each time. (5 minutes Non Reading/Reading respectively 119.4 ±15.9, 129.5 ±21.0; 10 minute 120.3 ±17.1, 135.2 ±20.3; 15 minutes 127.9 ±22.1, 135.2 ±21.2; 20 minutes 129.3 ±16.9, 138.2 ±19.8; 25 minutes 126.3 ±15.6, 138.7 ±22.8; 30 minutes 128.6 ±19.7, 139.4 ±22.2). CONCLUSION: The results from this particular study show that there is a statistically significant difference in heart rate while reading and exercising. In this case, reading while exercising on a Monark bike showed to have a significant increase in heart rate over a thirty minute time period.

Non-traditional Strength Training Effects on Sport Performance in Collegiate Soccer Players versus College Females

PURPOSE: To determine the effects of traditional (TG) versus non-traditional (NTG) strength training on hamstring: quadriceps (H/Q) functional ratio, power, anaerobic capacity and agility in collegiate female soccer players versus college females. Second, to identify which program best demonstrated sport specific benefits for female soccer players as indicated by performance in H/Q functional ratios at velocities 60°·s-1 and 120°·s-1, 300-m shuttle-run (SH), vertical jump (VJ), and T-test. METHODS: Division II collegiate female soccer players (n=12) and physically active college age females (n=15) were randomly assigned to either the TG (athlete n=6, non-athlete n=5) or NTG (athlete n=6, non-athlete n=9). Participants underwent baseline assessments, eight weeks of strength training, and post-training assessments identical to those completed at baseline. RESULTS: Statistical analyses revealed that non-athlete NTG right and left leg H/Q increased (.18±.15, p=.009 and 06±.09, p=.079) at 60°·s-1, with right leg H/Q reaching statistical significance. At 120°·s-1, the TG showed decreases in left leg H/Q (.24±.42, p=.086) with athlete TG reaching significance (.24±.21, p=.04). The NTG showed non-significant decreases in 300-m SH (s) (4.79±9.21, p=.072) while exhibiting a large effect size (.27). The TG and NTG both significantly increased VJ (cm) (4.45±5.15, p=.017, 2.37±3.90, p=.034). Lastly, at post-test the non-athlete NTG decreased their T-test run time (s) significantly (.92±1.1, p=.03). CONCLUSIONS: It appears that eight weeks of dynamic strength training, including plyometric and body weight exercises, elicited greater performance enhancements than the traditional machine-based strength program as indicated by significance value of p<.10. These findings are supported by the favorable changes observed post- training in both left and right H/Q functional ratios at 60°·s-1, anaerobic capacity, measured by performance in 300-m SH run (s), and in skill-related fitness components power and agility, measured by VJ (cm) and T-test time (s), respectively. Further investigation is warranted to determine the effects of non-traditional strength training methods in a similar population when implemented over a longer training period and with larger sample sizes.

The Physiological Effects Of A Mindfulness-based Exercise Program On The Stress-levels Of College-age Females

The Physiological Effects Of A Mindfulness-based Exercise Program On The Stress-levels Of College-age Females

A Losing Battle

The present study examined prolonged exposure effects of thin-ideal media messages. College-aged females participated in seven online sessions over 10 days including a baseline measures session, five daily measures, and a posttest. Two experimental groups viewed magazine pages with thin-ideal imagery. One of those groups was induced to engage in social comparisons with the thin-ideal models. The control group viewed messages with body-neutral images of women. Prolonged exposure to thin-ideal messages led to greater body satisfaction. This finding was attributed to the fact that the experimental groups reported more dieting behaviors. A mediation analysis showed that the impact of thin-ideal message exposure on body satisfaction was mediated by dieting.

Prediction of One Repetition Maximum Bench Press From Push-Ups in College-Aged Females

Prediction of One Repetition Maximum Bench Press From Push-Ups in College-Aged Females

Rest period effect on peak torque in female collegiate and recreational athletes

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the effect of rest period on peak torque in females. Thirty college-aged females (n = 15 collegiate athletes and n = 15 recreational athletes) performed three practice sessions and four experimental sessions using a knee flexion/extension protocol on a CYBEX NORM isokinetic dynamometer. Each session began with a five minute warmup on a cycle ergometer after which the subjects performed four maximal repetitions of knee extension at five isokinetic velocities, 60, 120, 180, 240, and 300°·sec -1 with randomly assigned rest periods of 15, 60, 180, or 300 seconds between velocity sets while knee flexion was held constant at 300°·sec -1 . Peak torque was recorded for each trial. Data were analyzed using a 4 (rest) x 5 (velocity) repeated measures ANOVA (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences in peak torque between any of the rest periods. It was concluded that in females a 60 second rest is adequate for muscle recovery when executing four maximal repetitions.

