Health and Physical Education Commons^™

The Influence Of Prosthetic Obturators On Quality Of Life In Individuals With Maxillectomy Defects, Minseok Kim

Oral Health

Abstract

Introduction: In recent years, there has been a growing focus on understanding the impact of oral cancer on patients' quality of life. Prosthetic rehabilitation techniques, such as maxillary obturators, often in conjunction with reconstructive surgery, have emerged as interventions to address the challenges posed by post-maxillectomy abnormalities.

Objective: This study aims to systematically review and evaluate the effectiveness of maxillofacial prosthetic rehabilitation using obturators in enhancing the quality of life of patients following maxillectomy.

Methodology: Systematic review of identified literature spanning the timeframe from 2000 to 2020 was used. The comprehensive search encompassed widely recognized databases including PubMed, …

Beyond Cough Drops And Band-Aids: An Interpretive Phenomenological Study Of Certified School Nurses’ Professional Scope And Enacted Roles In Pk–12 Settings, Brandy Gershon

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative dissertation explored the underutilization of certified school nurses (CSNs) in PK–12 educational settings across urban, suburban, and rural school districts in western Pennsylvania. Despite their advanced preparation and wide-ranging scope of practice, school nurses are often limited to providing episodic care, including first aid, medication administration, and treatment of minor injuries. This limited use reflects a significant misalignment with their professional scope of practice, which encompasses chronic disease management, health education, mental health support, care coordination, and leadership in public health. Guided by role theory (Biddle, 1986), this study examined how school nurses perceived and interpreted their professional …

Resilience In Place Names: German-Hehe War Memories And Cultural Identity In Iringa Toponyms, Claudio G. Kisake, Sophilini M. Yisega, Spemba E. Spemba

Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences

Toponyms, or place names, act as vital markers of historical memory, cultural identity and resilience. In Iringa, Tanzania, toponymy offers valuable insights into the enduring impacts associated with the German-Hehe War (1890–1898), and colonial encounters on indigenous communities. This study explores how place names—such as Kitanzini (‘a place with a noose for hanging people’), Ilundamatwe or Lundamatwe (‘a collection of slaughtered heads’), and Gangilonga (‘the speaking stone’)—convey narratives of Hehe war superiority, resistance, and survival. Using a qualitative approach, the research incorporates archival sources, oral histories, and linguistic analysis to investigate the stories behind naming and renaming, the role of …

Service-Learning In Adapted Physical Activity: Student Experiences With And Without Course Integration, Courtney Jost, Nicole Fiscella Nicole Fiscella, Roxanne Bahn-Bales, Tze-Hsuan Wang, Jennifer Beamer, Jennifer Taylor, Willie Chun Wai Leung

Educational Practices in Kinesiology

Service-learning is widely used in adapted physical activity/education (APA/APE) courses to enhance student learning through community engagement. However, limited research has explored how the presence or absence of an APA/APE course influences students’ perceived learning, confidence, and engagement in inclusive physical activity settings. This quasi-experimental, cross-sectional study examined how course-enhanced and purely experiential models of a university-based APA service-learning program, PA PALS, shaped undergraduate students’ experiences. Students (N = 58) participated; 41.4% (n = 24) were concurrently enrolled in an APA/APE course (course-enhanced group), while 58.6% (n = 34) participated as volunteers (purely experiential group). A validated …

Ai-Enhanced Feedback Loops In Physical Education Teacher Education: Using Chatbots And Brisk Ai To Support Reflection And Instructional Growth, Nikki Hollett, Sheri J. Brock

Educational Practices in Kinesiology

Educating physical education teachers to deliver effective online and hybrid instruction presents unique challenges. Instructors cannot observe preservice teachers live in a gymnasium, and real-time feedback is impossible. When dozens of students submit micro-teaching videos, the traditional feedback cycle breaks down. This teaching and learning resource presents a practical, scalable model to address these constraints through integration of two accessible AI tools: Brisk AI for automated video analysis and custom-designed AI chatbots for guided reflection. Through this approach, preservice teachers record short lessons, receive immediate automated feedback on their teaching behaviors, engage in chatbot-guided metacognitive reflection, and revise and reteach …

The Meaning Of Physical Activity In The Context Of Health Sciences: A Concept Analysis, Martín G. Farinola

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

Physical activity has been defined in numerous ways. Thus, this study aimed to conduct a concept analysis of the existing physical activity definitions in the health sciences literature to evaluate its conceptual precision and assess the need for a revised or novel concept better suited for this domain. The concept analysis was accomplished using tools derived from philosophical semantics. The analysis identified six definitions that explicitly state what physical activity is with sufficient clarity to allow for conceptual examination. The findings indicated that these definitions frequently merge the concept of physical activity with its contextual attributes. To address these semantic …

Feasibility Of A Culturally Tailored Teacher Workshop For Equitable Physical Activity Opportunities, Stacy Imagbe, Senlin Chen

