Health and Physical Education Commons^™

Barriers To Physical Activity Among Community College Students, Erica Keels

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the perceived barriers, motivators, and student-identified strategies related to physical activity among students enrolled at a community college located in Northwest Florida. Guided by the Social Ecological Model (SEM), Self-Determination Theory (SDT), Health Belief Model (HBM), and Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), this study employed a qualitative descriptive design to examine students’ lived experiences and perceptions that influence their physical activity behaviors. Data were collected through an online open-ended survey administered to students aged 18 years and older. A total of 134 students initially accessed the survey, and 126 eligible participants …

The Effect Of Acute Hypoxia Exposure, With Exercise, On Bone Metabolic Biomarkers, Alyssa Bailly

Health, Exercise, and Sports Sciences ETDs

Hypoxic environments, resulting from decreased atmospheric partial pressure of oxygen, reduce oxygen availability in the blood and tissues, leading to a mismatch between supply and demand. This elicits several physiological adaptations and may influence bone metabolism. Although evidence suggests that hypoxia can modulate bone remodeling through hypoxia-inducible pathways, findings remain mixed, with most data derived from chronic hypoxic exposures in animal and cell culture models. Exercise, an essential stimulus for bone health, may exacerbate hypoxic stress; however, the skeletal response to acute hypoxic exposure combined with exercise remains unclear. We propose that intermittent exercise in hypoxia may increase negative markers …

The Mediating Effect Of Physical Activity On Mental Health Among Sexual Minority Adolescents During Covid-19, You Fu, Ryan D. Burns, Hayley Almes, Xiangren Yi, Nora Constantino

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

Purpose: Adolescents identifying as a sexual minority frequently experience mental health issues exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Physical activity (PA) has numerous benefits for mental health and emotional development. The purpose of this study was to examine the mediating effect of PA on the association between sexual minority status and mental health among adolescents during COVID-19. Methods: A sample of adolescents (grades 9-12) completed the online Adolescent Behaviors and Experiences Survey (ABES; N = 7677; 49.6% male) in 2021. The independent variable in this study was a recorded binary response item asking about sexual orientation. The dependent variable was a …

Fitness For All: Education For Gym Staff Supporting People With Disabilites, Bianca Loor, Mary Jan Greer, Alison Skean

Spring 2026 OTD Capstone Symposium

This capstone project, “Fitness for All: Education for Gym Staff Supporting People with Disabilities,” focuses on improving accessibility and inclusion within community fitness settings through staff education. Individuals with disabilities often encounter barriers in gyms due to limited staff training, lack of confidence, and insufficient knowledge of adaptive fitness practices.

To address this gap, a comprehensive, evidence-based training program was developed and implemented for gym staff at Crunch Fitness Orange Park. The program incorporated occupational therapy frameworks, including the Person-Environment-Occupation (PEO) model and the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework (OTPF-4), to promote inclusive and client-centered fitness practices.

Using a mixed-methods approach, …

Assessing The Effects Of Different Exercise Modalities On Postpartum Depression, Grace Mcmillan

Honors Capstones

Postpartum depression is a mental health condition that affects approximately 1 out of 8 women, nationally, after birth. The purpose of this study is to assess how different exercise modes can impact the lives of mothers suffering from postpartum depression. To conduct this research, there will be a review of current literature and quantitative data on postpartum depression and exercise. This review will explore how cardio, flexibility, and resistance training can help prevent or reduce the symptoms of postpartum depression. This review will analyze each mode and how they positively benefit the mother's mood as well as how it can …

Surviving The Cure: Modeling The Long-Term Consequences Of Chemotherapy, Rachel R. Chiella, Jaden Wells, Sajedeh B. Tabrizi, Savannah V. Rauschendorfer, Cory Dungan, Michael P. Wiggs

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Due to advances in treatment protocols, survival rates for childhood cancers have improved significantly over the past several decades, with five-year survival now reaching 85%. However, survivorship often comes at a cost, as exposure to intensive chemotherapy impairs skeletal muscle health, reducing quality of life and increasing the risk of early mortality. The CHOP regimen, comprising cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone, is a backbone combination used in the treatment of childhood non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Previous data from our lab demonstrates that CHOP causes acute and reductions in growth and muscle size in juvenile mice, yet data on long-term outcomes remain limited. …

Investigating The Effectiveness And Benefits Of A 3d Printed Ladder For Rat Resistance Training Compared To A Previously Published Model, Raghav D. Sharma

