Online Master of Agricultural and Life Sciences

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https://hdl.handle.net/10919/51287

The Online Master of Agricultural and Life Sciences (OMALS), http://www.cals.vt.edu/online/, is uniquely positioned to meet the evolving and dynamic needs of today’s agricultural professionals. The program offers concentrations in the areas of agribusiness, applied animal behavior and welfare, applied nutrition and physical activity, education, environmental science, food safety and biosecurity, and leadership studies, as well as plant science and pest management. In addition to engaging classes, students benefit from the opportunity to work on-on-one with well-respected faculty in Virginia Tech's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences to complete a rigorous final project, using what they've learned and developing real-world research and communication skills. This collection showcases final projects completed by current and former OMALS students.

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Now showing 1 - 13 of 13

Collegiate Athletes’ Knowledge of Nutrition and Sports Performance
Slagle, Madison T.; Rafie, Carlin; Anderson, Angela S.; Murphy, Kelly (Virginia Tech, 2023-05-08)
This study examined Virginia Tech female collegiate athletes’ knowledge and perspectives of nutrition and its relationship to sports performance. Although various studies have examined the nutritional knowledge of collegiate athletes, the knowledge and perspectives of athletes on the value of nutrition to their performance needs further study. This current study aims to investigate the nutrition knowledge and perspectives relating to athletic performance of Virginia Tech female collegiate athletes through structured interviews using a literature-based interview guide, and to assess the dietary actions and sources of nutrition information in this population. A total of ten student-athletes participated in the interview process via Zoom. Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) served as the theoretical framework for development of the interview questions and analysis of responses. Content analysis of transcribed interviews was conducted using a hybrid deductive and inductive approach. Information from the interviews fell into four broad themes related to nutrition and athletic performance, focus on balance, schedule considerations, planning ahead, and terminology confusion. This study found female collegiate athletes from Virginia Tech showed a lack of understanding of nutrition as it relates to athletic performance. Despite the fact that respondents think nutrition has a significant impact on sports performance, these participants only gave nutrition a partial significance in their daily lives.
Designing a Return to Activity Protocol for a Proximal Hamstring Rupture in a Collegiate Heptathlete: A Case Study
Locus, Alaina; Williams, Jay H.; Anderson, Angela S.; Speicher, Logan (Virginia Tech, 2021-04-20)
There are few return-to-activity protocols and functional tests specifically designed for a proximal hamstring rupture for athletic trainers to follow when clearing an athlete for return to activity. To address this problem, the purpose of this study is to describe and evaluate a return to activity protocol that includes functional testing for a post-surgical proximal hamstring rupture to assess readiness for return to activity. This case study collected data from a 20-year-old, 6ft 2in, 185lb (87.9 kg) collegiate heptathlete that ruptured his proximal hamstring that required surgical treatment. The student athlete’s (SA) return to activity process is evaluated and explained. The SA went through numerous function tests to determine return to activity status. The first testing session was conducted 8 months post-surgery. He was then re-assessed 4 months later. During testing, the SA also wore accelerometers to gather more quantitative data to identify gait abnormalities due to the injury. The first round of testing revealed greater strength in his left (affected) leg compared to his right (unaffected) leg. The SA was not able to complete all the tests during the first round of testing due to muscular fatigue and soreness, suggesting low muscular endurance at that point in time. Thus, he was not cleared to return to activity and continued to do rehabilitation exercises to increase the endurance of the hamstring muscles. The second round of testing was completed 4 months later which revealed that he had gained endurance in the hamstring muscles and his strength had increased. At this point, he was cleared for full return to activity. This return-to-activity protocol with specific functional tests could serve as a template for other athletic trainers who are seeking to return an athlete to full activity after suffering a proximal hamstring rupture (See Appendix I).
Does Women on Weights Produce Changes in Self-Confidence and Mood Disturbance?
