Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

The Effects Of Home-Based Pilates In Healthy College-Age Females, Betsy Donahoe-Fillmore, Mary Fisher, C. Brahler

C. Jayne Brahler

Objectives: To quantify and determine the effects of Pilates on core endurance, hamstring flexibility, balance, body composition/mass and perceived stress level in healthy college age females.

Study Design: Randomized controlled trial design.

Background: Emerging research on the Pilates technique is inconclusive regarding benefits to core endurance, flexibility, balance, body mass, and perceived stress.

Methods and Measures: Female college students (n=57; 18-35 years old) were randomly assigned to a Pilates group, who exercised at home with a DVD, or a control group who did not engage in Pilates practice. Core endurance, hamstring flexibility, balance, body composition and stress measurements were taken …

Gender Differences In Motivation To Resolve Eating And Body Image Concerns In College Students, Harold Merriman, C. Brahler, Laura Dinan, Lauren Finzer

C. Jayne Brahler

The objective of this study was to identify similarities and differences between college women and men with respect to their eating and body image concerns, weight fluctuation and level of motivation to resolve these concerns. 101 University of Dayton students participated in this study. Students completed an eating and body concern survey online.

Body image concerns were significantly greater for females compared to males (p=0.007) and significantly greater as motivation level to resolve the concerns increased (p=0.019). Eating concerns followed the same trends but did not reach statistical significance. Weight fluctuation in both genders increased significantly as motivation level increased …

Field Testing Adolescent Females For Cardiovascular Disease Risk, C. Brahler, Wesley Stephens, Betsy Donahoe Fillmore

C. Jayne Brahler

Over-fatness and poor cardiovascular (CV) fitness are well-documented risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) in adults, but less is known about their association with disease risk in adolescents. This study aimed to determine the relationship between anthropometrics, fitness, and CVD risk.

Six anthropometric indicators of body fatness, seven measures of fitness, and seven metabolic and hemodynamic CVD risk factors were measured in a convenience sample of 28 female high school students (15-18 years of age). A tally was made of the number of factors for which each subject was outside the normal reference range (CVD risk).

Correlation analyses were completed …

Indirect Effects Of Exercise On Emotional Eating Through Psychological Predictors Of Weight Loss In Women, James Annesi, Nicole Mareno

Nicole Mareno

Effects Of An After-School Care-Administered Physical Activity And Nutrition Protocol On Body Mass Index, Fitness Levels, And Targeted Psychological Factors In 5-To 8-Year-Olds, James Annesi, Alice Smith, Stephanie Walsh, Nicole Mareno, Kathleen Smith

Nicole Mareno

Psychosocial Predictors Of Emotional Eating And Their Weight-Loss Treatment-Induced Changes In Women With Obesity, James Annesi, Nicole Mareno, Kristin Mcewen

Nicole Mareno

Association Of A Behaviorally Based High School Health Education Curriculum With Increased Exercise, James Annesi, John Trinity, Nicole Mareno, Stephanie Walsh

Nicole Mareno

Reducing Health Disparities: Medical Advice And Health Behavior Of Minorities With Diabetes, Joan Vaccaro, Fatma Huffman

Joan A. Vaccaro

OBJECTIVE: to examine the relationships among reported medical advice, diabetes education, health insurance and health behavior of individuals with diabetes by race/ethnicity and gender. METHOD: Secondary analysis of data (N = 654) for adults ages > or = 21 years with diabetes acquired through the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) for the years 2007-2008 comparing Black, non-Hispanics (BNH) and Mexican-Americans (MA) with White, non-Hispanics (WNH). The NHANES survey design is a stratified, multistage probability sample of the civilian noninstitutionalized U.S. population. Sample weights were applied in accordance with NHANES specifications using the complex sample module of IBM SPSS version …

Dietary Intake Of Flavonoids And Hdl- And Ldl- Cholesterol In Two Black Ethnicities With And Without Type 2 Diabetes, Fatma Huffman, Joan Vaccaro, Gustavo Zarini, Zisca Dixon

Joan A. Vaccaro

Flavonoids are a class of over 6,500 plant metabolites that have been associated with reduced mortality from cardiovascular disease. A cross-sectional analysis of dietary flavonoids and serum cholesterol in 507 Blacks with and without type 2 diabetes (258 Haitian-Americans and 249 African-Americans) showed differences by ethnicity and diabetes status. Haitian-Americans consumed more of most flavonoids as compared to African-Americans. Individuals with type 2 diabetes consumed less of most flavonoids as compared to those without diabetes. Flavonoids were differentially associated with low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) by diabetes status. Flavanones were associated with lower LDL for participants …

