The purpose of the Annual Morehead State University Celebration of Student Scholarship is to share and showcase the outstanding scholarly work of students involved in the Undergraduate Research Fellowship Program to the greater campus community. Initiated in the Spring of 2006, the annual celebration has grown into a day-long event of presentations, exhibitions, and performances by students from all colleges including Business and Technology, Education, Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences, and Science.
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2024-2025 Program and Abstracts Celebration of Student Scholarship
Morehead State University. Undergraduate Research Fellowship Program.
The 2024-2025 Program and Abstracts for the Celebration of Student Scholarship at Morehead State University held on April 16, 2025. A Showcase of Student Research, Scholarship, Creative Work, and Performance Arts.
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A catalog of diversity of the lichen genus Cladonia within Carter Caves State Resort Park, Carter County, Kentucky
Crecie Kelly and Allen C. Risk
Lichens are a symbiotic organism consisting of two components: a mycobiont (fungus) and a photobiont (algae and/or cyanobacteria). These organisms play a significant role within the environment such as food resources, in practical uses such as dyes or medicine, and as environmental indicators. Current understandings of the lichens in Kentucky remain broad and incomplete. The purpose of this study is to catalog the diversity of the lichen genus Cladonia within Carter Caves State Resort Park (CCSRP), a park known for its high biological diversity. Cladonia has the highest macrolichen species richness in Kentucky. This genus of fruticose lichens can grow on various substrates including soil, wood, bark, or rock. Given these conditions, it would be expected that there would be a large number of species within Cladonia present in CCSRP. Currently, 19 species have been documented out of the 78 Cladonia species recognized in Kentucky. The most common Cladonia species for the park include C. coniocraea, C. furcata, C. peziziformis, and C. ochrochlora; less common species are C. verticillata, C. caespiticia, and C. parasitica. Species that may be present, but have not yet been documented, include C. apodocarpa, C. pleurota, and C. macilenta. Future collecting efforts will focus on sandstone-dominated habitats near Smoky Valley Lake, the abandoned golf course, and Horn Hollow.
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Adverse Childhood Experiences and Emotional Well-being and Addiction
Joshua Croucher, James Allen Pauley-Baker, and Lynn Geurin
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) include abuse, neglect, and family dysfunction, such as domestic violence, parental addiction, and mental health issues (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2023). ▪ Most adults (60%) have experienced at least one ACE per lifetime in the United States. ▪ Rates in Kentucky are high with 64% of the population having a history of multiple ACEs (Kentucky Department for Public Health, 2016). ▪ Research links ACEs to increased risks of mental health issues (e.g., depression, anxiety) and substance use disorders in adulthood (Kobrinsky & Siedlecki, 2023; Lu et al., 2007; He et al., 2022).
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A New Kid on the LA’s Block: An Exploratory Study of the Origins, Growth, and Awareness of Cricket in The U.SAngel
Steve Chen, Angel Daugherty, and Vivek Madupu
Cricket gained popularity in America during the 17th to 19th centuries, particularly in New York and Philadelphia. The establishment of organized clubs in 1844 significantly contributed to the sport's growth and widespread appeal. The game experienced a decline in the 20th century due to the rise of sports like baseball and football. The recent change: Influence of immigrants from India and the West Indies) and technological developments
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An Eye for an Eye: How Revenge is Viewed as a Motive
Elizabeth Perkins and Talon Stallings
Motives behind crimes play a large role in sentencing. A motive being defined as “the reason for doing something.” (Oxford Dictionary, 2023) In criminal cases, this translates to the reason for committing a crime. It’s well known that different criminal motives elicit different reactions from members of the public. (Wolfgang, 1958) This often leads to differences in sentencing. One of the most well known motives in crime is revenge, which is the act of criminally retaliating against one who a criminal believes has wronged them. (Kivivuori, 2016) In this research study, public opinion was gauged on how revenge is viewed as a criminal motive. Using surveys of different age ranges, a representative example of US citizens gave their opinion on revenge crimes. Through this study we found that views on revenge did not vary much based upon age, race, or sex of college aged students. Views on revenge seemingly depended more upon the reason a person felt wronged and how heavily they punish the wrongdoer rather than respondent background.
