Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Exploring The Differences Between Adult Cancer Survivors And Their Caregivers' Social Support, Self-Efficacy For Physical Activity, Physical Activity Behavior, And Quality Of Life, Fedricker Diane Barber

Nursing Theses and Dissertations

Less than 20% of cancer survivors meet recommended physical activity (PA) guidelines. Research reporting positive impact of social support on PA in cancer survivors has not included their caregivers' PA. A review of the literature examining social support and PA in cancer survivors supported including caregivers in developing strategies to increase PA in cancer survivors. The purposes of this study were: (1) to explore the differences and relationships between adult cancer survivors' and caregivers' social support, self-efficacy for physical activity (SEPA), PA, and quality of life (QOL), and (2) understand cancer survivors and caregivers' perception of social support in PA …

Effect Of Telephone Counseling On Physical Activity Among Older Adult Cancer Survivors, Ellen C. Mullen

Nursing Theses and Dissertations

The elderly population, especially those with cancer coupled with low health literacy, is at high risk for poor health outcomes. Telephone counseling has been shown to be effective in improving health behaviors among other populations, but it has not been studied for older adult cancer survivors. The purpose of this mixed methods study was to examine the effectiveness of telephone counseling on physical activity among older adult cancer survivors (n=50). The relationship between health literacy level and perceived changes in physical activity was assessed. Based on existing literature and Orem's Theory of Self-care, the following hypotheses were tested: H1: Telephone …

The Estimation Of Caloric Expenditure Using Three Triaxial Accelerometers, Tyrone Gene Ceaser

Doctoral Dissertations

Accelerometer-based activity monitors are commonly used to measure physical activity energy expenditure (PAEE). Newly designed wrist and hip-worn triaxial accelerometers claim to accurately predict PAEE across a range of activities. Purpose: To determine if the Nike FuelBand (NFB), Fitbit (FB) and ActiGraph GT3X+ (AG) estimate PAEE in various activities. Methods: 21 healthy, college-aged adults wore a NFB on the right wrist, a FB on the left hip, and AG on the right hip, while performing 17 activities. AG data were analyzed using Freedson’s kcal regression equation. PAEE was measured using the Cosmed K4b² (K4). Repeated measures ANOVAs were used …

Effects Of Obesity On Thermoregulation And Cardiovascular Function During Exercise In Females, Jon David Adams

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Previous research has shown that obese individuals are at greater risk for heat illnesses because of impaired thermoregulation. However, laboratory studies investigating cardiovascular and thermoregulatory function in obese individuals are difficult to interpret because of low sample sizes and methodological concerns. The purpose of this study was to determine if there are differences in thermoregulatory and cardiovascular function between obese and non-obese females. Twenty-four females, 13 obese (43.3 ± 4 .3 % fat, 77.2 ± 13.7 kg) and 11 non-obese (27.8 ± 6.0 % fat, 55.7±6.7 kg), cycled for 60 min in a warm environment (~40°C, 30% humidity) at a …

Effects Of A Home-Based Exercise Program On Perception Of Illness And Adaptation In Heart Failure Patients, Robin Faust Harris

Doctoral Dissertations

Patients experience decreased functional capacity from chronic symptoms associated with heart failure. Exercise increases activity tolerance and quality of life in heart failure patients. Physiologic responses to exercise in heart failure patients have been well-documented. In contrast, the effects of exercise on an individual’s perception of degree of disability due to chronic illness and their adaptive responses to heart failure have not been studied. The purpose of this randomized controlled trial was to examine the effects of a 12-week home-based combined aerobic and resistance training exercise intervention on an individual’s perception of degree of disability and adaptive responses to chronic …

Predicting Exercise Adherence In College Students Using A Self-Determination Theory Framework, Megan M. Clarke

Master's Theses

College is a pivotal time for weight gain and unhealthy behavior changes in many young adults. Decreases in physical activity are common in this age group and likely contribute to the 1.6 to 1.8 kg weight gain that is often observed in the first year of college. Identifying groups of students who are at high-risk for decreasing or discontinuing physical activity may help develop more targeted interventions. The present study explored physical activity patterns in the first semester of college and examined predictors of exercise decreases to levels below recommended daily values within a Self-Determination Theory framework. Incoming freshman (n=174; …

The Effect Of Ad Libitum Hydration On Cognitive Function Following Exercise In The Heat, Matthew Wittbrodt

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to quantify the effect of different hydration strategies on physiological and cognitive variables after an exercise bout in the heat. On three occasions, twelve males performed three heat stress tests of 50min at 60%VO_2peak in a hot environment (32°C; 65%RH). The heat stress tests differed in hydration strategy to be implemented during exercise (NF: no fluid, AL: ad libitum, FR: full fluid replacement). A cognitive battery was administered pre-­ and post-­exercise to examine alterations in cognition. Fluid loss during NF was greater than the AL and FR (NF: 1.54 %; AL: 0.29 …

Influence Of A Short-Term, Multicomponent Intervention On Balance And Strength Among The Elderly, Pamela C. Webert

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

Background: Few studies have combined strength and balance training to assess improvement of activities of daily living among subjects over the age of 65. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate how an eight-week balance and strength training program can lead to improvements in activities of daily living among elderly individuals.