Effects Of Acute Whole-Body Vibration On Upper Extremity Isometric Strength In Females.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to investigate the acute effects of a single bout of Whole-Body Vibration (WBV) on isometric upper extremity strength when applied to the upper extremities in females. METHODS: Fifteen college aged females (mean age: 25.8 + 10.48 years) participated in a dominant arm isometric chest press. Dominant arm mean and peak torque were measured with an isokinetic dynamometer. Subjects were then placed on a vibration platform in a modified push-up position, hands on the platform with elbows extended and knees off. Vibration exposure consisted of a frequency of 35Hz and displacement of 4mm, lasting 30 seconds. Subjects then repeated dominant arm isometric chest press with mean and peak torque being recorded. RESULTS: Descriptive statistics were calculated for all torque values, pre-vibration mean torque (78.87 ft-lbs +18.54), post-vibration mean torque (79.97 ft-lbs +20.54), pre-vibration peak (84.98 ft-lbs+19.94), and post-vibration peak (84.61 ft-lbs +21.82). Matched pairs t-Tests revealed no significant difference between pre- and post-vibration mean torque (p=0638) and no significant difference between pre- and post-vibration peak torque (p=.868). CONCLUSIONS: Results from this study suggest that acute WBV applied to the upper extremities does not increase isometric upper extremity strength in college aged females.

Exercise caution when stressed: Stages of change and the stress–exercise participation relationship

Objectives To examine the relationships between stress events/intensity and exercise frequency, intensity, and duration, and to determine whether stage of change moderates these relationships. Design Prospective, 6-week longitudinal observational study. Method College-aged females ( N = 95) were recruited from undergraduate classes and completed a battery of questionnaires before a 6-week evaluation period. During this period, participants were asked to return a daily exercise log and to return a weekly stress events scale (Weekly Stress Inventory: Brantley, Jones, Boudreaux, & Catz, 1997). Results HLM analyses revealed that exercise stage of change interacted with stress (both event frequency and intensity) to effect: (1) the amount of exercise minutes/day reported per week, (2) the number of days of exercise/week, and, (3) mean RPE for exercise/week. For those in the maintenance stage, the number of stressful events were positively related to exercise frequency, intensity, and duration. This relationship was negative or nonexistent for all other stages combined. Likewise, stress intensity showed a positive relationship with exercise duration and a minimally positive relationship with exercise frequency for maintenance stage exercisers, compared to a negative relationship for all other stages combined. Conclusions These results suggest differential patterns of exercise engagement based on stage of change – with those in maintenance responding to stress with enhanced activity, while those in other stages were more likely to reduce physical activity. Implications for intervention design and theories of exercise behavior change are discussed.

고온 환경에서 트레드밀 전방걷기 전 카페인 섭취가 대퇴근 통증에 미치는 영향

This study was a double-blind, randomized, crossover design to find out effects of ingesting of caffeine on perceptions of quadriceps muscle pain. To this, we analyzed whole body sweat loss volume, muscle pain rating(1-10 scores), creatine phosphokinase(CPK), lactate dehydrogenase(LDH), myoglobin during 40min treadmill walking. College-aged females (N=7) ingested 3 mg·kg-1 caffeine (caffeine group; Caff-G) or a placebo (placebo group; Plac-G) and no treatment (control group; Con-G). Intensity of forward treadmill walking is approximately 60% HRRmax in heat environment 30~32℃(40-50% humidity). Whole body loss volume not significantly among the treatments (p=.332) but displayed the highest in Caff-G. Caffeine ingestion not significantly decreased in muscle pain rating during forward treadmill walking compared with Con-G, Plac-G (p=.534) but displayed the lowest. And CPK (p=.359), LDH (p=.892), myoglobin (p=.810) not significantly among the treatments. The results support that to reduce muscle pain rating during forward treadmill walking at 60% HRRmax that is insufficient to caffeine ingestion of 3 mg·kg-1.