Worrell, Zachery (Virginia Tech, 2024-05-03)
Depression and mood disturbances among college women are prevalent concerns, prompting the investigation of interventions to improve mental well-being. This study explores the efficacy of a structured resistance training program tailored for women in enhancing self-efficacy and reducing mood disturbances over a 4-week period. Participants were recruited voluntarily and underwent a 4-week Women on Weights program, consisting of twice-weekly sessions. Pre- and post-surveys, including Beck's Depression Inventory (BDI), Self-Efficacy for Exercise (SEE), and Abbreviated Profile of Mood States (POMS), were administered to assess changes in mental health outcomes. Statistical analyses were conducted using paired t-tests and unpaired t-tests. Results indicate a significant reduction in depression symptoms across all participants, as measured by the BDI. While the SEE Scale did not show significant changes, the POMS survey revealed significant improvements in the Esteem-Related Affect subscale, suggesting an enhancement in self-efficacy post-intervention. Additionally, a trending significance was observed in the POMS Depression subscale, indicating a potential impact on depression symptoms with a larger sample size. These findings highlight the potential of resistance training interventions to improve mental well-being among college women.
The Effect of Genetic Variations in the FADS1 Gene on Fatty Acid Metabolism
Steinbach, Rachel; Good, Deborah J.; Anderson, Angela S.; Rockwell, Michelle S. (Virginia Tech, 2022-12)
FADS1 is a key regulator of fatty acid metabolism with important implications for athlete health and performance. Mutations in the FADS1 gene have been linked to a variety of adverse health conditions, in addition to alterations in biochemical levels of fatty acids. Polyunsaturated fatty acids, including omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, are associated with rates of inflammation, immune function, and brain health in athletes. The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between genetic variability, specifically in the FADS1 gene, and fatty acid metabolism in an athletic population. Methods: 20 collegiate football players were recruited for this study. Saliva samples were collected for the purpose of obtaining genetic information. Serum samples for ALA, AA, EPA, and DHA were collected to measure omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acid levels. Genotypes and serum measurements were compared using 3x3 Fisher Exact tests, and the online software PROVEAN was used to identify potential novel variants in the FADS1 gene. Results of this exploratory study suggest the minor allele for 9 variants in the FADS1 gene decrease baseline serum levels of EPA. These results suggest that genetic data may be useful in assessing individual athlete risk for n-3 PUFA deficiency and associated health consequences. Subsequently, this may allow athletes and sports practitioners to make better informed decisions about individual intake and supplementation of n-3 PUFAs, specifically, EPA and DHA.
The Effects of Subconcussive Head Impacts on Neurocognitive Performance in Collegiate Football Athletes
Torino, Leigha (Virginia Tech, 2022-08-26)
Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is progressive degeneration of the brain that has been found in multiple case reports of American football athletes. A major predictor of CTE are subconcussive head impacts. Repetitive head impacts that do not result in signs or symptoms of a concussion have been termed ‘subconcussive head impacts.’ Researchers have begun to identify characteristics of subconcussive head impacts experienced during football (e.g., amount, force, speed, and direction of impacts), but to date, changes in these characteristics have not been described over the course of a full collegiate football season. In addition, research on the effects of subconcussive head impacts on neurocognitive performance is inconsistent. Neurocognitive performance is defined as the capability to think and reason through concentration, recall, learning, and processing information. Therefore, in this study we aimed to describe subconcussive head impacts experienced by American football athletes throughout a full collegiate season, and to evaluate the effect of a full season of subconcussive head impacts on neurocognitive performance through the assessment of complex brain activities, or cognition. National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I Football athletes from two programs served as participants (n=39, age 20.4+1.6 years). The data to describe subconcussive head impacts were collected through an accelerometer that attached to the participants’ helmets during all practices and games. The assessment of cognition was conducted through a testing battery, the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB). We found that over the course of one full season, participants experienced a mean of 824.5 head impacts at varying forces. Performance on assessments of memory, reaction time, and flexible thinking decreased from the start of the season to the end of the season. In addition, participants who experienced a higher amount of head impacts and who experienced a higher rotational speed of the head upon impact, performed worse on the assessments of neurocognitive performance. These results suggest an important target for decreasing the consequences of repetitive head impacts, such as a reduction in the amount of contact practices in exchange for film study or other non-contact options.
