Kinesiology Commons^™

Relationships Between The Built Environment And Walking And Weight Status Among Older Women In Three U.S. States, Philip J. Troped, Heather A. Starnes, Robin C. Puett, Kosuke Tamura, Ellen K. Cromley, Peter James, Eran Ben-Joseph, Steven J. Melly, Francine Laden

Kinesiology and Public Health

There are few studies of built environment associations with physical activity and weight status among older women in large geographic areas that use individual residential buffers to define environmental exposures. Among 23,434 women (70.0±6.9 years; range = 57-85) in 3 states, relationships between objective built environment variables and meeting physical activity recommendations via walking and weight status were examined. Differences in associations by population density and state were explored in stratified models. Population density (odds ratio (OR)=1.04 [1.02,1.07]), intersection density (ORs=1.18-1.28), and facility density (ORs=1.01-1.53) were positively associated with walking. Density of physical activity facilities was inversely associated with overweight/obesity …

The Effects Of 8 Weeks Of Low Dose Supplementation Of Creatine And Sodium Bicarbonate On Exercise Performance, Amanda Jessica Morris

Master's Theses

Short-term (3-7 days), high doses of creatine (20g/d) and/or sodium bicarbonate (0.5g/kg body weight) supplementation increase exercise performance during short term high intensity activities; however, it remains unclear whether long-term, low doses of these supplements have a positive impact on exercise performance. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of long-term (8 weeks), low dose creatine supplementation on exercise performance, and whether combining creatine and sodium bicarbonate supplementation has an additive effect. Sixty-three healthy, habitually active, adults (28 M, 35 W; 22+2 years; 23+ 3 BMI) were randomly assigned by sex to one of three supplement groups: …

Variability Of Practice And Strength Training Periodization: When Theories Collide, Katherine Lauren Streder

Master's Theses

The primary purpose of this study was to examine whether variability of practice enhances neuromuscular adaptations when compared to traditional strength training. The secondary purpose was to investigate whether there was a difference in perception of exertion between the two strength programs. Forty one subjects (23 women and 18 men) were assigned to either the control group or one of two treatment groups by a blocked-random method. Subject's one repetition maximum (1RM) for the kettlebell press and leg press were measured at baseline, after 4 weeks of training, and after 8 weeks of training. The treatment groups completed 8 weeks …

School Gardens, David W. Hey

Kinesiology and Public Health

School gardens can have great promise as they can positively impact children's food choices by improving their preferences for vegetables, increasing their nutrition knowledge, and prevent nutritionally related diseases (i.e., diabetes and obesity). In their natural state, fruits and vegetables have high water and fiber content and are low in calories and energy density. Additionally, it has been demonstrated that the use of a garden as part of an outdoor environmental studies program can have a beneficial impact on performance of standardized achievement tests, as well as attention and enthusiasm for learning in school children.

In June of 2004, national …

Promoting Weight Loss Before Pregnancy: Feasible Or Futile?, Suzanne Phelan, Todd Hagobian, Anna Brannen, Ana Stewart, Brianna Schmid, Leonard Cedars

Kinesiology and Public Health

Pre-pregnancy obesity is a well-established risk factor for several adverse maternal and fetal outcomes, including gestational diabetes, hypertension, cesarean sections, and fetal macrosomia. Weight loss before pregnancy could help prevent such complications, but the feasibility of such an approach remains unknown. The current study examined the feasibility of a 3-month pre-pregnancy behavioral weight loss program in 12 overweight/obese women planning pregnancy. The 3 month program resulted in an average 5.4 ± 3.0 kg weight loss and significant improvements in self-monitoring, physical activity, eating and exercise self-efficacy, and healthy eating (p < 0.04). By the end of the 9 month follow-up, half of sample (n = 6) had conceived. Women reported significant increases in weekly or more frequent self-weighing (p < 0.0001), counting calories (p < 0.001), consuming fruit and vegetables (p = 0.007), and cutting out fat (p = 0.0001) and junk foods (p = 0.002). A lifestyle modification program to promote weight loss before pregnancy promoted clinically significant weight loss and appeared feasible.

