Date of Award

12-2018

Type

Thesis

Major

Health Science

Degree Type

Master of Science in Health Science

Department

Kinesiology and Health Sciences

First Advisor

Dr. Kate Early

Second Advisor

Dr. Brian Tyo

Third Advisor

Dr. Clayton Nicks

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the autonomic balance and cardiovascular demands of collegiate sideline cheerleaders between practice and game settings, and throughout four quarters of a football game; and to evaluate the physical fitness of collegiate Division I cheerleaders. Eleven cheerleaders volunteered to participate (age; 18.9+0.8y, height; 163.2+4.3cm, and body mass; 64.9+8.7kg). Basic physical fitness was assessed by evaluating blood pressure, resting heart rate, grip strength, and body composition. Physiological data (maximal heart rate [HR], average HR, physiological intensity, physiological load, maximal activity, and average activity) were collected at four practices and four games using a Zephyr Bioharness HR monitor. Prior to each practice and game, a 15-minute heart rate variability (HRV) reading was taken in the seated position. There was a significantly higher LF/HF ratio prior to game than prior to practice (p< 0.01). Average HR was significantly higher during game than practice (p< 0.01). Average activity level was significantly higher during game than in practice (p< 0.01), while maximal activity level was significantly higher in practice than during game (p< 0.01). More time was spent in the moderate and vigorous intensity heart rate zones during games than during practice (p< 0.05). Average HR, physiological intensity, and physiological load were significantly higher in Q1 and Q2 than Q3 and Q4 (p< 0.01). Maximal HR was significantly higher in Q1 than Q3 and Q4 (p< 0.01). The present study demonstrates higher HR and intensities and a shift toward sympathetic activity in games than during practice in Division I cheerleaders, therefore implementing more high-intensity exercise sessions during practice may be beneficial to mimic a game-like situation.

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