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In 1937 Canadian neurosurgeon Wilder Penfield made the first to attempt to map the sensorimotor cortex of the human brain in his paper entitled Somatic Motor and Sensory Representation in the Cerebral Cortex of Man as Studied by Electrical Stimulation. While analogous experimentation had been carried out previously using animal subjects, Penfield sought to understand the delicate and complex neuronal pathways that served as the hidden control mechanisms for human activity. The motor homunculus that followed from his findings has been widely accepted as the standard model for the relative spatial representation of the functionality of the motor cortex, and has been virtually unaltered since its inception. While Penfield took measures to collect cortical data in a manner as accurately as scientifically possible for the time period, his original model is deserving of further analysis using modern techniques. This study uses functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to quantitatively determine motor function volumes and spatial relationships for four motor tasks: toe, finger, eyebrow, and tongue. Although Penfield's general representation of the superior-to-inferior spatial distribution of the motor cortex was replicated with reasonable accuracy, relative mean task volumes seem to differ from Penfield's original model. The data was first analyzed in each individual patient's native anatomical space for task comparison within a single subject. The volumes of the motor cortex devoted to the eyebrow and toe tasks, which comprise only small portions of the Penfield homunculus, are shown to be relatively large in their fMRI representation compared to finger and tongue. However, these tasks have large deviation values, indicating a lack of consistency in task volume size among patients. Behaviorally, toe movement may include whole foot movement in some individuals, and eyebrows may include face movement, causing distributions that are more widespread. The data was then analyzed in the Montreal Neurological Institute (MNI) space, which is mathematically normalized for task comparison between different subjects. Tongue and finger tasks were the largest in volume, much like Penfield's model. However, they also had substantial deviation, again indicating task volume size inconsistencies. Since the Penfield model is only a qualitative spatial evaluation of motor function along the precentral gyrus, numerical deviation from the model cannot necessarily be quantified. Hence, the results of this study can be interpreted standalone without a current comparison. While future research will serve to further validate these distances and volumes, this quantitative model of the functionality of the motor cortex will be of great utility for future neurological research and during preoperative evaluations of neurosurgical patients.
ContributorsOland, Gabriel Lee (Author) / Frakes, David (Thesis director) / Santello, Marco (Committee member) / Baxter, Leslie (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / Harrington Bioengineering Program (Contributor)
Created2013-05
Description
The purpose of this study was to explore how the phenomenon of familismo effects behavioral change within the Mexican-American family if one member of the family participates in an obesity prevention curriculum. The qualitative approach findings indicate that the principle of familismo regarding perceived responsibility to provide emotional support to family members regarding changes in physical activity and dietary habits. Participants reported that their families are eating healthier, since, they started the obesity prevention curriculum. The findings regarding physical activity were inconclusive. This study can help nurses, because it emphasizes the importance of promoting family involvement as a motivator for behavioral change, in terms of physical activity and healthy diet eating, within Mexican-American populations.
ContributorsRodriguez, Manuela (Author) / Stevens, Carol (Thesis director) / Perez, Adriana (Committee member) / Luft, Linda (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / Arizona State University. College of Nursing & Healthcare Innovation (Contributor)
Created2013-05
Description
Family planning educational programs offer a list of artificial contraceptive methods to couples wishing to avoid a pregnancy; however, many of these methods have disadvantages: many lead to negative individual and environmental health outcomes, do not promote a sense of fertility awareness in women and men, may be culturally incompatible with certain religious beliefs and worldviews, and do not take into account the full extent of family planning, which includes the ability to achieve as well as to avoid a pregnancy. Natural Family Planning (NFP) is a true method of family planning in that it offers to the couple the option to achieve as well as avoid a pregnancy. NFP methods holistically approach fertility by taking into account the woman's unique fertility cycle and patterns, the need for the couple to understand complex fertility issues, and the needs and family planning intentions of the couple as a whole. This thesis utilizes Evidence Based Practice in an effort to search the best literature regarding the effectiveness of Natural Family Planning methods to avoid a pregnancy, in comparison to the effectiveness of artificial contraceptive methods to avoid a pregnancy. If effectiveness rates are similar, it is reasonable for the health care profession to consider Natural Family Planning as a valid and reliable family planning method, to move towards further research on its effectiveness and benefits, and to implement a practice change by including it in family planning client education programs.
ContributorsBevilacqua, Angela Marie (Author) / Uriri-Glover, Johannah (Thesis director) / Milowski, Meredith (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / Arizona State University. College of Nursing & Healthcare Innovation (Contributor)
Created2013-12
Description
A previous study demonstrated that learning to lift an object is context-based and that in the presence of both the memory and visual cues, the acquired sensorimotor memory to manipulate an object in one context interferes with the performance of the same task in presence of visual information about a different context (Fu et al, 2012).
The purpose of this study is to know whether the primary motor cortex (M1) plays a role in the sensorimotor memory. It was hypothesized that temporary disruption of the M1 following the learning to minimize a tilt using a ‘L’ shaped object would negatively affect the retention of sensorimotor memory and thus reduce interference between the memory acquired in one context and the visual cues to perform the same task in a different context.