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

The purpose of this study was to test the feasibility of a culturally tailored pedagogical workshop, as a pilot intervention, designed to prompt in-service physical education (PE) teachers to offer equitable physical activity opportunities (PAOs). Participants were two certified middle school PE teachers and 175 students. Using a mixed-methods descriptive study design, the PE teachers received workshop sessions and took part in semi-structured interviews. The adapted Student Measure of Culturally Responsive Teaching and the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Older Children was administered to measure students’ perceptions and physical activity (PA), respectively. Qualitative data were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using thematic …

From Confidence To Competence: Embedding Critical Genai Literacy In Physician Associate Education, Chanceeth Chandrakanthan, Amy H. Donaldson-Perrott Mrs, Jane Secker, Julie Voce, Tamara S. Ritsema

Journal Of Indian Physician Associates

Background: Generative artificial intelligence is now embedded in how many healthcare students learn. Tools provide rapid explanations, summaries and practice questions, but use does not equal AI literacy, particularly where accuracy, medicines safety and guideline alignment matter.

Objective: To describe current use of generative AI by Physician Associate students and outline a practical approach to teaching critical AI literacy.

Methods: Educational evaluation using three activities: (1) baseline survey of students about use and attitudes, (2) an embedded compare and critique session in applied pharmacology where small groups assessed AI answers against trusted UK sources, including BNF and NICE guidance, followed …

Developing Self-Determination Through Physical Activity Courses In Inclusive Post-Secondary Education Programs, Shannon P. Zimmerman, Samantha Ross-Cypcar, Peter R. Giacobbi, Lesley Cottrell, Emily Murphy, Andrea Taliaferro, Jeanette Garcia

Developmental Disabilities Network Journal

Adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) often experience low physical activity levels, with only 23% meeting recommended guidelines, increasing their risk for secondary health conditions. Inclusive Post-Secondary Education (IPSE) programs in the U.S. present an opportunity for physical activity promotion. This study examined physical activity strategies across a national sample of IPSE programs (n = 27) using a sequential mixed-method approach, including surveys and follow-up interviews, focusing on alignment with Self-Determination Theory (SDT). While 70.37% of programs offered formalized physical activity courses, all promoted physical activity informally. Common practices included peer mentorship (96.3% of programs), goal setting (100%), and …

The Effect Of Chronic Aerobic Exercise On Working Memory: A Study On Young Adults, Alexandria J. Morris

Honors Theses

Physical activity is essential for optimal health. Cognitive function is a major part of that, and can be evaluated through working memory (WM). This thesis examines the impact of physical activity on WM in young adult college students. It reviews existing research on exercise and WM, highlights gaps in the literature focused on this demographic, and explores the importance of chronic and moderate to high-intensity exercise to WM. There is existing research that examines the correlation of WM and physical activity for both acute and chronic exercise, as well as for children, adults, and older adults. Acute aerobic exercise shows …

Impact Of Nutrition Programs In Schools On The Well-Being Of Elementary School Students, Sophia Perea Manriquez

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

This senior capstone explores the impact of school-based nutrition programs on the well-being of elementary school students. This research draws on the experiences and perspectives of four teachers, one principal, and three food service staff members who provide insight into how these programs are implemented and perceived within the school environment. Through the use of literature review and surveys the findings indicate the importance of school nutrition programs and the value of children having access to healthy, nutritious food, which is important for their learning and academic success. Therefore, schools should recognize the importance of nutrition programs and continue to …

Eating Patterns Among College Athletes, Sarah Sanchez

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to examine eating patterns among college athletes attending a minority-serving, urban institution where commuting is highly prevalent to assess potential risks of disordered eating, nutrient deficiencies, and food insecurity. A total of 189 students [M age (SD) = 20.29 + 1.46 years] from a mid-sized university in the U.S. responded to an anonymous online survey. The survey consisted of questions regarding food security, hydration/beverage status, demographics, disordered eating attitudes and behaviors, and food consumption patterns. Findings indicated a low prevalence of severe disordered eating behaviors within this sample. However, attitudes about disordered eating …

Health Behaviors Of First-Generation College Students Affected By Acculturation, Angel Camacho Castro

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative narrative ethnographic study was to understand how acculturation affects health behaviors and wellness of first-generation college students at a state university on the West Coast of the United States. The theory guiding this study was social constructivism theory, proposed by Lev Vygotsky, who claimed behaviors are constructed by social interactions around social settings. This research focused on how students navigated the changes in inherited cultural values of health behaviors and wellness practices affected by mainstream and college cultures. The dissertation investigated challenges first-generation college students faced in an environment that often conflicted with family values …

Interactive Associations Between Physical Activity And Sleep Architecture On Cognition In Community-Dwelling Older Black Adults, Joshua L. Gills, Anhiti Dharmapuri, Rachel Mccray, Shreshtha Shah, Anthony Q. Briggs, Purbanka Pahari, Dominique Tanner, Mark A. Bernard, Elena Valkanova, Korey Kam, Ankit Parekh, Lisa L. Barnes, Gbenga Ogedegbe, Omonigho M. Bubu

