Theses and Dissertations at Montana State University (MSU)

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Swimming performance of Yellowstone cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus virginalis bouvieri)
(Montana State University - Bozeman, College of Engineering, 2024) Steele, Samuel William; Chairperson, Graduate Committee: Kathryn Plymesser; This is a manuscript style paper that includes co-authored chapters.
Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout (Oncorhynchus virginalis bouvieri) inhabit the upper portions of the Yellowstone and Snake River basins of Montana, Wyoming, and Idaho. Although individual populations remain intact in headwater streams, anthropogenic activities have resulted in substantial declines in their historic range and core population abundance, and the classification as a species of concern in Montana. To aid in Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout restoration and conservation, we conducted two studies to characterize their swimming performance. In the first study, we used an open-channel flume to observe the volitional swimming performance of 168 hatchery-raised Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout, ranging in total length from 292 to 450 mm. Fish were tested against a range of water velocities (0.61, 0.94, 1.75, and 2.00 m .s -1) and temperatures (8.0 and 12.0°C). We observed that passage success decreased with increasing water velocities, ranging from 98% at 0.61 m .s -1 to 19% at 2.00 m .s -1, and that water temperature did not affect the maximum distance of ascent within each hydraulic challenge (? 2 ranged from 0.0 to 1.0, p-value > or = 0.3, df = 1). The overall maximum sprinting velocity was 4.59 m .s -1, mean maximum swimming velocity was 2.15 m .s -1, and average water velocity at gait transitions was 0.61 m .s -1 from sustained to prolonged, 0.94 m .s -1 from prolonged to unsteady burst glide, and <1.73 m .s-1 from unsteady burst glide to steady burst. In the second study, we quantified the U sprint swimming mode of Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout using a swim chamber. Sixty fish were individually tested, which resulted in a mean U sprint velocity of 3.91 body lengths .s -1 (SD = 0.56), equivalent to 1.48 m .s -1 (SD = 0.18). U sprint values ranged from 0.86 to 1.85 m .s -1 for Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout with total lengths of 314 mm to 456 mm. Gait transitions were observed from sustained-prolonged to burst-glide swim mode at a mean water velocity of 0.88 m .s -1 (SD = 0.15) and from burst-glide to strictly burst at 1.13 m .s -1 (SD = 0.18). These findings provide valuable information for assessing passage success probability and guiding the design of fish passage structures, which are essential for the restoration and conservation of native Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout populations.
High versus low carbohydrate in Skimo race performance: a randomized controlled trial
(Montana State University - Bozeman, College of Education, Health & Human Development, 2024) Topf, Rachel Marie; Chairperson, Graduate Committee: Mary P. Miles; This is a manuscript style paper that includes co-authored chapters.
Ski mountaineering (skimo) is a high-intensity sport with several race disciplines of varying lengths in which competitors face many challenges that can make consuming food and fluids difficult. There is currently a scarcity of literature on skimo, particularly on nutrition in individual-format races. Exercise >1.5 h, as in an individual skimo race, may benefit from high carbohydrate consumption of > or = 90 g/h compared to lower recommendations of 60 g/h. However, gastrointestinal upset is worsened with increasing amounts of carbohydrate consumption, especially during high-intensity exercise. Highly-branched cyclic dextrin is a glucose polymer with a low osmolality allowing it to have a fast gastric emptying rate which can decrease gastrointestinal upset during exercise. The first purpose of this study was to survey skimo athletes about their nutrition knowledge and practices. With this new information combined with recommendations on carbohydrate and fluid intake, the second purpose of this study was to test an 18% solution of highly-branched cyclic dextrin + fructose (3:1) in a skimo race. It was hypothesized that an 18% solution (90G) would improve performance in an individual race compared to a 6% solution (30G) without contributing to gastrointestinal upset. Fifteen participants completed the randomized controlled crossover trials. Average carbohydrate consumed was 27 and 85 g/h and race time 105 and 107 min in 30G and 90G, respectively. Overall race times were not significantly different. Gastrointestinal upset trended higher in 90G (p=0.07). When the four participants with high gastrointestinal upset (rating >4/10) were removed from analysis, there was a main effect for drink on percent lap time change (p<0.001), with 30G having a greater percent increase in lap time throughout the trial. In conclusion, a high-carbohydrate drink was created to address the needs of skimo athletes. It was found that an 18% carbohydrate solution had significantly higher gastrointestinal upset ratings and did not confer additional performance benefit compared to a 6% solution. Additionally, high gastrointestinal upset with the 18% solution appears to have contributed to slower time; however, those without high gastrointestinal upset with the 18% solution had a lesser percentage change in lap time throughout the trial compared to 6%.
