Digital Commons Network^™

Objective Assessment Of Physical Activity In Adults With Down Syndrome, Jasmine Symone Curtis

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine whether cut-points developed for the general population provide different estimates of physical activity (PA) levels in adults with Down syndrome (DS) compared to cut-points developed specifically in adults with DS. This study also attempted to objectively measure the PA levels of adults with DS and to determine if they meet the recommended amount of PA to obtain health benefits. Thirteen adults with DS wore an accelerometer to determine time spent in moderate, vigorous, and moderate-to-vigorous PA. Results indicated that different sets of cut-points responded differently in classifying moderate and vigorous PA levels, …

Physical Activity Differences Related To Gender And Grade Level In Middle School Students, Casey Reeves

Graduate Theses

In the last 35 years, the United States youth has experienced a significant rise in obesity levels, and a significant decline in physical activity levels (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2015a; CDC, 2009). A variety of research has been conducted on the implications of decreasing levels of physical activity (PA). However, theories are mixed on when this rapid decline of participation in PA is occurring. The purpose of this study was twofold: 1) to identify a significant gap in PA levels between females and males and 2) to identify the age/grade in which the projected discrepancy develops. The …

The Effect Of Sleep Quality And High Intensity Physical Activity On Inflammation And Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors In College Students, Catherine Abraham

Honors Scholar Theses

Background: Inflammation is the common denominator in chronic conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and depression. While adequate physical activity and optimal sleep quality may help maintain normal inflammation levels, evidence is somewhat conflicting. Aim: This cross-sectional observational study aimed to assess how sleep quality and high intensity physical activity associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors and inflammatory biomarkers in a sample of young adults (n=106, ages 18-25 years). Methods: Laboratory-based assessments included lifestyle behaviors (sleep quality, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index; self-reported frequency/intensity of physical activity; Healthy Behavior Index derived from reported preference for diet and physical activity), CVD risk …

Employee Participation In A College Based Wellness Program: Leader Support, Incentives, Job Satisfaction, Absenteeism, And Self-Efficacy, Tara Rebekah Rouse

Dissertations

This study investigated employee participation in a college based wellness program using the following factors: leader support, incentives, job satisfaction, absenteeism, and self-efficacy. Specifically, the research was conducted to determine whether there was a significant relationship or difference in participation in a college based wellness program when looking at leader support, incentives, and individual self-efficacy and if participation made any difference on job satisfaction and/or absenteeism. The theoretical framework of this research is based on Bandura’s social learning theory, also known as social cognitive theory and was supplemented using Ajzen’s theory of planned behavior. This study could be beneficial to …

The Effects Of A Lifetime Physical Activity And Fitness Course On College Students’ Health Behaviors, Ale Quartiroli, Hotaka Maeda

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 9(2): 136-148, 2016. The purpose of this study was to examine motivational constructs and the effect of physical activity engagement on health behaviors in college students who were required to take a 15-week lifetime physical fitness (LPF) course for graduation. A total of fifty-eight first and second year college students aged between 17 and 23 years (M=18.72; SD=1.09). Paper and pencil questionnaires were anonymously administered at the beginning and at the end of the 15-week long spring 2012 semester. Analysis of the differences between the beginning and the end of the semester …

The Relationship Between Physical Activity And Diet And Young Children's Cognitive Development: A Systematic Review, Pooja S. Tandon, Alison Tovar, Avanthi T. Jayasuriya, Emily Welker, Daniel J. Schober, Kristen Copeland, Dipti A. Dev, Ashleigh L. Murriel, Dima Amso, Dianne S. Ward

Department of Child, Youth, and Family Studies: Faculty Publications

Objective. Given the high prevalence of suboptimal nutrition and low activity levels in children, we systematically reviewed the literature on the relationship between physical activity and dietary patterns and cognitive development in early childhood (six months to five years).

Methods. In February 2016, we conducted two different searches of MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and ERIC. Each search included either physical activity (including gross motor skills) or diet terms, and neurocognitive development outcome terms. Included studies were in English, published since 2005, and of any study design in which the physical activity or diet measure occurred prior to age five.

