Kinesiology Commons^™

Slouching Towards Inefficiency? The Cardiometabolic And Cognitive Costs Of Poor Posture, Ava Mae Fitzenrider

Honors Projects

Posture affects all of our lives. It is both static and dynamic, adapting continuously to environmental demands. One postural alteration frequently observed in occupational settings is hyperkyphosis, which can be induced by sitting position. During computer use, individuals commonly adopt a slouched posture, which can exacerbate hyperkyphosis, and contribute to dis-ease within the body. Previous research has demonstrated that such postural deviations can negatively affect pulmonary function, as well as other bodily functions. Despite these findings, the effects of acute hyperkyphosis (“slouching”) on cardiometabolic function and cognition remain largely unexplored. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the …

Leveraging Mobile Health To Prevent Coronary Artery Disease Through Physical Activity Promotion Among Underserved Youth, Alina Yang, Jessh M. Mavoungou, Matthew C. Miller, Zarmina Amin, Zan Gao

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

Coronary artery disease (CAD) develops earlier than often recognized, with underserved youth facing disproportionate cardiometabolic risk. Low participation in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (PA) is a key driver. This viewpoint explores how mobile health (mHealth) technologies can serve as tools to increase PA engagement among underserved youth, guided by a combined Self-Determination Theory and RE-AIM (Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance) framework. It highlights current barriers to mHealth adoption, limited cultural relevance, engagement challenges, and accessibility gaps, and presents key considerations for designing culturally informed, age-tailored, and youth-centered mHealth interventions. Overall, the paper calls for a more inclusive and targeted approach …

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 …

The Meaning Of Physical Activity In The Context Of Health Sciences: A Concept Analysis, Martín G. Farinola

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

Physical activity has been defined in numerous ways. Thus, this study aimed to conduct a concept analysis of the existing physical activity definitions in the health sciences literature to evaluate its conceptual precision and assess the need for a revised or novel concept better suited for this domain. The concept analysis was accomplished using tools derived from philosophical semantics. The analysis identified six definitions that explicitly state what physical activity is with sufficient clarity to allow for conceptual examination. The findings indicated that these definitions frequently merge the concept of physical activity with its contextual attributes. To address these semantic …

The Effects Of Hurricane Helene On Mental Health And Physical Activity, Hunter Smathers, Robyn York, Jarrett Walbolt

Journal of Appalachian Health

Introduction: Hurricane Helene brought widespread damage to Southern Appalachia, disrupting utilities, health care, and recreation. While natural disasters are linked to declines in mental and physical health, few studies have examined their effects on distinct types of physical activity (PA).

Purpose: This study evaluated the effects of Hurricane Helene on perceived stress, depressive symptoms, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptomology, and intentional (exercise for health benefits) and incidental (physical labor or transportation) PA. Evacuation status influence was also explored.

Methods: Twenty participants completed assessments four weeks before (BASE), immediately after (0POST), and four weeks after landfall (4POST). Measures included the Perceived …

Psychosocial Mediators Of A Physical Activity And Dietary Intervention In Pregnant Women With Overweight Or Obesity, Meghan Baruth, Sarah Wilcox, Jihong Liu, Rebecca Schlaff

Faculty Publications

Background

Mediation analyses provide insight into both ‘pieces’ of the mediation chain; they allow us to look into the ‘black box’ that is behavior change. They allow researchers to better understand the ‘how’ of an intervention’s effects and/or the ‘why’ behind why an intervention worked or did not work. The lack of publications in pregnant populations highlights the need for additional studies to be conducted and published. The purpose of this study is to examine the psychosocial mediators of physical activity and dietary outcomes in a sample of pregnant women with overweight or obesity participating in the Health in Pregnancy …

Pedaling Through Discomfort: A Feasibility Study Of Faculty-Led Spin Classes And Their Impact On Student Engagement, Resilience, And Faculty-Student Relationships, Gabriela Baza, Elizabeth Hathaway

Pursuit - The Journal of Undergraduate Research at The University of Tennessee

This study explored the feasibility and impact of faculty-led Spin classes on college students’ engagement, well-being, and connection with faculty. Offered twice weekly at 7 AM during Fall 2024, the classes aimed to promote physical activity, resilience, and faculty-student relationships. Twenty-six students attended at least one class, with a median attendance of 4.5 sessions. Post-semester surveys (88% response rate) assessed perceived exertion, interest, enjoyment, challenge, improvement, and instructor encouragement. Students reported high levels of engagement and positive challenge (RPE = 15.3; challenge = 6.4/7). Those attending 7 or more sessions reported significantly greater perceived improvement than those attending fewer sessions …

