19th Annual Undergraduate Scholars in Action Days

The effects of dry cupping on plantar fasciitis pain compared to other recovery methods

Subject:  Critical Interpretation Project (Athletic Training/ Exercise Science)
Presenters: Joseph Desimone & Matt Fioerntino
Faculty Sponsor:  Dr. Jessica Barrett 

Introduction: Plantar fasciitis consists of chronic pain in the plantar medial heel, affecting around 10% of the United States population. Common treatments for plantar fasciitis include cortisone injections, ice, therapeutic ultrasound, therapeutic exercise, and electrical stimulation. Dry cupping, also known as myofascial decompression, acts as a vacuum pulling against the skin, promoting blood flow to the designated tissues.

Focused Clinical Question: What are the effects of dry cupping on plantar fasciitis pain in comparison to other recovery methods?

Search Strategy: We used several medical databases, including PubMed, CINAHL, MedLine Complete, and the Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine Source, while using key terms that consisted of “dry cupping,” “pain,” and “myofascial decompression,” and “recovery methods.”

Key Evidence: When comparing dry cupping to stretching, show significant decreases in pain associated with plantar fasciitis. When comparing dry cupping to electrical stimulation, both methods are effective at reducing pain. Electrical stimulation and dry cupping both yielded statistically significant results. Overall, dry cupping has shown to be an effective way of reducing pain symptoms associated with patients dealing with plantar fasciitis.

Application: This is applicable to any population experiencing pain associated with plantar fasciitis. As future healthcare professionals, we would recommend patients continue to use conventional treatment but also use dry cupping as a supplement to those treatments.

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Role of nordic hamstring exercises in injury prevention and severity reduction in collegiate and professional soccer players

Subject:  Critical Interpretation Project (Athletic Training)
Presenters: Sebastian Correia
Faculty Sponsor:  Dr. Jessica Barrett 

Introduction: Soccer is a highly demanding team sport that requires the execution of repetitive high-intensity actions to perform at a high level. These high-intensity actions leave the athletes at high risk for injury, and the most prevalent are hamstring injuries. Hamstring injuries account for 37% of all soccer muscle injuries, requiring extensive treatment and long rehabilitation periods. Reoccurrence of these injuries are still very high despite rehabilitation measures.

Focused Clinical Question: Are nordic hamstring exercises ideal for hamstring injury prevention and reducing injury severity in collegiate and professional soccer players?

Search Strategy and Results of Search: Medical databases such as PubMed, CINAHL, and Medline Complete were used to find peer-reviewed data. The search terms used throughout the research process were “nordic hamstring curls,” “nordic hamstring exercises”, “injury prevention”, “reduce injury severity”, “hamstring activation”, “college soccer players”, and “professional soccer players”.

Key Evidence and Results: Nordic hamstring eccentric (NHE) training alone or combined with injury prevention programs reduces hamstring injuries in soccer players. There is some promising data implicating the reduction of injury severity but there is not enough data proving NHE reduces injury severity. NHE training not only helps reduce the incidence of hamstring injuries, it also activates the hamstrings at a much higher rate than other exercises, which helps increase strength.

Application/ Implication: Of the hundreds of millions of people that play soccer 37% of them will have hamstring injuries. Using NHE will help reduce the number of athletes affected by hamstring injuries. This will reduce the amount of time missed and maximize team performance in competition.

The Use of Dry Needling and its Effectiveness in decreasing pain and increasing function

Subject:  Critical Interpretation Project (Athletic Training)
Presenters: Alyssa Scherlin
Faculty Sponsor:  Dr. Jessica Barret

Dry needling involves using thin monofilament needles to treat musculoskeletal pain, soft tissue dysfunction, subcutaneous fascia, scar tissue, peripheral nerve, and neurovascular bundles. The insertion of needles into specific targets may increase local blood flow to tissue and relax trigger points related to muscular tension resulting in decreased pain and improved function.

Focused Clinical Question: In collegiate athletes, is the use of dry needling in combination with manual therapy more effective in reducing pain and improving function than manual therapy alone?

Search Strategy and Results of Search: The databases, SPORTDiscuss, was the primary source articles. With the following keywords; TI ""dry needle*"" AND TI ( ""massage therapy"" OR ""manual massage"" OR ""manual therapy""), generated a total of 32 articles from this database.

Key Evidence and Results: Neither dry needling nor manual therapy is suprerior to the other. Furthermore, dry needling in combination with other rehabilitation techniques enhances a patients function and decreases their pain. It is most beneficial when paired with manual therapy and an exercise program.

Application / Implication: More research is needed to understand the long-term effects of dry needling and how different techniques might influence the outcome. Athletic trainers can utilize the use of dry needling in conjunction with manual therapy to produce the best outcomes for their patients. "

How Does Music Preference Impact Weighlifting Performance in Regular Weightlifters

Subject:  Critical Interpretation Project (PPAT)
Presenters: Gabriella Urso
Faculty Sponsor:  Dr. Jessica Barret

Introduction/Background: Resistance training is a form of physical activity that improves muscular strength and endurance. 1 rep max is commonly used to assess peak strength. Common 1 rep max movements include bench press and squat. Both the volume and intensity of the exercises are used in order to help increase the effects of resistance training.

Focused Clinical Question: How does music preference impact weightlifting performance in regular weightlifters?

Search Strategy and Results of Search: PubMed and Medline in the Springfield College library databases. While using these databases, the search terms used were  “Music genre OR preferred music genre AND weightlifters AND resistance training” as well as the terms “Preferred music AND exercise training AND resistance exercise” There were 10 results in Pubmed and 428 results in Medline, although out of the 428 results, only a four studies that met the criteria.

Key Evidence and Results: When the preferred music choice was selected, resistance training performance was significantly better than the nonpreferred music selection. Total repetitions to failure, motivation, mean velocity, mean relative power, handgrip strength, strength endurance and rating of perceived exertion were all found to be significantly higher when listening to preferred music.

Application/Implication: The performance of athletes and weightlifters can be impacted because if they have a lift and have to listen to music that they do not prefer, their performance will differ from when they are listening to the genre that they normally listen to. This result matters because the athlete or weightlifter will not be able to achieve the same results as when they are able to lift to the best of their ability. 

Benefits of Cold Water Immersion in Soccer Players Following Physical Activity

Subject:  Critical Interpretation Project (Department of Exercise Science and Athletic Training)
Presenters: Jennifer Walker & Gabriella Scott
Faculty Sponsor:  Dr. Jessica Barret

Introduction: All athletes, especially collegiate soccer players who train at a higher intensity and rate than compared to younger populations, experience a range of soreness and muscle tightness following different bouts of exercise. To improve one’s recovery process and therefore advance one’s overall sports performance an athlete should have all the necessary information to decipher which recovery modality is best for them.

Focused Clinical Question: What are the benefits of cold water immersion on the recovery process in soccer players following highly aerobic physical activity?

Search Strategy and Results of Search: The databases used throughout our search were MedLine and PubMed. Search one included: “(cold water immersion or ice bath) AND (recovery or method) AND soccer AND (fatigue or muscle soreness)”; 20 results were yielded. Search two included: “(cold water immersion or ice bath) AND (recovery or method) AND soccer AND (fatigue or muscle soreness) AND (game or match) AND male)”; 5 results were yielded.

Key Evidence: Cold-water immersion compared to other recovery modalities serves to decrease the loss in physical and neural function response post-exercise. Additionally, cold-water immersion has been proven to reduce delayed-onset muscle soreness, therefore speeding up the recovery process.

Application/Implication: The use of this technique will help to prepare the athletes for their upcoming events along with recovering them from previous muscle soreness. Additionally, these findings would be beneficial to coaches and athletic trainers to help develop programs/practice schedules for the team’s individual goals and/or recovery status. 

The Female and Male Athlete Triad in Aesthetic Sports Versus Non-Aesthetic Sports

Subject:  Critical Interpretation Project (Exercise Science and Athletic Training)
Presenters: Alexa Siciliano & Kristina Chiarelli
Faculty Sponsor:  Dr. Jessica Barret

As sport participation increases every year, there is also an increase of a subset of people who will experience one or more components of the Athlete Triad. With the dose-response relationship that the three components have, there is an increased risk of irreversible damage, especially in the bones of the athletes that compete in aesthetic sports. The purpose of this systematic review is to analyze the prevalence of the Female and Male Athlete Triad in aesthetic and non-aesthetic sports. Aesthetic sports include but are not limited to wrestling, gymnastics, distance running, swimming,. Non-aesthetic sports include football, basketball, softball, and more. 

Previous research has relied on systematic review studies as well as case-control studies and thus has been able to identify a culmination of data regarding this topic and its prevalence in athletes of different sport types.  In order to observe previously published results, the search engines PubMed and Google Scholar were used with the inclusion criteria being: English, and humans and were published within the last nine years. 
Through our close evaluation of previously published research, a higher prevalence of one or all components of the female Athlete triad were observed in aesthetic sport athletes versus non aesthetic sport athletes. The prevalence of all three components in aesthetic sports athletes was significantly higher ranging from 1.5% to 6.7% as compared to non-aesthetic sports athletes ranging from 0% to 2.0%.

