Health and Physical Education Commons^™

Exercise-Induced Gene Expression Profiles In Adults With Obesity: A Systematic Review Of Molecular Adaptation, Brandon Galvan, Luis Alberto Flores, Flor Isela Torres-Rojo, Natanael Cervantes-Hernández, Cinthia Verónica Villegas-Balderrama, Liliana Aracely Enríquez-Del-Castillo

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: Obesity is a multifactorial and chronic condition characterized by excess adiposity and systemic low-grade inflammation. Exercise exerts metabolic and anti-inflammatory effects partly mediated through gene expression modulation in skeletal muscle and adipose tissue. However, heterogeneous responses among obese individuals suggest that genetic and epigenetic mechanisms shape exercise adaptation. Objective: This systematic review aimed to identify the genes and molecular pathways modulated by physical exercise in adults with obesity, and to classify them according to their biological functions across different exercise modalities. Methods: Following PRISMA guidelines, randomized controlled trials were searched in PubMed, SpringerLink, Science Direct, Cochrane, LILACS, Web of …

Evaluating Strategies For Reducing Rates Of Adult Obesity In The United States Through Childhood Education And Exercise, Ameer M. Abdelkrim

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Obesity is a growing national public health crisis, impacting millions of adults and children in the U.S. Untreated obesity causes or aggravates diseases across multiple body systems. The societal impacts of obesity include an avoidable strain on the national healthcare system, with obesity and its comorbid conditions raising healthcare costs. Proactive policy and practices, with strict oversight, are essential for achieving a reduction in obesity rates. One proactive strategy that may be effective is early-age intervention, including enhanced physical activity and nutrition education for U.S. children. This study evaluates adolescent-intervention strategies for reducing rates of adult obesity. The employed methods …

Impact Of An 8-Week Personalized Exercise Program On Health-Related Fitness Parameters, Michelle Castro, Jasmeen Fajardo-Lopez, Major Martin, Raejone Lucas, Brock Niceler Md, Yunsuk Koh

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Introduction: A routine exercise program has been recommended across all demographic groups to improve cardiovascular health, muscle function, cognitive function, and mental health. Purpose: This study examined how personalized exercise affects health-related fitness parameters. Method: A total of 17 patients (age=42.88±12.89 years, male=1, and females=16), attending the fitness program at a regional hospital, were recruited. A health-related fitness battery test, including cardiorespiratory endurance, resting heart rate and blood pressure, motor fitness, musculoskeletal fitness, flexibility, body composition, and balance, was administered at the pre- (week 0), mid- (week 4), and post-study (week 8) periods. Results: Body fat (%) significantly decreased by …

Exercise Training Attenuates Cd8 T Cell Exhaustion, But Not Glucose Intolerance, Following Weight Cycling, Okechukwu K. Oforka, Emily C. Lavoy, Heather L. Caslin

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Obesity increases the risk of glucose intolerance and CD8 T cell exhaustion, which indicates an impaired immune function. While weight loss mitigates these risks, most individuals regain weight (weight cycling), which worsens both conditions. Exercise training protects against glucose intolerance and attenuates T cell exhaustion, but its protective role during weight cycling remains unclear. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine whether exercise training can prevent glucose intolerance and attenuate CD8 T cell exhaustion following weight cycling in mice. METHODS: Forty-eight C57Bl/6 mice were used for the study. Lean and obese groups were elicited using diet. …

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 …

Across The Pond, Across The Waistline: A Comparative Look At The Childhood Obesity Crisis In The United States And United Kingdom, Samantha N. Eales

Honors College Theses

Childhood obesity is no longer just a local concern; it’s a global epidemic shaping the health of future generations. This paper compares how two similar nations with drastically different healthcare systems, the United States and the United Kingdom, tackle this growing crisis. Although both countries struggle with fast food culture, sedentary lifestyles, and targeted marketing, their health policy strategies differ dramatically. The U.S. leans on community programs and education, while the U.K. enforces stronger national regulations and advertising restrictions. By examining nutrition, physical activity, and policy, this thesis explores what each country does well and where they fall short. It …

Branch Retinal Artery Occlusion After Covid-19, Danielle Kalberer Od, Mba, Grace Tan Od

Optometric Clinical Practice

Background: A healthy, 39-year-old male patient presented with sudden onset, painless vision loss of the right eye’s superior visual field two months after a mild case of COVID-19.

