Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Feasibility And Reliability Of Health-Related Physical Fitness Tests In Children And Adolescents With Hearing Impairment, Jiafu Huang, Jianmei Yang, Justin A. Haegele, Lijuan Wang, Sitong Chen, Chunxiao Li

Human Movement Sciences & Special Education Faculty Publications

Although research supports the feasibility and reliability of health-related physical fitness (HRPF) tests in typically developing children and adolescents, little is known regarding the feasibility and reliability of these tests for those with hearing impairments (HI). The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and reliability of a HRPF test battery for children and adolescents with HI. A test–retest design with a one-week interval was conducted with 26 participants with HI (mean age: 12.7 ± 2.8 years; 9 male). The feasibility and reliability of seven field-based HRPF tests (i.e., body mass index, grip strength, standing long jump, vital …

Effects Of Peer-Supported And Self-Guided Exercise On Self-Reported Anxiety And Depression Among Young Adults - A Pilot Study, Xihe Zhu, Michael D. Kostick, Justin A. Haegele

Human Movement Sciences & Special Education Faculty Publications

Mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression became heightened issues for college-aged young adults during the global pandemic. The main purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a peer-supported exercise intervention on young adults (vs. self-guided exercise) who reported elevated levels of anxiety and/or depression. A parallel group design was used where young adults (n = 27) were randomly assigned to either a peer-supported or self-guided exercise group which lasted for eight weeks. The generalized anxiety and depression subscales of the Counseling Center Assessment of Psychological Symptoms (CCAPS-34) were measured for a baseline and then at …

Barriers And Challenges For Visually Impaired Students In Pe - An Interview Study With Students In Austria, Germany, And The Usa, Sebastian Ruin, Justin A. Haegele, Martin Giese, Jana Baumgärtner

Human Movement Sciences & Special Education Faculty Publications

Physical education (PE) is an important part of school education worldwide, and at the same time, almost the only subject that explicitly deals with body and movement. PE is therefore of elementary importance in the upbringing of young people. This also applies to children with visual impairments. However, existing findings on participation and belonging in PE as well as on physical and motor development reveal that this group of children and adolescents is noticeably disadvantaged in this respect. Against this background, this paper aims to explore fundamental barriers and challenges across different types of schools, types of schooling, and countries …

Exploring Correlates Of Student Preferences For Virtual Or In-Class Learning Among Neurodiverse Adolescents Using A Single-Case Design Methodology, Taryn A. Myers, John D. Ball, Mindy Gumpert, Mary Roberts

Human Movement Sciences & Special Education Faculty Publications

The purpose of the current study is to explore several correlates of adolescent students’ preferences for at-home virtual or in-class in-person learning in a single case of a school that serves students with learning differences. Correlates of interest were the Big Five personality traits (Openness to Experience, Conscientiousness, Extroversion, Agreeableness, Neuroticism) and the students’ self-reported learning engagement. Participants were recruited from a single independent school for students with neurodiversity and special learning needs, where they had high exposure to computer-/internet-assisted learning. Twenty-seven students responded to questionnaires measuring preferred learning modes, personality traits, and learning engagement. Despite teacher reports …

Let's Count The Ways We Can Utilize Technology To Improve Instructional Practices For Individuals With Autism, Heather Coleman, Annemarie L. Horn, Selena J. Layden, Christian Coogle

Human Movement Sciences & Special Education Faculty Publications

To maximize instruction and learning outcomes, it is essential that educators and family members who support individuals with autism have adequate training and support required to implement evidence-based practices (EBPs) with fidelity. Research shows various coaching methods, including self-coaching and classroom-based feedback, yield positive outcomes in terms of increasing practical application and sustained use of EBPs. With the growing prevalence of autism, it is essential to find effective coaching methods that can be utilized equitably across geographic locations and learning environments. Fortunately, technology affords educators and others the opportunity to receive quality coaching and feedback without facing traditional barriers (e.g., …

Meeting The 24-Hour Movement Guidelines And Outcomes In Adolescents With Adhd: A Cross-Sectional Observational Study, Wei Wang, Justin A. Haegele, Yandan Wu, Chunxiao Li

Human Movement Sciences & Special Education Faculty Publications

According to the 24-Hour Movement Guidelines, meeting daily recommendations for physical activity, sleep, and screen time is important for obtaining optimal health benefits. This cross-sectional observational study aimed to examine (a) the prevalence of meeting the movement guidelines; and (b) the associations between meeting the guidelines and selected outcomes in adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Data from the 2018–2019 National Survey for Children’s Health dataset was used. Participants were adolescents (10–17 years) with ADHD and without other chronic conditions. Outcomes were flourishing, school engagement, and body weight status. Exposures of interest were adherence to the movement guidelines. The frequency of …

"Everybody Wants To Be Included": Experiences With 'Inclusive' Strategies In Physical Education, Katherine Holland, Justin A. Haegele, Xihe Zhu, Jonna Bobzien

