Education Commons^™

Outcomes Of Virtual Diabetes Cook Along Classes, April Litchford, Jenna Dyckman, Cindy Jenkins, Andrea Schmutz, Carrie Durward

Outcomes and Impact Quarterly

USU Extension Diabetes Cook Along classes provide diabetes education to the public while removing barriers to participation. These classes teach relevant topics through hands-on activities to increase participants’ ability to effectively self-manage their diabetes symptoms. Evaluation results show that participants experienced high satisfaction (86%) and substantial knowledge gain (92%) after the classes.

Utilizing Best Practices For Preventing Injury Among Master Gardener Volunteers, Gabriela Murza

Outcomes and Impact Quarterly

Master Gardener Volunteers (MGV) participate in physically demanding service activities that put them at an increased risk for injury. Workshops were presented to MGVs to address ways to prevent or minimize injury and pain by using best practices, proper posture, and correct tool use when working in the garden.

Create Better Health Curriculum, Casey Coombs, Jaqueline Neid

All Current Publications

CBH is a comprehensive nutrition curriculum designed to teach adult SNAP-Ed participants how to eat well and be active on a budget. CBH combines nutrition and physical activity recommendations from United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Each lesson has three components: a nutrition topic based on the current Dietary Guidelines for Americans, a physical activity discussion based on USDA recommendations, and a Create recipe demonstration and sample. The components are woven together in eight lessons that are designed to keep participants engaged, while actively learning the skills needed to create a healthier lifestyle.

Vape Prevention In Rural Populations: Teacher Education, Jenna Hawks

Fall Student Research Symposium 2021

Background: The increased use and initiation of e-cigarette use (more commonly referred to as vape or vaping) in youth is a growing health concern. “Be Epic”, implemented in November of 2020 to May of 2021, is a multi-component e-cigarette preventative program targeting teachers, parents, and youth grades 5-12 in the Rural Southeast Utah counties of Carbon, Emery, and Grand. Methods: Be Epic teacher trainings were assessed with pre- and post- surveys measuring teachers’ knowledge, and confidence. Significance was measured utilizing aggregated sample t-tested pre- and post- survey means. Results: Participants showed an increase in knowledge and confidence pertaining to e-cigarette …

Promoting Inclusion Of Adults With Disabilities In Local Fitness Programs: A Needs Assessment, Samantha M. Ross, Bridgette Schram, Kathleen Mccarty, Nicole Fiscella, Willie Chun Wai Leung, Kayla Lindland

Developmental Disabilities Network Journal

Fit-Pals* is a university-based, service-learning program with a mission to prepare adults with disabilities to engage in lifelong physical activity. We conducted a Needs Assessment to evaluate recent programmatic partnerships with community-based fitness organizations. We aimed to (1) evaluate organizational perceptions of Fit-Pals’ partnership efforts, and (2) identify perceived organizational needs to improve inclusion practices. Representatives from each of our seven partner organizations participated in an online-survey, follow-up interviews, and a stakeholder meeting. A thematic analysis of survey and interview responses highlighted areas for programmatic growth related to training in disability awareness and fitness accommodations, and improved communication across all …

“Get Tough!”: A Case Study On The Development Of The Sport Ethic In Youth Lacrosse, Ross Budziszewski

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

While participation in youth sport is often linked with positive psychosocial and physical outcomes (Holt et al., 2017), this context can also cultivate ideals that lead to the development of unethical beliefs as well as unsafe sport practices (Al-Yaarbi & Kavussanu, 2017). The sport ethic is described as the deviant overconformity by an athlete to fit societal expectations of a sport’s high-performance culture (Hughes & Coakley, 1991). Strong beliefs in the sport ethic can lead to moral disengagement, antisocial behavior, and viewing sport like warfare (Shields, Funk, & Bredemeier, 2015). Although the sport ethic has been examined in competitive adult …

The Effects Of A Novel Sport-Based Intervention On Lower Body Muscle Function In Older Adults, Camille H. Dennis

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

Objective: This study aimed to examine the effects of a novel, small-court racquet sport, Pickleball, on lower body muscle power and functional performance of older adults, aged 60-75.

Background: Physical inactivity in the older adult population is associated with increased risks of falls, chronic illness, and decreased quality of life. Sports participation may have multiple benefits for improving these risks and have the added benefit of increased adherence among older adults. Pickleball, a popular new sport, is a small-court racquet sport that is moderate intensity, widely accessible, cost effective, and enjoyed by many older adults across the nation.

