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Physical inactivity is a continuing public health crisis because of its negative effects on health (e.g. hypertension, cardiovascular disease, type II diabetes). To combat the rising prevalence of these non-communicable diseases, physical activity (PA) promotion is a public health priority. However, current programs seem to be ineffective in the long-term

Physical inactivity is a continuing public health crisis because of its negative effects on health (e.g. hypertension, cardiovascular disease, type II diabetes). To combat the rising prevalence of these non-communicable diseases, physical activity (PA) promotion is a public health priority. However, current programs seem to be ineffective in the long-term promotion of PA. Resultingly new, effective interventions are needed. Recent studies have established a link between mindfulness and PA engagement. Based on the current literature, the present study sought to investigate the associations between trait mindfulness, behavioral regulation towards exercise, exercise intention, stress, and self-reported PA. This study also examined whether trait mindfulness was independently associated with meeting weekly, leisure-time, moderate-to-vigorous PA [MVPA] recommendations in university undergraduate students after controlling for demographic characteristics, past PA experience, exercise intention, stress, and motivation.

The study used a cross-sectional design and participants consisted of 180 undergraduate university students (aged 18 to 24 years). Participants completed a one-time survey that assessed demographic characteristics, trait mindfulness, behavioral regulation toward exercise, exercise intention, perceived stress and PA. Bivariate associations between the variables were assessed with Pearson or Spearman correlations. A logistic regression analysis was conducted to determine which variables were independently associated with meeting weekly, leisure-time MVPA guidelines. Results of this study found weak positive associations between the mindfulness domain of acceptance and leisure time MVPA ( = .168, p < .05), no associations between mindfulness and transportation PA, and negative associations between mindfulness (MAAS,  = –.238, p < .01; acceptance,  = –.175, p < .05) and sitting time. Results of logistic regression found that only relative autonomy (OR = 1.085, 95% CI [1.008, 1.168], p = .030) and intention (OR = 2.193, 95% CI [1.533, 3.138], p < .0001) were independently associated with meeting weekly, leisure- time MVPA recommendations. The results of this study show that while there is only a weak direct relationship between trait mindfulness and PA, mindfulness may be related with other factors associated with PA. More research is needed in order to better understand the potential mechanisms behind the results found in this, and past, studies.
ContributorsNapolitano, Vinson (Author) / Der Ananian, Cheryl (Thesis advisor) / Sebren, Ann (Committee member) / Ainsworth, Barbara (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2019
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The purpose of this study was to investigate the Feasibility of Using a Non-Counter Movement Squat to Assess Lower Body Strength in Adults ages 20-70 years. Feasibility was tested by measuring five feasibility metrics described by Bowen et al. (Bowen et al., 2009): Acceptability, Demand, Implementation, Practicality, and Limited Efficacy.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the Feasibility of Using a Non-Counter Movement Squat to Assess Lower Body Strength in Adults ages 20-70 years. Feasibility was tested by measuring five feasibility metrics described by Bowen et al. (Bowen et al., 2009): Acceptability, Demand, Implementation, Practicality, and Limited Efficacy. Seven male subjects and fifteen female subjects participated in the study. The subjects had their height, weight, body fat percentage by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), and grip strength measured. Subjects performed a warm-up on a cycle ergometer, a Non-Counter Movement Squat Test (NCMST) 1-repetition maximal strength test using a Smith machine, and a cool down on a treadmill. Each subject then completed a post-participation questionnaire used to measure acceptability, Demand was measured by subjects who agreed to participate, implementation was measured by subjects who completed the protocol, practicality was measured by an administrator survey, and limited efficacy was measured by distribution of strength results by age and for all subjects by sex. Results showed acceptance of hypotheses of acceptability, demand, implementation and practicality for both males and females. Limited efficacy was inconclusive for both males and females resulting in rejection of hypothesis. The findings of this study show that further research is needed to compare the NCMST to other lower body muscular strength tests to determine the validity of the NCMST.
ContributorsStark, Alexander (Author) / Ainsworth, Barbara (Thesis advisor) / Ofori, Edward (Committee member) / Vezina, Jesse (Committee member) / Marsit, Joseph (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2019
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ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between strength and power measures with sprint freestyle performance in Division 1 collegiate swimmers. Ten male subjects with an average age of 20.1 years (SD = 2.2) and eight female subjects with an average age of 19.4 years (SD =

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between strength and power measures with sprint freestyle performance in Division 1 collegiate swimmers. Ten male subjects with an average age of 20.1 years (SD = 2.2) and eight female subjects with an average age of 19.4 years (SD = 1.3) participated in the study. The subjects performed a maximal-effort 45.72-meter freestyle swim test, a one-repetition-maximum (1-RM) weighted pull-up test, a non-countermovement jump (NCMJ), and a barbell back squat velocity test. The data distributions were normalized by creating Z-scores for each variable measured and the sum of the three-dryland tests The data were analyzed using Pearson product-moment correlation analysis. The results showed an inverse association between the sum of the three-dryland performance Z-scores and the 45.72-meter sprint swim time (r = -0.77, p < 0.05) in male subjects. The results showed an inverse association between the sum of the three-dryland performance Z-scores, the relative pull-up Z-scores, the back squat velocity Z-scores, and the NCMJ height Z-scores with the 45.72-meter sprint swim time (r = -0.86, r = -0.66, r = -0.67, r = -0.75; p < 0.05) in female subjects. The findings of this study show the importance of possessing both strength and power characteristics on land for successful sprint swimming performance.
ContributorsKao, Sean (Author) / Ainsworth, Barbara (Thesis advisor) / Vezina, Jesse (Committee member) / Marsit, Joseph (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2018