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Strengthening Sideline Decisions About Concussions In Youth Sports (Strides): A Mixed Methods Approach, Ann Guernon

Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations

Background: Sport-related concussion in youth is a serious public health concern, and coaches of youth sports are frequently tasked with the role of primary decision maker about potential concussion during athletic activities.

Objective: To explore factors that influence coach decision-making about concussion in the moments during athletic activity that an injury may occur.

Methods: An exploratory sequential mixed methods study was conducted to identify coach-reported factors that influence decision-making about potential concussion and develop tools to evaluate prevention and management strategies that support coach decision-making during athletic activities. The study involved three phases: (1) semi-structured interviews with 16 coaches of …

Evaluation Of The Coordinated Approach To Child Health (Catch) Program In Third Through Fifth Graders In Northern Illinois, Paulina Karecka

Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations

Background: The Coordinated Approach to Child Health (CATCH) is a school-based education program designed to improve dietary habits and increase physical activity among children and adolescents based on the Social Cognitive Theory (SCT). The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of CATCH program, delivered by dietetic interns and Northern Illinois University (NIU) students, to 3rd-5th graders in Northern Illinois, in increasing their nutrition knowledge and healthy choices behavior. Methods: In total, 167 elementary school children in grades 3-5 in Northern Illinois participated in a non-experimental program evaluation study. We delivered 6 CATCH lessons throughout the academic year …