Case Report: The patient was diagnosed with an acute branch retinal artery occlusion and referred to the emergency department for prompt evaluation. When the emergency workup was unremarkable the patient was referred to cardiology and hematology and follow up with a retinal specialist. The exhaustive systemic work-up was unremarkable other than recent COVID-19. Retinal perfusion to the affected area resumed in the weeks after the incident but irreversible vision loss occurred.

Conclusion: …

Visceral Adipose Tissue – A Comparative Analysis Of Dxa And Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis, Emmanuel Franco, Maria Quezada, Yuliana Sanchez-Trinidad, Kassandra Reyes, Aylin Barrera, Allison De La Vina

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Visceral adipose tissue (VAT), defined as the abdominal fat surrounding intraabdominal organs including the stomach, kidneys, and intestines, can be directly linked to the development of metabolic syndrome and increased mortality. CT and MRI are currently regarded as the most reliable modalities for estimating VAT area, however bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) have emerged as more convenient and cost-friendly alternatives for obtaining VAT and other body composition values. PURPOSE: This study compared VAT areas gathered via DXA and BIA in a population of mostly Hispanic individuals, to assess the reliability and association of both modalities to …

Exploring Nutrition Teachers' Perspectives Of Enacted Nutrition Policies To Address Childhood Obesity In The Bahamas, Shondell M. De Velde

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to gain a comprehensive understanding of nutrition teachers' perspectives on enacted nutrition policies aimed at combating childhood obesity in The Bahamas. The central phenomenon of the study is teachers' perspectives of enacted nutrition policies to address childhood obesity in The Bahamas. The Health Belief Model (HBM) developed by Irwin M. Rosenstock in the 1950s was used to provide a theoretical framework, that can be used to understand nutrition teachers' perceptions and actions related to enacted nutrition policies. The HBM delves into an individual’s motivation to accept healthy behavior and is thus constructed to …

Parental History Of Cardiovascular Risk Factors And Childhood Cardiometabolic Risk: The Preventive Effects Of Cardiorespiratory Fitness And Waist Circumference Within Offspring, Caroline Brand, Arieli Fernandes Dias, Camila F. Fochesatto, Anelise Reis Gaya, Sean Carroll, James P. Hobkirk, Jane D. Pollo Renner, Cezane P. Reuter

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Introduction: In addition to childhood obesity status, the family history of cardiovascular disorders might be used as a tool for screening youth to identify those at the highest risk of developing metabolic impairments later in life. Thus, the aim of the present study was to examine associations between parental history of cardiovascular disease risk factors and childhood cardiometabolic risk, and to examine the role of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and obesity in mediating the relationship between parental history and global cardiometabolic risk. Methods: A cross-sectional study was developed with 2,213 Brazilian youth. The cardiometabolic risk factor (CMRF) score, CRF, and waist …

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.

The Associations Of Physical Activity And Sedentary Behavior With Self-Rated Health In Chinese Children And Adolescents, Yahan Liang, Youzhi Ke, Yang Liu

Human Movement Studies & Special Education Faculty Publications

Objective

The study aimed to analyze the independent and joint associations of physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior (SB) with self-rated health (SRH) among Chinese children and adolescents.

Methods

Cross-sectional data on moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), school-based PA, extracurricular physical activity (EPA), screen time (ST), homework time, and SRH were assessed through a self-report questionnaire in the sample of 4227 Chinese children and adolescents aged 13.04 ± 2.62 years. Binary logistic regression was used to compare gender differences in PA, SB, and SRH among children and adolescents, and analyses were adjusted for age and ethnicity.

Results

In independent associations, boys …

Association Of The G>A (Rs6265) Polymorphism In The Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor Gene (Bdnf) With Post-Training Changes In Caucasian Women, Katarzyna Świtała, Agata Leońska-Duniec, Monika Michałowska-Sawczyn, Andrzej Brodkiewicz, Kinga Łosińska, Anna Grzywacz

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

The brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) rs6265 (G196A; Val66Met) polymorphism has been associated with obesity and type 2 diabetes, with contradictory results involving either A or G as the risk allele. The main aim of this study was to examine whether the BDNF rs6265 polymorphism would influence the efficiency of a training program. An additional aim was to determine whether selected polymorphism can be used as a genetic marker for obesity-related parameters. We studied the genotype distribution in a group of 160 Caucasian females in whom body mass and composition parameters, lipid profile, and glucose levels were measured before …

