Matching Items (67)
Description
Introduction: Less than half of U.S. adults meet the aerobic physical activity guidelines to exercise at least 150 minutes a week. An individual's decision to be physically active is influenced by their perceptions of physical activity. To address perceptions, interventions need to be implemented where adults spend one third of their day; the workplace. A number of physical activity interventions have been conducted and few have been successful at improving physical activity; therefore, there is a need to explore novel approaches to improve physical activity in the worksite. The purpose of this pilot study was to examine the impact of a seven-day gratitude intervention on perceptions of physical activity and happiness in the workplace. Methods: Full-time employees at two worksites participated in a seven-day online journaling study. Participants were randomized into the intervention (gratitude) or control group and were assessed for perceptions of physical activity and happiness at baseline, immediate post-test (day 7) and one-week follow-up (day 14). Results: Results of this study indicate that the seven-day gratitude intervention may not significantly improve perceptions of physical activity or increase happiness. Future research should consider assessing the individual's readiness for change at baseline, increasing the length of the intervention, testing participant level of gratitude at baseline and employing a larger sample size.
ContributorsRowedder, Lacey (Author) / Huberty, Jennifer (Thesis advisor) / Chisum, Jack (Committee member) / Lee, Chong (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2014
Description
While obesity rates have plateaued within the last decade,
two-thirds of the United States
population is currently classified as overweight (defined a
s a body mass index [BMI] of
25-29.9 kg/m²) or obese (a BMI greater than 30 kg/m²). Bariatric
surgical interventions
are not only more effective than behavioral treatments
in the short term but are the only
form of obesity intervention with evidence of consisten
t long-term effectiveness.
However, even among bariatric surgery patients, weight
loss often stabilizes and it is
estimated that more than 20% of bariatric surgery patient
s will regain a significant
amount of weight that was initially lost long-term. Li
ttle research to date has been
conducted on physical activity in post bariatric surgery pati
ents. More specifically, there
have been no studies to date examining the effects of Me
ditative Movement (MM)
programs on body composition in bariatric patients. A s
tudy using an 8-week Tai Chi
Easy program was conducted in female gastric bypass patient
s to explore feasibility of
MM in the bariatric population as well as pre- and post-in
tervention changes in weight,
mindfulness, eating behaviors, body awareness, physical a
ctivity patterns, dietary quality
and mood. Data analysis revealed that there were no s
ignificant changes in weight or
physical activity patterns; however, significant changes w
ere observed in anxiety, overall
body awareness and cognitive restraint in eating. Addit
ionally, a significant decrease in
processed meat consumption and a weak trend towards increa
sed consumption of fruits
may suggest an overall improvement in dietary quality.
two-thirds of the United States
population is currently classified as overweight (defined a
s a body mass index [BMI] of
25-29.9 kg/m²) or obese (a BMI greater than 30 kg/m²). Bariatric
surgical interventions
are not only more effective than behavioral treatments
in the short term but are the only
form of obesity intervention with evidence of consisten
t long-term effectiveness.
However, even among bariatric surgery patients, weight
loss often stabilizes and it is
estimated that more than 20% of bariatric surgery patient
s will regain a significant
amount of weight that was initially lost long-term. Li
ttle research to date has been
conducted on physical activity in post bariatric surgery pati
ents. More specifically, there
have been no studies to date examining the effects of Me
ditative Movement (MM)
programs on body composition in bariatric patients. A s
tudy using an 8-week Tai Chi
Easy program was conducted in female gastric bypass patient
s to explore feasibility of
MM in the bariatric population as well as pre- and post-in
tervention changes in weight,
mindfulness, eating behaviors, body awareness, physical a
ctivity patterns, dietary quality
and mood. Data analysis revealed that there were no s
ignificant changes in weight or
physical activity patterns; however, significant changes w
ere observed in anxiety, overall
body awareness and cognitive restraint in eating. Addit
ionally, a significant decrease in
processed meat consumption and a weak trend towards increa
sed consumption of fruits
may suggest an overall improvement in dietary quality.
