Digital Commons Network^™

The Effects Of Exercise On Adults With Intellectual And Developmental Disabilities, Addison Bates

Honors Theses

Exercise is essential for a healthy life and many people are unable to participate due to barriers. One population that seems to be extremely impacted by these barriers are persons with disabilities. People with disabilities are more likely to become obese and suffer from serious, chronic illnesses. There is a need for exercise programs catered to this population. There is a lack of exercise programs focused on people with disabilities, so through this research we are interested to see the impact of a 12-week exercise program and what results might occur from this lifestyle change. With the 12-week virtual program …

Anaerobic Capacity Measures In Healthy Active Adults Ages 18-29: Normative Reference Values And Differences Between Sex, Dylan E. Roberts

Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects

The purpose of this study was to develop normative reference values for the modified Anaerobic Speed Test (mAST), an anaerobic capacity test that can be administered and completed on a commercial treadmill. The mAST of 15% grade has been created as one of the only protocols based on the original AST protocol of 20% grade. However, no percentile norms currently exist for this protocol, limiting its usefulness and interpretation of results. This paper presents normative values for active healthy adults ages 18-29, separated by sex. The sample consisted of 276 active healthy volunteers (161 men and 115 women). All mASTs …

Recovery Following Proximal Humerus Fracture, Azar Varahrami Vigeh

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

There is currently a glaring gap in the existing knowledge to address individuals’ experiences while recovering from a proximal humeral fracture (PHF). The main objective of this dissertation was to understand better how recovery is perceived by individuals after PHF. This overarching objective aligned well with the broad conceptualization of the issue at hand as those provided by the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). Three inter-linked studies were conducted to provide a broader picture of recovery after PHF. The first study was a systematic review of prognostic factors predicting recovery after PHF in adults. This review demonstrated …

Evaluating The Social Informational Needs Of Emerging Adults With Genetic Conditions, Courtney Whitmore

Theses and Dissertations

Purpose: This study evaluated the healthcare provider’s role during the social development of emerging adults with a genetic condition. The study also identified the type of information and ways that these adolescents hope to receive information on the potential side effects or complications from engaging in risk taking behaviors and lifestyle choices.

Methods: Participants included both males and females aged 18-26 with achondroplasia, sickle cell disease, cystic fibrosis, or Marfan syndrome. Respondents were recruited to complete an anonymous online questionnaire via social media support groups or email notification.

Results: There were 103 total respondents that completed the questionnaire and met …

The Facilitators And Barriers To Physical Activity: The Perspective Of Adults With Disabilities, Elizabeth K. Keener

Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects

Children and adults with disabilities are at greater risk of developing higher levels of obesity, and chronic diseases associated with obesity (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2014). Physical activity is crucial to maintaining health, mobility, and slowing disease progression for all people, especially those experiencing disability. Despite this fact, physical activity levels in individuals with disabilities are very low (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2006). Lower physical activity levels in are the result of a complex interactions of personal and environmental factors that unfold across a lifespan. Research on the facilitators and barriers to physical activity …

The Effect Of Yoga On Growth Hormone Secretion In Young Men And Women, Aaron Eastham

All NMU Master's Theses

PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of an acute bout of yoga exercise on the secretion of growth hormone (GH) in healthy, young males and females. METHODS Seventeen participants (mean age 23.9 ± 3.9) were volunteered and completed the university IRB approved study. Participants completed a 60-min, certified instructor led yoga session. Blood (5ml) was collected at rest, 10-min prior (PRE), at the 35-min point during (MID), and immediately post (POST) the yoga session. Serum GH was measured using immunochemiluminometric assay. Resting GH levels were statistically compared to mid- and post-yoga GH levels using a …

Lack Of Glucocorticoid Receptor Hypersensitivity-Related Polymorphisms In An Undergraduate Population, Evan Leibovitz

Honors Theses

Obesity is a currently a major problem plaguing the world as a whole. The International Obese Task Force (IOTF) estimates at least 1.1 billion adults are overweight with some 312 million of those obese, globally. 1 As of 2004, in less than twenty years, the prevalence of obesity had more than doubled in adults with childhood obesity prevalence rising even more rapidly. Obesity, however, can be classified as a disease of its own or as a symptom of another disease. Two such diseases that have obesity as a symptom are Metabolic Syndrome and Cushing ’s syndrome. Metabolic Syndrome is a …

The Experience Of Having Primary Caregiving Responsibilities For An Adult Sibling With Down Syndrome, Patricia Sciscione

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

Abstract

Background: The current generation of adults with Down syndrome is living longer and is likely to outlive their parents. Siblings have been identified as the likely future caregivers for adults with Down syndrome, yet little is known about what the experience is like for those who are currently caring for their siblings. It is necessary to gain an understanding of what the service needs are for this population in order to assist sibling caregivers.

