Digital Commons Network^™

Engaging In Movement At Work: Exploring Engagement And Physical Activity., Spencer A. Cavan

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

High levels of employee engagement provide organizations competitive advantages such as increased customer satisfaction, profits, and employee productivity. Despite potential benefits, the number of engaged employees is declining and organizations need to find innovative ways to enhance engagement. Emerging evidence suggests workplace physical activity may generate organizational benefits extending beyond health improvement. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate perceptions of engagement among employees participating in a physical activity intervention at work. A qualitative design, guided by phenomenology, examined perceptions of workplace physical activity and perceived levels of engagement, as well as constraints related to involvement among university …

Contributions Of Occupational Therapy In Sport Provider Training Using A Health-Promoting Environment For Positive Youth Development, Jennifer Papenfuse Otd, Otr/L, Chc, Camille Skubik-Peplaski Phd, Otr/L, Faota, Shirley P. O'Brien Phd, Otr/L, Faota

Student Journal of Occupational Therapy

Rising youth public health disparities can be attributed to the social determinants of health that influence health and wellness. Youth sport providers can be influential in creating healthier environments that facilitate positive youth development and social emotional learning, thus positively impacting life-long health behaviors choices and public health. The purpose of this study was to explore the impact of an education module developed by an occupational therapist on sport’s providers perceptions of their capacity to implement positive youth development programming and to create a health-promoting environment.

A qualitative descriptive approach was used in this study allowing for purposive sampling, inductive …

Sports And Physical Activity Of Poles In The Context Of Good Health And Well-Being As A Sustainable Development Goal, Elżbieta Biernat, Monika Piątkowska, Robert Podstawski

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Investing in physical activity (PA) is vital for achieving sustainable development goals. We examine PA trends in Poland using data from Eurobarometer surveys conducted in 2013, 2017, and 2022. In 2022, 64.6% of Poles did not participate in sports, and 41.8% did not engage in non-sport PA. There is a concerning trend of increasing inactivity in sports (Chi²_2022/2017 = 34.64; p < 0.001; Chi²_2017/2013 = 56.98; p < 0.001) and non-sports PA (Chi²_2022/2017 = 18.3, p < 0.01 and Chi²_2017/2013 = 16.95, p < 0.01). Participation in sport and PA is influenced by individual, inter-personal, environmental, political, and global factors. Notably, there is an upward trend in interpersonal (e.g., club membership, volunteering), environmental (e.g., PA in parks/nature, at home), and political (e.g., dissatisfaction with local government actions) factors. Government intervention is crucial and requires: (1) establishment of an institution for leadership and advocacy of PA, (2) adoption of a cross-sectoral approach for a coordinated change, and (3) increased in-vestment in monitoring systems to track the impact of interventions. These actions are essential for fostering a more active and healthier population in Poland.

Functional Electrical Stimulation For Foot Drop: A Narrative Review, Garrett R. Watson

Honors Thesis

Foot drop (FD) is a neuromuscular impairment that limits ankle dorsiflexion during walking. It often leads to unsafe gait patterns, increases the risk of falls, and reduces independence. Functional electrical stimulation (FES) has emerged as a promising rehabilitation tool that activates muscles or nerves to improve foot clearance and support motor recovery. Unlike passive devices such as ankle-foot orthoses, FES promotes active neuromuscular engagement and may foster long-term improvements through neuroplastic adaptation. This narrative review examines the causes and clinical consequences of FD and evaluates the role of FES in restoring functional mobility. Key topics include FES technologies, stimulation parameters, …

The Menstrual Cycle And Exercise Performance: A Literature Review, Reagan E. Burchill

Honors Thesis

This literature review will examine the current research investigating the relationship between the female menstrual cycle, exercise performance, and exercise instruction. The menstrual cycle is a physiological series of events that includes specific hormones at each stage. These hormones may play a role in how females recover from exercise. This is particularly significant when considering the hormonal fluctuations across the female menstrual cycle, which influence recovery, injury risk, and exercise performance. This could indicate that the suggestions doctors and exercise trainers present to females may not be as beneficial for their health because the research is not specifically tailored to …

Developing Independent Living Skills In People With Intellectual Or Developmental Disabilities: A Guide For Direct Support Professionals, Nigel Yeo Mr.

