Digital Commons Network^™

The Healthy Monday Campaign: Health Awareness In Elementary Schools, Sheena Pravin Patel

Theses and Dissertations--Nutrition and Food Systems

Childhood obesity is a major public health concern for Americans. Many school-based health interventions and campaigns have been in place in the elementary school setting to help lower the rates of childhood obesity and to make students aware of their health. This study focuses on the implementation of the Healthy Monday campaign to fourth and fifth grade students in two Kentucky elementary schools. Particularly the focal points of the campaign consist of nutrition and physical activity. The campaign highlights two spin-off campaigns from the Healthy Monday campaign titled the Monday Mile and Meatless Monday. This study looks at the effectiveness …

Evaluation Of The Effectiveness Of An Intervention Program On Preventing Childhood Obesity In Denizli, Turkey, Özgür Sevi̇nç, Ali̇ İhsan Bozkurt, Mehmet Gündoğdu, Ümmühan Baş Aslan, Bülent Ağbuğa, Şehmus Aslan, Emel Di̇kbaş, Zeli̇ha Gökçe

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

To determine the efficiency of 2 different intervention programs (healthy nutrition education and/or physical activity programs) for preventing the obesity of primary school students. Materials and methods: Selected were 6 schools, making 3 groups, from all primary schools in Denizli with the half-day education system. Each group was composed of 2 schools. The groups were randomly divided into intervention group 1, intervention group 2, and the control group. The body mass index (BMI) levels of the students in all of the groups were calculated. Both the physical activity and healthy nutrition programs were applied to intervention group 1, and only …

Walking Abnormalities Are Associated With Copd: An Investigation Of The Nhanes Iii Dataset, Jenna M. Yentes, Harlan Sayles, Jane Meza, David M. Mannino, Stephen I. Rennard, Nikolaos Stergiou

Journal Articles

Research on the peripheral effects of COPD has focused on physiological and structural changes. However, different from muscular weakness or decreased physical activity, mechanical abnormalities of the muscular system, e.g. walking, have yet to be investigated. Our purpose was to utilize the National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey (NHANES) dataset to determine whether walking abnormalities are associated with COPD severity. To determine if walking abnormalities were independently associated with COPD severity, our analysis aimed to investigate the association of physical activity levels with COPD severity and with walking abnormalities. The NHANES III dataset that contains data for 31,000 persons that …

Sources Of Self-Efficacy In Distance Runners, Ashley Ann Samson

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Self-efficacy theory (Bandura, 1997) asserts that people will be more likely to engage in behaviors that they believe they can successfully perform and avoid behaviors in which they feel that they will be unsuccessful. Researchers have concluded that individuals with high levels of self-efficacy are more likely to pursue challenging goals, cope with pain, and persevere through setbacks, while those with low self-efficacy avoid challenges and tend to give up when confronted with obstacles (Llewellyn, Sanchez, Asghar, & Jones, 2008). Endurance sport, particularly distance running, is a domain in which being able to cope with pain and persevere through setbacks …

Fitness And Adiposity As Predictors Of Functional Limitation In Adults, Andréa L. Maslow, Anna E. Price, Xuemei Sui, Duck-Chul Lee, Ilkka Vuori, Steven N. Blair

Faculty Publications

Background: This study examined the associations of body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) with incident functional limitation (IFL) in adults.

Methods: Patients (n = 2400), 30+ years [mean age, 45.2 (SD, 8.3); 12% women], completed a baseline health examination during 1979 to 1995. CRF was quantified by age- and sex-specific thirds for maximal treadmill exercise test duration. Adiposity was assessed by BMI and WC (grouped for analysis according to clinical guidelines). Incident IFL was identified from mail-back surveys during 1995, 1999, and 2004.

