Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Differences In Mental Health Education Across Baby Boomers, Generation X, And Millennials, Ashlyn M. Avera

Honors College Theses

There is no denying that mental illness has gained a strong prevalence in the United States. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, approximately one in five adults in the United States experiences a mental illness in any given year. Although mental health stigmas have played a role in the past, it does not mean they must continue to play the same role in the future. Research is now looking toward ways to decrease mental health stigma through increasing mental health knowledge. This study examines the starting point for which a society becomes literate in mental health. Using a …

The Effects Of Static Stretching On Pennation Angle And Muscle Power Production In The Triceps Surae Complex, Lacey G. Dennis

Honors College Theses

Many studies have examined how power is affected by static stretching. However, little research has been completed to examine why the muscle power production is affected by static stretching. The purpose of this study is to see the correlation of how pennation angle (PA) and muscle power production (MPP) is affected by a static stretching protocol. For the methodology, PA of the medial and lateral gastrocnemius muscle will be measured using Terason ultrasound machine. After the PA is measured participants will perform a vertical jump on a force plate while utilizing a Vertec, to determine the height of their jump …

Not So Affordable Healthcare, Ashlee Charles

Honors College Theses

Rising healthcare cost in the United States has created a need to understand how a lack of healthcare coverage is decreasing women’s quality of life and leading to negative health outcomes. Though the goal of the 2010 Affordable Care Act is to give more Americans access to affordable health insurance and to reduce the growth in health care spending, it still remains unaffordable for many Americans. The purpose of this study was to identify what ecological factors impede and/or promote the quality of life for medically uninsured women. Through a focus group, participants shared information on how living without health …

Reported Self-Care Practices And Perceptions Of Well-Being In Caregivers Of Children With Cancer, Rachel S. Siclare

Honors College Theses

Thousands of American children are diagnosed with cancer annually. Cancer does not only affect these children, but also those that care for them. This study examined quality of life issues facing caregivers of children with cancer as a beginning effort in the investigation of this ongoing problem. Caregivers were surveyed at a pediatric hematology-oncology clinic. The surveys assessed caregiver burnout and level of self-care. Data was assessed using IBM SPSS software to determine signs of distress and decreased well-being in these participants. The results of this project will hopefully inspire other individuals to continue research in this field of study.

Practicing Therapeutic Recreation In A World Of Differences, Morgan Herrington

Honors College Theses

Therapeutic recreation (TR) services are available to any individual who wishes to increase quality of life and improve functioning. The profession is based on many conceptual foundations, including quality of life; perceived freedom; intrinsic motivation, self-efficacy, and self-determination; health, wellness, and disability; and recreation and leisure. However, these Western-ideological perspectives may hinder the introduction and practice of TR in countries with other worldviews. This study was designed to explore different worldviews and to evaluate the conceptual foundations of TR with respect to these differences. Findings attempt to identify ways to adapt and shape TR foundations so that it may be …

Blow Fly (Diptera: Calliphoridae) Responses To Different Colors Of Baited Traps, Oluwadamilola Olufunso Oke

Honors College Theses

Blow flies (Diptera: Calliphoridae) are usually the first insects to colonize human remains. By determining the time of colonization, a postmortem interval (PMI), or “time of death”, can be estimated. To develop more accurate PMI estimates, it is important for forensic entomologists to understand the cues that Blow flies use to locate vertebrate remains. The purpose of this study was to determine whether Blow flies use visual cues, in addition to olfactory cues, to locate carrion. Two colors of fly traps, clear and green, were constructed and chicken gizzard used as bait. Three Blow fly species exhibited a significant preference …

A Study Exploring Parents’ And Occupational Therapists Views On Facilitating Social And Emotional Development, Salena C. Neuwar

Honors College Theses

This study examined how parents of a child with a disability and the child's occupational therapist each facilitate social and emotional development among children who have or are currently receiving occupational therapy services. This study first served to identify, through interviews, what social and emotional skills are important individually to the parent and the occupational therapist that the child gains. Through interviews, the researcher investigated the perceptions of how parents and occupational therapists facilitate social and emotional skills. The location of the therapy session was found to be a vital component among parent and occupational therapist interaction. Finally, this research …

Exploring Job Satisfaction And Preceptorship Capacity Among Applied Epidemiologists, Jessica C. Arrazola

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Job satisfaction is important to consider when developing strategies for recruitment and retention. The Public Health Workforce Interests and Needs Survey (PH WINS) conducted in 2014 was the first nationally representative assessment of the state public health workforce. Prior to this assessment, the job satisfaction of state agency public health workers and preceptor capacity had not been measured. This study fills the current research gaps by studying the job satisfaction among the applied epidemiology workforce, identifying factors influencing job satisfaction, and the describing the preceptorship capacity among epidemiologists. This research is based on the 2014 PH WINS data. The analysis …