Methods: The subjects consisted of 14 elderly women and 3 elderly men who were all residents of an independent living community. There were 10 subjects in the intervention group and 7 subjects in the control group. The intervention group participated in a supervised balance and strength …

Examining The Effects Of Exercise On Stressed Individuals Alcohol Expectancies, Maria Magavern

Honors Theses

The current study examined the effect of exercise habits on alcohol expectancies and drinking behaviors. Previous research has suggested that under times of stress, individuals, especially without alternative effective coping mechanisms, often turn to alcohol (Cooper, Russell, Skinner, Frone, & Mudar, 1992). Exercise and alcohol produce many of the same psychological effects and both serve as stress reducers (Brown, Read, Marcus, Jakicic, Strong, Oakley, Ramsey, Kahler, Stuart, Dubreuil, & Gordon, 2010). The Discounting Principal reveals a tendency to discount all other causes when there is support that a given cause is already known to be responsible for a given event …

Cybercycling For Cognitive Health: Comparing Physical Mental And Combined Exercise, Anna Scribner

Honors Theses

Several meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials (RCT) have shown exercise to improve cognitive function in normal aging, mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia (Colcombe & Kramer, 2003, O’ Leary et al., 2011). Cognitive benefit from mental exercise alone is less definitive. A recent RCT (Anderson-Hanley et al., 2012) found greater benefit from three months of virtual-reality enhanced exercise than physical exercise alone among 79 independent living older adults. The current study aimed to replicate this work. In this study, six seniors that either lived or worked at Schaffer Heights were enrolled in the study. Participants were randomized into one of …

The Effects Of Music Genre On Rate Of Perceived Exertion In Aerobics Classes, Hannah Hogue

Honors Theses

Upon entering an exercise facility it would be inconceivable not to hear some form of music playing while people are exercising. Whether music is playing over the loudspeakers, or individuals are listening to their iPods, music is a vital part of exercise for many individuals. With so much emphasis on listening to music during physical activity the question arises, “What makes music such a popular component of exercise?” Many studies have assessed the effects of music on exercise (Elliott, 2007; Karageorghis, 1999; Karageorghis & Priest, 2008; Kravitz, 1994; Matesic & Cromartie, 2002). These studies indicate that music has positive effects …

The Benefits Of Exercise During Pregnancy, Nikelle Holbrook Hunsaker

Undergraduate Honors Capstone Projects

People are often confused about the effects and recommendations of exercise during pregnancy. A review of the literature demonstrates that regular physical activity provides benefits to both mother and fetus during pregnancy. These benefits range from decreasing the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus to improving the mother's psychological well-being and can be obtained without causing harm to the fetus. The recommendations for physical activity during pregnancy include thirty minutes of physical activity on most, if not all, days of the week. These recommendations are the same as those for non-pregnant individuals. Contrary to popular opinion, a sedentary lifestyle during pregnancy …

Duration Of The Effects Of Three Static Stretching Conditions With Or Without A Dynamic Warm-Up In College Age Adults, Spencer Blackwell, Andrew Blomberg, Jonathan Griffith

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Purpose. The purpose of this study was to determine the stretching duration (15, 30, 60 seconds) with or without a dynamic warm-up that resulted in the longest lasting acute effects in hamstring flexibility.

Subjects. Forty subjects (17 male, 23 female) (age: 20-35 years) were selected to participate in this study using a sample of convenience from university graduate students.

Methods. This study contained 7 treatment conditions in which each subject completed in random order. Three groups consisted of a 5-minute treadmill warm-up at a self-selected velocity (SSV) followed by one of three stretching durations (15, 30, or 60 sec). …

Kinesio Taping On Short-Term Changes In Shoulder Strength In Healthy Adults: A Randomized Clinical Trial, Dario A. Callegari, Cristobal E. Cordova, Julia R. Dunievitz

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Study Type: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Introduction:

Kinesio tape is an elastic tape used in various settings and it is purported to assist in strengthening weakened muscles. The mechanism behind this claim is neuromuscular facilitation. The purpose of this study was to determine if the claims of Kinesio tape would be supported in its role in strength enhancing properties.

