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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The exploration of how hormonal changes throughout the menstrual cycle impact women's perception of running performance
Bohannon, Leah (Virginia Tech, 2025-10-07)
The menstrual cycle causes women’s hormones, estrogen and progesterone, to fluctuate. These hormonal changes influence physiological and psychological factors that may impact women’s perceived running performance. This 7-week study explored the relationship between the menstrual cycle and performance, perceived performance, and moods in eumenorrheic recreationally active runners. Six participants recorded their running distance, speed, pain, a moods survey, and the Modified Perceived Performance in Team Sports Questionnaire (PPTSQ) after performing at an RPE (Rate of Perceived Exertion) of 14-17. Participants ran 30 minutes, 3 times per week for 5 weeks. The data was analyzed using Welch’s unpaired t-tests and paired t- tests for running metrics (distance and speed). There were no significant differences seen in running distance, speed, or pain perception between follicular and luteal phases. The moods survey analysis revealed no statistically significant differences, besides a trend toward increased sadness during the luteal phase compared to the follicular (p = 0.0995). Perceived performance, exercise potential, exercise quality, and personal expectations increased significantly in the follicular phase compared to the luteal phase (p<0.05). These findings suggest that although no change was seen in objective markers of performance, perceived performance decreased during the luteal phase, and there was a trend toward increased sadness during the luteal phase. This exploration highlights the need for further research with larger sample sizes and more diverse populations to study how women’s exercise performance is impacted by their menstrual cycle.
Athlete Leadership in College Sports: A Review of Theory, Practice, and Developmental Gaps
Johnston, Evan Elizabeth (Virginia Tech, 2025-09-02)
This literature review examines the development of athlete leadership in college sports, with a specific focus on peer leadership roles, such as team captains and leadership councils. Based on key leadership theories, including transformational, shared, and adaptive leadership, this review examines how leadership skills have been developed across various areas of higher education, such as residence life, student government, and Greek life. Although leadership is often studied in coaching and youth sports, there is a notable lack of research on how leadership structures are established or supported among college student-athletes. This review highlights a notable gap in the literature regarding the development of peer leaders in college athletics. While captains and various leadership structures often influence team culture, manage conflicts, and foster accountability, they are frequently assigned these responsibilities without formal training. Shared leadership models, such as councils, show potential but suffer from inconsistent role clarity and limited developmental support. Drawing on examples from collegiate student-led organizations and leadership literature, this review highlights the pressing need for institutionally grounded, theory-driven leadership programs for student-athletes who serve in peer leadership roles. It concludes with suggestions for athletic departments to implement structured, research-based approaches that better equip student- athletes to lead their peers effectively and fairly.
Exploring Collegiate Student-Athletes Eating Habits in Connection to Problem Solving Styles Using Kirton’s Adaption-Innovation Theory
Heister, Calista (Virginia Tech, 2025)
Challenges of and Recommendations for the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program
McLaughlin, Claire (Virginia Tech, 2025-07-25)
The Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP), a USDA initiative designed to increase fruit and vegetable consumption among elementary school students, has seen inconsistent implementation and limited recent program evaluation. This project aimed to assess the effectiveness and adherence of FFVP practices operated by a food service management company in D.C. in four D.C. public elementary schools, focusing on underserved communities in Wards 7 and 8. Using a mixed-methods action research approach grounded in constructivist learning theory, data was collected through site observations, informal staff interviews, and a comprehensive survey of teachers and administrators. Findings revealed significant inconsistencies in program delivery, particularly regarding the required nutrition education component, which was largely absent from the in-classroom program implementation. Survey responses highlighted a widespread lack of awareness about FFVP’s purpose, requirements, and available educational resources. In response, revised program materials, including a teacher handout and age-specific nutrition education content, were developed and piloted in one school. Pilot observations at one school demonstrated that structured delivery, teacher participation, and age-appropriate materials improved student engagement and reinforced healthy eating behaviors. The fourth-grade classroom showed notably higher interaction and enthusiasm compared to kindergarten, underscoring the importance of educator involvement and program structure. This project supports future implementation of a standardized FFVP model across schools, emphasizing the critical role of teacher training, communication, and tailored educational materials to enhance program fidelity and impact.