Goal Orientation, Motivational Climate, And Exercise As Predictors Of Eating Disorder Risk Factors Among College Students, Carly Wahl

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

College is a transition period in a young adult’s life in which eating disorder symptomology is especially prevalent. Additionally, motivation-based factors such as goal orientation and motivational climate can influence these eating disorder-like behaviors, especially in a physical activity setting. The present study aimed to examine how goal orientation, motivational climate, and exercise could be used to predict a college students’ eating disorder symptomology. Participants included 276 college-aged males and females from a university in the southeastern United States. These participants had experience using the university recreation activity center and were recruited from a required healthful living course. Each participant …

Treatment Choice Among Combat Veterans, Zachary Clayborne Dietrich

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

A plethora of research has investigated PTSD treatment outcomes among Veterans of foreign wars. However, research has suggested mixed treatment efficacy. Although investigations into factors that may help predict treatment outcomes are emerging, to date no study has evaluated treatment choice among Veteran populations. Previous treatment choice studies have yielded qualitative and quantitative information that can be useful in clinical decision-making. This study looks to build upon the treatment choice literature with combat Veterans to evaluate for underlining characteristics of cohorts that will help build upon existing knowledge. It has been suggested that treatment benefits Vietnam Era Veterans more than …

Validity And Reliability Of The Balance Tracking System™ During Static Stance, Cody L. Grotewold

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Introduction: The Balance Tracking System™ (BTrackS™) is a balance board designed to quickly analyze postural control through center of pressure (COP) analysis.

Purpose: Examine concurrent validity and test-retest reliability of the BTrackS™ during static stance.

Methods: A convenience sample of 51 healthy collegiate students between 18 - 25 years old (21.8 ± 3.1 years) completed four, 20 second (s) trials of feet together static stance during both eyes open and closed trials. Data was simultaneously collected on the BTrackS™ and a laboratory force plate to establish concurrent validity. A second testing session was administered 48 - 72 …

Heart Rate Recovery And Blood Pressure Recovery Influenced By A Slow-Breathing Protocol After Exercise In Moderately Trained Females, Emily Layne Zumbro

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Heart rate (HR) and blood pressure (BP) increases in order to meet metabolic demands as a result of exercise primarily through way of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) and parasympathetic nervous system (PNS). This study aimed to build on previous research in finding the best method to rapidly decrease HR and BP after exercise during the recovery period. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of a breathing technique on HRR and BPR within a healthy female population during an exercise recovery period compared to active recovery and upright passive recovery. METHODS: Nine moderately trained female …

Application Of The Misclassification Simulation Extrapolation (Mc-Simex) Procedure To Log-Logistic Accelerated Failure Time (Aft) Models In Survival Analysis, Varadan Sevilimedu

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Survival analysis is the study of time to event outcomes. Accelerated Failure Time models (AFT) serve as a useful tool in survival analysis to study the time of occurrence of an event and its relation to the covariates of interest. The accuracy of estimation of parameters in a model depends upon the correct measurement of covariates. Considering that perfect measurement of covariates is highly unlikely, it is imperative that the performance of the existing bias-correction methods be analyzed in AFT models. However, certain areas of bias-correction in AFT models still remain unexplored. One of these unexplored areas, is a situation …

Reliability And Validity Of The Gwalk For Use In Postural Control, Megan Mormile

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Introduction: Clinical examinations are highly subjective when compared to the more sensitive and robust measures observed with force platform assessment. Currently, few methods exist to quantify objective postural control deficits in an easier and more accessible way for clinicians. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the reliability and validity of a wireless inertial sensing device, the BTS GWalk, during postural control assessment. Methods: Fifty-six participants (27 male, 22 ± 1.9 years, 29 female, 21 ± 0.9 years) performed three trials each of quiet standing with eyes open (EO) and eyes closed (EC) on a force …

The Effects Of Chronic L-Carnitine And Carbohydrate Supplementation On Body Composition And Athletic Performance In Female Endurance Athletes., Melissa Eryn Stack

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Purpose. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of chronic L-carnitine and carbohydrate supplementation on body composition, perceived exertion, and athletic performance in recreationally-trained female endurance runners. Methods. On three separate occasions, twenty-one days a part, seven recreationally-trained female endurance runners performed a timed progressive treadmill test to exhaustion as well as a body composition assessment using the Bod PodÒ. Participants were randomly assigned to one of two groups – L-carnitine (LC) or L-carnitine plus carbohydrates (LC + CHO). The LC group consumed 2 g of L-carnitine L-tartrate and the LC + CHO group consumed 2 g …

Student-Athletes' Knowledge Of Athletic Trainers' Scope Of Practice, Jessica Pearson

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Context: As a member of the sports medicine team, athletic trainers serve athletes through injury prevention, evaluation, and rehabilitation. While it is imperative for members of the sports medicine team to have knowledge of scope of practice of athletic trainers, it may also be important for athletes as well, so that the athletic trainers can be properly utilized by all parties. Although previous research has been completed on how athletes’ sport profile and satisfaction of care relate, no previous studies were identified that assessed athletes’ knowledge of athletic trainers’ scope of practice.