Implications Of California State Standards In Relation To Disordered Eating For School Aged Children, Jessica De Mott

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Food is a part of people’s lives, even when it is not acknowledged. It is distinctly tied to various cultures, ethnicities, and religions; with elements of restriction and gluttony abundant. Then, there is the complication of modern nutrition and health education that is taught in American, and more specifically in Californian schools. But, the education received on this issue has failed some students. Many school aged children reported that they experienced disordered eating, and learning content has further exacerbated this issue. This senior capstone research will examine the implications of California State Standards in relation to disordered eating for school …

Stress And Eating Behaviors Pre- And Post Covid-19 Pandemic Declaration In A Sample Of College-Aged Adults, Megan Bratetic, Michelle Nguyen, Makenna Peterson, Anthony Acevedo, Zachary Zeigler

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Purpose: This study compared stress and eating behaviors pre- and post-COVID-19 pandemic in college students. METHODS: This was a non-experimental comparative study. Participants were invited to the laboratory for a single visit to measure eating behaviors and stress indicators. Four instruments were used in this study: The Weight and Lifestyle Inventory questionnaire, the Mindfulness Eating Questionnaire, the Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire, and the Perceived Stress Scale. Independent t-test and a two-way ANOVA were used to compare participants who were tested before the COVID-19 pandemic declaration and after. RESULTS: N=151 (n=81 male, n=70 female) participants completed pre-covid testing, and a separate group, …

A Qualitative Study Of The Experiences Of Obesity, Body Image, And Mental Health Of British-Born Afro-Caribbean Male Students At A West Yorkshire University In England, Johnson Mbabazi, Dorothy Irene Nalweyiso, Fiona Macgregor, Jeff Breckon, Edward Kunonga, Barry Tolchard, Rosemary Dawson, Jennifer Teke, Josette Bettany Saltikov, George William Kagugube, Lawrence Achilles Nnyanzi

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

Obesity, body image, and depression are all biopsychosocial phenomena that are frequently misunderstood across cultures. Body dissatisfaction is a psychological aspect of obesity that has been associated with disordered eating, low self-esteem, and depression. Nevertheless, body image dissatisfaction may affect non-obese individuals too. Those with a positive body image are more likely to participate in physical activity than those with a negative body image. Individuals who are satisfied with their body image are more likely to possess high self-esteem, confidence, and healthy eating habits. Obesity prevention among the black population is increasingly important. This study sought to examine the perceptions …

Analysis Of General Nutritional Knowledge Of High School Students, Tiffany Wheat

Masters Theses

Background: High school student nutritional knowledge is an under-researched demographic in the U.S. The present study aimed to explore the general nutritional knowledge of high school students and examine if there are any differences between sex, grade level, and BMI. Methods: The General Nutritional Knowledge Questionnaire-Revised (GNKQ-R) was employed to measure the nutritional knowledge level of a sample of local high school students enrolled in a food sciences/culinary arts class. Data were analyzed using GNU PSPP and Microsoft Excel 2016. Results: The results indicated although differences existed between the groups there were no statistical differences between gender, BMI, and grade …

Tackling The Complexities Of The Obesity Pandemic Among The Bame Population In The Uk Through Identification Of The Social Determinants Of Mental Health And Wellbeing: A Narrative Review, Johnson Mbabazi, Fiona Macgregor, Jeff Breckon, Dorothy Irene Nalweyiso, Alan Rhodes, Edward Kunonga, Barry Tolchard, Jennifer Teke, Lawrence Achilles Nnyanzi

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

Obesity's multifaceted causes give rise to a complex and diverse range of health associated morbidities and comorbidities, including diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease, particularly among British Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) populations within in the UK. As found within the recent COVID-19 pandemic these can have wider reaching implications including increased risk of mortality within this population group. Understanding the potential social determinants of the causes of obesity is essential if effective strategies are to be developed to tackle this. A comprehensive search of the CINAHL, ASSIA and Web of Science databases was undertaken with 148 papers identified. Through application …

The Effects Of Unsupervised Bodyweight Interval Training In Adults With Obesity, Gabriella Bellissimo, Fabiano Amorim, Christine Mermier, Ann Gibson, Len Kravitz, Jonathan Little, Flávio De Castro Magalhães, Zachary A. Mang, Quint Berkemeier, Alyssa Bailly, Jonathan Specht, Jessica Smith, Matthew J. Stork, Shandy Simpson, Natalie Robson, Jeremy Ducharme, Kelsey C. Bourbeau, Yu Yu Hsiao