Student Capstone Papers

Over one percent of the world has intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD). Many of these people lack the living skills needed to live independently. Direct support professionals (DSPs) are people who provide daily assistance, care, and support to improve the wellbeing and quality of life among people with IDD. DSPs often have minimal training to perform their role, especially in support of the development of independent living skills. Independent living skills are adaptive behavioral competencies related to self-sufficiency, with focus on conceptual skills such as language abilities, social skills including interpersonal and social problem-solving, and practical skills that relate to …

Evaluation Of Online Information On The Cold Shock Response To Accidental Immersion In Cold Water, Adam Wilson, Heather Massey, Clare M. Eglin

International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education

Many of the UK open water accidental deaths have been attributed to the initial responses to cold water immersion (CWI) collectively known as the cold shock response (CSR). The aim of this study was to analyse the publicly available internet information on CWI and CSR for accuracy and quality compared to the ‘gold standard’ published, peer-reviewed research. Seventy-eight webpages which provided information in English on unexpected CWI and CSR were evaluated. Webpages were accessible, widely available, and had appropriate readability scores. Webpage accuracy was suboptimal including only presenting on average 10 (range 3-16) CSR components out of 19. Quality of …

The Role Of The Exerkine Apelin In Age-Related Sarcopenia, Dillon R. Harris, Quinten W. Pigg, Daniela S. Inoue, Mariana Janini Gomes

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Apelin is an exercise-induced peptide that declines with age and is positively associated with exercise-induced benefits in older individuals. This molecule may therein have a potential role in combatting sarcopenia—age-related progressive loss of muscle mass and strength—when combined with exercise; however, the molecular mechanisms behind its autocrine function remain unclear. PURPOSE: To investigate how aerobic exercise impacts skeletal muscle apelin signaling, focusing on its potential in counteracting the age-related loss of skeletal muscle. METHODS: 22 Fisher 344 male rats (3- and 21-month-old) were obtained from NIA rodent colonies. Experimental groups were randomly divided: young sedentary (Y, n=5); young …

Acute Vs. Chronic Response To Doxorubicin Treatment With Endurance Training In Non-Tumor-Bearing Rats, Quinten W. Pigg, Dillon Harris, Daniela Sayuri Inoue, Bertha F. Polegato, Carol R. Tonon, Mariana Janini Gomes

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Doxorubicin (DOX) is a chemotherapy agent widely used to treat many types of cancer; however, DOX use is limited due to its adverse effects. While cardiotoxicity is the most well-recognized issue, skeletal muscle wasting and weakness is another significant adverse effect that can decrease quality of life, manifested clinically through weakness and exercise intolerance. PURPOSE: We aimed to investigate the effects of DOX treatment on exercise intolerance and muscle function in preclinical models of both acute and chronic effects of chemotherapy using non-tumor-bearing rats. We also investigated the preventive and therapeutic effects of endurance training in these models. METHODS: …

Position-Specific Insights Into Weekly Training Load Variability In Soccer Athletes, Tyler B. Mccollum, Alexandra Brojanac, Erica Hollis, Jan-Joseph S. Rolloque, Yasuki Sekiguchi

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Monitoring training load (TL) is vital for optimizing athletic performance and reducing risk of injury by identifying changes in a player's condition and workload. However, there is limited literature comparing player positions and analyzing weekly workloads in relation to internal and external load metrics. PURPOSE: (1) Compare accumulated load and training monotony in external and internal load metrics between the first (1H) and second halves (2H) of the season; (2) analyze variations in these indicators by playing positions. METHODS: 38 semi-professional players (age: 23±2.05 years; height: 186.61±44.88 cm; weight: 77.23±10.29 kg) playing in 5 positions (central defender (CD=5), …

Examining The Relationship Between Competition Stress And Performance In Collegiate Rodeo Bronc Riders Through Salivary Cortisol And Heart Rate, Tyler K. Handley, Jennifer L. Zoller, Chelsie J. Huseman, Lisa Colvin, William Storer, Amanda Baxter

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Competition stress significantly impacts the performance of athletes across various sports. Despite its unique demands, stress in rodeo athletes remains underexplored, largely due to the sport's nomadic and individualistic nature and its prior lack of mainstream attention. While comparisons can be drawn between the intermittent structure of rodeo and mainstream sports like baseball or football, the recent surge in rodeo's popularity has increased interest in optimizing athlete performance. PUROSE: The aim of this study was to identify and compare salivary cortisol concentration (SCC) and physical workloads experienced by riders and horses in practice and competition settings. Additionally, the study aims …