Methods: Five …

Stop-Signal Reaction Time Correlates With A Compensatory Balance Response In Older Adults, Derek England

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

Response inhibition involves stopping undesired and automatic actions allowing for behavioral flexibility. This ability is theoretically able to contribute to fall prevention, which older adults are known to have difficulty with. Although much has been learned from cognitive psychology regarding response inhibition, translation to the challenge of balance recovery is unclear. Recently a correlation has been found between performance on a standard test of response inhibition called the Stop Signal Task (SST) and a balance test that required inhibition of a reactive step in young adults. This highlights a neural mechanism for stopping action across different behavioral contexts in …

Effects Of Isokinetic Eccentric Versus Traditional Lower Body Multiple-Joint Resistance Training On Muscle Function In Recreationally Trained College-Aged Adults, Joshua P. Gordon

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

Purpose: Early adaptations of eccentric training show several advantages over concentric training. The purpose of this study was to quantify the effects of 4 weeks of multi-joint eccentric training versus traditional leg press training on muscle strength, rate of torque development (RTD; rapid strength) and jump and sprint performance adaptations.

Methods: Twenty-six resistance trained college-aged men and women performed either an eccentric or a traditional (control) resistance training program twice per week for 4 weeks. Single-joint isometric maximum and rapid strength (Biodex dynamometer; peak torque and RTD, respectively) and isokinetic strength of the knee extensors and flexors, maximum multi-joint eccentric …

Comparison Of Vestibular Contribution During Stair Ascent, Stair Descent, And Treadmill Locomotion, Alexander Kern

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

Stair negotiation accounts for 16% of fall related traumatic spinal cord injuries and the vestibular system plays a crucial role in fall avoidance through its role in maintaining balance during human locomotion, but its role in stair negotiation is unclear. The aim of this study was to compare the vestibular contribution to a) stair negotiation versus locomotion and b) stair ascent to stair descent in healthy young participants. It was hypothesized that, with cadence held constant, vestibular influence would increase during stair negotiation when compared to locomotion. We also expected the vestibular influence to increase during stair descent vs. ascent. …

Social Marketing Campaign For The National Eating Disorder Awareness Week Among Utah State University Students, Kelsey Despain, Maya Miyairi

Student Research Symposium

As one of the Healthy Campus 2020 initiatives, college campuses nationwide are encouraged to focus on reducing the proportion of students who report experiencing an eating disorder/problem within the last 12 months from 5.3% to 4.8% (American College Health Association, 2015). In a survey of 639 Utah State University (USU) students, 0.6% of respondents reported an eating disorder/problem having a negative impact on their academic performance (American College Health Association, 2015). Although this data is less alarming to our institution, we still have significant concerns about students’ body dissatisfaction and disordered eating behaviors such as extreme dieting and over exercise. …

Preserved Motor Asymmetry In Late Adulthood: Is Measuring Chronological Age Enough?, Sydney Y. Schaefer

Kinesiology and Health Science Faculty Publications

When comparing motor performance of the dominant and nondominant hands, older adults tend to be less asymmetric compared to young adults. This has suggested decreased motor lateralization and functional compensation within the aging brain. The current study further addressed this question by testing whether motor asymmetry was reduced in a sample of 44 healthy right-handed adults ages 65-89. We hypothesized that the older the age, the less the motor asymmetry, and that ‘old old’ participants (age 80+) would have less motor asymmetry than ‘young old’ participants (age 65-79). Using two naturalistic tasks that selectively biased the dominant or nondominant hands, …

Dissociation Of The Effects Of Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor Fluoxetine In Prelimbic Cortex On Disruption Of Timing And Working Memory For Time By Neutral And Negative Emotional Events, Chance Christensen

Undergraduate Honors Capstone Projects

Learning and memory abilities are altered in disorders of the serotonergic system, in disorders such as such as depression, phobias, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Among the processes impaired by emotional distracters, and whose dysregulation is documented in affective disorders, is the ability to time in the seconds-to-minutes range, i.e., interval timing. Presentation of distracters during timing tasks result in delays in responding suggesting a failure to maintain subjective time in working memory, as proposed by the Relative Time-Sharing (RTS) model. We investigated the role of the prelimbic cortex in the detrimental effect of anxiety-inducing distracters on the cognitive ability …

Regularity Of Performance On A Computer Tracking Task Is Different Between Concussed And Non-Concussed Individuals, Kedric James Glenn

Undergraduate Honors Capstone Projects

Concussion in athletics has raised public interest as more is learned about the damage done to the athlete. Some of the current field methods of assessing concussion do not look at neuro-cognitive recover, which can remain impaired long after the symptoms of concussion have passed. Other direct methods of assessing concussion are extremely expensive and are not easily portable.