Health, Exercise, and Sports Sciences ETDs

Objective: Bodyweight interval training (BW-IT) using a social media platform may appeal to those who do not wish to exercise in public or do not have access to specialized exercise equipment. We investigated the ability of a 6-week BW-IT program to improve cardiovascular and metabolic markers. Methods: Fourteen adults (30.7 ± 10.3 yrs.) with obesity (body mass index 35.5 ± 5.4 kg/m²) participated. Bi-weekly program progression was applied by increasing the duration of the work intervals to 60s with 60s active recovery. Peak oxygen consumption (V̇O₂peak), isometric muscular strength, body composition, blood pressure (BP), and metabolic …

Effects Of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation On Energy Expenditure And Oxygen Consumption, Victoria M. Rocha, Jehu Apaflo, Gabriel Narvaez, Ali Mossayebi, Joshua Labadah, Sudip Bajpeyi

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Exercise is beneficial to improve metabolic diseases such as obesity and type 2 diabetes. Physical activity results in an increase in energy expenditure (EE) and oxygen consumption due to increased energy demand. Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) is an alternative strategy to induce muscle contraction. Our previous work have shown that NMES induced muscle contraction can improve metabolic health in an overweight and obese population. However, it is not known whether NMES induced muscle contraction leads to greater energy expenditure. PUPROSE: To determine the effect of NMES induced muscle contraction on energy expenditure and oxygen consumption. METHODS: Eighteen sedentary overweight/obese men …

The Relationship Between Catecholamines And Lactate Concentration In Response To Exercise In Adolescents With Obesity, Vincent Vuong, Daniela Rubin

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Epinephrine is a catabolic hormone that increases metabolism through glycolysis and glycogenolysis. During exercise, accelerated glycogen and glucose breakdown is associated with increased lactate production. Previous studies show obesity (OB) decreases the epinephrine response during exercise potentially affecting glucose metabolism and lactate production. PURPOSE: To compare the epinephrine and lactate responses in adolescents with OB and adolescents with normal weight (NW) and to determine if changes in epinephrine and lactate concentrations are associated. METHODS: 12 adolescents with OB (9.2 ± 1.2 y, 39.9 ± 6.8% body fat) and 12 adolescents with NW (17.5 ± 4.6% body fat) completed …

Distinguishing Increased Adiposity And/Or Aerobic Deconditioning As Moderators Of Low Vo2peak In Obese Men, Jeff M. Moore, Carrie Ferguson, Molly M. Baldwin, Ronald S. Swerdloff, Christina Wang, Wei Yan, Harry B. Rossiter Facsm

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Peak oxygen uptake (V̇O_2peak) in a cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) is a strong predictor of morbidity, mortality, and quality of life. V̇O_2peak in obese individuals is typically below the lower limit of normal (2 transport and utilization, i.e. aerobic deconditioning; or both. We hypothesized a modified CPET, to measure the fraction of maximum isokinetic power that can be supported by aerobic metabolism, will distinguish between adiposity and deconditioning effects on V̇O_2peak. PURPOSE: To compare V̇O_2peak and isokinetic neuromuscular performance in obese vs non-obese men. METHODS: A modified CPET with maximal (3 s) isokinetic cycling …

The Relationship Between Postural Control And Motor Proficiency In Children With Prader-Willi Syndrome And With Obesity, Alberto Garcia, Debra J. Rose, Daniela A. Rubin

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS) is a rare neurodevelopmental genetic disorder that can lead to obesity. Children with PWS exhibit poor motor skills and poor postural control. Postural control is defined as the ability to regulate sensory information to maintain a controlled, upright posture. Underdeveloped vestibular and proprioceptive systems, shown in PWS, may interfere with maintaining posture and performing fundamental skills that require effective sensorimotor integration. Obesity (OB) can also be negative to postural control and motor skill development. PURPOSE: This study determined the relationship between postural control and motor proficiency in children with PWS and those with OB but without …

Exercise And Esr1 Control Mitochondrial Content And Function To Regulate Adiposity, Alice M. Ma, Nicole Lee Yang, Alexander R. Strumwasser, Zhenqi Zhou, Andrea L. Hevener