Comparison Of Ncaa D1 Women’S Basketball Game Day And Previous Practice Training Loads, Kyle Jean, Karissa A. Mesquita, David Clark, Yasuki Sekiguchi

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Game day training loads in NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball players differ significantly from practice loads, emphasizing the intense physical demands of competition. Analyzing these variations is crucial for optimizing training strategies, balancing workload, and enhancing recovery. PURPOSE: Examining the game day and the previous week training load before each game in NCAA D1 Women’s Basketball players. METHODS: Eleven females (Age: 22±2years, Height: 183.41±8.92cm, Weight: 84.62±18.78kg) NCAA D1 Women’s Basketball players donned accelerometer units for games and practices from October 2023 through March 2024. Variables collected by the units include Total Distance, Duration, Accumulated Acceleration Load, High Speed …

Reliability Of Handgrip Strength Measurements And Their Relationship With Physical Performance Outcomes In Older Women, Alexandra Khartabil, Ty B. Palmer

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Handgrip strength measurements, such as peak force and rate of force development (RFD), are effective parameters at characterizing the strength capacities of numerous muscle groups in the upper and lower extremities. Previous studies have determined the reliability of handgrip peak force and RFD in young, college-aged adults. However, the reliability of these measurements in older adults remains unclear. It is also unclear if these measurements are associated with performance during sit-to-stand and medicine ball throw tests. PURPOSE: The primary aim of this study was to examine the reliability of handgrip peak force and RFD measurements in older women. A secondary …

Exploring The Incidence Of Synthetic Versus Non-Synthetic Cannabinoid-Induced Psychosis: A Scoping Review, Ruaa Al-Juboori, Zachariah Francois, Precious Patrick Edet, Marie Barnard

Faculty and Student Publications

Cannabinoids, including synthetic and non-synthetic variants, are associated with diverse mental health outcomes including the development of psychotic symptoms. While non-synthetic cannabinoids such as THC are well-studied, the stronger affinity of synthetic cannabinoids for cannabinoid receptors may lead to more severe and unpredictable health outcomes, including acute psychosis. Therefore, the objective of this scoping review is to investigate if the literature reported differences in the incidence of synthetic cannabinoid-induced psychosis versus non-synthetic cannabinoid-induced psychosis and quantify these differences if present. Following the JBI guidelines for scoping reviews, we will conduct a literature search across multiple databases including PubMed, PsycINFO, Scopus, …

What Women Intercollegiate Coaches Say: Decision-Making Factors When Navigating Career Choices, Courtney Boucher, Nicole M. Lavoi

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

To address misconceptions about the lack of women in sport coaching, factors influencing intercollegiate women coaches' career decisions, including their choices to leave positions, apply for new ones, and accept or deny job offers were explored. Utilizing a multi-level analysis underpinned by critical feminist theory, a comprehensive understanding of the systemic and structural barriers women coaches faced, as well as the strategies they employed to navigate their careers were illuminated. Key findings revealed that unequal pay, lack of administrative support, insufficient resources, and pervasive gender biases significantly impacted women's career choices. The importance of supportive workplace environments, flexible working conditions, …

Relationship Between Fluid Intake, Hydration Status And Cortisol Dynamics In Healthy, Young Adult Males, Mitchell E. Zaplatosch, Laurie Wideman, Jessica Mcneil, Jesse Sims, William M. Adams

Faculty Articles

Background: Previous studies have identified links between fluid intake, hydration related hormones and cortisol measured at one timepoint but have not considered how hydration may influence cortisol dynamics throughout the day. This study assessed associations between hydration status (copeptin, urinary osmolality, urine volume) and habitual fluid intake with cortisol dynamics.

Methods: The day before (DB) a 6-h laboratory visit, 29 male participants (age, 23±4y; BMI, 25.5 ± 4.3 kg/m2; body fat, 17.3 ± 9.3 %) provided 24-h urine samples and a fasted blood sample for hydration status assessment, recorded their 24-h fluid intake for three days prior, and provided 10 …

Parting Thoughts Li, Tracy L. Mainieri

Faculty Publications - Kinesiology and Recreation

This Paring Thoughts reflects on how leisure scholars could use their expertise to preserve or increase the humanity in higher education policies related to sabbatical leave and beyond.

