Education Commons^™

The Development, Short-Term Efficacy, And Pilot Implementation Of An E-Learning Course In Physical Activity And Sedentary Behaviour For Pre-Service Early Childhood Educators, Brianne Bruijns

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

The overarching purpose of this dissertation was to develop an e-Learning course in physical activity and sedentary behaviour and test its short-term efficacy and implementation among pre- and in-service early childhood educators (ECEs). The Delphi approach was adopted for Study 1, wherein a panel of international experts in physical activity and sedentary behaviour suggested topics for the course and, together with a panel of ECE experts, rated their importance. Study 2 employed a pre-post design to explore the changes in pre- and in-service ECEs’ physical activity and sedentary behaviour-related knowledge, self-efficacy, behavioural intention, and perceived behavioural control following course completion. …

Exercise Prescription Practices In University Counseling Centers: Testing The Information-Motivation-Behavioral Skills Model, A'Naja M. Newsome

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The co-occurence of physical inactivity and poor mental health in the college student population can lead to chronic health issues that have negative short-term (e.g., academic success and weight gain) and long-term (e.g., obesity, serious mental illness, and premature mortality) impacts. Integrating exercise prescription into the mental health treatment plan of college students could enhance the holistic care model described by The American College Health Association (ACHA) and Healthy Campus task force. Understanding the knowledge, attitudes, and skills that mental health professionals (MHPs) hold regarding exercise prescription is important for policy formation and program development for college student health. The …

College Students’ Perceived Stress In Relation To Physical Activity Behaviors During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Holli Rosas, Andrea Hughes, Sarah L. Dunn Ph.D.

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

College students may experience heightened stress during a global pandemic. It is well known that psychological distress during times of uncertainty and sedentary behaviors may lead to adverse health outcomes such as morbidity and mortality. Physical activity (PA) has been shown to positively mediate distress and other mental health outcomes. PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to examine college students’ perceived stress levels and PA behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic and remote learning. METHODS: An Institutional Review Board approved online Qualtrics survey was used to collect data from eighty-four enrolled college students (mean age 24.4±5.79 years, 57.6% female) in …

Depressive Symptoms Related To Domain-Specific Physical Activity, Ola Iduma, Zachary Zenko

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Physical activity is positively associated with mental health. Exercise interventions have been shown to be effective for reducing depression. However, less is known about the role of domain-specific physical activity in mental health. PURPOSE: The purpose of this exploratory study was to examine the relationship between physical activity across domains (domestic/household, transportation-related, occupational, leisure-time) and depressive symptoms. METHODS: After obtaining ethical approval, 111 adults (75 men, 35 women, 1 non-binary person; mean age: 36 ± 10 years) completed an online survey. Physical activity in each domain was assessed with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Depressive symptoms were assessed with …

Time Spent Jogging/Running And Telomere Length In 5805 U.S. Adults, Christina M. Blackmon, Larry A. Tucker

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

A scientifically accepted measure of biological aging is the length of telomeres. Telomeres shorten with each year of life. Although age is the primary driving force, lifestyle can also have a substantial effect on telomere length. PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate the degree to which minutes spent jogging or running per week accounted for differences in leukocyte telomere length (LTL) in a randomly selected sample of 5805 U.S. adults. METHODS: A cross-sectional design was employed using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) and findings are generalizable to the U.S. adult population. Time …

The Role Of Physical Activity In The Relationship Between Sitting Time And Insulin Resistance, Kayla Parker, Larry A. Tucker

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

PURPOSE: The primary objective of the present study was to determine the role of physical activity in the relationship between sitting time and insulin resistance in 7,092 randomly selected U.S. adults. METHODS: Cross-sectional data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), 2011-2018, were used to answer the research question. NHANES data for 2019-2020 were not available because of COVID. Participants were selected using a multi-stage, random sampling strategy. Subjects reported average sitting time, quantified as the number of minutes spent per day sitting. Insulin resistance was determined using HOMA-IR (homeostatic model assessment). HOMA-IR is the most common measure …