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An Introduction To The Sphecidae Of Eastern Kentucky
Dawn Barnett, Kyah Brinegar, Gracie Burdette, and Sean O'Keefe
The Sphecidae are solitary wasps that can be used to assess biodiversity on a larger scale. Sphecidae are called solitary because they do not live in colonies but rather in dirt burrows, constructed nests, and existing cavities. Their behavior reflects their name as they rarely sting people and do not mind them much, as they commonly nest near or on human dwellings. Sphecidae occur worldwide and include four subfamilies: Sphecinae, Crabroninae, Nyssoninae, and Philanthinae. Of the 10,220 known species, 1200 occur in North America. Sphecidae prey on various invertebrates, including spiders, caterpillars, and bees. Members of the subfamily Sphecinae genera Sceliphron and Chalybion build nests out of mud and parasitize spiders – using them as hosts for their eggs. The subfamily Crabroninae’s species nests and diet can vary; most of them live in cavities in the ground, but some live in natural pre-existing cavities like hollow stems. Most of the subfamilies’ species also prey on flies, but some prey on beetles, hoopers, or smaller Hymenoptera. Similarly, the Sticita Carolina subfamily (Nyssoninae) also eats flies. Unlike the Sphecinae and Nyssoninae species from Philanthinae are known as bee killers, which prey on bees for food. The Sphecidae usually paralyze their chosen invertebrate and construct cells to place them in with one egg, so the wasp larvae have a food source. Sphecidae are identified by their curled antennae, slender waist, and horseshoe-shaped pronotum.
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Battling Ventilator Associated Pneumonia
Kelsey Carrier
The purpose of this literature review is to address common or potential concerns that may contribute to the hospital setting where we are receiving practicum experience. A potent issue in hospitals today is the healthcare acquired infections that occurs worldwide. One of the biggest contributors to healthcare-acquired infections is ventilator associated pneumonia (vap). QSEN, which is Quality, Safety, and Education for Nurses is integrated into the literature review by enhancing the knowledge of Nurses and safety of the patients. By researching potential health concerns, it helps us better understand the issue and what we can do to prevent it.
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Benefits of Interdisciplinary Rounding for Better Patient Outcomes
Brooklyn Phipps
Interdisciplinary rounding in healthcare teams can significantly improve communication and patient care. Miscommunication often arises when multiple physicians and healthcare professionals are involved in a patient's care, leading to fragmented or delayed treatment. By adopting interdisciplinary rounding, healthcare teams can share expertise and knowledge, ensuring that all members are aligned on the patient's plan of care. This approach directly supports the QSEN competencies, including Teamwork and Collaboration, which fosters effective communication and mutual respect among team members, and Patient-Centered Care, which ensures the patient is a central part of the decision-making process. Furthermore, it enhances Safety by minimizing the risk of errors caused by communication breakdowns and ensures that Evidence-Based Practice is integrated into care delivery. While this approach may require additional time, it ultimately leads to better patient outcomes by improving care coordination and reducing delays in treatment. Adopting interdisciplinary rounding can better align with these competencies, promoting higher-quality healthcare.
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Bringing Yeast Evolution to the Craft Academy
Rebecca L. Bailey, Roger Love, Melissa A. Mefford, Hannah O'Brien, Gabriella Ostrander, and Kaylee Poink
Antifungal resistance, like antibiotic resistance, is a growing health concern. With the increase of immunocompromised patients, as well as advances made in hospital methodologies, antifungal resistance is becoming an increasingly greater threat. Experimental evolution in the laboratory coupled with genome sequencing can identify rare, spontaneous mutations caused by selective pressure that allow for fungi to survive and reproduce in antifungal environments.
