Life Sciences Commons^™

Racial Differences In Self-Efficacy Expectations For Exercise, Selena P. Smith

Honors Theses

This project examined the link between race and self-efficacy. Self-efficacy pertains to an individual’s confidence in ability to complete or engage in a particular task or activity (Bandura, 1986). Prior research shows that self-efficacy has a great influence on exercise initiation and adherence (Bandura, 1986; Dishman, 1982; Rodgers and Sullivan, 2001). Research also supports that Caucasians are more likely to participate in exercise than African Americans (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2000).

Participants included 51 females, 31 Caucasians and 20 African Americans, between the ages of 18 and 50 years old. The women were recruited from local fitness gyms, …

The Relationship Between Television Viewing Time And Cardiorespiratory Fitness In Adult Women, Peter Jacob Arens

Theses and Dissertations

Purpose: The present investigation was conducted to assess the relationship between television viewing time and cardiorespiratory fitness. Design: Cross-sectional. Setting: Intermountain West. Participants: 302 middle-aged women. Method: TV viewing was assessed using a questionnaire. Cardiorespiratory fitness was measured using a maximal graded treadmill test. Physical activity (PA) was evaluated using Actigraph accelerometers worn over seven consecutive days, while body fat percentage (BF%) was measured using air displacement plethysmography (Bod Pod). Results: (Mean ± SD) age: 40.2 ± 3.0 years. VO2max of the frequent (≥ 3hrs/day) TV group (32.6 ± 6.4) was significantly lower than both the moderate (1-2 hrs/day) (36.2 …

The Effects Of Game Size On The Physical Activity Levels And Ball Touches Of Elementary School Children In Physical Education, Kenneth Bell, Tyler G. Johnson, Jane Shimon, John Bale

Jane Shimon

The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of participating in small (3v3), medium (6v6), and large-sided (12v12) games on the physical activity levels (pedometer step counts, accelerometer counts, and minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity) and ball touches of children in physical education class. Participants were 29 students (55% boys and 45% girls) age 10-11 yrs. All participants wore a Yamax SW-200 pedometer and had their ball touches monitored and recorded. Twelve participants also wore an ActiGraph GT3X accelerometer. Repeated measure ANOVAs were computed to test for significant differences for each dependant variable with corresponding post hoc tests. …

The Effects Of Game Size On The Physical Activity Levels And Ball Touches Of Elementary School Children In Physical Education, Kenneth Bell, Tyler G. Johnson, Jane Shimon, John Bale

Kinesiology Faculty Publications and Presentations

The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of participating in small (3v3), medium (6v6), and large-sided (12v12) games on the physical activity levels (pedometer step counts, accelerometer counts, and minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity) and ball touches of children in physical education class. Participants were 29 students (55% boys and 45% girls) age 10-11 yrs. All participants wore a Yamax SW-200 pedometer and had their ball touches monitored and recorded. Twelve participants also wore an ActiGraph GT3X accelerometer. Repeated measure ANOVAs were computed to test for significant differences for each dependant variable with corresponding post hoc tests. …

Associations Of Smoking Status And Serious Psychological Distress With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, Ke-Sheng Wang, Liang Wang, Shimin Zheng, Long-Yang Wu

ETSU Faculty Works

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has been a major public health problem due to its high prevalence, morbidity, and mortality. Smoking is a major risk factor for COPD, while serious psychological distress (SPD) is prevalent among COPD patients. However, no study focusing on the effect of SPD on COPD has been so far conducted, while few studies have focused on the associations of SPD and behavioral factors with COPD by smoking status.

Objectives: This study aimed to examine the associations of SPD and behavioral factors (such as smoking and physical activity) with COPD.

Materials and Methods: Weighted logistic regression …

Validity Of Four Activity Monitors During Controlled And Free-Living Conditions, Joey Lee

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine the step count validity of the pendulum-based Yamax Digiwalker SW-701 pedometer (YX), piezoelectric Omron HJ-720-T pedometer (OP), uni-axial Polar Active accelerometer (PAC), and micro electro-mechanical system Actigraph gt3x accelerometer (AG) during controlled and free-living conditions. A convenience sample of college-aged students participated in Study 1 (treadmill walking, n = 43; 21 females) and Study 2 (free-living, n = 37; 18 females). During study 1, subjects walked on a treadmill at five speeds for 3-minutes per stage wearing all four devices while a researcher manually counted steps which provided a criterion measure. During …

