Differences In Mental Toughness Among Mixed Martial Artists And Physically Active Individuals, Savannah M. Calleja, Soleil Ramos, Victoria Potvin, Anthony A. Ricci, Gabriel J. Sanders, Corey A. Peacock

Journal for Sports Neuroscience

Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) is a physiological and psychological demanding sport. While the majority of the literature conducted in MMA regards physiological health and risk of injury, researchers are beginning to assess the psychological profiles of MMA athletes. Previous studies have evaluated mental toughness (MT) within MMA; however, no study has examined MT in MMA athletes at the professional division. Therefore, the primary purpose of this research was to evaluate the difference in mental toughness between professional MMA athletes and physically active individuals. Secondary aims are to evaluate potential variations in mental toughness within the professional level between champion and …

Changes In Physical Activity And Sleep In Relation To Reductions In Body Weight And Cholesterol Levels Among Adults With Ptsd, Jeffery Kibler, Karla Patricia Molina Valenzuela, Shalynn Murphy, Claudia Ocholski, Valeria Rangel Cunha, Dania Dabbagh, Blaise Desautels, Alexis B. Tola, Mindy Ma

Faculty Articles

There is evidence of strong relationships between posttraumatic stress and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Interventions focused on healthy behaviors may promote CVD risk-reduction in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The present study includes analysis of the associations among key outcomes from an intervention study of a cognitive behavioral healthy lifestyle intervention in PTSD, treated as an adjunct to standard trauma therapy. Specifically, we examined whether changes in physical activity and sleep efficiency were associated with changes in body weight and cholesterol. The health behavior intervention is conducted in 12 weekly sessions and includes four overlapping modules (physical activity, nutrition, sleep, and …

Parkinson’S Report Cards For Rural Communities: Bridging Access To Care For Behavior Change And Fall Risk Reduction, Jamie Haines, Emily Schubbe, Brooke Alexander, Lachane Ballard, Chin-I Cheng

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: People with Parkinson’s disease (PwPD) in rural communities face delayed diagnosis and limited access to specialized care, and lower self-efficacy for disease management. A physical therapist designed the Parkinson’s Report Card Program (PRCP) to provide improved access to symptom monitoring, feedback, education, and follow-up support every six months for one year, aiming to enhance disease management when access to specialized care is challenging. This study evaluated the impact of the Report Card Program on non-motor symptoms, physical function, care-seeking behaviors, and self-efficacy in three rural communities in Michigan. Methods: Twenty-eight participants completed assessments at baseline, 6 months, and 1 …

Navigating Ethical Ai Use In Online Education: Leveraging The Framework For Information Literacy For Higher Education, Grace Kaletski-Maisel

FDLA Journal

As generative AI transforms online education, students are confronted with the many ethical quandaries that this technology poses. A document known as The Framework for Information Literacy for Higher Education (Framework) has great potential to serve as a tool for educators who strive to guide students towards ethical decision-making in AI use. Information literacy is “the set of integrated abilities encompassing the reflective discovery of information, the understanding of how information is produced and valued, and the use of information in creating new knowledge and participating ethically in communities of learning.” This definition was posed by the Association of College …

Reflections On Focus Group Participant Recruitment In An Indian Youth Mental Health Study, Debanjali Saha, Ketoki Mazumdar

The Qualitative Report

In this article, I (DS) critically reflected on my journey as an Indian graduate student while navigating dissonant expectations versus reality from the planning to data collection phase of my doctoral research, especially the challenges involved in the participant recruitment process for focus group discussions. The goal of my study was to understand the narratives of various stakeholders of the Indian higher education community on students’ mental health on Indian college campuses using Participatory Action Research strategy with the help of focus group discussions. Recruiting participants was a crucial first step in this endeavor. Six FGDs were conducted with a …

Community - Volume 11

be Still

No abstract provided.

Stronger Together: Healing Through Joy, Archana Banda, Nupur S. Kumar

be Still

Volunteering as Family Pals at Boggy Creek throughout medical school has reinforced the profound impact of communities united under a shared vision of uplifting one another. This organization cultivates a supportive camp environment for children with chronic medical conditions. One of the most meaningful aspects of these weekend adventures has been meeting children with conditions such as Type 1 Diabetes and VACTERL courageously navigating the challenges of their diagnoses while discovering new passions through activities including woodcraft, air hockey, boating, fishing, and archery.

