Theses and Dissertations
This collection includes both ASU Theses and Dissertations, submitted by graduate students, and the Barrett, Honors College theses submitted by undergraduate students.
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- All Subjects: Health Sciences
- Creators: Lee, Rebecca E
- Creators: Yudell, Amber
Description
Water is an essential nutrient that is often overlooked. As a result of this hydration status is often forgotten as well. Becoming hypohydrated puts athletes at risk of decreased performance and potentially life-threatening heat illness. Being able to self-assess hydration status is may be instrumental in helping athletes safely optimize performance. Therefore, this study investigated, 1) the ability of an athletic population vs. trained investigators to self-diagnose underhydration, 2) the diagnostic ability of urine color (Ucol) charts as a method for diagnosing underhydration, and 3) the accuracy of participant and investigator assessments. Members of an athletic population each provided a urine sample and scored samples using both the traditional 8-color and newly developed 7-color Ucol chart. Investigators then scored the samples using the same methods. To determine the diagnostic value of the Ucol charts, Ucol scores were compared to concentration measures of Urine Specific Gravity (USG) and Urine Osmolality (Uosm). Differences in participant and investigator scores were compared using Mann-Whitney U and Spearman’s Correlation. Bland-Altman plots were drawn to assess individual differences in reporting against the mean of the two methods. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to both determine the ability of both charts to diagnose underhydration and to determine how well participants and investigators can determine their level of hydration. Athletes reported Ucol significantly lighter compared to investigators. Investigators showed no difference in reporting between the two charts but, athletes reported less than a color shade difference. The charts performed fair (8-color) to good (7-color) at diagnosing hypohydration. Athletes reported with less accuracy compared to investigators, and Ucol classification was found to be more accurate when compared to USG. Ucol charts are a practical tool to determine hydration status. Ucol scoring is similar regardless of the type of chart used. Trained investigators reported with slightly higher accuracy on both charts compared to untrained athletes. Athletes score Ucol fair to good in comparison to investigators. Ucol scoring is similar regardless of the type of chart used. The diagnostic ability of both Ucol charts is good in relation to USG. With education, athletes may be able to improve scores.
ContributorsPesek, Kathryn Margaret (Author) / Wardenaar, Floris (Thesis advisor) / Johnston, Carol (Committee member) / Yudell, Amber (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2022
Description
Exposure to sun radiation (SUR) with ambient temperature may be an influencer on athletes’ sweat loss in different environments, but the results are not currently known. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of SUR on fluid balance (FB) and hydration status (HS) in athletes exercising indoors and outdoors.
Initial FB and HS were assessed in NCAA-DI female soccer athletes (n=10) of a single team in temperate, dry conditions (55-68°F, 18-48% humidity) who were monitored during 3 practices of equal estimated energy expenditure (EE): two outdoors in direct SUR (cold/moderate temperatures) and one indoors without SUR (moderate temperatures). Humidity, temperature, and wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT – a measurement partly based on SUR, including ambient temperature/relative humidity) were recorded using Heat Stress Meters placed in the direct sun or in the shade. Each athlete’s semi-nude dry body weight was recorded before and after exercise. Urine samples were taken before, after, and the morning after. Urine specific gravity (USG) was tested to assess HS. Athletes wore combined heart rate and activity monitors to estimate EE and were provided ad libitum water and/or a zero-calorie sports drink. Their total intake included weights of consumed food and drink. Sweat rate was calculated using body weight change and intakes of liquids minus urine losses/hour.
Two-way repeated measures ANOVA analyzed group-level differences. No significance was found in total FB (1.01±0.32 L/hr) or EE/hr (444±97.1 kcal/hr) across all days (p>0.05). In analyzing individual athlete results, 40% had consistent USG >1.025 (p=0.001) suggesting potential dehydration. These 4 athletes selected water as their beverage, of which is known that consuming only water does not stimulate drinking behavior as does electrolyte drinks. The remaining 60% were overall not dehydrated (USG <1.025) but must be aware of incidental dehydration in hotter temperatures.