Effect Of Warm-Up Activity On Vertical Ground Reaction Forces In Basketball Players During Drop Jump Landings, Jacob Wesley Hinkel-Lipsker

Master's Theses

ABSTRACT

Effect of Warm-Up Activity on Vertical Ground Reaction Forces in Basketball Players During Drop Jump Landings

Jacob Hinkel-Lipsker

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of certain warm-up activities on vertical ground reaction forces (GRF_v) during a drop jump landing. Methods: Eight women and twelve men (mean age 22.6 ± 1.82 years) completed three warm-up activities on three separate days in a counterbalanced order: a passive stretching warm-up, a dynamic warm-up, and a no warm-up control. After completing each activity, participants were asked to perform eight drop jump landings on a force platform. …

Design And Development Of A Stair Ascension Assistive Device For Transfemoral Amputees, Casey Michael Barbarino

Master's Theses

Transfemoral amputees around the world experience increased difficulty in climbing stairs due to lack of muscle, balance, and other factors. The loss of a lower limb greatly diminishes the amount of natural force generation provided that is necessary to propel oneself up stairs. This study investigated possible solutions to the problem of stair ascension for transfemoral amputees by the means of designing and developing an externally attachable device to a prosthesis. The number of amputations from military service has greatly increased since 2008, which shows there is a clear need for assistive devices (Wenke, Krueger, & Ficke, 2012). With the …

Associations Between Alcohol Consumption And Fasting Blood Glucose In Young Adults, Julie Ann Lucca

Master's Theses

Current research shows moderate alcohol consumption is associated with decreased risk of diabetes and excessive consumption or binge drinking can cause insulin resistance and diabetes. In 2010, diabetes was the seventh leading cause of death in the United Statesand was responsible for significant health complications: blindness, kidney failure, and limb amputations, and is a large national economic burden. Fasting blood glucose (FBG) is a tool used to help diagnose diabetes. Abnormally high FBG, ≥100 mg/dl, is indicative of diabetes and pre-diabetes. Few studies have observed diabetic prevalence among young adults or college students. Studying young adults can help provide added …

Residential Summer Camp: A New Venue For Nutrition Education And Physical Activity Promotion, Alison K. Ventura, Barry A. Garst

Kinesiology and Public Health

Background

Millions of children attend residential summer camps each year. However, few studies have examined the potential of camps for obesity prevention efforts. Research in the domain of positive youth development has shown that camp programs as short as one week have both short- and long-term positive effects on self-esteem, self-efficacy and other youth outcomes. The objective of the present study was to highlight the potential of resident camps as promising venues for the promotion of healthy eating and physical activity behaviors in the children who attend.

Methods

Data for this study came from the American Camp Association 2007 Emerging …

Early Influences On The Development Of Food Preferences, Alison K. Ventura, John Worobey

Kinesiology and Public Health

The ability to perceive flavors begins in utero with the development and early functioning of the gustatory and olfactory systems. Because both amniotic fluid and breast milk contain molecules derived from the mother’s diet, learning about flavors in foods begins in the womb and during early infancy. This early experience serves as the foundation for the continuing development of food preferences across the lifespan, and is shaped by the interplay of biological, social, and environmental factors. Shortly after birth, young infants show characteristic taste preferences: sweet and umami elicit positive responses; bitter and sour elicit negative responses. These taste preferences …

Lifestyle Interventions To Reduce Obesity And Diabetes, Todd Alan Hagobian, Suzanne Phelan

Kinesiology and Public Health

The majority of US adults are overweight or obese, which is a primary risk factor for type 2 diabetes and other chronic diseases. Recent advances in behavioral treatment of obesity have produced significant short- and longterm weight losses that reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. This article reviews key components of effective behavioral treatment interventions, including diet, exercise, and behavioral and psychosocial strategies. The authors review newer treatment modalities that may enhance dissemination (Internet, smartphone) and discuss applications to clinical practice. Practitioners face multiple barriers to effectively delivering lifestyle interventions in today’s health care setting but, …

Race, Sexual Orientation And Gender Identity/Expression In Athletics, Nevin Caple, Jillian Ross, Camille O'Bryant, Lea Robinson, Alpha Alexander, Yolanda Jackson, Dora Dome

Kinesiology and Public Health

No abstract provided.

Free Amino Acid Content In Infant Formulas, Alison K. Ventura, Ana San Gabriel, Mariko Hirota, Julie A. Mennella

Kinesiology and Public Health

Purpose

– Infant formula is the sole nutrition and food source for many infants. Information on the free amino acid (FAA) content of formulas, particularly those that are protein hydrolysate based, is limited, despite emerging evidence for the role of FAAs in regulating eating behaviour. The purpose of this paper is to measure levels of essential, semi‐essential, and nonessential FAAs in commercially available infant formulas to provide a foundation for future research examining the influence of FAAs on infant development.