Muscular Fitness Levels Of U.S. Children And Adolescents, Daniel J. Mcdonough, Yong Gao, Lynda B. Ransdell, Haichun Sun

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

Purpose: To describe muscular fitness (MF) levels and percentile benchmarks among U.S. children and adolescents aged 6–15 years old across sociodemographic, physiological, and behavioral subgroups. Methods: Data were from the 2012 NHANES National Youth Fitness Survey (NNYFS). Four strength tests consisting of the plank, knee extension, modified pull-up, and handgrip, were analyzed by age, sex, race/ethnicity, income, BMI category, cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), and physical activity (PA) among 1,234 participants (51% male) using SAS SURVEY procedures. Results: Mean ± SEM scores were 69.6 ± 1.8 s (plank), 56.6 ± 4.2 lb (left) and 59.2 ± 4.3 lb (right) knee extension, 5.5 …

Challenges, Stressors, And Resilience Resources Experienced By Older Black Women In Rural South Carolina Throughout The Covid-19 Pandemic, Arielle N'Diaye, Camryn Garrett, Sarah Wilcox Phd, Bankole Olatosi Ph.D., Xiaoming Li Ph.D., Shan Qiao Ph.D.

Faculty Publications

Background

Resilience has been established as a protective factor against mental health challenges (e.g., anxiety, depression). From an intersectional perspective, the stressors experienced by Black women living in rural communities are likely to have been exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aims to identify the challenges and stressors experienced and the resilience resources available to and relied upon by rural, Black women, during the pandemic.

Methods

Individual, in-depth, structured interviews (n = 24) were conducted among Black women living in rural South Carolina, recruited by local community health workers, from January to April of 2024. All interviews were recorded, …

Social Support And Mental Toughness As Predictors Of Perceived Stress Among College Kinesiology Students, Jianmin Guan, Wan Xiang Yao, Xiaofen D. Hamilton, Gaofeng Lu

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

Drawing on Lazarus and Folkman’s transactional theory of stress and coping, this study examined the associations of age, gender, three types of social support (family, friends, and significant others), and mental toughness with two dimensions of perceived stress (helplessness and coping inefficacy) among 666 college students majoring in Kinesiology. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis revealed that male college students, as well as those with higher levels of mental toughness and family support, reported significantly lower levels of helplessness and coping inefficacy in managing stress. Additionally, greater support from friends was significantly associated with lower levels of coping inefficacy, while younger students …

Gender Differences In College Students’ Physical Activity Self-Efficacy, Social Comparison Beliefs, And External Frames Of Reference, Ken Murfay, Sarah Pyszczynski, Sarah Collins

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

This study examined whom college-aged individuals believe observing would more likely increase their physical activity self-efficacy (PASE) for a physical skill, whom they are more likely to compare their abilities to within a physical education (PE) class, how often they compare themselves to others in PE, and what students’ PASE scores were. Based on the mean scores for each question, students were more likely to compare themselves to a student than a teacher, friend than a non-friend, and similar or higher skilled peer than a lower skilled peer. To increase students’ confidence for a physical skill, students had higher levels …

A196: Prediction Of Cardiovascular Function Improvement Based On Wearable Device Motion Monitoring And Otnmanba-Bilstm Model, Yixuan Li, Lan Zheng

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

Cardiovascular diseases are among the leading chronic health conditions worldwide, with prolonged physical inactivity or improper exercise increasing the risk of their occurrence. Existing studies suggest that well-structured exercise interventions can significantly enhance cardiac function and improve the adaptability of the cardiovascular system. However, accurately predicting the long-term impact of different exercise durations and intensities on heart health remains challenging due to individual physiological differences, exercise habits, and lifestyle factors. This study employs a data-driven approach to develop a predictive model based on wearable device motion monitoring data, aiming to elucidate the dynamic relationship between exercise and cardiovascular health and …

A197: Perceptual Behavior And Social Interaction Of Chinese College Students Toward Esports, Xianhua Luo

