Collegiate Women Research Articles

Effects of Betaine Supplementation on Markers of Metabolic Flexibility, Body Composition, and Anaerobic Performance in Active College-Age Females

Betaine (BET) has shown to be effective in improving body composition and performance, although research in women is lacking. This study investigated the effects of BET supplementation on markers of metabolic flexibility, body composition, and anaerobic performance in college females. Twenty-three active subjects with 21.8 ± 3.0 years of age, 66.6 ± 8.8 kg body mass, 1.6 ± 0.1 m height, and 23.2 ± 5.3% body fat performed a graded exercise test on a cycle ergometer consisting of 4 incremental, 3 min stages for collection of fat and carbohydrate oxidation rates. Three 10 s sprint tests were then completed against a resistance of 7.5% of body mass, separated by 2.5 min of recovery. The study comprised 3 phases: (a) pre-supplementation, (b) randomization to supplement for 2-weeks with either 2.4 g/day BET or placebo (parallel design), and (c) post-supplementation. Repeated-measures analysis of variance were conducted to determine interactions or main effects. There were no group differences for substrate oxidation rates (p > 0.05). Although body composition improved pre-post for both groups (p < 0.05), only the BET group experienced a significant increase in fat free mass (p < 0.01; ∼3%). Further, only the BET group experienced improvements to performance such as a higher mean power output during the final sprint (p = 0.02; ∼3%) and a lower RPE during the final stage of the graded exercise test (p = 0.02). Results from this study suggest BET supplementation may improve body composition and some markers of performance during exercise in collegiate women.

Evidence and Application of Athlete Monitoring Programs in National Collegiate Athletic Association Women's Soccer: A Narrative Review

ABSTRACT National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) women's soccer players spend 2–3 weeks in preseason, followed by 12–14 weeks in the competitive season. Because of a short, intense preseason followed by the long competitive season, athlete monitoring programs would play an important role in maximizing physical preparation and match performance while minimizing unfavorable adaptations and fatigue during the NCAA Division I collegiate women's soccer competitive season. Athlete monitoring measures can be used to assess training load (TL), the response to TL, and a player's physical and psychological readiness to train or play during the competitive season. Session rating of perceived exertion and global navigation satellite system measures are common load monitoring measures, whereas subjective recovery and stress questionnaires, heart rate measures, performance tests, and biochemical measures are monitoring measures to estimate the response to TL. This article aims to review the roles of these athlete monitoring measures and provide the physical performance demands of women's soccer match play and athlete monitoring strategies. Furthermore, this article provides practitioner examples of athlete monitoring programs based on NCAA Division I women's soccer match schedules and limitations.

Being in the Know : Social Network Analysis of Gossip and Friendship on a College Campus.

Gossip (evaluative talk about others) is ubiquitous. Gossip allows important rules to be clarified and reinforced, and it allows individuals to keep track of their social networks while strengthening their bonds to the group. The purpose of this study is to decipher the nature of gossip and how it relates to friendship connections. To measure how gossip relates to friendship, participants from men's and women's collegiate competitive rowing (crew) teams (N = 44) noted their friendship connections and their tendencies to gossip about each of their teammates. Using social network analysis, we found that the crew members' friend group connectedness significantly correlated with their positive and negative gossip network involvement. Higher connectedness among friends was associated with less involvement in spreading negative gossip and/or being a target of negative gossip. More central connectedness to the friend group was associated with more involvement in spreading positive gossip and/or being a target of positive gossip. These results suggest that the spread of both positive and negative gossip may influence and be influenced by friendship connections in a social network.

Quantification of Workload and Wellness Measures in a Women's Collegiate Volleyball Season.