Human Movement Sciences & Special Education Faculty Publications

This study examined how students with orthopedic impairments experienced strategies identified in the literature to support ‘inclusion’. An interpretative phenomenological analysis research approach was used, and six students with orthopedic impairments (age 10–14 years) served as participants. Data sources were written prompts, semi-structured, audiotaped interviews, and reflective interview notes. Based on thematic data analysis, four themes were constructed: “It’s kind of embarrassing”: experiences with support; “I don’t want to be different”: equipment, activity, and rule modifications; “I like to be a part of the conversation”: autonomy and choice in PE; and “I would rather be like the other students”: discussing …

Learners' Motivational Response To The Science, Pe, & Me! Curriculum: A Situational Interest Perspective, Senlin Chen, Haichun Sun, Xihe Zhu, Ang Chen, Catherine D. Ennis (Posthumous)

Human Movement Sciences & Special Education Faculty Publications

Background: The Science, PE, & Me! (SPEM) curriculum is a concept-based physical education curriculum that offers students coherent educational experiences for constructing health-related fitness knowledge through movement experiences. The purpose of this study was to evaluate students’ motivational response to the SPEM curriculum from the situational interest perspective.

Methods: The study used a cluster randomized controlled design in which 30 elementary schools in one of the largest metropolitan areas in the eastern United States were randomly assigned to an experimental or comparison condition. Although all students in the 3rd, 4th, and 5th grades in the targeted schools were …

Movement In High School: Proportion Of Chinese Adolescents Meeting 24-Hour Movement Guidelines, Li Ying, Xihe Zhu, Justin A. Haegele, Yang Wen

Human Movement Sciences & Special Education Faculty Publications

The purposes of this study were (a) to examine the proportions of adolescents in China who partially or fully meet three 24-h movement guidelines on physical activity, screen-time, and sleep duration and (b) to examine whether there were gender differences in the proportion of boys and girls meeting these guidelines. The sample was made up of high school adolescents from an eastern province of China (N = 1338). The participants completed a self-reported survey on demographic variables and weekly health behaviors including physical activity, screen-time, and sleep duration. A frequency analysis was conducted to summarize the number of 24-h …

Student Readiness: Examining The Impact Of A University Outdoor Orientation Program, Eddie Hill, Timothy Posey, Edwin Gómez, Stephen L. Shapiro

Human Movement Sciences & Special Education Faculty Publications

This study examined the impact of a university outdoor orientation program on participants’ transition to higher education. Researchers focused on participants’ experiences during the program, utilizing a mixed-methods approach to measure resilience and well-being. Pre- and posttest instruments consisted of two pre-established scales and a series of open-ended questions, which were administered during a 4-day university outdoor orientation program. Findings indicated significant improvement of resilience and well-being in participants through outdoor orientation program involvement. Additionally, direct content analysis identified major themes related to resilience, well-being, and readiness for college.

Key Points From The Updated Guidelines On Exercise And Diabetes, Sheri R. Colberg

Human Movement Sciences & Special Education Faculty Publications

From the Introduction:

No doubt remains that the adoption and maintenance of physical activity is important for overall health and blood glucose management in individuals with diabetes and prediabetes. Recently, the American Diabetes Association (ADA) published updated recommendations and precautions about physical activity and exercise in people with type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, and gestational diabetes (1). Given the importance of these topics, it is worth discussing the key changes and updates included in this ADA position statement (PS).

Overweight, Obesity, And Screen-Time Viewing Among Chinese School-Aged Children: National Prevalence Estimates From The 2016 Physical Activity And Fitness In China—The Youth Study, Yujun Cai, Xihe Zhu, Xueping Wu

Human Movement Sciences & Special Education Faculty Publications

Purpose: This study presents the most recent estimates of prevalence of overweight, obesity, and screen-time viewing among Chinese school-aged children. Demographic differences in these estimates between sexes and resident locales were also examined.

Methods: Cross-sectional analyses of 116,615 Chinese school children 9 to 17 years of age who participated in the 2016 Physical Activity and Fitness in China—the Youth Study project. Outcomes were the prevalence of children's overweight (body mass index [BMI] ≥ 85th - < 95th percentile) and obesity (BMI ≥95th percentile) (defined by the Working Group on Obesity in China) and not meeting screen-time viewing recommendations (“not meeting” was defined as more than 2 h per day of viewing activities after school). Analyses were conducted on the whole sample and by school grade cohorts (primary, junior middle, junior high schools), sex, and residence locales (urban, rural).

Results: Overall, 14.4% (95% confidence interval (CI): 13.8%-15.0%) of children and adolescents were overweight, 11.9% (95% CI: 11.0%-13.0%) were obese, and 36.8% (95% …

Gopher Fitstep Pro Accuracy When Measuring Steps And Moderate-To-Vigorous Physical Activity, Ali Brian, Justin A. Haegele

Human Movement Sciences & Special Education Faculty Publications

Background: The Gopher FITStep Pro (GFSP) is a commercially available objective physical activity monitor that records steps taken and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA).

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of the GFSP for measuring steps taken in a guided walking condition and MVPA during planned fitness activities.