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

Social exchange theory (SET) has been extensively used to recognize students’ perceptual behavior (PB) and social interaction (SI). Research has examined the potential factors of recognition and socialization against the economic factors in individual evaluation, seeking rewards or avoiding costs in relationships. The positive impact of PB and SI is a significant experimental approach to studying social psychology. Therefore, the processes of individuals’ perceptual behavior and their social interactions in Esports might address this research gap. Hence, the purposes of this study were to explain the PBs and SIs toward Esports among college students in China. Method: 341college students were …

A214: Effects Of Tai Chi And Brisk Walking On Sensation In Pn Elders, Qiongqiu Zhao, Qipeng Song

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

Peripheral neuropathy (PN) is a prevalent neurological disorder, affecting 26–39.2% of adults aged 65 and older due to peripheral nerve degeneration and associated conditions like diabetes. PN leads to sensory impairments, including diminished tactile sensation, increased fall risk, and mobility issues. Tai Chi (TC) is a low-impact exercise shown to enhance sensory function and balance in healthy older adults, but its effects on PN patients remain unclear. Brisk walking (BW) is a widely recommended exercise for older adults, yet its impact on sensory function in PN is not well-established. This study compares TC and BW interventions on tactile sensation in …

A088: Best Core Stability Training Program For Lower Limb Dysfunction In Stroke Patients: A Network Meta-Analysis, Kaiqi Zheng, Dan Wang, Guoliang Liang, Chunyun Deng

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

Stroke is the third leading cause of disability and the second leading cause of death among adults. Lower limb dysfunction caused by stroke significantly impairs patients' quality of life. Numerous studies have demonstrated that core stability training (CST) can effectively improve lower limb function in stroke patients, and combining CST with other rehabilitation approaches may yield better therapeutic outcomes. This study aims to identify the most effective CST-based combined intervention for treating lower limb dysfunction in stroke patients. Method: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published up to July 22, 2024, were searched from PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, CNKI, …

A090: Development And Efficacy Evaluation Of Virtual Reality (Vr)-Based Personalized Exercise Prescriptions For Perimenopausal Women, Runze Zhu, Zekai Wu

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

Perimenopausal women (aged 45–54) frequently experience climacteric symptoms such as vasomotor disturbances, osteoporosis, and cardiovascular risks due to declining ovarian function and estrogen levels. Approximately 75% of women report varying degrees of discomfort, with 80% exhibiting at least one symptom (e.g., sleep disorders, mood fluctuations). Conventional exercise prescriptions often lack specificity to address individual health disparities and comorbidities (e.g., osteoporosis, metabolic dysfunction). This study aimed to develop a virtual reality (VR)-based personalized exercise prescription system to enhance exercise adherence through immersive experiences and evaluate its efficacy in alleviating perimenopausal physiological and psychological symptoms. A personalized exercise prescription generation system was …

A098: Artificial Intelligence Empowers Exercise And Health For The Elderly: Opportunities, Challenges, And Pathways For Implementation, Yaohong Wang, Ke Wang, Yangguiyi Zhao

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

In the context of accelerated global aging and rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) technology, AI technology provides a new paradigm for improving sports and health management services in the field of elderly care and quality of life. This study aims to reveal the core value of AI technology, analyze the current practical challenges of AI empowerment, and build multidimensional pathways for implementation to promote the coordinated development of healthy aging and technological innovation. Through literature analysis, case studies, and expert interviews, this study systematically explores the application of AI technology in the field of exercise and health of the …

A096: Artificial Intelligence Empowering Physical Education In Higher Education: Logical Tensions And Practical Pathways, Yangguiyi Zhao, Ke Wang, Yaohong Wang

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

Driven by the strategies of “education digitalization” and “integration of sports and education”, artificial intelligence (AI) technology is reshaping the core values and practical pathways of physical education in higher education. As AI empowers the construction of university sports systems, it has become a key driving force in addressing the challenges of traditional physical education and responding to educational needs. However, AI-driven educational innovation is not a linear evolution; the interplay of its internal logical tensions and external practical constraints necessitates systematic research and pathway exploration. Method: This study systematically explores the multidimensional tensions and coordinated development pathways of artificial …

A095: Blocking Factors And Precision Strategies Of Digital-Driven Governance: Modernization Of Elderly Sports Public Services, Fangfang Yang

