Thesis (Ed. D.)--West Virginia University, 2001. / Title from document title page. Document formatted into pages; contains iv, 102 p. Includes abstract. Includes bibliographical references (p. 44-49).

Thesis (M.A.)--York University, 2008. Graduate Programme in Kinesiology and Health Science. / Typescript. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 56-66). Also available on the Internet. MODE OF ACCESS via web browser by entering the following URL: http://gateway.proquest.com/openurl?url_ver=Z39.88-2004&res_dat=xri:pqdiss&rft_val_fmt=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:dissertation&rft_dat=xri:pqdiss:MR51559

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Newcastle, 2004. / Title from PDF title page (viewed on Oct. 8, 2005). Includes bibliographical references (p. 247-276).

Purpose: To compare the pulmonary function of older runners with non-runners and also the population norms. Method: 40 males ages 45 to 65 were compared for respiratory muscle strength, spirometry and maximum voluntary ventilation. Univariate and multivariate analysis (p < 0.05) were used to determine differences Results: No significant differences in age, height, or respiratory muscle strength were found. A significant difference was found for weight and BMI with the non-runners having greater values. The dependent variables of FVC, FEV1, FEF25-75%, PEF, and MVV resulted in a significant difference with the runners having greater values. A significant difference was also found for pulmonary function between runners and the general population. Conclusion: Continued and habitual aerobic exercise in the form of running in 45 to 65 year old men resulted in pulmonary function values that were significantly greater than those of the non-runners and also greater than population norms.

Thesis (M.S.)--Brigham Young University. Dept. of Exercise Sciences, 2008. / Includes bibliographical references.

Access to abstract permanently restricted to Ball State community only / Access to thesis permanently restricted to Ball State community only / School of Physical Education, Sport, and Exercise Science

Originally presented as the author's Thesis (doctoral)--Karlsruhe Universität, 2001. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 239-256).

The purpose of this study was to compare selected kinematic characteristics of distance runners over a twenty year period. The subjects in the investigation were 14 long distance runners who at the time of the first observation were considered highly trained (running more than 50 miles per week). The second observation occurred approximately 20-23 years after the first observation. At this time the average weekly mileage per runner had decreased to 37 miles per week. The first observation's data were collected with a Locam camera at film speeds ranging from 60 to 120 frames/second. The film data were digitized at the same time as the second observation's data. The second observation's data were collected with a Panasonic 5000 shutter video camera. The Peak Performance Motion Measurement System video interface allowed a 60 frame/second field rate. Ten subjects ran at a speed of 3.4 m/s; two subjects at the speeds of 3.1 and 3.6 m/s; and one subject at each of the following speeds: 4.0, 4.5, and 4.9 m/s. Statistical analyses (ANOVA) of the stride length, stride frequency, support and non-support time, and joint angular displacement indicated no significant difference (p > .05) between the first observation and the second observation. The results of this study indicated that the kinematics of continually active long distance runners do not change with an increase in age. / School of Physical Education

The purpose of this investigation was to examine the effects of 20 years of distance running training on the morphological and functional characteristics of skeletal muscle. Sixty men (current age = 49.2 ± 2.4 yr.) were first studied between 1966-1974 when they were all highly trained. Based on their training regimens in the interim between testing, subjects were described as highly trained (HI), fitness trained (FIT) or untrained (UT). Gastrocnemius muscle biopsy samples revealed an increase (p<0.05) in the proportion of type I fibers of the FIT (52.9 ± 5.3 vs. 61.9 ± 5.2%) and UT (56.3 ± 2.9 vs. 65.4 ± 3.8%) groups, while the HI group, who was initially characterized by a high percentage (>70%) of type I muscle fibers, was unchanged. Among the elite distance runners who had continued high volume, high intensity running, succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) activity and type I and type II muscle fiber areas were similar between evaluations. In 1993, the HI group had higher (p<0.05) SDH and citrate synthase (CS) activities compared with the FIT and UT groups, whereas phosphorylase activity did not differ. Capillary density and capillary-to-fiber ratio were also greater (p<0.05) in the HI group compared with the other two groups. Isokinetic plantar flexion strength at 60°/s and 180°/s and cross-sectional area (CT scans) of the lower leg (gastrocnemius and soleus) were similar among groups. These data suggest that aging may have a significant effect upon the distribution of muscle fibers and may be dependent upon fiber composition as a young adult. In addition, sustained endurance training appears to maintain the oxidative characteristics of the skeletal muscle, but does not provide an advantage in absolute calf muscle strength compared with individuals who train considerably less or not at all. / School of Physical Education

Thesis (Ph.D) - University of Queensland, 2006. / Includes bibliography.