Method: University-aged participants (N = 35, M_age = 20) wore two GFSP (right and left side) pedometers and one ActiGraph GT3X+ accelerometer during both conditions.

Results: Paired samples t-tests determined that self-step counts in the guided walking condition were not significantly different …

Student Adjustment To College: Examining The Impact Of An Outdoor Orientation Program, Timothy Posey, Eddie Hill, Edwin Gomez, Mike Mcfall, Shea Humenik, Dakota Clifford

Human Movement Sciences & Special Education Faculty Publications

This pilot study examined the impact of an outdoor orientation program (First Ascent) on participants’ level of transference, resilience, well-being and transition to college. Pre and posttest instruments were administered during a four- day college outdoor orientation program, as well as an open-ended series of questions. Nonparametric tests revealed significant differences from the pre- and posttest of the measures on skill transference and resiliency. Additional, individual items from each questionnaire were examined.

Contributors And Constraints To Involvement With Youth Sports Officiating, Lynn Ridinger

Human Movement Sciences & Special Education Faculty Publications

There is a growing concern about the shortage of sports officials and its impact on organized youth sport. The purpose of this study was to gain a better understanding of psychosocial factors that impact involvement with youth sports officiating by comparing and contrasting the experiences of officials from two distinct sports. In-depth interviews were conducted with baseball umpires and lacrosse officials. Resulting themes were classified as either contributors or constraints to involvement with officiating. The most striking difference between the two groups was the support provided in terms of mentorship, training, and administrative consideration. The baseball umpires received greater support …

Promoting Character And Resiliency Among Elementary School Students: An Assessment Of The Care Now Program, Eddie Hill, Tammi Milliken, Jennifer Goff, Debbie Clark

Human Movement Sciences & Special Education Faculty Publications

Youth, especially in inner-city areas of the country, are in need of effective, outcome-based camp programs when school is not in session. Character and Resiliency Education (CARE) Now (CN) is a comprehensive in- and afterschool program designed to promote academic enrichment through positive youth development with a focus on enhancing character and resiliency. In the summer of 2013, CN was adapted to create a three-week long day camp at a high-needs elementary school in eastern Virginia. Using theoretically-based and outcome focused programming, CN was widely praised for its effectiveness among youth in this summer camp. To assess its impact, a …

The Resiliency And Attitudes Skills Profile: An Assessment Of Factor Structure, Takeyra Williams, Edwin Gomez, Eddie Hill, Tammi Milliken, Jennifer Goff, Nicole Gregory

Human Movement Sciences & Special Education Faculty Publications

This study examines the Resiliency Attitudes and Skills Profile (RASP) in an afterschool recreation program with sixth grade students (N=137). The purpose of the study was to inspect the psychometric properties of the RASP and the internal consistency of the RASP global scale and subscales. This article expands on research reported on the RASP. Findings suggest that the RASP measures aspects of resiliency along four factors/dimensions. Suggestions for future research are provided.

Influence Of Personal And Lesson Factors On Caloric Expenditure In Physical Education, Ang Chen, Haichun Sun, Xihe Zhu, Catherine D. Ennis

Human Movement Sciences & Special Education Faculty Publications

Background: Increasing caloric expenditure in physical education is considered an effective school-based approach to addressing the child obesity epidemic. This study was designed to determine synergistic influences of student characteristics and lesson factors on caloric expenditure in elementary and middle school physical education.

Methods: The study used a multi-level design. Level-1 factors included personal characteristics: age, gender, and body mass index. Level-2 factors included lesson length, content, and school level. Based on the Center for Disease Control and Prevention age-gender adjusted growth chart, students in 87 classes from 14 elementary and 15 middle schools were pre-screened into "Overweight", "Healthy weight", …

Challenge Course Effectiveness: The Impact On Leadership Efficacy And Work Efficacy Among College Students, Theresa Odello, Eddie Hill, Edwin Gomez

Human Movement Sciences & Special Education Faculty Publications

Challenge courses have become increasingly popular in recent years. Many groups are turning to half-day challenge courses due to time and financial constraints. Yet, few studies have quantified the benefits of a half-day course. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of participation in a four-hour challenge course on leadership efficacy and work efficacy of college students. Pretest, posttest, and follow-up questionnaires were utilized. T-test analyses found that participating in a challenge course has a significant positive effect on increasing one’s leadership and work efficacy from pretest to posttest, after participation in a four-hour challenge course. This …

Dietary Supplements And Sports Performance: Introduction And Vitamins, Melvin H. Williams

Human Movement Sciences & Special Education Faculty Publications

Sports success is dependent primarily on genetic endowment in athletes with morphologic, psychologic, physiologic and metabolic traits specific to performance characteristics vital to their sport. Such genetically-endowed athletes must also receive optimal training to increase physical power, enhance mental strength, and provide a mechanical advantage. However, athletes often attempt to go beyond training and use substances and techniques, often referred to as ergogenics, in attempts to gain a competitive advantage. Pharmacological agents, such as anabolic steroids and amphetamines, have been used in the past, but such practices by athletes have led to the establishment of anti-doping legislation and effective testing …