Health and Physical Education Commons^™

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, …

Sex Differences In Carbohydrate Quality: Assessing The Carbohydrate-To-Fiber Ratio In Middle-Aged Hispanic Adults, Cristina Graña Gedrange, Mia I. Perez, Marcela Guadiana, Nicole Cantu, Jose M. Moris

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Hispanic adults in the United States face disproportionate rates of cardiometabolic disease, yet sex-specific disparities in diet quality remain understudied. PURPOSE: To determine diet quality among middle-aged Hispanic adults, assessing carbohydrate quality based on the carbohydrate-to-fiber ratio (CFR) and protein density as indicators of metabolic risk. METHODS: A total of 30 males and 49 females between 40 to 70 years old participated in a cross-sectional analysis of body composition and dietary behavior. Participants underwent girth measurements, a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scan, and completed a paper-based 3-day dietary recall log. Dietary data were manually entered by researchers using an …

Reassessing Readiness: Physical Performance Trajectories And Future Physical Military Readiness, Giovanna Leone

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation consists of three studies integrating frequentist and machine learning techniques to examine physical fitness trajectories and future physical military readiness. Study 1 consists of a cross-sectional examination of Physical Fitness Test (PFT) scores from four cohorts of first-year Cadets at a Senior Military College from 2019 to 2022. Study 2 consists of a longitudinal examination of PFT performance from one cohort of Cadets across a baseline test and three years of training at a Senior Military College. Study 3 examines predictive machine learning and growth curve modeling methods to project future physical military readiness based on motor competence …

Corrected Echo Intensity Is Not Related To Fatigability Or Indices Of Aerobic Fitness In Healthy Young Adults: A Pilot Study, Kase J. Pennartz, Michael R. Perlet, Marek Kerr, Joshua L. Keller

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Muscle quality (MQ), measured via echo intensity, is regularly used to characterize muscle function and disease. Although it has been related to measures of cardiovascular performance, muscle strength, power, and function in elderly populations, these relations are not consistently observed in younger adult populations. Specifically, the relations of MQ and various functional outcomes (e.g., muscle strength, fatigability, and aerobic fitness) remain unclear, particularly given the interplay between age-related changes in fatiguability and performance. PURPOSE: Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the relation of MQ among muscle strength, fatigability, and indices of aerobic fitness in young healthy …

Our Reflections And Concluding Thoughts, Justin A. Haegele, Wesley J. Wilson

Human Movement Studies & Special Education Faculty Publications

In this chapter, the editors provide concluding thoughts and reflections about the process of constructing this case-based learning book, and encouragement for readers to further consider ways to reflect about the stories of the authors. We reiterate the five broad reflective prompts from Chapter 2 to guide this reflection. We also share concepts related to ableism, and examples of how ableism may look and how it may inform practice. We conclude with, again, encouraging authors to think about and reflect on the stories included throughout the book, and to be mindful of ways ableism may (or may not) influence this …

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 …

Exs 2000 Exercise, Energy Balance, And Weight Management Oer Syllabus, Shannon Caravello

Open Educational Resources

Concepts and principles of energy balance, body composition, weight management, and physical activity as they relate to personal health. Examines the causes of obesity, and its impact on human health and explores weight loss and diet options for the individual from a holistic perspective, including social, emotional, and physical dimensions of human health. Students will complete a lifestyle and nutritional analysis, develop nutritionally sound dietary plans, and design a specialized exercise program tailored to address their personalized weight management goals.

