College of Education and Health Professions

Gretchen D. Oliver, Ph.D., ATC, LAT

Assistant Professor of Kinesiology
Health, Human Performance and Recreation

326B HPER Building
Phone: 479-575-4670
goliver@uark.edu

Degrees:

1999-2003  Texas Woman's University, Denton, TX
Ph.D. in Kinesiology, Biomechanics

1997-1999  University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR
Master of Science in Kinesiology
Emphasis in Biomechanics

1992-1996  University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR
Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology
Emphasis in Athletic Training

Teaching Areas:

Athletic Training Education
Biomechanics/Exercise Science

Courses Taught:
KINS 3093 application techniques in athletic training; KINS 4323 analytical basis of movement; KINS 4773 performance and drugs; KINS 5252 athletic training clinical V; KINS 5463 therapeutic exercise and rehabilitation for athletic injuries; KINS 5773 performance and drugs; KINS 5593 laboratory practicum

Research Interests:

Examining and implementing functional components of rehabilitation and performance training in attempt to decrease the incidence of injury and enhance sport performance with the primary focus on baseball and softball pitching and catching mechanics and implications of injury.

Publications/Presentations:

PRESENTATIONS:
Oliver, G.D., Plummer, H. (2010). Quantifying sEMG in Pre-Fatigue and Fatigue States during the Fastball Baseball Pitch. XXVIII International Society of Biomechanics in Sports Conference. Marquette, Michigan.

Oliver, G.D., Plummer, H. (2010). Descriptive Analysis of sEMG during the Windmill Softball Pitch: Pre-Fatigue and Fatigued. XXVIII International Society of Biomechanics in Sports Conference. Marquette, Michigan.

Oliver, G.D., Plummer, H. (2010). Ground Reaction Forces, Kinematics, and Muscle Activations during the Softball Pitch. XXVIII International Society of Biomechanics in Sports Conference. Marquette, Michigan.

Oliver, G.D., Masamichi, A, Keeley, D. (2010). Quantitative Analysis of Core Musculature during Two Types of Baseball Pitches: Fastball and Changeup. XXVIII International Society of Biomechanics in Sports Conference. Marquette, Michigan.

Keeley, D.W., Barber, K., Oliver, G.D. (2010). Kinematic Comparison of Pelvis Kinematics during the Baseball Pitch: Fatigued and Non-Fatigued Conditions. XXVIII International Society of Biomechanics in Sports Conference. Marquette, Michigan.

Oliver, G.D. (2010). The Baseball and Windmill Softball Pitch: Pitching Mechanics and Injury Prevention from the Lower Extremity to the Upper Extremity. National Athletic Trainers' Association Annual Meeting, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

O'Brien, J.E., Dwelly, P., and Oliver, G.D. (2010). Lack of Relationship Between Shoulder and Hip Range of Motion Changes in Division-I Baseball Pitchers. National Athletic Trainers' Association Annual Meeting, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Keeley, D.W., and Oliver, G.D. (2010). Kinematic Comparison of Two Delivery Styles in High School Baseball Pitchers. American College of Sports Medicine Annual Meeting, Baltimore, Maryland.

Plummer, H., Oliver G.D., and Keeley, D. (2010). Comparison of Shoulder Kinetics Across Two Delivery Styles in High School Baseball Pitchers. American College of Sports Medicine Annual Meeting, Baltimore, Maryland.

Aldrich, T., Moiseichik, M., and Oliver, G.D. (2010). Paddlesport Entanglement Safety Tools: Effectiveness and Efficiency in Knives and Shears. National Conference on Outdoor Leadership, Estes Park, Colorado.

Plummer, H., Oliver, G.D., and Keeley, D. (2010). Quantitative sEMG Description of Upper Extremity Muscle Activation during Baseball Pitching: Pre Fatigue & Fatigue. South Central American Society of Biomechanics, Texas Woman's University, Denton, Texas.

Bishop, K.A., Oliver, G.D., and Keeley, D.W. (2009). The Effects of a Basketball Season on the Kinetics of Functional Movement in NCAA Division I Basketball Athletes. 4th Annual RAZOR Fitness Sports Medicine Symposium, Fayetteville, Arkansas.

Keeley, D., and Oliver, G.D. (2010). Model Predicting Shoulder Compressive Force during Baseball Pitching. South Central American Society of Biomechanics, Texas Woman's University, Denton, Texas.

