Previous studies demonstrate that body composition (specifically the amount of body fat) influences autonomic function.  The autonomic nervous system is divided into two branches: the sympathetic nervous system prepares the body for energetic action (e.g., increases in heart rate and blood pressure) while the parasympathetic nervous system has antagonistic actions promoting relaxation.  Overweight individuals tend to demonstrate increased sympathetic activation; conversely, augmented parasympathetic activity has been shown in individuals with a low percentage of body fat. Read More…

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is important for maintaining stability in the knee joint. Over 175,000 people in the United States experience ACL injuries each year. Surgical ACL repairs typically use autografts (tissue from the patient) or allografts (from a non-self source). The purpose of the study was to compare the success rates of allograft versus autograft ACL repair specifically in adolescents as this group has not previously been studied. Read More…

Bulimia nervosa (BN) is characterized by excessive consumption of food in a short period of time accompanied by feelings of loss of control and purging behaviors, occurring at least twice a week and persisting for a minimum of three months.  Women with BN also exhibit autonomic dysfunction as evidenced by hypervagal tone and subsequently increased heart rate variability (HRV), bradycardia, and hypotension. Read More…

To put it bluntly and in clear terms, the majority of the United States population is now overweight or obese (Flegal et al., 1998, 2002). The obesity epidemic is seen on campuses around the United States. In order to help fight this epidemic there are a number of national programs like Healthy Campus 2010, the Centers for Disease control’s active living coalition, as well as growing attention to the field of health promotion disease prevention(HPDP) by other fields. Read More…

In response to an aging population, the increased number of unfit and overweight adults, as well as participation in sports activities, physical therapy is becoming more of a necessity in today’s society.  Physical therapists develop treatment plans that promote the ability to move, prevent disability, develop fitness, reduce pain, and restore function in both athletic and non-athletic populations. Read More…

For decades, baseball pitchers have been manipulating a baseball in its flight toward home plate in order to decrease the chances of the batter making contact with the ball. As a means of investigating the human body’s ability to overcome concepts of physics such as the magnus force and drag force, two separate pitches, the fastball and the curveball, were performed by a Cornell athlete and videotaped. Read More…

Adequate nutritional and physical activity habits contribute to healthy living practices. According to the Prudent Healthy Diet recommendations set forth by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), individuals should strive to balance food consumption with physical activity, eat a nutritionally adequate diet consisting of a wide variety of nutrient-rich foods, moderate fat intake, consume fruits and vegetables daily, reduce sugar intake, prepare food with less salt and sodium, maintain moderate protein intake, consume adequate calcium and iron, practice food safety, avoid intake of additives or dietary supplements, and enjoy food. Read More…

Our group did a research experiment on how athletes who train in different types of environments and how the athletes’ bodies adjust to the conditions. The focus of the experiment was on the performance of exercise within heat acclimated wrestlers versus non-heat acclimated athletes. Read More…

Operation Walk is a nonprofit organization that provides free hip and knee replacement surgeries to patients in underdeveloped countries. Each year, Cornell students have the opportunity to travel with Operation Walk and founder Dr. Larry Dorr (’63) to assist with every aspect of the surgery process. Read More…

Previous research indicates that total sleep deprivation may elicit a number of physiological and psychological deficits including mood disturbance and autonomic imbalance. Little is known regarding the effects of a single night of moderate sleep loss, Read More…

Operation Walk, founded by Dr. Larry Dorr (’ 63), is a non-profit organization through which a team of healthcare professionals travels to medically underserved areas to perform hip and knee replacement surgeries. Read More…

American society and media advocate for ideal body images that are often unattainable through healthy levels of dieting and exercise for both male and female individuals. Read More…

The purpose of this study is to investigate the Cornell College PED 101: Lifetime Physical Fitness and Activities course and to explore the relationship between enrollment in the course and aspects of positive behavior change related to fitness and wellness. Read More…

The current lack of consistent exercise maintenance among a majority of American adults has resulted in a variety of negative symptoms, including obesity, that has put many individuals at an increased risk for a number of debilitating diseases, including hypertension, diabetes, arthritis, certain cancers, and cardiovascular diseases, among others. Read More…

In the fast-paced society that we live in today many people struggle to get an adequate amount of sleep on a regular basis. Read More…

Women athletes have the risk of developing many physical problems while training for athletics. These include menstrual cycle disorders, eating disorders, and bone mineral disorders. Read More…

Major League Baseball teams recently released information regarding 2002 single game ticket prices. Read More…

Mountain bicycling has evolved as a sport and recreational activity over the last 20 years, and it is not fad: It is here to stay. Read More…