Digital Commons Network^™

Pedometers Accelerometers And Observational Methods: A Comparison Of Measurements Of Physical Activity In Fourth-Grade Students., Amanda E. Greene

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

In recent years physical inactivity among students has become a matter of great concern. Nearly 65% of students do not meet the daily recommended level of physical activity, which is 60 minutes or more of moderate to vigorous physical activity each day, with 50% of that time being spent in moderate to vigorous levels of activity (CDC, 2010b). As a result, the 21^st century has shown to be a time of many health problems such as, obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. In fact, nearly one third of all children are considered obese or overweight (Slawta & DeNeui, …

Eat Smart, Move More, Weigh Less A Weight Management Program For Adults—Revision Of Curriculum Based On First-Year Pilot, Carolyn Dunn, Kathryn M. Kolasa, Sheree Vodicka, Lori Schneider, Cathy Thomas, Christine Smith, Carolyn Lackey

Journal of Extension

Eat Smart, Move More, Weigh Less (ESMMWL) is a 15-week weight-management program that is delivered by local educators. Published research data were used to identify strategies that lead to weight loss and/or weight maintenance. The program uses the Theory of Planned Behavior by informing, empowering, and motivating participants to live mindfully as they make choices about eating and physical activity. The program provides opportunities for participants to keep a journal of healthy behaviors. ESMMWL is offered in worksites, faith communities, and county extension offices. The program was pilot tested and revisions were made. This article updates the earlier description.

Multi-Level Partnerships Support A Comprehensive Faith-Based Health Promotion Program, Annie Hardison-Moody, Carolyn Dunn, David Hall, Lorelei Jones, Jimmy Newkirk, Cathy Thomas

Journal of Extension

This article examines the role of multi-level partnerships in implementing Faithful Families Eating Smart and Moving More, a faith-based health promotion program that works with low-resource faith communities in North Carolina. This program incorporates a nine-lesson individual behavior change program in concert with policy and environmental change. We offer an overview of the program, an evaluation of its effects on individual behavior changes and policy, and environment and practice changes and provide suggestions on lessons learned for Extension professionals who wish to partner with faith communities to promote nutrition and physical activity.

Body Composition, Physical Activity And Fitness In Children With Moderate-To-Severe Intellectual Disability, Sigurbjorn A. Arngrimsson, Ingi T. Einarsson

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Introduction: The prevalence of overweight and obesity has been rising in most parts of the world over the past two decades (1, 2). This rise could pose even a greater problem for people with intellectual disability (ID) because they are more likely to be obese than people without ID (3). Furthermore, research has shown that a sedentary lifestyle is more prevalent among people with ID than otherwise healthy people in modern society (4). In the general population, the adverse effects of obesity on health begin early in life and physical inactivity and adiposity are associated with metabolic diseases and cancers …

A Randomized Trial Of A Diet And Exercise Intervention For Overweight And Obese Women From Economically Disadvantaged Neighborhoods: Sisters Taking Action For Real Success (Stars), Sarah Wilcox, Patricia A. Sharpe, Deborah Parra-Medina, Michelle L. Granner, Brent E. Hutto

Faculty Publications

Background - Lower socioeconomic status at both the individual and neighborhood level is associated with increased health risks. Weight loss can reduce this risk, but few high quality weight loss studies target this population.

Objectives - STARS tests a culturally-appropriate, group-based behavioral and social support intervention on body weight and waist circumference in women from financially disadvantaged neighborhoods.

Design - A stratified (by BMI) randomized trial. Randomization to group was generated by a random numbers table with allocation concealment by opaque envelopes.

Methods - Participants 25-50 years who had a BMI ≥ 25 kg/m² and a waist circumference ≥ …

Do Exergames Allow Children To Achieve Physical Activity Intensity Commensurate With National Guidelines?, Rachel Perron, Courtney Graham, Jamie Feldman, Rebecca Moffett, Eric E. Hall

International Journal of Exercise Science

The purpose of this study was to determine if two popular exergames, Wii Fit™ and EA Sports Active™, both games for the Nintendo Wii™ console, help children achieve intensity consistent with recommended physical activity guidelines. Thirty children (19 males and 11 females, Mean age = 9.4 ± 1.8 years) participated in this study by playing each game during one research session. During the session participants wore a heart rate monitor and accelerometer to measure exercise intensity. Perceived exertion (RPE) was measured with the children’s run/walk OMNI scale. All three measures of exercise intensity (heart rate, accelerometer counts, and RPE) found …

Wellness Made Simple - Fall 2011/ Winter 2012, Nova Southeastern University

Wellness Made Simple

No abstract provided.

