Research ranging from NFL Scouting Combine performance to pre-workout
supplements to neuromuscular fatigue and muscle swelling were among the
topics presented by Bloomsburg University
exercise science students this summer at the National Strength and Conditioning Association National Conference in Washington, D.C.
“NSCA was an amazing experience for me,” said Jordynn Kurcoba ‘19, a BU alumna who’s now pursuing a
master’s in exercise science.
“I never thought I would be interested in research, but my professors
pushed me to find something I enjoyed in order to present at the
conference. I’m on the path of going into strength and conditioning, so
this was an amazing opportunity for me.”
Kurcoba’s research
focused on the changes in size and physical performance in the NFL
Scouting Combine from 2006-08 to 2016-18. To do that, she researched
combine results in body mass, height, bench press repetitions, L-drill,
pro-agility drill, vertical jump, broad jump and 40-yd dash time from
1,786 football players. According to Kurcoba, the results were then
grouped by positions — offensive line, defensive line, running back,
tight ends, linebacker, defensive back and wide receiver.
“Any
other positions were excluded,” Kurcoba said. “From there we ran
independent samples t-tests to measure any changes in these variables
over the 10-year time period. The purpose of this was to assess the
changes seen over this time and be able to use this information to
tailor an appropriate athletes training.”
Marquez Norford’s
research coincidently involved football as well. However, his had a
personal connection and looked at player recovery and conditioning —
what happens to an athlete’s body over the course of a season.
“As
a former athlete at BU, I know the rigors of being a student athlete
and how they can take a tole on one’s body,” said Norford ’17, ‘19M, a
former Huskies football player who recently graduated with a master’s
degree in exercise science. “We felt the NSCA was the perfect place to
present the conclusions we were able to draw. It was a pleasure to be
able to present at the national conference and be nominated for the
award of ‘Best Masters Research Project.’”
Although not
necessarily tied to football, Meghan Magee’s research of a
multi-ingredient pre-workout supplement and its effects on repeated
sprint ability and exertion did have a BU connection. “A former
graduate of the exercise science master’s program works for Cenegenics,
which is the company that sent us the supplement, asked us if we’d be
willing to conduct a study using it,” said Magee ‘17, ‘19M, noting some
key takeaways from NSCA were the importance of networking and presenting
research. “You can learn a lot from other people with different
perspectives, and some people may be able to provide great opportunities
for you.”
The best part about NSCA for Norford was just
presenting in front of many different minds in the exercise science
field and hearing their feedback. “More than anything, I learned
how to be a professional and interact with other professionals while
learning about other facets of our field,” Norford said. “Without my
master’s degree from BU, I wouldn’t be where I am today. When
interviewing for jobs, interviewers were all impressed with the amount
of accomplishments I gained throughout my experience at BU.” He
added, “I was able to get more hands-on experience out in the real
world, as opposed to being in the classroom. I have the exercise science
staff to thank for getting me that opportunity. Now, I work for Applied
Body Science in Chad’s Ford, Pa., and it’s honestly a dream come true. I
know that I have a future here.”
According to Kurcoba, the NSCA experience was also a great networking opportunity for her too.
“That
was they key part of this conference for me,” Kurcoba said. “I met so
many amazing people in the field of strength and conditioning and have
already been contacting some of them to keep in touch after! I love how
well rounded this (BU) program has made me, showing me that just because
I want to work in the field and not in a lab doesn’t mean that there
isn’t research opportunities for me that I actually enjoy.”
For
Magee, NSCA officially concluded her BU chapter and now readies for her
pursuit of a Ph.d. beginning this fall at George Mason University.
“As
a graduate of both the undergraduate and graduate program, I can
definitely say all the faculty want the students to succeed in any path
they choose to take after graduation,” Magee said. “Bloomsburg’s
exercise science program has prepared me for my next step in my academic
career.”
Research Presentations
- Monitoring of
Body Composition and Physical Performance in a Division II Football Team
Throughout a Competitive Season, presented by Marquez Norford
- Effects
of a Multi-Ingredient Pre-Workout Supplement on Repeated Spring Ability
and Perceived Exertion, presented by Meghan Magee
- Changes in Size and Physical Performance in the NFL Scouting Combine, presented by Jordynn Kurcoba
- Gender Comparisons of Rate of Neuromuscular Fatigue Across Handle Types During Seated Row Exercise, presented by Tatum Mack
- Relative Fatigue but Not Muscle Swelling is Affected by Maturity Status in Youth Male Athletes, presented by Shawn Reese
- Relative Age Effects in Elite Olympic Weightlifting, presented by Jonathan Kollars
The
National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) is a nonprofit
professional organization dedicated to advancing the strength and
conditioning profession around the world. NSCA advances the
profession by supporting strength and conditioning professionals devoted
to helping others discover and maximize their strengths. We disseminate
research-based knowledge and its practical application by offering
industry-leading certifications, research journals, career development
services, and continuing education opportunities. NSCA is
composed of more than 45,000 members and certified professionals who
further industry standards as researchers, educators, strength coaches,
personal trainers, and other roles in related fields.
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