For male athletes, a higher prevalence of one or all components of the male athlete triad was also observed in aesthetic type sport athletes as compared to non-aesthetic sport athletes. Low bone mass density or osteoporosis was observed among male athletes who participate in sports that emphasize aesthetics and leanness. ​Male aesthetic sport athletes participating in high-volume training (≥100 km/week) reported 10–30 % lower levels of total testosterone compared with sedentary controls. 

Fatigue in Chronic Kidney Disease and its Relationship to Functional Performance

Subject:  Critical Interpretation Project (Exercise Science and Athletic Training/Applied Exercise Science)
Presenters: Sarah Friedman
Faculty Sponsor:  Nicholas Coker

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a renal disease where the kidney is no longer able to adequately filter blood. According to the CDC, more than 1 in 7 US adults are estimated to have CKD. CKD has many causes, however the main causes are: hypertension, Diabetes, and Acute Kidney Injury (AKI). CKD is sorted into five different stages based on the glomerular filtration rate (GFR), and the symptoms can vary, but oftentimes are seen as fatigue, muscle cramps, and shortness of breath. Fatigue is most common, present in both non-dialysis and dialysis patients (70% report fatigue, 25% report severe symptoms). Factors that can affect fatigue in CKD is the accumulation of uremic toxins, neuromuscular impairments, metabolic factors, and sleep disorders. CKD patients oftentimes experience reduced strength, as well as functional performance, which is linearly related to disease progression. Previous research has used eccentric resistance training to assess changes in symptoms in patients with CKD on dialysis. Results have shown that resistance training is safe and effective for individuals on dialysis; however, patients not receiving dialysis may react differently. If on dialysis, patients can be treated with resistance training, but there is little research on the effects on training with patients not requiring dialysis. Future research should investigate the potential of resistance training on relieving symptoms of patients not on dialysis.

The Menstrual Cycle and Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury in Female Athletes 

Subject:  Critical Interpretation Project (Pre-Professional Athletic Training)
Presenters: Brenna Sullivan & Joanne Farias
Faculty Sponsor:  Dr. Jessica Barrett

Introduction: Injury to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) has consistently been shown in research to have higher incidence rates in the female athletic population. While this is often attributed to anatomical differences, the association between physiological variables such as hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle and risk for ACL injury is one of interest. Concentrations of female hormones such as estradiol, which is known to have a role in increasing joint laxity, can be traced throughout the menstrual cycle and were a focal point of this research. The relationship between phases of the menstrual cycle and risk of injury could be one that can be utilized to enhance prevention of ACL injury in female athletes.

Focused Clinical Question: In biologically female athletes, are different phases of the menstrual cycle associated with increased risk of joint injury when compared respectively?

Search Strategy: PubMed was the main database utilized to identify research for this project. The following keywords were used to search for peer-reviewed articles: (Female athletes) AND (ligament injury) AND (menstrual cycle); (Risk of joint injury) AND (menstrual cycle). Key Evidence: The pre-ovulatory phase was associated with significant risk for ACL injury. Estradiol serum concentration was positively correlated with ligament laxity and  increased risk for ACL injury. Oral contraception was a variable investigated that significantly decreased the risk found within specific phases.

Applications/Implications for Practice, Education, and Future Research: Different phases of the menstrual cycle have a significant impact on a female athlete's risk for ACL injury. Further research on this topic could be utilized to develop prevention protocols for athletic individuals throughout the menstrual cycle in order to minimize the risk for injury attributed to hormonal fluctuations. 

The Psychological Effects of ACL Tears on Return to Play in Student Athletes

Subject:  Critical Interpretation Project (AEXS/AT)
Presenters: Melanie Emery
Faculty Sponsor:  Dr. Jessica Barrett

Introduction: Anterior cruciate ligament tear is a very common injury in athletes everywhere, especially female athletes. When assessing readiness to return to play psychological factors must be taken into account. When returning to sport after an ACL injury factor affecting the athlete include the graft type, age, activity levels, type of sport, and psychological factors. Assessing an athlete’s psychological readiness to return to sport is crucial, due to the increased risk of injury because of the stress and fear that has been observed after ACL injuries.

Focused Clinical Question: What are the psychological effects of ACL reconstruction on return to play in student athletes?

Search Strategy and Results of Search: Databases used included PubMed, Google Scholar, PsycInfo, and Sports Medicine & Education Index. Key terms such as: ACL reconstruction, ACL injury, anterior cruciate ligament, psychological factors, return to play, and fear of reinjury were used.

Key Evidence and Results: Athletes who had sustained an ACL tear and chose to not return to sport, or their pre-injury competition level had a lower mental readiness to return to play due to multiple psychological reasons. Psychological factors that lead to a lower mental preparedness, or not returning to play, included fear of reinjury, lack of confidence/interest/motivation, depression, and other psychosocial factors. Athletes who experience high stress and depression are at a higher risk for injury, or reinjury.

Application/Implication: Students athletes who have suffered an ACL tear are highly impacted by the psychological effects of injury, as it affects their lives outside of sports as well. Monitoring the psychological readiness of an athlete when returning to sport after ACL injuries, is highly important as it impacts their performance, and ability to return to sport at pre-injury competition levels. 

 The Association of Gestational Diabetes Leading to the Later Development of Type 2 Diabetes in Women

Subject:  Critical Interpretation Project (Health Sciences)
Presenters: Kellie Smith
Faculty Sponsor:  Pamela Higgins

Background: Type 2 diabetes is a fastly growing disease in the United States. It is due to poor diets, eating disorders, and lack of exercise. It develops in adults due to poor self-care and insulin resistance, with beta dysfunction causing more issues, like cardiovascular complications. Gestational Diabetes is similar to T1D and T2D because of its insulin resistance and beta cell dysfunctions, although it only occurs during pregnancy.

Objective:The purpose of this literature review is to determine if there is an association between the Gestational Diabetes and risk of developing T2D after pregnancy.

Methods:Databases used to obtain peer-reviewed articles include CINAHL Ultimate, Cochrane Clinical Answers, and MEDLINE Complete. One hundred thirty-seven articles were available. Out of those available, six articles met the inclusion criteria. Every article found had to have women older than 19, published within the last 5 years and peer-reviewed.

Results:All the investigators agreed that an individual has a higher risk of developing T2D if there is a history of GDM. Two studies determined a significantly higher chance based on a GDM diagnosis. Another study determined a higher risk of heart complications with a history of GDM. Finally, another study focused on the need for interventions and screenings when someone is diagnosed with GDM to prevent later diagnosis of type 2 diabetes. 

Conclusions:Further research is needed to determine precautions postpartum treatment for women diagnosed with GDM, since it is becoming more prevalent. Being aware if there is an association can help women understand their risk of T2D after a GDM diagnosis. 

The Effect of Social Media on Body Image Perception: A Literature Review

Subject:  Critical Interpretation Project (Health Sciences)
Presenters: Nicole McCarthy
Faculty Sponsor:  Pamela Higgins

BACKGROUND: Body image perception is the way one views their own body. Social media plays a role in portraying unrealistic body standards, which can, in turn, harm the way one views their body and contribute to poorer mental health. Social media consumes the world today and not in ways that are all good.

OBJECTIVE: This literature review examines social media's effect on body image perception in adolescents and young adults.

METHODS: Databases used include MEDLINE Complete, CINAHL Ultimate, and Cochrane Clinical Answers. The inclusion criteria for studies included peer-reviewed articles written in English, published within the last five years (2017-2023), and studies with exposure to social media, including but not limited to Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat, and a form of body image perception measurement.

RESULTS: There is no statistically significant correlation between social media directly affecting body image perception. Evidence shows that some participants felt the need to fulfill the “body ideal.” More research is needed on the stigma around “the ideal body” portrayed on social media and how it affects body image in individuals.

CONCLUSIONS: More studies need to be done to assess how social media affects an individual’s body image perception. The studies done are not the strongest as they yield many limitations. This literature review provides insight into social media’s effect on adolescents’ body image perception and how the “ideal body image” can negatively impact individuals. Participants seemed to have a higher comparison rate to influencers on social media than peers, friends, or family. More research is needed to analyze how influencers or celebrities influence one’s body image perception. Future studies should be conducted with a comparison group to analyze the control group and an effect group. 

The Effectiveness of Cannabis Amongst Individuals Suffering from Chronic Pain: A Literature Review 

Subject:  Critical Interpretation Project (Health Sciences)
Presenters: Maya Grywalski 
Faculty Sponsor:  Pamela Higgins

Current evidence suggests that cannabis can be an alternative method for treating chronic pain in individuals suffering from many kinds of long-term pain. Prescribing cannabis for pain could effectively lower the number of opioid prescriptions and usage, leading to decreased addiction among opioid users. A literature review was performed to determine the effects cannabis on treating individuals with chronic pain and lowering opioid usage among these individuals. An electronic search using PubMed, CINAHL, and Google Scholar found the most recent evidence of the effectiveness of cannabis within individuals dealing with chronic pain. Studies were eligible for inclusion if published within the past five years, compared cannabis to current opioid usage, and were peer-reviewed. A total of 12 articles were identified, with seven of them meeting the inclusion criteria. Investigators looked at cannabis use among individuals and compared it to the effectiveness of opioid use among individuals with chronic pain. All investigators found that cannabis effectively treated chronic pain, improving quality of life, level of pain, and decreasing opioid dependency amongst individuals. The use of cannabis is an effective method of treating individuals with chronic pain and managing their opioid usage compared to the current opioid treatment and addiction rate. Participants in included studies reported improved pain and quality of life when using cannabis. These results show that when comparing cannabis to opioid prescriptions cannabis can be an effective method of treatment for individuals dealing with chronic pain and allow a safer less dependent treatment to take over the current treatment for this chronic condition. 

