Digital Commons Network^™

Strength Training Improves Body Image And Physical Activity Behaviors Among Midlife And Older Rural Women, Rebecca A. Seguin, Galen Elridge, Wesley Lynch, Lynn C. Paul

Journal of Extension

The effect of strength training on body image is understudied. The Strong Women Program, a 10-week, twice weekly strength-training program, was provided by Extension agents to 341 older rural women (62±12 years); changes in body image and other psychosocial variables were evaluated. Paired-sample t-test analyses were conducted to assess mean differences pre- to post-program. Strength training was associated with significant improvements in several dimensions of body image, health-related quality of life, and physical activity behaviors, satisfaction, and comfort among rural aging women—an often underserved population that stands to benefit considerably from similar programs.

Physical Activity And Psychosocial Adjustment Among 1st And 2nd Year Undergraduate Students, Vanessa Mikan

Health, Exercise, and Sports Sciences ETDs

The transition from adolescence into young adulthood can present many new challenges. How well and to what degree students are able to effectively meet the demands and challenges of college has been labeled as adjustment (Mattanah, Hancock, & Brand, 2004). There is a growing interest and need for effective strategies and programs that can assist students in the transition to college. The purpose of this study was to identify how participation in physical activity, as measured by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) Short Form may assist or hinder in students academic, social, personal-emotional adjustment and institutional attachment to college …

Assessing The Effectiveness Of Nutrition And Physical Activity Self-Assessment For Child Care (Nap Sacc) For Changes In Physical Activity Behavior, Policy, And Environment In Nebraska Family Child Care Homes, Katie K. Bolte

College of Education and Human Sciences: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Nebraska is the first state to utilize NAP SACC and to modify the evidence-based program for family child care homes (FCCHs). The purpose of this study was to conduct a secondary data analysis to assess the effectiveness of a modified version of the NAP SACC approach in achieving changes in physical activity behavior, policy, and environment in Nebraska FCCHs caring for children ages 2-5 years. Results from this study will be used to improve the NAP SACC physical activity components for FCCHs and will help to inform trainers and the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, Nutrition and Activity …

A Type 2 Diabetes Prevention Website For African Americans, Caucasians, And Mexican Americans: Formative Evaluation, Belinda M. Reininger, Laura Person Mecca, Kendra Stine, Kevan Schultz, Luke Ling, David Halpern

Health & Human Performance Faculty Publications

Background: The majority of Americans now access the Internet, thereby expanding prospects for Web-based health-related education and intervention. However, there remains a digital divide among those with lower income and education, and among Spanish-speaking populations in the United States. Additional concerns are the low eHealth literacy rate among these populations and their interest in Internet-delivered interventions with these components. Given these factors, combined with the prevalence of type 2 diabetes among low socioeconomic status and Spanish-speaking Americans, strides need to be taken to reach these populations with online tools for diabetes prevention and management that are at once accessible and …

Utilizing Technology To Encourage Healthy Lifestyles, Cynthia Shuster, Patricia Brinkman, Lisa Barlage, Michelle Treber, Dana Brown, Linnette Goard

Journal of Human Sciences and Extension

In our fast paced world, using technology allows us to connect with people and assist them in developing healthier lifestyles within their time limits due to families, work, and other responsibilities. The goal of our project was the development of online, technology-based, nutrition, health, and fitness education challenges using social media as a means of helping consumers develop healthy lifestyle changes. Participants completed preassessments and postassessments to determine overall program impact and to self-report perceptions of knowledge gained and practice/behavior change. Results from the challenges indicated participants gained knowledge on nutrition, health and fitness topics while making strides towards lifestyle …

The Investigation Of Risk Factors For Upper Respiratory Infections Among College Students, Romie Barnes

Honors Theses

Upper respiratory tract infections and cold-like illnesses are common sources of morbidity among college students. The emphasis of hand-washing and reducing the dispersal of aerosol droplets by covering coughs and sneezes reduces the spread of the common cold. However, less emphasis is placed on other risk factors for reducing cold-like illness such as: stress level and physical activity (Doyle and Cohens 2009). An increase in stress and a decrease in physical activity are common among college students (Nichol et al 2005). For this reason, the present study analyzed the effects of stress and physical activity on the incidence of upper …

