Date of Award

5-2018

Document Type

Open Access Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Kinesiology

First Advisor

Larissa True, Ph.D.

Second Advisor

Mark Sutherlin, Ph.D.

Third Advisor

Peter M. McGinnis, Ph.D.

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate whether a short-term, unilateral, lower-body resistance training program would significantly improve static and dynamic balance in experienced college-aged resistance-trained participants when compared to a control group’s regular, bilateral lower-body resistance training program. Participants: A total of twenty-four participants were recruited to participate in the study. Four participants ended up dropping out due to injury and time constraints, leaving the final total sample size at twenty. Methods: Participants completed a series of three questionnaires (International Fitness Scale, International Physical Activity, and Sociodemographic Questionnaire) and the informed consent. The participants were randomly divided using the ABBA method, splitting them into two groups (UTG) Unilateral Training Group (n = 10), (CG) Control Group (n =10). The UTG was given a unilateral lower-body resistance training program to perform twice a week for six weeks, whereas the CG continued their regular lower-body program. The participants in the UTG performed ten total training sessions over the course of six weeks. Measures: Pre- and post-testing was performed on the Biodex Balance System SD in the biomechanics laboratory. The Postural Stability test was used to assess unilateral static balance, and the Athlete Single Leg Stability test was used to assess unilateral dynamic balance. Analysis: An a priori power analysis was conducted to determine sample size. A series of two-way mixed methods ANOVAs were used to assess a group by time interaction on static and dynamic balance. Independent and dependent samples t-tests were used to determine post-hoc simple main effects. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 25 with an established alpha level of 0.05. Conclusion: The UTG’s program was effective for improving pre to post static and dynamic balance over time compared to the CG’s regular program.

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