The Cost Of A Playing Surface: Artificial Turf Versus Natural Grass, Tyler Whitaker

Emerging Writers

The debate between whether artificial grass or natural grass is better has recently gained popularity among sports advocates and athletes. The immediate explanation for this surge of popularity can be indicated by the increased concerns regarding environmental conservation, health concerns, and growing costs. Previous research has shown that the choice between the two surfaces often depends on specific needs and preferences, each having their own unique advantages and disadvantages. Natural grass is often portrayed as being the safest option when it comes to playing because of its longevity in use and other factors. This has contributed to the overall discussion …

Exploring Law Enforcement Officers' Experiences With Athletic Trainers And Work-Related Injury, Stephanie H. Clines, Rubie Gaudette, Amanda Wheeler, Jennifer Ostrowsk

Athletic Training Faculty Publications

Law enforcement is an emerging clinical setting for athletic trainers (ATs), yet little is known regarding law enforcement officers (LEOs) perceptions of the profession. This qualitative study following a general inductive approach explored LEOs' experiences with musculoskeletal injury and their interactions with ATs. Seven officers (N = 7) participated in one-on-one semi-structured interviews. Three themes emerged: (1) roles and responsibilities of ATs, (2) education and training, and (3) impact of injury on LEOs. While participants viewed ATs positively, they demonstrated limited understanding of the profession's scope and expertise. Participants commonly described managing musculoskeletal injuries on their own due to …

The Effects Of The Image Attributes Of Golf Star Athletes Supported By Adult Amateur Golfers On Sports Participation Desire And Continuation Intention, Ji-Hye Yang, Ga Young Kim, Hye Jin Yang, Chulhwan Choi, Chul-Ho Bum

Human Movement Studies & Special Education Faculty Publications

The image attributes of sports star athletes demonstrate positive effects on sports fans' psychological factors. In the context of golf, fans are also influenced by the players they support, experiencing a range of emotions. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the effects of the image attributes of golf star athletes—supported by adult amateur golfers—on the desire for sports participation and the intention to continue. This study involved 356 adult amateur golfers in Korea (253 male, 103 female). Questionnaires were used to measure participants' perceptions of image attributes, their desire for sports participation, and their intention to continue participating in the …

Transforming The Athlete Through Occupational Therapy-Facilitated Mentorship Programming, Cecelia D. Simons

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

There is a high prevalence of role strain experienced among collegiate athletes with increased attention and awareness surrounding its impact on the transition out of sport and into the next phase of their lives. Many colleges and universities throughout the United States have developed career readiness programs focused on mental health, career transitions, and resilience training preparation for life after sport. However, these programs are often delivered in a group format, making it difficult to provide individualized support to student-athletes. This project elaborated on the role occupational therapy serves in both program development and the transition out of sport. This …

Confronting Indecision, Lane Allison Murray

ENGS 15.11: Design and Education

This course aims to increase students' understanding of indecision and how to confront it. The class provides insight into how the fear of the unknown holds people back from making decisions and about understanding one's values as a means to combat indecision. Students and teachers alike explore instances of indecision and evaluate their own impulses & thought processes by reflecting on the deeper reasons for their choices. Students will increase their comfort level of asking themselves and their peers questions about the values that guide them and, in doing so, strengthen their relationships with themselves and others.

Community Perspectives On Spinal Cord Injury In Rugby Union: Facts And Fears, Nicole Merrick, Marelise Badenhorst, Ashlee Morgan, Lauren Fortington

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Introduction: The sport of rugby union, henceforth rugby, is associated with a risk of spinal cord injury (SCI). Perceived risks can impact participation. Understanding community perspectives on rugby-related SCI may provide insight for addressing concerns around risk. The aim of this study was to explore community perspectives through social media discussion about SCI in rugby union. Methods: Posts about SCI in rugby union were identified using the advanced search function on Twitter. Data (content as original post, retweet, quote tweet and comments) were included if focused on Rugby Union and written in English. Inclusion dates (July 2018 to June 2019) …

Weight Stigma In Health-Related Undergraduate Programs, Alicia Rodney

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

Health-related undergraduate programs are common pathways for future health care providers and play a critical role in shaping attitudes toward weight, as biases formed during training often carry over into professional practice. While weight stigma (WS) has been examined among practicing professionals and medical students, little is known about how it is experienced by undergraduate students in different health-related programs, particularly across the weight spectrum. This qualitative study contributes to closing this gap by exploring and comparing how students in one kinesiology and one health sciences program experience WS within an academic setting.