Phylloquinone (Vitamin K₁) Intake And Pulse Pressure As A Measure Of Arterial Stiffness In Older Adults, Joan Vaccaro, Fatma Huffman

Joan A. Vaccaro

This study examined the relationships among ethnicity/race, lifestyle factors, phylloquinone (vitamin K₁) intake, and arterial pulse pressure in a nationally representative sample of older adults from four ethnic/racial groups: non-Hispanic Whites, non-Hispanic Blacks, Mexican Americans, and other Hispanics. This was a cross-sectional study of U.S. representative sample with data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys, 2007-2008 and 2009-2010 of adults aged 50 years and older (N = 5296). Vitamin K intake was determined by 24-hour recall. Pulse pressure was calculated as the difference between the averages of systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure. Compared to White non-Hispanics, …

Obesity And Serum High Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein Levels Among Elderly Turkish Immigrants In The Netherlands With Type 2 Diabetes, Shiryn Sukhram, Gustavo Zarini, Lamya Shaban, Joan Vaccaro, Fatma Huffman

Joan A. Vaccaro

The study examined the associations of anthropometric measures of obesity with high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels in Turkish immigrants with type 2 diabetes (T2D) living in the Netherlands. A total of 110 participants, physician-diagnosed with T2D, aged 30 years and older were recruited from multiple sources from The Hague, Netherlands. Serum hs-CRP levels were measured with immunoturbidimetric assay. Glycated hemoglobin (A1C) was determined by high-pressure liquid chromatography. Measures of obesity: body weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), hip circumference (HC), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) were determined. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlations and …

Inadequacy Of Micronutrients, Fat, And Fiber Consumption In The Diets Of Haitian-, African- And Cuban-Americans With And Without Type 2 Diabetes, Fatma Huffman, Joan Vaccaro, Gustavo Zarini, Daiane Biller, Zisca Dixon

Joan A. Vaccaro

Micronutrient insufficiency, low dietary fiber, and high saturated fat intake have been associated with chronic diseases. Micronutrient insufficiencies may exacerbate poor health outcomes for persons with type 2 diabetes and minority status. We examined dietary intakes using the Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs) of micronutrients, and Adequate Intakes (AIs) of fiber, and Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) for saturated fat in Haitian-, African-, and Cuban- Americans (n = 868), approximately half of each group with type 2 diabetes. Insufficient intakes of vitamins D and E and calcium were found in over 40 % of the participants. Over 50 % of African- …

Race/Ethnicity-, Gender- And Age-Specific Differences In Micronutrient Intakes Of Us Adults With And Without Diabetes, Joan Vaccaro, Fatma Huffman

Joan A. Vaccaro

Race/ethnicity-, gender- and age-specific differences in dietary micronutrient intakes of US adults ≥ 21 years were assessed from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2007–2008. The participants included Black non-Hispanics, Mexican-American and White non-Hispanics who signed an informed consent form for the interview and who completed the in-person 24-h recall. Micronutrient intakes were based on the Institute of Medicines' classifications of recommended dietary allowances specific for age and gender. Likelihood of many micronutrient insufficiencies was associated with being female, over 65 years, having diabetes and minority status. Younger and female adults had a greater likelihood of iron insufficiency than male …

Acculturation And Diabetes Self-Management Of Cuban Americans: Is Age A Protective Factor?, Fatma Huffman, Joan Vaccaro, Deva Gundupali, Gustavo Zarini, Zisca Dixon

Joan A. Vaccaro

Migration to the United States has been linked to obesity and poor diet quality. We investigated the relationship among diabetes self-management, diet, age and acculturation factors for 182 Cuban-Americans (Females = 110, Males = 72) with type 2 diabetes recruited from a randomized mailing list in South Florida. Inadequate glycemic control (β = 0.257), BMI (β = 0.251), total fat intake (β = 0.251), and smoking (β = 0.200), were positively associated, while understanding of overall diabetes care (β = -0.165), was negatively associated with migration (N = 162, adj.R2 = 0.286, F = 14.65, p < 0.001). These associations suggest …