The Effects of Sleepiness on Medical Error and Cognitive Functioning in Nurses

Subject:  Critical Interpretation Project (Health Sciences)
Presenters: Christina Wygonik
Faculty Sponsor:  Pamela Higgins

Background: Nurses who work the night shift are at increased risk of sleepiness and fatigue when treating patients. Fatigue is also a risk factor for cognitive decline, which can lead to medical errors. Objective: A literature review was used to answer the question: Among night shift working nurses, is sleepiness associated with increased medical error and decreased cognitive performance?

Methods: Databases used included Google Scholar, PubMed, MEDLINE Complete, and CINHAL. Eight articles were included in this review, six cross-sectional and three quasi-experimental designs. All articles were written in English and published between 2017-2023. The studies were published from various places around the world, including Northern Jordan, Italy, Iran (Isfahan), India, China (Beijing), and the United States (3 studies, over 40 states total).

Results: Three researchers found an association between increased sleepiness/fatigue and decreased cognitive functioning among night-shift working nurses. Two researchers found an association between increased sleepiness/fatigue and increased medical error, attributed to decreased cognitive functioning. Five researchers found an association between working the night shift and decreased cognition; However, four of the five authors also concluded that the decrease in cognitive functioning is related to increased sleepiness/fatigue, which may lead to increased medical errors.

Conclusions: While all studies show the same results, they have many limitations. Regardless of the limitations, it is plausible that sleepiness contributes to a decline in cognitive functioning and an increase in medical errors among night-shift working nurses. Shorter shift hours or more breaks are recommended to decrease sleepiness among nurses while working and therefore maintain patient and staff safety . 

The Association Between the Development of Eating Disorders after Adverse Childhood Experiences: A Literature Review  

Subject:  Critical Interpretation Project (Health Sciences)
Presenters: Grace Majka
Faculty Sponsor:  Pamela Higgins

This literature review examines the association between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and the likelihood of developing an eating disorder later in life. ACEs include but are not limited to, physical, verbal, or sexual abuse, witnessing parental domestic violence, experiencing parental divorce, living with someone who is depressed, abusing drugs or alcohol, or who had been incarcerated. Chronic health problems, mental illness, and substance misuse are typical outcomes associated with ACEs. Mental illnesses are risk factors in developing various eating disorders, but there has been no prior connection between ACEs and eating disorders. Eating disorders have various diagnosis and is generally classified as a persistent disturbance of eating behavior and impairment of physical or mental health. The studies referenced in this literature review used the characteristics from the DSM-5 diagnoses. A total of six studies were used to examine the association between ACEs and eating disorders. The studies were found using the CINAL and MedlinePlus. The results of the six separate studies concluded that there was an association between those who had experienced ACEs and developing an eating disorder later in life. The risk of developing an eating disorder increased as the number of ACEs increased; there was also a co-association with lower socioeconomic status. Some studies found a higher association than others because of the different outcomes—for example, childhood trauma instead of ACEs. In conclusion, there was a high association between a high ACE score and the development of an eating disorder. Therefore, experiencing ACEs in childhood will increase a person’s likelihood of developing an eating disorder later in life. 

The Effect of Psilocybin Treatment on Patients with Major Depressive Disorder: A Literature Review

Subject:  Critical Interpretation Project (Health Sciences)
Presenters: Abigail Wright
Faculty Sponsor:  Pamela Higgins

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a massive burden on the worldwide population, as 3.8% of the population (over 2.8 million people) suffers from it. The economic burden is projected to be over $210 billion annually, and trends show it increasing in years to come. Antidepressants and medication help with symptom management, but in the past decade, research has shown Psilocybin treatment to put more patients into remission from MDD. Psilocybin treatment combines the pharmacological effects of a psychoactive hallucinogenic mushroom (psilocybin) and psychological support. Its antidepressant effects have been measured on patients with life-threatening cancer or treatment-resistant depression, but limited research on patients with only an MDD diagnosis. This literature review examines the antidepressant effects of psilocybin treatment on patients with MDD in regards to a comparison to the leading antidepressant, escitalopram, and also comparing different dosage levels to measure effectiveness in higher doses. A total of six studies were used: 3 phase 2 double-blind randomized controlled trials, 1 randomized controlled trial, 1 cross-sectional survey design, and 1 placebo-controlled double-blind randomized controlled trials. Of the four highlighted studies, 3 of them provided stistcically significant results (P<0.001). Investigators reported that results were favoring psilocybin treatment in higher quantities and over escitalopram, and the non-significant results were still trending towards favoring psilocybin. Future research should be done on a more diverse study population, examining the long-term effects and comparing psilocybin to other antidepressant medications.

Paving the Way for a Better Quality of Life in Adolescent and Adult Males and Females Treated with Antidepressants Who Suffer from PSSD: A Literature Review

Subject:  Critical Interpretation Project (Health Sciences)
Presenters: Lily Depew
Faculty Sponsor:  Pamela Higgins

OBJECTIVE: Despite their benefits, the incidence of Post-SSRI Sexual Dysfunction (PSSD) seems to impact 50-70% of users. The aim of this study was to analyze the association between antidepressants and PSSD, determine the pathophysiological mechanisms in adolescent and adult males and females from recent studies, and determine why some antidepressants may be better than others in reducing symptoms like pain, loss of libido, and erectile dysfunction.

METHODS: The articles were collected using Google Scholar, PubMed, and CINAHL. The keywords “sexual dysfunction,” “PSSD”, “libido,” and “SSRI,” were used in the advanced search to identify articles written in English and published within the last six years (2017-2023.) Eight articles were used in the results section, and not all were conducted within the United States. 

RESULTS: Although there were limitations in the studies, most of the investigators found that antidepressants were significantly correlated with symptoms of PSSD. Different models used in two studies were developed for animals and proteins to research a potential correlation between antidepressants and PSSD. These models were considered viable for future analysis of these two variables. 

CONCLUSIONS: The symptoms associated with taking antidepressants may prevent someone from beginning, continuing, or healthily stopping SSRI use. Although they are used to improve mental health, the adverse effects of PSSD can cause a decline in mental health improvements due to sexual health-related side effects. By determining the underlying mechanisms and treatments, mental and physical health can be improved in safer ways among those that suffer from PSSD.

Keywords: Post-SSRI Sexual Dysfunction (PSSD), antidepressants, Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), Libido, Erectile Dysfunction (ED)

Association Between Loneliness and Cognitive Decline in Older Adults: A Literature Review

Subject:  Critical Interpretation Project (Health Sciences)
Presenters: Timothy Templeton
Faculty Sponsor:  Pamela Higgins

Background: Older adults are primarily affected by dementia, leading to financial and time burdens. Loneliness and social isolation are predictors of health disparities, including stress and cardiovascular disease. The risk of dementia increases up to 33% in the oldest adults. The risk of dementia and loneliness increases with age. In 2021, 15.2 million older adults lived alone, putting older adults at the highest risk of loneliness. 
Objective: The research investigates whether decreased social isolation is associated with the risk for cognitive decline among older adults. The aim is to understand this association better. Communities may use research to implement proactive approaches to decrease the rates of dementia. 

Methods: Eight articles were analyzed through a literature review of academic databases, including Academic Search Complete, PubMed, and APA PsycInfo. Each article examined social isolation, primarily addressing loneliness, and examined cognitive decline as the outcome. 
Results: Of the eight articles examined, six found a significant association between decreased social interactions and an increased risk of dementia. 

Conclusion: Results suggest an association between social isolation and dementia in older adults. Social isolation and loneliness result in a greater risk of developing dementia. Medical professionals should consider the importance of social connectedness for optimal health outcomes. Further, policymakers may implement community programs to decrease social isolation in older adults. 

The Association Between Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Risk of Stroke

Subject:  Critical Interpretation Project (Health Sciences)
Presenters: Mackenzie Boucher
Faculty Sponsor:  Pamela Higgins

Background: Stroke is a leading cause of death in America, and along with being a leading cause of long-term disability, about one in four individuals who have a stroke have had one previously. Chances of survival are more significant if individuals receive care within three hours of their first symptoms, and those individuals often have less disability than those who received delayed care. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is caused by an individual experiencing one or more traumatic events. Both stress and trauma symptoms have been linked to strokes.

Objective: This literature review examines whether post-traumatic stress disorder affects the likelihood of an individual having a stroke.