Design/methodology/approach

– Using an automatic amino acid analyzer, we measured the concentrations of FAAs in four types of formula: two …

Parental Diet And Risk Of Retinoblastoma Resulting From New Germline Rb1 Mutation, Greta R. Bunin, Marilyn Tseng, Yimei Li, Anna T. Meadows, Arupa Ganguly

Kinesiology and Public Health

We conducted a case–control study of sporadic bilateral retinoblastoma, which results from a new germline RB1 mutation, to investigate the role of parents' diet before their child's conception. Parents of 206 cases from nine North American institutions and 269 controls participated; of these, fathers of 184 cases and 223 controls and mothers of 204 cases and 260 controls answered a food frequency questionnaire administered by phone about their diet in the year before the child's conception. Cases provided DNA for RB1 mutation testing. We assessed parents' diet by examining 19 food groups. Father's intake of dairy products and fruit was …

Throwing Frame For Athletes With Dissabilities, Andrew Higgins, Stefan Owechko, Gabriel (Gabe) Terrasas, Kevin Crisfield

Mechanical Engineering

Team Zeus’ senior project was to design, build and test a working throwing frame system for Bridge II Sports, a nonprofit organization in North Carolina. The throwing frame is used to allow athletes and individuals with disabilities to throw shot-put, discus, and javelin using a frame to sit against. Team Zeus was specifically tasked to build a frame that is lighter weight and more transportable than products that are currently on the market. This frame also is adjustable to accommodate a wide range of athlete weights, sizes, and abilities. The final result is a 35lb aluminum frame with two different …

Effects Of Chainring Type (Circular Vs. Rotor Q-Ring) On 1km Time Trial Performance Over Six Weeks In Competitive Cyclists And Triathletes, Christiane R. O'Hara, Robert D. Clark, Todd A. Hagobian, Karen Mcgaughey

Kinesiology and Public Health

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of chainring type (circular vs. the non- circular Rotor Q-Ring) on performance during a 1km time trial and physiological responses over a six week period. Eight competitive male cyclists and triathletes were pre-tested using the original circular chainring. Graded submaximal exercise tests were followed by the 1km time trial with subjects using their own racing bicycle. The circular chainrings were then removed and replaced with Rotor Q-Rings during the intervention period. Subjects trained and raced with this alteration to their bicycles and repeated the submaximal and 1km performance tests for …

Socio-Economic Position And Lower Dietary Moderation Among Chinese Immigrant Women In The Usa, Marilyn Tseng, Carolyn Y. Fang

Kinesiology and Public Health

Objective: To examine associations of education and occupation, as indicators of socio-economic position (SEP), with dietary intake and diet quality in a sample of Chinese immigrant women.

Design: Cross-sectional. Data collection included four days of dietary recalls and information on education and current occupation for participants and their spouses.

Setting: Philadelphia, PA, USA.

Subjects: Chinese immigrant women (n 423) recruited from October 2005 to April 2008.

Results: In multivariate models, both higher education level and occupation category were significantly associated with higher energy density and intake of energy and sugar. Education was additionally associated with intake of sugar-sweetened beverages …

A Behavioral Weight Gain Intervention In Pregnancy: A Cost-Benefit Analysis, Keenan Yanit, Suzanne Phelan, Rachel A. Pilliod, Katherine A. Volpe, Aaron B. Caughey

Kinesiology and Public Health

OBJECTIVE: Prior studies have demonstrated that behavioral interventions during pregnancy could prevent excessive gestational weight gain. This study investigates the cost of such interventions, taking into account the costs and benefits associated with outcomes of gestational weight gain according to the 2009 Institute of Medicine (IOM) weight gain recommendations.

STUDY DESIGN: A decision analytic model was built using TreeAge software that compared routine prenatal care vs. routine prenatal care plus a behavioral intervention to prevent excessive gestational weight gain in the 1,528,000 normal weight women who are pregnant each year in the U.S. The Fit for Delivery Study protocol was …

The Economic Impact Of Gestational Weight Gain According To Iom Guidelines, Keenan Yanit, Suzanne Phelan, Rachel A. Pilliod, Katherine A. Volpe, Aaron B. Caughey

Kinesiology and Public Health

OBJECTIVE: We sought to estimate the costs and outcomes associated with keeping gestational weight gain within the 2009 Institute of Medicine (IOM) recommendations.