The conclusion is that in low-moderate temperatures, athletes self-regulate drinking habits and achieve fluid balance during exercise with or without sun radiation. However, athletes with average USG >1.025 are likely to remain dehydrated in moderate temperatures. The findings suggest that more education would benefit these athletes by ensuring hydration in any environment.
Initial FB and HS were assessed in NCAA-DI female soccer athletes (n=10) of a single team in temperate, dry conditions (55-68°F, 18-48% humidity) who were monitored during 3 practices of equal estimated energy expenditure (EE): two outdoors in direct SUR (cold/moderate temperatures) and one indoors without SUR (moderate temperatures). Humidity, temperature, and wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT – a measurement partly based on SUR, including ambient temperature/relative humidity) were recorded using Heat Stress Meters placed in the direct sun or in the shade. Each athlete’s semi-nude dry body weight was recorded before and after exercise. Urine samples were taken before, after, and the morning after. Urine specific gravity (USG) was tested to assess HS. Athletes wore combined heart rate and activity monitors to estimate EE and were provided ad libitum water and/or a zero-calorie sports drink. Their total intake included weights of consumed food and drink. Sweat rate was calculated using body weight change and intakes of liquids minus urine losses/hour.
Two-way repeated measures ANOVA analyzed group-level differences. No significance was found in total FB (1.01±0.32 L/hr) or EE/hr (444±97.1 kcal/hr) across all days (p>0.05). In analyzing individual athlete results, 40% had consistent USG >1.025 (p=0.001) suggesting potential dehydration. These 4 athletes selected water as their beverage, of which is known that consuming only water does not stimulate drinking behavior as does electrolyte drinks. The remaining 60% were overall not dehydrated (USG <1.025) but must be aware of incidental dehydration in hotter temperatures.
The conclusion is that in low-moderate temperatures, athletes self-regulate drinking habits and achieve fluid balance during exercise with or without sun radiation. However, athletes with average USG >1.025 are likely to remain dehydrated in moderate temperatures. The findings suggest that more education would benefit these athletes by ensuring hydration in any environment.
ContributorsOlzinski, Stephanie (Author) / Wardenaar, Floris (Thesis advisor) / Johnston, Carol (Committee member) / Yudell, Amber (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2019
Description
Through three investigations, this dissertation examined properties of the family and early care and education center (ECEC) environments related to preschool-aged children’s cardiovascular fitness (CVF) and gross locomotor skills (GLS). Investigation one used a systematic review and meta-analysis to synthesize the effectiveness of school-based interventions at improving CVF, in preschool-aged children. For investigations two and three product- and process-based measures of GLS were collected from children in ECECs (n=16), using the progressive aerobic cardiovascular endurance run (PACER; n=144) and the CHAMPS motor skill protocol (CMSP; n=91), respectively. Investigation two and three examined family factors and ECEC factors for associations with measures of GLS, respectively.
Investigation one revealed a moderate-to-large effect size for school-based interventions (n=10) increasing CVF (g=0.75; 95%CI [0.40-1.11]). Multi-level interventions (g=.79 [0.34-1.25]) were more effective than interventions focused on the individual (g=0.67 [0.12-1.22]). In investigations two and three children (78.3% Hispanic; mean ± SD age 53.2±4.5 months) completed a mean ± SD 3.7±2.3 PACER laps and 19.0±5.5 CSMP criteria. Individual and family factors associated with PACER laps included child sex (B=-0.96, p=0.03) and age (B=0.17, p<0.01), parents’ promotion of inactivity (B=0.66, p=0.08) and screen time (B=0.65, p=0.05), and parents’ concern for child’s safety during physical activity (B=-0.36, p=0.09). Child age (B=0.47, p<0.01) and parent employment (B=2.29, p=0.07) were associated with CMSP criteria. At the ECEC level, policy environment quality (B=-0.17; p=0.01) was significantly associated with number of PACER laps completed. Outdoor play environment quality (B=0.18; p=0.03), outdoor play equipment total (B=0.32; p<0.01) and screen time environment quality (B=0.60; p=0.02) were significantly associated with CMSP criteria. Researchers, ECEC teachers and policy makers should promote positive environmental changes to preschool-aged children’s family and ECEC environments, as these environments have the potential to improve CVF and GLS more than programs focused on the child alone.
