Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Freezing Of Gait: Mechanisms, Mechanics, And Management, Peter S. Myers

Arts & Sciences Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Parkinson disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disease with multiple motor and non-motor symptoms, including postural instability, gait impairments, and cognitive deficits. More than 50% of individuals with PD experience a symptom called freezing of gait (FOG), described as a transient inability to take another step forward. Individuals with PD who experience FOG (freezers) have further postural, gait, and cognitive impairments compared to individuals with PD without FOG (non-freezers). While degeneration of the dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra is accepted as the primary etiology of the disease, research shows that the disease has a global impact on the brain, accounting …

Framing Physical Activity: Weight Control Frames And Physical Activity Motivation, Kristin Spurkland

Dissertations and Theses

Public health institutions and popular media frequently frame weight loss and weight control as primary benefits of physical activity. This exploratory, descriptive study examined how respondents rated statements exemplifying three physical activity frames: a weight control frame, a medical frame, and an active embodiment frame. An anonymous, online survey was conducted in March 2018; respondents rated frame statements in terms of inspiring motivation to engage in physical activity, and in terms of perceived credibility. They also provided anthropometric data and physical activity data. Data were analyzed for the entire sample as well as stratified by multiple variables, including body mass …

The Impact Of Non-Mandated Physical Training On Physiological Measures And Performance In Army Officers, Emily Garrett

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to observe the physiological changes in body composition and fitness assessments in US Army Officers after 5 months of non-mandated exercise. Twenty two captains stationed at Fort Benning, Georgia volunteered to participate (age; 26.9£1.2 years, height; 1.76+0.6m, and weight; 83.1+11.1kg). Eleven participants remained in active units with mandated training (MT) while 11 participants were in positions where training was not mandated (NMT). Anthropometrics, body composition, cardiorespiratory fitness, anaerobic power, and muscular strength were measured in both groups before and after the intervention period (1812 weeks). At pre-intervention, MT and NMT were not different in …

Focus On Fitness: Incorporating Exercise Into The Treatment Of Children And Adolescents With Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Kristin Lulich

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Manuscripts

Background: Psychotropic medications, particularly stimulants are frequently used as the first-line treatment for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Many patients and their caregivers have concerns about psychotropic options for treatment. Review of current literature demonstrates the efficacy of physical activity in reducing symptoms of ADHD. Purpose: This evidence based practice (EBP) project introduced regular, scheduled aerobic activity into the treatment plan of children and adolescents with ADHD. The aim of this EBP was to reduce symptoms of ADHD measured by caregivers using the Vanderbilt Ratings Scale. The Johns Hopkins Nursing Evidence Based Practice Model was used to implement this project. …

Effects Of Aerobic Exercise On Cognitive And Cerebrovascular Function In Hypertensive Adults, Wesley Lefferts

Dissertations - ALL

The presence of hypertension in middle-age is a major risk factor for later-life development of cognitive and cardiovascular disease. Exercise is widely recommended to combat vascular and brain aging in hypertension. We sought to compare the effects of a single bout of aerobic exercise on 1) arterial stiffness and cerebral hemodynamics and 2) cognitive function in middle-aged adults with controlled-hypertension and without hypertension. Vascular and cognitive measures were assessed pre and post 30-min of aerobic exercise at ≈55% maximal oxygen consumption. Arterial stiffness and cerebral hemodynamics were measured non-invasively. Cognitive function was measured using a computerized testing battery that included …

The Moderation Effect Of Bdnf Genotype And Self-Reported Habitual Physical Activity Levels On Age Of Onset, Disease Progression, And Postural Instability In Parkinson's, Kyle Johnson, Danielle Salgo, Jessica Zorn

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Background and Purpose: Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels have been reported to play an important role in driving neuroprotection in people with neurologic disorders, and levels of BDNF are known to increase in response to physical activity. Moreover, the level of BDNF produced is also affected by BDNF genotype. It is not known, however, whether one’s BDNF genotype interacts with physical activity throughout life to affect a neuroprotective response in people with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine if BDNF genotype interacts with lifetime self-reported physical activity levels to affect disease severity and progression …