Significant findings were shown in blocks 1, 2, and 4. In block 3, subjects displayed insignificant amount of learning. However, it cannot be concluded that there is full interference in block 3. Therefore, looked into 3 effects in statistical analysis: the main effects of the blocks, the main effects of the trials, and the effects of the blocks and trials combined. From the block effects, there is a p-value of 0.001, and from the trial effects, the p-value is less than 0.001. Both of these effects indicate that there is learning occurring. However, when looking at the blocks * trials effects, we see a p-value of 0.002 < 0.05 indicating significant interaction between sensorimotor memories. Based on the results that were found, there is a presence of interference in all the blocks but not enough to justify the use of TMS in order to reduce interference because there is a partial reduction of interference from the control experiment. It is evident that the time delay might be the issue between context switches. By reducing the time delay between block 2 and 3 from 10 minutes to 5 minutes, I will hope to see significant learning to occur from the first trial to the second trial.
The purpose of this study is to know whether the primary motor cortex (M1) plays a role in the sensorimotor memory. It was hypothesized that temporary disruption of the M1 following the learning to minimize a tilt using a ‘L’ shaped object would negatively affect the retention of sensorimotor memory and thus reduce interference between the memory acquired in one context and the visual cues to perform the same task in a different context.
Significant findings were shown in blocks 1, 2, and 4. In block 3, subjects displayed insignificant amount of learning. However, it cannot be concluded that there is full interference in block 3. Therefore, looked into 3 effects in statistical analysis: the main effects of the blocks, the main effects of the trials, and the effects of the blocks and trials combined. From the block effects, there is a p-value of 0.001, and from the trial effects, the p-value is less than 0.001. Both of these effects indicate that there is learning occurring. However, when looking at the blocks * trials effects, we see a p-value of 0.002 < 0.05 indicating significant interaction between sensorimotor memories. Based on the results that were found, there is a presence of interference in all the blocks but not enough to justify the use of TMS in order to reduce interference because there is a partial reduction of interference from the control experiment. It is evident that the time delay might be the issue between context switches. By reducing the time delay between block 2 and 3 from 10 minutes to 5 minutes, I will hope to see significant learning to occur from the first trial to the second trial.
ContributorsHasan, Salman Bashir (Author) / Santello, Marco (Thesis director) / Kleim, Jeffrey (Committee member) / Helms Tillery, Stephen (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / W. P. Carey School of Business (Contributor) / Harrington Bioengineering Program (Contributor)
Created2014-05
Description
Abstract
Objective: The purpose of this literature review is to examine the most psychometrically sound (e.g., valid and reliable) instruments measuring physical activity (PA) so that reflection of preschool children’s activity and documentation of intervention effects on preschool child PA is accurate.
Methods: Rigorous validation and calibration studies and those studies designed to test the psychometric properties of PA measurement instruments were specifically sought out to include in this review. Articles were excluded if they did not include specific information about the validity and reliability of the PA measures used with preschool children.
Discussion: Of the six articles reviewed, the systematic review used the most rigorous protocols to conduct its review, yielding the highest level of evidence appraising several validation studies. Because Pfeiffer et al. (2006) utilized the most valid and reliable criterion measure (Cosmed® portable metabolic system), the validation study this research team conducted is deemed to have identified the most valid and reliable cut points to utilize when reducing accelerometry data.
Conclusion: Current cut-points vary widely and greatly affect the reported results of a study. Therefore, it is critical that authors reference validation studies used to support the cut-points that were employed in the data-reduction phase. Currently, validation methods have been identified using high quality criterion measures in rigorous validation studies and thus it is strongly recommended that those cut points be used in data reduction processes.
Objective: The purpose of this literature review is to examine the most psychometrically sound (e.g., valid and reliable) instruments measuring physical activity (PA) so that reflection of preschool children’s activity and documentation of intervention effects on preschool child PA is accurate.
Methods: Rigorous validation and calibration studies and those studies designed to test the psychometric properties of PA measurement instruments were specifically sought out to include in this review. Articles were excluded if they did not include specific information about the validity and reliability of the PA measures used with preschool children.
Discussion: Of the six articles reviewed, the systematic review used the most rigorous protocols to conduct its review, yielding the highest level of evidence appraising several validation studies. Because Pfeiffer et al. (2006) utilized the most valid and reliable criterion measure (Cosmed® portable metabolic system), the validation study this research team conducted is deemed to have identified the most valid and reliable cut points to utilize when reducing accelerometry data.
Conclusion: Current cut-points vary widely and greatly affect the reported results of a study. Therefore, it is critical that authors reference validation studies used to support the cut-points that were employed in the data-reduction phase. Currently, validation methods have been identified using high quality criterion measures in rigorous validation studies and thus it is strongly recommended that those cut points be used in data reduction processes.
ContributorsAcuna, Kelsey Manique (Author) / Jacobson, Diana (Thesis director) / Small, Leigh (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / Arizona State University. College of Nursing & Healthcare Innovation (Contributor) / W. P. Carey School of Business (Contributor)
Created2014-05
Description
This blog is to be used as a resource for communication
etworking and a tool for stress coping methods.