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Bryoflora of Ed Mabry-Laurel Gorge Wildlife Management Area in Northeastern Kentucky
Teagan Pattinson and Allen C. Risk
Bryophytes include liverworts, hornworts, and mosses - Ecological importance: primary colonizers, retain moisture in the environment, cycle nutrients, and act as bioindicators (McKnight et al., 2013) - Bryophytes have a dominant gametophyte life cycle phase and lack complex vascular tissue - Incredibly adaptable to a wide array of environments and can grow on almost any surface - The objective of this project is to document the diversity of bryophyte species in the Ed Mabry-Laurel Gorge Wildlife Management Area (WMA) in Elliott County, KY - This WMA features narrow, deep sandstone gorges, creating a perfect environment for a diverse range of bryophyte species - Pennsylvanian Breathitt Formation at higher elevation, Pennsylvanian Lee Formation along gorge walls, Mississippian Newman Limestone at creek level (DeLaney & Enģlund, 1973)
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Captivating Title Reflecting the Essence of Your Capstone Project
Audrey Newman
The core aspect of nursing professionalism unites knowledge application with ethical standards and professional conduct guidelines through efficient communication methods. Healthcare outcomes improve when professional conduct builds patient trust and directs ethical decisions to meet patient care standards. This project shows its value through the direct connection between nursing professionalism and improved patient outcomes. Professional nursing practice develops patient trust because it leads to fewer medical errors and better communication while fostering an ethical culture focused on safety. This project aims to fill professional practice gaps through the study of educational approaches, workplace culture dynamics, and ethical standards that affect professionalism. Quality and Safety Education for Nurses (QSEN) principles form the fundamental framework of this capstone project. This project follows the foundational guidelines set by patient-centered care together with teamwork and collaboration as well as evidence-based practice, quality improvement, safety protocols and informatics. The project applies QSEN principles to uphold nursing professionalism within modern healthcare standards by incorporating patient-centered care and evidence-based practice alongside quality improvement.
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Cataloguing Shadow (Phaeophyscia), Rosette (Physcia), and Cryptic Rosette (Physciella) Lichens of Carter Caves State Resort Park
Payton A. Offill and Allen C. Risk
A lichen is a composite, symbiotic partnership of a fungus and photosynthetic algae or cyanobacteria. These organisms provide stability to ecosystems through provision of nutrients and microhabitats to fauna and absorption of pollutants and large particulates in the air, serving as great indicators of environmental conditions. The purpose of this research was to document the diversity of three commonly encountered, though not easily discerned, foliose lichen genera found in Carter Caves State Resort Park: Phaeophyscia, Physcia, and Physciella. These three lichen genera are found to be small to medium sized, greenish grey, olive, or brown in color, and inhabit various substrates. Correct identification among these genera is necessary for cataloging species, and for better understanding of lichen biodiversity.
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CLIMBS: Revisiting Big Bone Lick to develop a Late Quarternary Climate Record for Kentucky
Margaret Alden, Jennifer O'Keefe, Tori Reid, Hannah Sprinkle, and Avery Wasinger
CLIMBS P2 (Climate Learning, Prediction, and Building Response Systems Project 2: Paleo-perspectives) focuses on improving our understanding of historical flooding and landslide events in Kentucky using paired Holocene paleoclimate and sedimentary records. To date, few published paleoclimate records exist (Liu et al., 2013; Nunez Otano et al., in prep.). As an initial step in meeting the aims of P2, the OPaL lab at Morehead State University is focusing on completion of an in-progress latest Pleistocene - early Holocene palynology-based paleoclimate record derived from sediments in legacy Andrews/KGS cores from Big Bone Lick in Northern Kentucky. This region is the birthplace of vertebrate paleontology in North America after French explorers were led to and collected vertebrate in the area in 1739. Significant archaeological and paleontological excavation work has been conducted at Big Bone Lick over the last 285 years, however, prior to the OPaL Lab's involvement, no viable palynological analysis had been completed, making characterization of the ecosystem and paleoclimate reconstruction incomplete. Of previous attempts, only Leopold (Pecora, 1965) had moderate success, and only on clays recovered from inside the skull of a Bootherium, which contained primarily degraded spruce pollen. The OPaL Lab's involvement in study of Big Bone Lick began in academic year 2016-2017 when Craft Academy students Carissa Sweeney and Tucker Jett analyzed eight samples from profile 2 of Tankersley et al. (201 S). The samples were processed using no mineral acids and cleaned of cellulosic and pectinic debris (degraded non-pollen plant tissues) using enzymes, rather than acetolysis (O'Keefe and Wymer, 2017). This very gentle method permitted recovery of a damaged, but abundant palynoflora. Subsequent study of Andrews/KGS Core 3 by Craft Academy Students Sara Olmstead, Lucy Steiner, Maggie Alden, and undergraduate Maggie Stephenson in 2018-2020 highlighted the diversity of environments present at the site, however, sample analysis was not completed. Here we present updated results and the current state-of knowledge about palynology-indicated paleoclimates and paleoecology at Big Bone Lick.