The purpose of this paper was to quantify internal and external loads completed by collegiate volleyball athletes during a competitive season. Eleven players were sampled (using accelerometers and subjective wellness surveys) during the practice (n = 55) and game (n = 30) sessions over the 2019 season. Longitudinal data were evaluated for trends across the preseason, non-conference play, and conference play periods. Data were also analyzed with respect to positional groups. Longitudinal analysis of accelerometer data showed higher workload demand during practices than games. Positional group differences were most when evaluating jump count and height. Setters accrued over twice as many jumps in a practice than during a game and had similar overall jump counts in practice to attacking positions. Average team wellness values varied with time in the season, especially during times of congested travel. This is the first study to look at both game and practice workload and wellness measures in collegiate women's volleyball. The results suggest athlete monitoring can be used to understand the demands of volleyball and used in the future to enhance practice and recovery day design to optimize athlete well-being.

Neuromuscular Performance Following Back-to-Back Simulated Games In Women’s Collegiate Basketball Players

PURPOSE: To examine the effects of back-to-back simulated games on neuromuscular performance in collegiate women’s basketball players. METHODS: Eight NCAA women’s basketball players engaged in two consecutive simulated games separated by 24 hours. Participants performed the countermovement jump (CMJ) before (Pre-Game 1 = PreG1; Pre-Game 2 = PreG2) and after (Post-Game 1 = PostG1; Post-Game 2 = PostG2) each simulated game and 48 hours (Post-Game 2 = 48Post) after PostG2. Internal (iTL) and external training load(s) (eTL) were captured during each game. A paired t-test was used to examine game differences in iTL and eTL. One-way repeated measures analyses of variance were used to detect differences in Concentric Mean Force (ConcMF), Jump Height (JH), Contraction Time (CT), and Reactive Strength Index-Modified (RSIMod), with significance set at p ≤ 0.05. Cohen’s d effect sizes were calculated for pairwise comparisons and interpreted as trivial (0-0.19), small (0.20-0.49), medium (0.50-0.79), and large (≥0.80). RESULTS: No significant differences were detected in eTL volume (PlayerLoad (PL), p = 0.074) or intensity (PL/min = 0.379), but significantly greater iTL was observed in G1 compared to G2 with greater Training Impulse (p = 0.002) and average heart rate (p = 0.001). Significant differences appeared across time in ConcMF (p = 0.007), JH (p = 0.001), and RSIMod (p = 0.050), but not CT (p = 0.356). Pairwise comparisons revealed significant decreases in JH from PreG1(28.3 ± 4.2) to PostG2 (25.8 ± 3.03 cm, p = 0.036, d = 0.69). While not significant (p > 0.05) a large effect for decreases in JH was observed from PreG1 to 48Post (p = 0.082, d = 0.8). ConcMF significantly decreased from PostG1 (1730.1 ± 177.3 N) to 48Post (1636.9 ± 131.6 N, p = 0.05, d = 0.41). RSIMod displayed significant reductions at 48Post (0.435 ± 0.12) compared to both PreG1 (0.50 ± 0.12, p = 0.001, d = 0.58) and PostG2 (0.46 ± 0.10, p = 0.015, d = 0.43). While not significant RSIMod displayed a moderate decrease from PreG1 to PostG1 (d = 0.43). CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest back-to-back gameplay suppresses CMJ performance with large deficits in JH and explosiveness (RSIMod) manifesting 48 hours after the completion of play. Interestingly, it appears deficits in explosiveness may result from a change in gross output (JH) rather than alterations in movement strategy (CT).

Recurrent Symptomatic Supraventricular Tachycardia In A Collegiate Volleyball Player

