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Greenway Design And Planning For Healthy Communities: Case Study Of Knoxville, Yilin Shi

Masters Theses

Abstract

Greenway design and planning have become a multi-functional, multi-objective approach to address social, cultural and ecological concerns. Traditional greenway design and planning have focused more on ecological, historic and recreational values. However, the current focus of greenway planning is also shifting to community health, which includes both physical health and emotional health. This thesis focuses on physical health. This concern arises out of observations on obesity and physical inactivity as two of the most serious health problems in the United States which greatly threaten the quality of life in the country. Greenways can help address the issues of obesity …

A Healthy Community In Burlington Neighborhood, Maudy Indriani Budipradigdo

Masters Theses

Studies have shown that the rising rate of adverse physical, social and mental conditions are tightly related to a lack of physical activity, poor eating habits, and the lack of social interaction. Unlike health problems centuries ago which were often caused by lethal diseases, the contemporary health problems in the United States relate to peoples' lifestyles and built environments. Vehicle-oriented community design has caused limited physical activity and unhealthful eating habits that increase obesity and other related health problems. Modern built environments often unintentionally discourage social interactions and present unintended obstacles to physical activities which causes social and mental health …

The Association Of Genotype, And The Gene-Physical Activity Interaction Effect On Aerobic Fitness In Prepubertal, African American, Obese Children, Jennifer Irene Flynn

Masters Theses

Purpose: To determine the association of certain aerobic fitness and physical activity genotypes and the gene-physical activity interaction effect on aerobic fitness in pre-pubertal, African American, obese children. Methods: Subjects were 30 pre-pubertal, African American, obese children (9.5 ± 1.7 years) who were free of clinical disease. Height and weight were measured according to standard procedures. Body fat was assessed using dual energy x-ray absorptiometry, and DNA samples were collected using buccal swabs. Aerobic fitness was assessed using a cycle ergometer and the McMaster cycle protocol. ANOVAs were used to determine associations and interaction effects of the ACE, ADRB2, NOS3, …

The Effects Of Bisphenol A On Adipose Tissue Development, Metabolism, And Endocrine Function And The Role It May Play In The Development Of Obesity, Brantley Nelson Wyatt

Masters Theses

While diet and sedentary lifestyle remain important factors in the development of obesity, recent findings have shown the possible involvement of environmental obesogens, chemicals that can disrupt homeostatic energy balance and increase adiposity. Bisphenol A (BPA) is a compound used in the manufacturing of plastics as a hardening agent and is ubiquitous in the environment due to its widespread use. BPA has been shown to be an endocrine disruptor through its ability to mimic estrogen, which is now known to play important roles in adipose tissue growth and metabolism. In fact, a small but compelling number of studies have shown …