Anthropology - Butler University

were taken using a sit-and-reach box. A 20 second stretch-6 second contract method of
Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) stretching was utilized for 1 minute and 12
seconds. The randomly assigned trials included (1) no intervention; (2) fifteen minutes of moist
heat; or (3) fifteen minutes of ice packing prior to stretching.
Results and Discussion: Data collection is ongoing and nearing completion. Initial findings
from preliminary data have shown that both therapeutic modalities, heat and cold, impact acute
stretching positively when compared to the control treatment. It has yet to be determined which
modality, heat or cold, is superior.
The Impact of Flexibility on Sprint Performance
Derek Prifogle, Faculty Sponsor: Bryant Stamford, Hanover College
Increased flexibility typically is viewed as a positive attribute that enhances performance.
However, casual observation suggests that the fastest football players, those with the lowest time
in the forty yard dash, may be less flexible. Is there an inverse relationship between flexibility
and sprint time? The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between flexibility
and sprint time in male varsity collegiate football players.
Methodology 24 Varsity Collegiate (Hanover College) football players served as subjects for the
study. The subjects represented offensive (line, backs, and receivers) and defensive (line,
linebackers, and backs) positions which provided a considerable range of body sizes and sprint
times. From each of the six position groups the two fastest players and two slowest players were
selected. Each subject then performed five different flexibility tests. Additional data (strength
score on various exercises) were considered and utilized in a multiple regression statistical
procedure to predict sprint time.
Results and Discussion Data collection is ongoing and nearing completion. Initial findings
suggest increased flexibility may be inversely related to sprint time. However, flexibility scores
may not be a strong predictor of sprint time. Strength scores, particularly vertical jump and
power clean appear at this point in the study to be the most powerful predictors.
Cross Education Fatigue
Matt Sieg, Faculty Sponsor: Bryant Stamford, Hanover College
Cross Education (CE) is a neural adaptation defined as the increase in strength of the untrained
homologous muscles on the contralateral limb following unilateral training of the opposite
limb. CE has obvious implications for reducing muscle atrophy and the loss of strength that can
occur when a limb is immobilized. It is well documented that CE can transfer strength, however
it is unknown if fatigue is transferred as well. This study was designed to explore the potential of
CE fatigue. If it occurs it would be evidence of a centralized fatigue mechanism that could work
alone, or in concert with localized fatigue.
Methodology Five college males participated in a total of five randomized sessions, each session
one week apart. Maximal exertion hand gripping was imposed in a series of work/rest (5
seconds/10 seconds) isometric contractions. Two sessions consisted of a baseline measurement