ContributorsSmith, Lisa L. (Author) / Larkey, Linda K (Thesis advisor) / Ainsworth, Barbara (Committee member) / Chisum, Jack (Committee member) / Ohri-Vachaspati, Punam (Committee member) / McClain, Darya (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2014
Description
ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to determine the energy cost of four modes of resistance training (push-ups, pull-ups, curl-ups, lunges). Twelve well trained men aged 23.6 (SD=2.84) years were recruited to participate in the study. Each of the 12 men completed three trials of each of the four exercises on one visit to the laboratory lasting slightly over one hour (M=72 min, SD=5.9 min). The oxygen consumption of the men was monitored constantly throughout the trial and data was recorded every five seconds. Mean VO2 values were calculated for each exercise. The values for push-ups (M=11.57 ml/kg/min, SD=1.99), curl-ups (M=10.99 ml/kg/min, SD=1.48), pull-ups (M=10.87 ml/kg/min, SD=2.51), and lunges (M=14.18 ml/kg/min, SD=1.78) were converted to METs (Metabolic Equivalents). The MET values (3.31, 3.14, 3.11, and 4.05 respectively) all fall within the range of moderate intensity activity. The findings of this study show that a single set of any of the above exercises will qualify as a moderate intensity activity and can be used to meet recommendations on daily physical activity.
ContributorsVezina, Jesse (Author) / Ainsworth, Barbara (Thesis advisor) / Campbell, Kathryn (Committee member) / Woodruff, Larry (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2011
Description
Introduction: Several faith-based or faith-placed programs have focused on the physical dimension of wellness in efforts to improve health by increasing physical activity and improving diet behaviors. However, these programs were not designed to intervene on the mental dimension of wellness which is critical for stress reduction and health behavior change. Purpose: To evaluate the feasibility of a spirituality-based stress reduction and health behavior change intervention using the Spiritual Framework of Coping (SFC) model. Methods: This study was a quasi-experimental one group pretest posttest design. The study was a total of eight weeks conducted at a non-denominational Christian church. Participants were recruited from the church through announcements and flyers. The Optimal Health program met once a week for 1.5 hours with weekly phone calls during an additional four week follow-up period. Feasibility was assessed by the acceptability, demand, implementation, practicality, integration, and limited efficacy of the program. Analysis: Frequencies for demographics were assessed. Statistical analyses of feasibility objectives were assessed by frequencies and distribution of responses to feasibility evaluations. Limited efficacy of pretest and posttest measures were conducted using paired t-test (p <.05). Results: The Optimal Health Program was positively accepted by participants. The demand for the program was shown with average attendance of 78.7%. The program was successfully implemented as shown by meeting session objectives and 88% homework completion. The program was both practical for the intended participants and was successfully integrated within the existing environment. Limited efficacy changes within the program were mostly non-significant. Conclusion: This study tested the feasibility of implementing the Optimal Health program that specifically targeted the structural components of the Spiritual Framework of Coping Model identified to create meaning making and enhance well-being. This program may ultimately be used to help individuals improve and balance the spiritual, mental, and physical dimensions of wellness. However, length of study and limited efficacy measures will need to be reevaluated for program success.
ContributorsWalker, Jenelle R (Author) / Swan, Pamela (Thesis advisor) / Ainsworth, Barbara (Committee member) / Chisum, Jack (Committee member) / Fleury, Julie (Committee member) / Hooker, Steven (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2012
Description
The health enhancing effects of physical activity are well documented in the literature. However, women continue to report lower participation in exercise and physical activity (PA) compared to men. As women age an overall trend in decreased activity is observed. The primary place of activity reported in women is the home and one of the most commonly reported reasons for lack of physical activity is the lack of time. Few instruments have been developed that focus on the activity patterns of women. The Cross Cultural Physical Activity Study that this study was based on targeted women of color to assess the types of activity and constraints to activity experienced by African American and Native American women over 40 years old. This secondary data analysis focused on the psychometric properties of two scales used in the above study, The Physical Recreation Questionnaire (PRQ) and The Typical Week Physical Activity Survey (TWPAS). An exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was conducted on the 18 items from the Physical Recreation Questionnaire (PRQ) which focused on constraints to PA. The results of the EFA were a poor fit of a two factor model. The three factor model had a favorable fit in the EFA. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was then conducted on the 18 items in the PRQ. Results of the CFA supported the presence of three latent variables: enjoyment of PA, constraints to PA, and negotiation of constraints to PA. The Typical Week Physical Activity Survey (TWPAS) is a 35 item measure of moderate PA that includes the activities most often reported by women. The purpose of the TWPAS was to capture habitual PA that might not be recorded in other PA questionnaires. The TWPAS was correlated with criterion measures of PA records, treadmill, accelerometer, and BMI. Although correlations were small, they were in the expected direction with the criterion measures. The evaluation of the instruments supported the presence of the construct of constraints to PA in the PRQ and the measurement of moderate intensity PA in the TWPAS.