Manipulating implement weight during warm up to improve shot put performance
(Montana State University - Bozeman, College of Education, Health & Human Development, 2023) Klein, Leah Nicole; Chairperson, Graduate Committee: James N. Becker; This is a manuscript style paper that includes co-authored chapters.
The purpose of this study was to investigate the use of overweight and underweight implements impacts on shot putting performance along with technical and physiological changes. Ten collegiate shot putters participated in this study (6 male, 4 female). Each participant completed 3 non consecutive days of data collection. Each day consisted of 3 warm up throws followed by 6 maximal effort regulation weighted throws. Warm up throws consisted of one of three conditions: (1) overweight (2) underweight or (3) regulation. In agreement with prior literature on post-activation potentiation (PAP), those who threw with overweight implements showed significant increases in performance. No changes in critical factor kinematics or ground reaction force measures were affected by warm up weight. Results of this study conclude that using a heavy implement during warmups is a functional way to improve performance, however more research is needed to further uncover the underlying mechanisms.
Corn versus barley in beef cattle finishing diets: effect on steer performance, feeding behavior, and ruminal environment
(Montana State University - Bozeman, College of Agriculture, 2021) DelCurto-Wyffels, Hannah Margaret; Chairperson, Graduate Committee: Megan Van Emon; Julia M. Dafoe, Cory T. Parsons, Darrin L. Boss, Timothy DelCurto, Samuel A. Wyffels, Megan L. Van Emon and Janice G. P. Bowman were co-authors of the article, 'Corn versus barley in finishing diets: effect on steer performance and feeding behavior' in the journal 'Animals' which is contained within this dissertation.; Julia M. Dafoe, Cory T. Parsons, Darrin L. Boss, Timothy DelCurto, Samuel A. Wyffels, Megan L. Van Emon and Janice G. P. Bowman were co-authors of the article, 'The influence of environmental conditions on intake behavior and activity by feedlot steers fed corn or barley-based diets' in the journal 'Animals' which is contained within this dissertation.; Hannah M. DelCurto-Wyffels, Julia M. Dafoe, Cory T. Parsons, Darrin L. Boss, Timothy DelCurto, Samuel A. Wyffels, Megan L. Van Emon and Janice G. P. Bowman were co-authors of the article, 'Diurnal ruminal pH and temperature patterns of steers fed corn or barley-based finishing diets' in the journal 'Animals' which is contained within this dissertation.