ACSM Case Report SubmissionCalan Sowa, MD HISTORY: A 21-year-old collegiate women’s volleyball player with a past medical history of supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) ablated in July of 2020 presented to the training room after developing shortness of breath and palpitations while participating in volleyball practice. Her symptoms arose spontaneously, and she experienced no chest pain or dizziness, endorsed no recent fevers or chills and had no recent sick contacts. She had no history of illicit substance use and had been otherwise feeling well. PHYSICAL EXAMINATION: Examination in the training room revealed regular tachycardia at a rate of approximately 200 beats per minute. Blood pressure was within normal limits. The patient exhibited no dyspnea and bilateral lungs were clear to auscultation. Neurologic exam was within normal limits. EKG was not available in the training room and therefore the patient was instructed to report to the Emergency Room for further evaluation. DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS: 1. Supraventricular tachycardia2. Ventricular tachycardia3. Viral myocarditis TESTS AND RESULTS: Troponin I: normalBasic Metabolic Panel: normalEKG: Normal sinus rhythm with HR 56 bpm48-Hour Holter Monitor: -Predominant rhythm: SVT with normal AV conduction-Average HR: 75 bpm, Minimum HR 44 bpm, Maximum HR 194 bpm-Ectopy: Occasional PACs without ventricular ectopy-Dysrhythmias: Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT); 399 beats at 215 bpm-Symptoms: Palpitations and shortness of breath reported once at which time the rhythm was sinus with a rate of 53 bpm FINAL WORKING DIAGNOSIS: Recurrent SVT TREATMENT AND OUTCOMES: 48-hour Holter monitoring confirmed an episode of recurrent SVT lasting for approximately twenty seconds that occurred during participation in volleyball practice. The patient was referred to cardiology and ultimately elected to follow up with her home cardiologist in Virginia. She is awaiting evaluation and resulting medical/procedural management and return-to-play instruction.

Does Ankle Inversion Or Eversion Torque Correlate With Reaction Time In Collegiate Women Soccer Players?

Does Ankle Inversion Or Eversion Torque Correlate With Reaction Time In Collegiate Women Soccer Players?

Comprehensive Needs Analysis for Women's Collegiate Lacrosse

ABSTRACT The purpose of this article is to provide a needs analysis of the women's collegiate lacrosse game as it has not been adequately described elsewhere. This needs analysis will describe the current state of knowledge and identify gaps to assist in the design of comprehensive and successful strength and conditioning programs. There are differences between men's and women's lacrosse, and the limited data suggest strength and conditioning programs similar to soccer and basketball with consideration of upper-body involvement and stick handling. Additional testing of successful athletes, analysis of events, and establishment of norms will enhance understanding of the game and strength and conditioning practices.

Epidemiology of Injuries in National Collegiate Athletic Association Women's Lacrosse: 2014-2015 Through 2018-2019.

Lacrosse is an increasingly popular sport; the number of teams participating in collegiate women's lacrosse has increased by 21.4% in the past 5 years. The growth of National Collegiate Athletic Association women's lacrosse, coupled with the ongoing discussions surrounding protective equipment, necessitates further epidemiologic studies in this population. Exposure and injury data collected in the National Collegiate Athletic Association Injury Surveillance Program during 2014-2015 through 2018-2019 were analyzed. Injury counts, rates, and proportions were used to describe injury characteristics, and injury rate ratios with 95% CIs were used to examine differential injury rates. The overall injury rate was 4.99 per 1000 athlete exposures. Less than 30% of injuries were time-loss injuries; injuries were most commonly attributed to noncontact (26.6%) and overuse (25.2%) mechanisms. The most commonly reported specific injuries were lateral ligament complex tears (ankle sprains; 9.1%), concussions (7.2%), and hamstring tears (3.8%). Findings from this study were consistent with the existing epidemiologic evidence in previous studies. Injury incidence in practices, in preseason, and as a result of player contact warrant further attention in this population.

Psychological and Physiological Changes in Response to the Cumulative Demands of a Women's Division I Collegiate Soccer Season.