Assessing Face Validity Of A Physical Activity Questionnaire For Spanish-Speaking Women In California, Jinan C. Banna, Nancy L. Keim, Marilyn S. Townsend

Journal of Extension

To create a culturally appropriate assessment, the study reported here developed and evaluated the face validity of a visually enhanced Spanish-language physical activity questionnaire. A professional translated the English version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), and an expert panel subsequently reviewed it. Photos of individuals engaged in physical activity behaviors were added. Cognitive interviews were completed with low-income Spanish-speaking women in California (n=20). Questionnaire text was modified and then reviewed by translation experts (n=7). With a high readability score of 98, the questionnaire demonstrates adequate face validity and is ready for further validation.

Estimating Personal Physical Activity From Transport, Russell G. Thompson, Horst Kayak

World Transit Research

A substantial and growing proportion of people in developed countries are overweight or obese. Personal physical activity protects against weight gain and obesity. Personal physical inactivity has been linked to a number of common and increasing prevalent health problems such as cardiovascular disease and a number of chronic diseases such as cancer (colon and breast), diabetes mellitus, osteoporosis and depression. Accelerometers can be used to objectively measure a person‟s incidental, intermittent physical activity such as short walks. They also enable movement to be monitored inside buildings that is often not recorded and is difficult using other technologies such as Global …

Building Capacity In Physical Activity And Public Health, Russell R. Pate, Jennifer L. Gay, David R. Brown, Michael Pratt

Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Associations Among Perceived Benefits, Barriers, Cues, And Physical Activity In Thai Primary Students, Sireewat Ar-Yuwat Phd, Mph, Rn

Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to examine the relationships between perceived benefits, perceived barriers, and cues to action and levels of physical activity in Thai fourth grade students. The Health Belief Model was used as the theoretical framework of the study to investigate students' beliefs related to physical activity. The participants in this cross-sectional study were fourth grade students selected by a simple random sampling method. A sample of 123 students was recruited from primary schools in Muang district, Phitsanulok province. The sample schools were selected by stratified random sampling. For data collection, the study utilized two instruments: the …

Youth Physical Activity Opportunities In Lower And Higher Income Neighborhoods, Richard Suminski, Ding Ding, Rebecca Lee, Linda E. May, Tonya Tota, David Dinius

Faculty and Staff Publications

The presence of youth physical activity opportunities is one of the strongest environmental correlates of youth physical activity. More detailed information about such opportunities is needed to maximize their contributions to physical activity promotion especially in under resourced, lower income areas. The objectives of this study were to construct a comprehensive profile of youth physical activity opportunities and contrast profile characteristics between lower and higher income neighborhoods. Youth physical activity opportunities in eight lower (median household income <$36,000) and eight higher (>$36,000) income neighborhoods were identified and described using interviews, neighborhood tours, site visits, and systematic searches of various sources (e.g., Internet). Lower income …

Circadian Rhythm And Vigorous Activity: Do They Make A Difference In Executive Function?, Janie Sue Ryland

Dissertations

PL 107-110, the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, a federally mandated accountability system based on standards, attendance, and dropout rates has forced educational leaders to explore new avenues of student improvement. Research suggests that all three factors are impacted by scheduling preferences that are relative to time of day. The aim of this study was to extend evidence of executive function as it is impacted by time of day and diurnal preference when exposed to vigorous exercise conditions. Data were collected from a sample that included 100 sixth graders (60 females and 40 males) during the spring semester …

Adherence To Accelerometer Protocols Among Women From Economically Disadvantaged Neighborhoods, Patricia A. Sharpe, Sarah Wilcox, Laura J. Rooney, Donna Strong, Rosie Hopkins-Campbell, Jean Butel, Barbara E. Ainsworth, Deborah Parra-Medina