Relationship Of Global Dna Methylation With Cardiovascular Fitness And Body Composition, Michael Steele Jarrett

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Background: Global DNA Methylation (GDM), an epigenomic modification has been linked to the development of Cardiovascular Disease and its risk factors. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine if there is a significant correlation between GDM and cardiovascular fitness, as well as, measures of body composition. Methodology: 26 apparently healthy, adults (11 males) completed a physical activity and diet questionnaire, as well as, had a small blood sample (600μL) collected via finger prick for the determination of GDM. Body composition was assessed by means of a Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) scan, while cardiovascular fitness was evaluated by the …

Validation Of A Previous-Day Recall Measure Of Active And Sedentary Behaviors, Charles E. Matthews, Sarah Kozey Keadle, Joshua Sampson, Kate Lyden, Heather R. Bowles, Stephen C. Moore, Amanda Libertine, Patty S. Freedson, Jay H. Fowke

Patty S. Freedson

Purpose—A previous-day recall (PDR) may be a less error prone alternative to traditional questionnaire-based estimates of physical activity and sedentary behavior (e.g., past year), but validity of the method is not established. We evaluated the validity of an interviewer administered PDR in adolescents (12–17 years) and adults (18–71 years). Methods—In a 7-day study, participants completed three PDRs, wore two activity monitors, and completed measures of social desirability and body mass index (BMI). PDR measures of active and sedentary time was contrasted against an accelerometer (ActiGraph) by comparing both to a valid reference measure (activPAL) using measurement error modeling and traditional …

Assessing The Effectiveness Of Nutrition And Physical Activity Self-Assessment For Child Care (Nap Sacc) For Changes In Physical Activity Behavior, Policy, And Environment In Nebraska Family Child Care Homes, Katie K. Bolte

College of Education and Human Sciences: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Nebraska is the first state to utilize NAP SACC and to modify the evidence-based program for family child care homes (FCCHs). The purpose of this study was to conduct a secondary data analysis to assess the effectiveness of a modified version of the NAP SACC approach in achieving changes in physical activity behavior, policy, and environment in Nebraska FCCHs caring for children ages 2-5 years. Results from this study will be used to improve the NAP SACC physical activity components for FCCHs and will help to inform trainers and the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, Nutrition and Activity …

A Diabetic Adolescent Case Study: Use Of A Website In Combination With An Exercise Program To Increase Physical Activity, Danielle Buckley, Nicole Demilia, Stephanie Tanzi, Furong Xu, Linda Lamont

Linda S. Lamont Ph.D.

International Journal of Exercise Science 5(3) : 296-300, 2012. The purpose of this study was to report on the efficacy of a web-based technology support to encourage physical activity in children. This program was designed to promote physical activity and proper nutrition in the diabetic adolescent with a weekly meeting that consisted of a 30-minute educational session followed by 60-minutes of exercise. A specifically designed website was used as a support to this weekly supervised exercise program. Outcomes assessment included body mass index (BMI), muscle strength (grip strength, back and leg strength), flexibility, exercise self-efficacy, and physical activity participation (pedometer, …

Healthy Eating And Physical Activity Challenges And Opportunities In After-School Programs: Providers’ Perspectives, Heather Thomas, L. Fellner, Patricia Tucker, Jennifer Irwin

Trish Tucker

The purpose of this study was to understand after-school program providers’ perspectives of (a) current physical activity and nutrition curriculum, practices, and challenges, and (b) necessary modifications, program suggestions or resource needs to improve the healthy eating and active living practices within their after-school program for children aged 6 to 12 years. This qualitative study targeted a sample of nine after-school program providers in London, Ontario. Data was collected via in-depth interviews and a demographic survey between January and April 2009. Strategies to enhance data trustworthiness were incorporated throughout. After-school program providers identified insufficient healthy eating curriculum and requested interactive, …

The Investigation Of Risk Factors For Upper Respiratory Infections Among College Students, Romie Barnes

Honors Theses

Upper respiratory tract infections and cold-like illnesses are common sources of morbidity among college students. The emphasis of hand-washing and reducing the dispersal of aerosol droplets by covering coughs and sneezes reduces the spread of the common cold. However, less emphasis is placed on other risk factors for reducing cold-like illness such as: stress level and physical activity (Doyle and Cohens 2009). An increase in stress and a decrease in physical activity are common among college students (Nichol et al 2005). For this reason, the present study analyzed the effects of stress and physical activity on the incidence of upper …

