Date of Award
1-1-2024
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Ph.D. in Health and Kinesiology
First Advisor
Thomas L. Andre
Second Advisor
John Bentley
Third Advisor
Jeremy Loenneke
School
University of Mississippi
Relational Format
dissertation/thesis
Abstract
Interlimb asymmetry refers to the differences between right and left limbs on composition, functionality, and performance. Previous literature suggests that asymmetry scores increase following an intense exercise bout and that greater asymmetry scores are associated with increased injury risk and decreased physical performance. In military populations, musculoskeletal injuries (MSKI) have a direct impact on health care expenses and lost time. Recent reports have highlighted the relatively high risk of injury in Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) cadet populations due to poor movement quality and increased physical demands since joining ROTC. However, very minimum efforts have been made to evaluate asymmetries in military populations. To date, literature has not examined the influence of lean mass asymmetry on the change in functional jumping asymmetries due to fatigue. Therefore, the purpose of was study is to investigate the effects of exercise-induced fatigue on interlimb asymmetry in ROTC cadets. The secondary purpose is to evaluate whether lean mass moderates the relationship between the delta changes in interlimb asymmetry elicited by two-mile walk and run protocols. A total of 61 healthy ROTC cadets completed their participation in the study. This study encompassed one laboratory visit and two experimental visits. The initial visit included baseline jump testing procedures, Y-balance test (YBT), anthropometric measurements, and a Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) scan. The two experimental visits included jump testing procedures to evaluate interlimb asymmetries before and after a 2-mile walk (control visit) and a 2-mile run (military testing visit). The testing included performing single-leg countermovement jumps (SLCMJ) and bilateral countermovement jumps (CMJ) on portable force platforms. Interlimb asymmetry from both bilateral and unilateral assessments did not change significantly (p > 0.05) across both, walk and run conditions. Leg lean mass asymmetry significantly (p < 0.05) moderated the relationship between exercise condition and the delta change in asymmetry in the opposite direction of what was hypothesized. Bilateral CMJ tests showed acceptable intra- and inter-day reliability via Kappa coefficients, ICC, and CV. Leg lean mass asymmetry was correlated to average and peak propulsive and braking forces as well as mid-thigh girth (R2 range = 0.12 to 0.31).
Recommended Citation
Valladao, Silvio Polly da Costa, "Effects of Exercise-Induced Fatigue on Interlimb Asymmetry in ROTC Cadets" (2024). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 2970.
https://egrove.olemiss.edu/etd/2970