Using Reflexive Thematic Analysis, open-ended survey responses …

Influences Of Social Media On Nutrition Perceptions And Body Image Among Female College Students: A Study Of Health Impacts And Behavioral Responses, Kerri Mcclanahan

Human Nutrition and Hospitality Management Undergraduate Honors Theses

Social media use is increasing among young adults with an average use of over four hours per day. The validity of dietary content on social media is questionable and can cause impacts on several factors. This research focused on exploring how female college students' social media use impacts their nutrition knowledge, diet choices, and body image. Through the use of a survey, 332 participants completed this research. It was found that social media can cause changes in body image, both positive and negative. Additionally, the results showed that social media impacted the participants’ dietary decisions. It was also found that …

A019: Value Co-Creation Of Sports Museums In China: Lessons From International Sports Museums, Jiexin Chen

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

Purpose: This study aimed to conclude the value achievement experience of International Olympic Museums and to provide practical advice for the development of Chinese sports museums.

Method: A critical review of existing literature was performed on sport management and theoretical considerations based on service-dominant logic. Following the value co-creation framework, this study analyzed the basics, procedures and targets of value co-creation of 27 international Olympic museums, which are members of International Group of Olympic Museums.

Results: The results showed that not all the international Olympic museums were developed successfully, but successful museums shared some common characters as follows. First, an …

Navigating Physical Activity Promotion And Policy In The Post-Covid-19-Pandemic Era, Justin Richards, Katja Siefken, Michael Pratt, Adrian Bauman, Juliana Mejía-Grueso, Catherine B Woods, Wanda Wendel-Vos, Erica Hinckson, Deborah Salvo, Pedro C Hallal, Andrea Ramírez Varela

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Background: There is limited evidence on the priorities and opportunities associated with promoting population physical activity (PA) participation for the post-COVID-19-pandemic future.

Purpose: This study assessed government-led PA promotion efforts before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, along with post-COVID-19-pandemic priorities and recommendations.

Methods: Two separate cross-sectional surveys conducted in 2023. Survey 1 was targeted at the Global Observatory for Physical Activity (GoPA!) Country Contacts. Survey 2 also included key international informants representing influential stakeholders in PA policy implementation.

Results: There were 68 respondents to Survey 1, collectively representing 61 countries. An additional 37 people, including representatives from 14 key international …

Associations Between Serum And Skeletal Muscle Androgens And Androgen Receptor-Associated Biomarkers, Lean Body Mass, And Muscular Strength, Derek Flores, Thomas D. Cardaci, Dillon Harris, Steven B. Machek, Darryn Willoughby

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

The relationships between lean body mass (LBM), muscular strength, androgens, and several androgen receptor (AR)-associated biomarkers are sparsely described. PURPOSE: To examine any potential correlations linking these aforementioned factors. METHODS: 10 resistance-trained males were recruited for this crossover study, each assessing their leg and bench press one-repetition maximums (1RM) and body composition before completing two volume- and intensity-equated resistance training sessions separated by 7-10 days. Serum and skeletal muscle tissue samples were acquired in each session at baseline, 3-hours, and 24-hours post-exercise to assess circulating and muscle androgens (testosterone [TST] and dihydrotestosterone [DHT]), AR protein content and gene …

Open Access Partnerships To Enhance Research Impact, Mark Geil

All Things Open

10 AM | Open Access Publishing Partnership with Frontiers

Mark Geil, Associate Dean of Research and Operation of Wellstar College of Health and Human Services and Professor of Exercise Science

High Fat, High Sucrose Diet Promotes Increased Expression Of Ace2 Receptor In The Siv-Infected Host: Implications For Sars-Cov-2 Infection, Elizabeth C. Delery, Danielle E. Levitt, Angela M. Amedee, Patricia E. Molina, Liz Simon

School of Graduate Studies Faculty Publications

Introduction: People with pre-existing conditions, including metabolic comorbidities, are at greater risk for complications of SARS-CoV-2 infection and expression of machinery required for viral entry into host cells may be a contributing factor. This study tested the hypothesis that high fat, high sucrose diet (HFSD) and alcohol use increase expression of angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor and transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2) in tissues isolated from simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) infected macaques, the most clinically relevant model for the study of HIV. Methods: Biospecimens obtained from a longitudinal study of SIV-infected, antiretroviral therapy (ART)-treated female rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) …