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Comparative Analysis of R-Cards and IDEXX Quanti-Tray/2000 for the Detection and Enumeration of Bacteria in Environmental Water Samples
Heavenly Mays, Emily Morgan, and Geoffrey W. Gearner
The Kentucky Watershed Watch program, a non-profit that relies on the help of volunteers, trains Kentucky residents on proper analytical procedures needed to assess waterways near their homes. Volunteers can deliver samples to established labs for bacterial analysis or independently test sample sites’ pH, dissolved oxygen, conductivity, temperature, and Escherichia coli levels. One of the ways the Watershed Watch program analyzes water quality is by using R-Cards, sample cards that contain a chromogenic medium useful for detecting and enumerating E. coli. These cards cost $1 each and are quite simple to set up, whereby one mL of sample site water is placed beneath the plastic flap, which, when released, quickly spreads the water out across the card. The purpose of this study was to compare the accuracy/effectiveness of R-cards to the accuracy/effectiveness of the USEPA- and KDOW approved IDEXX Quanti-Trays. IDEXX trays are bacterial detection trays that utilize two enzymes, β-Galactosidase and β-D-Glucuronidase, to detect coliform bacteria and E. coli, respectively. While these trays are the standard method for E. coli enumeration/detection in water samples, each tray costs $20. Using five sets of data from a mix of 16 sample sites, colony counts were analyzed, and averages between the two enumeration methods were calculated, revealing significant disparities. By performing this study, the Watershed Watch program and other organizations that use the R-Cards will be able to decide if they should continue using them despite their drastically different results.
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Comprehensive Pain Management in Pediatric Patients: Evaluating Pharmacological and Non-Pharmacological Therapies
Danielle Willis
Within the hospital setting it is seen how chronic pain affects people of all ages. At hospital A, adult clients rate their chronic pain on a scale of 0-10, voice aggravating and alleviating factors and medications are provided based upon that scale. Unfortunately, pain in the pediatric setting is not as easy to assess and treat. Chronic pain substantially affects a number of children and adolescents and can lead to a diminished quality of life. Addressing this challenge requires a holistic approach that combines pharmacological treatments with non-pharmacological treatments to alleviate pain and enhance daily living.
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Continuity of Attachment Strategy from Preschool to Adolescence
Annabelle McNeal, Abby Chaney, Gabby Blackburn, and Shari L. Kidwell
Attachment Theory recognizes that humans naturally form protective, enduring relationships with their primary caregivers which first develop in infancy.
• Attachment strategies become refined across development to best adapt to the caregiving environment (Crittenden, Landini, & Speiker, 2021).
• Crittenden’s Dynamic Maturational Model organizes attachment strategies by pecific patterns of affect and cognition (2011).
A (avoidant): dismissing own negative affect, distorting cognition
B (secure): balanced integration of affect & cognition
C (ambivalent): involving others in own affect, omitted cognition
Continuity in attachment across development was originally predicted. However, both DMM and non- DMM research has found some degree of discontinuity when major stressors occur within families. This is considered lawful discontinuity.
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Craft Academy Chapter of Technology Student Association
J.D. Berry, Gillian Collins, Drew Van Kirk, Ruby Korman, Dani Smith, and Sophie Smith
The Craft Academy Technology Student Association is a chapter of the Kentucky Technology Student Association. The chapter was created to address the absence of a platform for students to compete in many hands-on STEM competitions at the Academy. Through preparation and participation in these competitions, members perfected soft skills such as collaboration, networking, and creative problem solving as they gained experience in industry applicable skills.