Effects of Water Consumption and Body Water Content on Exercise Performance in Recreational Athletes
Brown, Meghan (Virginia Tech, 2024-06-05)
Objective: To evaluate water consumption and body water content of recreational athletes to determine their effects on physical fitness and performance. Methods: This secondary cross-sectional investigation utilized data from Drexel University. Participants had their data collected over two visits to the laboratory. Measurements taken in the original study included: aerobic fitness assessed via maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) using a metabolic cart, resting metabolic rate (RMR) evaluated using a metabolic cart, body composition measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), body water content measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), kilocalories (kcals) from vigorous physical activity measured using Actical accelerometers, water consumption assessed by asking participants how much water they consumed the day prior to each visit (at both time points), and dietary data from the 2005 Block Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ). R studio (RStudio 2023.12.1 Build 402 "Ocean Storm" for Windows, 2024, Posit Software, PBC, Boston, MA) was utilized to run linear models that fit all covariates (age, sex, body weight, height, body mass index [BMI], kcals from vigorous activity), water consumption obtained at time points 1 and 2, extracellular water [ECW], intracellular water [ICW], total body water [TWC] obtained by BIA at time point 1 only). These models analyzed the two-way interaction of VO2max to the water variables or covariates. These models also analyzed three-way interactions of VO2max to water variables and covariates combined. A stepwise linear regression was then used, and analysis of variance (ANOVA) tests were performed. Linear regression of the significant water variables was plotted showing variations in age and sex. Results: A total of 141 individuals (65 females and 76 males), 18 to 64 years of age, were included in the secondary cross-sectional analyses. The youngest age group had the highest mean VO2max and body water content (47.8 mL/kg/minute and 98.34 L (TWC), respectively). Changes in the covariates (age, height, BMI, kcals from vigorous activity) were each found to significantly affect VO2max (all P<0.001). ECW (P=0.0005), ICW (P=0.01) and TCW (P=0.016) were significantly associated with VO2max. Water consumption at both time points were not significantly associated with VO2max. ECW had a strong positive relationship with VO2max for those 18 to 29 and ≥50 years of age. There was an inverse relationship between ICW and VO2max for those 18 to 29 years of age and those ≥50 years of age (P=0.0020 and P= 0.59, respectively). In those 18 to 29 years of age, as ICW increased VO2max increased, while for those ≥50 years of age, as ICW increased VO2max decreased. Conclusion: There were no significant associations found between water consumption and VO2max; however, significant correlations with water content assessed by BIA and VO2max were found. The significant positive relationship among ECW, ICW and VO2max, with variations by age, indicate that further research for these populations should be conducted because body water content may play a role in exercise performance. Keywords: Adult athletes, Body water content, Exercise performance, Recreational athletes, VO2max, Water consumption
An Exploration of the Relationship between Campus Recreation Usage at Virginia Tech and the COVID-19 Pandemic
Mengle, Julie (Virginia Tech, 2024-05-06)
Throughout the pandemic, Virginia Tech Recreational Sports operations were adapted in compliance with federal, state, and local guideline to ensure the safety of the students it serves as a department. Operational adjustments that were made included closures, limited capacities, and virtual programming to name a few. Participation rates in all areas of Virginia Tech Recreational Sports naturally saw a significant decrease during the pandemic due to these restrictions. This project investigated the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on student engagement in campus recreation, or recreational sports, programs at Virginia Tech with a focus on facility gym swipes, group exercise attendance, and intramural sports involvement spanning three distinct time periods: pre-COVID (T1), during COVID (T2), and post-COVID (T3). Virginia Tech Recreational Sports data uploaded to Virginia Tech’s University Data Commons was used to analyze engagement numbers for students at the undergraduate and graduate level across various demographics including academic college, race/ethnicity, and gender. Statistical tests for significance were not able to be completed with the data in this study alone, so the results were only interpreted qualitatively. This study indicates that there has been a gradual return to pre-COVID engagement and participation levels in all areas of Virginia Tech Recreational Sports, but the return has been varied across each area. Intramurals appears to have higher involvement post-COVID than pre-COVID, whereas gym swipes and group exercise participation numbers have not returned to pre-COVID levels for most demographics. Return to pre-COVID participation levels varies between academic colleges, race/ethnicity, and gender for all areas. Research plays an integral role in informing decisions and developing strategies that will shape the future of campus recreation. Understanding how student engagement has evolved as a result of the pandemic can guide programmers within Virginia Tech Recreational Sports, specifically Director of Rec Sports Ali Cross, to make data-informed decisions for their offerings.