A Home-Based Exercise Intervention To Increase Physical Activity Among People Living With Hiv: Study Design Of A Randomized Clinical Trial, Jason R. Jaggers, Wesley Dudgeon, Steven N. Blair, Xuemei Sui, Stephanie Burgess, Sara Wilcox, Gregory A. Hand

Faculty Scholarship

Background

While combination antiretroviral therapy has extended the life expectancy of those infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), there is a high prevalence of comorbidities that increase the risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). The side effects associated with antiretroviral therapy (ART) lead to multiple metabolic disorders, making the management of these metabolic issues and risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in those treated with ART a critical issue. Clinical research trials, primarily clinical exercise, rarely include this population due to unique challenges in research methods with underserved minority populations living with a life threatening …

Validity Of Borg Ratings Of Perceived Exertion During Active Video Game Play, Brandon S. Pollock, Jacob E. Barkley, Nick Potenzini, Renee M. Desalvo, Stacey L. Buser, Ronald Otterstetter, Judith A. Juvancic-Heltzel

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 6(2) : 164-170, 2013. During physically interactive video game play (e.g., Nintendo Wii), users are exposed to potential distracters (e.g., video, music), which may decrease their ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) throughout game play. The purpose of this investigation was to determine the association between RPE scores and heart rate while playing the Nintendo Wii. Healthy adults (N = 13, 53.5 ± 5.4 years old) participated in two exercise sessions using the Nintendo Wii Fit Plus. During each session participants played a five-minute warm-up game (Basic Run), two separate Wii Fit Plus games (Yoga, Strength …

Stress Reactivity In Humans And Animals: Two Meta-Analyses, Brad Wipfli, Ernesto Ramirez

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 6(2) : 144-156, 2013. Previous meta-analyses examining the effects of exercise on stress reactivity have included methodologically weak studies; we therefore conducted a meta-analysis utilizing more stringent inclusion criteria. An analysis of 33 randomized controlled trials involving humans (N = 1,252) revealed a moderate effect (ES = -0.31; 95% CI = -.43, -.20) for exercise as a method to reduce stress reactivity. An additional analysis with 27 randomized controlled trials of physical activity in animals (N = 462) also revealed a moderate reduction (ES = -0.33; 95% CI = -0.15, -0.52) …

Attraction To Physical Activity Of Generation Z - A Mixed Methodological Approach, David Biber

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The prevalence of obesity in Generation Z, which includes individuals born after the year 2000, has tripled that of Generation Xers of 1980 (Ogden et al., 2010). Rising levels of obesity have been associated with increased physical inactivity (WHO, 2013). Attraction to physical activity can be grounded in the Self-Determination Theory (SDT; Deci & Ryan, 1985), which defines intrinsic and extrinsic motivation and the roles each type of motivation plays in social and cognitive development. The purpose of the current research was to use a mixed-methodological approach to understand attraction to physical activity of a Generation Z sample via semi-structured …

Awareness Of Physical Activity Levels And Sedentary Behaviour: An Assessment Of Awareness Of Physical Activity Levels And Sedentary Behaviour Among Parents And Children, Tripat Simran Kaur Grewal

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

The purpose of this study was to assess awareness of physical activity and sedentary behaviour among parents and children aged 10-13 years. Associations between awareness and factors including age, BMI, gender, and obesity status were also examined. A total of 53 parent-child dyads participated in the study. Agreement between parent and child subjective measures (self-report) and objectively measured physical activity was examined to determine awareness. Most parents (87%) and children (83%) overestimated child moderate-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) beyond 30 minutes/day. The majority of parents (87%) and children (85%) also underestimated child sedentary behaviour by at least 3 hours/day. Older children …

The Impact Of Co-Active Coaching On Physically Inactive 12 To 14 Year Olds In Ontario, Paul Gorczynski, Don Morrow, Jennifer Irwin

Donald Morrow

This study assessed the impact of life coaching on physical activity participation, self-efficacy, social support, and perceived behavioural control among physically inactive youth between the ages of 12 and 14 years in London, Ontario. The multiple-baseline across participants single case-experimental design study consisted of five 12 to 14 year olds. Six coaching sessions were conducted over two months by a certified professional Co-active coach. Physical activity increased for one participant while the other participants’ physical activity remained unchanged. No significant changes occurred in self-efficacy, social support, and perceived behavioural control with specific regard to becoming more physically active. Results indicted …