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Craft Coalition Team 20694 FTC Robotics
Noah Day, Lucas Howard, Nate Italiano, Olivia Robinson, Ryan Triplett, and Rachel Rogers
Context and Purpose: The Craft Coalition FIRST Technical Challenge (FTC) Robotics Team is an integral part of a STEM+ initiative aimed at fostering engagement in STEM fields through hands-on learning. Located in Eastern Kentucky, a region facing significant gaps in STEM educational opportunities, this program aims to improve students' access to high-demand jobs and facilitate regional economic advancement. Mission & Goals: The team is dedicated to designing, building, and programming a robot to compete in the annual FTC challenge. This experience helps students develop critical technical skills, leadership abilities, and problem-solving capacities while also working to establish sustainable robotics teams in underserved schools. Regional STEM Deficit Residents of Eastern Kentucky experience a shortage of STEM educational resources, which perpetuates a lack of skilled professionals across various industries. The Craft Coalition initiative seeks to bridge this gap by launching and maintaining FTC teams in local schools, giving students much-needed exposure to robotics and engineering.
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Detection of Antimicrobial Resistance Genes in Bacteria Collected From the Triplett Creek Watershed
Heavenly Mays, Emily Morgan, and Geoffrey W. Gearner
Ongoing research in the Triplett Creek Watershed (TCW) focuses on assessing water quality and monitoring bacterial contamination. The spring 2024 sampling efforts aimed to evaluate bacterial density and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) across multiple sites. To screen for AMR in bacteria, the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method was used. A total of 35 bacterial isolates were tested against multiple antibiotics. This revealed 26 isolates were resistant to Erythromycin, 32 isolates were resistant to Clindamycin, 2 isolates were resistant to Colistin, 7 isolates were resistant to Ampicillin, 4 isolates were resistant to Amoxicillin with Clavulanic acid, 2 isolates were resistant to tetracycline, 3 isolates were resistant to streptomycin, and 1 isolate was resistant Azithromycin. The objective of this study was to detect AMR genes in bacteria collected from TCW using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Enrichment cultures derived from water samples were prepared, followed by DNA extraction. PCR amplification was performed with 11 specific primer sets, including uidA (a positive E. coli control) and esp (a marker for human fecal contamination). Gel electrophoresis analysis confirmed the presence of AMR genes. Sul1 and Sul2 were found in all 10 sites, TetO was found in 2 sites, TetW was found in 3 sites, esp was found in 2 sites, and uidA was found in 3 sites. The increase in AMR raises concerns about the persistence and spread of resistant bacterial strains in the watershed. This work was supported in part by Morehead State University’s Undergraduate Fellowship Research Program.
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Determination of Synthetic Pesticide Concentration in Bodies of Water in Rowan County Kentucky
Jacob Blevins and Emmalou Schmittzehe-Skarbek
Synthetic pesticide usage is a relatively recent invention of industry that has been proven to have widespread biological effects. Many families of pesticides have unique properties including solubility in water and long half-lives. This ability to be soluble in water paired with a long half-life result in a pesticide that is perfectly suited to contaminate water designated for human or agricultural use. Solid-phase extraction is a preparatory technique of analytical chemistry in which a liquid sample is passed through a solid material that selectively retains compounds for further analysis. High-Performance Liquid Chromatography is an analytical chemistry technique that can quantify analytes. The purpose of this project was to determine the concentration of certain pesticides in the watershed of Rowan County and compare them to international and national standards of pesticide concentrations. The motivation of this project stemmed from the negative effects that can be caused by over ingestion of pesticides on biological systems specifically in human organisms. A second motivating factor is the novelty of this research due to the lack of data in this region in recent years. The region this project took place has consistently shown some of the highest rates of chronic health issues in the United States. While there are many confounding variables and causality cannot be assumed, we hoped that this project may stem interest and further research into the issue of pesticide contamination.