Results. For physical …

Addressing Childhood Obesity In Georgia: Past, Present, And Future, Debra L. Kibbe, Emily Anne Vall, Christine Green, Brenda F. Fitzgerald, Karen J. Minyard, Kelly Cornett

Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association

Background: The Trust for America's Health ranks Georgia 17th (16.5%) in the nation for childhood obesity prevalence among youth aged 10-17 years. Georgia has a long history of addressing childhood obesity at the state, regional, and local levels. This report outlines the historical efforts in childhood obesity in Georgia from the mid-1990’s to the present, summarizes current childhood obesity prevention and management strategies, and provides childhood obesity-related data relevant to the current strategies.

Methods: Childhood obesity-related efforts in Georgia from 1996 to the present are documented, along with how these efforts led to the creation of Georgia Shape. The Georgia …

A Review Of Community-Based Participatory Research Studies To Promote Physical Activity Among African Americans, Steven S. Coughlin, Selina A. Smith

Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association

Background: As part of the planning process for new research, the literature on community-based participatory research (CBPR) approaches for promoting physical activity in African American communities was systematically reviewed.

Methods: Studies published through October 31, 2015 that employed CBPR methods were identified using PubMed and CINAHL databases and MeSH terms and keyword searches.

Results: A total of 15 studies met the search criteria. One focused on CBPR and physical activity among African American school children and adolescents, 13 on adults, and one on both children and adults. Seven studies employed CBPR methods to promote physical activity in church settings. Eight …

The Need For Culturally-Tailored Smartphone Applications For Weight Control, Stephen S. Coughlin, Dale Hardy, Lee S. Caplan

Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association

Background: Approximately 35% of U.S. adults are obese, and this rate is expected to increase by almost 50% by 2030. New media such as smartphone applications (apps) provide a useful and low-cost way to disseminate weight control information. For many culturally distinctive population subgroups, however, there is currently an absence of research-tested smartphone apps for weight control.

Methods: In this commentary, we highlight the need for culturally tailored smartphone apps for weight control and offer recommendations for further research by providing two specific examples: 1) the characteristic dietary patterns and absence of smartphone apps for weight loss for Hispanic Americans, …

Factors Associated With Body Mass Index Among African American Breast Cancer Survivors, Selina A. Smith, Mechelle D. Claridy, Mary S. Whitehead, Joyce Q. Sheats, Wonsuk Yoo, Ernest Alema-Mensah, Benjamin E. Ansa, Ronald L. Braithwaite

Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association

Background: Weight gain after diagnosis and treatment is common among breast cancer survivors (BCSs). Little information exists regarding associations between body mass index (BMI) and lifestyle factors and health-related quality of life (HR-QoL) among African American (AA) BCSs. The present study sought to determine associations between BMI, dietary intake, and physical activity as lifestyle modification strategies and HR-QoL among AA BCSs.

Methods: For this cross-sectional study, a lifestyle assessment tool was administered to 195 AA BCSs. Possible predictor variables included socio-demographic and medical characteristics, dietary intake and physical activity patterns, and physical health. The outcome variable was BMI.

Results: Many …

Growing Fit: Georgia’S Model For Engaging Early Care Environments In Preventing Childhood Obesity, Kelsey Mcdavid, Catalina Piedrahita, Emily A. Vall, Christi Kay, Jean O’Connor

Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association

Background: In the United States, one in three children is overweight or obese by their fifth birthday. In Georgia, 35 percent of children are overweight or obese. Contrary to popular belief, children who are overweight or obese are unlikely to outgrow their weight status as adults, making early childhood an essential time to address weight status. An estimated 380,000 Georgia children attend early care and education environments, such as licensed child care centers, Head Start, and pre-kindergarten programs, which provide an opportunity to reach large numbers of children, including those at risk for obesity and overweight.

Methods: To address this …

A Systematic Review Of Lifestyle Interventions For Chronic Diseases In Rural Communities, Selina A. Smith, Benjamin Ansa

Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association

Background: Rural Americans suffer disproportionately from lifestyle-related chronic diseases (e.g., obesity, diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and breast cancer). Interventions that consider the distinctive characteristics of rural communities (e.g., access to healthcare, income, and education) are needed. As an initial step in planning future research, we completed a systematic review of dietary intake and physical activity interventions targeting rural populations.

Methods: Manuscripts focused on dietary intake and physical activity and published through March 15, 2016, were identified by use of PubMed and CINAHL databases and MeSH terms and keyword searches.