Results: After adjusting for potential confounders and either BMI or WC, CRF …

The Associations Between Physical Activity, Screen Time And Weight From 6 To 14 Years: The Raine Study, Beth P. Hands, Paola Chivers, Helen Parker, Garth Kendall, Lawrence Beilin, Dawne Larkin

Health Sciences Papers and Journal Articles

To examine the strength and direction of the relationship between physical activity level, screen use and BMI in a cohort at ages 6, 8, 10 and 14 yrs as part of a prospective longitudinal cohort study. The sample comprised 1403 males and females who participated in the follow-up survey at 14 yrs of age between 2003 and 2005. Exploratory structural equation modelling was used to examine the interrelationships between physical activity level, BMI and screen time at 6, 8, 10 and 14 yrs. Predictors of BMI at 6, 8, 10 and 14 yrs explained 1.3, 76.1, 80.1 and 73.1 percent …

Evaluating The Get Into Fitness Today (Gift) Program: Weight Loss And The Roles Of Education And Empowerment, Emily Koby Novicki

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This study investigated the effects of Get Into Fitness Today (GIFT), a health program for adults that promotes balanced nutrition, physical activity, and weight loss through weekly meetings that provide education and social support. In addition to investigating the effects of GIFT, this evaluation sought to better understand explanatory models used by participants and program staff, and the roles of education and empowerment in weight loss and health education. This mixed methods, case study evaluation consisted of quantitative analysis of existing program records for 664 participants, 40 hours of participant observation of class sessions with ten GIFT groups, and follow-up …

Promoting Awareness Of Healthy Eating And Physical Activity In Hispanic Women To Reduce Cancer Risk, Donaji Stelzig, Nathalie Folch, Norma Olvera

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Latino population is one of the fastest growing minority groups in the United States. As the Latino population continues to increase, chronic diseases such as cancer and obesity will increase. Thus, the development of interventions that promote awareness of healthy eating and an active lifestyle among Latinos are greatly needed. The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a community-based wellness intervention for Latino women in promoting healthy eating and physical activity. Method: Twenty-four Latino women between the ages 30-65 years participated in a eight-week intervention that included nutrition education focusing on nutrition labeling, selecting healthy food …

Obesity And Physical Activity Variance By Income And Ethnicity In Kansas City, Katie M. Heinrich, Ws Carlos Poston, Nui Jitnarin, Anthony Randles, Joseph Hughey, Laverne Berkel, C Keith Haddock

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Purpose: Although obesity and physical activity prevalence systematically vary by income and ethnicity, it is unclear how well census data represent actual conditions. Using data from the Kansas City Built Environment and Health Study, we examined whether differences in measured obesity prevalence and self-reported physical activity would systematically vary by both census block group median income and percent ethnic minority and self-reported income and ethnicity. Methods: Participants included 586 adults; average age 45±14.7. Most participants were female (69.8%), married (51.5%), had some college or more (72.7%) and had incomes ≤$60,000 (54.6%). Households were solicited from 21 census block groups, stratified …

An Obesity Management Intervention For Hispanic Children In A Pediatric Clinic, Laura A. Rubalcava, Dorothy A. Long Parma, Deborah Parra- Medina, Cynthia M. Mojica

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Title: AN OBESITY MANAGEMENT INTERVENTION FOR HISPANIC CHILDREN IN A PEDIATRIC CLINIC: STUDY DESIGN AND BASELINE CHARACTERISTICS Authors: Laura A. Rubalcava, MA, Dorothy A. Long Parma, MD, Deborah Parra-Medina, MPH, PhD, Cynthia M. Mojica, PhD, MPH Affiliation: Institute for Health Promotion Research, Dept of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio Purpose: This study describes a pediatric obesity management intervention trial in a rural Hispanic clinic. Methods: Hispanic children aged 5-14 (goal N=200) who are overweight (body mass index [BMI] 85th-94th percentile for age and gender) or obese (BMI ≥ 95th percentile) and a parent …

Social-Cognitive Predictors Of Physical Activity Initiation In Type 2 Diabetes Following Diabetes Self-Management Education : Application Of The Health Action Process Approach., Jason E. Bonner

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Type 2 diabetes presents a public health crisis and a global pandemic. Successful management of diabetes requires engagement in a daily regimen of self-care behaviors to achieve optimal glycemic control and to reduce the severity of diabetes-related complications. Regular engagement in physical activity has been demonstrated to improve glycemic control and overall quality of life among patients with diabetes. Diabetes self-management education (DSME) has become the hallmark for instructing patients with diabetes to engage in physical activity, yet physical activity patterns of DSME patients remains largely unknown. Further, it is unclear what factors could account for such behavior change in …

Parental Attitudes And Perceptions Related To Their Children's Physical Activity And Eating Patterns, Megan Leatham Dubois

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Children's physical inactivity and poor eating patterns have received a great deal of attention in our country and worldwide. Studies have been conducted to identify determinates related to children's physical activity and eating patterns and to identify strategies for promoting positive behaviors. Parental support is a well-accepted determinate of children's physical activity and eating patterns. However, little qualitative research has been done to determine parental attitudes and perceptions related to this critical role.