The Effects Of 6-Weeks Of Resistance Training On The Neuromuscular Fatigue Threshold In Older Adults, Nadia Emerson

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Age-related deficits in muscle mass, strength, and function place an increased burden of work on existing skeletal muscle and may lead to early onset of neuromuscular fatigue (NMF) during activities of daily living. Resistance exercise (RE) is the proven method for improving neuromuscular function in healthy older adults. PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of 6 weeks of RE on the NMF threshold as well as strength and functional performance in older adults. METHODS: Twenty-four older adults were randomly assigned to 6 weeks of RE (EXE; n = 12; age 72 ± 6.3 y; BMI 28.4 kg/m2 ) or control (CONT; …

Physical Activity, Physical Fitness Or Physical Education: Are We Betting On The Wrong Horse?, Beth P. Hands

Health Sciences Papers and Journal Articles

If you read the daily newspaper, it is highly likely there will an article on the importance of physical activity. A recent survey I undertook showed that on some weeks up to 25 articles with physical activity as a key word were published in mainstream Australian papers. A key word search of peer reviewed journals in Academic Search Premier reveals a similar pattern-with up to 30,000 articles having the word physical activity in the abstract. This is a relatively recent phenomenon. The number of published articles about physical activity related studies has grown astronomically compared to two other important terms, …

Environmental, Human And Socioeconomic Characteristics Of Pedestrian Injury And Death In Las Vegas, Nv, Jennifer Renee Pharr, Courtney Coughenour, Timothy J. Bungum

Environmental & Occupational Health Faculty Publications

Background: Pedestrian crashes are a deterrent to physical activity, especially walking. The purpose of this study was to analyze pedestrian crash characteristics in Clark County, NV and to determine if there was a significant relationship between pedestrian crashes and socio-economic variables.

Methods: Police reported pedestrian crash data collected between January 2009 and December 2011 were analyzed. Frequencies and rates for pedestrian crashes, injuries and deaths were calculated for environmental and human characteristics. Chi square tests were utilized to determine if there were significant differences in environmental and human characteristics for pedestrian injuries and deaths. Zero-inflated negative binomial (ZINB) regression analysis …

Classroom Exercise Breaks And Educational Outcomes In Elementary School Students, Erin Kaye Howie

Theses and Dissertations

Previous research has shown that physical activity may have beneficial effects on cognitive performance and academic achievement in children, but the optimal type and dose are unknown. Classroom exercise breaks are one type of physical activity opportunity in schools, with the potential to reach a large number of children. The purpose of this dissertation was to describe the prevalence and characteristics of classroom exercise breaks in central South Carolina, and to determine the acute effects of classroom exercise breaks on executive functions, math performance, on-task behavior and affective responses in 9 to 12 year-old children. Additionally, the dissertation examined the …

Associations Between Resting Metabolic Rate And Energy Storage In Young Adults, Robin Shook

Theses and Dissertations

At the most basic level obesity is the result of a chronic imbalance between energy intake and energy expenditure. However, the exact etiology is considerably more complex and may involve a variety of physiological and behavioral factors. Metabolic disturbances, including reduced fat oxidation as measured by the respiratory quotient (RQ) and reduced resting metabolic rate (RMR), have been identified as possible predictors of changes in body weight and body composition. RMR represents the largest component (60-80%) of caloric expenditure that contributes to total daily energy expenditure in humans and has high inter-person variability (±25%) but not within individuals (<±5%). The cause of this variability between individuals and the exact role of RMR and RQ in determining body weight and body composition are uncertain.

This …

Integrating Movement And Science To Promote Physical Activity And Academic Performance In Middle School Children, Kevin E. Finn, Kyle Mcinnis

Health Sciences Faculty Publications

Background: Recommendations from leading U.S. health agencies concerned with reducing childhood obesity call for increased physical activity during school and afterschool environments. Methods: We developed the Active Science curriculum, which is a variety of activity-based lessons (e.g., nature hike, dance class, walk at local park, treadmill at local YMCA) and incorporated them into traditional science classes and after school programs for middle school children in a low-income, ethnically diverse community. Following the activity experiments, students and teachers uploaded data from devices to an interactive website that provided inquiry-based exploratory learning of science content. Results: Physical activity results showed that the …

Effectiveness Of Exercise On Cognitive Impairment And Alzheimer’S Disease, Sandor Balsamo, Jeffrey Willardson, Frederico Santos De Santana, Jonato Prestes, Denise Coscrato Balsamo, Dahan Da Cunha Nascimento, Leopoldo Dos Santos-Neto, Octavio T. Nobrega