We created a new assessment for concussion that is relatively inexpensive and portable using non-linear time series analysis of performance on a visual-motor tracking task. Approximate entropy (ApEn) is a tool that enables us to calculate the structure of variability form …

An Application Of Acceptance And Commitment Therapy As It Relates To Children, Hannah Thompson

Undergraduate Honors Capstone Projects

This paper expounds upon a modern therapy which has emerged as an effective, albeit less conventional, mode for the treatment of people with Obsessive-compulsive Disorder (OCD). Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, or ACT, is a therapy based on the premise that an effective way of coping with unwanted cognitions, such as those present in OCD, is for one to focus on life ideals and values. This approach contrasts with the conventional method of remedying the symptoms of a mental disorder such as OCD before pursuing life goals. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy has several dimensions which will be discussed.

Measurement Of Balance Disruption Following A Lower Extremity Injury In Female Soccer Players, Hannah Jaussen

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The main purpose for this study is to determine how balance is disrupted following an injury using the Neurocom Balance System, and also to track the progression through the rehabilitation process until the athlete is returned to participation. There are many reasons that this is beneficial not only to athletic trainers but also to the athletes. This provides objective information on the status of a person's balance, which prior to new technologies like the Neurocom System was impossible to measure. Athletic trainers can utilize this information to make better educated decisions regarding the athlete's rehabilitation, treatment, and return to participation. …

A Comparison Of Balance And Postural Stability Assessment Tools: Bess Versus Neurocom Balance Manager, Jamie Joliffe

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The BESS and the NeuroCom Balance Manager are two tests used to assess concussions. Utah State University uses a modified version of the BESS and this study looks at the correlations of this modified test to that of a more objective tool, the NeuroCom Balance Manager. Both testing tools were administered to 114 Utah State University football players. A Pearson product-moment correlation was used to observe the correlations between the two tests. The correlations reported that the overall score of the modified BESS was correlated to one stance (double leg stance on foam) of one of the tests administered on …

The Risk Of The Female Athlete Triad In Collegiate Athletes And Non-Athletes, Carla Southwick

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Prior research has found the female athlete triad in both female athletes and female non-athletes. This study consisted of 192 female participants attending Utah State University with 103 collegiate athletes and 89 non-athletes. The instruments used included the EAT-26, menstrual cycle history questionnaire, osteoporosis questionnaire, and time spent in exercise questionnaire. Results from the present study found a statistically significant difference between athletes and non-athletes being at risk for the triad with female athletes having a higher percentage (4.8%, 3.4%). No statistical significant correlation was found between the risk of the triad and excessive amounts of time spent in exercise …

Why Sex Education, Elizabeth Marie Davis

Undergraduate Honors Capstone Projects

Both sexually transmitted diseases and unplanned/unwanted pregnancy are very serious problems faced by our society today. The United States ranks highest in teen pregnancy over other developed country. In order to combat these very serious societal problems it is important to educate our adolescents. Information concerning safer sexual practices and how/where to get protection and contraception are both important. This thesis is a rational for developmentally appropriate content inclusion and a description of curriculum implementation for adolescents in the United States.

The Relationships Among Body Satisfaction, Self-Esteem, And Social Support In Undergraduate Men And Women, Sarah Murray Hodson

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Significant levels of body dissatisfaction exist among college women. Research has also shown levels of body dissatisfaction among college men. Numerous studies have been conducted to investigate the relationship between body dissatisfaction and self-esteem as well as the relationship between self-esteem and social support. Past research, however, has neglected to determine if a relationship exists between body dissatisfaction and social support.

This study sought to determine if this relationship exists for college men and women. The present study was also developed to test the relationships that have been found between social support and self-esteem as well as between self-esteem and …

The Effect Of The Estimate Of Resting Metabolic Rate On The Correlation Between Energy Expenditure As Estimated Using Self-Reports Of Physical Activity And Food Intake Records In Older Adults, Judy Hurd

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

This study measured total daily energy expenditure (TDEE) in adults at least 50 years of age. The goal was to determine the effect of the estimate of resting metabolic rate (RMR) on the relationship between energy expenditure estimates made using (a) self-reports of physical activity and (b) food intake records. The objectives were to determine if (a) RMR estimates based on body composition, body weight, and the metabolic cart were strongly related to each other, and (b) TDEE estimates based on a 7-day physical activity diary and a 7-day food intake record were more strongly related to each other when …

A Comparison Of Leadership Potential Between Physical Education And Recreation Majors At Utah State University, Karolyn Carroll

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The purpose of this study was to compare the leadership potential of students from upper level division students majoring in Physical Education as compared to students majoring in Recreation. Two psychological tests were utilized to measure leadership potential between these groups. They were the Leadership Ability Evaluation and the Leadership Q-Sort Test, which yielded data in 12 variables.