First, the study sought to gain a greater understanding of parental perspectives on their children's physical activity and eating patterns. Second, the study examined parental attitudes and …

Characterizing Dietary Intake And Physical Activity Affecting Weight Gain In Kidney Transplant Recipients, Connie Klopfenstein Cupples

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

Weight gain following kidney transplant is a significant problem with 50 to 90% of kidney transplant recipients gaining weight. Potential factors leading to weight gain following kidney transplantation have been thought to include a change in lifestyle such asdietary intake and physical activity, along with the use of immunosuppressant medications to preserve the newly implanted organ. Other influences affecting weight gain include genetic determinates such as age, gender and race. There is little data to confirm which of these factors may indeed lead to weight gain and obesity. The purpose of this study was to examine dietary intake and physical …

Effects Of Environmental Prompts On Stair Usage, Lori Andersen

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The objective of this study was to evaluate whether environmental prompts placed in two-story buildings on a university campus would increase stair usage. Three buildings were used. One served as a control, while the other two received an intervention. Participants of three buildings were observed taking the stairs and elevator for seven weeks. Baseline data was collected; signs were introduced, and then removed during this time period. Approximately 2700 observations were collected. Environmental prompts did not appear to increase stair usage. There were significant differences in the amount of stair users between buildings. The stair usage rates of this particular …

The Relative Influence Of Demographic, Individual, Social, And Environmental Factors On Physical Activity Among Boys And Girls, Carrie D. Patnode, Leslie A. Lytle, Darin J. Erickson, John R. Sirard, Daheia J. Barr-Anderson, Mary Story

Faculty Publications

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the associations of selected demographic, individual, social, and environmental factors with moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) in a sample of children and adolescents.

Methods: MVPA was assessed among youth (n = 294) 10-17-years-old using the ActiGraph accelerometer. Youth completed measures of demographic and individual variables related to physical activity (PA), perceived social support by parents and peers, and perceived neighborhood characteristics. Parents completed the long-form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. The Physical Activity and Media Inventory was used to measure the home environment and Geographical Information Systems software was used to measure the physical …

Age-Related Changes In Types And Contexts Of Physical Activity In Middle School Girls, Russell R. Pate, James F. Sallis, Dianne S. Ward, June Stevens, Gregory J. Welk, Deborah Rohm Young, Jared B. Jobe, Patricia K. Strikmiller

Faculty Publications

Background - Because girls are less physically active than boys, it is important to understand the types of activities preferred by girls, and changes in those preferences over time, in order to design effective physical activity interventions.

Purpose - To describe developmental trends in participation in specific forms of physical activity in 6th- and 8th-grade girls.

Methods - Data for this study are from the Trial of Activity for Adolescent Girls. Self-reported physical activity, anthropometric, and demographic data were collected from random cross sections of 6th-grade girls in 36 middle schools in six U.S. communities. The same data were collected …

Wellness Made Simple - Fall 2010, Nova Southeastern University

Wellness Made Simple

No abstract provided.

Physical Activity In Latino Children: Research And Its Implications, Norma Olvera Ph.D., Stephanie F. Kellam, Kara Menefee, Jay Lee, Dennis W. Smith

Journal of Applied Research on Children: Informing Policy for Children at Risk

Childhood obesity affects children across all ages and genders. However, Latino children and adolescents are at an increased risk, with one out of three Latino children (ages 2-19) being classified as overweight. Physical inactivity is deemed a major factor contributing to the energy imbalance that leads to excess adiposity. The aims of this study are twofold: 1) to present relevant research regarding Latino children’s physical patterns, influences on their physical activity, and interventions designed to promote physical activity and fitness in this population; and 2) to discuss implications derived from this research to help health educators, practitioners, and policy makers …