While corn is the most common feed ingredient in the United States, barley, which is more suitable for the growing and climatic conditions at northern latitudes, can be a common feed alternative to corn. The different digestive utilization of unique feedstuffs coupled with extreme environmental conditions can pose challenges to efficiently feeding cattle in different climates. Thus, to further our understanding of the use of barley in feedlot diets at northern latitudes this study evaluated the effects of barley and corn finishing rations on feedlot performance, feeding behavior, and ruminal environment. For two consecutive years, Angus-based yearling steer calves were fed in a feedlot trial (427.3 + or - 3.7 kg; n = 48 in year 1, and 406.8 + or - 3.4 kg; n = 47 in year 2). Steers were randomly assigned to one of two primary basal grain dietary treatments: 1) Number 2 feed corn or 2) Hockett barley. Steers were fed in a GrowSafe system to measure individual animal intake and behavior throughout the duration of the study. Twelve steers per treatment group for each year of the study were also fitted with a HOBO pendent G accelerometer to measure activity and a SmaXtec ruminal bolus for continuous rumen monitoring of temperature and pH. Limited differences were observed in regard to performance and eating behavior of steers fed corn or barley-based diets. The steer's diet interacted with short term environmental changes to influence animal feeding behavior, but diet had limited impact on cattle lying activity. Continuous ruminal monitoring revealed average daily ruminal pH and temperature were not impacted by diet; however, diet did affect daily variation in ruminal pH and temperature. Intake patterns were also different between corn and barley-fed steers in which corn-fed steers consumed more feed the first 6 hours directly after feeding while barley-fed steers consumed more feed later in the day. Presumably, these intake patterns could be influenced by differences in diurnal patterns of ruminal pH between corn and barley. Depending on cost and production year, both barley and corn can be high quality feedstuffs to use in beef cattle finishing rations.
The use of nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and measures of cattle temperament to predict feedlot perfromance of commercial beef cattle
(Montana State University - Bozeman, College of Agriculture, 2021) Bouffiou, Jesse James; Chairperson, Graduate Committee: Jennifer Thomson
The objective of this study was to identify small molecule metabolites in a serum sample taken at entry into the feedlot that can predict performance, and animal health. One-hundred and thirty-one Angus x Simmental steers from a single ranch were sampled at a commercial feedlot. Blood samples for metabolite analysis, chute score, exit velocity, and blood lactate concentration for temperament classification were collected in addition to feedlot performance data and carcass quality measurements. The GLM and LSM procedures of SAS were used to evaluate differences between temperament classifications. Steers were divided into three exit velocity classifications with fast animals having exit velocity greater than one standard deviation from the mean and slow animals having exit velocities lower than one standard deviation from the mean. Forty metabolites were quantified using 1H NMR Spectroscopy from serum. Metaboanalyst was used to analyze serum metabolites and phenotypic values using one way- ANOVA, PCA, PLS-DA, and a permutation test to cross validate. Data was normalized and scaled. No metabolites were predictive of any of the animal health metrics collected. Five metabolites were different in exit velocity class at p < 0.01 (methanol, isopropanol, lactate, isobutyrate, and pyruvate). Similarly, 7 metabolites were different between chute score classes at p < 0.01 (methanol, isobutyrate, creatinine, dimethyl sulfone, hippurate, isopropanol, and succinate). Furthermore, several metabolites in serum at entry in the feedlot were related to carcass quality metrics: back fat (urea and 2-hydroxyisobutyrate at p < 0.01), a trend for prediction of quality grade at p = 0.068, carcass value p = 0.085. The relationship between serum metabolites, feedlot performance traits, and eventual carcass quality warrants further research to elucidate the roles these metabolites play during the feedlot period and in predicting carcass merit.
The Y-balance test in runners: relationships between performance and running mechanics, and the influence of fatigue
(Montana State University - Bozeman, College of Education, Health & Human Development, 2020) Wilson, Charles Scott; Chairperson, Graduate Committee: James P. Becker; Allison Theobold, Sara Skammer, Sam Nelson and James Becker were co-authors of the article, 'A multivariate analysis between the Y-balance test and injury-linked running mechanics' submitted to the journal 'The American journal of sports medicine' which is contained within this thesis.; Sam Nelson, Sara Skammer and James Becker were co-authors of the article, 'The relationship between Y-balance test performance and running mechanics at the hip following fatigue' submitted to the journal 'The journal of orthopedic and sports physical therapy' which is contained within this thesis.
