Recreational Therapy Commons^™

Feasibility And Acceptability Of A Self-Report Activity Diary In Families Of Children With And Without Special Needs, Bethany Forseth, Paula E. Papanek, Linda Bandini, Dale A. Schoeller, Andrea Moosreiner, Kathleen J. Sawing, Kimberley Zvara, Michael Fendrich, Michele Polfuss

Exercise Science Faculty Research and Publications

This study was conducted to examine the feasibility and acceptability of a self-report activity diary completed by parents and older children to assess the child's daily activity in children with and without special needs. The study included 36 child/parent dyads stratified by child age and diagnosis. Parents (n = 36) and children ≥13 years (n = 12) were asked to report on the child's daily activity using an activity diary. Feasibility was determined based on successfully returned diaries and acceptability via post-study interview. Activity diaries were submitted by 94% of the parents and 100% of the children, with 83% and …

Medical Specialty Camps: A Holistic Approach To Assist In The Management Of Diabetes, Takeyra Monique Collins

Human Movement Studies & Special Education Theses & Dissertations

From toddlers to adolescents, poor medical regimen and adherence occurs as youth face adversities caused by type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). This inquiry-based research sought to explore the process of promoting resilience to attain personal diabetes management through outcome-focused programming. This dissertation was structured in a three-paper format to highlight three sectors of a medical specialty camp to identify the significance of building resilience among youth with T1DM, incorporating family support, and providing service-learning opportunities for students. The purpose of this study was to examine the impacts associated with campers’ resilience from pre- to post-camp based on their participation in …

Sex Differences In Fatigability And Recovery Relative To The Intensity–Duration Relationship, Paul Ansdell, Paul Ansdell, Callum G. Brownstein, Jakob Škarabot, Kristy M. Hicks, Glyn Howatson, Kevin Thomas, Sandra K. Hunter, Stuart Goodall

Exercise Science Faculty Research and Publications

Females are less fatigable than males during isometric exercise at intensities relative to maximal voluntary contraction (MVC); however, whether a sex difference in fatigability exists when exercise is prescribed relative to a critical intensity is unknown. This study established the intensity–duration relationship, and compared fatigability and recovery between sexes following intermittent isometric contractions normalised to critical intensity. Twenty participants (10 females) completed four intermittent isometric knee extension trials to task failure to determine critical intensity and the curvature constant (W′), followed by fatiguing tasks at +10% and −10% relative to critical intensity. Neuromuscular assessments were completed at baseline …

Effect Of Aquatic Exercise On Fatigue, Fitness, Arm Edema, Levels Of Distress, And Quality Of Life Among Breast Cancer Survivors, Ellen Broach, Phillip Norrell

International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of a recreational therapy aquatic intervention on physical and psychosocial performance of breast cancer survivors. Eligible participants were assigned to either a water exercise group or a control group who received standard care treatment for breast cancer. The intervention group attended aquatic exercise sessions three times per week for eight weeks in a heated outdoor pool. Sessions lasted 50 minutes in duration. The aquatic exercise group significantly improved their endurance, body mass, level of distress, and total score for fatigue. No significant differences occurred in the control group. Social validity …

Recent Trends, Current Research In Cyberpsychology: A Literature Review, Amarjit Kumar Singh, Pawan Kumar Singh

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

Cyberpsychology refers to the study of the mind and behavior in the context of interactions with technology. It is an emerging branch, which has focused on the psychological aspects connected to the increasing presence and usages of technology in modern lives. This paper traces recent advancement and trends of Cyberpsychology is an emerging domain of knowledge and goes on the give a literature review of the same. An analysis of the recent research and literature covering 300 most relevant research papers from the period of 2012 to 15, August 2019 was conducted to determine and shape the research pattern based …

Differential Effects Of Aging And Physical Activity On Corticospinal Excitability Of Upper And Lower Limb Muscles, Vianney Rozand, Jonathon William Senefeld, Christopher W. Sundberg, Ashleigh E. Smith, Sandra K. Hunter

Exercise Science Faculty Research and Publications

Corticospinal tract excitability can be altered by age, physical activity (PA), and possibly sex, but whether these effects differ between upper and lower limb muscles is unknown. We determined the influence of age, PA, and sex on corticospinal excitability of an upper limb and a lower limb muscle during submaximal contractions by comparing stimulus-response curves of motor evoked potentials (MEPs). Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) was used to evoke stimulus-response curves in active muscles by incrementally increasing the stimulator intensity from below the active motor threshold (AMT) until a plateau in MEP amplitudes was achieved. Stimulus-response curves were analyzed from the …

Watering Black Roots: Exploring Black Ecological Identity Development Within Nature-Based Expressive Arts Therapy, Stormy Saint-Val

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Nature-based expressive arts therapy promotes the holistic healing and recovery of individuals by interweaving the practices of ecopsychology, ecotherapy, and expressive arts therapy. These interventions have been proven to mediate ranges of symptomologies, such as anxiety disorders and PTSD. Research conducted by the U.S. National Park Services indicates that African- Americans are less likely to have a positive relationship to nature than all other racial groups. The amplification of this report without introspection of its context perpetuates racialized generalizations. This can limit a black individual’s ability to embrace their ecological identity and be receptive of nature-based expressive arts therapy interventions. …

The Relationship Between Blood Flow And Motor Unit Firing Rates In Response To Fatiguing Exercise Post-Stroke, Spencer Murphy, Matthew J. Durand, Francesco Negro, Dario Farina, Sandra K. Hunter, Brian D. Schmit, David D. Gutterman, Allison S. Hyngstrom