ContributorsBishop, Jewel (Author) / Ainsworth, Barbara (Thesis advisor) / Komnenich, Pauline (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2012
Description
Pitchers are a vital part of the game of baseball and may account for up to two-thirds of the variance in win percentage. As they rise through the ranks of competition, physical skill set becomes less of a factor when compared to mentality. Pitchers are the “first line of defense” for keeping opponents from having an opportunity to score, as well as for holding onto their own team’s lead. Baseball pitchers not only face pressure to perform, but also experience stress from factors such as low pay, adjusting to higher levels of competition, and internal team competition for a limited number of spots. Athletes are often resistant to seeking aid from sport psychologists and often turn to unfavorable means to cope (i.e. drugs/alcohol, excessive exercise) with stress instead. Meditation has been shown to have beneficial effects on psychological factors associated with performance including emotional regulation, anxiety, confidence, focus, and mindfulness. Mobile applications have become a popular means of delivering mindfulness. The purpose of this study was to determine the feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of delivering a mindful meditation intervention using a mobile meditation application to improve psychological factors associated with performance (i.e. emotional regulation, anxiety (somatic and cognitive), confidence, focus, mindfulness) to minor league baseball pitchers. Pitchers in instructional league (Phase one) and off season (Phase two) were asked to meditate daily for 10-minutes each day for three weeks (Phase one) and eight weeks (Phase two). Pitchers were asked to complete self-report questionnaires and satisfaction surveys at pre- and post-intervention. Pitchers in phase one reported enjoying meditation, had improvements in self-confidence and sport confidence, and reported moderate decreases in cognitive anxiety and concentration disruption. Pitchers in phase two also enjoyed meditating (94.7%) and had improvements in self-confidence and moderate decreases in somatic anxiety. Low adherence due to timing (off-season) of intervention may have been a contributing factor to fewer outcomes. Future research should explore the feasibility and effectiveness of implementing meditation during the baseball season.
ContributorsDowling, Tiffany (Author) / Huberty, Jennifer (Thesis advisor) / Ransdell, Lynda (Committee member) / Buman, Matthew (Committee member) / Michel, Jesse (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2018
Description
Features of the built environment (BE) are related to a wide range of health factors, including leisure-time physical activity (PA) and active forms of transportation. For working adults, worksite neighborhood is likely an important BE to better understand the impact of various factors on PA patterns. Compared to home neighborhood walkability research, worksite walkability has received relatively less attention. The objective of this project was to identify if worksite walkability was significantly associated with PA behavior.
Aims: to evaluate 1) the PA variation explained by work walkability, 2) the moderating effects of person-level characteristics to the relationship between PA and work walkability, and 3) the differences in the rate of change in PA over time by worksite walkability.
Methods: self-report and accelerometer measured PA at baseline (aim 1, 2); longitudinal accelerometer PA during the initial 56 days of a behavioral intervention (aim 3). Adults were generally healthy and reported part- or full-time employment with a geocodeable address outside the home. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) measured walkability followed established techniques (i.e., residential, intersection, and transit densities, and land-use-mix).
Results: On average, worksite walkability did not show direct relationships with PA (aim 1); yet certain person-level characteristics moderated the relationships: sex, race, and not having young children in the household (aim 2). During 56 days of intervention, the PA rate of change over time showed no evidence of a moderating effect by worksite walkability.
Discussion: Worksite walkability was generally not shown to relate to the overall PA. However, specific subgroups (women, those without young children) appeared more responsive to their worksite neighborhood walkability. Prior literature shows certain demographics respond differently with various BE exposures, and this study adds a potentially novel moderator of interest regarding young children at home. Understanding who benefits from access to walkable BE may inform targeted interventions and policy to improve PA levels and foster health equity.
Aims: to evaluate 1) the PA variation explained by work walkability, 2) the moderating effects of person-level characteristics to the relationship between PA and work walkability, and 3) the differences in the rate of change in PA over time by worksite walkability.