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Mechanisms that underlie adipose tissue remodeling to enhance metabolic health in response to exercise training remain inadequately understood. PURPOSE: We utilized mouse genetics and human GWAS to determine the impact of exercise training on mitochondrial DNA copy number, and interrogate the relationship between Esr1 and adipose tissue health. METHODS: We performed RNAseq on adipose tissue from 100 strains of inbred mice following exercise training and determined mitochondrial content by qPCR. We performed deep phenotyping of mice harboring conditional Esr1 overexpression selectively in adipose tissue. Adipose specific Esr1 overexpression and control mice were fed a high fat diet and …

Microgreens Outreach In The Community - Applying A Novel Diet-Related Disease Prevention Tool, Jessica Nwabeke, Vibhuti Mishra, Rayna Marshall, Simone Udeh, Swaksha Rachuri, Ben Haslund-Gourley, Annette Gadegbeku

Tower Health Research Day

No abstract provided.

Increasing Obesity Education In An Underserved Latino Population, Morgan Lippert, Kelsey Beard

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Obesity is a rapidly growing health problem in the United States. Certain populations are at high risk for developing obesity including the Latino population and underserved communities. This Quality Improvement project aimed to develop a more patient centered approach for primary care providers use to deliver obesity education to an at-risk Latino population. The project was completed at a clinic in southern Illinois where the majority of the population is underserved and Spanish speaking. Obesity education tools in both Spanish and English were given to the patients in order to decrease the language barrier and improve patient education and understanding …

Effect Of Different Diet Methods On Body Composition And Insulin, Leptin, And Ghrelin Levels In Overweight Women, Begum Sarica, Gulbin Rudarli Nalcakan, Ece Onur

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Introduction. This study aims to compare the effects of similar calorie-restricted intermittent overnight fasting diet (OFD) and frequent-meal diet (FMD) on body composition and insulin, leptin, and ghrelin levels in overweight women. Materials and Methods: While the FMD was administered as six mealtimes, the OFD was administered as five mealtimes and at least 12 hours overnight fasting for four weeks. Some parameters regarding the metabolic rate and fat metabo-lism (glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR, leptin, ghrelin levels), body composition, resting metabolic rate, and physical activity level were measured before and after the diet. Results: There was no sig-nificant difference in the resting …

The Effects Of Wearable Health Technology On Cancer Survivors’ Physical Activity, Sedentary Behavior, And Weight: A Meta-Analysis, Daphne Blount, Rui Zhang, Anne Blaes, Zan Gao

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

Wearable health technology (WHT) has been suggested as a health intervention in preventing or reducing health risk factors in clinical populations. Cancer survivors exhibit risk factors prior to cancer diagnosis and acquire comorbidities as a result of their treatment. These conditions may increase likelihood of cancer recurrence and reduce quality of life by inhibiting survivors’ physiological function and predisposing them to other maladies. Several studies have suggested WHTs as an intervention in mitigating these risks. However, there lacks a comprehensive review of the current evidence to determine the efficacy of WHT interventions. Thus, a literature search of WHT studies within …

Physical Activity And Spatial Use During School Breaks In Children Aged Four, Oscar Romero Ramos, Emilio Fernández Rodríguez, Antonio Matas Terrón, Gloria GonzáLe Campos, Robert Podstawski

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background:‪The latest studies warn of obesity levels and sedentary lifestyles in children, and of the impact this has on health. This study analyses the quantity of physical activity and the use of space during school breaks, according to gender, in four-year-old pupils. Material and methods:‪Pedometers and behavioural mapping were used as recording tools. Four behavioural categories were identified and 10 spatial categories. The procedure involves the development of primary measures (frequencies of appearance of each category and duration), as well as secondary measures (relative frequency, rate, relative duration and average duration). In addition to these descriptive measures, a correlation analysis …

Changes In Body Composition Of Children Aged Of 9 To 12 Years With Excess Body Weight Under The Influenceof Eight-Week Workout, Tomasz Dudziak, Zbigniew Czubek, Mirosław Grabowski, Robert Urbanski

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background:‪The increasing problem of overweight and obesity in children is the reason for taking further actions leading to mass reduction, because, in contrast to adults, the consequences of this pathology in young people are still not well known. The intervention actions that can lead to reduction in mass are not easy to find in literature, and their long-term effects are unknown. The aim of this research was to define the changes in body composition of children with excess body mass after eight-week high intensity workout.Material and methods:‪The study was conducted on 47 children aged 9‒12 years who were overweight or …