Leisure Time Physical Activity Among Non-Smoking, Normal Weight Adults: Assessing Prevalence Of Central Adiposity, Insulin Resistance, And Systemic Inflammation, Maria M. Corallo

Master's Theses

BACKGROUND: Physical activity (PA) has been examined as a preventive intervention against pre-diabetes, diabetes, and low-grade systemic inflammation, however, it remains unknown if normal weight individuals who do not engage in regular PA are at increased risk.

METHODS: The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2001-2006 were utilized. Three measures of PA (i.e., intensity level, the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) guidelines for frequency, intensity, and time/duration (FIT) of PA, and ACSM recommendations for MET-Mins Per Week) were analyzed in relation to elevated waist circumference, homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA), and immune system cells. In addition, …

Residential Summer Camp: A New Venue For Nutrition Education And Physical Activity Promotion, Alison K. Ventura, Barry A. Garst

Publications

Millions of children attend residential summer camps each year. However, few studies have examined the potential of camps for obesity prevention efforts. Research in the domain of positive youth development has shown that camp programs as short as one week have both short- and long-term positive effects on self-esteem, self-efficacy and other youth outcomes. The objective of the present study was to highlight the potential of resident camps as promising venues for the promotion of healthy eating and physical activity behaviors in the children who attend.

Preliminary Assessment Of A School-Based Healthy Lifestyle Program Among Rural Children., Jiying Ling

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Introduction: Childhood obesity has become a national public health crisis in America. Physical inactivity and unhealthy eating behavior may contribute to childhood obesity. School-based programs focusing on healthy lifestyles play a promising role in preventing and controlling childhood obesity. Purpose: To assess the preliminary effects of a school-based program on physical activity and eating behavior among rural children. Methods: A quasi-experimental study design with repeated measures (intervention group only) was utilized. Children from kindergarten to fifth grade in four rural elementary schools in Kentucky participated in the study. A variety of strategies were implemented to obtain four goals: (1) improving …

An Examination Of Walkability In The Las Vegas Metropolitan Area, Courtney Coughenour

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Introduction: The benefits to regular physical activity are well established. Walkability is one element of the built environment that has been correlated with increased levels of physical activity. The auto-centric design of Las Vegas Metropolitan area (LVMA) is unique in ways that may influence walkability. The purpose of this study was to determine which urban design characteristics are associated with walking and physical activity in moderate income neighborhoods in LVMA. Methods: The standard walkability measure developed by Frank et al. (2010) was used to calculate the walkability index of seven neighborhoods. Residents of the two most walkable and two least …

A Mixed Methods Approach To Evaluate Kidquest, A Traditional Classroom Obesity Prevention Intervention, In An Afterschool Program: A Pilot Study, Amy M. Wehbe

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

Over 1.4 million middle school adolescents participate in afterschool programs each year. While most of the obesity prevention interventions focus on the traditional school day, the afterschool setting should not be overlooked. A pilot study was conducted using KidQuest, a traditional classroom nutrition and physical activity intervention for early adolescents ages 10 to 12 based on the social cognitive theory, in an afterschool setting. The purpose of the pilot study was to evaluate the effectiveness of using a nutrition and physical activity intervention developed for the traditional school day in an afterschool setting. The desired outcome of this mixed-methods study …

Five For Life: Evaluating The Effect Of An Activity-Based Fitness And Health Curricula Program On Physical Fitness, Physical Activity, Health-Related Knowledge, And Attitudinal Outcomes, Kimberly Grimes Baskette

STEMPS Theses & Dissertations

Currently, childhood obesity is the largest health threat facing youth in the United States. The majority of youth fail to meet the minimum recommended daily physical activity requirements set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Poor physical fitness levels and nutritional habits are also prevalent in today's youth. Schools have been identified as playing a crucial role in providing students with the knowledge and skills needed to adopt and maintain healthy behaviors and attitudes. School-based Health and Physical Education (HPE) programs, focused on promoting physical activity, fitness, and nutrition, have been shown to be an effective …