Faculty Publications

Background: Objective measurement of physical activity with accelerometers is a challenging task in community-based intervention research. Challenges include distribution of and orientation to monitors, nonwear, incorrect placement, and loss of equipment. Data collection among participants from disadvantaged populations may be further hindered by factors such as transportation challenges, competing responsibilities, and cultural considerations. Methods: Research staff distributed accelerometers and provided an orientation that was tailored to the population group. General adherence strategies such as follow-up calls, daily diaries, verbal and written instructions, and incentives were accompanied by population-specific strategies such as assisting with transportation, reducing obstacles to wearing the accelerometer, …

Results Of The "Active By Choice Today" (Act) Randomized Trial For Increasing Physical Activity In Low-Income And Minority Adolescents, Dawn K. Wilson, M. Lee Van Horn, Heather Kitzman-Ulrich, Ruth P. Saunders, Russell R. Pate, Hannah G. Lawman, Brent Hutto, Sarah Griffin, Nicole Zarrett, Cheryl L. Addy, Leslie Mansard, Gary Mixon, Porschia V. Brown

Faculty Publications

Objective - This study reports the results of the "Active by Choice Today" (ACT) trial for increasing moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) in low-income and minority adolescents.

Design - The ACT program was a randomized controlled school-based trial testing the efficacy of a motivational plus behavioral skills intervention on increasing MVPA in underserved adolescents. Twenty-four middle schools were matched on school size, percentage minorities, percentage free or reduced lunch, and urban or rural setting before randomization. A total of 1,563 6th grade students (mean age, 11.3 years, 73% African American, 71% free or reduced lunch, 55% female) participated in either a …

Chronic Diseases: The Emerging Pandemic., Andre Terzic, Scott A. Waldman

Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics Faculty Papers

According to the 2011 World Health Organization Global Status Report, of the 57 million annual global deaths – a staggering 36 million or over 63% are due to chronic diseases.¹ Four noncommunicable diseases - namely cardiovascular, cancer, diabetes, and chronic respiratory diseases - emerge as the leading cause of mortality in the world, accounting respectively for 17, 7.6, 4.2, and 1.3 million deaths based on the latest available global epidemiology data. By 2020, global deaths due to chronic diseases are projected to worsen by at least 15 to 20%. It is estimated that the four major noncommunicable diseases will …

Cardiometabolic Results From An Armband-Based Weight Loss Trial, John C. Sieverdes, Xuemei Sui, Gregory A. Hand, Vaughn W. Barry, Sarah Wilcox, Rebecca A. Meriwether, James W. Hardin, Amanda C. Mcclain, Steven N. Blair

Faculty Publications

Purpose: This report examines the blood chemistry and blood pressure (BP) results from the Lifestyle Education for Activity and Nutrition (LEAN) study, a randomized weight loss trial. A primary purpose of the study was to evaluate the effects of real-time self-monitoring of energy balance (using the SenseWear^TM Armband, BodyMedia, Inc Pittsburgh, PA) on these health factors.

Methods: 164 sedentary overweight or obese adults (46.8 ± 10.8 years; BMI 33.3 ± 5.2 kg/m²; 80% women) took part in the 9-month study. Participants were randomized into 4 conditions: a standard care condition with an evidence-based weight loss manual (n …

Health Knowledge & Health Behavior Outcomes In Adolescents With Elevated Blood Pressure, Stephanie L. Fitzpatrick

Open Access Dissertations

The purpose of this current study was to examine the influence of cardiovascular health knowledge on dietary and physical activity changes in 15-17 year olds with elevated blood pressure. The sample consisted of 167 adolescents randomized into one of three treatment conditions (minimal, moderate, or intense). Each adolescent completed a fitness test (peak VO2), 24-hour dietary recall, 7 Day Activity Recall (kilocalories expended per day), Self-efficacy Questionnaire, and Stages of Change Questionnaire every three months. The Health Knowledge Assessment was given at baseline and at post-intervention. Classical test theory, confirmatory factor analysis, and item response theory frameworks were applied to …

The Relationship Between Physical Activity Recommendations And Diabetes Risk Factors In Pregnant Women, Kelly Mattran

