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The influence of exercise on cognitive function is an important topic. This study examines the effects of different interventions on executive functioning, specifically on cognitive planning, which is a sub-category of executive function, in adults with Down syndrome. Research has shown that an acute bout of Assisted Cycle Therapy improved

The influence of exercise on cognitive function is an important topic. This study examines the effects of different interventions on executive functioning, specifically on cognitive planning, which is a sub-category of executive function, in adults with Down syndrome. Research has shown that an acute bout of Assisted Cycle Therapy improved manual motor functioning, cognitive planning, and information processing in adolescents with Down syndrome but there is a lack of research when it comes to resistance training. Fourteen adults with Down syndrome completed acute sessions of Assisted Cycle Therapy, Resistance Training, and No Training. Cognitive planning was measured by the Tower of London test. The results show that cognitive planning can be improved following Assisted Cycle Therapy. An increase in cognitive planning was also present in the No Training group which may be a result of cognitive stimulating games that were played. In conclusion, this study suggests that teachers, therapists, etc. that work with adults with DS, should be sure to include a cognitive component in all activities.

ContributorsMyer, Brandon Michael (Author) / Ringenbach, Shannon (Thesis director) / Arnold, Nathanial (Committee member) / Morgan, Don (Committee member) / College of Health Solutions (Contributor, Contributor) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)
Created2021-05
Description

Cognitive functioning is an extremely crucial part of daily living. In individuals with Down Syndrome (DS) these tasks get even more challenging. The aim of this study is to determine the effects of Assisted Cycling Therapy (ACT) on cognitive functions in children with Down Syndrome (DS). This study examines the

Cognitive functioning is an extremely crucial part of daily living. In individuals with Down Syndrome (DS) these tasks get even more challenging. The aim of this study is to determine the effects of Assisted Cycling Therapy (ACT) on cognitive functions in children with Down Syndrome (DS). This study examines the change in cognitive functioning using tests like Reaction time, Tower of London, and Card Sorting over an eight week intervention. All seven participants in the study were assigned to complete the ACT intervention, in which they rode a stationary bike with the assistance of a motor to maintain a cadence of at least 35% greater than their voluntary cycling speed. All participants completed the ACT intervention but a few were unable to complete some cognitive functioning tests due to their intellectual abilities. Overall, the results of this study showed that information processing, task-switching and problem solving improved following the eight week ACT intervention. These results provided more scope for future research in this field which can be done by modifying the time period of the intervention, increasing sample size of the study as well as conducting additional cognitive function tests. The results of our study are discussed with respect to the upward regulation of neurotrophic factors which are involved in increasing the functioning within the prefrontal cortex following exercise intervention.

ContributorsParab, Sujan Rajesh (Author) / Ringenbach, Shannon (Thesis director) / Ofori, Edward (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / College of Health Solutions (Contributor)
Created2023-05
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There has been very little research conducted on the long-term effects of exercise on children with Down Syndrome (DS), however, there is some research on Assisted Cycle Therapy (ACT) in adolescents and adults with Down Syndrome and has found positive results on motor, cognitive and mental health measure. Therefore, a

There has been very little research conducted on the long-term effects of exercise on children with Down Syndrome (DS), however, there is some research on Assisted Cycle Therapy (ACT) in adolescents and adults with Down Syndrome and has found positive results on motor, cognitive and mental health measure. Therefore, a grant proposal was submitted to develop ACT Early, a pediatric version of the ACT bicycle, developed in conjunction with Theracycle, geared towards early intervention in children with DS rather than adults with DS. Once submitted, the reviewers sent back their comments of why they would not fund the development of ACT Early. The comments focused on what the parents/guardians would want for their children. Therefore, the purpose of this thesis was to create a questionnaire for parents/guardians so a new grant proposal can be created based on their input and to find the effects exercise and ACT has on children with Down Syndrome. After weeks of helping create the survey based on comments from reviewers of the previously submitted grant, I collected 70 questionnaires at several events in the community. Our results showed that the exercise regimen would be most appropriate for 7-9 year old’s for 2 days a week and 30-45 min per day. The type of exercise would be light intensity on an ACT Theracycle, and it will be done in a fitness/clinical setting. Other options that were suggested were to add music or a buddy to exercise with. Additionally, straps will be used on the Theracycle to ensure maximum safety and the results will be disseminated via emails, websites, in person and through journals. In conclusion, the hope is that the changes made to the study based on this survey of parent/guardian input will help fund the development of the ACT Early Theracycle for children. This is important because early intervention in children with neurological disorders can achieve their best quality of life as soon as possible and become independent, happy, and productive in our society.
ContributorsSpeckler, Rachelle Laura (Author) / Ringenbach, Shannon (Thesis director) / Simon, Holzapfel (Committee member) / College of Health Solutions (Contributor, Contributor) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)
Created2020-05
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This study examines the effectiveness of two modes of exercise on self-efficacy (SE) and exercise perception (EP) in adults with Down syndrome (DS). Thirteen participants attended four sessions: a baseline assessment, an Assisted Cycling Therapy (ACT) session, a resistance training (RT) session, and a session of no training (NT). In

