2024 Participants
Exploring Exercise Addiction Through the Lens of Freediving Using Mixed-Methods and Ethnography: A Pilot Study
Faculty advisor/course instructor: Jacob Dinardi
Entry #1
The purpose of our study is to better understand individuals’ ways of engaging with and relating to their cherished sport that could potentially be characterized as being addictive, which includes exploring individuals motives and feelings related to their sport. This research aims to uncover both the positive benefits and negative consequences individuals experience through participating in their sport. More specifically, we are interested in learning why some individuals express positive affect related to experiencing their sport as “an addiction,” uncovering the specific elements of sport that individuals characterize as addictive, and determining what people mean when they describe their sport as being addictive.
Literature review of the menstrual cycle, carbohydrate utilization, and endurance performance
Faculty advisor/course instructor: James Bagley
Entry #2
Literature review examining the body of research on the menstrual cycle, carbohydrate utilization, and endurance exercise performance. Presentation of the very varied conclusions of research on these topics. Explanations of the physiology of the menstrual cycle, hormones throughout the cycle , and respiratory exchange ratio (RER) as an indicator of substrate utilization are given. Possible explanations for the variance in research conclusions are discussed.
How do people with a fixed vs growth mindset interact with different target zones?
Faculty advisor/course instructor: Juliana Parma
Entry #3
Our research tests how people with a fixed or growth mindset interact with different target zones. Many people are may lean more towards a growth or fixed mindset may perceive a variety of challenges in different ways. In this experiment, we will be looking at what the effects of changing the target zone may have on the person's motivation keeping in mind that they may lead more towards a fixed or growth type of mindset.
Exploring Children's Heart Rate While Virtual Reality Gaming
Faculty advisor/course instructor: Rachel Flynn
Entry #5
This study investigates heart rate (HR) of children aged 9-13 while playing three different virtual reality (VR) games. As the world is evolving to a higher level of technology usage, children’s interest in VR gaming has increased and has a potential impact on their physiological responses. This study uses a mixed-methods approach, utilizing both quantitative and qualitative measures including pre- and post- surveys of children’s prior media use and feedback on VR game play, video recordings of children’s movement while playing, heart rate collected by millisecond using a chest-strap monitor, and written observations of actions. There was a total of 30 participants in the study, but nine participants' heart rate data was not collected for various reasons. Children participated in one VR gaming session for an hour, playing three VR games of their choice for 10 minutes each. During the session, researchers logged heart rate events that were later compared to the heart rate data from the monitor. Codes were made to summarize movements and actions of the child. Some codes are: Resting Heart Rate, Completing Measures, VR Equipment and Game Set-up, and Game Play (e.g. Fruit Ninja). Analysis will explore children’s average heart rate during VR Game Play. Analysis is still ongoing, however initial findings will provide valuable insights of children's physiological adaptation with virtual reality technology. Understanding the health implications virtual reality games have on children will lead to further research that could inform virtual reality game development.
Kinesiology Student Preferences for Fitness Media and Assessment of Learning Outcomes
Faculty advisor/course instructor: Anthony Mayo
Entry #6
Along with the rise in social media popularity, comes the rise in unreliable information. When looking at fitness content creators, these individuals rarely get fact-checked as a result of users getting distracted by sports marketing and consumer preferences. As such, the purpose of this project is to examine factors that entice students into clicking on such videos. Additionally, this project aims to assess if students are able to distinguish between “good” videos from “bad” videos based on the knowledge they have learned in class. We recruited 9 kinesiology student who took/are taking 3 major core classes (Anatomical Kinesiology, Exercise Physiology, and Culture, Gender, and Movement) and interviewed them about their media preferences and if they are able to analyze thumbnails and videos based on what they have learned in class. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using coding procedures to find common themes in the data. Our study is ongoing and results can aid us in understanding what students look for in easily digestible short-burst informational videos and images. Additionally, this will also help in analyzing the effectiveness of classes in preparing students for real-world situations.
Skipping - Component Approach
Faculty advisor/course instructor: Anthony Mayo
Entry #10
We are evaluating how skipping is different during the different phases of motor learning.