Masters Theses, 2010-2019

BACKGROUND: Changes in maternal insulin sensitivity throughout pregnancy may help supply nutrients to a growing fetus; however, the changes may concomitantly increase the mother and child’s risk for diabetes and chronic diseases. Regular physical activity (PA) positively impacts precursors for diabetes, but the impact of PA throughout gestation is less studied. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between meeting PA recommendations and diabetes risk in pregnant women. METHODS: A total of 23 pregnant women were recruited for participation. Venous blood samples, questionnaires, and anthropometric measurements (height, weight, and hip/waist circumferences) were ascertained during a single session. …

Results From A Pilot Translational Health And Wellness Based Summer Program In Minority Adolescents, Elizabeth Skidmore Edwards

Open Access Dissertations

The Healthy Start Summer Program (HSSP) is a seven-week summer program that strives to provide health and wellness education in a manner that is applicable to everyday living. The primary goal of the HSSP is to improve physical fitness levels and the psychosocial variables associated with exercise in a minority adolescent population, while providing the tools necessary for students to maintain these changes for four months after the program. Participants and control subjects were evaluated at the beginning and end of their respective summer programs, then followed up four months post-program to evaluate the maintenance of these changes. The students …

Exploring Student Perceptions To Explain The Relationship Between Physical Activity And Academic Achievement In Adolescents: A Mixed Methods Study, Megan J. Hylok

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

A nationwide survey conducted by the Center for Disease Control in 2007 reported 65% of high school students did not meet the recommendation that youth participate in at least 60 minutes of physical activity most days of the week (CDC, 2008). While research has focused its attention primarily on bodily health, growing evidence supports the benefits of physical activity on brain health (Ratey & Hagerman, 2008). Physical activity is important and many adolescents are not meeting the recommendation, therefore, it is important to explore the adolescent perceptions to understand which factors influence physical activity participation. The significance of this study …

The Relationship Of Physical Activity, Eating Behaviors, And Hunger Control To Weight Loss And Quality Of Life In Gastric Banding Patients, Nancy Baugh

Theses and Dissertations

Gastric banding as a weight loss surgery has increased in popularity in the United States since its approval by the Food and Drug Administration in 2001. Successful weight loss after weight loss surgery is most frequently defined as greater than 50 percent of excess weight loss (EWL). Systematic reviews show that the band is widely effective in achieving successful weight loss in most patients, however individual studies show more inconsistent outcomes. Although previous research supports gastric bypass surgery as having a positive effect on quality of life after gastric bypass, there is very little data to support this relationship in …

Validation Of The Actical Activity Monitor In Middle-Aged And Older Adults, Steven P. Hooker, Anna Feeney, Brent E. Hutto, Karin A. Pfeiffer, Kerry Mciver, Daniel P. Heil, John E. Vena, Michael J. Lamonte, Steven N. Blair

Faculty Publications

Purpose: This study was designed to validate the Actical activity monitor in middle-aged and older adults of varying body composition to develop accelerometer thresholds to distinguish between light and moderate intensity physical activity (PA).

Methods: Nonobese 45 to 64 yr (N = 29), obese 45 to 64 yr (N = 21), and ≥65 yr (N = 23; varying body composition) participants completed laboratory-based sitting, household, and locomotive activities while wearing an Actical monitor and a portable metabolic measurement system. Non-linear regression analysis was used to identify activity count (AC) cut-points to differentiate between light intensity (<3 METs) and moderate intensity (≥3 METs) PA.

Results: Using group-specific algorithms, …

Physical Activity Frequency, Independent Of Volume, Is Directly Associated With C-Reactive Protein: Nhanes 2003 – 2006, Geoffrey Whitfield, William Kraus, Harold W. Kohl Iii

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Purpose: Physical activity (PA) has shown consistent positive effects on cardiovascular risk, yet the individual contributions of frequency, intensity and duration remain unclear. The purpose of this investigation was to explore the associations between objectively-measured PA frequency and cardiometabolic risk factors, independent of total PA volume.