Rabe, S.B., and Oliver, G.D. (2009). Clavicle Fracture in a Collegiate Football Player: A Case Report of Rapid Return to Play. 4th Annual RAZOR Fitness Sports Medicine Symposium, Fayetteville, Arkansas.

Hall, J., Oliver, G.D., and Stone, A.J. (2009). The Effects of Different Shoulder Stretching Protocols on Range of Motion.  4th  Annual RAZOR Fitness Sports Medicine Symposium, Fayetteville, Arkansas.

Plummer, H.A., Oliver, G.D., and Keeley, D.W. (2009). Kinematic Comparison of Pre-pubescent & Post-pubescent Softball Catchers. 4th Annual RAZOR Fitness Sports Medicine Symposium, Fayetteville, Arkansas.

Booker, J.M., Oliver, G.D., Stone, A.J., and Keeley, D.W. (2009). A Kinematic and EMG Analysis of Drop Landing in Military Boots. 4th Annual RAZOR Fitness Sports Medicine Symposium, Fayetteville, Arkansas.

Barber, K.B., Keeley, D.W., and Oliver, G.D. (2009). Fatigue of the Gluteus Maximus and Gluteus Medius in Relation to Pelvic Kinematics in Baseball and Softball Pitching. 4th Annual RAZOR Fitness Sports Medicine Symposium, Fayetteville, Arkansas.

Keeley, D., and Oliver, G.D. (2009). Predicting Lower Extremity Strength Deficits in College Students Using Common Field Power Tests. Central States Chapter of the American College of Sports Medicine: Columbia, Missouri.

Perkey, D., and Oliver, G.D. (2009). Anatomical and Biomechanical Considerations for the Overhead Throwing Athlete. Arkansas Alliance of Health Physical Education, Recreation and Dance Annual Meetings. Eureka Springs, Arkansas.

Oliver, G.D., and Perkey, D. (2009). Biomechanics of the Windmill Softball Pitch. Arkansas Alliance of Health Physical Education, Recreation and Dance Annual Meetings. Eureka Springs, Arkansas.

Adams-Blair, H.R., and Oliver, G.D. (2009) Implementation of a Core Stability Program in Physical Education Classes of Elementary School Children. Physical Education Teacher Education Conference. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

Keeley, D.W., Oliver, G.D., Dwelly, P., Hoffman, H., and Dougherty, C.P. (2009). Relationships between hip and shoulder rotation during baseball pitching. XXVII International Society of Biomechanics in Sports Conference. Limerick, Ireland.

Dwelly, P., Oliver, G.D., Adams-Blair, H.R., Keeley, D.W., and Hoffman, H. (2009). Improved muscle activation in performing a functional lunge compared to the traditional squat. XXVII International Society of Biomechanics in Sports Conference. Limerick, Ireland.

Keeley, D.W., Oliver, G.D., Dwelly, P., and Hoffman, H. (2009). A kinematic description of the post pubescent windmill softball pitching motion. XXVII International Society of Biomechanics in Sports Conference. Limerick, Ireland.

Keeley, D.W., Oliver, G.D., Dwelly, P., and Hoffman, H. (2009). A kinematic comparison of the youth pitching motion across prepubescent and pubescent pitchers. XXVII International Society of Biomechanics in Sports Conference. Limerick, Ireland.

Hoffman, H., Oliver, G.D., Keeley, D.W., Barber, K., and Dwelly, P. (2009). The relationship between gluteal activity and pelvic kinematics during the windmill softball pitch. XXVII International Society of Biomechanics in Sports Conference. Limerick, Ireland.

Oliver, G.D., Dwelly, P., Keeley, D.W., and Hoffman, H. (2009). Upper extremity and core muscle firing patterns during the windmill softball pitch. XXVII International Society of Biomechanics in Sports Conference. Limerick, Ireland.

Oliver, G.D., Dwelly, P., Keeley, D.W., and Hoffman, H. (2009) Examination of gluteal muscle firing and kinetics of the lower extremity during the windmill softball pitch. XXVII International Society of Biomechanics in Sports Conference. Limerick, Ireland.

Oliver, G.D. (2009). Athletic Pubalgia. Southwest Athletic Trainers' Association Annual Meeting. Arlington, Texas.

Helmer, R.A., Dwelly, P., and Oliver, G.D. (2009). Analysis of Navicular Drop in Moderately Active College Students. World Federation of Athletic Training and Therapy. San Antonio, Texas.

Keeley, D.W., Oliver, G.D., and Wicke, J. (2009). The Kinematics of Arm Decelerations as They Relate to Overuse Injury in Youth Pitchers of Various Ages. World Federation of Athletic Training and Therapy. San Antonio, Texas.