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Developing a Collaborative Study Resource for Craft Academy Students
Makayla Jones, Annika Marshall, Lucy McClung, Heather Ott, and Donna Besant
The Stem-X Files is a collaborative study resources created with the mission of fostering academic excellence and collaboration among Craft Academy students at Morehead State University. This student-led platform was founded by Rebekah Jones and Donna Besant Fall 2023, who graduated from the Craft Academy in 2024. This project allows for high-performing students to share their study materials with present and futures students. These study materials include notes, study guides, syllabi, and more. By empowering students to contribute to and utilize valuable academic tools, The Stem-X Files strive to contribute to students enhanced learning, knowledge sharing, and success while maintaining academic integrity by excluding test materials and homework. As an ongoing and growing project, The Stem-X Files continues to evolve, bringing students together to elevate each other’s potential for growth and achievements in STEM+X education
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Diversity/Adaptations of The Galapagos Land Snails (Bulimulus) on The Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
M.E. Hargan and Charles Lydeard
The Galapagos Land Snails, scientific species name Bulimulus, are native to the Galapagos Islands off the coast of Ecuador. There is varying climates and geography throughout the islands and these snails evolved and adapted to these variances. On our experience abroad trip, the goal was to find our selected animal we researched and try to prove whatever hypothesis we found to be correct. I researched and found that depending on the island/area the snails where their cones were shaped different from each other although they were the same species they had variances. I had set out to see if this was accurately depicted on the islands we visited (Isabela, Santa Cruz, and San Cristobal)
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Does Childhood Exposure to Substance Use Correlate to Adult Substance Use?
Hannah Jones and Monica Himes
Children who have grown up around parents or caregivers who use substances face hardships, attachment issues, trauma, and genetics that may cause future use of substances. Twenty-five to seventy-five percent of substance abusers have experienced trauma or abuse (Carmona, 2022). Many studies showed the awareness of parental substance abuse and how it affects their children. The focus of this study is to bring awareness to how substance abuse affects children. It may lead to future substance use or mental health concerns.
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Economics of Swine Production: A Case Study at Morehead State University's Derrickson Agricultural Complex
Caroline Adkins, Allie Dick, and Vijay Subramaniam
Morehead State University's Derrickson Agricultural Complex (DAC) offers students hands-on experience in livestock management and classroom learning. The swine program focuses on efficient production, herd health management, and sustainable feeding practices. It emphasizes three stages of piglet development: farrowing, weaning, and finishing. The DAC conducts research on economic sustainability and profitability of swine production, refining management strategies, and optimizing herd performance. These efforts align with Morehead State University's mission to promote innovation and best practices in modern livestock production.
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Effect of Nordic Hamstring Exercise on Knee Flexor Torque in Female Athletes: A Pilot Study
Jarrod Plank, Lucy Singleton, and Manuel Probst
PREVALENCE Female athletes experience Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injuries 5-6x more often than male counterparts.
PREDISPOSITIONAL FACTORS The Q-angle refers to the pull vector exerted by the quadriceps muscle on the patella which results in greater valgus load on the knee ligaments.2,3,4,5,6 Females also possess lower levels of testosterone which yield decreased ligamentous strain tolerances.
MUSCULAR IMBALANCES Sufficient hamstring contraction during the landing phase decreases ACL strain by >70%, thereby limiting anterior tibial translation (ATT) force exerted by the quadriceps. As stated by Hewett et al., females present an absence of increased hamstring/quadricep torque ratio compared to males, resulting in inevitable ATT and external valgus torque.33 Refer to image below.
NORDIC HAMSTRING EXERCISE (NHE) The NHE (Fig 2) has been found to enhance maximal eccentric knee flexor torque. A study by Opar et al. revealed that athletes performing NHEs experienced a 6.3% reduction in hamstring injury risk and ended their season with a 17% higher non-injured rate. A 2022 study conducted by Nishida et al. concluded that NH strength did not correlate to knee flexor torque, but the limitations of this study included inclusivity to males and knee flexor torque values being assessed in prone.