Evaluation Of A School-Based Dissemination Of The Movement Guidelines For Young Children In Hong Kong: Study Protocol, Catherine M. Capio, Catalina S. M. Ng, Kevin K. H. Chung, Rachel A. Jones, Cindy H. P. Sit

Health Sciences Faculty Publications

Background

Healthy movement behaviors in early childhood are believed to track to adulthood, potentially imparting protective benefits against non-communicable diseases. Highlighting the collaborative and complementary roles of parents and educators in promoting health of young children, this study aims to enable parents and teachers to successfully promote healthy movement behaviors in young children. Guidelines for physical activity, sedentary screen time, and sleep of children aged 2 to 6 years will be systematically disseminated to parents and teachers of children enrolled in early childhood education centers (ECECs) in Hong Kong. An evaluation will be conducted to assess the implementation process and …

Can Learning Be Enhanced With Active Seating?, Judy Beard, Kirk Mathias

All Faculty Scholarship for the College of Education and Professional Studies

Overweightness continues to increase at an exponential rate in children. This coupled with the demand to increase academic time in elementary schools has contributed to efforts to discover solutions that meet both challenges. Potential solutions are movement curricula and active seating options. However, little has been published relative to best practices of their implementation. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to discuss the lessons learned while utilizing pedal desks in first and second grade classrooms as stations and whole class seating. Additionally, two different types of heart rate monitors (Polar Oh1 and IHT Spirit) were employed, in an attempt …

Qualitative Review Of Educational Interventions For Improving Physical Activity Behaviors In Older Asian Americans In The United States, Raisa Kabir, Manoj Sharma, Sayeda Tazim Zaidi, Chia-Liang Dai

Spectra Undergraduate Research Journal

Physical activity (PA) provides numerous health benefits and minimizes chronic diseases and mental health issues, especially in older adults. The national survey data indicated that only 27.3% to 44.3% of older adults meet the recommended PA guidelines of 150 to 300 minutes/ week. There is limited data on PA behavior among older Asian American (AA) adults as very few to no local/national surveys have targeted these marginalized subgroups. This comprehensive review aims to identify existing PA intervention strategies and to update current knowledge on the effectiveness of these interventions to improve PA behavior among aging AA in the US. The …

Using Physical Activity To Improve Reading Comprehension, Jensen Flanigan

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

Student reading proficiency lags grade-level expectations in the majority of the United States. Much research has demonstrated the moderating impact of student motivation on reading scores. The purpose of this action research was to study the effects of physical activity on reading motivation and reading comprehension, with a special focus on readers at risk for reading deficiencies as identified by FAST testing. The research was carried out on eighteen third grade students in rural Iowa, seven of whom were at risk for reading deficiency. The use of physical activity had a positive effect on both reading motivation and reading comprehension, …

Incorporating Physical Activity Breaks Before Math Improves Students Overall On-Task Behavior, Larissa Surprenant

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

The purpose of this action research study will focus on incorporating physical activity before math into a Kindergarten classroom, to help improve on-task behavior. The study was conducted over a four-week period in one Kindergarten classroom. Data was collected to determine if physical activity or brain breaks help improve students' on-task behavior during the math mini-lesson. Two weeks consisted of the students not receiving the brain break/physical activity intervention and the next two weeks consisted of implementing the brain break/physical activity intervention. After the four-week trial, students showed increased on-task behavior after completing the brain break/physical activity. The conclusion stated …

Three Studies Investigating Comprehensive School Physical Activity Program-Aligned Opportunities To Enhance Students’ Physical Education Learning, Jongho Moon

Theses and Dissertations

Schools have been identified as key venues that have a positive impact on students’ development through physical activity (PA) and physical education (PE) programming. A comprehensive school physical activity program (CSPAP) is the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s [CDC] national framework for school-based PA (CDC, 2019). A CSPAP was conceptualized as a strategic approach to leverage the full range of resources needed to meet two broad goals: (a) provide school-aged youth with the opportunity to meet the nationally recommended 60 minutes of daily PA, and (b) achieve Society of Health and Physical Educators (SHAPE) America’s National Standards for K-12 …

Physical Education And Extracurricular Activity Participation Of Autistic, Neurodivergent, Disabled Trans Adults, Steven Kelly Holland