Racial Differences in Body Composition and Physical Activity Levels in College-Age Females

Overweight and obesity rates have continued to rise among all age groups and races in the United States. While physical activity levels among women increased 9% to 47% from 2001-2005, this did not prevent a rise in obesity rates, as they increased over this time period. The CDC estimates that 32% of females 18-24 years of age engage in leisure time activity. When examined by race, 35% of white, not Hispanic or Latino, and 25% of black, not Hispanic or Latino, females are regularly active. PURPOSE: The purpose of the present investigation was to examine the relationships between body composition and physical activity levels among black and white college-age females. METHODS: 83 college-age black (n=27, 19.0±0.7 years) and white (n=56, 18.7±0.7 years) females were recruited to participate in this study (18.8±0.7 years). Body composition (%Fat) was examined via Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry. Physical activity (PA) was measured via 7-day pedometer counts, while bouts of total, light, moderate and vigorous activity were assessed using a 7-day PA Recall. RESULTS: Black college-age females demonstrated higher weight (75.7±19.4 kg), %Fat (32.1±1.6%), body mass index (28.1±6.0 kg/m2), waist circumference (80.7±12.4 cm) and hip circumference (107.0±13.5 cm) when compared to their white counterparts (64.4±10.3 kg, 27.8±0.6%, 23.4±3.5 kg/m2, 73.3±0.1 cm, 98.4±7.1 cm, respectively). Additionally, when compared to white females, black females reported significantly lower PA levels (11494±417 steps vs. 8093±580 steps) and reduced bouts of total, moderate and vigorous intensity activity (13.5±0.8, 4.9±0.5, 3.3±0.3 bouts/week vs. 9.7±1.2, 2.7±0.5, 2.1±0.4 bouts/week). Our data reflect national statistics with white females being more active than black females, as 68% of white and 52% of black females were physically active (>150 min/wk) in our sample. No relationship existed between PA (steps or activity bouts) and body composition in either race (all p>0.05). When controlling for PA, racial differences remained, with whites having better body composition than blacks. CONCLUSION: White college-age females have improved body composition and activity levels compared to their black counterparts. However, the higher activity level in whites does not appear to account for the racial differences in body composition.

Traditional Resistance Training versus Superslow Strength Training on Strength, Flexibility, and Aerobic Capacity in Females

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of SuperSlow resistance training to traditional resistance training on measures of strength, aerobic capacity, and flexibility in college-aged females. METHODS: Thirty-five healthy college-aged females were randomly divided into three groups: SuperSlow resistance training (n=14); traditional resistance training (n=13); and control (n=8). The two exercise groups trained for 4 weeks, 3 times per week for 20-30 minutes each session. Workouts consisted of five exercises: shoulder press (SP), chest press (CP), leg press (LP), low row (LR), and lat pull down (LPD). The SuperSlow group completed 1 set of each exercise at 50% 1RM until momentary failure with a 10 second concentric phase and a 10 second eccentric phase. The traditional group completed 3 sets of 8 repetitions at 80% 1RM for each exercise. Outcome measures were assessed at the beginning of the training and at the end and included sit and reach flexibility, estimated maximal oxygen uptake (Astrand Rhyming cycle test), and 1 RM strength measures for each exercise. SPSS version 17.0 was used to analyze the data and statistical probability was set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: There were no baseline differences between the groups. Body weight did not change for any group, however flexibility improved significantly (p < 0.01) for the two training groups (SuperSlow 14.7%, Traditional 11%). Estimated VO2 Max improved 5-6% for each group following the intervention. All 1-RM strength tests had significant trial (p < 0.01) and group (p < 0.05) effects following the exercise protocols. There were no changes in control group strength values, however the other 2 groups had significant improvements (SP increased 19% for the traditional group and 10.5% for Superslow; LPD, 24% vs 17%, respectively; LP 25% vs 15% respectively; CP 24% vs 20% respectively; and LR 25% vs 18% respectively). CONCLUSION: The SuperSlow and Traditional training programs were both equally effective for improving flexibility and aerobic function. Both programs also improved strength, as expected, with the traditional program resulting in larger improvements.