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

PURPOSE: To document and assess the training of rats using a new design and 3D printed ladder. The results were compared to the same rats climbing a ladder which is similar to ladders used in the majority of previous research. The rungs of the previous ladder were in the shape of a cylinder whereas the new model had rectangular flat steps. Rats were expected to exhibit different biomechanics while climbing the two different ladder models. In the new model we expected rats to use plant and push climbing (PPC) where rats put their entire foot on the step and push …

Effects Of Hypobaric Hypoxia During Intermittent Cycling Bouts On Markers Of Acute Kidney Injury, Jacob D. Dawes, Alyssa R. Bailly, Jonathan W. Specht, Christopher B. Hart, Mateo Griego, Marissa Ramirez, Kaia G. Allen, Alexander Smaragdas, Fabiano T. Amorim

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Many individuals travel to high altitudes for recreational or occupational purposes. Hypobaric hypoxia (HH) at altitude decreases arterial oxygen saturation (SaO₂), reduces oxygen delivery to tissues, and can adversely affect organ function. Exercise, independent of HH, significantly decreases renal blood flow (RBF). Therefore, performing exercise in HH may further impair oxygen delivery and place additional strain on the kidneys. While the impact of chronic HH on kidneys has been documented, there is limited research on the risk of acute kidney injury (AKI) under these conditions. PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of acute HH exposure during intermittent exercise …

Feasibility Of A Remotely Delivered High Intensity Functional Training Program In Individuals With Post-Stroke Aphasia, Lauren Cervantes, Amelia Harrelson, Ferdaus Ghafury, Christian Thompson

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

ABSTRACT Exercise boosts physical health in clinical populations, and high intensity training (HIT) has been found to improve fitness to a greater and faster degree than moderate intensity training. However, there is a lack of research on the feasibility and safety of remotely delivered HIT in chronic stroke survivors, and particularly those with aphasia. PURPOSE We studied the safety and feasibility of Aphasia Physical Exercise (APEX), a remotely delivered HIT program for those with post—stroke aphasia. We measured feasibility by avoidance of adverse events (e.g., injuries), high adherence rates and participants' ability to meet the prescribed exercise intensity during individual …

Time-Of-Day And Sex-Dependent Effects Of Exercise On Cardiometabolic Health In Mice With Social Jetlag, Graham R. Mcginnis

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Physiology has adapted to function on a 24 hour time scale, referred to as the circadian rhythm. Operating outside of this time scale leads to circadian rhythm disruption, which invariably leads to pathological outcomes. Social jetlag (SJL), a common form of circadian rhythm disruption, occurs when an individual’s sleep/wake schedule differs throughout the week (i.e. – staying up late on the weekends), and has been associated with obesity and cardiovascular disease. Exercise is a potential intervention to prevent SJL-induced impairments, but the time of day at which exercise is most effective is unknown.

PURPOSE: Determine if early or late phase …

Who Chooses To Move? A Snapshot Of University Students Enrolled In Physical Activity Courses, Zakkoyya H. Lewis, Ami Rollins, Madeline Gutierrez, Emily Condon, Nicolas Ovalle

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Physical activity rates of emerging adults in the United States declines significantly during the transition to university. The university environment can introduce new barriers that prevent students from prioritizing their physical fitness; however, there are other students that make physical activity a priority and embed it into their academic curriculum. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to provide the characteristics of a sample of university students enrolled in a physical activity course. METHODS: Students registered for a Weight Training and Kickboxing activity course voluntarily enrolled in a study evaluating the impact of enjoyment on physical activity. Participants completed a …

Interleukin-6 As A Mediator Of Circadian And Sex Differences In Exercise-Induced Stat3 And Autophagy Signaling, Srushti Wagh, Ariana Khzarjyan, Joshua Corpuz, Elias M. Malek, Charli Aguilar, Michael Dial, Paula Martinez, Graham Mcginnis

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Circadian rhythms are highly conserved across tissues and play an important role in regulating how the heart responds to physiological and pathological stress. Exercise is known to be cardioprotective, yet the impact of exercise timing on molecular signaling is still being explored. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is an exercise-induced cytokine which has been shown to be important to cardioprotection and metabolism. It is currently unknown how exercise timing modulates the IL-6 signaling pathway in the heart.

PURPOSE: To investigate how time-of-day and IL-6 influence exercise-induced activation of STAT3 and its downstream signaling pathways in male and female mouse hearts.