Do Dietary Factors Contribute To Medical Cost For Cuban Americans With And Without Type 2 Diabetes?, Subrata Debnath, Gianna Gomez, Gustavo Zarini, Joan Vaccaro, Maha Al-Hajeri, Fatma Huffman

Joan A. Vaccaro

BACKGROUND: Cuban Americans have a high prevalence of type 2 diabetes, placing them at risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and increased medical costs. Little is known regarding the lifestyle risk factors of CVD among Cuban Americans. This study investigated modifiable CVD risk factors of Cuban Americans with and without type 2 diabetes. METHODS: Sociodemographics, anthropometrics, blood pressure, physical activity, dietary intake, and biochemical parameters were collected and assessed for n=79 and n=80 Cuban Americans with and without type 2 diabetes. RESULTS: Fourteen percent with diabetes and 24 percent without diabetes engaged in the recommended level of physical activity. Over 90 …

Social Determinants Of Fruit And Vegetable Intake And Validation Of Pro-Children Eating Habits Questionnaire For 3rd And 5th Grade Children, Zisca Dixon, Frederick Newman, Lacey Chapa, Joan Vaccaro, Fatma Huffman

Joan A. Vaccaro

BACKGROUND: The Pro Children Eating Habits Questionnaire has been evaluated as a valid and reliable tool in Europe to measure determinants of fruit and vegetable intake for children; however, it has not been validation for United States populations. The purpose of this study was to (1) assess the reliability and discrimination validity of fruit and vegetable correlates for the Pro Children Eating Habits Questionnaire; (2) investigate the predictive validity of determinants of fruit and vegetable consumption for multi-ethnic elementary school children; and, (3) to assess the association of social determinants with fruit and vegetable consumption. METHODS: One hundred and thirty …

Gender Differences In Medical Advice And Health Behavior Of Obese African Americans With And Without Type 2 Diabetes, Joan Vaccaro, Fatma Huffman

Joan A. Vaccaro

This study examined gender differences in medical advice related to diet and physical activity for obese African American adults (N = 470) with and without diabetes. Data from the 2007-2008 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were analyzed using logistic regression analyses. Even after sociodemographic adjustments, men were less likely to report receiving medical advice as compared with women. Both men and women given dietary and physical activity advice were more likely to follow it. Men were less likely to report currently reducing fat or calories, yet men withdiabetes were 5 times more likely to state that they were reducing …

Diabetes Self Management: Are Cuban Americans Receiving Quality Health Care?, Fatma Huffman, Joan Vaccaro, Subrara Nath, Gustavo Zarini

Joan A. Vaccaro

Objectives: We investigated the relationship among factors predicting inadequate glucose control among 182 Cuban-American adults (Females=110, Males=72) with type 2 diabetes mellitus (CAA). Study Design: Cross-sectional study of CAA from a randomized mailing list in two counties of South Florida Methods: Fasted blood parameters and anthropometric measures were collected during the study. BMI was calculated (kg/ m2). Characteristics and diabetes care of CAA were self-reported Participants were screened by trained interviewers for heritage and diabetes status (inclusion criteria: self-reported having type 2 diabetes; age  35 years, male and female; not pregnant or lactating; no thyroid disorders; no major psychiatric …

Serum Adiponectin And Ghrelin, Metabolic Syndrome And Diabetes Status In Cuban Americans, Fatma Huffman, Karina Knight-Sepulveda, Michael Mclean, Joan Vaccaro, Gustavo Zarini

Joan A. Vaccaro

Purpose: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is associated with the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and type 2 diabetes. Decreases in circulating adiponectin and ghrelin have been associated with MetS. Our primary aim was to evaluate the relationship of MetS with adiponectin and ghrelin for Cuban Americans with and without type 2 diabetes.

Methods: Cross-sectional study of 367 adults, self identified as Cuban extraction and randomly recruited from a mailing list of Broward and Miami-Dade counties. Fasted whole blood for adiponectin (ADPN) was collected using K3EDTA tubes and measured by ELISA. Ghrelin was assayed with fasted blood plasma by Enzyme Immunometric Assay. …

Treatment-Associated Changes In Body Composition, Health Behaviors, And Mood As Predictors Of Change In Body Satisfaction In Obese Women, James Annesi, Gisele Tennant, Nicole Mareno

Nicole Mareno

Parental Perception Of Healthy Eating And Physical Activity: Results From A Preliminary Photovoice Study, Nicole Mareno