Methods: The three databases used to find peer-reviewed articles on PTSD and its effect on the risk of stroke includes PubMed, Cumulative Index to Nursing & Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), and Medline. The review consists of peer-reviewed articles published within the past five years. Two studies published eight years ago were included due to their long follow-up period. Six studies resulted after exclusion and inclusion criteria.

Results: Of the six studies highlighted, five were prospective cohort studies, and one was cross-sectional. The investigators showed that having PTSD creates a higher risk for stroke. In the one cross-sectional study, investigators reported that PTSD plays a role, but other health behaviors have an effect.

Conclusions: The studies involved long follow-up periods with statistically significant results but also had some limitations concerning generalizability and confounding. Therefore, researchers should complete further studies with a more generalizable sample and consciousness surrounding the existence of confounding variables. Specifically, distinguishing depressive symptoms from PTSD could be important as addressing confounding lifestyle habits that could lead to a stroke. Regarding future implications, individuals with PTSD should be aware of a potential increased stroke risk. 

 The Effect of Parental Smoking on The Mental and Physical  Health Outcomes of Children

Subject:  Critical Interpretation Project (Health Sciences)
Presenters: Chase Parrott
Faculty Sponsor:  Pamela Higgins

Intro. For decades smoking has remained among the most popular habits of adults. Although it is known that smoking can be bad for an individual's health, the effect it has on nearby persons mental and physical health is less considered. For this reason, there are still instances where non-willing people are exposed to smoke. A key population of secondhand smoke victims are children, many of which are exposed to smoke by their parents. The NIH estimates that 26% of parents smoke, including 15% dependent smokers.

Objective. To discover if children whose parents smoke are more likely to have poorer mental and physical health outcomes compared to children whose parents do not smoke?

Methods. This literature review includes a total of 11 peer-reviewed studies. Each of the studies resulted from one of three databases including Medline, CINAHL, and NIH. The included studies were peer-reviewed and published within the last 10 years.

Results. The results show that exposure to smoke as a child is detrimental to both mental and physical aspects of health. Children exposed to smoking throughout their upbringing were likely to be less engaged in school, have worse asthma severity, and have a worse perceived health status by their parents.

Conclusion. Before considering these results there are some strengths and limitations to be aware of. The studies included did not utilize the gold standard study design and instead utilized prospective/retrospective data, leaving more room for error. Strengths of this study include consistent results, a very diverse and representative population, and clinical significance. Further appreciation should be given to mental health in children when considering second-hand smoke exposure, including more research and consideration by healthcare providers.

The Impact of COVID-19 on the Mental-Health of College Students

Subject:  Critical Interpretation Project (Health Sciences)
Presenters: Connor Lozito
Faculty Sponsor:  Pamela Higgins

In the United States, in 2022, 77% of college students reported moderate to serious psychological distress.  The COVID-19 virus attacks the respiratory system and has also caused mental-health issues for college students.  The forced isolation and online schooling caused a vulnerable group to be at an even higher risk for mental-health illness.  This literature review explores whether COVID-19 resulted in more adverse mental health outcomes in college students prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.  To find the answer, the database used was Medline.  Using keywords to narrow research is important. Keyword examples such as “college students”, “COVID-19”, and “mental health” gathered articles relevant to the research.  Data was gathered from 2020-2022.  Of the four research studies highlighted, one was a case-control study, one was a cross-sectional study, one was a cohort study, and one was a longitudinal survey.  In each study, researchers expressed how COVID-19 increased the risk of mental-health illnesses. The programs used showed a correlation between COVID-19 and mental-health illness, but there were limitations.  Limitations include not being in person for the research, the use of mainly surveys, and the chance for bias in responses.  Ongoing studies on the effects of mental health need to be addressed as there can be lingering effects from the pandemic.  This literature review leads to there being more research for future ways to address mental illness whether that be with more in-person studies as well as increased resources for college students.

The Effect of Parental Influence on Childhood Dietary Practices and the Likelihood of Developing Obesity

Subject:  Critical Interpretation Project (Health Sciences)
Presenters: Vincent Palumbo
Faculty Sponsor:  Pamela Higgins

Background
Childhood obesity has tripled in the past three decades, with recent studies suggesting this trajectory to continue. Parental influences, such as individual BMI and parenting styles, impact both children’s weight status and eating habits. Obesity can cause further avoidable health complications such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, and even death; thanks to its current epidemic status, obesity - specifically in children - is important to public health organizations.

Objective
This literature review aims to answer the research question of how parental influence affects a child’s dietary habits and weight outcomes. Data was gathered by searching three academic databases; PubMed, MedLine, and Cochrane Databases of Systemic Reviews. Search terms included: “adolescent obesity,” “parental influence,” “child eating,” and “feeding styles.” Articles examined include child weight classification, parental weight classification, and a relationship between the two.

Results
Of the four key articles highlighted, one was a longitudinal cross-sectional study, one was a prospective cohort, one was a neural scan in response to different food items and one was a narrative review; all articles examined some aspects of parental influence on child dietary practices and weight status and showed that due to their dependent nature, the parent dictates adolescent eating habits - both weight status and actual dietary practices.

Conclusions
This literature review composed many findings surrounding factors that can contribute to childhood obesity. In efforts to combat it, it can shed light on parental practices and influences that should be adjusted. Locus of control and parenting styles are two major influences that can dictate the child’s eating habits, as well as overall parental BMI. Moving forward, adjusting parenting styles to be more structured around food can limit food-related malpractices such as binge eating and obesity.

The Effect of Acupuncture on Adults with Temporomandibular Disorders: A Literature Review

Subject:  Critical Interpretation Project (Health Sciences)
Presenters: Caitlin Morse
Faculty Sponsor:  Pamela Higgins

Background: Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD) are a group of more than 30 disorders that affect the mandibular jaw joint and cause myofascial pain, difficulty chewing, jaw clicking, and possible nerve degeneration. These disorders are most common among adults with jaw injuries, arthritis, long-term grinding or clenching of teeth, and certain connective tissue diseases. Acupuncture has recently been shown to help reduce pain in the musculoskeletal system by stimulating the central nervous system. 

Objective: To examine and compare the effectiveness of acupuncture and occlusal splints on pain symptom severity in adults with Temporomandibular disorders. 

Methods: The electronic databases used were CINAHL, PubMed, and Medline. Publication dates must be within the last ten years. Patients must have been diagnosed with TMD using the TMD diagnosis criteria. Studies compared acupuncture and occlusal splints as primary intervention groups. Six studies met the inclusion criteria for this review; however, four were analyzed in the results. 
Results: Of the four studies highlighted, three were randomized clinical trials, and one was a randomized control trial. Each study showed a reduction in reported pain in both treatment groups compared to controls. Acupuncture and occlusal splints showed statistically significant (p<0.05) results in reducing pain in all studies and areas of focus. 

Conclusion: Both acupuncture and occlusal splints reduce the severity of pain symptoms caused by TMD. Additional research will need to be done to confidently say that acupuncture is a more beneficial treatment in reducing the symptoms of TMD. The long-term effects and benefits of acupuncture should be further assessed.

The Association Between Ketogenic Diet and Body Composition Among Obese Adults: A Literature Review

Subject:  Critical Interpretation Project (Health Sciences)
Presenters: James Chan
Faculty Sponsor:  Megan Harvey

Background: Dietary carbohydrate restriction has been purported to cause endocrine adaptations that promote body fat loss more than dietary fat restriction.

Objective: To identify whether an isocaloric low-carbohydrate ketogenic diet (KD) is associated with changes in EE, respiratory quotient (RQ), and body composition in obese individuals.

Method: Seven controlled feeding studies were picked comparing participants’ daily energy expenditure and body composition between isocaloric diets with altered carbohydrates and fat but with equal protein.

Result: Low carbohydrate ketogenic diet is associated with an increase in total energy expenditure, while a low-fat diet decreases long-term energy expenditure. Hormones and metabolic syndrome components also varied during weight maintenance by diet.

Conclusion: Low carbohydrate diet is associated with higher long-term energy expenditure. Additional research is needed to assess its association with fat loss and prolonged health impact. 

Stem Cell Therapy as a Treatment for Symptomatic Knee Osteoarthritis: A Literature Review 

Subject:  Critical Interpretation Project (Health Sciences)
Presenters: Erin Mulry 
Faculty Sponsor:  Megan Harvey

BACKGROUND: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic degenerative joint disease with the progressive destruction of the hyaline articular cartilage. OA is the 4th leading disability worldwide and is continuously increasing. More than 13% of women and 10% of men aged 60 years and older have symptomatic knee OA. Previous non-operative treatments have failed to demonstrate significant effects on symptomatic OA. The use of mesenchymal stem cells has recently come into focus as regenerative medicine for a promising therapy for knee OA. The intra-articular injection of stem cells into a knee with OA may reduce pain and improve the quality of function and life. 

OBJECTIVE: This literature review aims to determine if stem cell therapy is associated with decreased knee pain in osteoarthritis patients. 