METHODS: Wild-type and …

Evaluating Rate Of Perceived Exertion And Heart Rate In High School Weight Training Students For Assessing, Enhancing, And Maintaining Health-Related Fitness, Nicholas Searcy

Theses and Dissertations

This mixed-methods study evaluated the relationship between rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and heart rate (HR) among high school weight-training students during circuit training sessions. The purpose of this study was to determine whether RPE could serve as a practical method for gauging moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) among high school weight-training students while allowing students to assess and enhance their health-related components of fitness. Participants were high school students enrolled in weight-training classes who completed upper- and lower-body circuit training sessions over a 4-week period, or a total of 16 school days. RPE was self-reported using Borg’s CR10 …

An Evaluation Of Aquatic Interventions To Support Increased Physical Fitness Levels For Children With Cerebral Palsy, Grace Kasberger

Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects

This study was designed to determine the most appropriate aquatic interventions to best improve physical fitness levels in children with cerebral palsy (CP). Children with CP often experience reduced aerobic capacity, muscular strength, and functional mobility, which can limit participation in traditional land-based physical activities such as walking and playing. Aquatic environments provide safe and resistance-based environments that can reduce joint loading, spasticity, and provide training. This systematic review examined a variety of different aquatic interventions (e.g. HIIT, aerobic based, strength training, flexibility, and the Halliwick Method) to improve physical fitness in children with CP. Data collection focused on outcomes …

The Impact Of Education And Awareness In Influencing Lifestyle Behaviors That Prevent And Treat Sarcopenia In Older Adults: A Mixed-Methods Cross-Sectional Research Study, Alan Lynn Jones

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This mixed-methods, cross-sectional study assessed the current level of knowledge and awareness among people aged 50 and older about sarcopenia, as well as their willingness to adopt lifestyle changes that could prevent or reverse the condition as they age. The study aimed to determine whether a lack of awareness and knowledge is linked to current lifestyle behaviors that contribute to or protect against the development of the disease. The population included men and women 50 and older, living independently in the community with no prior diagnosis of sarcopenia. The study used a custom-designed questionnaire and semi-structured interviews. A total of …

Motivating Students To Move And Therefore Honor God With Their Bodies, Shari Jurgens

International Christian Community of Teacher Educators Journal

Abstract

This qualitative content analysis investigated the intrinsic and extrinsic motivation necessary for male and female colleges students to engage in physical activity, including spiritual aspects. Survey questions were used to collect data from 80 college students from the suburbs of Chicago, ages 18-24, 43 males and 37 females. Data analysis included coding of the student comments and results showed that males are motivated by the extrinsic motivators of competition and social engagement and the intrinsic motivators of enjoyment and stress relief while females are motivated by the extrinsic motivator of appearance and the intrinsic motivators of spirituality, enjoyment and …

Changes In Insulin, Leptin, Resistin And Irisin Levels And Their Associations With Blood Pressure After An 8-Week Supervised, Online “Hiit Mama” Program Vs. Self-Performed Moderate-To-Vigorous Physical Activity During Pregnancy - A Randomized Controlled Trial, Anna Szumilewicz, Junjiang Sun, Rita Santos-Rocha, Jan Mieszkowski, Andrzej Kochanowicz

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

We aimed to determine changes in insulin, leptin, resistin, and irisin levels and their associations with blood pressure (BP) during pregnancy, following an 8-week high-intensity interval training (HIIT) or a self-performed moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). The study involved 54 Caucasian women in uncomplicated, singleton pregnancy (age 32 ± 4 years, week of gestation 24 ± 4, mean ± SD). They were randomly allocated to the 8-week supervised, online “HIIT Mama” program (HIIT group, n = 34) or educational intervention and self-performed MVPA (EDU group, n = 20). All participants maintained normotension throughout the study. The HIIT program in-duced a statistically …

Relationship Between E-Sports And Physical Activity Participation: Validation Of The E-Sports Addiction Scale (Esas), Olivér Szabella, Lili Kassay, Attila Szabo

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: E-sports are becoming increasingly popular. Considering the addictive potential of video games, e-sports might be more addictive than traditional sports. This study assessed the addiction risk in regular e-sports players and its relationship with other physical exercise habits. Method: A sample of 116 (93.1% males; mean age = 23.91±4.47) e-sports players answered questions online on play and exercise habits and completed the E-sports Addiction Scale (ESAS) derived from the revised Exercise Addiction Inventory (EAI-R). Results: The ESAS showed excellent model fit, allowing researchers to assess the risk of e-sports addiction in future studies. The risk rate of e-sports addiction …

The Relationship Between Individualised Speed Thresholds And Changes In Aerobic Fitness In Elite Professional Youth Soccer Players. A Case Study, Ronan Kavanagh, Kevin Mcdaid, David Rhodes, Jill Alexander, Damian Harper, Rafael Oliveira, Kieran Berry, Mark Connor, Piotr Zmijewski, Ryland Morgans