Investigation one revealed a moderate-to-large effect size for school-based interventions (n=10) increasing CVF (g=0.75; 95%CI [0.40-1.11]). Multi-level interventions (g=.79 [0.34-1.25]) were more effective than interventions focused on the individual (g=0.67 [0.12-1.22]). In investigations two and three children (78.3% Hispanic; mean ± SD age 53.2±4.5 months) completed a mean ± SD 3.7±2.3 PACER laps and 19.0±5.5 CSMP criteria. Individual and family factors associated with PACER laps included child sex (B=-0.96, p=0.03) and age (B=0.17, p<0.01), parents’ promotion of inactivity (B=0.66, p=0.08) and screen time (B=0.65, p=0.05), and parents’ concern for child’s safety during physical activity (B=-0.36, p=0.09). Child age (B=0.47, p<0.01) and parent employment (B=2.29, p=0.07) were associated with CMSP criteria. At the ECEC level, policy environment quality (B=-0.17; p=0.01) was significantly associated with number of PACER laps completed. Outdoor play environment quality (B=0.18; p=0.03), outdoor play equipment total (B=0.32; p<0.01) and screen time environment quality (B=0.60; p=0.02) were significantly associated with CMSP criteria. Researchers, ECEC teachers and policy makers should promote positive environmental changes to preschool-aged children’s family and ECEC environments, as these environments have the potential to improve CVF and GLS more than programs focused on the child alone.
ContributorsSzeszulski, Jacob (Author) / Lee, Rebecca E (Thesis advisor) / Buman, Matthew P (Committee member) / Hooker, Steven P (Committee member) / Vega-Lopez, Sonia (Committee member) / Shaibi, Gabriel Q (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2019
Description
This body of research sought to explore relationships between parenting practices, physical activity resources, and Hispanic children’s physical activity. Guided by the Family Ecological Model (FEM) and the Ecological Model of Physical Activity (EMPA) this study examined the influence of parents on children’s physical activity through an integrative review. A cross sectional study was conducted to investigate potential relationships between parental perception safety at school, gender, and children’s physical activity. A cross sectional study was also utilized to examine potential correlations between parenting practices, physical activity resources, and children’s physical activity. Parental role modeling of physical activity and parental support for physical activity emerged as parenting practices that have considerable potential to impact children’s physical activity. Gender differences among children’s physical activity were also a key finding of this study with boys participating in more physical activity than boys. While quality of physical activity resources did not have significant associations with parenting practices or children’s physical activity, more research is needed to determine how resources for physical activity may impact parenting practices, and children’s physical activity.
ContributorsHutchens, Amy (Author) / Lee, Rebecca E (Thesis advisor) / Todd, Michael (Committee member) / Lyles, Ann Marie (Committee member) / Holtzclaw, Barbara (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2017
Description
This body of research sought to explore relationships between cognitive function and physical activity (PA), sedentary behavior (SB), and sleep, independently and in conjunction, in mid-life to older adults with no known cognitive impairment. Aging is associated with cognitive decline, and lifestyle behaviors such as PA, SB, and sleep, may mitigate this decline. First, a systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to examine the effect of aerobic PA interventions on memory and executive function in sedentary adults. Second, a longitudinal study was conducted to examine the association between SB and odds of incident cognitive impairment, and SB and cognitive decline in older adults. Last, a cross-sectional study was conducted to examine the joint associations between different levels of sleep with levels of PA, and sleep with levels of sedentary time on memory and executive function. This body of research provided evidence to support the association between aerobic PA and improved cognitive function, SB and incident cognitive impairment and cognitive function declines, and the joint association of sleep and different levels of PA and ST on cognitive function by hypertension status.
ContributorsHoffmann, Nicole M (Author) / Lee, Rebecca E (Thesis advisor) / Petrov, Megan E (Thesis advisor) / Marek, Karen (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2020