METHODS: The literature search was conducted using PubMed, Rehabilitation & Sports Medicine Source CINHAL, MEDLINE Complete, and databases since 2015 using the following search terms: “Knee Osteoarthritis,” “Stem Cell Therapy,” “Mesenchymal Stem Cells,” “Bone Marrow,” and “Pain.” The search yielded 2,390 relevant studies. Ten studies met the inclusion criteria and were evaluated in this literature review. 

RESULTS: The results showed an association between stem cell therapy injections. It was found that there is a significant decrease in pain for patients with knee OA. Seven randomized control trials and three case series were examined. All studies evaluated patients with pain associated with knee osteoarthritis. Ten studies found a significant decrease in pain after receiving stem cell therapy. Two studies showed a 42.5% to 89.5% improvement in knee pain. 

CONCLUSIONS: Stem cell therapy as an intervention for knee osteoarthritis effectively decreases knee pain. Currently, no non-operative treatment for knee OA exists; however, stem cell therapy significantly reduces pain and should be considered as an intervention for knee OA. Future high-quality, more extensive studies are necessary to understand both short and long-term results of stem cell therapy for knee OA.

The Association Between Prolonged Blue Light Exposure On Sleep Patterns And Circadian Rhythm

Subject:  Critical Interpretation Project (Health Sciences)
Presenters: Chak Man Lam
Faculty Sponsor:  Megan Harvey

Background: 70% of US adults report having insufficient sleep at least one night a month, and 11% report insufficient sleep every night. More than 33% of U.S. adults sleep less than seven hours per night, on average. Chronic sleep deprivations is associated with increased risk of diseases such as dementia, cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and obesity.
 
Objective: The purpose of this review was to find out the effects of prolonged blue light exposure on sleep patterns and circadian rhythm.

Methods: A total of 7 studies were included in this analysis. The four databases were Medline, EBSCO host, DOI.org (Crossref), and PubMed. All articles are in English and from 2009 onwards. Search terms used were “Melatonin,” “Room Light,” “Blue Light,” “circadian rhythms,” “deep sleep,” and “Smartphone.

Results: 5 out of 7 studies observed a significant reduction in melatonin secretion and concentration after exposing participants to blue light 3 hours to 30 minutes before sleep. Exposure to room light before bedtime shortened melatonin duration by 1 h 32 min, 8 h 45 min vs.10 h 17 min, (P<0.05). Result also found the ratio of deep sleep was significantly decreased in the blue-light exposure group compared to the groups with incandescent light and blue light-blocking glasses (p < 0.01).

Conclusions: Prolonged blue light exposure appears to have direct effects on sleep quality, especially the ratio of deep sleep, not so much on the sleep quantity. However, there are serval limitations among these studies. Therefore, more studies should be conducted to further investigate the causation between sleep and prolonged blue light exposure.

The Association Between Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Concussions in Student Athletes

Subject:  Critical Interpretation Project (Health Sciences)
Presenters: Katherine Reidy
Faculty Sponsor:  Megan Harvey

Background: Concussions are the most common injury in student-athlete populations, making their prevention a necessary objective. With 300,000 sports-related brain injuries occurring every year, student-athletes are left at risk for future complications such as post-concussion syndrome, or long-term difficulty with cognitive processing, balance, coordination, memory recall, or problem-solving. There is much left to understand regarding potential complications and risk factors of concussions. One potential risk factor is Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder or ADHD. Research shows that student-athletes with diagnosed ADHD or the presence of ADHD symptoms may be at higher risk for one or more concussions. 

Objective: The goal of this literature review is to investigate the association between ADHD and concussion incidence by examining available research.

Methods: A comprehensive search of the databases MEDLINE and PubMed yielded seven studies to be analyzed that met all inclusion criteria. An initial search using keywords “concussion” OR “mild TBI” OR “mTBI” AND “ADHD” OR “Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder” OR “Attention-Deficit Hyperactive Disorder” yielded 178 results. Articles were included if they were peer reviewed, clear, and conducted in populations of student athletes age 12-24. 

Results: All seven studies presented data that suggested that student-athletes with ADHD are at higher risk for concussions. For example, one study conducted in 2020 showed that 26% of participants with ADHD had a history of concussions compared to only 16% in the non-ADHD control. 

Conclusions: A complete review of the literature shows a positive association between ADHD symptoms and concussion incidence, including successive injuries. The strength and consistency of this recommendation is enough to inform clinicians, coaches, and athletes on their practices. Athletes with diagnosed ADHD and presence of ADHD symptoms should be advised to take extra precautions against concussions. 

Physical Activity During Pregnancy and its Association with Postpartum Depression: A Literature Review 

Subject:  Critical Interpretation Project (Health Sciences)
Presenters: Elizabeth Fraser
Faculty Sponsor:  Megan Harvey

Background: Postpartum depression occurs in about ten to twenty percent of women six months after giving birth. Postpartum depression is significant depression, with postpartum onset as episodes of depression beginning within four weeks of giving birth. 

Objective: This literature review examines the association between physical activity and postpartum depression and aims to assess whether physical activity during pregnancy reduces the risk of postpartum depression. 

Methods: Relevant studies for this review were identified using the Medline and CINHAL databases. The search strategy used the keywords: physical activity, postpartum depression, and pregnancy. Six articles were used in this literature review. Articles were restricted to English and included articles published within the last six years.

Results: Four articles analyzed in this review showed a positive association between physical activity and postpartum depression. Two studies showed a negative association between physical activity and postpartum depression. Two studies were randomized control, three were prospective cohorts, and one was a retrospective observational study. For example, one study stated that thirty-one women in the control group and thirty in the exercise group were categorized as overweight. The mean EPDS score in the control group was 10.23 ± 2.42; in the exercise group, it was 6.13 ± 4.05. The difference is statistically significant (p < .01). From these results, we conclude that the CG women with a BMI between 25.00 and 29.99 kg/m2 were at risk of PPD, while those in the exercise group were not. 

Conclusion: Most interventions showed that physical activity positively reduced postpartum depression, but results are mixed. Further research should be done to demonstrate that physical activity can decrease the risk of postpartum depression. The identification of other potential moderators and their association with postpartum depression is essential, and so research conducted on this topic could lead to overall healthier mothers and children.

The Effects of Nursing Interventions on Mental Health and Quality of Life Among Heart Failure Patients

Subject:  Critical Interpretation Project (Health Sciences)
Presenters: Hannah Kolodziey
Faculty Sponsor:  Megan Harvey

BACKGROUND: Heart disease is the leading cause of death among all genders and races in the United States. There are about 6.2 billion Americans that have heart failure, and 13.4% of deaths in the United States are from heart failure. 

OBJECTIVE: This review examines the effectiveness of nursing interventions for improving quality of life and mental health outcomes tailored to adults suffering from heart disease. 

METHODS: The three databases that are used to find studies on programs and interventions to improve quality of life and mental health outcomes were ScienceDirect Journal, PubMed, and Cumulative Index to Nursing & Allied Health Literature (CINAHL). The studies needed to include adults suffering from heart failure and intervention groups put into place to prove whether having a better quality of life and mental health status can improve the health status of patients suffering from heart failure. 

RESULTS: Of the 6 studies highlighted, two were experimental, and four were randomized controlled trials. In the two experimental studies, the Mental Health Inventory-5 (MHI-5), Medical Outcomes Study Health Status Questionnaire 36, and Quality of Life Index showed a sustained improvement in mental health and quality of life among heart failure patients. This meant the nursing interventions were effective. In the four RCTs, using the same surveys, forms, and questionnaires also showed a significant improvement in the treatment group compared to the control group, which stayed the same as their baseline scores or lower than their original baseline score. 

CONCLUSIONS: The intervention programs in the literature show some effectiveness, but the studies have many limitations. Throughout all the studies, there were dropout rates, and participants discontinued in the treatment and control groups. Therefore, more studies need to be done to prove that nursing intervention practices can be effective for patients suffering from heart failure. Future studies should focus on the genetic factor and link environmental factors together, such as stress, access to healthy food, early screenings if there is a genetic risk, places to participate in physical activity, and preventative measures to reduce the risk of an adult developing heart disease.

Creatine Supplementation Alongside Strength Training and its Association with Lower Body Strength: A Literature Review

Subject:  Critical Interpretation Project (Health Sciences)
Presenters: Abbey Vilaseca
Faculty Sponsor:  Megan Harvey

Background: Poor lower body strength is a result of physical inactivity which is seen to affect 23.7% of the population. Neglecting physical activity and engaging in sedentary behaviors is detrimental to one’s overall well-being and quality of life as it is the fourth leading risk for death and is linked to developing chronic diseases. To improve lower body strength, both strength training and the nutrition supplement creatine monohydrate can be used simultaneously. 

Objective: The presented review investigates the effectiveness of creatine supplementation, in conjunction with strength training, on an individual’s lower body strength. 

Methods: A systematic search was conducted through Medline Complete, Cochrane Central, and Google Scholar that identified 4 randomized controlled trials published between January 2001 and April 2013. The search terms utilized were “creatine supplementation,” “lower body muscle strength,” “leg extension,” “squat,” “leg press,” and “1 repetition maximum.”