Investigation Of The Cardiovascular Endurance Of Dance Majors, Arnold Huang, Ali Ross, Kelsey Taelour, Geneva Winters

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Background: College dancers have demonstrated low levels of cardiovascular endurance compared to other athletes, which could be one of the factors that leads to more fatigue and injuries during performance. The effects of an education session on cardiovascular endurance and on college dancers’ attitudes towards cardiovascular exercise outside of dance class have not been previously studied. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to use the accelerated three-minute step test to compare lower level and upper level college dancers’ cardiovascular endurance before and 2 months after an education session emphasizing fitness and exercise. Additionally, assessed were the dancers’ attitudes towards …

Effect Of Exercise Interventions On Fatigue For Breast Cancer: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Julien Succar

Biomedical Sciences ETDs

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis on the effect of different exercise interventions on fatigue in patients with breast cancer undergoing active therapy. We found that exercise generally improves fatigue outcomes at 12 weeks after initiation of the exercise intervention. Aerobic exercise intervention improved fatigue, but anaerobic and combination regimens did not show improvement compared to controls. Moreover, no exercise intensity was found to be superior compared to controls. Our findings revealed that there is a need for standardization of exercise regimens in studies in order to identify the most effective exercise regimen.

Facilitating Emotional Regulation In Adults With Developmental Disabilities Through Person-Centered Play Therapy, Otis Kemutambah

Honors Theses

Adults with developmental disabilities may employ maladaptive behaviors that stem from limited opportunities to interact with their community and non-nurturing interactions within their environment. This literature review explores the effects of play on maladaptive behaviors and provides a rationale that supports the use of PCPT to improve this population’s emotional regulation skills. More specifically, the sources indicate that activities containing exercise and games, improves the emotional regulation skills of this population. Based on the presented information, created cost effective activities will potentially improve these skills amongst adults with developmental disabilities. These activities that adhere to PCPT are basketball, water basketball, …

Lived Experience And Process Of Engagement In Physical Exercise For Older Adults With Chronic Back Pain, Melissa E. Hay

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

For older adults, physical exercise is especially important in maintaining functional independence, extending quality of life, and optimizing personal health resources. For patients with chronic pain conditions, exercise participation can significantly improve patient-reported symptoms. Older adults are the most sedentary age group with the majority not meeting the recommended duration and intensity of weekly exercise. Although nonadherence with exercise guidelines may result for a variety of reasons, adverse health conditions including chronic pain are likely of particular concern for older adults. The aim of this research, consisting of two studies employing interpretive phenomenology and constructivist grounded theory, was to understand …

Impact Of An Exercise Program On Stress, Fatigue, And Quality Of Life For Individuals Living With Primary Immunodeficiency Disease, Kerri Sowers

Department of Physical Therapy Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Background: There are over 300 Primary Immunodeficiency diseases (PID) that are a result of a genetic or idiopathic dysfunction of any aspect of the immune system. These conditions result in a higher frequency of infections, autoimmune conditions, or malignancies. Moderate intensity exercise is thought to help the immune system, while high intensity exercise may have a negative impact on immune function. The impact of exercise on individuals with an impaired immune system due to PID is not yet understood. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate whether a low to moderate intensity exercise program would have an effect …

Does Pre-Operative Exercise Improve Quality Of Life, Compared To Patient Education Alone, In Patients With Hip Osteoarthritis (Oa) While Awaiting Total Hip Arthroplasty (Tha)?, Laura Ann Mccann

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not pre-operative exercise improves quality of life, compared to patient education alone, in patients with hip osteoarthritis (OA) while awaiting total hip arthroplasty (THA).

Study Design: Systematic review of three randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published in peer-reviewed journals between 2015 and 2016, all in the English language.

Data Sources: Three randomized controlled trials were found using PubMed.

Outcomes Measured: The change in ADL (activities of daily living), recreational function, and pain were measured in all trials using self-reported patient questionnaires (WOMAC) and a variety of physical activities …

Is Exercise An Effective Treatment For Reducing Anxiety In Patients With Panic Disorder?, Danielle Kemp

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not exercise is an effective treatment for reducing anxiety in patients with panic disorder.

STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review of three English language randomized controlled trials published between 2008 and 2015.

DATA SOURCES: Three randomized controlled trials published in peer-reviewed journals comparing the effects of exercise on anxiety in patients with panic disorder using PubMed and EBSCO databases.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: The outcomes measured were improvement in anxiety symptoms in patients with panic disorder participating in exercise and fears related to anxiety- related sensations when patients were participating in …

Essential Components Of Participation For An Exercise Program For Underserved, Older, African-American Females, Marina Meinert

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Physical activity (PA) is beneficial to people of all ages and ethnicities. Regular physical activity can reduce the risk of multiple chronic diseases, improve mood and sleep and allows your body to function better overall (CDC, 2018). However, populations that are more vulnerable to adverse health risks may benefit more than others from regular physical activity. This study was designed to identify the motivating factors for physical activity in a sample of older, African-American women of lower socioeconomic status (SES). This particular subgroup was chosen because of their increased risk of obesity and cardiovascular disease due to unhealthy lifestyle factors, …

Implementation Of A Physical Activity Group At A Community Mental Health Center: A Pilot Quality Improvement Project To Reduce Depressive Symptoms In Adolescents With Major Depressive Disorder, Nancy Gallagher

DNP Scholarly Projects

Major Depressive Disorder is a debilitating illness that affects millions of Americans, including adolescents. The majority of adolescents with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) do not receive treatment. There may be a variety of reasons for this including stigma, access to care, and potential adverse reactions. People suffering from MDD are known to be at high risk for suicide. Lack of treatments adds the risk of suicide for adolescents with MDD. Identifying and implementing treatment options that are more acceptable and accessible are of the utmost importance. Although there is limited research regarding exercise/physical activity, depressive symptoms, and adolescents with MDD, …

Interleukin-6 And Exercise; Early Evidence Of A Novel Myokine, Brendan Hogg Mr.

Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers

Interleukin-6 (IL-6) was first identified as a pleiotropic cytokine, with a host of body-wide functions. Cytokine functions are characterized by chronically elevated levels within various inflammatory states. In this regard, IL-6 is largely associated with the acute phase response to many stimuli and performs specific actions when produced from certain cell types. Accrued evidence indicates IL-6 release from skeletal muscle often includes myokine functions. Novel myokine functions are adaptive in nature, and as compared to inflammatory/cytokine roles, exhibit a transient time course. Following exercise plasma IL-6 peaks and returns to resting levels within 1-2 hours. In contrast, IL-6 is observed …

Exercise In The Treatment Of Major Depressive Disorder, Larissa Ann Haug

Physician Assistant Scholarly Project Papers

Objective

The purpose of this research and systematic literature review is to determine how exercise can be incorporated into the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) and its efficacy.

Methods

In this review, four databases were searched including SportDiscus, Pubmed, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and PsycInfo from October 1 to January 5, 2018. A variety of key terms were used when searching. Works chosen for review were published after the year 2000, were peer reviewed, and included randomized control trials (RCTs), pilot studies, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses. Sources that were excluded included those published prior to the year 2000, …

The Effect Of Exercise And Diet On Insulin Resistance, Kinsey M. Nelson

Honors Theses

This paper explores the effects of diet and exercise on an insulin-resistant individual, integrating the recommendations for exercise and diet as put forth by a variety of peer-reviewed articles. The purpose of this experiment was to determine if insulin resistance is a reversible condition, and if so, whether exercise alone, nutrition alone, or some combination of the two would be the most effective treatment. The results of this twenty-week trial suggest that insulin resistance may be reversible. Exercise alone was not found to be effective in decreasing insulin levels. Changing to a low-carbohydrate diet with no exercise saw a vast …

Healthy Heart Project, Emily Hurst

Undergraduate Theses, Professional Papers, and Capstone Artifacts

The Healthy Heart program has been offering fitness testing, cardiovascular and chronic disease testing and education, and clinical experience for students in the course KIN483: Exercise, Disease, and Aging for a number of years. The program offers an important service to the Missoula community by providing each participant with accurate health indicators and results, such as ECG (heart) rhythms, cardiovascular fitness, flexibility and strength measures, body composition, and peripheral artery disease screening. The program gives students experience learning practical skills by performing a 2-hour exercise testing session, communicating with a community member, analyzing testing data, and compiling then discussing results. …

Parent Rated Importance Of Active Play And Organised Physical Activity For Young Children, Casey Murphy

Theses

Background: Children participate in less daily physical activity, both organised and informal, often referred to as active play (AP), than in the past. For young children, parents are primarily responsible for planning their child’s day including their engagement in physical activity.