Methods: self-report and accelerometer measured PA at baseline (aim 1, 2); longitudinal accelerometer PA during the initial 56 days of a behavioral intervention (aim 3). Adults were generally healthy and reported part- or full-time employment with a geocodeable address outside the home. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) measured walkability followed established techniques (i.e., residential, intersection, and transit densities, and land-use-mix).
Results: On average, worksite walkability did not show direct relationships with PA (aim 1); yet certain person-level characteristics moderated the relationships: sex, race, and not having young children in the household (aim 2). During 56 days of intervention, the PA rate of change over time showed no evidence of a moderating effect by worksite walkability.
Discussion: Worksite walkability was generally not shown to relate to the overall PA. However, specific subgroups (women, those without young children) appeared more responsive to their worksite neighborhood walkability. Prior literature shows certain demographics respond differently with various BE exposures, and this study adds a potentially novel moderator of interest regarding young children at home. Understanding who benefits from access to walkable BE may inform targeted interventions and policy to improve PA levels and foster health equity.
ContributorsHurley, Jane Cathleen (Author) / Adams, Marc A (Thesis advisor) / Todd, Mike (Committee member) / Hooker, Steven P (Committee member) / Ohri-Vachaspati, Punam (Committee member) / Ainsworth, Barbara (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2019
Description
College students experience a considerable amount of stress. Unmanaged stress is associated with poor academic performance, health risk behaviors (i.e., inadequate sleep and physical activity, alcohol consumption, poor dietary behaviors), and poor mental health. Coping with stress has become a priority among universities. The most tested stress-related programs to date have been mindfulness-based and face-to-face. These programs demonstrated significant improvements in stress, mindfulness, and self-compassion among college students. However, they may be burdensome to students as studies report low attendance and low compliance due to class conflicts or not enough time. Few interventions have used more advanced technologies (i.e., mobile apps) as a mode of delivery. The purpose of this study is to report adherence to a consumer-based mindfulness meditation mobile application (i.e., Calm) and test its effects on stress, mindfulness, and self-compassion in college students. We will also explore what the relationship is between mindfulness and health behaviors.
College students were recruited using fliers on college campus and social media. Eligible participants were randomized to one of two groups: (1) Intervention - meditate using Calm, 10 min/day for eight weeks and (2) Control – no participation in mindfulness practices (received the Calm application after 12-weeks). Stress, mindfulness, and self-compassion and health behaviors (i.e., sleep disturbance, alcohol consumption, physical activity, fruit and vegetable consumption) were measured using self-report. Outcomes were measured at baseline and week eight.
Of the 109 students that enrolled in the study, 41 intervention and 47 control participants were included in analysis. Weekly meditation participation averaged 38 minutes with 54% of participants completing at least half (i.e., 30 minutes) of meditations. Significant changes between groups were found in stress, mindfulness, and self-compassion (all P<0.001) in favor of the intervention group. A significant negative association (p<.001) was found between total mindfulness and sleep disturbance.
An eight-week consumer-based mindfulness meditation mobile application (i.e., Calm) was effective in reducing stress, improving mindfulness and self-compassion among undergraduate college students. Mobile applications may be a feasible, effective, and less burdensome way to reduce stress in college students.
College students were recruited using fliers on college campus and social media. Eligible participants were randomized to one of two groups: (1) Intervention - meditate using Calm, 10 min/day for eight weeks and (2) Control – no participation in mindfulness practices (received the Calm application after 12-weeks). Stress, mindfulness, and self-compassion and health behaviors (i.e., sleep disturbance, alcohol consumption, physical activity, fruit and vegetable consumption) were measured using self-report. Outcomes were measured at baseline and week eight.
Of the 109 students that enrolled in the study, 41 intervention and 47 control participants were included in analysis. Weekly meditation participation averaged 38 minutes with 54% of participants completing at least half (i.e., 30 minutes) of meditations. Significant changes between groups were found in stress, mindfulness, and self-compassion (all P<0.001) in favor of the intervention group. A significant negative association (p<.001) was found between total mindfulness and sleep disturbance.
An eight-week consumer-based mindfulness meditation mobile application (i.e., Calm) was effective in reducing stress, improving mindfulness and self-compassion among undergraduate college students. Mobile applications may be a feasible, effective, and less burdensome way to reduce stress in college students.