The YBT is a widely known clinical movement screen used to measure strength, dynamic stability and neuromuscular control in a variety of athletic and clinical populations. The YBT is also used to predict injury risk across a range of sports. Strength and neuromuscular control of the muscles surrounding the hip are strong predictors of YBT performance. These same variables are also essential for running performance and the prevention of injury. Changes in injury-related running mechanics have been shown to occur along the course of a fatiguing run. Thus, the purpose of this thesis was twofold: 1) to evaluate the relationship between YBT performance and running mechanics and 2) to evaluate whether YBT performance can predict changes in injury-linked running mechanics after a run to fatigue. For the remainder of this paper the previous manuscripts will be referred to as Study 1 (A Multivariate Analysis of the Relationships Between Y-Balance Test Performance and Running Mechanics) and Study 2 (The Relationship Between Y-Balance Test Performance and Running Mechanics at the Hip Following Fatigue).
Beginning band instrument selection preferences and performance scores over time
(Montana State University - Bozeman, College of Education, Health & Human Development, 2019) Quinones, Joseph Ramon; Chairperson, Graduate Committee: Kristin Harney; Nick Lux (co-chair)
This quantitative study examines the process of guiding students in beginning band instrument selection at Monforton Middle School, in Bozeman, MT. Data from 46 students was collected to identify if correlations exist between students initial instrument tone production and preference ratings and the students' performance throughout the first 15 months of playing the instrument they selected. Data for this study was collected through instrument tryout forms prior to students selecting and instrument and playing assessment rubrics for each of the 12 playing assessments, all of which were requirements of beginning band class. While data did not suggest that stronger initial tone production and preference ratings correlated with higher scores on playing assessments, there is evidence to suggest the overall instrument selection process was beneficial in guiding students to select an instrument that is well suited to them, as students, on average, scored 82% on their playing assessments. Further research to better prove the effectiveness would likely require a control group of students not receiving guidance in the instrument selection process; this would likely not be possible because student education would be inhibited through the lack of guidance.
The effects of L-citrulline supplementation on physical performance
(Montana State University - Bozeman, College of Education, Health & Human Development, 2019) Stordahl, Peter Lawrence; Chairperson, Graduate Committee: John G. Seifert; John G. Seifert, Mary Miles and Dawn Tarabochia were co-authors of the article, 'The effects of l-citrulline supplementation on physical performance' submitted to the journal 'Journal of strength and conditioning research' which is contained within this thesis.
INTRODUCTION. Recent studies have investigated l-citrulline (CIT) as a possible ergogenic aid. A small number of studies have explored the performance question, with varying methodologies and results. The purpose of this study was to examine CIT influence on cycling time to exhaustion, cardiovascular function, and muscle activity. METHODS. Thirteen healthy subjects volunteered for this study. The first visit was to obtain a maximal power output, where 80% and 50% of maximal power were calculated for the following two visits. Subjects were then randomly assigned into either treatment or placebo groups for the second visit and the opposite treatment for the third visit. Subjects were instructed to drink their treatment 1 hour prior to coming into the laboratory. The treatment drink contained 10g of CIT while the placebo (PBO) was formulated to look and taste like the CIT drink. The second and third visits to the laboratory consisted of EMG from the rectus femoris, vastus medialis, and medial gastrocnemius of the right leg, along with HR monitor and BP. Subjects completed a 40-minute interval ride, consisting of 8 5-minute intervals of 3 minutes at 50% maximal power and 2-minutes at 80% maximal power. After the interval ride, subjects received a second dose of either treatment, 5g of CIT or PBO and were allowed 1-hour rest before the ramped time to exhaustion (TTE) test. RESULTS. There was no significant difference in TTE by treatment (CIT, 20.79 + or - 4.48 and PBO, 20.86 + or - 3.99). There was no significant main effect of treatment on percent of maximum heart rate (p = 0.084), mean arterial pressure (p = 0.714), or muscle activity of the rectus femoris (p =0.300), vastus medialis (p = 0.641), or medial gastrocnemius (p = 0.133) during the TTE test. CONCLUSIONS. There were no differences in cycling TTE between treatments. Further research should investigate the metabolism of CIT under different physiological conditions.