Organizing A Community "Biggest Loser" Weight Loss Challenge, Kirstin D. Jensen

Journal of Extension

The program described here shows how Extension can be a strong collaborative partner in a rural setting in improving the overall health of the community by organizing a three month "Biggest Loser" Weight Loss Challenge. A pre-and post-fitness assessment and bi-weekly weigh-ins were administered. Three healthy lifestyle educational programs were provided, and a 3-month follow-up behavior change survey was collected. The program has been a tremendous success, with 588 participants losing 2,357.2 lbs. over the past 3 years.

The Healthy Lifestyle Center: A Case Study Illustrating The Opportunities And Challenges Confronting Local Health Departments In Preventing Chronic Disease, Katherine Anne Kemper Blossom

Master of Public Health Program Student Publications

Obesity is at epidemic levels in the United States, and is directly associated with decreased life expectancy, reduced quality of life, and increased health care costs. Public health system partners agree that reversing obesity trends will require a concerted effort led by government as well as business and civic organizations and that a multi-faceted approach will be needed to transform communities into places where the healthy choice becomes the easy choice for everyone. A foundational role for local health departments is to promote healthy behaviors. Public Health – Dayton & Montgomery County (PHDMC) has a history of providing community-based health …

The Relationship Between Middle Childhood Body Mass Index, Stress, Physical Activity, And Academic Achievement, Johnna Kellie Fox Thompson

Education Dissertations and Projects

This study investigated the relationships between body mass index (BMI), stress, physical activity, and academic achievement among middle childhood students. The researcher used a mixed-methods research design. The general population for this study was composed of students at one of the district's intermediate schools.

The sample included 680 students from a small, suburban intermediate school (Grades 4 [N=231], 5 [N=218], and 6 [N=231], 337 males and 343 females). The school is located in a suburban area near a large city in the southeast. The students from the school described themselves as White (71%), African American (16%), Hispanic (7%), Asian/Pacific Islander …

Effect Of Exercise Dosages On Adiposity Indices In Overweight Girls, Stephanie Kellam, Norma Olvera, Patrick Leung, Jian Liu, Dennis Smith

Computer Sciences and Electrical Engineering Faculty Research

Objective. The primary purpose of this study was to determine the impact of two exercise dosages on reducing adiposity in minority girls. Materials and methods. Sixty-two overweight Hispanic and African-American girls participated in one of two intense summer interventions in Houston, TX: Intervention A (exposure to about 40 hours physical activities) or Intervention B (exposure to 60 hours of physical activities). Adiposity indices (percent body fat, waist circumference, body mass index) were taken pre- and post-intervention.

Results.

Intervention B had a significantly greater decrease in adiposity indicators (p= 0.006) when compared to Intervention A. Waist circumference displayed the most significant …

A Case Study On Application Of The Theory Of Planned Behaviour: Predicting Physical Activity Of Adolescents In Hong Kong, Wai Kuen, Vic Mok, Annie Y.K. Lee

Staff Publications

Objective: The aim of this case study was to predict the physical activity intention and behaviour of secondary school students in Hong Kong by applying the Ajzen’s Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) and past physical activity behaviour.

Methods: 486 students (250 male and 236 female), ranging in age from 11 to 18 years, were enrolled in this study. By means of self-administrated questionnaire, demographic data, past physical activity and variables of theory of planned behaviour, such as attitude, subjective norm and perceived behavioural control were measured.

Results: About 75% of students did not meet the standard of the physical activity …

Wellness Made Simple - 2013, Nova Southeastern University

Wellness Made Simple

No abstract provided.