Objective: Determine student-athletes’ knowledge of athletic …

The Effects Of Stimulant Medication On Reaction Time In Recreationally Active Individuals With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Nichole Ashley Lafortune

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Context: Participants with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) have shown cognitive impairments that affect coordination, anticipation and planning. In the ADHD population, stimulant medication has shown to have beneficial outcomes for 75% of the people. Unfortunately, in most research, patients with ADHD are excluded and little is known about this population.

Purpose: Determine the effects of stimulant medication in recreationally active ADHD participants on reaction time.

Design: Cross-section between groups design

Methods: Participants were divided into two groups (ADHD and controls). Upon arrival to the Biomechanics Lab participants performed two tests, Mode A and Mode D on the Dynavision …

Investigating Problems Associated With Patient Care Reports And Transferring Data Between Ambulance And Hospitals From The Perspective Of Emergency Medical Technicians, Smiljana Cuk

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Many hospitals have switched to electronic records but emergency medical services continue to use some paper-based reports. Ambulances that have electronic-based systems use them only internally because they are not integrated with hospitals’ systems. This study investigated problems with paper-based, computer-based reports, and transferring patients and their information from an ambulance to the emergency department. Emergency medical technicians were interviewed using qualitative methods. After coding and analyzing their answers, results showed that all emergency medical technicians would like to see a change from paper to electronic transfer of information and that it was difficult to write the report while riding …

Concussion Knowledge And Understanding In Ghsa Guardians, Chloe C. Salway

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Context: Concussions are a serious injury that could result in both short and long-term consequences, particularly if not recognized and managed appropriately. Concussion education has been implemented, mostly as a result of Concussion legislation. Coach and athlete concussion education has been evaluated in the literature, however the literature is scarce on parental concussion education.

Purpose: To assess concussion knowledge and understanding in guardians of Georgia High School Association (GHSA) student-athletes that completed the GHSA concussion awareness form, in comparison to those that received additional concussion education.

Methods: This study utilized a prospective cross-sectional descriptive research design. Participants were GHSA guardians …

Examining Preference Of Home-Based Telemental Health Among Rural Veterans, Paige Dixon

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Rural veterans face significant disparities to health care that have resulted in lower physical and mental health related quality of life when compared to their urban counterparts (Weeks et al., 2006). Such disparities are further complicated by the six-fold increase in prevalence of mental health diagnoses among Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom veterans (Seal et al., 2009). These rising rates are particularly relevant to rural veterans as they represent 41% of the overall Veteran Health Administration enrollees, but only 19% of the general population (U.S., Department of Veterans Affairs, 2012; U.S. Census Bureau, 2014). Rural veterans face three …

Differences In Trunk And Hip Flexion/Extension Strength, Jasmin Brown

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Context: The definition of the “core” within the literature is misconstrued: some researchers believe the core only involves muscles of the trunk while others believe it also includes muscles of the hip. Core strength tests typically include exercises that activate hip flexors and extensors without a firm definition of the “core” including the muscles of the hip. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to differentiate between the strength of the trunk and hip during flexion and extension.

Methods: Participants included 28 Division I collegiate athletes from a single university (12 males, 16 females, height (in.) = 69.14 ± 4.81, …

Synthesis Of Multifunctional Polyacrylates And A Binding Group To Hemoglobin For The Treatment Of Traumatic Brain Injuries, Marina Michaud

Honors College Theses

Hemoglobin based oxygen carriers (HBOCs) hold promise as an effective emergency treatment of severe traumatic brain injuries (TBI). In the latest generation of HBOCs, polynitroxyl-pegylated hemoglobin (PNPH), cell-free hemoglobin is modified with TEMPO and PEG which reduce the toxicities associated with earlier generations of HBOCs. In our efforts to optimize the economic and therapeutic impacts of PNPH’s we have synthesized polydimethylaminoethyl methacrylate (poly-DMAEMA) under controlled living conditions via reverse addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization. The poly-DMAEMA was then successfully functionalized via quaternization of its NMe₂ groups using chloroacetate derivatives of the TEMPO and PEG. This process was quantitative and …

The Effects Of Beetroot Juice On Vo2max And Blood Pressure During Submaximal Exercise, Jose M. Perez