Nutrition from a Metabolic Perspective: Creating a Clinical Guidebook on Inborn Errors of Metabolism (IEM) at UVA Health
DiLorenzo, Suzanna (Virginia Tech, 2025-08-04)
Inborn errors of metabolism (IEM) are rare but potentially life-threatening genetic conditions that often present in nonspecific symptoms, making timely diagnosis and interventions challenging in the acute setting. Delayed or inappropriate treatment can result in severe complications and death. This project aimed to develop a comprehensive guidebook on IEM specific to University of Virginia (UVA) Health, a level I trauma center located in Charlottesville, Virginia, including contact information to the UVA Health Genetics team, symptom-based and biochemical diagnostic criteria, initial investigations, treatments of IEM, and background information on IEM, including pathophysiology, subgroups, and newborn screening. UVA Health includes a Children’s Hospital with a pediatric genetics team, one of three in the state of Virginia. The primary goals were to improve the timeliness and accuracy of diagnoses, standardize initial management protocols, and enhance clinician awareness of IEMs across all departments. When compared to other institutions’ guidebooks on IEM, the UVA Health guidebook includes similar information but with a more efficient design with charts, diagrams, and ordering of pertinent information. The guidebook was also compared to patient charts with delayed diagnosis of metabolism disorders, and the guidebook had pertinent and relevant criteria and processes. The creation of the IEM Guidebook at UVA Health can serve as a tool for streamlining patient care, supporting faster and safer clinical decision making, and raise institutional awareness of the critical nature of IEM.
Virtual Dissemination of Mindful Eating Strategies: Improved Food Attitudes and Behaviors Among Cancer Survivors
Foust, Danielle (Virginia Tech, 2025-07-17)
Cancer treatments such as radiation and chemotherapy place immense stress on the body, leading to metabolic, physical, and psychological changes that can impact dietary habits long after treatment ends. Throughout the treatment journey these changes, both psychological and emotional, can contribute to periods of emotional eating. Stress, anxiety, and concerns related to body composition shifts during treatment often play a key role in these challenges and may contribute to declined quality of life and mental health status in survivors. Few accessible nutrition education programs currently exist to support cancer survivors in transitioning from a ridged interpretation of dietary guidelines to a more flexible approach that emphasizes food freedom while still prioritizing nutrient-dense choices. The purpose of the Nourish & Thrive: A Mindful Eating Journey for Cancer Survivors email series is to provide cancer survivors who have already completed a nutritional education program titled Nutrition After Cancer: What to Eat and What to Avoid, the tools necessary to transition to a more flexible approach to fueling their bodies. A marketing email was sent to all participants who had subscribed to the previous program, with information relating to the mindful eating program. Once the link was clicked, participants were taken to a web page containing the Mindful Eating Kickstart pre-survey. Following the completion of this survey, participants received a total of five emails. Each email covered one of five mindful eating concepts: understanding hunger and fullness, fueling with nutrient-dense foods, practicing gentle nutrition, slowing down while eating, and developing a non-judgmental relationship with food. Following the final email, participants completed a self-growth survey. An increased awareness of mindful eating and a more positive relationship with food was observed based on participant responses to open-ended questions. In addition to these findings, the quantitative data outlined below further demonstrate that the program was effective in achieving its intended objectives. Mean changes in each subdomain were positive, indicating that a majority of participants responded to corresponding questions with an answer choice that was further aligned with mindful eating tendencies. Additionally, a statistically significant change of P=0.014 was calculated for Total Mindful Eating Scores, as well as for Emotional and Stress Eating.
Implementing a Food Trialing Workshop Aimed at Increasing Congregate Meal Participation Among Older Adults in a Senior Program in Alexandria, Virginia
Jones, Samantha C. (Virginia Tech, 2025-07-24)
Older adults, defined as individuals aged 65 and older, are a growing population in the United States. By 2050, this population is predicted to reach 83.7 million. Conditions that can affect this population include malnutrition, a lack of nutrients required by the body. Many efforts have been made by the federal government to improve the nutritional status of older adults, and prevent malnutrition, including the creation of the Congregate Meal Program (CMP) under the Older Americans Act which provide meals to older adults in group settings. Charles Houston Recreation Center (CHRC), located in Alexandria, Virginia, is a facility that provides the CMP to participants of its senior program. Along with the CMP, the senior program offers mentally stimulating social activities plus group exercise classes for older adults aged 60 and over. CHRC has reported chronic low CMP lunch participation among the older adults who attend their senior program daily. A combined nutrition education and taste test workshop was created to increase average congregate lunch participation by 10% via an increase in pre-ordered lunches at CHRC between April and May 2025. Five foods were included in the education and taste test workshop: edamame, mac & cheese, Waldorf salad, Korean beef over quinoa, and barbacoa street tacos. Results found a 29.87% increase in pre-ordered lunches between April 2025 and May 2025 with the average daily pre-ordered lunches increasing from 5.39 to 7.0 between the two months. While promising, repeated food taste testing and education workshops are needed to assess the true impact of these programs on the nutritional status of older adults. This combined education and taste test workshop helps fill a gap in the literature where there is limited research on food trial programs for older adults.