Human Movement Sciences & Special Education Theses & Dissertations

Disabled trans students may be multiply marginalized and/or have reduced access to otherwise affirming gender identity- or disability-related spaces in educational contexts because of their intersectional identities. At present, a limited understanding of disabled trans students school experiences are known. This dissertation was constructed using a two-manuscript format. The purpose of the first study was to investigate the physical education experiences of disabled trans adults. The study was conducted from an interpretivist paradigm and used interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) to explore the lived experiences of disabled trans adults. Six adults (aged 18-30), who identified as: autistic, neurodivergent, disabled, trans, non-binary, …

Relationships Between Sports, Physical Activity Participation, And Phys-Ed Gpa: Results And Analyses From A National Sample Of Asian American Students, Howard Z. Zeng, Raymond E. Weston, Juan Battle

Publications and Research

Relationships among sports, physical activity (PA) participation, and educational outcomes have been studied in various venues, however, used a longitudinal method with a national sample of Asian-American High-School Students (AAHSS) was barely covered. This study employed the latest National High-School Longitudinal Study data (Participants, N = 950); hierarchical regression modeling and intersectionality theory examined, analyzed, and evaluated the relationships among sports, PA participation, and the outcomes on the physical education grade point average (Phys-Ed GPA). Moreover, the demographics factors impact on the participants' Phys-Ed GPA was also analyzed and evaluated. The primary results included: 1) the female students who participate …

Obesity Prevention Toolkit To Combat Weight Gain Related To Sedentary Behavior And Dietary Habits In College Students: An Evidence-Based Project, Maria Amos, Martha Fuller

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Manuscripts

Abstract

Background: Forty percent of the US population ages 20-39 are categorized as obese,

their BMI is over 30, and 35% of college age students are obese or overweight. Issues related to obesity cost the US $147 billion annually. Between 40%-50% of college students are reported to be inactive. Inactivity can lead to increased morbidity and mortality related to increased risks of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, hypertension, musculoskeletal issues, and depression. Providing dietary and physical activity education and access to nutritional information promotes behavior change in young adults.

Aims of Service Change: This evidence-based project proposal aims to provide a toolkit …

Development Of Physical Qualities Of Preschool Children, Laziz Kholmurodov

Mental Enlightenment Scientific-Methodological Journal

This article introduces a special set of exercises for the effective organization of the process of physical education for preschool children, the development of their physical qualities in relation to their age, as well as the development of levels of physical fitness. The purpose of our research is to carry out a study into the development of physical qualities of children aged 5-7, as well as the analysis of indicators of physical development of preschool children. As the correct physical education of preschoolers is one of the most significant importance, this article intends to assist with providing general and specific …

Implementation Of Physical Activity In Us Elementary Schools: The Role Of Administrative Support, Financial Resources, And Champions, Blake Densley, Hannah G. Calvert, Peter Boedeker, Lindsey Turner

Curriculum, Instruction, and Foundational Studies Faculty Publications and Presentations

The intentional integration of physical activity in elementary school classrooms—including brief instructional breaks for activity, or integration into lessons—can benefit children’s physical activity and education outcomes. Teachers are key implementation agents, but despite physical activity in the classroom being an evidence-informed practice, many teachers do not regularly implement it. The aim of this study was to obtain updated nationally representative prevalence estimates in United States public elementary schools, regarding four key outcomes: (1) school adoption of physically active lessons (PA lessons); (2) school adoption of physical-activity breaks (PA breaks); (3) penetration in the classroom, defined as ≥50% of teachers using …

A Two-Year Longitudinal, Cross-Sectional Evaluation Of Resident Physician Burnout: An Exploration Of The Effects Of Stress, Satisfaction, Exercise And Emr, Oliwier Dziadkowiec, Jeffery S. Durbin, Megan L. Novak, Ziva Patt-Rappaport, Gregory Guldner

HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine

Background

There is a need for better understanding of trajectory of burnout in clinical training and what factors are associated with resident well-being and burnout overtime. This study examined medical resident burnout and physical activity throughout different times of the academic year, across several different medical specialties and postgraduate years (PGY), over two years.