Many times these children are excluded from normal camp experiences due to their special needs such as …

Neuromuscular Responses During Vigorous Intensity Heart Rate-Clamp Cycling Exercise, Clara J. Mitchinson, Pasquale J. Succi, Brian Benitez, Djadmann Gustave, Minyoung Kwak, Erik Snell, Haley C. Bergstrom

Journal for Sports Neuroscience

Introduction: Electromyography (EMG) and mechanomyography (MMG) provide non-invasive assessments of neuromuscular function and fatigue during dynamic exercise. This study examined neuromuscular fatigue and cycling performance through changes in power output (PO), total work (TW), EMG and MMG, amplitude (AMP) and mean power frequency (MPF) during three, heart rate (HR)-Clamp trials in the vigorous range (77-95% HR_max). Methods: Ten men (mean±SD, 25.9±5.0yr, 74.9±15.0kg, HR_max=178±12b×min^-1) performed a cycle ergometer graded exercise test, followed by three separate HR-Clamp trials at 77%HR_max (HR_L, time to exhaustion [T_Lim]=58.5±4.6 min, range=45.3-60.0min), 86%HR_max (HR_{M …}

Acute And Inpatient Occupational Therapy Practice For People With Chronic Conditions Who Are Experiencing Homelessness, Emily K. Simpson, Anne K. Mokate, Elizabeth A. Gibbs, Nina K. Duric

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Despite having high rates of chronic illness, people experiencing homelessness (PEH) in the United States face barriers to healthcare access that result in unmet health needs and poor health outcomes.  The objective of the study was to identify the barriers to service experienced by occupational therapy practitioners (OTPs) in acute and inpatient settings in providing services to PEH and to describe education strategies to reduce those barriers. Methods: Researchers employed a cross-sectional design with OTPs (n=292) with experience treating PEH. Results: Barriers to treatment for OTP included lack of education, need to prioritize acute concerns, and inadequate institutional resources. …

An Exploratory Study: The Presence Of Imposter Syndrome In New Graduate Allied Health Professionals And Its Relationship To Location Of Practice, Samantha J. Barber, Carol A. Flavell Dr, Moira Smith Dr

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Imposter syndrome (IS) explores the feelings of fraudulence within personal and professional settings. Commonly IS results in impaired self-confidence, and self-perceptions of one’s own abilities, their mental health, and places them at a higher risk of burnout. Imposterism is linked to transitionary periods, such as being newly graduated, and while IS addressed amongst the medical community [doctors and nurses], there is a gap in literature relating to IS amongst allied health professionals (AHPs). Additionally, there is no known literature in which IS presence or severity is explored in relation to an individual’s geographic location. The aim of this study …

An Analysis Of Dei Preparation In Health Science Programs For Future Healthcare Providers, Michael Holik, Scott Heinerichs

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Research has indicated patients have better outcomes when their healthcare providers are comprehensively trained in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) related areas during their academic preparation. By understanding students’ perceptions of the DEI education, they receive and knowing how that training may impact future patient interactions, educators can allow educational programs to prepare health science students better. This study aimed to garner and examine the perceptions health science students have on the DEI education they receive as undergraduate and/or graduate students in a regional public comprehensive university. Methods: Upon approval of research from the Institutional Review Board, 2,700 health …

Student Perceptions Of Clinical Educator Competence Across Healthcare Professions, Samar Long, Sarah Varekojis, Tonya Apke, Erika Kemp

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Background: Educational units that house a variety of healthcare programs require unique skills and knowledge development and vastly different professional responsibilities. The training for students is similar in that they use clinical educators to provide practical educational experiences. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to explore healthcare students' perceptions of their clinical educators' skills across six domains related to clinical education for six health professions. Methods: The data collection process involved a survey of students who have completed clinical rotations with at least two different clinical educators. Results: Seventy-four responses were included in data analysis. Students have positive perceptions …

Operational And Implementation Evaluation Of A Short-Term Medical Service Program In Rural Guatemala, Mitchell M. Michalak, Shamecka Douglas, Oscar Gonzalez, Giovanna Sanguinetti, Ashley Sweat