Firefighters Versus Law Enforcement Officers: A Comparison Of Cardiovascular Disease Risk, Bethany C. Guerra, Hunter Martaindale, Steven E. Martin, Lisa C. Colvin, Drew E. Gonzalez, Matthew J. Mcallister

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Firefighters (FF) and law enforcement officers (LEO) have heightened cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk due to the stressful nature of their occupations. Data suggest that 45% of on-duty FF fatalities are related to CVD, while LEO have a 1.7 times higher CVD prevalence compared to the general public. To our knowledge, studies comparing FF to LEO, in terms of CVD risk factors, have not been published. This information is necessary to better understand differences in occupational disease risk, as well as to help bridge the gap between stress and CVD markers. PURPOSE: To compare CVD risk biomarkers, fitness, and body …

A Case Study Examining Health And Fitness Effects Of Thru Hiking The Pacific Crest Trail, Holland Gaston, Dante Argento, Anna Grexton, Cory Greever

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

The Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), a long-distance hiking route spanning from the U.S.-Mexico Border to the U.S.-Canada border, is a compelling research topic for studying human performance. Thru hiking involves enduring high volumes of moderate-vigorous exercise, load carriage of survival gear, environmental conditions, hydration, nutrition, sleep, and psychological well-being, alongside addressing challenges like navigation, limited resupply, encounters with wild animals and injury/illness. PURPOSE: This case study investigated the impact of thru hiking the PCT on physical fitness and health in a cohort of three non-elite male hikers. METHODS: The participants had two visits to the lab, following an 8-12 hour …

Assessing Student Participation In Cardio Related Activities While Enrolled In Fitness For Living, Preston Anderson

Theses/Capstones/Creative Projects

This capstone project investigated student participation in the KINS 1800: Fitness for Living course offered in the Health and Kinesiology College at the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO). The Fitness for Living Lab course aims to educate the students on different types of workouts to encourage the students to try different workouts/exercises throughout the semester long course.

During the spring 2023 semester I administered a 10-item pre and post survey to determine if students would partake in cardio activities that they were exposed to in the Fitness for Living course. Following analysis of the data it was noted that …

Measuring Invariance Of Theory Of Planned Behavior Model On Online Fitness Program Participation During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Ran Wei, Yuanlong Liu, Brooks Applegate, Colin Cork

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) is one of the most frequently cited and most influential models to explain and predict human intentions and behaviors (Ajzen, 1991, 2011; Kim & James, 2016), which include physical activity and exercise. However, the dimensionality of TPB has not been examined in the context of online fitness program (OFP) participation during the COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of this study was to examine the TPB measurement parameters of the factorial models and determine the generalizability of the psychological constructs of the TPB model on gender groups and whether COVID-19 affected annual income groups. The participants were …

Preliminary Findings From A Pediatric Physical Activity Program For Children With Cancer, Paulette M. Yamada, Erin O. Bantum, Erin E. Centeio, Kelley Hutchins, Laura Bonilla, Carie Sumida, Jayna Lee, Sabrina Cao, Grace Lopez

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

It is critical for pediatric patients diagnosed with cancer to engage in physical activity (PA) as it is associated with positive psychosocial outcomes and may improve physical function. However, physical activity opportunities for pediatric cancer patients are limited. PURPOSE: To test the feasibility and adherence of pediatric cancer patients to a virtual PA program. METHODS: Pediatric patients undergoing cancer treatment were referred to the Pediatric Physical Activity program (PePA) by the Children’s Hospital’s oncology team using rolling recruitment. The target sample size was 20-25 patients. Patients enrolled in an online 12-week PA intervention with similar-aged peers (2x/week, 60 …

An Assessment Of The Impact Of Special Training Of Inspiratory Muscles In A Fitness Classes Programme On Physical Capacity Of 20-25-Year-Old Women, Agnieszka Cybulska, Pawel Drobnik

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: In the process of modernising and improving physical fitness classes on offer, there is a growing trend to complement them with extra means characterized by different directions of interactions. Training of respiratory muscles (TRM) is one of them used in sports training but also increasingly more often in health training. The aim of the study was to assess changes in physical capacity under the influence of 6 weeks' training of a different type of inspiratory muscles incorporated into the programme of fitness classes for women aged 20-25 years. Material/Methods: The study involved 33 not training professionally young women aged …