Methods:

Twenty-nine healthy, untrained male and female college-aged individuals participated in this study. Two baseline measurements assessing shoulder external rotation (ER) strength were collected using isokinetic dynamometry. Subjects were then randomized into two groups, Kinesio tape with ER strengthening (KT-Ex) and …

Exercise-Induced Neuroprotection In A Hemiparkinsonian 6-Hydroxydopamine Rat Model, Merrill Russen Landers

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Outside of finding a cure, one of the preeminent goals of research in Parkinson's disease (PD) is finding a neuroprotective treatment that when applied prior to the onset of the disease will decrease the risk and severity of the subsequent disease. One such treatment that has potential as a neuroprotective agent in PD is exercise. Several studies have found forced exercise to be protective of Parkinson's disease in adult rodent models; however, few of these studies have used a design wherein voluntary exercise was evaluated. Moreover, no study has used a true neuroprotective design in which exercise was applied prior …

Perceptions Of Barriers That Inhibit African American Women And Adolescent Girls From Participation In Physical Activity, Sonya Daniels Walker

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

This study examined the barriers to leisure time physical activity for African American women and their adolescent daughters. Six mother-daughter dyads were interviewed who have access to physical activity opportunity. Three of the dyads participated in a follow-up focus group. A qualitative research design that utilized a grounded theory approach identified two themes for the women and two themes for the girls. Themes for the women include influence of culture and low physical activity IQ. Sub-themes of influence of culture are (a) hair and (b) body image. Sub-themes of low physical activity IQ are (a) mommy guilt, (b) perception of …

The Acute Effect Of Endurance Exercise On Lipoproteins Measured By Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (Nmr) In Healthy Men, Hanaa Adnan Shaheen

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) represents a major cause of death in the United States, with abnormal levels of blood lipids and physical inactivity considered as major modifiable risk factors. The conventional lipid profile has been used to assess for CVD risk by directly measuring the concentrations of blood lipids. However, lipoprotein particle size and number obtained from a novel method, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) may also asses for CVD risk with greater sensitivity. Exercise and increased physical activity has been shown to produce favorable effects on blood lipids and consequently reduce CVD risk. To understand this effect, it is important …

Rpe And Mode Of Exercise, Victoria Helmus

Honors Theses

The American College of Sports Medicine currently recommends that all individuals age 18-65 perform vigorous aerobic activity for at least 20 minutes 3 days a week, or moderate intensity aerobic activity for at least 30 minutes 5 days a week. Activities that fall under this category include, but are not limited to walking, running, cycling, swimming and elliptical machines. When an individual exercises, they have a sense of what their intensity level is based on how they 'feel'. Ratings of Perceived Exertion charts serve as a guide for this subjective thought process. There are wide ranges of intensities associated with …

Identifying Gaps In Perceived Ability: Promoting Exercise In Young Adults With Disabilities, Briana Terrill

Honors Theses and Capstones

Aim: The purpose of this study was to describe the perceived ability in making health decisions regarding exercise and its congruence between young adults with disabilities and their parents. Methods: The study design used a mixed methods approach. The convenience sample consisted of (N = 10) young adults with disabilities and (N = 9) parents of young adults with disabilities. Qualitative data were gathered using a preliminary structured interview guide for young adults with disabilities consisting of several short answer questions. Quantitative data were gathered from the parents of young adults with disabilities by using Pender’s Health Promotion Questionnaire. Results: …

Alternative Therapy And Treatment Of Type 2 Diabetes, Carmine R. Grieco

Human Movement Sciences Theses & Dissertations

The rise in prevalence and incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) in the developing world continues unabated. Current treatment strategies, however, fall short of achieving optimal glycemic control. The aim of project I was to investigate the effect of an acute bout of a yogic breathing exercise on heart rate variability (HRV) in individuals with T2D. Project II was designed to assess the effectiveness of the neurohormone melatonin in lowering short- and long-term glucose levels, lipids and oxidative stress in T2D. Project III investigated the differential effects of two different styles of aerobic exercise on postprandial glycemia, mood and …

Does Exercise Alleviate The Symptoms Of Postpartum Depression?, Sioban L. Kane

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not exercise alleviates the symptoms of postpartum depression.

STUDY DESIGN: This review consists of 2 randomized control trials, published in 2009 and 2010, and one cohort study published in 2009.