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

The application of digital technology in the field of sports public services for the elderly presents numerous problems and difficulties. This paper attempts to explore precision strategies for the governance modernization of sports public services for the elderly, driven by digital technology. Analyzing the blocking factors of governance capacity modernization of sports public services driven by digital technologypractical significance for achieving universal health and the construction of a Healthy China. Literature review, expert interviews, and logical analysis. 1. Blocking Factors of Digital-Driven Governance Modernization of Sports Public Services for the Elderly: 1) Weak awareness of digital governance in elderly sports …

A099: Sports-Medicine Integration Treatment Behaviors In Obese College Students: Current Status, Effectiveness, And Influencing Factors, Yunan Li, Dongyue Wei, Shanping Chen, Zhiwei Hu

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

Obesity among college students has become a critical public health issue, impacting their physical and mental health. Sports-Medicine Integration (SMI), an innovative intervention, shows promise for obesity treatment. This study explores the characteristics, effects, and influencing factors of SMI treatments among students, offering insights to improve health literacy and promote holistic well-being in universities. Method: This study employed the "SMI Cognitive Situation Scale" (Gao Shangshang, 2020), the "Exercise Motivation Scale" (Chen Shanping, 2013), and a self-designed "Obesity Treatment Behavior Scale" to survey 1,225 non-physical education majors from general higher education institutions. Data were analyzed using SPSS 29.0. Descriptive statistics assessed …

A109: Analysis Of Optimization Pathways For The Structure Of Sports Consumption In The Digital Economy, Xinran Cui

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

With the rapid development of the digital economy, the structure of sports consumption is undergoing profound transformations. Traditional sports consumption models can no longer meet the increasingly diversified and personalized demands of consumers. The integration of digital technologies presents new opportunities for the transformation of the sports industry. This study aims to explore how digital technologies can optimize the structure of sports consumption, enhance consumer experiences, and promote the sustainable development of the sports industry. Based on survey data from 524 Chinese residents (282 females and 242 males), this study employs statistical analysis using SPSS to conduct an in-depth examination …

A108: Multidimensional Examination Of The Construction Of The "Educational Joint Community" In School Pe In China, Yefei Fan, Liang Wang

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

The "educational joint community" (EJC) is a working mode that aims at the healthy and happy growth of primary and secondary school students. Taking schools as the core, regions as the main body, and resources as the link, it promotes effective collaboration among families, schools, and society. The construction of the EJC in school PE in China represents an inevitable choice for achieving high-quality development. It is also an inexorable trend in the pursuit of the national strategies of building a strong sports nation and an education nation. This development is not only in line with the current educational reform …

A104: Explainable Ai-Driven Multimodal Biomechanics Analysis Of Cheerleading Rotational Skills: A Framework For Real-Time Performance Optimization, Jingyi Chen

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

Current cheerleading skill assessment predominantly relies on coaches' subjective evaluations, lacking quantifiable biomechanical benchmarks. Although electromyography and ground reaction forces provide critical neuromuscular and kinetic insights, their computational integration for automated motion quality assessment remains underdeveloped in aesthetic sports. This study systematically investigates the Tour à la Seconde through explainable machine learning, establishing an interpretable human-AI collaboration framework to bridge empirical coaching knowledge with data-driven biomechanical diagnostics. Twenty-eight elite athletes (18-22 years, 3+ years training) performed standardized Tour à la Seconde while synchronized 14-lead EMG (2000Hz) and triaxial force plate data were captured. Biomechanical feature engineering encompassed: Neuromuscular dynamics: RMS …

A117: Using Bertopic Modeling To Explore Physical Education Utilizing Ict, Qian Sun, Hanjoo Lee, Shutong Liu, Youngbin Cho, Jungmin Kim

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

Physical education (PE) plays a vital role in student well-being, but China’s traditional PE faces rigid curricula, simplistic assessments, and uneven urban-rural teaching quality. Since the 2017 Next Generation Artificial Intelligence Development Plan, China has promoted ICT integration into PE. Technologies like big data, AI, and VR offer personalized teaching and data-driven practices, aligning with China’s push for innovation-driven development. However, the impact of ICT-integrated PE on physical activity and learning outcomes remains unclear. This study uses BERTopic to analyze research trends and key themes, offering insights for future research and policy. Method: A literature review was conducted using the …

A118: Hypoxic Exercise Suppresses Khk Gene To Improve Cardiac Function On A High Fructose Diet, Xu Ping, Lan Zheng