Ethnic Minority Children’S Active Commuting To School And Association With Physical Activity And Pedestrian Safety Behaviors, Jason A. Mendoza, Kathy Watson, Tom Baranowski, Theresa A. Nicklas, Doris K. Uscanga, Nga Nguyen, Marcus J. Hanfling

Journal of Applied Research on Children: Informing Policy for Children at Risk

Background: Children's active commuting to school, i.e. walking or cycling to school, was associated with greater moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, although studies among ethnic minorities are sparse. Objectives: Among a low-income, ethnic minority sample of fourth grade students from eight public schools, we examined (1) correlates of active commuting to school and (2) the relationship between active commuting to school and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of baseline measurements from a sample of participants (n=149) aged 9-12 years from a walk to school intervention study in Houston, Texas. The primary outcome was the weekly rate of active …

The Effect Of Resistance Training On Strength And Total Physical Activity In Postpartum Females, Tiffany Kaye Hinman

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to compare strength and physical activity (PA) changes in postpartum women randomly assigned to either a four-month progressive resistance training (RT) program or a four month flexibility program. Sixty healthy women between six weeks and eight months postpartum initiated the study and 43 completed the entire study. The women tended to be overweight, were all non-smokers, and most were breastfeeding (97%) at the beginning of the study. Both groups (RT and flexibility) completed training exercises twice weekly. Both groups improved in all measures of strength (RT group: leg press, P < 0.001; bench press, P < 0.001; curl-ups, P < 0.001. Flexibility group: leg press, P = 0.009; bench press, P < 0.001; curl-ups, P = 0.005); however, the RT group had higher strength gains compared to the flexibility group over time (leg press, P < 0.005; bench press, P < 0.001; curl-ups, P < 0.007). In addition, both groups increased in low back flexibility but the group*period interaction did not reach significance (P = 0.096). Light-intensity PA increased in the RT group but not the flexibility group (P < 0.05). A group*period interaction was significant for light-intensity PA time (P = 0.031) and borderline significant for sedentary time (P = 0.054). However, controlling for the number of months postpartum and weight gain during the previous pregnancy resulted in a significant interaction for sedentary time (P < 0.05). No changes were found in moderate, vigorous, or moderate to vigorous PA within or between groups over time. In conclusion, twice-weekly RT increases strength and is associated with improvements in several PA outcomes in postpartum women; however, the mechanisms for this are unclear. The training sessions and/or increased spontaneous activity may have contributed.

The Impact Of A Pilot Community Intervention On Health-Related Fitness Measures In Overweight Children, Jenny G. Hutchens, Jennifer L. Caputo, Janet M. Colson, Richard S. Farley, Matthew S. Renfrow, Eric P. Seguin

International Journal of Exercise Science

The purpose of this study was to pilot a 5-week community-based intervention on improving measures of health-related fitness in overweight children. Data were obtained from 8 overweight and obese 8- to 14-year-old children. Measurements included muscular fitness (curl-ups and modified pull-ups), aerobic capacity (20 meter progressive aerobic cardiovascular endurance run [PACER] test), body composition (tricep and calf skinfolds), body mass index (BMI), and flexibility (back saver sit-and-reach). A significant reduction in BMI was observed at post-test compared to baseline (p = .03). There was a significant decrease in body fat at post-test for boys (p = .013).

A Phenomenological Investigation Of Women's Experiences With Personal Training, Cherilyn N. Hultquist, Melissa N. Madeson, Amy Church, Leslee A. Fisher

Faculty Articles

Personal training is a rapidly growing industry in a country that is in dire need of physical fitness and health improvements. The purpose of this phenomenological study was to better understand women's experiences with personal training. To address the research question, eight female participants ages 24 to 54 years were interviewed using the following phenomenological question: "When you think about your current experience with personal training what stands out for you?" The interviews were conducted, transcribed, and qualitatively analyzed to identify themes in participants' responses. The ground that emerged was positive experience within which existed four figural themes: Relationships, trainer …

Should Health Policy Focus On Physical Activity Rather Than Obesity?, Richard Weller, Emmanuel Stamatakis, Steven N. Blair, Timothy P. Gill, Louise A. Baur, Lesley A. King

Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

The Effects Of An Actiped Pedometer Intervention Program On Body Composition And Aerobic Capacity Of Youth In A School System In East Tennessee., Kristie Russell Coleman