McFadden, BA, Walker, AJ, Bozzini, BN, Hofacker, M, Russell, M, and Arent, SM. Psychological and physiological changes in response to the cumulative demands of a women's division I collegiate soccer season. J Strength Cond Res 36(5): 1373-1382, 2022-This study sought to determine the effects of a women's collegiate soccer season on psychological markers, biomarkers, sleep, and performance. Athletes participated in maximal countermovement vertical jump height (CMJ) assessments and biomarker monitoring in conjunction with subjective measures of psychological wellness and sleep questionnaires before preseason (S1) and every 4 weeks following (S2, S3, and S4). Training was monitored during practices and games using global positioning satellite systems and heart rate technology. Total training load was highest from S1 to S2, decreased from S2 to S3 (effect size [ES] = -2.5; p < 0.001), and remained stable from S3 to S4. CMJ declined at S2 (ES1-2 = -0.51; p = 0.001) and returned to baseline at S3. Increases from S1 to S2 were seen for creatine kinase (ES1-2 = 1.74), free testosterone (ES1-2 = 1.27), total testosterone (ES1-2 = 3.5), and free cortisol (ES1-2 = 0.88) (p < 0.03) before returning to baseline by S3 and S4 (free cortisol). Total cortisol was elevated throughout the season before declining at S4 (ES1-4 = -0.41; p = 0.03). Iron declined from S1 to S2 (ES1-2 = -0.73; p = 0.01) and returned to baseline values at S4, whereas growth hormone declined at S2 (ES1-2 = -0.50; p = 0.01) and remained depressed. Interleukin-6 increased at S4 (ES1-4 = 0.71; p = 0.02). Total training distress decreased from S1 to S2 (ES1-2 = -0.38; p = 0.02), returned to baseline by S3, and increased by S4 (ES1-4 = 0.57; p = 0.01). No changes were observed in markers of sleep (p > 0.05). Biomarkers showed notable changes after the highest workload period (S1-S2), which coincided with CMJ decrements. Biomarker perturbations preceded declines in subjective psychological wellness (S4) which occurred in the latter half of the season, indicating an accumulation of fatigue as the season progressed.

Does the Multistage 20-m Shuttle Run Test Accurately Predict VO2max in NCAA Division I Women Collegiate Field Hockey Athletes?

Laboratory assessments of maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) are considered the “gold standard” for ascertaining cardiovascular fitness, but they are not always practical for use in team sport settings. Therefore, the purpose of the current study was to compare the criterion assessment of VO2max on a treadmill to the progressive, multistage 20-m shuttle run test (i.e., Beep test), and to determine the predictability of 6 previously established Beep test predictive equations (i.e., Chatterjee, Flouris, Leger, Leger and Gadoury, Ramsbottom, St. Clair-Gibson). Collegiate women field hockey athletes (n = 65, mean±SD: age 19.6 ± 1.2 years; weight 64.7 ± 6.1 kg) completed criterion VO2max (mean ± SD: 46.4 ± 4.6 mL·kg−1·min−1) and Beep tests to volitional fatigue. According to Bland–Altman and Ordinary Least Products Regressions, the Ramsbottom (46.5 ± 4.2 mL·kg−1·min−1) and Flouris (46.3 ± 3.8 mL·kg−1·min−1) equations were considered valid predictions of criterion measured VO2max (46.4 ± 4.6). The Chatterjee, Leger, Leger and Gadoury, and St. Clair-Gibson equations overestimated VO2max, and are not recommended for use with women collegiate field hockey athletes. The Ramsbottom and Flouris estimates of VO2max from 20-m shuttle performances may be used in this population. For accurate estimates of VO2max, the clientele’s age, fitness level, and training history should be considered when selecting equations.

Epidemiology of Acute Extensor Mechanism Injuries in Collegiate-Level Athletes in the United States.

Extensor mechanism injuries involving the quadriceps tendon, patella, or patellar tendon can be a devastating setback for athletes. Despite the potential severity and relative frequency with which these injuries occur, large-scale epidemiological data on collegiate-level athletes are lacking. Descriptive epidemiology study. Level 4. Knee extensor mechanism injuries across 16 sports among National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) men and women during the 2004-2005 to 2013-2014 academic years were analyzed using the NCAA Injury Surveillance Program (NCAA-ISP). Extensor mechanism injuries per 100,000 athlete-exposures (AEs), operative rate, annual injury and reinjury rates, in-season status (pre-/regular/postseason), and time lost were compiled and calculated. A total of 11,778,265 AEs were identified and included in the study. Overall, 1,748 extensor mechanism injuries were identified, with an injury rate (IR) of 14.84 (per 100,000 AEs). N = 114 (6.5%) injuries were classified as severe injuries with a relatively higher median time loss (44 days) and operative risk (18.42%). Male athletes had higher risk of season-ending injuries in both all (3.20% vs 0.89%, P < 0.01) and severe (41.54% vs 16.33%, P < 0.01) extensor mechanism injuries. Similarly, contact injuries were more frequently season-ending injuries (4.44% vs 1.69%, P = 0.01). Women's soccer (IR = 2.59), women's field hockey (IR = 2.15), and women's cross country (IR = 2.14) were the sports with the highest rate of severe extensor mechanism injuries. Extensor mechanism injuries in collegiate athletes represent a significant set of injuries both in terms of volume and potentially to their athletic careers. Male athletes and contact injuries appear to have a greater risk of severe injuries. Injuries defined as severe had a higher risk of operative intervention and greater amount of missed playing time. Knowledge of the epidemiology of extensor mechanism injuries may help clinicians guide their athlete patients in sports-related injury prevention and management.