ContributorsGlissmann, Christine (Author) / Huberty, Jennifer (Thesis advisor) / Sebren, Ann (Committee member) / Larkey, Linda (Committee member) / Lee, Chong (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2018
Description
Urinary sucrose and fructose has been suggested as a predictive biomarker of total sugars intake based on research involving UK adults. The purpose of this study was to determine the association between total sugars consumption and 24-hour urinary sucrose and fructose (24uSF) in US adult population and to investigate the effect of physical activity on this association. Fifty seven free-living healthy subjects 20 to 68 years old, participated in a 15-day highly controlled feeding study, consuming their habitual diet, provided by the research metabolic kitchen. Dietary sugars were estimated using Nutrition Data System for Research (NDSR). Subjects collected eight 24-hour urine samples measured for urinary sucrose and fructose. Physical activity was assessed daily using a validated 15-day log that inquired about 38 physical activities across six domains; home activities, transportation, occupation, conditioning, sports and leisure. The mean total sugars intake and added sugars intake of the sample was 112.2 (33.1) g/day and 65.8 (29.0) g/day (9.7%EI), respectively. Significant moderate positive correlation was found between 15-d mean total sugars intake and 8-day mean 24uSF (r = 0.56, p < 0.001). Similarly, added sugars were moderately correlated with 24uSF (r = 0.56, p < 0.001), while no correlation was found between naturally-occurring sugars and 24uSF (r = 0.070, p < 0.001). In a linear multiple regression, total and added sugars each explained 30% of variability in 24uSF (Adjusted R2, p value; total sugars: 0.297, 0.001; added sugars: 0.301, p < 0.001). Physical activity had no effect on the association between dietary and urinary sugars in neither the correlation nor the linear regression analysis. 24uSF can be used as a biomarker for total and added sugars consumption in US adults, although its predictability was weaker compared to findings involving UK adults. No evidence was found showing that physical activity levels affect the association between 24uSF and total sugars intake in US adults. More detailed investigation through future feeding studies including subjects with wide range of sugars intake and of different ethnic/racial backgrounds are needed to better understand the characteristics of the biomarker and its uses.
ContributorsMohan, Chitra (Author) / Tasevska, Natasha (Thesis advisor) / Ainsworth, Barbara (Committee member) / Johnston, Carol (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2019
Description
Background: The purpose of this study was to determine the acceptability of a survey for MPN patients about: a) how patients with MPN cancer perceive information relayed from their healthcare providers in regards to integrative medicine and b) how patients use integrative medicine modalities to cope with their symptom burden (i.e. fatigue, headaches, abdominal discomfort). Additionally, we assessed what MPN patients thought about the survey (i.e., questions asked, how it could be modified, acceptability). This paper presents the patient's assessment of the survey. This information will be used to finalize the survey and distribute nationally to address integrative medicine and symptom burden in MPN patients. Methods: The survey was taken by 366, English speaking patients previously diagnosed with essential thrombocythemia, polycythemia vera, or myelofibrosis (primary and post polycythemia vera/post essential thrombocythemia) and ages 18 or older. The survey had XX questions and took approximately 20 minutes to complete. Acceptability questions were qualitatively analyzed and used to construct recurring themes and modifications for the final MPN Integrative Survey. Results: The following themes were recurrent in the acceptability responses; MPN symptom burden comments, views on healthcare, comments about demographics, and requests for survey modifications. When asked which Integrative Therapies have been used to treat symptom burden, participants most commonly named guidance therapy (i.e. counseling, prayer), physiotherapy ,and supplements administered orally, intravenously, intramuscularly, and topically. Conclusions: These results suggest this survey is an acceptable and feasible tool for MPN patients to assess how patients with MPN cancer perceive information relayed from their healthcare providers in regards to integrative medicine, and how patients use integrative medicine modalities to cope with their symptom burden. These findings also provide a better understanding of what facilitates and prevents MPN patients from using Integrative Medicine to treat MPN symptoms, as well as suggests useful survey modifications to inform the final MPN Integrative Survey.
ContributorsLebowitz, Nicole (Author) / Huberty, Jennifer (Thesis director) / Gowin, Krisstina (Committee member) / School of Nutrition and Health Promotion (Contributor) / School of Human Evolution and Social Change (Contributor) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)
Created2016-05