Results: A total of 18 studies met the inclusion criteria. Six …

Does Physical Fitness Predict The Reading Achievement Of Fifth-Grade Students? The Interaction With Gender, Courtney Lynn

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

States across the nation are facing pressure to meet standards for high stakes testing which is resulting in a decrease in the amount of time allotted to physical education (Ennis, 2006). Although the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (2008) recommends children engage in 60 minutes or more of physical activity a day, on average, children only receive 30 minutes per day of aerobic exercise (Epstein et al., 2001). Despite this decrease in physical activity, research has shown that physical activity is associated with academic achievement (Ardoy et al., 2013). In addition, physical activity is positively related to physical …

Factors Influencing Physical Activity Among Older Women With Type 2 Diabetes, Sun Ju Chang

Biennial Convention (CONV)

Session presented on Saturday, November 7, 2015: Purpose: With the recent increase in the number of people aged 65 years and over in South Korea, the prevalence of chronic diseases and, hence, related medical costs have rapidly increased. 1 Diabetes is one of the most prevalent chronic diseases among older adults. Approximately 20% of older women aged over 65 years were found to be diagnosed with diabetes in 2013 (Statistics Korea, 2013), and many older women with diabetes were determined to have uncontrolled diabetes. Since adherence to self-management behaviors such as physical activity is crucial to control blood glucose levels …

Muscle Strength, Physical Activity, And Functional Limitations In Older Adults With Central Obesity, Cassandra M. Germain, John A. Batsis, Elizabeth Vasquez, Douglas R. Mcquoid

Dartmouth Scholarship

Background: Obesity and muscle weakness are independently associated with increased risk of physical and functional impairment in older adults. It is unknown whether physical activity (PA) and muscle strength combined provide added protection against functional impairment. This study examines the association between muscle strength, PA, and functional outcomes in older adults with central obesity. Methods: Prevalence and odds of physical (PL), ADL, and IADL limitation were calculated for 6,388 community dwelling adults aged ≥ 60 with central obesity. Individuals were stratified by sex-specific hand grip tertiles and PA. Logistic models were adjusted for age, education, comorbidities, and body-mass index and …

Walking Mediates Associations Between Neighborhood Activity Supportiveness And Bmi In The Women's Health Initiative San Diego Cohort., Jordan A. Carlson, Rosemay A. Remigio-Baker, Cheryl A M Anderson, Marc A. Adams, Gregory J. Norman, Jacqueline Kerr, Michael H. Criqui, Matthew Allison

Manuscripts, Articles, Book Chapters and Other Papers

OBJECTIVES: To investigate whether walking mediates neighborhood built environment associations with weight status in middle- and older-aged women.

METHODS: Participants (N=5085; mean age=64 ± 7.7; 75.4% White non-Hispanic) were from the Women's Health Initiative San Diego cohort baseline visits. Body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference were measured objectively. Walking was assessed via survey. The geographic information system (GIS)-based home neighborhood activity supportiveness index included residential density, street connectivity, land use mix, and number of parks.

RESULTS: BMI was 0.22 units higher and the odds ratio for being obese (vs. normal or overweight) was 8% higher for every standard deviation …

Psychometric Evaluation Of The Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale In Adults With Functional Limitations, Carolyn J. Murrock, Abir K. Bekhet, Jaclene A. Zauszniewski

College of Nursing Faculty Research and Publications

Enjoyment is an important construct for understanding physical activity participation, and it has not been examined in adults with functional limitations. This secondary analysis reported the reliability and validity of the Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale (PACES) in a convenience sample of 40 adults with functional limitations. The participants completed the PACES, Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), and the Late Life Function and Disability Instrument (LLFDI) prior to beginning a 12-week feasibility dance intervention study. Results indicated reliability as Cronbach's alpha was .95 and mean inter-item correlation was .52. To further support reliability, homogeneity of the instrument was evaluated …

Alumni Collegiate Student-Athletes’ Wellness After Sport, Shane Warehime, Danae M. Dinkel, Abby Bjornson, Ashley J. Blount

Research Presentations

College student-athletes (may be more likely to experience difficulty transitioning from college than non-athletes, which could lead to decreased levels of overall wellness.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore the wellness of alumni SA who recently transitioned from college.

Methods: Semi-structured interviews with former SA (n=12) were administered at a university in the Midwest. Interview questions were based on the Indivisible Self Model’s five factors of wellness (coping, social, physical, creative, and essential). Data were analyzed using the process of immersion/crystallization.