With this blog, it is my objective to aid my peers who might need help recognizing and coping with stress by the following methods:
a) Actualize the burden of Stress—Chronic stress is a burden and can be overwhelming if not managed. By disclosing my own stressors, it is my hope that peers will identify with me, so that I can then change the way they view and handle the stress.
b) Discuss the psychological and physical effects of stress on the body—It is my intent to clarify how unmanaged chronic stress can affect the physical and mental health and how acute stress is normal and healthy.
c) Share my coping methods that I have found effective in five minute or less videos with blurbs about how and why they are effective. I believe showing them to you in these mostly raw and unedited videos help maintain the current theme I am going for—keep things as real and raw as possible. Hopefully, these raw videos will help peers visualize working coping methods!
etworking and a tool for stress coping methods.
With this blog, it is my objective to aid my peers who might need help recognizing and coping with stress by the following methods:
a) Actualize the burden of Stress—Chronic stress is a burden and can be overwhelming if not managed. By disclosing my own stressors, it is my hope that peers will identify with me, so that I can then change the way they view and handle the stress.
b) Discuss the psychological and physical effects of stress on the body—It is my intent to clarify how unmanaged chronic stress can affect the physical and mental health and how acute stress is normal and healthy.
c) Share my coping methods that I have found effective in five minute or less videos with blurbs about how and why they are effective. I believe showing them to you in these mostly raw and unedited videos help maintain the current theme I am going for—keep things as real and raw as possible. Hopefully, these raw videos will help peers visualize working coping methods!
ContributorsLilley, Angela Marie (Author) / Stevens, Carol (Thesis director) / Borgiali, Daniela (Committee member) / Flucker, Ruth (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / Arizona State University. College of Nursing & Healthcare Innovation (Contributor)
Created2013-05
Description
This project focused on determining the nursing influences on first-time mothers during labor. Postpartum women at a local hospital participated by completing a reliable and valid questionnaire to rate the importance of specific nursing supportive behaviors during their labors. The data gathered from this research will provide insight to labor and delivery nurses about how to best care for their patients' emotional, physical, and informational needs
ContributorsKinney, Meghan Marie (Author) / Floegel, Theresa (Thesis director) / Jasper, Marcia (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / Arizona State University. College of Nursing & Healthcare Innovation (Contributor)
Created2013-12
Description
Electromyography (EMG) and Electroencephalography (EEG) are techniques used to detect electrical activity produced by the human body. EMG detects electrical activity in the skeletal muscles, while EEG detects electrical activity from the scalp. The purpose of this study is to capture different types of EMG and EEG signals and to determine if the signals can be distinguished between each other and processed into output signals to trigger events in prosthetics. Results from the study suggest that the PSD estimates can be used to compare signals that have significant differences such as the wrist, scalp, and fingers, but it cannot fully distinguish between signals that are closely related, such as two different fingers. The signals that were identified were able to be translated into the physical output simulated on the Arduino circuit.
ContributorsJanis, William Edward (Author) / LaBelle, Jeffrey (Thesis director) / Santello, Marco (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / Computer Science and Engineering Program (Contributor)
Created2013-12
Description
The stigma associated with mental illness has been and continues to be a considerable issue of concern in the care of persons with mental illness. Stigma affects not only those with mental illness, but also their families, healthcare personnel, the social community, and policy formation. Common themes of stigma associated with mental illness are fear, social rejection, stereotyping, negative impact, and a lack of knowledge and awareness of mental illness. Despite a more accurate understanding of mental illness, stigma still exists. Interventions to help reverse the stigma associated with mental illness include education, awareness and an environment of inclusion. Toward this end, a PowerPoint presentation will be gifted to Arizona State University College of Nursing to be shown during the psychiatric mental health rotation outlining mental illness and stigma, and what nurses and future nurses can do to combat this stigma.
ContributorsParsons, Chelsey (Author) / Fargotstein, Barbara (Thesis director) / Hosley, Brenda (Committee member) / Sayles, Judy (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / Arizona State University. College of Nursing & Healthcare Innovation (Contributor)
Created2014-12
Description
This creative project examines the effectiveness of several school based nutritional education and parent based programs along with multi-component interventions. Six published articles were reviewed and summarized to identify the most successful interventions to prevent childhood obesity. In addition to these studies other resources were examined to understand the developmental levels of school-aged and adolescent students. As part of this project a narrated power point covering the key aspects of the nutritional needs of the school-aged child was developed. This power point will be utilized by future nursing students whom are working with parents in the schools or in the community on nutrition strategies. The power point will provide a context for individual or group discussions with parents to offer helpful ideas on how to work effectively with their children. The topic of nutrition and obesity in school-aged children is a current topic in health care especially in environments where nutritional resources are limited. The overall outcome of this project will be to assist in decreasing the incidence of overweight and obese youth and the prevention of the development of premature chronic diseases especially in early adolescence and young adulthood.
ContributorsLopez, Leticia Marie (Author) / Hosley, Brenda (Thesis director) / Speer, Therese (Committee member) / Storto, Pamela (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / Arizona State University. College of Nursing & Healthcare Innovation (Contributor)
Created2014-12