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Can We Bridge The Divide Between Community And Metropolitan University Stakeholders In The Development Of Longitudinal Allied Health Placements In Rural Australia?, Debra M. Jones, Anne Hill, Giti Haddadan, Lindy Mcallister

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Rural communities experience allied health workforce shortages that detrimentally impact health care access and outcomes. Allied health student exposure to rural practice is a key strategy to influence rural practice uptake in Australia. Yet, these placements can be short in duration and undertaken across multiple speciality areas contributing to fragmented learning, challenges in translating theory to practice in rural contexts, and host site fatigue. We aimed to review placement standards and key rural and metropolitan university stakeholder perspectives of placements to inform the co-design of a rural longitudinal placement to address the challenges described. Method: This qualitative study was …

An Academic–Community Partnership: A Faculty-Student Collaborative Occupational Therapy Clinic For Health Equity And Experiential Learning, Jennifer Martin, Nancy Saucedo, Jazmine Jacobo, Monica Gendy, David John, Yolanda Escalante

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: This descriptive report outlines the development and operation of a faculty–student collaborative occupational therapy (OT) clinic embedded in a community-based primary care setting serving uninsured individuals. The clinic’s dual mission is (1) to reduce disparities in access to OT services and (2) to serve as an educational model for developing student competence, cultural humility, and advocacy skills. Description: Established in 2019 and relaunched in 2023, the clinic operates one day per week, providing consultative OT services primarily for musculoskeletal conditions, with additional referrals for neurological and systemic issues. Over two academic years, the clinic delivered 229 service hours across …

A Series Of Investigations On The L. Cornutus Host System And Bivesiculid Sp. Cercariae, Briana K. Zaffiro

All HCAS Student Capstones, Theses, and Dissertations

Rising global temperatures are likely modulating parasite-host interactions, yet the direction and magnitude of these changes remain uncertain. Rarely are these interactions viewed from both a host and parasite perspective. Using both CT_max, or Critical Thermal Maximum, and Clark-type polarographic oxygen microelectrodes, the physiological metabolic effects are investigated. CT_max is examined in Common Shiners, Luxilis cornutus, and is shown to be modulated by parasitism: uninfected fish had the highest CT_max average of 37.0°C, whereas heavily infected fish had decreased CT_max averaging 35°C. Prior to the parasite metabolic investigation, a suitable medium was determined, as …

A Functional Nutrition Literature Review For Brain Fog And Adhd-Like Symptoms In Adults, Natalie Elisani Aldahondo-Matos

Department of Nutrition Student Projects

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and ADHD-like symptoms, such as difficulty concentrating, mental fatigue, and problems with executive functioning, are increasingly recognized in adults. Although medication is commonly used to manage ADHD, there is growing interest in whether nutrition may also play a role in supporting brain function and attention. Several nutrients involved in brain health including omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B12, magnesium, iron, and choline  have been suggested as potential contributors to cognitive performance and attention. However, the research examining the connection between diet and ADHD symptoms is still limited and sometimes shows mixed results.

The purpose of this project was …

The Role Of Vitamin B9 In Modulating Autism Symptoms In Children, Sarah Roeser

Department of Nutrition Student Projects

The prevalence of Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has risen significantly over the past five decades, now affecting approximately 1 in 31 children. This literature review examined whether folinic acid, compared with other forms of vitamin B9 (synthetic folic acid, dietary folate, and 5-methyltetrahydrofolate), modulates ASD symptoms including verbal communication, motor skills and social interaction, particularly in children positive for folate receptor alpha autoantibodies (FRAAs). A thorough search of PubMed, Google Scholar, Nature, and ScienceDirect, primarily from 2015–2026, identified five randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and one meta-analysis evaluating folinic acid at standardized doses of 2 mg/kg/day with a maximum dose of …

Implementing A Nutrition Screening, Education, And Risk Reduction Framework In Optometric Care To Prevent Diabetic Retinopathy In Adults With T2dm, Juliana M. Varanelli

Department of Nutrition Student Projects

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a leading cause of preventable vision loss among adults with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), driven largely by chronic hyperglycemia, oxidative stress, and inflammation. Despite strong evidence supporting the role of nutrition in modifying these risk factors, nutrition screening and counseling are not routinely integrated into optometric care. This project aimed to develop a practical, evidence-based framework to incorporate nutrition screening, patient education, and referral pathways into comprehensive optometric practice to support prevention and reduce the onset and progression of diabetic retinopathy.