Results: Of the 4 studies, the results yielded a positive association indicating that creatine supplementation alongside strength training improves an individual’s lower body strength. The participants who were administered creatine supplementation 1 repetition-maximum increased by more than 8% on the knee extension, between 54 to 100 pounds on the leg press, and a total of 18.2 pounds for the squat all with a p-value of <0.05. 

Conclusions: Overall, the findings reveal that creatine supplementation alongside strength training increases an individual’s lower body strength. Further understanding of the association will aid in indicating additional interventions for those with poor lower body strength and a way to reduce the mortality rates of physical inactivity. Given that all the studies were randomized controlled trials, as well as double-blind and placebo-controlled, enhances both the reliability and validity of the research. Although the results are consistent across the studies, it is important for further research to include a larger sample size as well as administer the same dosages of creatine supplementation to its participants. Doing so will improve the generalizability and accuracy of the association. 

A Literature Review on the Association of Talcum Powder Products and Ovarian Cancer Risk in Women

Subject:  Critical Interpretation Project (Health Sciences)
Presenters: Kelsey Bushey
Faculty Sponsor:  Megan Harvey

BACKGROUND: The ingredient of asbestos is a known carcinogen that may be in the development/production of some talc powders causing a potential risk factor for ovarian cancer in women. Ovarian carcinoma/cancer itself most commonly is a fatal geologic malignancy with an estimated amount of 26,000 women developing the disease annually with a range of symptoms/complications in women often causing fatigue to infertility. The primary treatment is surgery, with the potential of further complications/some cases resulting in death. Conflicting data on the topic makes the association between the two hard to distinguish. 

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this literature review was to examine the association between talcum powder/talc products and the incidence of ovarian cancer in women of all ages. 

METHODS: A systematic search was conducted which yielded a result of 6 total studies to be included from Springfield College Databases; CINAHL Ultimate, ERIC, APA PsycInfo, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, etc. Key search terms included cosmetic talc, peritoneal, asbestos, cancer, ovarian, etc. with filters including full-text articles, published date range of 1990-2023, open-access, peer-reviewed, etc.

RESULTS: Three studies revealed little association, one study showed a moderate association, and two revealed no association between the usage of talc in increasing the risk of ovarian cancer/epithelial ovarian cancer. Research primarily shows statistical significance pertaining to subtypes of ovarian cancer as these types showed moderate evidence of talc exposure causing subtypes of ovarian cancer including serious, endometrioid, & clear cell tumors/ invasive mucinous tumors. A few of the studies included results showing more of an effect in pre-menopausal and post-menopausal HT (hormone therapy), with an OR (95% CI) of 2.33 (1.32, 4.12) and 2.57 (1.51, 4.36).

CONCLUSIONS: The following literature review shows little to moderate evidence that there is a statistically significant association between the usage of talc products and ovarian cancer with more data supporting the risk of subtypes of ovarian cancer (i.e. epithelial ovarian cancer, ovarian carcinoma, invasive serous carcinoma, etc.). Studies included contained some limitations and data/articles on the topic were limited. Therefore, researchers believe that it would be beneficial if more data/research were conducted on the topic in the future.

The Association Between Co-sleeping/Bed-Sharing and SIDS

Subject:  Critical Interpretation Project (Health Sciences)
Presenters: Gianna Bruno
Faculty Sponsor:  Megan Harvey

Background Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is the leading cause of death in infants between one month and one year of age in the United States. There is much debate about whether it is safe for infants to co-sleep/bed-share with adults. 

Objective To evaluate the effect of co-sleeping/bed-sharing on the risk factors for SIDS in infants.

Methods A search for literature in an electronic format was done in the databases PubMed, MEDLINE Complete, and CINAHL completed using the terms: “Co-sleeping/Bed-sharing” and “SIDS/Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.” Five-hundred forty-eight articles were found. A total of four articles, including nine case-control studies, were selected, which comprised 9,304 participants meeting the criterion for inclusion as follows: (1) healthy mother-child-dyad, (2) Birth registrations in the study area during the established period, (3) attending health controls in the primary care center of the health area, and (4) studies published after the year 2000. These studies were performed through questionnaires, home interviews, online/telephone surveys, and medical records. Controls were randomly selected normal infants of similar age, time, and place. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were calculated by conditional logistic regression.

Results There are few studies on the association between co-sleeping/bed-sharing and SIDS, most in the early 2000s. In the combined dataset, infants who died co-sleeping/bed-sharing were more than double that of infants in the control group. Eight of the nine published studies observed an increased risk of SIDS for infants that co-sleep/bed-share. Eight of the nine studies concluded that the number of infants who died co-sleeping is more than double that of infants among the control groups. For all combinations of risk factors, the predicted increase in risk associated with bed-sharing is statistically significant. 

Conclusions Risk factors for SIDS vary depending on the infant’s sleeping environment. These findings support a public health strategy highlighting specific hazardous co-sleeping/bed-sharing environments parents should avoid. Co-sleeping/bed-sharing should be avoided, especially if parents consume alcohol, smoke, or take drugs. Co-sleeping/bed-sharing, even when parents do not smoke or take alcohol or drugs, causes an increased risk of SIDS.

A Literature Review on the Effects of Physical Activity on students to test academic performance

Subject:  Critical Interpretation Project (Health Sciences)
Presenters: Theo Marcou
Faculty Sponsor:  Megan Harvey

BACKGROUND: In the US, students in middle school, high school, and college have many stressors and responsibilities that they have to deal with. Physical activity is a way for students to make connections with people, stay in shape, have overall health benefits, improve focus, and academic performance. Physical activity might improve academic achievement in students.

OBJECTIVE: Examine the effectiveness of physical activity on students ages 10-25 (middle school, high school, college population) to examine academic performance as an outcome.

METHODS: The three databases that were used to find studies on physical activity and academic outcomes in students were Medline, PubMed, and (CINAHL). The studies needed to include students that were in middle school, high school, or college populations and measured physical activity depending on the frequency (days per week) and intensity (Light, moderate, vigorous). The outcome examined GPA, test scores, and overall academic performance of the students. A total of 8 studies were identified.

RESULTS: Out of the eight studies identified, 3 were cross-sectional studies, 2 were retrospective studies, 1 longitudinal, 1 randomized control trial (RCT), and 1 cohort study. All eight studies show a positive association between physical and academic performance by showing how GPA, Grades and test scores, and school performance have improved with physical activity in a student's weekly routine (frequency and intensity). One significant study result indicated that with physical activity, students are more likely to get a higher GPA and a grade range of A and B.

CONCLUSIONS: Research indicates there is a strong association between physical activity and academic achievement. The potential impact of this research is that more programs might be implemented in schools and in universities that can help students learn about exercise and its benefits. These programs can help students stay in a good and healthy routine which can also help them achieve optimal academic performance.

The Association of Sleep Quality/Quantity on Injuries Within Collegiate Athletes

Subject:  Critical Interpretation Project (Health Sciences)
Presenters: Rene Hernandez
Faculty Sponsor:  Megan Harvey

BACKGROUND: This review investigates the link between sleep quality and quantity and injury incidence among collegiate athletes. By analyzing sleep patterns and injury reports, the study fully examines the significance of sleep in reducing injury risk and enhancing athletic performance. 

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this review was to examine the association between sleep quality/quantity and injury rates in collegiate athletes.

METHODS: Out of the 6 studies used, 4 studies were included in the final review. 3 of which were cohort studies and 1 was a longitudinal retrospective study. The keywords used to find these articles consisted of  “sleep”, “sleep quantity”, “sleep duration”, “college athletes”, “college athletics”, “injury”, “injuries”, “injuries during performance”. The databases included in these articles consist of  DOI.org (Crossref), Medline, PubMed, and EBSCO.

RESULTS: The study found that increased sleep duration and higher sleep quality were associated with a lower risk of injury in collegiate athletes. Injuries per 1000 hours decreased as sleep duration increased, and in-season injury was significantly predicted by sleep quality and duration. Additionally, preseason had lower injury rates during practice than in a match/game, while higher injury rates were seen with only 1 day of rest compared to more than 1 day of rest.

CONCLUSIONS: This study emphasizes the importance of sleep quality and quantity in reducing injury rates among collegiate athletes, particularly those who prioritize sleep by getting at least 8 hours per night and having higher sleep quality levels. The findings suggest that in-season injury is significantly predicted by sleep quality and duration and that coaches and trainers should prioritize sleep habits as part of their training and preparation strategies to prevent injuries and enhance athlete performance. The study also highlights the lower rates of noncontact injuries during in-season/post-season, and higher injury rates with only 1 day of rest compared to more than 1 day of rest.

The Association of Depression/Anxiety and Social Media Use: A Literature Review

Subject:  Critical Interpretation Project (Health Sciences)
Presenters: Caitlin Kilcoyne
Faculty Sponsor:  Megan Harvey

BACKGROUND: Social media (SM) use has significantly increased with billions of people using different social media platforms daily to connect with others and share their thoughts. Although SM has many benefits such as social connections and self-expression, there is a growing concern about potential negative effects and impacts on mental health

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this literature review was to examine the possible association between mental health outcomes, specifically anxiety and depression, and social media use.