Dwelly, P., Oliver, G.D., and Kwon, Y-H. (2009). Kinematic Motion of the Windmill Softball Pitch in Prepubescent and Pubescent Females. World Federation of Athletic Training and Therapy, San Antonio, Texas.

Keeley, D.W., and Oliver, G.D. (2009). Kinematic Differences in Youth Baseball Pitchers: An Investigation into the Cocking and Acceleration Phases. American College of Sports Medicine, Seattle, Washington.

Dwelly, P., Oliver, G.D., and Adams-Blair, H.R. (2009). Improved Muscle Activation In Performing a Functional Lunge Versus A Traditional Squat. American College of Sports Medicine, Seattle, Washington.

Oliver, G.D., and Dougherty, C.P. (2009). Muscle Activation of the Contralateral Leg During An Acute Achilles Tendon Rupture. American College of Sports Medicine. Seattle, Washington.

Esslinger, F.T., Esslinger, K.A., Dwelly, P.M., and Oliver, G.D. (2009). Identifying a need for functional movement analysis in recreationally active college students - a pilot study. American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance, Tampa, Florida.

Oliver, G.D., and Adams-Blair, H. (2009). Core Stability in School Aged Children. American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance, Tampa, Florida.

Oliver, G.D.,  and Adams-Blair, H. (2009). Athletic Injury Prevention through Core Strengthening In Females. American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance, Tampa Florida.

Rabe, S.B., Oliver, G.D., and Stone, A.J. (2009). Athletic Pubalgia. 3rd Annual RAZOR Fitness Sports Medicine Symposium, Fayetteville Arkansas.

Hoffman, H.J., Dwelly, P.M., Barber, K.B., Keeley, D.W., and Oliver, G.D. (2009). The Relationship Between Pelvic Kinematics and Gluteal Activity. 3rd Annual RAZOR Fitness Sports Medicine Symposium, Fayetteville, Arkansas.

Perkey, D., and Oliver, G.D. (2008). Communicating in Different Languages: How to Bridge the Communication Gap between Coaches and Athletic Trainers. Arkansas Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance. Little Rock, Arkansas.

Oliver, G.D. (2009). Injury Prevention and Performance Enhancement. NWA Dance Collation, Fayetteville, Arkansas.

Oliver, G.D., and Perkey, D. (2008). The Athletic Hernia. Arkansas Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance. Little Rock, Arkansas.

Keeley, D.W., Oliver, G.D., and Wicke, J. (2008). Stride Phase Kinematics in Youth Baseball Pitchers and Their Relation to Overuse Injuries. Central States Chapter of the American College of Sports Medicine: Kansas City, Kansas.

Oliver, G.D. (2008). Be Strong to Live Strong. Presented at the Strengthening Our Community by Strengthening our Workforce Skills: Jones Center for Families, Springdale, Arkansas. (Keynote Speaker)

Oliver, G.D., and Kern, J. (2008). Small Group Activities. University of Arkansas Teaching Camp; Petite Jean Mountain, Arkansas.

Oliver, G.D. (2008). Current Issues and Trends Concern the Athletic Hernia: Differential Diagnosis and Surgical Options of the Athletic Hernia. National Athletic Trainers’ Association 59th Annual Meeting and Clinical Symposia; St. Louis, Missouri.

Oliver, G.D., and Adams-Blair, H.R. (2008). Core Stability: Playing a Major Role in Athletic Injury Prevention. National Coaching Educators’ Conference; The Canyons, Utah.

DiBrezzo, R., Fort, I.L., Oliver, G.D., and Adams-Blair, H.R. (2008). Bone Health and Exercise in Active Females. American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance National Convention and Exposition; Fort Worth, Texas.

Oliver, G.D. (2007). Core Strengthening: Playing a Major Role in Prevention of Athletic Injury. Presented at the November Arkansas Alliance of Health Physical Education, Recreation and Dance Annual Meetings. Eureka Springs, Arkansas.

Oliver, G.D. (2008). The RAZOR Curl. Presented at the RAZOR Fitness Sports Medicine Symposium, Fayetteville, Arkansas.

Oliver, G.D., and Adams-Blair, H.R. (2007). Integration of Physical Activity Into the Daily Classroom Setting for Elementary Children. Presented at the American Academy of Pediatrics National Conference & Exhibition; San Francisco, California. Abstract Oded Bar-Or Award Recipient

Oliver, G.D., and Adams-Blair, H.R. (2007). Implementation of Effective Core Stability Activities for Elementary Children. Presented at the American Academy of Pediatrics National Conference & Exhibition; San Francisco, California.