This project involved a literature review of peer-reviewed research and clinical guidelines related to …

From Tradition To Transition: Evaluating Culinary Medicine As A Tool For Metabolic Health Among Nigerian Immigrants In The United States And The United Kingdom, Simi Oduwole M.S.

Department of Nutrition Student Projects

This scoping review examines existing publications to evaluate whether Culinary Medicine can be used as a tool for metabolic health among Nigerian immigrants in the United States and the United Kingdom. Nigeria is one of the fastest-growing populations globally, with increasing migration to high-income countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom. Evidence suggests that Nigerian immigrants experience a rise in diet-related chronic diseases, including obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, as duration of residence increases. This phenomenon is often attributed to dietary acculturation and shifts toward Westernized eating patterns. This scoping review evaluates whether culinary medicine can mitigate …

The Effect Of A Low-Glycemic Index Diet On Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Symptoms Among University-Aged Women, Angelika A. Gonzalez, Annalise M. Sankar, Noelle D. Nguyen

Department of Nutrition Student Projects

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is an endocrine disorder among women of reproductive age and is associated with insulin resistance, menstrual irregularities, hyperandrogenism, and metabolic dysfunction. Dietary modifications targeting glycemic response have emerged as a nonpharmacologic approach for PCOS management. However, long-term randomized controlled trials targeting young adult populations remain limited.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate long-term effects of adherence to a low-glycemic index diet on the frequency and severity of PCOS symptoms among female college students ages 18-22. This 12-month randomized controlled trial will recruit participants meeting the Rotterdam criteria from university health clinics. Participants will be randomly …

Effects Of Probiotic Supplementation On Symptoms In Teenagers Ages 13-18 With Inflammatory Skin Conditions, Katelyn S. Walker, Jessica Rosen, Matilde Belfiore

Department of Nutrition Student Projects

Teenagers between the ages of 13 and 18 are particularly susceptible to inflammatory skin disorders such as acne vulgaris and atopic dermatitis, which can have a detrimental effect on their physical and mental health. Emerging evidence highlights the importance of the gut-skin axis, indicating that the makeup of the gut microbiota affects both skin health and systemic inflammation. Adolescent-specific research is still limited even though probiotic supplementation, especially Lactobacillus strains, has demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects in laboratory, animal, and small clinical studies.

The purpose of this experimental study is to determine whether oral probiotic supplementation improves inflammatory skin condition symptoms in …

Effectiveness Of The Mediterranean Diet For Sustained Weight Maintenance Following Glp-1 Medication Discontinuation: A Longitudinal Prospective Study, Nitya Reddy, Josephine Thomas, Julie Salam

Department of Nutrition Student Projects

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists are effective for short-term weight reduction in adults with obesity, yet weight regain is frequent after discontinued use of the medication. Identifying sustainable dietary approaches that support long-term weight maintenance is imperative. The Mediterranean diet has been associated with improving metabolic health and resistant weight control, suggesting it may be an effective strategy for the transition off GLP-1 therapy. Men and women ages 45-55 that are diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes and receiving GLP-1 receptor therapy are the targets of this study, specifically those who plan to discontinue medication within the next three months. On …

Oral Butyrate Supplementation In Patients With Als: Impact On Gut Microbiota And Disease Progression, Annabelle Keller, Kaydee Kinnett, Camaryn Barbanel, Trinity Blakeney

Department of Nutrition Student Projects

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressive motor neuron loss. Emerging evidence suggests that alterations in gut microbiota—particularly reductions in butyrate-producing bacteria—may contribute to neuroinflammatory pathways involved in disease progression. Observational studies in patients with ALS and preclinical findings from transgenic mouse models demonstrate gut microbial dysbiosis, intestinal barrier dysfunction, and improved survival following butyrate supplementation, suggesting the potential role of butyrate availability in ALS pathophysiology. The present study investigates whether oral butyrate supplementation can modulate inflammatory responses, improve gut microbiota composition, and slow functional decline among patients with ALS. Participants will be recruited from …