Shame, Blame, And The Emerging Law Of Obesity Control, Lindsay Wiley

Scholarly Articles in Law Reviews & Journals

In using law as a tool to combat the obesity epidemic, legal scholars and policymakers are drawing heavily on the lessons of tobacco control. This Article describes the resulting emergence of "obesity control law" and argues for a radical reorientation of it from a "denormalization" strategy based on the tobacco control experience to a "destigmatization" strategy based on the HIV prevention experience. The war on obesity is nearing a political crossroads. Subsidies and food industry regulations aimed at making our environment more conducive to physical activity and healthy eating are in danger of losing out to cheaper and more politically …

The Effectiveness Of The Missoula Active 6 Afterschool Program On Participation And Health Outcomes, Carly Michelle Holman

Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers

The afterschool environment has arisen as one of the main settings for physical activity programs that aim to prevent childhood obesity and increase physical activity (Beets et al., 2009). The YMCA Active 6 program in was created in 2010 in reaction to the obesity and physical activity trends in Montana’s youth. The program aims to increase physical activity in sixth grade participants and to educate them on different components that contribute to a healthy lifestyle. The purpose of the study was to assess the Active 6 program’s impact on sixth grade students in Missoula, MT. by increasing physical activity, decreasing …

Exploring The Relationship Between Physical Activity And Everyday Cognitive Function In Older Adults: Within- And Between- Person Variability, Christine Haley

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Research suggests that physical activity may play a role in preserving cognitive function in older adulthood. However, the exact nature, direction, and magnitude of observed associations remain unclear. The current study utilized a microlongitudinal design to repeatedly assess cognitive function and physical activity across five days. Two studies examined relationships between physical activity, physical fitness, and cognitive function among community-dwelling older adults. The first study examined associations between baseline performance in a measure of everyday cognition and multiple measures of physical activity and physical fitness. Bivariate analyses revealed that objectively measured physical activity of moderate-to-vigorous intensity, repeated chair stand time …

Classroom Exercise Breaks And Educational Outcomes In Elementary School Students, Erin Kaye Howie

Theses and Dissertations

Previous research has shown that physical activity may have beneficial effects on cognitive performance and academic achievement in children, but the optimal type and dose are unknown. Classroom exercise breaks are one type of physical activity opportunity in schools, with the potential to reach a large number of children. The purpose of this dissertation was to describe the prevalence and characteristics of classroom exercise breaks in central South Carolina, and to determine the acute effects of classroom exercise breaks on executive functions, math performance, on-task behavior and affective responses in 9 to 12 year-old children. Additionally, the dissertation examined the …

Associations Between Resting Metabolic Rate And Energy Storage In Young Adults, Robin Shook

Theses and Dissertations

At the most basic level obesity is the result of a chronic imbalance between energy intake and energy expenditure. However, the exact etiology is considerably more complex and may involve a variety of physiological and behavioral factors. Metabolic disturbances, including reduced fat oxidation as measured by the respiratory quotient (RQ) and reduced resting metabolic rate (RMR), have been identified as possible predictors of changes in body weight and body composition. RMR represents the largest component (60-80%) of caloric expenditure that contributes to total daily energy expenditure in humans and has high inter-person variability (±25%) but not within individuals (<±5%). The cause of this variability between individuals and the exact role of RMR and RQ in determining body weight and body composition are uncertain.

This …

Ciclovía Initiatives: Engaging Communities, Partners, And Policy Makers Along The Route To Success, Susan G. Zieff Phd, J. Aaron Hipp, Amy A. Eyler, Mi-Sook Kim Phd

Brown School Faculty Publications

Recent efforts to increase physical activity through changes to the built environment have led to strategies and programs that use existing public space, including bicycle lanes, temporary parks, and the ciclovia initiative (scheduled events in which streets are closed to motorized vehicles and opened for recreational activities) popularized in South America. Objective: This article describes and compares the processes and structures involved in developing and implementing a ciclovia-type program in 2 US urban contexts: San Francisco, California, and St Louis, Missouri. Considering the current growth of and interest in ciclovia initiatives, important outcomes, lessons learned are offered for application in …

Physical Activity Surveillance And Emerging Technologies, J. Aaron Hipp

Brown School Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

The Impact Of Telephonic Health Coaching On Physical Activity, Healthy Eating, And Cholesterol Levels, Jill Marie Hansen