Results: Results indicate that subjects generally experienced negative feelings at the end of their athletic career, …

Effects Of Exercise And Nexrutine® On Biomarkers Of Cachexia In Tramp Mice, Kira L. Pamerleau, Paul Rivas, Nicolas Musi, Addanki Pratap Kumar, Darpan Patel

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Cachexia is a major adverse effect of prostate cancer (PCa) and leads to functional impairment and poor quality of life. The pathophysiology of cachexia is complex and includes an imbalance of anabolic and catabolic factors. Oncologists often encourage nutritional and physical interventions to improve cancer outcomes. However, it is unclear how these interventions affect the pathophysiology of PCa-induced cachexia. PURPOSE: To test the hypothesis that exercise and Nexrutine^® (a natural product derived from the bark of the Amur cork tree) can modulate cachexia in a transgenic adenocarcinoma of mouse prostate (TRAMP) model. METHODS: Ten-week old TRAMP mice were randomized …

An Interdisciplinary Study Of Perceived Benefits, Barriers And Cues To Action Among College Students For Moderate To Vigorous Physical Activity, Daniel Orellano Jr

Theses and Dissertations

This interdisciplinary study examines the perceived benefits, barriers, and cues to action for physical activity, in a sample of 385 men and women college students. Though no significant differences were identified between the genders in their physical activity levels or perceived benefits, barriers, and cues, significant differences were found in the numbers of these different variables as well as types of physical activity among the student participants as a whole. Improving health was found to be the primary perceived benefit for engaging in physical activity whereas school workload and wanting to look physically fit were the primary barrier and cue …

Physical Activity: A Tool For Improving Health (Part 2—Mental Health Benefits), Patrick J. Gallaway, Nobuko Hongu

Journal of Extension

By promoting physical activities and incorporating them into their community-based programs, Extension professionals are improving the health of individuals, particularly those with limited resources. This article is the second in a three-part series describing the benefits of physical activity for human health: (1) biological health benefits of physical activity, (2) mental health benefits of physical activity, and (3) recommended amounts of physical activity for optimal health. Each part of the series is designed to help Extension professionals effectively integrate physical activity into community programs and motivate individuals to maintain an interest in being physically active during and after a program.

The Influence Of “Westernization” On Nutrition And Physical Activity Behaviors Of Adolescents In New Delhi, India: Are We Exporting An Epidemic Of Obesity?, Melissa Harrell, Emily Ussery, Blanche Greene-Cramer, Nalini Ranjit, Shreela V. Sharma, Monika Arora

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

Purpose. To examine the relationships between “westernization” and nutrition and physical activity behaviors among older adolescents in Delhi, India. These relations have not been explored, despite increasingly strong and pervasive socio-cultural influences from the West.

Methods. Students (n=1818) in 8^th and 10^th grades in 4 Private (higher SES) and 4 Government (lower SES) schools in Delhi, India participated in a cross-sectional study. Height and weight were measured to determine weight status. Information on “westernization” and nutrition, physical activity, sedentary, and dieting behaviors was collected in a survey. The measure of “westernization” assessed 4 domains of culture on a …

Eat, Sleep And Be Healthy A Paramedic's Guide To Healthier Shift Work, Grainne Kent, Paige Mason, Alan Batt

Faculty & Staff Publications - Public Safety

Shift work can cause adverse health effects, and the nature of paramedic work places paramedics at a higher risk of unhealthy eating and poor physical fitness. Healthier lifestyle choices, including increased physical activity and healthy eating can help to reduce the risk of adverse health effects on paramedics.

The Associations Of Selected Lifestyle Patterns And Lung Cancer Risk: An Evidence-Based Update, Joanna Kruk, Basil H. Aboul-Enein

Health & Wellness Department Faculty Publications and Research

Diagnosis of lung cancer (LC) has been fraught with difficulty and by the time of definitive diagnosis, most patients are in later stages of the disease. Epidemiological studies have demonstrated that lifestyle behaviors play an etiological role in LC risk; however data in the literature on this topic often appears inconclusive or require further study. Understanding of the mechanisms operating between lifestyle patterns and their impact on LC is important for the disease’s prevention and treatment. The purpose of this study was to review the current evidence on the role of diet, body mass index (BMI), physical activity, smoking, alcohol …

Promoting Healthy Eating And Physical Activity: A Qualitative Examination Of Community-Based Obesity Interventions In Rural Kentucky, Brooke F. Butterworth