Analysis of this data revealed that there was significant difference at the .05 level in three of the twelve variables. A comparison of all means for the two tests favored the Recreation majors over the Physical Education majors in leadership potential.

In …

Organization And Administration Of The State Aaa Wrestling Tournament Held At Utah State University, Robert Duane Carlson

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

Amateur wrestling is one of our finest interscholastic sports. Although it is one of many sports that involves both individual and team competition, the individual wrestler classified according to weight, seems to receive more recognition than in many other sports .

Hence, the ultimate of individual expression in wrestling is the tournament. The growing emphasis on multi-team wrestling tournaments, has presented a problem in organizing and administering such a tournament. Little has been done in the past to help the inexperienced coach obtain the necessary information needed to help him feel confident about volunteering to direct and host a tournament. …

The History Of Men's Intramural Sports At Utah State University, David A. Turner

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

The history of men's intramurals at Utah State University has been one of improbable beginnings with unrecognized goals . It has grown to a program of very positive beginnings, and very recognizable goals.

This was done by implementing far reaching and forward looking ideas. Of Course, there were many times during the course of the departmental history when miscalculations were made; but in general, they were for the best.

The program now encompases three campus-wide leagues with some thirty to sixty teams, depending upon the sport.

An Evaluation Of The Recreation Program At Hill Air Force Base, Utah, Neil J. Andrew

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The effectiveness of achieving pre-determined goals by a military recreation department was studied at Hill Air Force Base, Utah. "Evaluation of Community Recreation" was the evaluation tool that was used, It is published by the National Recreation and Parks Association and was validated by the Great Lakes District Program Standards Committee in 1965. This evaluation contains 35 standards of measure involving 125 criteria to determine program effectiveness. These standards are in the general areas of philosophy and goals; administration; personnel; programming; areas, facilities, and equipment; and evaluation.

The study indicated a high degree of performance for programming and areas, facilities, …

Drinking And Student Understanding Of Alcohol And Alcoholism At The Utah State Industrial School, Elliot J. Anderson

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The Objectives of this investigation were to study the extent alcohol was used by students of Utah State Industrial School (SIS), determine the knowledge these students had of alcohol and alcoholism, and compare the data of the Industrial School with data obtained from selected public high schools in Utah.

Study results revealed a greater percentage of the SIS students had used alcoholic beverages and their first drinking experience occurred at an earlier age than for the high school students. Also, a greater percentage of the SIS students continued drinking after their first drinking experience. The percentage of SIS students having …

A Study Of The Extent Of Extramural Competition For Girls In The High Schools Of Utah, Betty Ann Dance

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Physical education is included as a part of the curriculum in most secondary schools throughout the United States. Since it is usually required for at least one year, and possibly more in some schools, it is important to design the program properly. A well-rounded physical education program is established to include three phases: the instructional phase, the intramural phase, and the extramural phase.

A History Of The Men's Physical Education Program At Utah State Agricultural College, Frank R. Tidwell

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Physical education has undergone many important and significant changes in its philosophy and objectives since its beginning in the United States in 1861.

A Study Of Women's Participation And The Administration Of Intramural Sports In The Junior Colleges Of Utah, Pauline Fuller

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The movement for intramural sports has developed and expanded greatly in the past two decades. Much of this growth has been attained by hard and patient work through many years. The pioneer work now accomplished, intramural directors must still assume the responsibility of keeping their programs abreast of the times.

Intramural sports appeared in schools long before interscholastic athletics. Students associated themselves together in clubs and competed against each other. This student intramural competition increased until in 1913 Michigan and Ohio State each inaugurated a department of intramural athletics under the direction of one man who was expected to handle …

A Study Of The Campus Recreation At Utah State Agricultural College, Tod V. Carlini

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The importance and growth of campus recreation is being felt by leaders throughout the country. Daniels (2, p. 38) summarizes the importance of the total organism in modern education as follows: "Ample justification for a consideration of, the problem of recreation may be found in the latest and most authoritative literature in the field of educat1on, as well as in a direct study of conditions found on many college campuses throughout the country. Rooted firmly in the philosophy of modern educatlon is the thought that the total organism must be given the opportunity for experiences of an all-round nature, with …