Visitors to ScholarWorks downloaded Boise State graduate student projects, theses and dissertations more than 100,000 times, almost a quarter of all ScholarWorks downloads in 2014. Two kinesiology graduate papers were amongst the most downloaded works in 2014.
Zoe Louise Hewett graduated from Boise State in Dec. 2006 with a bachelor of science in Exercise Science and in May 2010 with a master of science in Exercise and Sport Studies, Behavioral. Her masters thesis, “An Examination of the Effectiveness of an 9-week Bikram Yoga Program on Mindfulness, Perceived Stress, and Physical Fitness,” was downloaded 3,667 last year. Her thesis examined the changes in the level of mindfulness, perceived stress, and physical fitness due to participation in a nine week Bikram yoga program. She hypothesized that participants would show improvements in all three areas. Her research showed that participation in the program increased levels of overall mindfulness, lowered levels of perceived stress, did not change resting heart rate, improved flexibility, and improved balance. The results of Hewett’s study show that Bikram yoga positively affected psychological and physical health in the sample population.
Monique Lynae Schaal graduated from Boise State in May 2011 with a master of science in Exercise & Sports Studies, Biophysical. Her masters thesis, “Physiologic Performance Test Differences by Competition Level and Player Position in Female Volleyball Athletes,” was downloaded 1,996 times last year. Her thesis examined the obvious performance divide between high school and collegiate volleyball athletes and the physiologic differences that have not been extensively studied. Her research showed that college volleyball players were older, heavier, and taller than their high school counterparts. Compared to collegiate athletes, high school athletes had performance deficiencies in the vertical jump, lower body power, and the 150 yard shuttle run. There was no difference between agility and the 300 yard shuttle run. Schaal’s results indicate that high school and collegiate volleyball athletes have different performance levels, especially in lower body power and anaerobic capacity, and that high school athletes who aspire to play collegiate Division I volleyball should consider improving their strength and conditioning programs.