Jeffrey Willardson

Physical activity has a protective effect on brain function in older people. Here, we briefly reviewed the studies and results related to the effects of exercise on cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease. The main findings from the current body of literature indicate positive evidence for structured physical activity (cardiorespiratory and resistance exercise) as a promising non-pharmacological intervention for preventing cognitive decline. More studies are needed to determine the mechanisms involved in this preventative effect, including on strength, cardiorespiratory, and other types of exercise. Thus, the prevention of Alzheimer’s disease may depend on healthy lifestyle habits, such as a structured physical …

Effectiveness Of Exercise On Cognitive Impairment And Alzheimer’S Disease, Sandor Balsamo, Jeffrey Willardson, Frederico Santos De Santana, Jonato Prestes, Denise Coscrato Balsamo, Dahan Da Cunha Nascimento, Leopoldo Dos Santos-Neto, Octavio T. Nobrega

Faculty Research and Creative Activity

Physical activity has a protective effect on brain function in older people. Here, we briefly reviewed the studies and results related to the effects of exercise on cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease. The main findings from the current body of literature indicate positive evidence for structured physical activity (cardiorespiratory and resistance exercise) as a promising non-pharmacological intervention for preventing cognitive decline. More studies are needed to determine the mechanisms involved in this preventative effect, including on strength, cardiorespiratory, and other types of exercise. Thus, the prevention of Alzheimer’s disease may depend on healthy lifestyle habits, such as a structured physical …

Association Of Iron Depletion With Menstruation And Dietary Intake Indices In Pubertal Girls: The Healthy Growth Study, George Moschonis, Dimitrios Papandreou, Christina Mavrogianni, Angeliki Giannopoulou, Louisa Damianidi, Pavlos Malindretos, Christos Lionis, George P. Chrousos, Yannis Manios

All Works

The aim of the present study was to investigate the associations of iron depletion (ID) with menstrual blood losses, lifestyle, and dietary habits, in pubertal girls. The study sample comprised 1222 girls aged 9-13 years old. Biochemical, anthropometrical, dietary, clinical, and physical activity data were collected. Out of 274 adolescent girls with menses, 33.5% were found to be iron depleted (defined as serum ferritin < 12 g/L) compared to 15.9% out of 948 girls without menses. Iron-depleted girls without menses were found to have lower consumption of poultry (P = 0.017) and higher consumption of fruits (P = 0.044) and fast food (P = 0.041) compared to their peers having normal iron status. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that girls with menses were 2.57 (95% CI: 1.37, 4.81) times more likely of being iron depleted compared to girls with no menses. Iron depletion was found to be associated with high calcium intake, high consumption of fast foods, and low consumption of poultry and fruits. Menses was the only factor that was found to significantly increase the likelihood of ID in these girls. More future research is probably needed in order to better understand the role of diet and menses in iron depletion. © 2013 George Moschonis et al.

The Big Blue Test: Effects Of 14 Minutes Of Physical Activity On Blood Glucose Levels, Sheri R. Colberg, Manuel J. Hernandez

Human Movement Sciences & Special Education Faculty Publications

[First paragraph] For most with diabetes, physical activity has a blood glucose lowering effect (1). Hypoglycemia (i.e., blood glucose < 65 mg/dL) resulting from exercise is a concern, particularly for insulin users (2).

Prescribing Physical Activity To Prevent And Manage Gestational Diabetes, Sheri R. Colberg, Kristin Castorino, Lois Jovanovič

Human Movement Sciences & Special Education Faculty Publications

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is the most prevalent metabolic disorder during pregnancy. Women diagnosed with GDM have a substantially greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes within 5-10 years after delivery, and the risk is increased by excess body weight. Uncontrolled hyperglycemia during pregnancy is potentially harmful to both mother and fetus, resulting in a greater need for Caesarian-section deliveries, delivery of larger infants with more excess body fat, a greater risk of infant death and stillbirth, and an elevated risk of infant hypoglycemia immediately after birth. Fortunately, engaging in physical activity prior to and during pregnancy may lower the …

Measuring Exercise Self-Efficacy In Pregnant Women: Psychometric Properties Of The Pregnancy-Exercise Self-Efficacy Scale (P-Eses), Helen W. Bland, Bridget Melton, Elaine S. Marshall, Jacquelyn N. Zera

Jacquelyn Nagle Zera