Kinesiology 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: …

The Effects Of The Incentive Approach On Physical Activity And Sleep Utilizing Wearable Fitness Technology, Katie A. Schmidt, Courtney J. Sheets, Kassi A. Thiel, Morgan G. Wolf, Seth A. Paradis

Applied Health Sciences Student Works

PURPOSE: Wearable fitness technology (WFT) is a relevant tool in analyzing physical activity and sleep. Sleep and physical activity have symbiotic roles in maintaining wellness and returning the body to homeostasis. Currently, research is lacking in demonstrating effects of intensification on physical activity using WFT. This study analyzed the effects of incentivisation on physical activity and its relationship to sleep using the UP Jawbone. METHODS: 35 Bethel University students (16 males, 19 females) were recruited, ages 18-23 (20.49 years ± 1.44 years) and randomized into the control (17) or incentivized group (18). Sleep and physical activity data were recorded for …

Effect Of Activity Trackers And Text Messaging On Exercise, Fitness, And Physical Activity Self-Efficacy Of Middle School Students, Alison F. Pittman

Nursing Theses and Dissertations

A decrease in physical activity as children age is a contributing factor to the U.S. obesity epidemic. Middle school children are particularly vulnerable to sedentary activities. Activity trackers show promise as a means to motivate children and adults to increase physical activity (PA). This study examined the effect of a text messaging intervention and use of activity trackers with a companion social website on the body mass index (BMI), body fat percentage, physical fitness, and PA self-efficacy of middle school children. Children aged 11-14 (n=102) were randomly assigned to one of three groups for a 10-week intervention: activity tracker group; …