Methods

A resident wellness survey was administered throughout five different waves from summer 2018 to winter 2020. A total of 493 survey responses from seven subspecialties completed the survey. We used 474 responses for quantitative statistical analysis and 138 for qualitative thematic analysis.

Results

The average …

Putting Research Into “Action”: The Impact Of Brain Energizers On Off-Task Behaviors And Academic Achievement, Rebecca Buchanan, Lauren Davis, Trisha Cury

Networks: An Online Journal for Teacher Research

There are many factors influencing the learning environment in public school settings. As such, the recognition of developing a multidimensional approach incorporating a variety of “tools” for a teacher’s toolbox can prove to be very effective. Research indicates that movement is one such tool that can increase the capacity for students to learn (Ratey, 2008). The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of brain energizers in a 1st grade classroom in rural Appalachia. Results of the study indicated that brain energizers had a positive effect on off-task behaviors as well as academic achievement. The incorporation of movement …

Application Of The Ideas Framework In Adapting A Web-Based Physical Activity Intervention For Young Adult College Students, Kimberly R. Hartson, Lindsay J. Della, Kristi King, Sam Liu, Paige N. Newquist, Ryan E. Rhodes

Faculty Scholarship

User-centered developmental processes are critical to ensuring acceptability of e-health behavioral interventions, and yet physical activity research continues to be inundated with top-down developmental approaches. The IDEAS (Integrate, Design, Assess, and Share) framework outlines a user-centered process for development of e-health interventions. The purpose of this manuscript is to describe the application of the IDEAS framework in adapting a web-based physical activity intervention for young adult college students. Steps 1–3 emphasized integrating insights from users and theory and Steps 4–7 focused on iterative and rapid design with user feedback. Data were collected via repeat qualitative interviews with young adult college …

Participation In Physical Education And The Effect On Mental Health, Kacie O'Connor

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

This literature review is an examination of the effects physical education has on students’ mental health. The importance of youth’s mental health is a critical topic. Physical activity is a large part of having good mental health. This literature review aims to provide insights into the effects physical activity and physical education have on students/youth mental health. The mental health issue in the United States is higher than ever before and needs to be addressed. Researchers have determined physical activity is consistent with increased mental health in students. Regular physical activity, whether it is in a physical education class or …

Brain Breaks Improve Student Behavior And Focus, Meghan M. Barker

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

The purpose of this action research project was to determine the impact of brain breaks, or physical activity breaks, when implemented as a transition to learning centers in the preschool classroom. Learning centers consist of small group time, one-on-one time with the teacher, and whole group time where important preschool state standards are taught. The study was conducted over five weeks in two preschool classrooms. One classroom was designated as the control group, and the other classroom as the treatment group. Data was collected to determine if brain breaks had an impact on student focus and behavior. After five weeks …

The Importance Of Physical Activity In Early Childhood Development, Kathleen Stuart

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

Programming in early childhood has become increasingly academic, with less consideration for whole-child development. This new emphasis has influenced not only pre-k programs, but also programs serving toddlers and infants. As a result of this focus on academic skills, children from birth to five years old are spending more time in sedentary, academically focused activities and less time in meaningful play and physical activity. Children are no longer afforded the time and opportunity to participate in the robust play activities that are one of the essential elements in whole-child development. This literature review focuses on research that advocates for physical …

Momentum For Learning: Defining A Pedagogy Of Movement For Improved Learning And Cognition, Gretchen L. Stewart

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This study reports the findings of a mixed-methods investigation into learning and cognition that has been theoretically and methodologically positioned as embodied. Embodied learning places pedagogical value on the biophysiologically dependent nature of learning on the development of the central nervous system. Rooted in empirical evidence of structural and functional brain change through movement, the purpose of this study was to investigate the primary teaching and learning features of a neurodevelopmental approach to schooling. The research question was, how do interdisciplinary experts operationalize movement as fundamental pedagogy in a brain relevant school model? Methods included qualitative interviews, a consensus building …

Evaluation Of A Health Education Intervention For Rural Preschool And Kindergarten Children In The Southeastern United States: A Cluster Randomized Trial, Holli H. Seitz, Julie C. Parker, Heather L. Hanna, Ginger C. Hooge