Exploring the impact of Leaderboards on Performance and Motivation during Physical Activity
Faculty advisor/course instructor: Anthony Mayo
Entry #12
Fitness organizations such as Orangetheory and F45 incorporate live leaderboards into their group fitness classes. These leaderboards create a competitive environment that motivates higher effort in a group exercise setting. Previous research has shown that leaderboards can affect one’s performance during certain situations, and that each person is affected differently from competition during physical activity. The current research aims to understand the impact that leaderboards have on performance and motivation during a 20-minute bike ride. Our study includes seven participants, all undergraduate students that are physically active enough to sustain moderate to vigorous physical activity. Participants will complete two bike rides; their average wattage and distance will be recorded then they will return to complete another trial the following week. At the beginning of the second ride, participants will be presented with a customized leaderboard, featuring normalized data tailored specifically for them. Each participant will find themselves strategically positioned in fourth place among a group of curated data sets. These surrounding entries will reflect distances and wattages that vary incrementally by +/- 5% from their own, designed to provide a personalized and motivating comparison. Our study is currently ongoing. However, we hypothesize that the distance traveled, perceived exertion, and average wattage of the participants will increase after showing them a leaderboard where they are placed in the middle. We hope that our study can increase the effectiveness of physical activity using leaderboards.
Motivational Strategies Implemented by Fitness Instructors in Group Exercise Settings
Faculty advisor/course instructor: Anthony Mayo
Entry #21
Motivation is a vital factor in supporting sustained exercise, and in turn contributes to an individual’s health. In the group exercise setting, fitness instructors play an important role to keep their participants motivated. Fitness instructors help lead group fitness classes and occasionally provide motivational phrases or music to motivate their students. This study aims to understand the techniques and strategies used by fitness instructors to keep their students motivated. Eight San Francisco State University students who are fitness instructors will be interviewed about the motivation strategies they use during their group exercise class. Nine open-ended questions will be asked during the interview. Each question will relate back to motivation strategies enforced by the fitness instructors. A video recording device will be used to record the participants’ responses and a follow-up interview will be issued with the participants for any clarification with their responses. This study is currently ongoing and results will be presented at the showcase. Once the interviews have been conducted, data will be analyzed for any underlying themes within the participants’ responses. Results will provide insight into understanding what keeps the average person active and can be further integrated in group fitness programs to increase client participation.
Striking Through the Ages (A Fundamental Motor Skill Study)
Faculty advisor/course instructor: Anthony Mayo
Entry #23
Due to various socialization processes, an individual undergoes different levels of physical and mental growth. One of the popular activities an individual is introduced at a young age is striking a ball. An individual may have a different approach to striking a ball depending on the age group. This study aims to investigate the varying levels of skill and coordination across age groups in relation to the skill of striking. 10 individuals of varying age groups will be videographed to see differences in their biomechanics. Age groups that will be analyzed will include: early childhood, adolescence, adulthood, and advance adulthood. This study will use the idea of total body approach to describe the skill level and performance of each individual. Total body approach requires the identification of developmental characteristics of body parts in the performance of a selected task. This study is currently ongoing and the results will be presented at the showcase. We expect to see an increase in skill as age increases and performance to be best in participants currently in their prime. Results will provide further insight in the development of individuals’ skills throughout their lifetime and identify socializing agents that affected the development of those skills.
Past Participants
2023
Impact of Exercising in Pairs versus Alone on Motivation and Performance
Faculty advisor/course instructor: Anthony Mayo
Entry #34
Introduction
Research on partner motivation has demonstrated that exercising with a partner improves performance outcomes such as preserving longer during exercise. The purpose of this study is to investigate differences in motivation, heart rate (HR), and perseverance while exercising with a partner versus alone when performing a modified Wingate Test.
Methods
Twelve San Francisco State University students were assigned to one of two groups, individual or partnered, based on physical activity and fitness level. Participants were asked to exercise on a stationary bike on four separate days. Heart rate and time pedaling on the stationary bike until failure have been collected. A questionnaire will be given on the last day measuring motivation.
Results and Discussion
Our study is currently in progress. Based on findings, we predict that participants who cycle in pairs will last longer, have higher HR and be more motivated than those who exercise by themselves. We will perform t-tests to determine differences in HR and cycling time between groups cycling with a partner and cycling alone. We will use a survey to gather information about factors that influence motivation.
