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Fitness Profiles In Elite Tactical Units: A Critical Review, Daniel Maupin, Thomas Wills, Robin M. Orr, Benjamin Schram

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 11(3): 1041-1062, 2018. Elite tactical units complete a variety of demanding tasks and a high level of fitness is required by this population to perform their occupational tasks optimally. The aim of this critical review was to identify and synthesize key findings of studies that have investigated the fitness profiles of elite tactical units. Included studies were critically appraised, using the Downs and Black checklist, and a level of evidence was determined. Relevant data were extracted, tabulated, and synthesized. Fourteen studies were included for review and ranged in percentage quality scores from 46% to 66% …

The Effect Of Forage Quality On Voluntary Hay Intake, Serum Glucose And Insulin, Muscle Glycogen, Whole Blood Lactate, Heart Rate, And Respiratory Parameters Of Exercised Horses, Caitlin M. Chase

Theses and Dissertations

Six mares and six geldings were used to determine the effect of forage quality on muscle glycogen utilization by exercised horses. Horses were fed 1.5% BW/d of high quality (65.6% NDF; 41.1% ADF) or low quality (74.6% NDF; 51.2% ADF) hay and a concentrate resulting in three diets: high quality hay and concentrate balanced to meet energy requirements (HQ); low quality hay and concentrate balanced to meet energy requirements; and low quality hay with the same amount of concentrate as the HQ diet. The effect of hay quality on serum insulin, serum glucose, whole blood lactate, and respiratory parameters were …

High-Intensity Functional Training (Hift): Definition And Research Implications For Improved Fitness, Yuri Feito, Katie M. Heinrich, Scotty J. Butcher, Walker S. Carlos Poston

Faculty Articles

High-intensity functional training (HIFT) is an exercise modality that emphasizes functional,multi-joint movements that can be modified to any fitness level and elicit greater muscle recruitmentthan more traditional exercise. As a relatively new training modality, HIFT is often compared tohigh-intensity interval training (HIIT), yet the two are distinct. HIIT exercise is characterized byrelatively short bursts of repeated vigorous activity, interspersed by periods of rest or low-intensityexercise for recovery, while HIFT utilizes constantly varied functional exercises and various activitydurations that may or may not incorporate rest. Over the last decade, studies evaluating theeffectiveness of HIIT programs have documented improvements in metabolic and …

The Use Of Bicycle Desks To Increase Physical Activity In Two Special Education Classrooms, Alicia Fedewa, Colleen Cornelius, Elizabeth Whitney, Soyeon Ahn, Mary Comis

Educational, School, and Counseling Psychology Faculty Publications

BACKGROUND

Although the literature has predominantly focused on elementary youth, preliminary findings indicate that attentional benefits may arise from adolescent physical activity as well. Limited research has examined the impact of classroom-based physical activity for secondary students, and no research to date has explored bicycle workstations as a means to improve physical activity within the special education classroom.

PARTICIPANTS AND PROCEDURE

Two special education resource classrooms within a high school took part in the research study. Students were given the option of riding on the bike or sitting on chairs in each classroom. Heart rate, calories, miles, time, and on-task …

Effects Of Adherence To A Higher Protein Diet On Weight Loss, Markers Of Health, Melyn Galbreath, Bill Campbell, Paul La Bounty, Jennifer Bunn, Jaqueline Dove, Travis Harvey, Geoffrey Hudson, Jean L. Guttierez, Kyle Levers, Elfego Galvan, Andrew Jagim, Lori Greenwood, Matthew B. Cooke, Mike Greenwood, Chris Rasmussen, Richard B. Kreider

Faculty Scholarship

Resistance training and maintenance of a higher protein diet have been recommended to help older individuals maintain muscle mass. This study examined whether adherence to a higher protein diet while participating in a resistance-based exercise program promoted more favorable changes in body composition, markers of health, and/or functional capacity in older females in comparison to following a traditional higher carbohydrate diet or exercise training alone with no diet intervention. In total, 54 overweight and obese females (65.9 ± 4.7 years; 78.7 ± 11 kg, 30.5 ± 4.1 kg/m², 43.5 ± 3.6% fat) were randomly assigned to an exercise-only …

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

Dissertations and Theses

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

Effects Of Bingocize® On Quality Of Life, Fall Risk, And Health Knowledge In Community-Dwelling Older Adults, Alyssa Kathryn Dispennette

