Vallo Vault
Welcome to Vallo Vault, UM's Digital Archives and Scholarship Hub.
This open and searchable site contains scholarly works of UM faculty and students. It also features archival collections related to the history of the university and the city of Montevallo. To learn more about Vallo Vault, including policies and submission instructions, visit this guide.
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Recent Submissions
Undergraduate Research Day 2025 Program
(2025-03-12)
This is the program for the 2025 Undergraduate Research Day held on March 12, 2025 at the University of Montevallo.
Comparing Post Swim VO2 Max Estimates to Traditional Treadmill Protocol in Collegiate Swimmers
(2025-03-12) Balent, Elizabeth; Herron, Robert
INTRO: Aerobic performance is a key factor in overall fitness and success in endurance sports. In swimmers, VO2 max is conventionally assessed using on-ground, treadmill tests due to equipment access limitations, even though performance takes place in the water. However,modern technology provides an opportunity to measure oxygen consumption near the pool. Therefore, newer technology makes assessing the performance of aquatic athletes accessible to agreater population. As a result, swimmer safety and performance can be improved. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare VO2 max/peak results from a traditional,
treadmill test (Bruce Protocol - GXT) with those obtained from a maximal-effort 500-yardfreestyle swim (Swim). METHODS: Swimmers (n = 11 (aged 20 ± 1 y; females n = 6) completed two exercise tests in a repeated-measures, crossover design whereby each participant completed an on-ground treadmill Bruce Protocol or a 500-yard swim. A portable, indirect calorimeter was used to measure VO2 peak. Additionally, urine specific gravity (USG), heart rate(HRmax), RPE, and blood lactate (≈ 4-min post) were analyzed. Paired-samples t-tests and Pearson’s correlations were used to compare GXT vs Swim for the variables listed above. RESULTS: Pre-exercise USG for both treatments had a strong positive correlation, with no difference between sessions (GXT = 1.0219 ± 0.0117 vs. Swim = 1.0191 ± 0.0092, r = 0.87, p =
0.15). VO2 peak had a weak positive correlation, with no mean difference; however, GXT’s results demonstrated a meaningful effect size (GXT = 50.5 ± 14.1 vs. Swim = 39.7 ± 11.1, r =0.16, p = 0.06, d = 0.99). Lactate had a moderate positive correlation, with a difference between sessions (GXT = 8.3 ± 2.5 vs. Swim = 5.7 ± 1.4, r = 0.51, p = 0.002). RPE had a strong positive correlation, with a difference between sessions (GXT = 16 ± 3 vs. Swim = 15 ± 2, r = 0.71, p = 0.03). HRmax had a weak negative correlation, with a difference between sessions between sessions (n = 9; GXT = 193 ± 8 bpm vs. Swim = 179 ± 8 bpm, r = -0.22, p = 0.02). DISCUSSION: The Swim protocol elicited less physiological and subjective strain compared to GXT. A 500-yard freestyle swim can provide relevant performance data; however, is not valid in
assessing peak aerobic fitness while swimming. More research is needed to validate swimming protocols that elicit comparable VO2 peak/max values.
Vulnerability
(2025-03-12) Barganier, Taylar; Beal, Brendan
In society today vulnerability is depicted as sensitivity or something that everyone has grown to dislike due to discomfort. In many cases it is seen as a weakness and showing a part of yourself that can be judged harshly and produce pain. As seen today when someone is vulnerable with another person they can fear that they will approach them differently or alter how they perceive
the person. However, many people are afraid to become vulnerable and share their emotions with another person. How can we achieve a safe space to not be fearful of vulnerability? Or further, why are people afraid to be vulnerable? The hypothesis of this research is the possibility of race, religion, or other demographic characteristics altering the perception of safety to be vulnerable. As well as most agreeing with how society gives backlash or how hard it is to be vulnerable in the go-getter society that is seen today.
The purpose of this research is to bring awareness as to how society perceives vulnerability and how we can adapt to the change that vulnerability is normal. Ways to research this topic include a qualitative research design where communicating and asking questions to understand how different age groups view vulnerability or the ways in which they would want to see change. Results will vary and the conclusion is yet to be determined, however, the future of this research might alter the perception of being a vulnerable human. It can also determine why many are afraid of vulnerability.
Seed Cycling as Therapy to Treat Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome: A Review of the Literature
(2025-03-12) Freire, Erika; Devane-Hart, Kelley
Background: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrine disorders affecting women in reproductive ages, with an estimated global prevalence ranging from 6% to 15%. It arises from a female hormonal imbalance that disrupts the ability to regulate key reproductive hormones leading to irregular menstrual cycles, insulin resistance, obesity, hyperandrogenism, infertility, metabolic disorders, and other health complications that can reduce the quality of life for females. Conventional treatments, including hormonal therapy and metformin, are effective but often associated with side effects and long-term dependency, which calls for the development of alternative therapeutic strategies.
Objective: This study aims to review the use of seed cycling as a natural, dietary intervention and therapy for treating PCOS. Seed cycling is a new strategy that includes the consumption of specific seeds during the two main phases of the menstrual cycle to promote a healthy balance of estrogen and progesterone levels in women. Additionally, this research seeks to determine whether seed cycling can serve as a viable alternative or complement to traditional treatments in improving metabolic and reproductive health in women with PCOS.
Methods: A computerized search was performed to identify articles that examine the effects of dietary seed intake on hormonal regulation, metabolism, inflammation, and ovulatory function in PCOS patients. Search terms of “seed cycling diet,” “seed cycling treatment for PCOS,” and “PCOS Alternative Therapies” were used as well as limiting the criteria to women in childbearing age. Search criteria was limited to publication ranges between 2020-2024 to maintain relevance in current trends among females.
Conclusion: While there is potential for seed cycling as a natural dietary strategy for hormonal balance in PCOS, current evidence is insufficient to establish seed cycling as an independent treatment.
Front Matter
(McNair Research Journal, University of Montevallo, 2023)
The front matter for Volume 11 (2023) of the McNair Research Journal contains the following sections: Welcome by Jamaica Dunigan, History of the University, Acknowledgements, and Table of Contents. It also contains information about TRIO, Ronald E. McNair, and the McNair Scholars Program.