STUDY DESIGN: A decision analytic model was built using TreeAge software that compared the cost of gestational weight gain categorized by staying within versus exceeding the IOM guidelines in normal weight and obese women. We assumed the obesity prevalence from the most recent data in 2008 and applied to the estimated 4,000,000 million births per year. Outcomes included: gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, macrosomia (>4500g), small-forgestational age, postterm delivery, cesarean delivery, postpartum weight retention, and child obesity.

RESULTS: …

Eating Frequency Is Higher In Weight Loss Maintainers And Normal-Weight Individuals Than In Overweight Individuals, Jessica L. Bachman, Suzanne Phelan, Rena R. Wing, Hollie A. Raynor

Kinesiology and Public Health

Eating frequency has been negatively related to body mass index (BMI). The relationship between eating frequency and weight loss maintenance is unknown. This secondary analysis examined eating frequency (self-reported meals and snacks consumed per day) in weight loss maintainers (WLM) who had reduced from overweight/obese to normal weight, normal weight (NW) individuals, and overweight (OW) individuals. Data collected July 2006 to March 2007 in Providence, RI, included three 24-hour dietary recalls (2 weekdays, 1 weekend day) analyzed using Nutrient Data System for Research software from 257 adults (WLM n=96, 83.3% women aged 50.0±11.8 years with BMI 22.1±1.7; NW n=80, 95.0% …

Trails And Physical Activity: A Review, Heather A. Starnes, Philip J. Troped, David B. Klenosky, Angela M. Doehring

Kinesiology and Public Health

To provide a synthesis of research on trails and physical activity from the public health, leisure sciences, urban planning, and transportation literatures. Methods: A search of databases was conducted to identify studies published between 1980 and 2008. Results: 52 studies were identified. The majority were cross-sectional (92*%) and published after 1999 (11%). The evidence for the effects of trails on physical activity was mixed among 3 intervention and 5 correlational studies. Correlates of trail use were examined in 13 studies. Several demographic (eg, race, education, income) and environmental factors (eg, land-use mix and distance to trail) were related to trail …

Perceived Built Environment And Physical Activity In U.S. Women By Sprawl And Region, Philip J. Troped, Kosuke Tamura, Heather A. Whitcomb, Francine Laden

Kinesiology and Public Health

Background

A number of studies have demonstrated relationships between the perceived built environment and physical activity among adults. However, little is known about whether these associations differ by U.S. region and level of urban sprawl.

Purpose

To examine associations between the perceived built environment and physical activity in U.S. women by region and urban sprawl.

Methods

Nurses' Health Study II participants (N=68,968) completed four perceived neighborhood environment survey items in 2005. Logistic regression was used to estimate associations with meeting physical activity recommendations, adjusting for demographic and weight-status variables, and stratifying by region and sprawl. Data analyses were completed in …

Capstone Experiences: Effects Of Adapted Physical Activity Design Projects On Attitudes And Learning, David W. Hey, Bridie Jean Mccarey, Lynne A. Slivovsky, J. Kevin Taylor, Brian Self, James Widmann

Kinesiology and Public Health

Eight innovative senior level capstone engineering projects were completed at California Polytechnic State University (2008-present) involving (n=28) students (23 male/5 female). All projects involved the design of equipment to facilitate physical activity for people with disabilities. The effects on: i) learning design, ii) attitude towards people with disabilities, and iii) motivation to complete team design projects were analyzed through eight one-hour focus groups. This paper presents focus group findings using a constructivist approach and grounded theory to explore the overall student “learn by doing” experience. Results: (1) Approximately 19 (70%) of the students claimed the adapted physical activity …

Diabetes Prevalence Is Associated With Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D And 1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D In Us Middle-Aged Caucasian Men And Women: A Cross-Sectional Analysis Within The Prostate, Lung, Colorectal And Ovarian Cancer Screening Trial, Kaye E. Brock, Wen-Yi Huang, David R. Fraser, Liang Ke, Marilyn Tseng, Rebecca S. Mason, Rachael Z. Stolzenberg-Solomon, D. Michal Freedman, Jiyoung Ahn, Ulrike Peters, Catherine Mccarty, Bruce W. Hollis, Regina G. Ziegler, Mark P. Purdue, Barry I. Graubard