High-speed running density in collegiate women’s lacrosse

ABSTRACT High-speed running density (HSRd) is the ratio of high-speed efforts and distance covered. This study aimed to evaluate differences in HSRd between training, games, and among positions in collegiate women’s lacrosse, and correlate HSRd with other training metrics. Data were collected during a collegiate training year (practices n = 162, games n = 14) through players (n = 25) wearing microtechnology. HSRd differed between training sessions and games (p < .001, d = .281) and by position (p < .001, d = .005-.712). Games (14.7 ± 13.8%) had a higher HSRd than training sessions (13.1 ± 13.7%), and goalies had higher HSRd during games than the other positions. HSRd was moderately inversely correlated (p < .001) with max speed (r = −.395–.543) and had low inverse correlations (p < .001) with distance (r = −.134–.225), accelerations (r = −217–.233), and decelerations (r = −.195–.268). Training did not mimic the HSRd of games. Defenders and goalies perform intense reactionary movements to make a defensive play, resulting in higher HSRd.

Utilizing Framing Theory to Design More Effective Health Messages about Tanning Behavior among College Women

ABSTRACT Rates of skin cancer among young women are increasing and most cases are associated with tanning behavior. In health communication, scholars and practitioners use framing as a strategy to design persuasive messages. In this experiment, we advance framing research by testing a serial model of framing theory in the context of outdoor tanning behavior among collegiate women. We designed two message frames, language difficulty, and message relevance, to target accessibility and applicability, two mechanisms within framing theory. We deployed these frames in a 2 × 2 experimental design and found that message frames that promoted accessibility and applicability significantly increased perceptions of severity, susceptibility, and reduced behavioral intentions to tan. Our results support framing theory and provide practical implications for message designers who use frames to inform and persuade.

Clinical Recovery Timelines After Sport-Related Concussion in Men's and Women's Collegiate Sports.

Researchers have identified sex differences in sport-related concussion incidence and recovery time; however, few have examined sex differences in specific recovery trajectories: time to symptom resolution, return to academics, and return to athletic activity across collegiate sports. To examine sex differences in sport-related concussion recovery trajectories across a number of club and varsity sports with different levels of contact. Descriptive epidemiology study. Collegiate varsity and club sports. Sport-related concussions sustained by student-athletes (n = 1974; women = 38.8%) participating in Ivy League sports were monitored between 2013-2014 and 2018-2019. Athletic trainers collected concussive injury and recovery characteristics as part of the Ivy League-Big Ten Epidemiology of Concussion Study's surveillance system. Time to symptom resolution, return to academics, and return to limited and full sport participation were collected. Survival analyses determined the time from injury to each recovery outcome for male and female athletes by sport. Peto tests were used to compare recovery outcomes between men's and women's sports and by sport. The median (interquartile range [IQR]) was 9 days (IQR = 4-18 days) for time to symptom resolution overall, 8 days (IQR = 3-15 days) for return to academics, 12 days (IQR = 8-23 days) for return to limited sport participation, and 16 days (IQR = 10-29 days) for return to full sport participation. We observed differences overall between sexes for median time to symptom resolution (men = 8 days [IQR = 4-17 days], women = 9 days [IQR = 5-20 days]; P = .03) and return to academics (men = 7 days [IQR = 3-14 days], women = 9 days [IQR = 4-17 days]; P < .001) but not for median time to return to athletics (limited sport participation: P = .12, full sport participation: P = .58). Within-sport comparisons showed that women's lacrosse athletes had longer symptom resolution (P = .03) and return to academics (P = .04) compared with men's lacrosse athletes, whereas men's volleyball athletes took longer to return to limited (P = .02) and full (P = .049) sport participation than women's volleyball athletes. Recovery timelines between sexes were different. Athletes in women's sports experienced longer symptom durations and time to return to academics compared with men's sports, but athletes in men's and women's sports presented similar timelines for return to athletics.