Journal of Human Sciences and Extension

This research employed a matched-pairs randomized field experiment design to evaluate a classroom-based health education intervention for pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten children in a rural region of the southeastern United States. Schools were matched on demographic characteristics, then one school from each pair was randomly assigned to the treatment group and one to the delayed treatment group. The intervention included a field trip experience and an integrated curriculum designed to increase knowledge about nutrition, physical activity, and sleep. Staff conducted individual assessments of changes in knowledge with a random sample of children from each classroom (252 children from treatment classrooms; 251 …

Finnish Adolescent Girls’ Activity Patterns And The Effects Of An Activity-Based Homework Intervention On Their Physical Activity, Mari Kääpä, Sanna Palomäki, Henri Vähä-Ypyä, Tommi Vasankari, Mirja Hirvensalo, Alicia Fedewa

Educational, School, and Counseling Psychology Faculty Publications

Purpose: The insufficient physical activity (PA) of adolescents is a global challenge, and there is a need to find opportunities to engage youth in active lifestyles. The majority of adolescents do not meet the recommended guidelines of physical activity, and especially females have low levels of activity as they approach adolescence. The goal of this study was to obtain insight into Finnish adolescent girls’ objectively measured physical activity by evaluating the effects of an activity-based homework intervention on low, medium, and high-active girls during after-school hours.

Method: A physical activity homework intervention was put into place for female adolescent girls. …

Strategies For Teachers To Promote Physical Activity In Early Childhood Education Settings—A Scoping Review, Toby C. T. Mak, Derwin K. C. Chan, Catherine M. Capio

Health Sciences Faculty Publications

Recent evidence has emphasized the importance of the early childhood years for developing lifelong physical activity patterns. As such, evidence-informed programs that create opportunities for young children to engage in physical activity are needed and education settings present an important context. This review aimed to identify strategies that are implemented by teachers to promote physical activity in early childhood education and care settings. This is a scoping review that followed the framework proposed by the Joanna Briggs Institute. Searches were conducted using the databases of PubMed, SCOPUS, PsycINFO, SPORT Discus, ERIC and Web of Science for publications up to September …

Effects Of A Comprehensive School Health Program On Elementary Student Academic Achievement, Erin E. Centeio, Cheryl Somers, E. Whitney G. Moore, Noel Kulik, Alex Garn, Nate Mccaughtry

Kinesiology, Health and Sport Studies

BACKGROUND: Improving the academic achievement of youth in the U.S. has been an area of interest for many decades and has been a critical indicator of future success of youth. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of a comprehensive school physical activity and healthy eating program on 5th grade students’ academic achievement, specifically reading and math. METHODS: In total, 628 (intervention: 377, 54% female; comparison: 251, 49% female) 5th grade children participated across the six schools in a yearlong comprehensive health intervention, completing curriculum-based academic achievement measures at two-time points. RESULTS: Results showed …

Fear Or Freedom? Visually Impaired Students' Ambivalent Perspectives On Physical Education, Sebastian Ruin, Martin Giese, Justin A. Haegele

Human Movement Sciences & Special Education Faculty Publications

With a growing interest in sport, fitness, and a healthy lifestyle, bodily practices are increasing in importance in our society. In the school context, physical education (PE) is the subject where these practices play a central role. But, the German language discourse shows in an exemplary manner that inherent body-related social normality requirements are articulated in didactic traditions and curricular requirements, and that these normality requirements have exclusionary potential for those students who do not fit into the norms. Against this background, this article seeks to understand children with visual impairments’ (CWVI’s) individual constructions of PE in a school specialized …

Empowering Teachers To Use Physical Activity Throughout The Day, Dante Britten

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Projects

It is recommended that children get 60 minutes of physical activity everyday. For most of the year, children are in school. Students are able to participate in physical activity through recess and physical education. Due to the increased demand on academic performance, more time is being spent on learning and direct instruction in the classroom. This can often come at the expense of recess and physical education. This does not mean that teachers can’t still provide their students with the opportunity to move and be physically active. There are several ways teachers can allow students to move without it disrupting …