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

Up-regulation of KHK activation on a high fructose diet is positively associated with the subsequent development of several metabolic diseases, including high fructose diet-induced heart disease. Hypoxic exercise is considered an effective means of treating and preventing metabolic diseases and improving cardiac function. However, it is unclear whether the link between hypoxic exercise and high fructose-induced heart disease exists. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the link between the modulation of KHK by hypoxic exercise and high fructose diet heart disease. Method: Three hundred virgin flies of the wild-type W1118 strain were collected and randomly assigned to …

A113: Smart Assessment In University Pe Teaching, Zhifei Zhang

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

With the development of educational information and intelligence, the evaluation and improvement of teaching effectiveness in university physical education (PE) have become a research focus. Traditional assessment methods struggle to comprehensively reflect teaching outcomes, while smart technologies offer new approaches for precise evaluation. This study aims to construct a smart technology-based assessment model for university PE teaching effectiveness and explore its practical application to promote innovative development in PE teaching. This study adopts a quasi-experimental design, involving 300 PE teachers and 1500 students from five universities in China. The experimental group used a smart assessment system (including wearable devices and …

A114: The Impact Of Online Screen Sedentary Behaviors On Depressive Symptoms Among Children And Adolescents, Mingming Guo, Wenle Chen, Junkai Zhang

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

Previous research suggests that screen-based sedentary behaviors increase the risk of depressive symptoms among children and adolescents. However, the specific associations between various online screen sedentary behaviors and depressive symptoms remain unclear. Therefore, this study conducted a two-year nationwide cross-sectional survey to examine how different types of online screen behaviors affect depressive symptoms in children and adolescents. Method: Drawing on data from the China Family Panel Studies (CFPS), a total of 4,289 students aged 10–18 years (2,001 females) were surveyed in 2020 and 2022. Depressive symptoms were measured using the Centre for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D8). The frequency of …

A121: The Relationship Between Muscle Activation, Co-Activation, And Leg-Spring Stiffness In Recreational Runners, Shiqin Chen, Xiaohuan Tan, Shouxin Jiang, Fei Li

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

In running, the organism needs to select appropriate muscle activation strategies to modulate leg-spring stiffness to achieve a high level of exercise performance. However, direct evidence regarding the relationship between leg-spring stiffness, muscle activation, and co-activation during running remains limited. Therefore, we aimed to explore the relationship between muscle (co) activation and leg-spring stiffness (leg stiffness and vertical stiffness) in recreational runners. Method: Twenty-nine male recreational runners (age: 21 ± 1.17 yr, height: 1.80 ± 0.06 m, weight: 72.13 ± 9.91 kg) ran at 12 km/h while kinematic data, ground reaction forces, and surface electromyography signals were collected for nine …

A116: Resistance Training Vs. Moderate-Intensity Continuous Training On Cognitive Function In Nafld Patients, Yineng Tan, Xueying He, Jianyu Gan, Dapeng Bao

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) is the most common chronic liver disease globally, with a prevalence of nearly 30%. It is closely related to cognitive dysfunction, which significantly impacts quality of life. Recent studies suggest that exercise therapy (aerobic/resistance training) can improve metabolic abnormalities in NAFLD, yet its effects on cognitive function remain controversial. Moderate-Intensity Continuous Training (MICT) may have advantages over Resistance Training (RT) in modulating lipid metabolism, though RT might be more feasible for specific groups. This study compares the effects of 6 weeks of MICT and RT on cognitive functions (verbal memory, visuospatial ability, executive function, and …

A122: Endurance Exercise Ameliorates Age-Related Cardiac Arrhythmias By Modulating Ank2 Expression In Aged Drosophila, Wenzhi Gu, Lan Zheng

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) has been a leading cause of death globally, with a significant impact on healthy aging. Aging is significantly rising globally, and older adults are at increased risk of age-related arrhythmias, and the mechanisms underlying age-related arrhythmias remain unclear. In this study, we investigated the relationship between ANK2 and age-related arrhythmias in aged Drosophila and how endurance exercise modulates ANK2 expression on age-related arrhythmias. Method: Wild type w1118 female virgin flies were examined at 10 days of age (10C, young), 30 days of age (30C, middle-aged), and 50 days of age (50C, old) to assess age-related arrhythmias and …