Physical Activity As A Pro-Health Behaviour In The Opinion Of Adult Women, Maria Lipko, Anna Darmas

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: This study aims at determining opinion of participants of strengthening and relaxation classes on health determinants and their influence on adoption of particular forms of physical activity. Material/Methods: Participants of the study were 113 women aged 40 to 55, among whom 70 participated in such strengthening and relaxation courses as yoga, Pilates and Tai Chi and 43 women were inactive (control group). A survey prepared by the authors of this paper was used. Results: According to the participants, the most crucial factors influencing health are proper nutrition, adoption of physical activity and keeping proper body weight. Active women are …

The Influence Of Various Fitness Forms On The Reduction Of The Adipose Tissue, Jakub Grzegorz Adamczyk, Karolina Brzezek-Zukowska, Dariusz Boguszewski

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: An assessment of the influence of a six-week cycle of fitness activities on the state of the adipose tissue in students and an assessment of the efficiency of chosen fitness exercises (STEP, LOW and TBC) in the reduction of the adipose tissue. Material/Methods: Subjects performed physical exercises of the fitness character within a period of 6 weeks. Exercises took place three times a week. Three types of fitness forms of the same intensity were chosen for the research: STEP, LOW and TBC. The subjects were recommended a change in the hitherto existing way of nutrition. The parameters measured were: …

Effect Of A Combined Exercise Program (Aerobic And Rebound Therapy) With Two Different Ratios On Some Physical And Motor Fitness Indices In Intellectually Disabled Girl, Amir Hossein Haghighi, Fatemeh Mohammadtaghipoor, Mohammadreza Hamedinia, Javad Harati

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: ‪Individuals with intellectual disability (ID) are mostly neglected and hardly exercised. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of a combined program (aerobic and rebound therapy) with two different ratios on some physical and motor fitness indices in intellectually disabled girls. Material and methods: ‪A total of 24 girls with ID (13–17 years old with an IQ of 50 to 70) were selected and randomly divided into two experimental and one control group. Experimental groups performed a combined aerobic rebound therapy program with two different proportions: (group 1 performed 10 minutes of aerobic exercises and 20 …

Body Composition And Fitness Characteristics From Structural Firefighters In A Health And Wellness Program: Differences According To Injury Status And Location, Tomas J. Ruvalcaba, Daniel Higuera, Robin (Rob) Marc Orr, J. Jay Dawes, Kristina A. Ross, Robert G. Lockie

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Structural firefighting can put firefighters at an elevated risk for injury. Numerous health and fitness characteristics (body composition, flexibility, muscular strength and endurance, aerobic capacity) can influence the performance of fireground operations, and could help prevent injury in firefighters. PURPOSE: To analyze the differences in health and fitness between healthy firefighters, and firefighters who reported a current upper-body, lower-body, or back injury. METHODS: Archival data from structural firefighters in a health and wellness program was investigated (258 males; 12 females). Body composition data included height; body mass; body mass index (BMI); body fat percentage; fat and lean body mass; waist …

Anthropometric Predictors Of Arterial Stiffness When Adjusting For Fitness In College-Aged Adults, Riley Morton, Kyli Alvarez, Estephania Campa, Malia Nowlen, Zachary Zeigler

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

PURPOSE: Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) is the largest cause of non-communicable disease death worldwide. Arterial stiffness is an independent predictor of CVD. Body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), and waist-to-hip ratio predict arterial stiffness. However, there is inconstancy in the literature as to which is the best predictor of arterial stiffness. Measured cardiovascular fitness is also an independent predictor of arterial stiffness and is rarely controlled for in epidemiological studies. The purpose of this study was to identify the superior anthropometric predictor of arterial stiffness after controlling for measured fitness.