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Quality of life (QOL) is an important aspects of overall well-being in older adults. QOL is associated with functional, physical, and psychological health; all of which can be improved with increased physical activity. A high fall risk is associated with low physical function and QOL. One in four older adults experiences a fall each year, making it necessary to focus public health interventions towards decreasing fall risk and improving QOL in older adults. Bingocize® is a health promotion program designed to promote health, health knowledge, physical activity, and social engagement among older adults. The purpose of this study was to …

The Association Between Attitudes Towards High Intensity Exercise And Self-Esteem, Emily Fullhardt

Honors College Theses

There has been much research that has examined the association between exercise and self-esteem. Specifically, research suggests that there is a positive association of high intensity exercise, including running, weight lifting, and interval training, with self-esteem in both children and adults. However, much of this past research involved experiments where an exercise regimen was introduced to test cause and effect of exercise and self-esteem. Further, much of the past research focused on adults outside of the United States (Hasanpour, Yìğiter, Yook). I aim to test whether there are associations of preferences for and attitudes towards high intensity exercise with self-esteem …

How To Manage Blood Sugar; Establishing Healthy Defaults, Julie Hiller

All Student-Created Educational Resources

The pamphlet educates the audience on strategies to use in managing blood sugar through diet and exercise. This handout introduces the concept of healthy defaults. Suggestions are made on how to implement food and exercise healthy defaults into daily life. Education is also provided on the glycemic index (GI) and low GI foods are suggested.

Ways To Healthier Teenage Years, David Troelsch

All Student-Created Educational Resources

This educational handout seeks to offer simple ways to improve an eating lifestyle. Through simple changes in lifestyle, like reading a nutrition label, a teenage girl can take control of her nutrition and have a healthy life. Another way to improve health easily is choosing a wide variety of colorful fruits and vegetables. Again, a simple thing that any teenager can accomplish, this provides a better chance for the necessary vitamins and minerals to be consumed throughout the teenage years. All of these simple solutions will also help set teenagers up for a successful and healthy adult life as well, …

Jane’S Guide To Achieving A Healthy Weight, Une Applied Nutrition Program

All Student-Created Educational Resources

This handout is a simple guide to assist a female teenager in reducing and maintaining a healthy weight for her age. It includes tips on how many calories to consume, how to make healthier nutrition choices, and also other non-nutrition related suggestions for increasing physical activity.

Strategies For Parents To Make Healthy Foods Choices For Their Adolescents Who May Face Type 2 Diabetes, Une Applied Nutrition Program

All Student-Created Educational Resources

This handout informs the audience about the strategies and tips towards making changes to lifestyle for their adolescents who may face or already face Type 2 Diabetes. Informs audience about healthy food choices including fruits, vegetables, lean protein meats and fish. Making default choices based on good feelings, can have favorite foods but in moderation and portions. Parents help children plan and prepare meals. Keep the kitchen stocked with healthy foods and keep processed foods out.

Effects Of Instability On Core Muscle Activation In A Side Bridge, Erin E. Kishman

Masters Theses

Training the musculature of the core continues to be perceived as an essential component of conditioning and rehabilitation settings (11). A popular way to train the core is with the use of instability devices, such as Swiss ball or suspension trainer. However, there is limited research on the effects of these devices on core muscle activity. The purpose of this study was to examine core muscle activity during side bridge variations with and without instability devices (Floor, Swiss Ball, and TRX) through electromyography (EMG) of the rectus abdominis, external oblique, erector spinae, and latissimus dorsi. 39 participants performed three variations …

The Physiological Effects Of Exercise On California Yellowtail (Seriola Dorsalis) White Muscle, Julie Giannini

Undergraduate Honors Theses

California yellowtail (Seriola dorsalis) is a species of ray-finned fish that demonstrates a significant increase in muscle mass in response to sustained exercise at optimal swimming speed. In this study, three groups of yellowtail have been analyzed for a 6-month period to determine if the length of exercise affects white muscle fiber development and if these changes persist when the exercised fish have been returned to a normal “resting” condition. Gene analysis was performed to test if MyoD, a myogenic regulatory factor, was upregulated in response to exercise. To test these questions, the groups compared included a control …

Vitamin D, Cognitive Function, And Oxidative Stress: Clues To Overtraining Syndrome?, Scott P. Jerome

