Exercise science majors dominate poster competition

Grove City College students captured the first and third spots for best undergraduate student research posters at the at the American College of Sports Medicine Mid-Atlantic Regional Conference in Lancaster, Pa.

A group of Grove City College Exercise Science students attended the professional conference, which is held annually and covers a variety of research topics in health and fitness. Five presented research posters judged against those of a hundred other students from Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Washington, D.C. 

“For Grove City College Exercise Science students to place first and third overall is a very prestigious accomplishment and I think speaks volumes in regard to the quality of our students and program,” said Professor Dr. Philip Prins, department chair.

Makenna Isles, a junior exercise science major from Grove City, won the competition with her poster titled “Effects of slow breathing technique during inter-set recovery on power performance in the barbell back squat.” Isles conducted a study to find out whether normal breathing style – 4 second inhale, 7 second hold, 8 second exhale – influenced peak and average power and bar velocity. The breathing technique did not make a difference in peak and average power and bar velocity, but the research indicated there was some increase in heart rate recovery with a slow breathing technique.

“I really enjoyed the conference,” Isles said. “I attended several lectures, met students from other schools, and had great discussions while at the poster presentation.”

Meghan Hudson, a junior exercise science major from Northumberland, Pa., placed third with her poster “The effects of cellphone usage on cognitive function in college-aged individuals.” The poster explained the condition of nomophobia, a dependency syndrome, and how it affects cognitive function in college-aged individuals. 

The experience provided Hudson an “opportunity to present research at a professional conference, interact and connect with professionals within the health and wellness field, and display her knowledge and skills in conducting research,” said Dr. Dana Ault, associate professor of exercise science.

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