Oliver, G.D. (2007). Biomechanics of Throwing. Oral Presentation at the RAZOR Fitness Sports Medicine Symposium; Fayetteville, Arkansas.

Oliver, G.D., and Adams-Blair, HR. (2007). The Importance of Sports Participation in the Lives of Young Females. Girls & Women Rock: Celebrating 35 Years of Sport & Title IX Symposium; Cleveland, Ohio.


PUBLICATIONS:
Oliver, G.D., and Plummer, H. Ground reaction forces, kinematics, and muscle activations during the windmill softball pitch. Athletic Health Care: A Multidisciplinary Approach (in review).

Oliver, G.D., Stone, A.J., and Plummer, H. Quantitative examination of core muscle activation during isometric exercises. Clinical Journal of Sport Medicine (in review).

Rabe, S.B., and Oliver, G.D. (in press). Clavicle fracture in a collegiate football player: a case report of rapid return to play. Journal of Athletic Training.

Keeley, D.W., Oliver, G.D., Dougherty, C.P., and Dougherty, J.J. (in review). Kinematic comparison of two delivery methods in high school baseball pitchers: the high leg kick versus the slide step. American Journal of Sports Medicine.

Keeley, D., Oliver, G.D., and Wicke, J. (in review). An analysis of pitching motion kinematics in prepubescent baseball pitchers. Sports Biomechanics.

Oliver, G.D., Adams-Blair, H.R., and Dougherty, C. (in press). Implementation of a core stability program for elementary school children. Athletic Training and Sports Health Care.

Rabe, S.B., and Oliver G.D. (in press). Clavicle fracture in a collegiate football player: a case report of rapid return to play. Journal of Athletic Training.

Keeley, D.W., Plummer, H.P., and Oliver, G.D. (in press). Predicting asymmetrical lower extremity strength deficits in college aged males and females using common horizontal and vertical power field tests. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research.

Oliver, G.D. (in press). The importance of unstable surface or balance training. Lower Extremity Review, XX, X-X, 2010.

Oliver, G.D., Plummer, H.P., and Keeley. D.W. (in press). Muscle activation patterns of the upper and lower extremity during the windmill softball pitch. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research.

Oliver, G.D., Dwelly, P.M., Sarantis, N., Helmer, R., and Bonacci, J. (in press). Muscle activation of different core exercises. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research.

Oliver, G.D., and Adams-Blair, H.R. (in press). The importance of core strength for prevention of injury. Journal of Physical Education, Recreation & Dance.

Oliver, G.D., and Keeley, D.W. (in press). Pelvic and trunk kinematics and their relationship to shoulder kinematics in high school baseball pitchers. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research.

Oliver, G.D., and Keeley, D.W. (in press). Gluteal muscle group activation and its relationship with pelvic and trunk kinematics in high school baseball pitchers. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research.

Oliver, G.D., and Dougherty, C.P. (in press). Muscle activation of the contralateral leg during an acute Achilles tendon rupture. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research.

Oliver, G.D., Dwelly P. and Kwon, Y-H. (in press). Kinematic motion of the windmill softball pitch in prepubescent and pubescent females. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research.

Keeley, D.W., Wicke, J., Alford, K., and Oliver, G.D. (in press). A biomechanical analysis of forearm pronation and its relationship to ball movement for the two-seam and four-seam fastball pitches. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research.

Oliver, G.D., and Kerkhover, A. Eales Disease: A Case Study. Athletic Training and Sports Health Care. 2010; 2(2): 89-92.   

Rabe, S.B., and Oliver, G.D. Athletic pubalgia: A literature review. Athletic Training and Sports Health Care. 2010; 2(1):25-30.

Oliver, G.D., and DiBrezzo, R. Functional balance training in collegiate women athletes. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. 2009; 23(7):2124-2129.

Oliver, G.D., and Dougherty, C.P. The RAZOR curl: a functional approach to hamstring strengthening. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. 2009; 23 (2): 401-405.

DiBrezzo, R., and Oliver, G. ACL injuries in active girls and women. The Journal of Physical Education, Recreation, & Dance. 2000; 17 (6):24-27.

Oliver, G.D., and Dougherty, CP. (2009) Comparison of hamstring and gluteus muscles electromyographic activity while performing the RAZOR curl versus the traditional prone hamstring curl. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. 23 (8): 2250-2255.

Abstract Publications