Nicole Mareno

Birth Weight And Obesity Risk At First Grade In A Cohort Of Chilean Children, S. Loaiza, Alberto Coustasse, X. Urrutia-Rojas, E. Atalah

Alberto Coustasse

The purpose of the study was to determine the association of birth weight as a risk factor for obesity at first grade in a cohort of elementary school Chilean children. Height and weight at birth and follow up measurements at first grade were analyzed from a national cohort of 119,070 new borns. Subjects were classified by anthropometric characteristics: new born weight in kilograms, Ponderal Index, (birth weight/height³ x 100), and gestational age (physical maturity) categories at birth. The study tested the hypothesis that a macrocosomic newborn (4,000 g or > 8.8 pounds) or Large for Gestational Age , would be …

Temporal Aspects Of Psychosocial Predictors Of Increased Fruit And Vegetable Intake In Adults With Severe Obesity: Mediation By Physical Activity, Nicole Mareno, James Annesi

Nicole Mareno

Parental Perception Of Child Weight: A Concept Analysis, Nicole Mareno

Nicole Mareno

Adolescents' Perspectives Of Home, School And Neighborhood Environmental Influences On Physical Activity And Dietary Behaviors, Patricia Tucker, Jennifer Irwin, Jason Gilliland, Meizi He

Trish Tucker

This investigation sought to gain an understanding of how youth perceive neighborhood environmental influences on their physical activity and eating behaviors. This qualitative study targeted a heterogeneous sample of 12- to 14- year-olds in London, Ontario, Canada. Using a semi-structured interview guide, we conducted nine focus groups (n = 60) and used inductive content analysis to investigate their discussions. Most participants discussed their school, parks, and opportunity structures around their homes as influencing their physical activity, and overwhelmingly reported the availability of fast-food restaurants, convenience stores, and slow-food restaurants in their neighborhoods as influencing their eating practices. The descriptive information …

Environmental Influences On Physical Activity Levels In Youth, Patricia Tucker, Jennifer Irwin, Jason Gilliland, Meizi He, Kristian Larsen, Paul Hess

Trish Tucker

This study assessed the amount of physical activity engaged in by youth aged 11–13, in relation to: (1) the presence of neighborhood recreational opportunities, objectively measured within a geographic information system; and (2) parents’ perceptions of recreation opportunities in their neighborhoods. Students in grade 7 and 8 (n=811) in 21 elementary schools throughout London, Ontario completed the adapted Previous Day Physical Activity Recall and a questionnaire assessing environmental influences in the home and school neighborhoods. Parents/guardians of participants also completed a questionnaire eliciting demographic information and perceptions of the neighborhood environment. On average, students engaged in 159.9 min/day of physical …

Toward Nutrition Education For Adults: A Systematic Approach To The Interface Design Of An Online Dietary Assessment Tool, Y. Probst, L. Lockyer, Linda Tapsell, D. Steel, O. Mckerrow, M. Bare

Professor Lori Lockyer

To support nutrition-related behavioural change, a dietitian can offer tailored educational programmes based on patients’ specific dietary behaviours. A model has been developed to integrate learning technologies into this process. This tool allows patients to self-report their dietary intake, creating awareness, and to receive individually tailored dietary advice from their General Practitioner (GP) via a dietitian, to assist with change. This article examines how a step-wise approach to the interface design has allowed a multidisciplinary approach to automated dietary assessment to be undertaken. Concentrating on the identification of core foods and on the questionnaire format using an outline of the …

Assessing The Effectiveness Of Intuitive Eating For Weight Loss - Pilot Study, Judith Anglin

Judith C Anglin

The obesity epidemic is widely recognized as a major public health issue resulting in chronic diseases. Calorie restriction (CR) is frequently used for most weight loss programs. The intuitive eating (IE) approach uses an individual's response to internal cues of hunger, satiety, and appetite and replaces CR. The study was a randomized controlled trial with two groups that assessed the anthropometric measurements of obese adults using CR and IE to achieve weight loss. The participants were sedentary obese individuals with no history of chronic diseases. They engaged in physical activity three times per week for 30 minutes and recorded their …

Cultural Competency In Delivering Family Weight Management Programs: A Summary Of Lessons Learned, Nicole Mareno

Nicole Mareno

Overweight And Obesity Among White, Black, And Mexican American Children: Implications For When To Intervene, Janice Long, Nicole Mareno, Rebecca Shabo, Astrid Wilson

Nicole Mareno