This study examines the effectiveness of two modes of exercise on self-efficacy (SE) and exercise perception (EP) in adults with Down syndrome (DS). Thirteen participants attended four sessions: a baseline assessment, an Assisted Cycling Therapy (ACT) session, a resistance training (RT) session, and a session of no training (NT). In the baseline assessment, 1-repetition max (1RM) measurements and voluntary pedal rate measurements were taken. In the cycling intervention, the participant completed 30 minutes of assisted cycling at 35 percent greater than their voluntary pedaling rate. In the resistance training session, 2 sets of 8-12 repetitions of the leg press, chest press, seated row, leg curl, shoulder press, and latissimus pulldown were performed. During the session of no training, participants played board games with student researchers for 35 minutes.Two subsets of the Physical Activity and Self Efficacy Survey were administered prior to each session (i.e., pretest) and after the intervention (i.e., post-test). The results were consistent with the hypothesis that ACT would lead to higher SE than RT or NT. However, ACT did not lead to higher EP than RT or NT as hypothesized. Additionally, it was hypothesized that RT would lead to higher SE and EP than NT, but the results did not support this. In conclusion, an acute session of ACT demonstrated a significant trend for improved self-efficacy in adults with DS.
ContributorsOberbillig, Nicole (Author) / Ringenbach, Shannon (Thesis director) / Ofori, Edward (Committee member) / School of International Letters and Cultures (Contributor) / College of Health Solutions (Contributor) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)
Created2020-05
Description

The primary goal for this study is to assess and develop an understanding of the effects of Assisted Cycling Therapy (ACT) on self-efficacy and exercise perception of children with Down syndrome (DS). ACT is a stationary bicycle that has a mechanical motor that moves the pedals 35% faster than their

The primary goal for this study is to assess and develop an understanding of the effects of Assisted Cycling Therapy (ACT) on self-efficacy and exercise perception of children with Down syndrome (DS). ACT is a stationary bicycle that has a mechanical motor that moves the pedals 35% faster than their self-selected rate. This intervention continued for 30 minutes 2x/week for 8 weeks. A total of seven participants were assessed through the study, however, due to a variety of limitations only two participants completed pre and post testing questionnaires. Our results showed that self-efficacy improved following ACT. Both participants experiences improvement in their total self-efficacy score. However, only one participant showed improvement in exercise perception following the intervention. Interpretations of our results are analyzed in consideration with behavioral limitations that may be present within children with DS. Additionally, these results provided guidance for future research. These include alterations to the intervention time period, as well as the sample size of the study.

ContributorsJaslow, Jordan (Author) / Ringenbach, Shannon (Thesis director) / Yudell, Michael (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / College of Health Solutions (Contributor)
Created2023-05
Description
Why aren’t people with disabilities readily accepted into all aspects of the community and society? What are we missing out on? Even though inclusion is a civil right, people with disabilities are commonly discriminated against and excluded in all different aspects of society. We as a community are not affording individuals

Why aren’t people with disabilities readily accepted into all aspects of the community and society? What are we missing out on? Even though inclusion is a civil right, people with disabilities are commonly discriminated against and excluded in all different aspects of society. We as a community are not affording individuals with disabilities the opportunity to feel that they fully belong and have a purpose. Everyone deserves a chance to be understood and included, no matter the misconceptions or circumstances. The inclusion of people with disabilities affects all people. When we, as a community, readily accept and include individuals with disabilities, we all learn to value people’s differences and learn to see what each person has to offer. For my creative project, I conducted a 4-week virtual speakers series on disability and inclusion. Over the course of four weeks in September 2022 I hosted a virtual speakers series with a new speaker each week focusing on different topics. Topics discussed included self-advocacy, research on inclusion and early childhood development, inclusive sports, and IEP advocacy and inclusive education. My goal within this project and for society as a whole is for people with disabilities to be accepted and included without having to fight for it. People are afraid of what they don't know. If people with disabilities were more commonly included in the community, the fear would dissipate. People with disabilities would just be teammates, peers, and fellow employees. It would be a natural authentic everyday occurrence. I hope that society can work together to treat everyone the way they deserve to be treated.
ContributorsMaestretti, Tegan (Author) / Holzapfel, Simon (Thesis director) / Puruhito, Krista (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / College of Health Solutions (Contributor)
Created2022-12