Methods: Data were analyzed for 5,549 adults with at least four valid days of accelerometry from the 2003 – 2006 US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Meeting PA guidelines was defined as 150+ minutes of moderate- to vigorous-intensity PA per week, accumulated in 10+ minute bouts. Frequency was defined as the number …

Promoting Active Urban Aging: A Measurement Approach To Neighborhood Walkability For Older Adults, Rachael L. Weiss, Juliana A. Maantay, Marianne Fahs

Cities and the Environment (CATE)

Understanding the role of the built environment on physical activity behavior among older adults is an important public health goal, but evaluating these relationships remains complicated due to the difficulty of measuring specific attributes of the environment. As a result, there is conflicting evidence regarding the association between perceived and objectively measured walkability and physical activity among urban-dwelling older adults. This suggests that both actual environmental features and perceptions of these attributes influence walking behavior. The purpose of this pilot project is to create an Objective Walkability Index (OWI) by census block using a Geographic Information System (GIS) and supplement …

Changes In Cvd Risk Factors In The Activity Counseling Trial, Meghan Baruth, Sarah Wilcox, James F. Sallis, Abby C. King, Bess H. Marcus, Steven N. Blair

Faculty Publications

Primary care facilities may be a natural setting for delivering interventions that focus on behaviors that improve cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors. The purpose of this study was to examine the 24-month effects of the Activity Counseling Trial (ACT) on CVD risk factors, to examine whether changes in CVD risk factors differed according to baseline risk factor status, and to examine whether changes in fitness were associated with changes in CVD risk factors. ACT was a 24-month multicenter randomized controlled trial to increase physical activity. Participants were 874 inactive men and women aged 35-74 years. Participants were randomly assigned to …

From Atheoretical To Motivation Theory-Based Youth Discretionary-Time Physical Activity Promotion: Current And Future Directions, Megan Babkes Stellino, Christina Sinclair

Faculty Publications

This article describes the importance of promoting children’s discretionary-time physical activity (DTPA) in connection with the rising international obesity epidemic. School based recess is highlighted as exemplar of an opportunity for children to obtain more DTPA. Brief review of the extant research focused on efforts to increase children’s recess physical activity (RPA) is provided. Literature from the field of sports psychology that has established a strong foundation of evidence regarding factors that increase youth motivation in various physical domain contexts will guide the proposed expansion to theoretical examination of predictors of youth DTPA. Three relevant motivation theory frameworks will be …

Objective Physical Activity And Sleep Characteristic Measurements Using A Triaxial Accelerometer In Eight Year Olds, Susan Ann Harrington

Wayne State University Dissertations

Background: Secular trends demonstrate that young children are less active and sleep less. Inequity in an individual's energy balance is known to have poor health outcomes. Academic achievement, academic behavior, and weight status are proxy indicators for health and psychosocial outcomes in this study. Current guidelines in place for sleep and physical activity in childhood are the result of data collected in the form of self-reports. Quantification and qualification of physical activity dimensions and sleep characteristics are essential not only for the purpose of clearly establishing parameters but also for the intent of verifying optimal health outcomes and evaluating interventions …

Individual Resting Metabolic Rate And Nutrition Education: Does This Knowledge Lead Individuals Into Making Healthier Lifestyle Choices?, Melissa Updyke

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

Introduction: Promoting healthier lifestyle choices to college aged individuals is important since the choices they make during early adult years will affect them later in life. Roughly 27% to 35% of college students are overweight (BMI 25929.9 kg/m2) or obese (BMI >30 kg/m2) and only 20% participate in regular moderate activity. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine whether college students make healthier lifestyle choices after receiving information on individual resting metabolic rate and nutrition education. Subjects: Forty Georgia Southern students (20 males and 20 females), between the ages of 19 and 24 years participated in the study. …

Comparison Of Three Physical Activity Measurement Tools To Assess Physical Activity Guideline Compliance In Children, Emily C. Huber, Andrew M. Litz

The Journal of Undergraduate Research

Current physical activity recommendations suggest that children should have 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) per day. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare the ability of three different physical activity measurement tools to assess whether children were meeting physical activity recommendations. Methods: Physical activity was assessed for one week via accelerometer (ActiGraph GT3X), pedometer (New Lifestyles NL-1000), and for one day using a self report questionnaire (Self-Administered Physical Activity Checklist, or [SAPAC]) in thirty 5th-grade students. A total of 15 students, (11 ± 1 yrs; 11 female, 4 male) met compliance standards and were used for …