Doctoral Candidate Brochure: Ryan W. Gant
Doctoral Dissertation Defense
of
Ryan W. Gant
For the degree of
Doctor of Philosophy
Exercise Physiology
The Influence of Relative Rest on Winning Percentage Between Eras in the National Football League
October 16, 2025
1:15 p.m.
The Influence of Relative Rest on Winning Percentage Between Eras in the National Football League
The evolution of National Football League (NFL) scheduling—including the expansion of primetime slots, introduction of Thursday Night Football, and international games—has increased variability in rest between opponents. The Relative Rest Index (RRI) quantifies these disparities by comparing rest differentials across matchups. While prior studies suggest that short recovery windows impair performance, the extent to which RRI influences team outcomes across eras remains unclear.
This study compared the relationship between RRI and win/loss ratio (W/L ratio) across two distinct scheduling periods: 1978–1985 (n = 224 team-seasons) and 2015–2022 (n = 224 team-seasons; 2020 excluded). Teams were categorized by season-average RRI and playoff depth, and outcomes were assessed via two-way ANOVAs and linear regression.
No significant main effects or interactions were observed for era, RRI, or playoff depth on W/L ratio (all p > 0.05). Regression models indicated that neither era nor RRI significantly predicted W/L ratio, with the model explaining only 0.6% of variance. These findings suggest that, despite well-documented physiological consequences of short rest in collision sports, rest inequities at the team level do not exert a meaningful influence on season-long success in the NFL.
Advancements in recovery science, strategic load management, and organizational resources may attenuate potential disadvantages, enabling elite teams to sustain performance regardless of rest disparities.
About the Candidate
Ryan W. Gant
M.S., Master of Science
University of Tampa, 2020
B.S., Exercise Physiology
University of Akron, 2018
Ryan is a doctoral candidate in Exercise Physiology at ¾Ã¾ÃÎçÒ¹ÐßÐßÓ°ÔºÃâ·Ñ¹Û¿´, where his research focuses on exercise immunology, recovery strategies, and performance monitoring in athletes. His dissertation work includes an analysis of rest inequality and the consequent influence on winning in the National Football League and an investigation examining the role of vitamin D supplementation on training load, performance, and cumulative inflammation in collegiate football players.
At ¾Ã¾ÃÎçÒ¹ÐßÐßÓ°ÔºÃâ·Ñ¹Û¿´ State, Ryan has served as a Research Assistant and taught undergraduate laboratory courses in Exercise Physiology. He has also held teaching roles at the University of Akron, instructing courses in strength and conditioning fundamentals and stress management. His research has been published in journals such as the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, International Journal of Strength and Conditioning, and the International Journal of Exercise Science. Additionally, he has presented nationally at the American College of Sports Medicine and National Strength and Conditioning Association conferences.
In addition to his academic work, Ryan has professional experience as a fitness specialist, certified personal trainer, and in cardiac rehabilitation. He is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) and an active member of the ACSM, NSCA, and the American Society for Matrix Biology. Ryan’s profession background also includes military service in the United States Army.
Doctoral Dissertation Committee
Director
Adam R. Jajtner, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
School of Health Sciences
College of Education, Health and Human Services
Members
Maghan Magee, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
School of Health Sciences
College of Education, Health and Human Services
John McDaniel, Ph.D
Professor
School of Health Sciences
College of Education, Health and Human Services
External Member
David Church, Ph.D.
Donald W. Reynolds Institute on Aging
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
Graduate Faculty Representative
Mark Lyberger, Ph.D.
Professor
School of Foundations, Leadership and Administration
College of Education, Health and Human Services