Purpose: As there has been little research in this area, the purpose of this study was to examine how parents rated the importance of their child’s level of AP and organised physical activity (OPA), how this affected the amount of time their child participated in these activities, and whether their child’s physical activity (PA) related to their own level …

The Role Of Exercise For Postpartum Depression And Well-Being, Maria Gaz

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Postpartum depression is a prevalent condition (American Psychological Association, 2018). Untreated postpartum depression can have serious consequences for the mother and baby (McCurdy, Boule, Sivak, & Davenport, 2017). Traditional treatment options may not be feasible. Exercise is an effective treatment for adults with depression (McCurdy et al., 2017). Less is known about treating postpartum depression with exercise. This review of the literature sought to understand in postpartum mothers, how a regimen of regular exercise, compared to no regular exercise, impacted the perception of wellbeing and/or postpartum depression scores. The Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) Plus with …

Evaluating The Attitudes And Practices Of Exercise Prescription Among Psychotherapists, Igor Vasilj

Theses and Dissertations--Educational, School, and Counseling Psychology

Exercise has been shown to improve mood, anxiety, stress, and promote neuroplasticity (Conn, 2010; Donaghy, 2007; Josefsson, Lindwall, & Archer, 2014; Silveria et al., 2013; Stathopoulou et al., 2006). However, limited research on the topic suggests that many psychologists and mental health providers are not incorporating exercise into psychological treatment, and many lack the confidence to do so (Burton, Pakenham, & Brown, 2010; Weir, 2011). The purpose of this study was to evaluate current exercise prescription trends among practicing psychologists and trainees, including identifying their current beliefs, attitudes, training, and the perceived barriers hindering psychotherapists from recommending and prescribing exercise. …

Educating Oncology Nurses On The Benefits Of Patient Exercise, Roberta Anderson

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Exercise benefits patients with cancer during and after treatments. A formalized educational program is lacking at the project's site for oncology nurses on the benefits of exercise for their patients during and after treatment. The purpose of the project was to address the identified gap in practice at the project's site by providing education to oncology nurses on the benefits of exercise for their patients during and after treatment. The ARCS model of motivational design was used as a theoretical foundation to develop and guide the educational program presented to the oncology nurses. The question addressed in the project was: …

The Potential Effects Of Exercise-Induced Cortisol Release On Executive Functioning In Preadolescents, Kory Matthew Bettencourt

Master's Theses

Purpose: Moderate-intensity aerobic exercise (MAE) has been shown to elicit improvements in cognition and subsequent academic performance among preadolescents. Aerobic exercise has also shown to increase cortisol release in response to increasing exercise intensity. However, it is unknown if increased cortisol levels following exercise are related to acute improvements in executive function following a bout of MAE in preadolescents. The purpose of this study was to examine the potential effects of increased cortisol release after acute MAE on attention and working memory among preadolescents. Methods: Eleven preadolescents [6 males, 5 females] volunteered to participate in this study (age=9.45±1.03). …

Effects Of Long-Term Participation In Tennis On Cognitive Function In Elderly Individuals, Scott Culpin

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

Many studies have reported the relationship between exercise and cognition with conflicting results. This may be due to differences in intervention durations, session lengths, intensities, and type of exercise. It has been suggested that exercises requiring greater cognitive demand such as football, basketball and racquet sports, are protective against cognitive decline, compared to less cognitively demanding exercises such as swimming, cycling and running, however, research concerning exercise types are currently limited. The present study tested the hypothesis that elderly individuals who had been regularly playing tennis more than 10 years, would have greater cognitive function than those who had been …