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to determine if the ActiPed Pedometer Intervention Program would sustain or improve aerobic capacity or body composition scores over a 12-week period for students ages 8-12 in a school system in East Tennessee. Obesity is an epidemic in Tennessee and in the United States. In fact, Tennessee has the 5^th highest obesity rates for youth in the United States. National and State Legislations with physical activity and wellness mandates are being passed at an alarming rate as the need to combat the obesity epidemic is astonishing. The responsibility to decrease the obesity rates …

Associations Between Sport And Screen-Entertainment With Mental Health Problems In 5-Year-Old Children, Lucy J. Griffiths, Marsha Dowda, Carol Dezateux, Russell R. Pate

Faculty Publications

Background: Few studies have examined the benefits of regular physical activity, and risks of sedentary behavior, in young children. This study investigated associations between participation in sports and screen-entertainment (as components of physical activity and sedentary behavior), and emotional and behavioral problems in this population.

Methods: Cross-sectional analysis of data from 13470 children (50.9% boys) participating in the nationally representative UK Millennium Cohort Study. Time spent participating in sports clubs outside of school, and using screen-entertainment, was reported by the child's mother at child age 5 years, when mental health was also measured using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire.

Results …

Midlife Women’S Negotiations Of Barriers To And Facilitators Of Physical Activity: Implications For Counselors, Petra Hendry, Melinda Solmon, Laura H. Choate, Pam Autrey, Joan B. Landry

Adultspan Journal

No abstract provided.

Influences On Active Family Leisure And Its Relationship To Obesity, Shallie Marlene Taylor

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine how attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behavioral control influence adolescents' intent to participate in active family leisure and furthermore to explore the nature of the relationship between active family leisure and body mass index (BMI) among adolescents. Adolescents (N = 472) completed an online questionnaire assessing the theory of planned behavior (TPB) variables, active family leisure, individual active leisure, and BMI. Structural equation modeling was used to analyze the data. Tests of direct paths of attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behavioral control to intent indicated these variables were significant predictors of intent …

Endurance Exercise Training Effects On Body Fatness, Vo2max Hdl-C Subfractions, And Glucose Tolerance Are Influenced By A Plin Haplotype In Older Caucasians, Nathan T. Jenkins, Jennifer A. Mckenzie, Coleen M. Damcott, Sarah Witkowski, James M. Hagberg

Exercise and Sport Studies: Faculty Publications

Perilipins are lipid droplet-coating proteins that regulate intracellular lipolysis in adipocytes. A haplotype of two perilipin gene (PLIN) single nucleotide polymorphisms, 13041A>G and 14995A>>T, has been previously associated with obesity risk. Furthermore, the available data indicate that this association may be modified by sex. We hypothesized that this haplotype would associate with body fatness, aerobic fitness, and a number of cardiovascular (CV) risk factor phenotypes before and after a 6-mo endurance exercise training program in sedentary older Caucasians. The major haplotype group (13041A/14995A; n = 57) had significantly lower body mass index (BMI) and body fatness compared with …

Predicting Fear Of Recurrence And Protective Health Behaviors Using Protection Motivation Theory, Heather L. Mcginty

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Prior research suggests that fear of cancer recurrence is very common among cancer survivors. This study examined the extent to which Protection Motivation Theory variables of threat appraisal and coping appraisal accounted for differences in fear of recurrence and performance of health behaviors in cancer patients who recently completed treatment. It was hypothesized that greater fear of recurrence would be related to a combination of high threat appraisal and low coping appraisal. Also, it was hypothesized that higher rates of health behaviors would be related to higher threat appraisals for cancer recurrence and higher coping appraisals for reducing risk of …

Predicting Fear Of Recurrence And Protective Health Behaviors Using Protection Motivation Theory, Heather L. Mcginty

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Prior research suggests that fear of cancer recurrence is very common among cancer survivors. This study examined the extent to which Protection Motivation Theory variables of threat appraisal and coping appraisal accounted for differences in fear of recurrence and performance of health behaviors in cancer patients who recently completed treatment. It was hypothesized that greater fear of recurrence would be related to a combination of high threat appraisal and low coping appraisal. Also, it was hypothesized that higher rates of health behaviors would be related to higher threat appraisals for cancer recurrence and higher coping appraisals for reducing risk of …