Chemistry and Biochemistry

Overtraining syndrome (OTS) is characterized by an unexplainable drop in athletic performance. It affects primarily elite, endurance athletes, though sub-elite athletes are also affected. Although the deterioration in performance is often the most pronounced and troublesome symptoms for athletes, others range from severe fatigue and insomnia to depression and lack of mental concentration. There is no known diagnostic tool except for ruling out all other possible explanations for the abnormal performance. The only known remedy for OTS is rest. Some recover within months while others take a year or more. Some athletes never fully recovery and never return to pre-OTS …

Exercise, Obesity And Cns Control Of Metabolic Homeostasis: A Review, John K. Smith

ETSU Faculty Works

This review details the manner in which the central nervous system regulates metabolic homeostasis in normal weight and obese rodents and humans. It includes a review of the homeostatic contributions of neurons located in the hypothalamus, the midbrain and limbic structures, the pons and the medullary area postrema, nucleus tractus solitarius, and vagus nucleus, and details how these brain regions respond to circulating levels of orexigenic hormones, such as ghrelin, and anorexigenic hormones, such as glucagon-like peptide 1 and leptin. It provides an insight as to how high intensity exercise may improve homeostatic control in overweight and obese subjects. Finally, …

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

Dissertations - ALL

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

The Effect Of Acute Aerobic Exercise And Rapamycin Treatment On Autophagy And The Heat Shock Response In Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells Of Prediabetics, James Jermey Mccormick

Health, Exercise, and Sports Sciences ETDs

Objectives: Recently, a malfunction of the autophagic pathway has been implicated with impaired glucose metabolism and progression from prediabetes to type 2 diabetes. Further, an interconnection has been suggested between the autophagy and heat shock protein (HSP) systems. The aims of the present study were to investigate the effects of exercise and rapamycin treatment (RAPA) on the autophagic process and HSP in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from prediabetics compared to controls. Methods: Two groups matched for age and sex served as subjects and consisted of six prediabetic (42.4±11.7) and six controls (44.4±11.9). Subjects exercised at 50% of VO2max for …

When Helping Helps: Exploring Health Benefits Of Cancer Survivors Participating In For-Cause Physical Activity Events, Renée M. Umstattd Meyer, Andrew R. Meyer, Cindy Wu, John Bernhart Ph.D., Mph, Ches

Faculty Publications

Background

Over 15.5 million Americans live with cancer and 5-year survival rates have risen to 69%. Evidence supports important health benefits of regular physical activity for cancer survivors, including increased strength and quality of life, and reduced fatigue, recurrence, and mortality. However, physical activity participation among cancer survivors remains low. Cancer organizations provide various resources and support for cancer survivors, including emotional, instrumental, informational, and appraisal support. Many cancer organizations, like the LIVESTRONG Foundation, support the cancer community by sponsoring and hosting for-cause physical activity events, providing opportunities for anyone (including cancer survivors) to “help”/support those living with cancer. The …

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

Biomedical Sciences ETDs

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

Teens Implementing A Childhood Obesity Prevention Program In The Community: Feasibility And Perceptions Of A Partnership With Hsta And Icook 4-H., Rebecca L. Hagedorn, Jade A. White, Lisa Franzen-Castle, Sarah E. Colby, Kendra Kattelmann, Adrienne A. White, Melissa D. Olfert

Health and Nutritional Sciences Faculty Publications

High school student researchers and teen leaders from the Health Science Technology Academy (HSTA), under the supervision of HSTA teachers, led a childhood obesity prevention (COP) program (iCook 4-H). The objective was to evaluate the feasibility and perceptions of having teen leaders implement a COP program for dyads of youth (9⁻10 years old) and their primary adult food preparer. Behavior change and perceptions were assessed through surveys and open-ended interviews. Across eight HSTA organizations, 43 teen leaders participated in teaching the iCook 4-H program to 24 dyads. Increased frequency of culinary skills, physical activity and mealtime behavior were reported by …

Circulating Microrna Following High Intensity Interval Cycling With And Without Post-Exercise Nutrient Consumption, Jeremy Via

Masters Theses, 2010-2019

Introduction: MicroRNA (miRNA) are small, non-coding RNA that act post-transcriptionally to regulate gene expression. miRNA levels are modulated by acute aerobic exercise, yet little is known about how miRNA levels may change in response to high-intensity interval exercise. Further, almost nothing is known about the impact of post-exercise nutrition (carbohydrate and/or protein) on miRNA levels. Thus, the purpose of this study is to examine the effects of high-intensity interval cycling and different post-exercise nutrients on ci-miRNA levels. Methods: Nine recreationally active males (age 21.9 ± 2.0yrs; VO_2max 49.6 ± 4.0mL/kg/min) competed three trials, each including identical exercise protocols. Protocol …