METHODS: Healthy young adults were recruited from Grand …

Cardiorespiratory Fitness Level Alters Blood Pressure Responses Induced By Histamine H1- And H2-Receptor Blockade During Dynamic Exercise, Albert A. Lira Jr., Dustin J. Lirazan, Ronaldo U. Meneses, Sung J. Yun, Jong-Kyung Kim

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Epidemiological studies have reported that greater cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is associated with lower blood pressure (BP). Histamine receptor-mediated peripheral vasodilation contributes to postexercise hypotension and lowing exercising BP responses. Previously, our laboratory found that overactive BP responses to exercise were induced by the inability of histamine receptors in individuals with prehypertension. However, it is still unknown that CRF can impact BP responses elicited by the inability of the receptors. Purpose: This study was to assess whether aerobic fitness is effective in lowering excessive BP responses induced by the blockade of histamine receptors. Methods: In twelve male and female subjects (6 …

Gme: Gym In Medical Education-Maintaining Physical And Mental Well Being During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Brian J. Nguyen, Elana A. Meer, Joyce E. Nguyen

Journal of Wellness

No abstract provided.

Workout Routine, Valeria Sofia Maynez

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Hope Services is an agency that focuses on supporting the community of adults with developmental disabilities. The work there focuses on finding employment avenues for the clients. This population faces difficulty in finding employment opportunities on their own and rely on these services for these resources. Everyone deserves the right to build an income and experience working in their lives. A disability or any obstacle shouldn’t prohibit a person of this opportunity. Due to an overdue stigma towards this group, they have to constantly prove they are fit to work and be productive assets in the workforce. This leads to …

In-Training Improvement: A Tactical Athletic Approach To Enhance The Performance And Wellness Of Law Enforcement Officers, Shai-Enne Kerry Haynes

Masters Theses

Fitness and musculoskeletal injuries are a major health concern among United States law enforcement personnel. The objectives of this study were twofold: 1) to compare the effects of wearing work gear and not wearing work gear during job related specific activities; and 2) identify the negative effects of the required work equipment on law officials and exploring methods to decrease the negative effects. There is an undeniable prevalence of law officials and back issues and other musculoskeletal complications which presents an interrelated research and field test environment. This study leverages research to help advance the knowledge of law enforcement performance, …

Ua12/2/1 Fit 2020, Wku Student Affairs

WKU Administration Documents

Special edition of the College Heights Herald regarding fitness, includes articles:

• Dees, Marshall. Nostalgic Fun for the Child in You
• Rock Steady, Rock Strong – Boxing
• Dowell, Macie. Red Towel Workouts
• Bowling Green Course Welcomes New Golfers – Bowling Green Parks & Recreation
• Get Out, Get Fit – Parks
• Gym Jams

The Effectiveness Of A Fitness Mentoring Program On Life Skills In At-Risk Youth, Delaney Dunlap

Undergraduate Honors Theses

BACKGROUND: The Aspire program is an eight-week program for troubled youths around the Canberra, Australia community that is run by former Canberran of the year and Canberra Raiders Captain Alan Tongue. The program aims to build self-esteem, develop social skills, help teach the effects actions have on others, understand how practice and hard work provide support, give purpose in life, and teach other practical, lifelong skills. During the program, Alan uses a combination of various activities including fitness, teamwork, discussion, writing, and self-reflection to help youth see their potential. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the lasting …

The Role Of University-Required Fitness Courses In Students' Health And Exercise Practices, Haley Turner, Kara Jones, Katelyn Cole, Yunsuk Koh, Heather Hudson

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Lifetime fitness (LF) classes include exercise, sport, and recreational activity courses. The main purposes of LF classes are to give health education that elicits mental, social, and physical preparation for a lifelong experience of fitness. However, previous research has not extensively investigated the role of LF classes on students’ motivations to exercise during and after completing the course. PURPOSE: To determine whether or not taking an LF class contributes to a student’s motivation to exercise, to determine a motivation for signing up for an LF course, to determine why they chose that specific class, and to determine the degree to …