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

The purpose of this study was to understand the role of telephonic health coaching in reducing the risk behaviors of physical inactivity and imprudent dietary behaviors and improving cholesterol levels from Year 1 to Year 2. Data related to 45,410 employees was drawn from seven employer groups from January 1, 2009 to December 12, 2012. Descriptive statistics, independent sample t-tests, one sample t-tests, and Pearson's product-moment correlational analyses were used to describe the employees in data set and test the hypotheses of this study. Health coaching participants were significantly more likely to be females than males. Participants in health coaching …

The Effects Of 6-Weeks Of Resistance Training On The Neuromuscular Fatigue Threshold In Older Adults, Nadia Emerson

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Age-related deficits in muscle mass, strength, and function place an increased burden of work on existing skeletal muscle and may lead to early onset of neuromuscular fatigue (NMF) during activities of daily living. Resistance exercise (RE) is the proven method for improving neuromuscular function in healthy older adults. PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of 6 weeks of RE on the NMF threshold as well as strength and functional performance in older adults. METHODS: Twenty-four older adults were randomly assigned to 6 weeks of RE (EXE; n = 12; age 72 ± 6.3 y; BMI 28.4 kg/m2 ) or control (CONT; …

Are We Ready For A New Epidemic Of Under Recognized Liver Disease In South Asia Especially In Pakistan? Non Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease, Om Parkash, Saeed Hamid

Section of Gastroenterology

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is increasingly recognized as an important public health problem nowadays. NAFLD encompass a variety of liver pathologies including simple steatosis, NASH, fibrosis, cirrhosis and finally cancer. It is associated with obesity, metabolic syndrome, dyslipidaemia, Insulin resistance (IR) and type 2 diabetes. It is the most common chronic liver disease in USA and considered to be increasing in Asia Pacific region including South Asia however there is no community based study from Pakistan. Customarily NAFLD had been regarded as a benign disease; however clinical as well as epidemiological studies had contradicted this belief because approximately 20% …

Association Of Iron Depletion With Menstruation And Dietary Intake Indices In Pubertal Girls: The Healthy Growth Study, George Moschonis, Dimitrios Papandreou, Christina Mavrogianni, Angeliki Giannopoulou, Louisa Damianidi, Pavlos Malindretos, Christos Lionis, George P. Chrousos, Yannis Manios

All Works

The aim of the present study was to investigate the associations of iron depletion (ID) with menstrual blood losses, lifestyle, and dietary habits, in pubertal girls. The study sample comprised 1222 girls aged 9-13 years old. Biochemical, anthropometrical, dietary, clinical, and physical activity data were collected. Out of 274 adolescent girls with menses, 33.5% were found to be iron depleted (defined as serum ferritin < 12 g/L) compared to 15.9% out of 948 girls without menses. Iron-depleted girls without menses were found to have lower consumption of poultry (P = 0.017) and higher consumption of fruits (P = 0.044) and fast food (P = 0.041) compared to their peers having normal iron status. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that girls with menses were 2.57 (95% CI: 1.37, 4.81) times more likely of being iron depleted compared to girls with no menses. Iron depletion was found to be associated with high calcium intake, high consumption of fast foods, and low consumption of poultry and fruits. Menses was the only factor that was found to significantly increase the likelihood of ID in these girls. More future research is probably needed in order to better understand the role of diet and menses in iron depletion. © 2013 George Moschonis et al.

Integrating Movement And Science To Promote Physical Activity And Academic Performance In Middle School Children, Kevin E. Finn, Kyle Mcinnis

Health Sciences Faculty Publications

Background: Recommendations from leading U.S. health agencies concerned with reducing childhood obesity call for increased physical activity during school and afterschool environments. Methods: We developed the Active Science curriculum, which is a variety of activity-based lessons (e.g., nature hike, dance class, walk at local park, treadmill at local YMCA) and incorporated them into traditional science classes and after school programs for middle school children in a low-income, ethnically diverse community. Following the activity experiments, students and teachers uploaded data from devices to an interactive website that provided inquiry-based exploratory learning of science content. Results: Physical activity results showed that the …