Theses and Dissertations--Nutrition and Food Systems

Rural Americans are medically underserved groups and are at greater risk of becoming obese than urban Americans. The purpose of this qualitative study was to determine the perceived causes of obesity in six counties of rural Kentucky and to determine how to customize strategies to reduce obesity in these areas. University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service Agents formed coalitions in each of the six counties to assess their communities’ needs and assets to inform plans for implementing evidence-based obesity interventions. Between February and August of 2015, the coalitions were convened for a total of 11 meetings. Each of the coalition …

Is Nutrient Intake Associated With Physical Activity Levels In Healthy Young Adults?, Yi Yan, Clemens Drenowatz, Gregory A Hand, Robin P Shook, Thomas G Hurley, James R Hebert, Steven N Blair

Faculty & Staff Scholarship

Both physical activity (PA) and diet are important contributors to health and well-being; however, there is limited information on the association of these behaviours and whether observed associations differ by weight. The present study aimed to evaluate whether nutrient intake is associated with PA and if this association varies by weight in young adults. Cross-sectional study to analyse the association between PA and nutrient intake. Participants were stratified as normal weight (18·5 kg/m2 2) and overweight/obese (BMI≥25·0 kg/m2). PA level (PAL) was calculated (PAL=total daily energy expenditure/RMR) and used to stratify groups (PAL Adults (n 407; age 27·6 (sd 3·8) …

Evaluation Of The Dogs, Physical Activity, And Walking (Dogs Paw) Intervention: A Randomized Controlled Trial, Elizabeth Richards, N Ogata, C Cheng

School of Nursing Faculty Publications

Abstract: Background. To facilitate physical activity (PA) adoption and maintenance, promotion of innovative population-level strategies that focus on incorporating moderate intensity, lifestyle PA are needed. Objectives. The purpose of this randomized controlled trial was to evaluate the Dogs, Physical Activity, and Walking intervention (PAW), a 3-month, social cognitive theory (SCT) e-mail based PA intervention. Methods. In a longitudinal, repeated measures design, 49 dog owners were randomly assigned to a control (n=25) or intervention group (n=24). The intervention group received email messages (twice-weekly for four weeks and weekly for eight weeks) designed to influence SCT constructs of self-efficacy, self-regulation, outcome expectations …

Top 10 Research Questions To Promote Physical Activity In Bipolar Disorders: A Consensus Statement From The International Organization Of Physical Therapists In Mental Health, D Vancampfort, S Rosenbaum, M Probst, J Connaughton, C Du Plessis, T Yamamoto, B Stubbs

Physiotherapy Papers and Journal Articles

Background: Research has only recently started to consider the importance and applicability of physical activity (PA) for people with bipolar disorder (BD). The aim of the current study is to highlight 10 pertinent PA research questions in people with BD.

Methods: The International Organization of Physical Therapy in Mental Health executed a consultation with all National organizations (n=13) to identify the most salient questions to guide future research on PA in BD.

Results: We identified the following 10 questions: (1) What are the benefits of PA for people with BD? (2) What are the most prominent safety issues for PA …

Response To A Standard Behavioral Weight Loss Intervention By Age Of Onset Of Obesity, Kristie Rupp, S. E. Taverno Ross, W. Lang, J. M. Jakicic

Publications and Research

Background The purpose of this study was to examine weight loss, physical activity, fitness and diet changes in response to a standard behavioral weight loss intervention in adults with self-reported juvenile onset (n = 61) or adult onset (n = 116) obesity.

Methods Participants (n = 177; 43.0 ± 8.6 years; body mass index [BMI] = 33.0 ± 3.4 kgm2) engaged in an 18-month standard behavioral weight loss intervention. Participants were randomized into three different intervention groups as part of the larger parent trial. BMI, physical activity, fitness and diet were assessed at baseline, 6, 12 and 18 months. Separate …

Effects Of Advocare Spark Supplementation On Submaximal Cycling Test, Matt Mclean

Kinesiology Student Research - Archive

EFFECTS OF ADVOCARE SPARK SUPPLEMENTATION ON SUBMAXIMAL CYCLING TEST Author: Matt McLean Faculty Sponsor: J.R. Wilson, Ph.D., Brad Heddins, M.S. INTRODUCTION: Submaximal Exercise is one of the most common forms of physical activity and is prevalent in both the advanced athlete’s training regimen as well as the everyday exerciser. Utilizing the consumption of different pre-workout drinks in order to optimize submaximal exercise has been studied for years. It is well documented that the caffeine in pre-workout beverages effect physiological responses to exercise. There has also been many studies showing the effects of vitamin and nutrient supplementation on submaximal exercise. Advocare …