Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

The Impact Of Sleep Quality Combined With Physical Activity On Autonomic Function (24-Hour Hrv) In College Students, Meghan Peterson, Trent Hargens, Elizabeth Edwards, Christopher Womack

Masters Theses, 2020-current

Long-term poor sleep quality is associated with health outcomes that can lead to autonomic nervous system dysfunction. Both cardiorespiratory fitness and physical activity (PA) are associated with improvements in autonomic function and heart rate variability (HRV). Markers of fitness and sleep were explored to determine the degree of contribution to autonomic dysfunction. A total of 15 subjects, (age = 20.6±0.5; BMI = 23.9±1.0) completed 7 days of physical activity and sleep assessment via accelerometry. Participants then completed a graded exercise test to determine cardiorespiratory fitness (VO_2max), followed by a 24-H HRV measurement. HRV through LF:HF ratio was negatively …

The Rationale For The Utilization Of Under Desk Bikes In Office Settings, Danielle Little

Masters Theses, 2020-current

Inactivity and sedentary behavior are major health concerns, exacerbated by the amount of time individuals spend at work. Purpose: To examine if 30-60 minutes of daily under-the-desk bicycle (UDB) use while working for 8 weeks helped sedentary and physically inactive adults reach the U.S. physical activity guidelines (PAG) and improve perceptions of wellness and job satisfaction. Methods: Subjects (n=22, average age=45.3 yrs, average BMI=30.2 kg/m2) cycled for 30-60 minutes on workdays for 8-weeks at a self-selected intensity level of 2 or 3 out of 8 total levels. Participants were advised not to engage in additional physical activity outside the study …

Physical Activity In A University Community Before And After A Covid-19 Shutdown, Brynn Hudgins

Masters Theses, 2020-current

Reaching recommended levels of physical activity (PA) is important for achieving and maintaining health, however there are many potential barriers which may impact an individual’s ability to engage in PA. The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in the transition to remote teaching and learning, shut-downs of places to engage in PA, and changes to the daily work routine of university staff. Therefore, overall PA levels were likely impacted. The purpose of this study was to assess whether a significant change in PA occurred before and after one university transitioned to remote learning and working due to COVID-19 shutdowns. Subjects were recruited from …

Lipoprotein Associated Phospholipase A2 In Individuals With Obstructive Sleep Apnea, Kendall G. Clark

Masters Theses, 2020-current

Abstract

Introduction: Lipoprotein-associated Phospholipase A₂ (Lp-PLA₂) is a protein produced by inflammatory cells in circulation and is associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Prior research demonstrates that obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) leads to increased inflammation and is also related to CVD. Physical activity is known to reduce inflammation and risk for both CVD and OSA. However, Lp-PLA₂ has yet to be examined in individuals with OSA who do not have any other pre-existing conditions nor has it been associated with chronic physical activity. The purpose of this study was to examine if there is a relationship …