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Supplementation with beetroot juice (BR) has been shown to reduce blood pressure (BP) at rest and improve several performance parameters during submaximal and maximal exercise. BR effects on BP during submaximal exercise have not been investigated. Furthermore, the effects of BR on VO₂max are inconclusive. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of BR on VO₂max and BP during submaximal exercise. 20 healthy, recreationally trained volunteers (age 21.8±2.35 years, weight 75.10±10.62 kg, height 177.4±6.39 cm) participated in this study, which had a double-blind placebo controlled randomized crossover design. Participants began supplementation with either …

The Mobius Strip Of Total Health: Manipulation Of Thinking Prior To Exercise Activity, Joseph A. Schenk

Honors College Theses

Research shows mental and physical health are interdependent. We sought to test various methods of external motivation to effect change in the physical performance and mental health of students enrolled in walking classes. We hypothesized that if there was a correlation between physical exercise and mental health and we could motivate individuals to exercise, then that motivation would in turn result in better mental health. Participants, 19 in the pilot and 320 in the main study, were randomly assigned into three groups to receive messages prior to conducting physical activity: those who received neutral messages about exercise, those who received …

Perceptions And Knowledge Of Influenza Vaccination Amongst University Students, Christian M. Martinez

Honors College Theses

Commonly known as “the flu”, influenza is a contagious respiratory infection that causes mild to severe illness. The CDC recommends annual influenza vaccination as the best method for prevention of the illness. This study was conducted to analyze university students’ perceptions and knowledge of influenza as well as influenza vaccination. A survey was completed by 284 Georgia Southern University students. This research found university students to possess basic knowledge of influenza and its implications for one’s health. However, the study found that university students lack some knowledge of influenza vaccination, and many university students did not seem to perceive influenza …

An Examination Of Spasticity Of The Lower Extremity Among Young People With Cerebral Palsy, Jordan Nourse

Honors College Theses

Background: Spasticity is the most common symptom among individuals with Cerebral Palsy (CP). Spasticity is often presented as stiff limbs often resulting in pain. Currently, clinicians are limited in diagnosing spasticity using observational tools. The purpose of this study was compare spasticity at various functional levels using dynamometry. Methods: Participants included nine adolescents (12-19) with CP and nine adolescents (age-matched) without CP. The participants participated in passive stretches delivered by the Biodex System 4 Pro Dynamometer at four different speeds (90, 120, 150, and 180 deg/s), Measurements of the quadriceps will be collected before and during passive knee extension stretches …

Examining The Relationship Between Tobacco Use And Perceptions Of A New Tobacco-Free Campus Policy, Caroline T. Lathi

Honors College Theses

The purpose of this study was to examine the perceptions of tobacco-free policy benefits and enforcement on a campus with a tobacco free policy. Young adults aged 18 to 24 have the highest rate of tobacco use compared with all other age groups in the United States, and are the most targeted by the tobacco industry. Experts recommend that smoke-free and tobacco-free areas are the most effective ways to reduce exposure to secondhand smoke and encourage cessation. Surveys were distributed on a campus three years after the implementation of the tobacco-free policy. The study included 198 participants (n=198) and 14% …

The Effect Of Stretching The Gastrocnemius On Electromechanical Delay And Decreased Muscle Power Production, Kolyse E. Wagstaff

Honors College Theses

Previous studies in the field of biomechanics have determined that statically stretching muscles before explosive athletic events decreases muscle power production during performance. However, current research does not explain why muscle power production is lessened due to static stretching. Electromechanical delay (EMD) is the delay between muscle stimulation and force, and the purpose of this research is to determine if the decrease in muscle force production is due to a lengthened EMD of the muscle, potentially caused by static stretching. To test this, participants jumped on force plates and jump power produced by the gastrocnemius was calculated, with stretching and …

The Effect Of Acute Pain On Executive Function, Jenna M. Morogiello

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Background: Executive functions are high-level cognitive processes that allow a person to successfully engage in an independent and self-fulfilling life. Previous literature indicates that acute pain can affect executive function, which may be due to a limited amount of shared neural resources of the brain.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine if acute pain affects executive function in recreationally active individuals who sustain a musculoskeletal injury.

Methodology: Twenty-four participants who presented with acute pain due to a musculoskeletal injury underwent a neuropsychological battery within 72 hours of injury and within two weeks from the initial testing session. …

The Reliability Of The Navicular Drop Test And Its Transferability To Dynamic Movement, Joshua Krispin

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Background: Navicular drop can be defined as the distance the navicular tuberosity moves from a standing weight bearing to a standing neutral position, as the subtalar joint moves from a relaxed position to a neutral position. Navicular drop is an important measurement for clinicians used to describe foot function, pronation, and excessive movement seen in several pathologies. Objective: The purpose of this study is to see if navicular drop is influenced by mode or speed of locomotion, if it is will there be other influences such as the forefoot and heel soft tissue, and will those factors influence those measures. …