Understanding How TikTok Use Motivates College-Aged Students to Exercise
Faculty advisor/course instructor: Anthony Mayo
Entry #31
One of TikTok’s most popular hashtag niches is fitness and wellness. Statistics shows #fittok (fitness, nutrition, and wellness content) is now the second most popular genre on TikTok, with the hashtag #fittok garnering over 681.5 million views. However, another study shows Negative social media influence on fitness can lead to unrealistic body expectations, unhealthy behaviors, and feelings of inadequacy. Increasing usage on this platform led to our research on our study that investigates TikTok usage affecting college-aged users’ motivation to exercise and stay healthy. Our questions include fitness or workout history, fitness motivation, TikTok content, and personal app engagement in relation to daily activities. We recruited six individuals who use TikTok for an average of 1.5 hours a week, and who exercise at least two times a week to participate in our study. We asked the participants a series of questions about their engagement and motivation to exercise. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using coding procedures to find common themes in the data. Our research study is ongoing, and the results could help users gain proficiency in fitness instruction and motivation through factual, and easily digestible short-burst informational videos. In addition, it may also help promote a healthy relationship between users and their app engagement to the platform.
What about hybrids? Supplemental methods for skeletal muscle fibre typing
Faculty advisor/course instructor: Jimmy Bagley
Entry #19
Skeletal muscle can be characterized by their myosin isoforms, which heavily influences the metabolic activity and power production potential of individual muscle fibers. Myosin heavy chains (MyHC) in human skeletal muscle are classified as MyHC I, MyHC Ila, and MyHC lIx. Furthermore, up to 20-40% of a given muscle can be a hybrid of these types, (i.e., MyHC I/lla, Ila/llx, or l/lla/llx). The amount of hybrid fibers is highly dependent on exercise volume and mode. The ability to accurately categorize a muscle fiber during experimentation will yield more ecologically valid findings when studying individuals who are untrained or have diseased muscle. To do so, future investigators should consider using supplemental methods such as MyHC analysis via SDS-PAGE or dot blotting to identify hybrid fibers. SDS-PAGE is considered the “gold standard” for fiber typing due to its time-effectiveness and ability to minimize misinterpretation of fiber type. Dot-blotting offers advantages in time-effectiveness and a more complete fiber typing profile.
Exercise is Medicine on Campus: A Tool for Health and Academic Success
Faculty advisor/course instructor: Jimmy Bagley
Entry #28
This project will explore the current literature on the relationship between physical activity and academic success. Currently, there is a gap examining this relationship at the university level. Further research can highlight the importance of participating in physical activity, benefiting both the student population and university stakeholders. Exercise Is Medicine, a global health initiative created by the American College of Sports Medicine, strives to implement physical activity as a vital sign on the medical health record. EIM focuses on university populations through sub-initiatives called Exercise Is Medicine - On Campus. EIM-OC encourages universities to promote physical activity awareness to students and aims to integrate physical activity into the health care institutions on college campuses. EIM-OC believes no student should graduate from a college or university without a lifetime plan for fitness. EIM-OC is the vehicle by which students’ physical health, mental health and academic success can be improved. EIM-OC San Francisco State University will create a model for an effective impact on physical activity on campus. A literature review will be conducted analyzing the current research relating physical activity and success in college students. EIM-OC SFSU plans to use evidence-based strategies to promote healthy life skills in turn creating healthy lifestyles for students. This will be done by hosting community events, creating and promoting educational content, providing a fitness testing service, and leading by example. This project will document the successful strategies of the club as a model for impact for any university to implement.
The Effects of Social-Comparative Feedback on a Tossing Motor Skill
Faculty advisor/course instructor: Anthony Mayo
Entry #40
Social-comparative feedback compares an individual’s performance to other groups, ultimately affecting their motivation to improve their motor learning in the desired skill. This study compares whether positive or negative social-comparative feedback will most effectively provide motivation. We expect participants receiving positive feedback to be more motivated than participants receiving negative feedback and to perform better in the assigned motor skill. Our equipment includes bean bags, the target, tape, measuring tape, and a computer. In this ongoing study, eight participants between ages 20 and 22 completed a series of four tests tossing a bean bag at a target. The distance from the bean bag to the bullseye was measured and recorded then participants filled out a survey to measure self-efficacy which is the perception of one’s ability to perform a task successfully. The positive feedback group would then receive false feedback suggesting their performance was 20% better than the control compared to the negative feedback group where they would receive feedback 20% less than the control. Our preliminary findings show that participants in the positive group performed better on the motor skill than participants in the negative group. They also felt they were more motivated as compared to the negative group. Through our results so far, we can suggest that receiving positive feedback can improve motor performance and one’s motivation towards it.