The Importance And New Interpretation Of Physical Education In The Elementary School Setting: Health And Wellness Education, Kimberly Ackley

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Despite substantial evidence of the countless cognitive and physical benefits physical education in elementary school classrooms provides, some schools in the United States do not offer an adequate combination of both physical activity and education about nutrition, health, and wellbeing. To fully encapsulate the subject of Health and Wellness Education (HWE), students must not only be engaged physically outside of the classroom, but they must also be engaged holistically with an equal emphasis on mind, body, and spirit inside the classroom. This student engagement would include daily lessons regarding mental wellbeing, a consistent and reserved period for physical activity, and …

Maternal Obesity And Fetal Macrosomia: An Integrative Review Of The Literature Regarding Interventions, Charity Stalcup

Senior Honors Theses

Research suggests pre-pregnancy obesity is associated with an increased risk of macrosomia in the newborn. Since women are expected to gain weight during pregnancy, the standard recommendation of weight loss for obesity is not ideal for this population. In this systematic review of the literature regarding interventions for maternal obesity to reduce fetal macrosomia, 149 articles were screened using three different databases to identify recent randomized controlled trials related to this topic. A total of 11 full text articles were analyzed and included in the review. The articles addressed nutritional, lifestyle, and pharmacological interventions. The results indicated there is currently …

Nutrition And Physical Activity Recall To Assess The Health Status Of Commuters And Residents On A College Campus, Holly Scott

Health Sciences Student Work

Introduction: Behavioral patterns acquired in college may contribute to overweight and obesity later in life. Food found in college dormitories and dining halls are those of convenience. Physical activity and a healthy diet are important components to maintaining a healthy weight. Research Questions: The purpose of this study is to investigate if residency during college and access to kitchen appliances impacts students’ dietary composition and physical activity levels and other health behaviors. Methodology: 38 students (27 residents and 11 commuters) from Merrimack College participated in the study. These participants were recruited through convenience sampling on campus. All participants completed a …

The Relationship Between Habitual Physical Activity And Food Choices, Safiya E. Beckford

Department of Nutrition and Health Sciences: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Physical activity (PA) and exercise aid in prevention and treatment of obesity and its comorbidities. Previous research has demonstrated a J-shaped curve between activity level and food intake, but minimal research examines whether PA and exercise affect food choices. As such, the aim of this study was to determine the relationship between habitual PA and exercise with food choices. 174 participants completed an electronic survey involving a series of binary choices among food options (aided by visual food cues) with varying reward values and time points. Participants also completed monetary binary choice questions and an exercise and activity questionnaire, with …

What Is Your Healthy Rhythm?, Mary Ellen Yep

All Student-Created Educational Resources

This handout provokes the audience to redefine their daily routine in hopes of becoming healthier. Many children suffering from being overweight or obese do not always know what healthy means or what it looks like. The objective is to teach teens the importance and how to identify nutrient rich food, exercise, and decrease screen time. Enlightening teens and giving them the tools they need to live healthier lifestyles begins with igniting a love of learning. Suggesting techniques and tactics on how to truly thrive in a world where obesity is constantly advertised will enable our youth today to become healthier …

How To Be A Healthy You, Sean Cairns

All Student-Created Educational Resources

The handout identifies what being overweight or obese is, what a healthy weight looks like, steps to get to a healthy weight, and how to maintain that healthy weight. The handout also gives additional resources on food lists, food budgeting tips, food assistance programs, website/app that will help with grocery shopping, budgeting, recipes and cooking techniques.

Obesity With Change, Une Applied Nutrition Program

All Student-Created Educational Resources

This handout depicts the top 10 tips for prevention and treatment of obesity in children and adolescents. There is information that can be useful for anyone to understand and use. Programs are available on an individuals’ need for their health and weight status. Nutrition is important for the body, as well as preventing increased health risk. Treatment options can range from programs, medications, therapy, and counseling. There are other options to use for treatment besides going for surgery; that is only the last option if the individual is severely obese. Exercising can also help children and adolescents know that it …

Diabetes Prevention Is In Your Hands: Steps Families Can Take To Prevent Diabetes Now!, Martha Medrano

All Student-Created Educational Resources

This pamphlet informs the reader of basic steps to take to begin lifestyle changes to prevent diabetes. It takes on a whole family approach therefore parents may use for children at risk for diabetes type 2. In the back, this pamphlet provides the contact information for a dietitian in their clinic.