DATA SOURCES: Sources were studies comparing aerobic exercise to groups who performed no exercise which were found via Pubmed, MEDLINE, Ovid and Cochrane databases.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: The three articles measured various outcomes: Psychological well being, depressive symptoms and hospital admission or medication due to postpartum depressive symptoms which were measured through phone interviews and surveys. The Hamilton …

Is Weight Lifting Effective In Reducing Lymphedema In Breast Cancer Survivors?, Diana Petrucello

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not weight lifting is effective in reducing lymphedema in breast cancer survivors.

STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review of three English language primary studies published in 2009 and 2010.

DATA SOURCES: Three single blind, randomized controlled trials comparing progressive weight lifting and other treatments in breast cancer survivors were found using the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews and PubMed.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: Incidence of breast cancer-related lymphedema onset measured by blinded certified lymphedema therapists using a standardized clinical evaluation derived from the Common Toxicity Criteria version 3.0, comprising of interlimb …

An Exploratory Study Of Physiologic Responses To A Passive Exercise Intervention In Mechanically-Ventilated Critically Ill Adults, Christina M. Amidei

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Muscle weakness is the most common and persistent problem after a critical illness. Early mobilization of the critically ill patient, beginning with passive exercise and progressing to ambulation, may mitigate muscle effects of the critical illness. However, mobilization may produce adverse effects, especially early in the illness when risk for physiologic deterioration is common. If safe, introducing a mobility intervention early in the illness may facilitate ventilator weaning, shorten intensive care unit and hospitals stays, and improve functional status and quality of life for mechanically ventilated critically ill patients. The aim of this study was assess the cardiopulmonary and inflammatory …

Risk Factors For Stroke In Rural African Americans And Factors That Influence Exercise Behaviors To Reduce Stroke Risk, Dawn M. Aycock

All ETDs from UAB

Stroke has increased among young adults, which is concerning for African Americans (AA) who tend to have stroke at an earlier age and an increased risk for mortality and severe disability. Rural dwellers lack resources which may increase their susceptibility to stroke. Regular exercise can reduce stroke; however, physical activity among AA is low. The purpose of this research was to use an Expanded Health Belief Model to examine perceived and actual stroke risk among rural AA 19 to 54 years of age and factors that influence exercise behaviors to reduce stroke risk. A cross-sectional correlational design was used. Participants …

The Relationship Between Disordered Eating Behaviors And Exercise Addiction Among Selected University Students At Minnesota State University, Mankato, Haley Wasko

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

College students are faced with many difficult decisions as they begin to gain independence and adjust to new responsibilities. Some of these decisions may include changes in eating behaviors and exercise patterns. Such changes may lead to unhealthy weight control behaviors such as disordered eating or excessive exercise. The combination of controlling eating and exercise behaviors may be especially detrimental and prevalent in college students. The purpose of this research was to determine whether or not there was a relationship between disordered eating and exercise addiction among university students at Minnesota State University, Mankato. A 50-item survey was used to …

The Effects Of The Built Environment On Physical Activity In Rural Upstate New York, Kimberly Moore

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

Background: Physical activity across the lifespan is associated with numerous health benefits. That the built environment can influence physical activity is a widely accepted hypothesis which has been examined extensively in urban/suburban and across urban-rural environments. Numerous census variables, such as housing density, percent renter, and others related to urbanity, are related to physical activity and built environment measures. However, the rural built environment's influence on adult physical activity is relatively unexplored.

Employee Health In The 21st Century: An Investigation Of Exercise Incentives In Four Medium-Sized Western Australian Organisations, Troy Fuller

Theses

The first decade of the 21st century has shown how organisations are dynamic and turbulent. Many employees are time-poor, working longer and longer hours and are expected to be contactable 24/7, motivated and available to work. Research has shown that employee health is at great risk. Some organisations are now offering incentives for employees to exercise (‘exercise incentives’), and rigorous research was needed to understand and manage these incentives and support health.

The major research question in the study involved employees’ experience of exercise incentives in four medium-sized organisations in Western Australia. Four subsidiary questions provided detail as to the …

Relationship Between Physical Fitness Measures And Occupational Physical Ability In University Law Enforcement Officers, Annie Q. Beck

Theses and Dissertations--Kinesiology and Health Promotion

Law enforcement on academic campuses can be a physically demanding profession. Law enforcement officers (LEOs) may be required to perform a variety of physical tasks. Identifying which physical fitness characteristics are associated with these tasks will guide the development of appropriate and effective exercise programs. Therefore the purpose of this study was to identify physical fitness and demographic characteristics associated with the occupational physical ability of university LEOs. Sixteen male LEOs (age: 33.1±8.7 yr.; body mass: 87.2±11.2 kg; height: 178.9±7.9 cm) performed an officer physical ability test (OPAT) that simulated a foot chase of a suspect. In addition, the officers …