Exploring Genetic Influences on Food Allergies and Auto-Immune Diseases: Understanding Individual Variations
Anderson, Rashonda (Virginia Tech, 2024-04-23)
Food allergies pose a significant health risk, affecting millions of Americans, with symptoms ranging from mild discomfort to life-threatening anaphylaxis. Likewise, autoimmune diseases, where the immune system attacks healthy tissues, encompass a wide range of conditions, each with distinct symptoms and impacts on various organs. Through an analysis of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs), this research explores associations between specific genetic markers and phenotypic outcomes related to allergies and autoimmune diseases. Utilizing data from the genetic testing service 23andMe, this study investigated how genetic makeup may be related to individual responses to food, shedding light on underlying molecular mechanisms. Results demonstrate significant associations between certain SNPs and disease outcomes, highlighting the potential for personalized interventions in managing allergies and autoimmune disorders. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of personalized nutrition and may pave the way for novel approaches to disease prevention and management.
Exploring the Feasibility and Applicability of Whoop Technology in NCAA Division D1 Collegiate Wrestlers: A Pilot Study
Gerardi, Collin; Anderson, Angela S.; Davy, Brenda M.; Williams, Jay (Virginia Tech, 2023-05-19)
Although athletes decide to go to college ultimately to get an education, the importance of athletic performance to D1 college athletes and coaches cannot be looked over. Coaches and athletes across the country are looking for the most effective way to prepare and train to optimize athletic performance. New technology such as Whoop wearable devices, are leading the way, helping athletes optimize training and recovery to increase athletic performance. The main purpose of this pilot study was to explore the feasibility and applicability of Whoop technology in D1 college wrestlers. Specifically, the aims were to look at relationships between different Whoop biofeedback indicators and relationships between Whoop indicators and variables such as mood states, hydration status, and vertical jump height as a measure of performance. 9 male D1 college wrestlers (age: 21.2 ± 1.20) wore a Whoop strap every day and night except during competition, for 6 weeks during in-season training. The Whoop strap measured recovery percentage, heart rate variability (HRV), resting heart rate (RHR), sleep, and strain (from training and other physical demands) daily. Participants also completed the profile of mood states (POMS) questionnaire and a vertical jump test once weekly. At the conclusion of the study, participants completed the BEVQ-15 survey indicating their fluid intake habits over the course of the previous 30 days. At the conclusion of the data collection phase, 9 out of 10 participants had enough viable data to use for analysis. Additionally, multiple participants reported that they still use the Whoop device even after the conclusion of the study to continue managing their training and recovery. A 90% compliance rate and continued use of the Whoop technology points to its feasibility and applicability for college wrestlers. Results found that recovery, as measured by the Whoop, was positively associated with HRV and sleep, but negatively associated with RHR (p<0.0001, p<0.0001, and p=0.003 respectively). HRV was also found to be negatively associated with RHR (p<0.0001). Daily strain was negatively associated with sleep, RHR, and vertical jump height (p=0.021, p=0.0002, and p=.037 respectively). Lastly, sleep was positively associated with RHR (p=0.041). To add, there were no significant correlations between mood states as measured by the POMS as well as hydration status, with performance as measured by the vertical jump test. In conclusion, Whoop technology was found to be a feasible tool to use to measure performance and readiness biofeedback indicators in a small sample of D1 collegiate wrestlers and the usefulness of Whoop technology to help athletes and coaches make training adaptations and increase performance is promising.
Exploring Vertical Jump Height During a Congested Calendar Period in Women's Collegiate Soccer
Adams, Courtney S.; Williams, Jay; Anderson, Angela S.; Tegarden, David (Virginia Tech, 2023-05-10)
This study aimed to explore how vertical jump height, as a measure of fatigue, was affected throughout the pre-season training period in women’s division I collegiate soccer. The participants of this study completed three consecutive countermovement jumps with the hands placed on the hips before and after each day of training, throughout a five-day pre-season training period. Participants were placed into one of three groups based on the total minutes of match play each athlete experienced (>60 minutes, 30-60 minutes or <30 minutes). Athletes in the >60 minutes group experienced a larger reduction in vertical jump height than those in the other two groups. The type of training each group participated in following matches one and two was dependent upon the number of match play minutes, as the high minute group participated in a recovery-based training session following each match played. The effects of these group-specific training plans were reflective in the vertical jump heights as there was an increase in jump height for the >60 minutes group and a decrease in height for the 30-60 minutes and the <30 minutes groups. Vertical countermovement jump height was shown to reflect the fatigue experienced by division I collegiate women’s soccer players throughout a pre-season training time-period, as reductions in jump height were found amongst high-minute athletes following match play and amongst low-minute athletes following more demanding training sessions.