METHODS: The two databases used to find studies on the association between mental health issues and social media use were Medline and Cumulative Index to Nursing & Allied Health Literature (CINAHL). The studies needed to include social media use and mental health problems, specifically anxiety and depression. The search terms used included: “Social Media Use”, “Social Media”, “Mental Health”, “Anxiety”, and “Depression”.

RESULTS: Of the four highlighted studies, three were cross-sectional studies, and one was a three-wave panel study. All four of these studies came to the same result that the more time spent on social media, the higher risk you will have for negative mental health outcomes.

CONCLUSION: The studies within the literature review all state that more time spent on social media is associated with higher levels of depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues. However, there are limitations due to people tracking their data relating to their social media use. These studies also highlight the importance of considering the potential negative impacts of social media use on mental health, especially in young adults.

Resilience: Past, Present, Future of Gynecology 

Subject:  Critical Interpretation Project (Honors Program)
Presenters: Mikaili Charlemagne 
Faculty Sponsor:  Megan Harvey

Introduction: Gynecology is the field of medicine that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of the female reproductive system. Racism has had a substantial presence in the field of medicine; from its inception to the present day.

Purpose: This study was done to assess the role that disenfranchised populations played in the development of gynecology. Researchers assessed the impacts that the history of Gynecology has on current maternal health outcome statistics in America.

Methods: A review of the literature and national data sources was done to collect data.

Results: The bodies of Black enslaved women and Irish immigrants were exploited for the advancement of the field of Gynecology. Today there are higher maternal mortality rates in African-American women in America due to discrimination and racism they experience in the healthcare field.

Conclusion: Interventions are needed to improve the health outcomes of women of color in America.

What is in Their Bowl?

Subject:  Critical Interpretation Project (VAPA/Studio Art)
Presenters:  Orisa Simon-Plumb
Faculty Sponsor:  Meghan Gaul

What is in Their Bowl” is an infographic designed to bring light to the controversial nature of feeding pets a primarily dry food diet (commonly known as kibble) and focuses specifically on the nutritional needs of domesticated cats. Using a combination of a pixel art aesthetic, the visual language of cats, and interpretations of veterinarian literature, this infographic was designed with the intention of communicating the importance in considering all factors when choosing what one may feed their cat/s by making the information eye-catching and accessible to a wider audience.

Does screening prevent Cardiac Arrest in Athletes?

Subject:  Critical Interpretation Project (Exercise Science, pre-AT)
Presenters: Alyssa Konspore
Faculty Sponsor:  Dr. Jessica Barrett

Introduction-Cardiac Arrest occurs due to an electrical disturbance within the heart. Many times individuals experience this due to cardiac abnormalities developed before birth. Many times individuals do not know they have cardiac abnormality until an event occurs.

Focused clinical question- This is why I decided to investigate whether or not  Screening Prevents Cardiac Arrest in Athletes?

Search Strategy and Results of Search- Within articles found on PubMed they had studied a variety of sports to see which tests were best for screening before an athlete participates. Most of the articles that I had looked more in-depth to included a variety of tests used. They had indicated an ECG has the highest percentage of accurate results among detecting any issue within the heart.

Key Evidence and Results- ECG is the best way to determine electrical disturbances within the heart. It is important to monitor individuals who have medical and/or family history of cardiac abnormalities occurring.  

Application/Implication- Cardiac abnormalities may not be prevented but early detection through the use of ECG can identify those at most risk as well as looking into the medical histories of these individuals. Athletic trainers can implement policies to review ECG and or medical histories.
 

Protein Recommendations for Competitive Bodybuilders

Subject:Critical Interpretation Project (Exercise Science and Athletic Training)
Presenters: James Russo
Faculty Sponsor:  Brian Thompson

Controversy exists among competitive bodybuilders about the maximum amount of protein needed to create skeletal muscle tissue and how significant it is to distribute this amount across the day. Protein is an indispensable nutrient for building lean mass, which is crucial in physique athletes. In this literature review, research about the optimal amount of protein and number of meals to spread it across is analyzed to determine how to maximize protein intake for bodybuilders looking to take their physique to the next level. This review also examines studies regarding protein intake changes due to aging and performance-enhancing drug use.

How Does The Diagnosis of Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease Affect One’s Ability to Participate in Exercise/Athletics, in Comparison to Healthy Individuals?

Subject: Critical Interpretation Project (AEXS/Athletic Training)
Presenters: Mike McDevitt
Faculty Sponsor:  Dr. Jess Barrett

Introduction: Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease (ADPKD) is the most common chronic genetic renal disorder, affecting 4-6 million people worldwide, and that it accounts for about 3% of all end-stage renal disease. Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease is caused by a mutation of two specific genes, named PKD1 and PKD2, respectively. The best way to track the progression of ADPKD is through measuring one’s glomerular filtration rate (GFR), which shows how well the kidneys are functioning. The measure of one’s GFR determines the exact stage in which the disease has progressed, and there are five stages of the disease, with the fifth one being the final stage. 

Focused Clinical Question: How Does The Diagnosis of Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease Affect One’s Ability to Participate in Exercise/Athletics, in Comparison to Healthy Individuals?

Search Strategy and Results of Search: Medical database used to acquire journal articles was MEDLINE Complete. Search terms used to find results were “Polycystic Kidney Disease AND Exercise”, “Polycystic Kidney Disease AND Exercise AND Adults”, and ”Chronic Kidney Disease AND Athletics AND Exercise”. 

Key Evidence and Results: Vo2peak is much lower in those with ADPKD than healthy individuals, and that the anaerobic threshold in those diagnosed with ADPKD is reached much quicker than healthy individuals as well. Individuals with ADPKD will not be able to maintain their level of activity for as long as healthy individuals with the same physical activity level. Heart rate recovery (HRR) in individuals with ADPKD is slower than healthy individuals.

Application/Implications: Important recommendations for ADPKD patients to consider are to still be getting 150 moderate physical activity minutes per week, checking in with a medical professional pertaining to their cardiovascular system, and to take caution regarding contact sports because of their diagnosis.

UFC G.O.A.T.s

Subject: Critical Interpretation Project (AEXS/Athletic Training)
Presenters: Caio Costa
Faculty Sponsor:  Meghan Gaul

This poster represents an infographic of arguably the 5 best UFC fighters of all time according to various sources and statistical information. My process started by researching professional fighters, UFC visual language, and infographics. I then made decisions about the overall aesthetic by creating a mood board where I added color palettes, type families, styles of art, relatable images, and similar infographics. The mood board gave me a general direction to follow in order to achieve my goal. I presented this mood board to the entire class so that it could be discussed and improved upon. My process also included sketches, rough drafts, and additional group critiques. Critiques provided perspective which allowed me to make improvements that were not immediately apparent to me during the design process. 

Within my infographic I utilized color and designed an icon for each fighter based on their nicknames. This icon system established meaning at the top of the infographic, making it easier as the viewer reads down the poster, to immediately understand content related to each fighter without needing to rely on the text. These icons and colors were used throughout the infographic to make compelling visuals for various areas of comparison including reach advantage, title wins, and the number of KOs/TKOs. 

The City That Lit The World

Subject: Critical Interpretation Project (Business Management)
Presenters: Adam Bentley
Faculty Sponsor:  Meghan Gaul

The City That Lit The World displays information about New Bedford whaling during the 19th century. In this assignment, we were tasked to research a topic and communicate an idea through organization of symbols, icons, and text. The brainstorming process for the infographic started with the idea to incorporate different aspects of whaling. I gathered information about whaling and created a moodboard for potential typography, color palettes, and icons that would help me convey my message.

I decided to choose a regular font weight for most of the text with some of the subheadings bolded. I created multiple different icons including yellow whale tails, whale oil barrels, and a unique one for each whale product to present visual imagery with a combination of text. The color palette was inspired by the ocean with different shades of blue and aquamarine. Coordinating and organizing the layout of the graphic allowed my information to be presented clearly without cluttering the poster with too much text and imagery. It was not always a clear cut answer when deciding what my next step of the design process would be. Many times during the creation of the poster I revised the graphics and text with specific elements such as their shape, size, color, and position with relation to one another. Overall, the infographic poster assignment emphasized the importance of displaying data through appropriate representations, symbols, and elements that efficiently convey information to the reader.

Arctic Monkeys VS The Strokes

Subject: Critical Interpretation Project (Art & Design and English)
Presenters: Jewel Hunter
Faculty Sponsor:  Meghan Gaul

I chose to create an infographic comparing the two bands the Arctic Monkeys and The Strokes. The process of creating this piece required a lot of research on the two bands. I also created a mood board to discover different elements that I wanted to include as well as the overall desired aesthetic. Multiple drafts were created and revised in order to achieve the most effective visual communication. However, from the very first draft, I knew that I wanted to include visual language from Spotify’s desktop layout. In order to do this, I also had to look into the specific font that Spotify uses, so I could use one that closely resembles theirs in order to achieve a similar look. Pertaining to the illustrations of band members toward the very top of the infographic, I drew these from reference photos. As for the information being portrayed, I researched the band’s 5 most popular songs, most successful studio albums, the number of studio albums, video albums, music videos, ep’s and singles along with basic information and achievements regarding the bands. This piece was created using Adobe Illustrator.