Assessing the feasibility of a worksite wellness seminar addressing physical activity and nutrition risk factors for cardiovascular disease
Pappa, Lucy (Virginia Tech, 2025-08-04)
As the leading cause of death in the United States, cardiovascular disease is a chronic condition that has both modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors. Modifiable include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, tobacco use, and sedentary lifestyle. Non-modifiable include age and family history. Worksite wellness programs have strong evidence to suggest they can be effective at reducing those risk factors that can be modified. Based on the results of a faculty and staff needs assessment (conducted by Virginia Tech in 2024 with 1,730 surveys completed),t a 45-minute health promotion intervention was developed and implemented at a large public university in rural Virginia. Using the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) as a framework, the intervention included both a nutrition lesson and exercise program. The TPB suggests that subjective norms, attitudes, and perceived behavioral control are important factors in changing behavior. For both nutrition and exercise, participants (n=8) reported increased knowledge and intent to change behavior on a post-survey that was developed for this project. These results indicate preliminary evidence for the feasibility of a tailored nutrition and exercise program for employees at risk for cardiovascular disease.
Evaluating the Feasibility and Process of Implementing a Nutrition Education Program to Support Behavior Change in Individuals with Prediabetes and Type 2 Diabetes in a Worksite Wellness Program
Hanson, Kellie (Virginia Tech, 2025-07)
Type 2 diabetes is a chronic health condition that affects millions of individuals and continues to pose significant public health challenges. Research has shown that lifestyle modifications, particularly improvements in diet and physical activity, can play a significant role in managing diabetes and improving health outcomes. Appropriate nutrition, in particular, is essential for enhancing quality of life and reducing diabetes-related complications. Advances in technology, such as continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), have been transformative for those with prediabetes and type 2 diabetes. These devices provide 24/7 real-time monitoring of blood glucose levels, offering valuable insights of how food and lifestyle choices affect blood sugar. Many individuals with diabetes lack the nutritional knowledge needed to make informed dietary choices. This highlights the critical need for nutrition education interventions. In response, a worksite wellness program located in Giles County, Virginia has launched a targeted program to address local healthcare needs. The program aims to enhance individual health and wellness while also reducing county healthcare expenses. As part of this effort, a nutrition education intervention was developed to educate participants on the nature of prediabetes and type 2 diabetes, the impact of food on blood glucose, and practical strategies for using nutrition to better manage their condition. Based off the results, this program allowed participants to better understand how to control their blood glucose while simultaneously increasing the feasibility of future nutrition education efforts and interventions in Giles County.
Reducing Picky Eating in Children: A Nutrition Education Seminar for Parents and Caregivers of Head Start Participants
Ludolph, Savannah (Virginia Tech, 2025-07-24)
Northern Virginia Family Service (NVFS) is a Head Start program that aims to empower families with nutrition education in support of early childhood development. A child's growth and development are strongly influenced by foundational elements such as nutrition. Adequate intake of essential nutrients during early childhood is critical for promoting physical health and cognitive development. This project focuses on identifying strategies that help parents of children ages three to five years old in the Northern Virginia Family Service Head Start program who struggle with picky eating. Parents of enrolled children were surveyed to gather insights into the nutritional challenges they face at home. The seminar was tailored to address picky eating strategies that could be implemented at home while building confidence among parents to foster a positive meal environment. Following the session, a survey was disseminated to evaluate the effectiveness of the seminar. Although turnout was low, the outcomes were encouraging and suggest the potential for supporting other parents who face challenges with picky eating. Expanding this effort to additional Head Start parents could yield valuable insights and practical support for families dealing with picky eating behaviors.