Exercise Science Faculty Research and Publications

We quantified the relationship between the change in post-contraction blood flow with motor unit firing rates and metrics of fatigue during intermittent, sub-maximal fatiguing contractions of the knee extensor muscles after stroke. Ten chronic stroke survivors (>1-year post-stroke) and nine controls participated. Throughout fatiguing contractions, the discharge timings of individual motor units were identified by decomposition of high-density surface EMG signals. After five consecutive contractions, a blood flow measurement through the femoral artery was obtained using an ultrasound machine and probe designed for vascular measurements. There was a greater increase of motor unit firing rates from the beginning of …

Caregiver Perceptions On The Effects Of A Therapeutic Camp On Well-Being Using The Flourishing Through Leisure Model, Abigail L. Greer, Brent Wolfe, Katy Gregg

Honors College Theses

Literature has noted the contribution of therapeutic camping programs in enhancing overall functioning and well-being. Therapeutic camps can provide an opportunity for recreation involvement, skill development, and reduction in deficits by providing a variety of activities suited for the needs of the population. This study explores caregivers’ perceptions on the impacts of a four week therapeutic day camp program on well-being in adolescents with disabilities. Qualitative data was collected through functional profiles, treatment goals, discharge summaries, and caregiver surveys provided by Camp RAD to evaluate the outcomes of the camp through the lens of the Flourishing through Leisure Model. By …

Cultural Arts Access For Children With Disabilities Via Sensory Friendly Theater, Caroline Umeda

Occupational Therapy | Faculty Conference Presentations

This qualitative study investigated parent and organization experiences of a sensory friendly theater program. I will report key findings including meaningful and capacity building experiences of parents of children with disabilities and theater staff. This research illustrated the potential of sensory friendly theater and organization-level occupational therapy consultation to promote community participation at population levels and build organizational capacity in the access realm.

Oscillations In Neural Drive And Age-Related Reductions In Force Steadiness With A Cognitive Challenge, Hugo M. Pereira, Bonnie A. Schlinder-Delap Mrs., Kevin G. Keenan, Francesco Negro, Dario Farina, Allison S. Hyngstrom, Kristy A. Nielson, Sandra K. Hunter

Exercise Science Faculty Research and Publications

A cognitive challenge when imposed during a low-force isometric contraction will exacerbate sex- and age-related decreases in force steadiness, but the mechanism is not known. We determined the role of oscillations in the common synaptic input to motor units on force steadiness during a muscle contraction with a concurrent cognitive challenge. Forty-nine young adults (19–30 yr; 25 women, 24 men) and 36 old adults (60–85 yr; 19 women, 17 men) performed a cognitive challenge (counting backward by 13) during an isometric elbow flexion task at 5% of maximal voluntary contraction. Single-motor units were decomposed from high-density surface EMG recordings. For …

Ballroom Dance For Persons With Multiple Sclerosis: A Pilot Feasibility Study, Alexander V. Ng, Sheri Bunyan, Jimin Suh, Pamela Huenink, Tyler Gregory, Shannon Gambon, Deborah Miller

Exercise Science Faculty Research and Publications

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the exercise intensity and feasibility of recreational ballroom dance for persons with multiple sclerosis (MS).

Methods: Seven persons with MS participated in 2 one-hour dance sessions per week for 6 weeks. Dance types included rumba, foxtrot, waltz, and push-pull. Six other persons with MS comprised a control group that did not dance. Heart rate and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) were monitored during the sessions. Outcomes included: quality of life, fatigue, depression, self-efficacy, timed up and go, Berg Balance Scale, Dynamic Gait Index and the Multiple Sclerosis Functional Composite comprising 9-hole …

The Effect Of Swimming Exercise On Amount And Quality Of Sleep For Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Kayla E. Wilson

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) may alter not only cognitive but also physical aspects of individuals. One physical element that is commonly impacted by ASD is sleep pattern. In fact, there is a large margin of sleep disturbances in the ASD population compared to typically functioning individuals. PURPOSE: To examine the effect of various levels of physical activity intensity in an aquatic setting and the impact on sleep quality. The question in focus is simply, “What is the effect of swimming exercise on quality and amount of sleep for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder?” METHODS: Guardians of children with Autism Spectrum …

A Substruction Approach To Assessing The Theoretical Validity Of Measures, Polly Ryan, Marianne E. Weiss, Paula E. Papanek

Exercise Science Faculty Research and Publications

Background

Validity is about the logic, meaningfulness, and evidence used to defend inferences made when interpreting results. Substruction is a heuristic or process that visually represent the hierarchical structure between theory and measures.

Purpose

To describe substruction as a method for assessing the toretical validity of research measures.

Methods

Using Fawcett's Conceptual-Theoretical-Empirical Structure. an exemplar is presented of substruction from the Individual and Family Self-Management Theory to the Striving to be strong study concepts and empirical measures.

Results

Substruction tables display evidence supporting theoretical validity of the instruments used in the study.

Conclusion

A high degree of congruence between theory …

Processing Youth Adventure Wellness Experiences: Poetic Representations Of Youth’S Peace Bus Experiences, Ty Th Nguyen

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

This narrative inquiry explored how youth are processing their Peace Bus program experiences two and a half years after program completion. The purpose was to gain an understanding of (1) what program components the participants reflect on, (2) how they conceptualize their program experiences, and (3) what factors contribute to their reflection processes. This research sought to address the gap in literature where little is understood about the ongoing experiences of program participants of adventure wellness programs and the processes that lead to positive changes. As the researcher, I conducted a qualitative study using narrative inquiry and poetic representation methods. …