Efficacy of TMS Targeting Methods for the Treatment of Depression: A Comparison

Subject: Critical Interpretation Project (Health Science)
Presenters: Meghan Goggins
Faculty Sponsor:  Megan Harvey

Background: Depression is a highly prevalent mental health disorder affecting millions worldwide. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive technique used to treat depression. It involves delivering magnetic pulses to the brain to stimulate neural activity in specific brain regions to produce antidepressant effects. The standard protocol for TMS treatment of depression involves targeting the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) by anatomical measurements. However, recent studies have investigated the potential benefits of individualized TMS targeting for the treatment of depression.

Objective: The purpose of this review is to examine the existing evidence on whether individualized TMS targeting is more effective than standard TMS targeting protocol in the treatment of depression.

Methods: A systematic search was conducted using PubMed, CINHAL, and MEDLINE databases. Search terms included “transcranial magnetic stimulation,” “TMS,” “depression,” “neuronavigation,” and “targeting.” Studies included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the efficacy of personalized TMS targeting to standard protocol in the treatment of depression. 

Results: A total of five RCTs were included in the review. The studies varied in terms of the type of TMS used, the methods of individualized targeting, and the outcome measurements used. Overall, the results showed mixed findings, with some studies suggesting that individualized targeting was associated with greater improvement in depression symptoms compared to standard TMS protocol, while others found no significant difference between the two methods.

Conclusions: While the existing evidence on the effectiveness of individualized TMS targeting for the treatment of depression is mixed, available research suggests that personalized TMS may optimize treatment outcomes. Further research is needed to determine the optimal parameters and targeting methods for personalized TMS treatment, as well as the long-term efficacy and safety of this approach. Future studies should aim to standardize methods of individualized targeting and outcome measures to provide more conclusive evidence of the potential benefits of this approach. 

Burnout rates amongst female collegiate athletes

Subject:  Critical Interpretation Project (Athletic Training/AEXS)
Presenters: Abby Shannon
Faculty Sponsor:  Dr. Jessica Barret

Introduction: The state of burnout is commonly regarded as the endpoint of a breakdown process and is characterized by absence of motivation and complete physical and mental exhaustion. Pressures in academics, sports performance, and other life factors can influence and enhance the likelihood of burnout in collegiate athletes. With the rise in this issue, it is important that athletics staff educate themselves about the symptoms of burnout and actively monitor student-athletes with whom they work for signs of this cycle occurring.

Focused Clinical Question: Are female collegiate athletes at a higher risk of burnout compared to males?​

Search Strategy and Results of Search:To aid in the search, the search engine Sport Discus was used to help narrow the search in exercise science related studies. Keywords such as ""burnout"", ""gender"", ""college"", and ""athletes"" were applied to ensure the results would be tailored to the research question.​

Key Evidence and Results: Athletes were more likely to experience elevated levels of burnout if they reported female sex, older NCAA eligibility, or a past injury history​. Females reported significantly higher levels of exhaustion than males.

Application /Implication: While further research is necessary to further understand , it is creating a discussion in the sports world about the importance of rest and health. While more is better has been emphasized in the world of sport, we’re discovering that sometimes, less is more. To combat this issue, it is essential to gather educational resources and programs to decrease the antecedent of burnout amongst collegiate athletes, and more specifically female collegiate athletes.

NHL “enforcers” at risk of mental health disorders due to neurotrauma 

Subject:  Critical Interpretation Project (Exercise Science/Athletic Training)
Presenters: Alyson Vecchia-Spooner
Faculty Sponsor:  Dr. Jessica Barrett

Introduction: Although the term “enforcer” is an unofficial role in the sport of hockey, it has been used to categorize the type of on-ice player that performs violent acts against opponents to defend their teammates. These players participate in nightly fights, receiving and giving constant blows to the head, resulting in concussions and other traumatic brain injuries. These constant head collisions and diagnosed injuries lead to the onset of neurodegenerative diseases such as chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). This project analyzes the mental health disorders various hockey enforcers endure mid and post career, and how this could potentially be a result of these neurodegenerative diseases/neurotrauma.

Focused Clinical Question: Are NHL “enforcers,” at a higher risk of mental health disorders mid and post career due to the neurotrauma they face? Search Strategy and Results of Search: Electronic databases relating to sports medicine and sports science were examined, such as PubMed, Sports Medicine & Education Index, SPORTDiscus and MEDLINE Complete. Key words such as “NHL OR professional hockey players OR contact sport athletes,” “concussion OR traumatic brain injury,” and “depression OR mental health OR substance abuse” were used; an average of 15 articles were yielded through each database.

Key Evidence and Results: There is a correlation between neurotrauma and negative psychological effects. Constant head collisions lead to the increase of abnormal tau proteins in the brain, leading to degeneration of the emotional regulation sections of the brain, leading to MDD, anxiety, aggressive behaviors, substance abuse, and more. Application/Implication: NHL enforcers are the prime example of athletes experiencing constant head impacts, and in turn have serious mental health disorders. The list of players dying from suicide and addiction continue to grow, implying a need for further research in limiting TBI’s in the sport and therapeutic interventions for mental health disorders. 

 Most Effective Way to Regain Shoulder Range of Motion in Baseball Players

Subject:  Critical Interpretation Project (Ppat)
Presenters: Anthony DeVito & Mu Kue
Faculty Sponsor:  Dr. Jessica Barrett 

Introduction: With baseball being a sport that consists of constant throwing and overhead throwing motions, baseball players often have trouble with shoulder injuries. This can lead to struggles and problems with the range of motion (ROM) in their shoulders. There hasn’t been a definite answer to the most effective method of rehabilitation and recovery for shoulder ROM. Understanding the most effective form of rehabilitation for shoulder ROM will provide baseball players and coaches an opportunity to succeed. Focused Clinical Question: What is the most effective way to regain shoulder ROM in baseball players?

Search Strategy and Results of Search: The databases used throughout our search were PubMed and CINAHL. Search one included: “(rehabilitation) AND (slap tear)) AND (baseball player)) AND (range of motion)) AND (stretching)”; 12 Results were yielded. Search two included: “(rehabilitation) AND (range of motion) AND (stretching) AND (baseball pitchers) AND (shoulder injuries)”; 4 results yielded.

Key Evidence and Results: Throughout our research, we came across numerous papers and reviews that examined the various side effects and treatment options for baseball players' shoulders. The most common pattern we discovered was how pitchers,are most affected by changes in shoulder ROM due to higher workload. Various self-stretches were consistently used throughout the tests, but the best technique of shoulder ROM rehabilitation was determined to be consistent self-stretching combined with instrumental manual therapy.

Application/Implication: Instrumented manual therapy combined with self-stretching significantly decreased the range of motion factors in baseball players with motion deficits when compared to stretching alone. With the use of both instrumental manual therapy and self stretching, baseball players can have a much faster recovery from injuries as well as having a major decreased risk of further injuries in their respective careers. Coaches and trainers can utilize this method of recovery to improve their athlete's shoulder ROM.

Effects of Preferred vs. Nonpreferred Music on Resistance Exercise Performance

Subject:  Critical Interpretation Project (Exercise Science)
Presenters: Garrett Hillard & Clayton Knibbs, Dominic Velazquez
Faculty Sponsor:  Dr. O'Neill and Dr. Hutchinson

Resistance exercise is utilized to elicit desired skeletal muscle adaptations for health and performance benefits (13). Manipulation of volume and intensity of training is essential to optimizing these adaptations (33, 34). The use of ergogenic aids, substances or phenomena believed to increase performance, have become popular to enhance training, thereby increasing adaptations (1, 39). Music has been studied extensively and evidence largely supports the use of music as an ergogenic aid (1,2,12,25,29); however, little is known regarding the effects that preferred vs nonpreferred music has on resistance exercise. Ballman et al. (2019) indicated listening to preferred music increased motivation and the number of submaximal bench press repetitions. To evaluate the reproducibility of these results, the purpose of this study was to investigate whether listening to preferred or non preferred music during resistance exercise influences motivation and bench press performance. Replication studies increase the confidence around novel ideals within the practical sciences such as exercise science. Furthermore, understanding the effects of preferred and non-preferred music on performance is important for coaches and practitioners.

Museums in the U.S.

Subject:  Critical Interpretation Project  ( History Program)
Presenters: Isabella Bruns
Faculty Sponsor:  Meghan Gaul

Museums are one of the most important ways people learn about culture, the world, and how it came to be. Museums in the U.S. is an infographic poster highlighting interesting facts about museums in the United States. It is a culmination of my research into US museums as part of my creative process. The goal of this poster is to easily convey data to a broad audience through original graphics using the visual language of museums. This helps the viewer quickly understand the information. This poster communicates information about museums while engaging the viewer through visually interesting graphics. It has five areas of focus starting out with a brief history of museums from the beginning of human history to the first Museum in the United States. It then goes on to show various facts about museums and visual comparisons of the largest and smallest US museums: the Smithsonian and Mmuseumm.