Kinesiology and Public Health

Hypovitaminosis D may be associated with diabetes, hypertension and CHD. However, because studies examining the associations of all three chronic conditions with circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(0H)D) and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25(0H)₂D) are limited, we examined these associations in the US Prostate, Lung, Colorectal and Ovarian (PLCO) Cancer Screening Trial (n 2465). Caucasian PLCO participants selected as controls in previous nested case-control studies of 25(0H)D and 1,25(0H)₂D were included in this analysis. Diabetes, CHD and hypertension prevalence, risk factors for these conditions and intake of vitamin D and Ca were collected from a baseline questionnaire. Results indicated …

An Exploratory Biomechanical Analysis Of The Side-To-Side Swing Patterns Of Three Skilled Switch Hitters, Francesca Marie Castellucci

Master's Theses

The ability to successfully switch hit, or hit a baseball from both sides of the plate, requires a great amount of practice and coordination bilaterally. This study used three-dimensional kinematic and kinetic data to examine the swing patterns of skilled switch hitters in baseball. Three male minor league and division I collegiate switch hitters participated. Subjects stood on force plates and hit baseballs off a tee while their swings were recorded with a three-dimensional optical motion capture system. Each subject performed twenty total swings, ten from the right and ten from the left. The swings were digitally analyzed and the …

Effects Of Chainring Design On Performance In Competitive Cyclists, Christiane Rose O'Hara

Master's Theses

The development of noncircular chainrings to improve cycling performance has been in progress since the 1980’s and continues apace. The aim of this study was to compare performance time and physiological responses in cycling using a standard circular chainring versus a noncircular chainring developed in 2005: the Rotor Q-Ring. Eight competitive male cyclists were pre-tested using the original circular chainrings and also on the initial week of testing. The intervention consisted of cycling with Rotor Q-Rings for four weeks. Post-testing occurred with the original chainrings for the final week of testing. Testing consisted of a maximal or submaximal graded exercise …

Innate And Learned Preferences For Sweet Taste During Childhood, Alison K. Ventura, Julie A. Mennella

Kinesiology and Public Health

Purpose of review: In nature, carbohydrates are a source of energy often equated with sweetness, the detection of which is associated with powerful hedonic appeal. Intakes of processed carbohydrates in the form of added sugars and sugar-sweetened beverages have risen consistently among all age groups over the last two decades. In this review, we describe the biological underpinnings that drive the consumption of sweet-tasting foods among pediatric populations.

Recent findings: Scientific literature suggests that children's liking for all that is sweet is not solely a product of modern-day technology and advertising but reflects their basic biology. In fact, heightened preference …

A Novel Exercise Device For Users In Wheelchairs: A Study Of Abdominal Muscle Activation, Rebecca Jo Campbell

Master's Theses

This study evaluates the use of a wheelchair balance board. The balance board was created as a sensory stimulation tool for users with various disabilities. It was originally designed to create vestibular stimulation for the person after they were loaded on.  This study was used as a way to test if the balance board could be used for other things such as physical therapy and exercise.  Ten able-bodied individuals were used to show the functionality of the device.  They were asked to perform six different abdominal exercises while the muscle activity of their rectus abdominis and external obliques was measured …

Physical Activity Patterns Using Accelerometry In The National Weight Control Registry, Victoria A. Catenacci, Gary K. Grunwald, Jan P. Ingebrigtsen, John M. Jakicic, Michael D. Mcdermott, Suzanne Phelan, Rena R. Wing, James O. Hill, Holly R. Wyatt

Kinesiology and Public Health

The National Weight Control Registry (NWCR) was established in 1993 to examine characteristics of successful weight-loss maintainers. This group consistently self-reports high levels of physical activity. The aims of this study were to obtain objective assessments of physical activity in NWCR subjects and compare this to physical activity in both normal-weight and overweight controls. Individuals from the NWCR (n = 26) were compared to a never‑obese normal-weight control group matched to the NWCR group’s current BMI (n = 30), and an overweight control group matched to the NWCR group’s self-reported pre-weight-loss BMI (n = 34). Objective assessment of physical activity …

Impact Of Exercise On Brain Responses To Visual Food Cues: An Fmri Study, Nero Erezi Evero

Master's Theses

On the basis of a strong body of data, the Institute of Medicine currently recommends at least 60 minutes of exercise per day to prevent body weight gain overtime.  Previous studies have shown that there is no compensatory increase in food intake with this dose of exercise. Ultimately, the brain decides whether to alter food intake.  Surprisingly, no published studies have assessed the impact of exercise on brain activation.  Using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and an appetite questionnaire, we investigated the effects of a single bout of aerobic exercise on brain responses to visual food cues and subjective appetite …