How do Apple Watches influence the motivation and engagement levels in physical activity for college students compared to previous exercise habits?
Faculty advisor/course instructor: Anthony Mayo
Entry #14
The purpose of this research is to explore how technology influences motivation and physical activity habits in college students. The researchers, Maria Camunias, Starr Lopez, Kenneth Miranda, Briana Sanchez, and Kayla Truong, are undergraduate students at San Francisco State University conducting research for a bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology. Our participants included SFSU students who engage in physical activity a minimum of three days per week, and who regularly use an Apple Watch to track physical activity. This is a qualitative study which follows an interview format with open ended questions.
Moving to Your Own Beat
Faculty advisor/course instructor: Anthony Mayo
Entry #38
Purpose
The role of music in enhancing exercise performance and motivation has been studied thoroughly; however, research findings have been equivocal. For instance, Ballman et al. (2020) suggested that individuals who exercise while listening to their preferred music were more motivated to perform more repetitions compared to those who listened to a non-preferred music genre. In contrast, Stork et al. (2019) reported that people who listened to their preferred music performed exercise with equally as much effort as their podcast-listening counterparts. The purpose of this study is to further examine how self-selected music influences exercise performance and motivation in college-aged students.
Method
We created a 27-question survey based on the following validated surveys: Brunel Mood Scale, Brunel Music Inventory-3, and Ballman’s Music Preference Survey. We plan to administer this survey to approximately 50 participants.
Results
Following work done by Karageorghis (2014), we will describe the frequency of participants selecting their preferred music genres and perform correlation analysis to examine the relationship between musical genre preference and exercise engagement. This research is on-going.
Summary
Our research explores whether a single genre of music is most beneficial for motivation and performance. Overall, the goal of the study is to pinpoint whether music selection and its attributes - volume, tempo, rhythm - have a significant impact on the somatic and emotive aspects of exercise.
Liberties given to athletes from coaches, and the effects they have on motivation and performance
Faculty advisor/course instructor: Anthony Mayo
Entry #26
Coaches have a profound effect on their athletes in and out of their sport. We plan to understand how much of an effect the liberties in practice, in games and athlete free time has on an athlete’s motivation to perform. Using 8 interviews from the student athletes of SFSU, we plan on understanding how the liberties given (or lack there of), emotions the athletes feel, and the change in motivation when teams perform better or worse to do understand why coaches give/restrict liberties. Preliminary data shows so far greater liberties when teams and players perform better, and greater restrictions when performing worse. Motivation remains unchanged, only when coaches enact severe restrictions and punishment, and motivation drops and there is more anger and a negative atmosphere although this motivates some greater. We plan on using this data to understand how coaches can maintain high motivation regardless of performance and how athletes themselves remain motivated.
Athletic Performance and ACTN3: The “Speed-Gene”
Faculty advisor/course instructor: Jimmy Bagley
Entry #22
Athletic performance is determined by a complex combination of genetic and environmental factors. Many genes have been associated with performance and fitness, including ACTN3, which encodes for the skeletal muscle alpha-actinin-3 structural protein, which are actin-binding proteins expressed exclusively in fast twitch type II muscle fibers. Type II muscle fibers are associated with quick forceful muscle contractions, which has an impact on sports performance (e.g., power, speed).The purpose of this narrative review is to describe the potential connections between the ACTN3 gene and athletic performance using the scientific literature. Specifically, the review will explore the function of ACTN3, including how the genotype mutation works and its relation to athletic performance. Methods include conducting a comprehensive search in relevant scientific databases, with inclusion criteria focused on studies investigating the relationship between ACTN3 genotype and athletic performance. 15 articles were identified and reviewed. The literature reviewed showed ACTN 3 gene association in the expression of fast twitch muscle fibers with the functional allele type, R557x. Therefore, having two functional copies of this allele (RR or RX) increases type II twitch fibers production. Here we showed the current state of knowledge on the role of ACTN3 gene in athletic performance and highlighted potential implications of this knowledge for the wider sporting community. This is only one gene among many associated with human performance, and future research should look at the impact of ACTN3 variations combined with different environmental factors (e.g., nutrition, training, community) to identify the best “personalized” plans for athletes.