Unexpected Findings from a Pilot Study on Vision Training as a Potential Intervention to Reduce Subconcussive Head Impacts during a Collegiate Ice Hockey Season.

Player-to-player contact is the most frequent head impact mechanism in collegiate ice hockey. Training with three-dimensional multiple-object tracking (3D-MOT) could potentially reduce the quantity and severity of head impacts by enhancing player anticipation of these impacts. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of 3D-MOT training to reduce the numbers of head impacts sustained by National Collegiate Athletic Association Division III men's and women's ice hockey players. Collegiate men's and women's ice hockey players (N = 33; men = 17, women = 16) were randomly assigned to a 3D-MOT group (n = 17) or a control (C) group (n = 16). Head impacts were monitored during practices and games, and 3D-MOT training occurred twice per week for 12 weeks throughout one regular season. 3D-MOT forwards sustained head impacts with greater mean peak linear acceleration (3D-MOT = 41.33 ± 28.54 g; C = 38.03 ± 24.30 g) and mean peak rotational velocity (3D-MOT = 13.59 ± 8.18 rad.sec-1; C = 12.47 ± 7.69 rad.sec-1) in games, and greater mean peak rotational velocity in practices versus C forwards (3D-MOT = 11.96 ± 6.77 rad.sec-1; C = 10.22 ± 6.95 rad.sec-1). Conversely, 3D-MOT defensemen sustained head impacts with a mean peak rotational velocity less than that of C defensemen (3D-MOT = 11.54 ± 6.76 rad.sec-1; C = 13.65 ± 8.43 rad.sec-1). There was no significant difference for all other parameters analyzed between 3D-MOT and C groups. Player position may play an important role in future interventions to reduce head impacts in collegiate ice hockey.

Theorizing the Involvement Experiences of Black Women in Historically White Student Organizations

The purpose of this research article is to provide an examination of the structures and practices of historically White student organizations (HWSOs). Examined through the lens of Black feminist thought (BFT), this article offers a critical analysis of the gendered racial encounters and interactions of Black women in historically White campus involvement spaces. This article critiques the structure and environments of HWSOs by centering the lived experiences of Black undergraduate women who were members of HWSOs. Categorized through BFT’s matrix of domination, participants’ narratives are juxtaposed among the four domains (structural domain, discplinary domain, hegemonic domain, and the interpersonal domain) outlined by Patricia Hill Collins. The experiences of Black women who were involved in HWSOs describe the nature and forms of oppression Black collegiate women encountered in HWSOs at one, historically White university in the Southeastearn region of the United States.

Coaches’ Use of Positive Tactile Communication in Collegiate Basketball

There is a growing body of research on positive tactile communication and its impact on athlete performance and team dynamics. The purpose of the present study was to examine the profile and perceived impact of positive tactile communication as a coaching strategy in a high-performance team sport setting. Participants were members of a successful American collegiate women’s basketball team comprising the head coach, associate head coach, and 16 student-athletes. Methods of data collection included systematic observation and focus groups. Positive tactile communication was perceived to be an effective coaching strategy for enhancing relationships and athlete performance. To our knowledge, this is the first study to include both quantitative and qualitative data from multiple coaches on the same team, as well as athlete perceptions of coaches’ strategic use of positive tactile communication.

The strength and power characteristics of the lower extremity in the rebound jump for collegiate women soccer players:

The strength and power characteristics of the lower extremity in the rebound jump for collegiate women soccer players:

Did court find coach endured hostile environment?

The plaintiff was a prominent collegiate women's cross‐country and track‐and‐field coach at the University of Minnesota.