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: This study aimed to examine the dose-response relationship between training load and aspects of physical fitness in English Premier League (EPL) U23 soccer players. Materials and Methods: Seven male EPL U23 outfield soccer players (age 20.1±1.1 years) participated in this study and performed the Bronco test on five occasions within one season. Individualised running thresholds were employed using maximal aerobic speed (MAS), anaerobic speed reserve (ASR) and maximal sprint speed (MSS) values utilising a GPS system. Results: No significant differences in the Bronco performance between the tests (p > 0.05, ES = 0.101) were observed. Distance covered above 30% …

Associations Of Parental Perceived Health With Child Movement Behaviors Within Two-Parent Households, You Fu, Hayley Almes, Nora Constantino, Doria Schmidt, Ryan D. Burns

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

This study aimed to examine how perceived parental mental and physical health status was associated with child physical activity, screen time, and sleep. Participants were 6- to 17-year-old minors (N = 20,156; 47.9% female) from the 2022 US National Survey of Children’s Health. Dependent variables were children’s physical activity frequency, screen time, and sleep. Independent variables were parents’ physical and mental health status. Using the Actor-Partner Interdependence Model, two adjusted path models were constructed. One for parent mental health associating with parental physical health, another for parent physical health associating with parental mental health–both further associating with child movement behaviors. …

Voluntary Wheel Running Improves Glucose Homeostasis And Visceral Adiposity In Old Mice, Alexandra Canizales, David J. Buckley, Sogol Zahedi, Daniel W. Trott

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Age is an independent risk factor for the development of type 2 diabetes, which is characterized in part by impaired glucose homeostasis, greater body weight and visceral adiposity. In older humans, exercise has been demonstrated to be a viable modality to improve these aforementioned outcomes. Surprisingly, to date, no one has assessed whether exercise improves glucose tolerance in old mice. Further the mechanism(s) of improvement in old animals independent of overt obesity is not well understood. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine whether 8 weeks of voluntary wheel running would result in improved glucose tolerance and …

Music Enhances Motor Cortex Excitability In Physically Active Individuals, Anupama Thapa, Ana Carolina Panhan, Erin Lally, Joosung Kim

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Music is often used by exercisers and benefits physical performance. The positive effects of music on physical function are induced by the changes in motor cortex excitability while listening to music. Recent studies reveal that modulation of brain excitability in the hand is increased by music but is likely dependent on the characteristics of music tempo, preference, and the individual’s motivational state. No study has explicitly investigated whether music perceived as motivating for exercise creates changes in motor cortex excitability of the quadriceps. PURPOSE: This randomized crossover study examines the effect of the preferred music on motor cortex excitability …

Does Swearing Improve Exercise Performance And Pain Tolerance?: Cultural Perspective, Jide Yinka Adebiyi, Christos Kyrillou, Elijah Martinez, Anika Patel, Emily Payne, Linsheng Chen, Daroonwan Suksom, Hirofumi Tanaka

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Swearing is often generated by self or received from others (e.g., coaches) during physical exertion for various reasons including punctuating the passion, releasing frustration, and resetting the mind. However, the effects of swearing and yelling on exercise performance and pain tolerance remain largely unexplored. Additionally, it is unknown whether individuals from different cultures experience varying degrees of impact of yelling and swearing. PURPOSE: We determined the impact of self-generated and observer-generated swearing and yelling on exercise performance and pain tolerance in individuals living in the US where swearing is often used and heard and in Thailand where such occurrence is …

Exploring College Students’ Motivation For Physical Activity: Applications Of Self-Determination Theory And The Role Of Health And Wellness Education, Anne Russell Blevins

Theses and Dissertations--Kinesiology and Health Promotion

This dissertation includes three pieces of writing that aim to show the importance of physical activity for all ages but specifically college-aged students. The first piece of writing (Chapter 2) includes a teaching tip written for the Journal of Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance. Research has shown that dance was a subject of the past and many teachers did not feel comfortable teaching it. This practical piece was written to help show K-12 physical education teachers effective ways to involve students in physical activity specifically through teaching dance, mainly through using the “Teaching Dance for Understanding” model.