Influence Of Fitness On Stress Reactivity As Measured With The Trier Social Stress Test, Andrea Guerrero, Sonio David Garcia, Alexis Ortiz, Dana Day, Rebekah Ortiz, Aliyah Medina, Angelika Lapetoda, Stacy Cantu, Deborah Parra-Medina, Daniel Hughes

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

PURPOSE: Psychosocial stress is associated with multiple health complaints which a higher cardiorespiratory fitness may reduce stress reactivity. A higher level of fitness may assist in the reduction of stress-related risk factors. Limited studies have investigated the health and cortisol response of promotoras’ (Latina community health educators) physical activity (PA) behaviors along the South Texas Mexico Border Region. The aim of this study was to assess the associations of promotoras’ fitness on stress reactivity in promotoras. METHODS: 17 promotoras’ anthropometric measures (body mass index (BMI)), were assessed before performing Trier Social Stress Test (TSST). Salivary cortisol was collected before, 10-minutes, …

Efficacy Of An Online, Concepts-Based Fitness And Wellness Course, David Townsend Mann

Theses and Dissertations

With the sudden growth of distance education at the turn of the century, online offerings of fitness and wellness courses spread quickly across college curriculums. However, the emergence of rigorously designed research regarding the ability of online, concepts-based fitness and wellness classes to significantly improve student health has progressed at a more leisurely pace, leaving stakeholders within higher education unsure of its effectiveness. The purpose of this study was to examine changes of levels health-related fitness among 28 undergraduate students enrolled in an online, 15-week fitness and wellness course. The study centered around the concept of health-related fitness having five …

A Comparison Of Functional Movement Between Crossfit Trained, Recreationally Trained And Sedentary Individuals, Kelsey Ede, Laurel Hill, Shelby Moreno, Natalia Traverzo, Shelly D. Weise, Teresa Huckaby

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

CrossFit is a prevalent style of exercise training. The exercise style focuses on performance of aerobic and strengthening exercises which incorporate multi-joint, functional movements. These variables combine to enhance athletic performance and improve an individual's ability to perform daily functional movement patterns. A limited amount of research has compared CrossFit with other training groups regarding aerobic capacity, muscular strength and body composition. An even smaller percentage of research has compared functional movement variables. PURPOSE: Current research supports that CrossFit athletes demonstrate high symmetry of functional movement patterns. The primary aim of this study was to determine if CrossFit training …

Effects Of High Concentration Vivissential Amino Acids Sports Drink Ingestion On Performance In Trained Athletes, Klaudia Szych, Ariel Gomez, Jerene Yazzie, Sarah A. Massey, Lorenzo Juarez, Andi Johnson, Shannon Jackson, Matthew A. Barlow Phd

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Essential amino acids are necessary for protein nutrition and muscle sustainability. Previous studies looking at the effects of BCAAs did not result in measurable reductions in muscle damage and enhanced recovery of muscle function. PURPOSE: The Calwood Nutritionals Company manufactures a balanced nutritional formula of amino acids with the addition of a higher concentration of arginine and methionine, which during an acute 3-day study in our lab decreased muscle degradation in a young sedentary population. The purpose of this study is to examine the changes in performance following the chronic consumption of the essential amino acids in collegiate athletes …

Walking And Jogging For Fitness (Ghc), Scott Flynn, Lisa Jellum, Jonathan Howard, Althea Moser, David Mathis, Christin Collins, Sharryse Henderson, Connie Watjen

Nursing and Health Sciences Grants Collections

This Grants Collection for Walking and Jogging for Fitness was created under a Round Seven ALG Textbook Transformation Grant.

Affordable Learning Georgia Grants Collections are intended to provide faculty with the frameworks to quickly implement or revise the same materials as a Textbook Transformation Grants team, along with the aims and lessons learned from project teams during the implementation process.

Documents are in .pdf format, with a separate .docx (Word) version available for download. Each collection contains the following materials:

• Linked Syllabus
• Initial Proposal
• Final Report