Enhancing Clinical Dietitians’ Knowledge and Screening Practices for Eating Disorders
Qassis, Kaylah (Virginia Tech, 2025-06-24)
United States Military Veterans and active-duty service members have an increased risk for eating disorders due to rigid lived experiences and job-imposed restrictions surrounding eating, physicality, and body composition. Previous studies suggest that eating disorders affect 9% of male Veterans and 19% of female Veterans, but these figures are likely underreported.   Because registered dietitians have unique expertise in the interconnectedness of food, nutrition, and overall well-being, they are well-positioned to identify, screen for, and aid in the treatment of eating disorders in clinical healthcare settings such as the Veterans Health Administration medical centers. A survey gauging clinical dietitians’ knowledge of eating disorder treatment and screening tools was conducted with the Eating Disorder Treatment Team (EDTT) at the Martinsburg Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC).  Individualized interviews with the EDTT were also completed to better understand these clinicians’ expertise, best practices, and attitudes about screening for and treating eating disorders.   Upon determining that the EDTT team wanted to build confidence in screening and treating eating disorders, two training sessions were conducted which focused on the use of eating disorder screening tools, integration of appropriate language, and knowledge of community-based resources for Veterans with eating disorders or disordered eating. These training sessions were presented during March and April 2025.  Following the second session, participants completed a survey reflecting on what they learned and how they will apply their new knowledge into practice. Changes in eating disorder screening were also monitored by department leaders.  This project improved clinical dietitians’ knowledge of screening practices and eating disorder treatment. The clinical dietitians at the Martinsburg VAMC have begun utilizing screening tools with their patients, feel confident in their skills, and continue to make a lasting impact on patients' lives. The results of this program indicate that a project like this can be implemented at VAMCs around the country and for other health care professionals in order to enhance eating disorder knowledge and education.
Increased Productivity and Charting Accuracy for Registered Dietitian Nutritionist at a Nutrition Outpatient Counseling Center
LeVan, Sydney (Virginia Tech, 2025-06-24)
This program aims to increase productivity and efficiency among the registered dietitians (RDNs) at the University of Virginia Health’s Nutrition Counseling Center (NCC) through the development and implementation of six chronic condition-specific chart note templates. These templates are designed to help standardize NCC’s documentation process and support the RDNs in their patient care. Initially, a needs assessment was conducted, including data collection methods of a survey and personal interviews with each of the RDNs to better understand the preferences and challenges. Based on these findings, six templates were developed and tailored to specific chronic conditions commonly addressed by NCC. There was a piloted 4-week implementation period when the RDNs used them in their daily assessments. Feedback was gathered after the piloting phase to determine if there were improvements in efficacy and productivity. Final revisions were made to the templates before concluding the program. Overall, this program’s main goal was to improve clinical documentation, reduce charting burdens, and increase productivity for the RDNs at NCC, which simultaneously enhances the quality of patient care. In the future, it will be important to allocate more dedicated time for the RDNs to integrate the templates into their daily workflow. This will provide for a more accurate evaluation of charting time using the new templates and help determine whether it leads to an increase in productivity.
Evaluating the Efficacy and Sustainability of a WIC Pilot Project: Targeting Participant Satisfaction and Benefit Redemption
Wright, Sarah (Virginia Tech, 2025-07-02)
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) is a program that aims to provide nutrition assistance to those who qualify based on income and are at nutritional risk. While WIC provides resources for nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and food benefits, participants are not always aware of what is available through their WIC food packages. This project aimed to develop and distribute educational materials to at least fifteen WIC participants in the Tidewater region, assess their efficacy, and evaluate the sustainability of this pilot project for future use. Program materials included two cooking demonstration videos, a weekly meal plan, meal preparation ideas, and a recorded webinar, which were promoted through flyers distributed by WIC staff during appointments. Interested participants received the materials via email. The materials aimed to address participant satisfaction with WIC services and perceived ability to redeem benefits efficiently each month. Evaluation of this project included surveys distributed to participants and key stakeholders, including WIC staff members and Peninsula Health Center (PHC) supervisors. This pilot project reached fourteen participants and collected one response from the participant evaluation survey. Based on the respondent’s feedback, their satisfaction with the WIC food package, confidence in its nutritional adequacy, and confidence in preparing balanced meals remained the same. Through the stakeholder evaluation survey, WIC staff indicated the program materials were effective, aligned with project goals, and were appropriate for the target population, supporting the sustainability of this pilot project. In the future, alternative data collection strategies might help increase participant feedback.