The second section …

Comparison Of Subjective Response To Virtual Reality Exercise And Outdoor Exercise, Eric Lambert, Jeffrey Cowley, Lijie Zhou, James W. Navalta, Devin Green, Olivia R. Perez, Myranda Peck, Setareh Zarei, Ty Erickson

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

ABSTRACT Virtual reality (VR) devices are becoming more immersive by providing platforms that allow people to control their experiences in more natural ways. As such, many opportunities are emerging to utilize VR products for physical activity. However, little research has been done to determine the difference between the subjective experience of physical activity in VR from that of a real-world environment. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to determine if any differences exist in individuals’ subjective response to walking outdoors compared to walking indoors on a VR treadmill. METHODS: After providing consent, 11 participants (5 female, 27.6 …

Exercise Acutely Modulates Mitochondrial Function In Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells, Morgan K. Daniel, Clover Crenshaw, Antonio Ballardo, Kayla Kumagai, Robert Musci

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Exercise trained individuals have greater immune system function, which may be attributed to enhanced peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) function. Exercise training is a potent stimulator of mitochondrial adaptation, which may explain improvements in immune system function. However, the mechanisms by which exercise acutely modulates PBMCs to lead toward beneficial adaptations remain unclear. PURPOSE: The purpose of this pilot was to test the hypothesis that exercise acutely modulates PBMC mitochondrial function. METHODS: Ten participants (eight males, two females, 22.81 ± 4.49 years) had blood drawn prior to a bout of exercise that included a graded exercise test (VO₂max: …

The Impact Of Tendon Structure And Pain-Related Fear On Pain Outcomes In Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy Following Resistance Exercise, Kameron Mortazavi, Matthew Heindel, Oscar Vila-Dieguez, Lori Michener

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Rotator cuff (RC) tendinopathy is a leading cause of shoulder pain which is defined by damage to tendon structure. Resistance exercise is a known effective intervention for RC tendinopathy intended to restore deficits in tendon structure. However, outcomes are highly variable and are often related to fear of moving and/or hurting their shoulder, known as pain-related fear. No study has defined the relative contributions of tendon structure and pain-related fear to pain outcomes following resistance exercise. PURPOSE: Define the relative contributions of pain-related fear and tendon structure to patient-reported pain outcomes following 8-weeks of resistance exercise. METHODS: Participants …

Feasibility Of Implementing An Older Adult Resistance Training Program In A Community Setting, Cody Antonio, Lynn Horiguchi, Eileen Nunez-Ortiz, Russell Chen, Zakoyya Lewis Dr., Lara Killick Dr.

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

The innovative OYO fitness gym device has the capacity to offer an inclusive resistance training experience for older adults, provided that the internal and external validity of the OYO exercise program is established. PURPOSE: Our purpose is to report the feasibility of implementing this 8-week program at a community senior center in a predominantly Spanish-speaking metropolitan area. METHODS: Feasibility is evaluated through measures of fidelity which include participant demographics, participant responsiveness, quality of delivery, adherence to the Program Manual, and pre-to-post changes in physical function. RESULTS: Twenty-three individuals consented for participation. Two participants completed the full 8-week program with an …

The Blood Pressure Response To Exercise: Untangling The Relationship Between Fitness And Fatness, Mccall Dunn, Jayson Gifford, Joseph Larsen, Braxton Bird, Grace Loveless

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

The systolic blood pressure (SBP) during prescribed exercise (ExSBP) represents cardiovascular strain during tasks of daily living and is predictive of future cardiovascular disease. Individuals with greater body mass reportedly have a greater increase in ExSBP when exercise is performed at an absolute intensity (e.g., walking 2.5 mph). It is unclear if this exaggerated response persists when exercise is performed at the same intensity relative to one’s fitness (e.g., % Lactate Treshold). PURPOSE: Determine if individuals with a high body mass index (BMI) exhibit an exaggerated ExSBP when exercise is prescribed with respect to personal fitness level. METHODS: Thus …

Investigating The Effect Of Fat Bar Attachments On Peak Velocity, Repetitions Until Failure, Energy Expenditure, And Respiratory Quotient In The Bench Pull Exercise, Robert R. Sawyer, Shane Draper, Anthony Ciccone, Tyler Standifird, Nicolas Clark

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

New methods of training in resistance exercise include the use of thick or “fat” bar attachments to promote forearm and grip strength. No study has investigated how these tools affect both acute biomechanical and physiological factors of barbell exercise. PURPOSE: Investigate the effect of using a thick barbell attachment (5.72 cm diameter) on peak velocity, repetitions until failure, total energy expenditure, and respiratory quotient during the bench pull exercise performed at 60% 1RM. METHODS: Six healthy resistance-trained college-aged men underwent three visits. First visit was used to calculate one-rep max (1RM) through force-velocity profiling. Second and third visits were randomized …