Life Sciences Commons^™

Examination Of The Monoamine Oxidase A Gene Promoter On Motivation To Exercise And Levels Of Voluntary Physical Activity, Erin M. Kinney

Senior Theses

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the genetic basis underlying voluntary exercise. Monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A) is an enzyme that acts on monoamine neurotransmitters, such as dopamine, to cause inactivation. There are several polymorphisms in the promoter region of the MAO-A gene, and these variations change transcriptional activity and the amount of MAO-A produced, leading to alterations in available dopamine levels. Interestingly, polymorphisms in MAO-A have been associated recently with physical activity level. This study sought to determine whether there is an association between motivation to exercise, levels of voluntary physical activity, and MAO-A gene polymorphisms.

Methods: …

Turning The Tables: A Student’S Study Into The Frequency Of Physical Activity Among University Faculty And Staff, Julianna M. Detrane

Senior Honors Projects, 2010-2019

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between physical activity and gender, position, social support, and motivation. The researcher conducted an observational, cross-sectional study of James Madison University faculty and staff (n=423) through the use of SurveyPlanet. The survey was adapted from the 2002 International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), and participants responded to items regarding their current moderate and vigorous physical activity level based on the previous seven days, as well as items assessing level of motivation and sources of social support. Results of a multiple regression analysis, F(4, 412) = 6.811, p < .001, adj. R² = …

Does A Higher Motivation Score Predict A Bigger Increase In 2km Ergometer Times In Female Collegiate Rowers?, Kaitlyn Mchugh

Health Sciences Student Work

Introduction. A collegiate athlete’s schedule is typically busier than a college student, requiring time for practice, competition, training, as well as normal college student responsibilities. Because their schedules are so busy, athlete motivation is a key determinant for sustained and improved performance. Methods. This study was a pre and post correlation study. In fall 2016, participants completed a pre and post SMS-28 questionnaire and a 2km ergometer aerobic capacity test. Collegiate Female Rowing team was recruited with 13 participants (ages 18-22). 4 weeks later, 7 participants filled out the SMS-28 questionnaire, based on a Likert Scale, and performed the 2km …