Objectives: To explore and describe the experience of being an adult who is partially or fully involved with primary caregiving responsibilities for a sibling with …

Development And Testing The Validity And Reliability Of Items And Scales To Assess Physical Activity Behavior Of Adults In The Expanded Food And Nutrition Education Program, Tarana Khan

All Dissertations

Given the rising prevalence of obesity and other chronic diseases in the United States, the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) includes physical activity as a core educational component along with diet quality, food safety, food resource management and food security. According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, research supports that participation in regular physical activity helps people maintain a healthy weight and prevent excess weight gain. When combined with reduced calorie intake, physical activity may aid weight loss and the maintenance of weight loss.
Two evaluation instruments are used in EFNEP nationwide. Nutritional intake is measured by a …

Multilevel Analysis Of Physical Activity Among Us Adults Across Us Census Regions: The Role Of Environmental Contexts, Sariyamon Tiraphat

Health Services Research Dissertations

This study uses nationally representative data to explain the variation in physical activity among U.S. adults across four geographic regions of Northeast, Midwest, South, and West. The purpose of the study is to investigate whether environmental conditions inclusive of natural amenity, built environment, urbanization, crime, and social economic neighborhood are associated with physical activity and whether these associations are modified by geographic region. The study also investigates whether the influences of environmental contexts vary by subgroup and whether they are modified by geographic region. Determining regional factors that influence physical activity is essential to planning appropriate physical activity interventions.

The …

The Effectiveness Of An Adapted Snap-Ed (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-Education) Curriculum For Adults With Intellectual Or Developmental Disabilities, Amanda Panting

All Graduate Plan B and other Reports, Spring 1920 to Spring 2023

Rates of overweight and obese adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities in the United States are high and associated with increased risk of chronic diseases. Many of these adults are trying to become more independent in the community and live in group homes where care is managed by a paid employee. Group home managers assist clients with daily living such as shopping and meal preparation and play an important role in their care. Nutrition and healthy behavior choices are important to help keep this population independent and decrease risks of excess weight and related diseases. Many group home managers and …

Development Of A Nutrition Education Program For Hispanic Women Of South Carolina Based On Nutrition And Cooking Classes Using The Health Belief Model And The Social Cognitive Theory, Marta Gamboa Acuna

All Dissertations

During 2005, Hispanics became the largest minority group in the country. In the case of South Carolina during 2006, the Hispanic population represented 3.5% of its entire population. In general, Hispanics have lower level of income and education, and higher obesity rates than other ethnic groups. In addition, several studies have shown that Hispanics lack a basic knowledge regarding health and healthy eating, food combinations, portion size and cooking skills. The purpose of this study was to develop and evaluate a nutrition and cooking program for Hispanics with low income and low education levels. To determine participants' needs, an instrument …

Identification Of Falls Risk Factors In Community-Dwelling Older Adults: Validation Of The Comprehensive Falls Risk Screening Instrument, Jennifer Marie Fabre

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Identifying risk factors and those at risk for falls is necessary. The first purpose of the dissertation was to validate the Comprehensive Falls Risk Screening Instrument (CFRSI) that weights falls risk factors and includes the subscale scores of history, physical, vision, medication, and environment, and a total falls risk score. The CFRSI total falls risk score was compared to subscale scores, physical activity, physical function, health-related quality of life (HRQL), and history of falls (Study 1). The second purpose of the dissertation was to determine associations between the CFRSI total falls risk score, race, education, and income (Study 2). Data …

Identification Of Factors Affecting Susceptibility To Depression And Influencing Quality Of Life In Adult Cystic Fibrosis Patients Based On Age-At-Diagnosis, Marlene Israelsen

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Approximately 10% of cystic fibrosis (CF) cases remain undiagnosed until age 18 or later and medical professionals are still unclear about the needs of these individuals. Adults with CF must either adapt to life with a chronic disease or transition into adulthood with CF. The purpose of this study was to address the impact of age-at-diagnosis on quality of life in a CF adult population.

The psychological functioning of 21 adult CF patients (seven adult-diagnosed (AD) and 14 pediatric-diagnosed (PD)) was assessed using the Beck Depression Index (BDI)-II. A descriptive review of demographic and clinical data, which included an assessment …

A Longitudinal Study, Part Iii: The Relationship Of Weight, Health Status, Diet And Anxiety To Serum Cholesterol Levels In Adults, Kristine S. Saunders

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Over an 18-year period, beginning in 1955, a group of subjects has been studied six times to determine if any relationship exists among serum cholesterol levels, body weight, health status, diet quality and stress or anxiety. For the first four test periods, extending through ages 7 to 16 years, there were 321 subjects. Later, in 1968, 86 of the original 321 subjects, now aged 19-22 years, were able to participate in a follow-up study. The 1974 study was able to involve 30 of the original 321 subjects now aged 26-29 years. Findings show that from approximately the fifteenth year onward …