Developing a Local Networking Group for Adults with Celiac Disease in Southern Virginia
Standbrook, Abigail (Virginia Tech, 2025-06-26)
Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease affecting the microvilli of the small intestine. Celiac disease requires a strict diet free of wheat, rye, and barley. Even a minimum exposure of a few crumbs can cause microvilli damage and can cause symptoms for up to two weeks. Individuals with celiac disease often report decreased quality of life due to the social and emotional challenges of maintaining a strict gluten-free diet. Support groups have been shown to be an effective way for individuals to navigate social and emotional challenges for disease management. The purpose of this project was to develop a support group for individuals with celiac disease in southern Virginia to address emotional support, access to evidence-based research, and build empowerment to adhere to a strict gluten-free diet. Support groups The pilot program was delivered as a virtual support group. It focused on providing emotional support and empowerment by discussing hidden sources of gluten, balancing a healthy diet, and social navigation. Additionally, it served as a safe space for participants to feel heard, share their challenges, and learn from others. Evaluation surveys indicated that participants felt heard and their learning needs were met by the support group. Implications arose as only one individual participated. The results are limited but support the existing literature that virtual support groups can provide emotional support for adults with celiac disease.
An Automated Intervention to Reduce Shelter Dog Barking: A Hush Puppy Pilot Study
Macdonald, Tegan (Virginia Tech, 2025-06)
Objective: Barking is a ubiquitous problem in animal shelters, with noise levels exceeding the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)’s permissible exposure limits. This can cause significant health and welfare problem for workers, visitors, and the resident animals. The purpose of this study was to pilot and determine the efficacy of a computer-vision assisted classical conditioning procedure using automated food delivery with customizable automation scripts. Methods: Shelter dogs were selected for participation in the study from the Roanoke Regional Center for Animal Care and Protection and housed at the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine in three cohorts. An automatic feeder was installed on the kennels that was triggered by two separate detection systems: infrared beam breaks at the door to the ward and a computer vision system that detected human forms in the ward walkway. This system automatically delivered food contingent on the arrival or continued presence of a person in the ward. A sound-level meter was used to measure the noise in the ward, and from that the equivalent continuous sound level and percentage of time above 85 dB was calculated and monitored. Each cohort experienced at least three experimental conditions with the first two conditions implemented as non-concurrent, multiple baseline phases. Visual and statistical analysis were performed for each condition. Results: The method allowed for accurate and timely identification of people entering and lingering in the dogs’ ward and for contingent food delivery. This successfully eliminated issues with human compliance in implementing the intervention that were seen in previous studies. The largest noise level reduction was seen with novel, high-value food included in the feeders, resulting in a 3-dB reduction of the median noise level. The reduction in the median amount of time that barking produced noise levels above 85 dB ranged from 4% to 25%. Conclusions: The automation of a classical conditioning procedure using computer vision and automated food dispensers demonstrated that automated food delivery contingent on the arrival and continued presence of humans in the ward reduced the noise levels associated with barking. More work is required to reduce the noise levels below OHSA limits. Future studies can focus on optimizing the intervention parameters, the volume and type of food used, and integrating new technologies that may lead to more individualized and effective interventions.
A Literature Review of The NCAA Transfer Portal: Exploring Cognitive Components of Student-Athlete Professional Career Development
Hanson, Madison; Walz, Jerald H.; Rateau, Richard; Friedel, Curtis R. (Virginia Tech, 2025-05-14)
The content of this literature review contains existing research and a summary of gaps in the research to identify the effects of the NCAA Transfer Portal relating to the professional development of student-athletes. The literature review aims to identify how the NCAA Transfer Portal affects student-athletes’ professional career development. Many athletes, fans, and spectators do not realize the effects the transfer portal has on student-athletes' cognitive, behavioral, and environmental identities. These are all factors influencing the future of these student-athletes' professional lives. Gaps in the research are completed and recommendations that inform student-athletes of the consequences regarding transferring.