A Nutrient Analysis of COVID-19 Meals and Standard Meals in One Elementary School Participating in the National School Lunch Program
Berbic, Naida (Virginia Tech, 2023-05-05)
To date, there has been limited research about the nutritional quality of school lunches during the COVID-19 pandemic. This analysis compared the nutritional profile of grab-and-go take-home lunches compared to standard lunches provided during in-person class instruction once normal schedules and school meals resumed at one elementary school. The study included two school lunch menus: 1) – one menu for take-home school lunches retained from January 2021 (COVID-19 lunches); and one lunch menu the school system’s standard food distributor from January 2023 (standard lunches). The nutritional content of the COVID-19 meals was analyzed using Food Processor nutrition software. Both lunch menus were analyzed for macronutrients – carbohydrates, cholesterol, fats, fiber, protein, and sugar along with micronutrients- calcium, potassium, sodium, iron, and vitamin D. A Mann Whitney U tests were used to compare differences between two independent groups – COVID-19 lunches and standard lunches. The Bonferroni adjustment was a post hoc adjustment used to decrease type I error. The COVID-19 meal entrees contained more iron than the standard lunch. For standard meals, the fruit groups contained more iron. The COVID-19 meal’s milk group contained significantly more total fat and vitamin D than the standard lunches. In the total meals, the only significant difference was a higher level of calcium in the COVID-19 take-home meals compared to standard meals. This analysis indicates school meals served during COVID-19 were nutritionally equivalent to standard meals, in spite of limitations with packaging lunches, supply side issues, etc. Additional research is warranted with larger sample sizes to provide broader insight into USDA school meals during COVID-19 and potential impacts on youth benefiting from these meals.
The Perceptions of the Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) by Female Army Officers on Event Physical Effectiveness and Assessed Practicality of the Assessment’s Scoring System
Nostrant, Valerie (Virginia Tech, 2024-04-27)
During nine years of active-duty service in the United States Army as an Officer, it has always been abundantly clear that there are discernable differences between male and female soldiers, which is amplified when you compare their physical abilities and performances. With the development of the Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT), set to replace the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT), it was a concern from Congress to the US public what would the impacts of this test change would be on the careers of service members. The female US Army Officer population was underrepresented in both the beta testing and in the development of the ACFT events. This survey investigated the perceptions of these women on individual event effectiveness and the ongoing revisions of the scoring systems. Overwhelmingly, this survey showed the efficacy of many of the events in which the desired targeted skills were not being evaluated and that a gender based scale was required so as not to have a biased or unfair test of physical abilities.
Use of Acute Vigorous Exercise Intervention to Improve Academic Success on Exams in Undergraduate STEM Students
Mahar, Emily A. (Virginia Tech, 2022-08-18)
This study aimed to determine if an acute bout of exercise could improve academic performance when compared to sedentary behavior within a 2-hour window before a college exam. The participants of this study completed two bouts of an intervention on two separate occasions, exercise and sedentary, then completed each of the two class exams, followed by a short survey to gain insight on motivation and anxiety. A 2-way ANOVA was used to determine a time or group effect as this study was completed over a 15-week semester and found no significant difference between the group’s exam scores over time, as well as no group effect of the acute bout of exercise on their exam performance. Pre- and post-surveys, as well as post-exam surveys collected data relating to IPAQ, MSLQ, and GRIT which found significant correlations between IPAQ and perceived exam preparedness with P=0.041. As expected in academia, each exam’s scores were positively related to final course grades with P=0.0275 on exam 1 and P=0.0179 on exam 2. Finally, a P=0.048 was found between final course grades and scores from the extrinsic motivations section of the MSLQ on the post-study survey. Results and lessons learned from this pilot study should be used towards creating a larger-scale study in the future.

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Browsing Online Master of Agricultural and Life Sciences by Author "Anderson, Angela S."

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