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Growing evidence suggests an interactive relationship between physical activity (PA) and sleep in shaping cognitive performance. Enhanced sleep features, like greater K-complex density and slow-wave activity, may reflect mechanisms through which PA and restorative sleep improve cognitive function. PURPOSE: To examine how PA and sleep architecture interact to influence cognition in older Black adults. METHODS: A cross-sectional study of 51 participants (mean age: 63.1 ± 15.8 years) from NYU’s Aging Research In Sleep Equity and Dementia Prevention Program. Participants underwent neuropsychological testing, polysomnography, clinical evaluation, and seven days of actigraphy to assess PA and sedentary behavior. Cognitive tasks measured processing …

Use Of Resistive Exercise Snacks To Improve Upper Body Fitness In Undergraduate And Graduate Students, Zachary Abouelkawaam, Kevin Vaughan, Alexander Rothstein, Abdelmohsen Mossolem, Jean-Paul Dodier, Carlos Africa, Freddie Leong, John Handrakis

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Graduate/undergraduate students lack time for consistent physical activity, leading to declines in fitness. Exercise snacks (ExSnck), short bouts of submaximal exercise performed throughout the day, may offer a solution. PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of a 6-week upper body ExSnck program on endurance, strength, power, and enjoyment compared to a 1-set maximal exercise (MaxEx) protocol and a control group. METHODS: 43 participants were randomly assigned to ExSnck (n=15), MaxEx (n=16), or Control (n=12) groups. The ExSnck group performed 33% of their maximal push-ups and plank time for 3 sessions/day (sessions ≥2hrs apart). The MaxEx group performed the same …

Association Between Coaching Behavior Styles And Athlete Well-Being: A Systematic Review, Matthew Benavides, Olivia Evola, Devjja V. Joshi, Arpita M. Bedarkar, Amerigo Rossi

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Coaching behavior plays a critical role in shaping athlete outcomes, including motivation, performance, satisfaction, and burnout. PURPOSE: Evaluates how different coaching styles are associated with athlete well-being and the psychological mechanisms involved. METHODS: A detailed search of ProQuest, Gale and EBSCO databases was done. Five peer-reviewed studies that met the inclusion criteria of college student athletes competing in NCAA or NAIA in the US or Canada and studies involving the coaching styles of either autocratic, democratic, transformational, congruent leadership or intrinsic motivation were systematically reviewed. 1,900 athletes were evaluated in the included studies of relationships between coaching behaviors and student …

Fitness For All: Education For Gym Staff Supporting People With Disabilites, Bianca Loor, Mary Jan Greer, Alison Skean

Spring 2026 OTD Capstone Symposium

This capstone project, “Fitness for All: Education for Gym Staff Supporting People with Disabilities,” focuses on improving accessibility and inclusion within community fitness settings through staff education. Individuals with disabilities often encounter barriers in gyms due to limited staff training, lack of confidence, and insufficient knowledge of adaptive fitness practices.

To address this gap, a comprehensive, evidence-based training program was developed and implemented for gym staff at Crunch Fitness Orange Park. The program incorporated occupational therapy frameworks, including the Person-Environment-Occupation (PEO) model and the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework (OTPF-4), to promote inclusive and client-centered fitness practices.

Using a mixed-methods approach, …

Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy And Career Duration In Former Professional American Football Players: A Literature Review, Malik I. Watson, Chase Forbes, Bhavik Singh, Etop Udoh, Kévin Borgella, Jonathan Mosley, Erik Zarandy

The Journal of Integrated Primary Care

Background:

Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease associated with repetitive head trauma and has been increasingly identified in former contact sport athletes, particularly American football players. Although the relationship between repetitive head impacts and CTE has been well documented, the role of career duration as a measurable exposure variable remains an important area of investigation. Understanding this relationship may provide clinically useful insight for primary care physicians responsible for longitudinal monitoring of individuals with extensive athletic exposure.

Methods:

This literature review examined published studies evaluating the relationship between football career duration, cumulative head impact exposure, and neuropathologic …

From Experience To Impact: Engaging With The Idd Community, Annabelle Malsam, Braydon Peterson, Whitney Randall, Andrew Gannon

SACAD: Scholarly Activities

Tigers for IDD (intellectual and developmental disabilities) is an event created and led by college students to provide an opportunity for collaboration between the campus and the IDD community. Volunteers were asked to complete a survey after the event to provide feedback on their experience. Survey results show that volunteering with the IDD community is an overall very positive experience for volunteers and creates opportunities for personal growth. Individuals who volunteer at similar events, such as Special Olympics events, are motivated to participate for reasons such as giving back to the community and doing something worthwhile. Hosting community events that …

From Vision To Impact: Building A Sustainable Open-Access Peer Reviewed Medical Journal, Darshana T. Shah Phd

All Things Open

The Marshall Journal of Medicine (MJM) was created to strengthen scholarly exchange, clinical innovation, and health professions education in rural Appalachia while making that work openly accessible to readers worldwide. As West Virginia’s first fully open‑access, online, peer‑reviewed medical journal, MJM illustrates how a mission‑driven publishing effort can evolve from an initial idea into lasting scholarly infrastructure—and how publication activity can translate into measurable impact.

MJM’s development centered on three strategic pillars:

• a clearly articulated scope focused on clinically relevant and educationally innovative scholarship
• rigorous peer‑review and editorial practices that ensure credibility and quality
• operational partnerships—especially with academic …