Sprouting Agricultural Literacy: The Creation, Implementation, and Evaluation of the Cloverbud Farm-to-Table Program
Walker, Cayla (Virginia Tech, 2025-05-09)
Agricultural literacy in early elementary age students is essential for fostering the next generation of society with an understanding of how agriculture impacts the economy, environment, and food accessibility. However, agriculture education for youth ages 5-8 is often done by non-formal organizations such as 4-H and Agriculture in the Classroom. This project works to equip 4-H educators and volunteers with an example of a program that is easily replicated to teach youth ages 5-8 about agriculture through a short term, day camp structure. The study preformed in this project includes the creation, implementation, and evaluation of the Cloverbud Farm-To-Table (FTT) day camp facilitation guide. The objectives of this study included identifying the key factors that make a facilitation guide a valuable resource for 4-H educators, as well as the overall value of the pilot facilitation guide regarding teaching agricultural literacy to the sample group. Evaluations were performed by five extension faculties to answer these questions. Results indicated the impactful concepts of the guide were intentional introduction questions that sparked youth interest, experiential learning activities, clear instructions, and adaptability of materials. However, revisions are needed to have the facilitation guide suitable for publication including evaluating activities for age suitability, increasing camper engagement, the and lesson refinement.
Farm Sustainability through Diversification: A Case Study of Cattle Producers in the United States
Brown, Samantha (Virginia Tech, 2025-05-05)
The agricultural industry can face a variety of challenges such as market fluctuations. In turn, this threatens farm sustainability and profitability. This case study aims to explore how the implementation of diversification strategies among cattle producers can enhance their economic stability, resilience, and adaptability. These strategies have the ability to reduce risks associated with economic and environmental uncertainties, ultimately making farms more resilient. Through a case study of three cattle producers, a few key benefits were discovered. These benefits were increased profitability, improved market access, and a stronger community engagement. Along with the benefits, it also identified challenges such as high initial investment costs, increased labor demands, and a lack of knowledge which hinders the widespread adoption of these strategies. While the findings align with existing literature on sustainable agriculture, they highlight the need for financial support and educational programs to help farmers transition to diversifying their operations successfully. This research aims to provide assistance to farmers and agricultural stakeholders, by addressing the lack of knowledge that prevents the implementation of diversification strategies. Policy incentives, extension services, and market development are essential to increasing adoption and maximizing benefits.
The Use & Perceptions of Ergogenic Aids in Collegiate Swimmers
Henry, Allison (Virginia Tech, 2025-05-22)
Objectives: To explore the use and perceptions of ergogenic aids among collegiate swimmers and to identify their knowledge and primary sources of information regarding ergogenic aids. Methods: A mixed-methods survey was used to investigate ergogenic aid use, types of ergogenic aids that are used, reasons for their use, and perceived performance effects of the ergogenic aids in swim athletes at two NCAA Division I schools. Results: 38 Division I swimmers completed the survey. Males reported higher current use than females (p < 0.05). Most believed ergogenic aids enhance performance but lacked confidence identifying NCAA-banned substances. Scientific research and registered dietitians were top influences for information on ergogenic aids; social media had little impact. 92% of participants were open to modifying ergogenic aid use with better education. Conclusion: This study contributes to the growing body of research on ergogenic aid use in collegiate swimming by uncovering usage patterns, influential information sources, and critical knowledge gaps. Findings emphasize the need for athletic departments and sports dietitians to implement accessible, evidence-based education and empowers swimmers to make informed, ethical, and effective decisions regarding ergogenic aid use.
Hydration Exploration of Right Stuff via the MX3 Sweat Sodium Test in D1 Football Players
Martin, Camie (2025-05-08)
Division 1 football players put a lot of strain on their bodies daily and it is imperative that they focus on maximizing their performance. Hydration is a key factor that can help them perform at their best. This study explores football athlete’s hydration status, the sodium content of their sweat, and their feelings of thirst, fatigue, and mood after a weightlifting session. Participants were first administered a sweat patch to collect sweat produced during a morning lift. In subsequent lifts, participants were randomized to receive one of three conditions: water at the beginning and water halfway through, water at the beginning and Right Stuff (electrolyte packet) halfway through, or Right Stuff at the beginning and halfway through. Athletes completed the Abbreviated Profile of Mood States (POMS) questionnaire, the Rate of Fatigue scale, and Thirst Distress Scale and Visual Analogue Scale questions. While there were not any significant findings in hydration status between the three intervention groups in regard to fatigue, thirst distress, or total mood disturbance, the results did show that when the athletes were more hydrated after the lift, their esteem-related affect (ERA) score improved. When grouping the athletes based on their sweat rates, there were significant differences in several mood components of the POMS. No correlations between urine specific gravity and the MX3 hydration testing were seen. Continued research needs to be completed on this population of Division 1 football players regarding hydration to help maximize their performance.

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