Effects of backpack chest straps on simulated shooting performance following repeated bouts of treadmill marching
(Montana State University - Bozeman, College of Education & Health & Human Development, 2019) Kidd, Dustin Todd; Chairperson, Graduate Committee: John G. Seifert; Mary P. Miles (co-chair); John G. Seifert, Mary Miles and Rob M. Orr were co-authors of the article, 'Effects of backpack chest straps on simulated shooting performance following repeated bouts of treadmill marching' which is contained within this thesis of the same title.
Soldiers must quickly take action when called upon and normally carry heavy loads in the process. One piece of equipment that is vital to carrying this load is a backpack. While load carriage and physical performance have been researched in the past, it is unknown if changing the location of the shoulder and chest straps will influence physiological measures or marksmanship performance. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine how changing the location of backpack shoulder straps affect physiological and marksmanship values during a simulated road march while under army assault load conditions. METHODS: Seven young healthy men (Mean + or - SD: 22 + or - 3.5 yrs; 24.75 + or - 1.38 kg/m 2 BMI) participated in this study. Subjects wore load carriage equipment (body armor 8.05 kg, backpack 21.7 kg, rifle 3.25 kg) during three separate testing periods. Each period consisted of 120 minutes of marching and 6 minutes of shooting with an airsoft rifle equipped with a laser-based shooting system. Each of the lab visits corresponded to testing one of three chest strap conditions: modified chest strap (MCS), standard chest strap (SCS) and no chest strap (NCS). Heart rate, upper limb oxygen saturation, discomfort, shot accuracy and shot score were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA (alpha=.05). RESULTS: There were significant main effects of trial (p=0.018) and time (p=0.000) when examining discomfort. There was a significant main effect of trial (p=0.002) for upper limb oxygenation. There was also a significant trial (p=0.017) main effect for heart rate. There were no main effects for either shot score or shot accuracy. CONCLUSION: There were no significant differences in any marksmanship value. However, there were significant differences in heart rate, discomfort and upper limb oxygen saturation. This would suggest that the location of backpack shoulder straps may have an effect on physiological measures while having no effect on performance measures during a simulated road march.
An investigation of operational performance on two-lane highways
(Montana State University - Bozeman, College of Engineering, 2018) Jafari, Amirhossein; Chairperson, Graduate Committee: Ahmed Al-Kaisy
A high percentage of the US road networks are two-lane highways. The Highway Capacity Manual (HCM) is the standard reference used in the US for traffic analysis of such highways (HCM 2016). This manual uses a qualitative measure called 'Level of Service (LOS)' to show the quality of traffic flow on the highway network. Performance measures are used as indicators of the LOS in the HCM. The current manual uses Average Travel Speed (ATS), Percent Time Spent Following (PTSF), and Percent Free Flow Speed (PFFS) for measuring LOS on two-lane highways. However, several studies reported that the HCM methodology falls short in several aspects including the performance measure used for operational analysis on two-lane highways. Moreover, the current guidelines of the HCM regarding passing lanes are very limited and based on studies conducted more than three decades ago (Harwood and St. John 1985, 1986). Constructing a passing lane is expensive and there is a need to use accurate methods for the design of such facilities. Therefore, the goal of this study is to examine new performance measures for operational analyses of two-lane highways as well as developing new guidelines for the design of passing lanes. Multiple investigations were conducted using field data from four states in the US as well as microscopic traffic simulation software, SwashSim. Using field data and statistical analysis as well as the results of a survey, the most appropriate performance measures were selected. Additionally, traffic simulation software was used to investigate the operational improvement of passing lanes. Optimum length and effective length of passing lanes were investigated. Optimum length has been used to refer to the length that would bring most operational benefits given the amount of passing lane investments while effective length is defined as the length of two-lane highway over which the effect of a passing lane extends. Moreover, the operational efficiency of different passing lane design configurations were examined to identify the most appropriate length and spacing to be used in the planning and design of passing lanes. In addition, the operational performance of 2+1 roads was investigated in this study and some guidelines for design of these facilities are provided. 2+ 1 highways have one lane in each direction of travel and the middle lane alternates between the two directions.

Theses and Dissertations at Montana State University (MSU)

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