The Effect Of The Mind Diet On Cognitive Decline In Als Patients With Frontotemporal Dementia, Riya Thomas, Reba Thomas, Eliana Gitelman

Department of Nutrition Student Projects

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord, leading to a broad range of neurological issues. Individuals with ALS experience progressive muscle weakness, dysphagia, slurred speech, and impaired movement and cognition. In addition to physical symptoms, around 15-20% of individuals with ALS also develop frontotemporal dementia (FTD). There are limited interventions to slow cognitive decline in this specific population. The Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) diet has been associated with slower cognitive decline and reduced risk in neurodegenerative disease among older adults; however, its effects have not been …

The Effect Of Low And High-Carbohydrate Diets On Memory Performance In College Students, Samia Baugh, Zoe Zajko, Jamie Analuisa, Ivanna Jacome

Department of Nutrition Student Projects

Carbohydrates are the primary source of energy for the brain and play an important role in processes related to memory performance. The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of a low-carbohydrate diet compared to a high-carbohydrate diet on memory performance in college students aged 18–22 years. For the purposes of this study, a low-carbohydrate diet is defined as a diet providing fewer than 130 grams of carbohydrates per day, while a high-carbohydrate diet provides approximately 325 grams of carbohydrates. This population is particularly important to study because college students experience high academic demands that require strong memory …

The Association Between Ultra-Processed Foods And Inadequate Sleep In Us Adults From Nhanes, 2005-2018, Seema Rajper

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Ultra-processed food (UPF), rich in sugar and fat, could affect sleep quality due to inflammation and hormonal imbalance. However, the population level data is scarce, and the findings are mixed, especially in adult populations. We examined associations between UPF consumption and odds of inadequate sleep (characterized by sleep difficulty and/or inadequate sleep duration: short sleep (<7h) or long sleep (≥9 hours)) among U.S. non-pregnant, non-lactating adults using National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) with a 14-year span. We assessed 33,156 adults (aged ≥ 20 y) using up to two 24-hour diet recalls from the NHANES (2005 to 2018). UPF intake was calculated using the NOVA classification system, and inadequate sleep (specifically sleep difficulty, short sleep, long sleep) was ascertained from the self-reported sleep disorder survey. Odds of inadequate sleep (aORs) were compared across the quartile intakes of UPF using population weights-adjusted multivariable general logistic regression. Of the 33,156 adult participants, 34.9% had short sleep (n=11,576), 11.9% had long sleep (n-3,937), and 24.7% had sleep difficulty (n=8,199). We also found that the highest quartile of UPF, relative to the lowest quartile, is significantly associated with 23% increased odds of short sleep (aOR=1.23, 95% CI: 1.07-1.41; p=0.023), after adjusting for all covariates. The dose-response relationships between higher UPF intake and higher risk of short or long sleep were determined, respectively (both p <0.05). However, no association was found with sleep difficulty (aOR = 1.09, 95% CI: 0.95-1.26; p =0.6185). We found the dose-response relationship between higher UPF intakes and higher risk for inadequat sleep …

Comparative Genomics Across Ganoderma Species To Identify Secondary Metabolite Clusters With Cytotoxic Properties, Fatima Muhammad, Maya Pasapuleti, Emily Abraham, Navya Mysore

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Fungi in the genus Ganoderma have been widely studied in Chinese culture for their medicinal properties and promoting overall health and longevity. Our prior work on eight Ganoderma species showed that they contain Secondary Metabolite Clusters (SMCs) that code for multiple terpenes, betalactones, and ribosomally synthesized and post-translationally modified peptides (RiPPs). These compounds are well known for their cytotoxic and anticancer potential. Using the bioinformatics platform antiSMASH, we previously identified and annotated the specific SMCs within these genomes that are predicted to produce such bioactive metabolites. To test the results obtained from the bioinformatics analysis, fungal extracts were prepared from …

Sharksrx Newsletter Spring 2026, Nova Southeastern University

NSU Sharks Rx

No abstract provided.

The Current - Volume 36 Issue 8, Nova Southeastern University

Student Newspapers

No abstract provided.