College of Education
Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/10877/17049
Browse
Browsing College of Education by Department "Health and Human Performance"
Now showing 1 - 20 of 67
Results Per Page
Sort Options
Item A Comparison of Blood Viscosity and Hematocrit Levels between Yoga Practitioners and Sedentary Adults(Berkeley Electronic Press, 2019-01) Shadiow, James; Tarumi, Takashi; Dhindsa, Mandeep; Hunter, Stacy D.Elevations in whole blood viscosity (WBV) and hematocrit (Hct), have been linked with increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Endurance training has been demonstrated to lower WBV and Hct; however, evidence supporting the efficacy of yoga on these measures is sparse. A cross-sectional study was conducted examining WBV and Hct levels between yoga practitioners with a minimum of 3 years of consistent practice and sedentary, healthy adults. Blood samples were collected from a total of 42 participants: 23 sedentary adults and 19 regular yoga practitioners. Brachial arterial blood pressure (BP) was measured and the averages of 3 measures were reported. The yoga practitioner group had significantly lower WBV at 45 s-1 (p < 0.01), 90 s-1 (p < 0.01), 220 s-1 (p < 0.05), and 450 s-1 (p < 0.05) than sedentary participants. No significant group differences in Hct (p =0.38) were found. A tendency toward lower systolic BP (p=0.06) was observed in the yoga practitioner group; however, no significant group differences in BP were exhibited. A consistent yoga practice was associated with lower WBV, a health indicator related to CVD risk. These findings support a regular yoga practice as a valid form of exercise for improving rheological indicators of cardiovascular health.Item "A Piece of Sanity in the Midst of Insane Times": Girls on the Run Programming to Promote Physical Activity and Psychosocial Well-Being During the COVID-19 Pandemic(Frontiers Media, 2021-10-11) Weiss, Maureen R.; Kipp, Lindsay; Riley, AllisonAfterschool programs have the potential to promote social, emotional, and physical health outcomes among youth participants. The positive youth development (PYD) framework argues that acquiring desirable attitudes and behaviors occurs when skill-building opportunities are explicitly provided within a safe and supportive climate guided by caring, competent, and compassionate instructors. Girls on the Run (GOTR) is a PYD program that uses running, motor skills, and other physical activities as a platform for promoting positive psychosocial outcomes and life skills learning among elementary- and middle school-aged girls. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic challenged GOTR to modify lessons, coach training, and program delivery (in-person, virtual, or hybrid) to accommodate public health guidelines. The purpose of this study was to assess caregivers’ and coaches’ perceptions of program effectiveness in light of these changes. Following the Fall 2020 season, caregivers (n = 1,617) and coaches (n = 991) from 1,077 teams and 39 councils completed an online survey about program experiences. Both stakeholder groups positively rated program impact regardless of delivery mode, although in-person mode was rated higher for satisfaction with the end-of-season event. Thematic analysis of open-ended responses revealed that caregivers and coaches identified increased physical activity opportunities and life skills learning as well as improved social, psychological, and emotional development as a result of participating. Both stakeholders noted GOTR provided a sense of normalcy during this time of great need. Findings using mixed methods provide evidence of program effectiveness and recommendations for youth programming during challenging times.Item A Quantitative Comparison of Two Biomechanics Concept Inventory Versions(2019-07) Wallace, Brian J.; Knudson, Duane V.This study quantified student responses between two different versions (1 and 3) of the Biomechanics Concept Inventory (BCI) assessment. Fifty students from a comprehensive university in the USA took both BCI versions on the first (pre) and last (post) day of an introductory undergraduate biomechanics course. Students scored significantly higher on BCI 3 for the post-test and gain score (i.e.: difference between pre and post). Eight of the twelve competency areas resulted in significantly different correct scores between versions. Correlations of competencies between versions ranged from -0.13 to 0.43, however, only two were significant. Discriminant analysis of the competency areas determined that BCI 1 predicted overall assessment performance better than BCI 3. The disparate results between versions should be considered in determining which to use.Item Achilles Tendon Cross Sectional Area Changes Over a Division I NCAA Cross Country Season(Berkeley Electronic Press, 2017-12) Sponbeck, Joshua K.; Perkins, Candace L.; Berg, Matthew J.; Rigby, Justin H.Tracking Achilles tendon cross sectional area (CSA) changes may help clinicians understand exercise adaptations and Achilles tendon injury mechanisms. To track adaptations in the Achilles tendon in response to a cross country season. DESIGN: Longitudinal study. Musculoskeletal (MSK) ultrasound images were obtained in a research laboratory. Cross country athletes ran with no restrictions outdoors and indoors. Participants were Division I NCAA cross country athletes (N = 24, age = 19.9 ± 2.1 years, mass = 61.32 ± 20.16 kg, height = 168.92 ± 17.16 cm, sex = 8 males and 16 females). Achilles tendon CSA was obtained through MSK ultrasound imaging at a pre-season baseline measurement, every 3 weeks throughout the season, and at post-season for a total of 4 measurements. Participants followed their normal running regimen outlined by their cross country coach. The dependent variable was Achilles tendon CSA measured by ultrasound imaging. We used a repeated measures ANCOVA to determine differences in CSA over the cross country season. CSA increased from baseline (0.439 ± .081 cm), to 0.466 ± 0.096 cm at 3-weeks, to 0.471 ± 0.092 cm 6-weeks, and decreased to 0.451 ± 0.104 cm at the post-season measurement. The 3-week and 6-week measures significantly increased from baseline (F3,72 = 8.575, p < .001). Achilles tendon CSA increased during the cross country season, but returned to baseline values at the end of a cross country season. Clinicians should be aware of the changing nature of the Achilles tendon CSA when treating cross country runners.Item Active Learning and Student Beliefs About Learning(International Society of Biomechanics in Sport Conference, 2019-07) Knudson, Duane V.This study documented the potential change in student epistemology of learning biomechanical concepts over a 5-week introductory biomechanics course implementing low-tech AL exercises. Twenty-five students agreed to participate and completed a pre- and post-test consisting of the Biomechanics Concept Inventory version 2 and two questions on their perceptions about the nature of learning. The active learning instruction increased mastery of biomechanical concepts over levels previously reported for lecture alone. Most students had positive perceptions of active learning experiences, however, some (4-12%) students had negative perceptions and decreased their interest in working with other students. Student epistemology did not change over the course and was not related to mastery of biomechanics concepts.Item Active learning classroom design and student engagement: An exploratory study(University of North Carolina at Greensboro, 2021-02) Odum, Mary; Meaney, Karen; Knudson, Duane V.Three student engagement measures were collected for a class taught by an experienced instructor in two active learning classrooms with dissimilar seating arrangements. Student perception of engagement was similar between the learning spaces. However, instructor perception and researcher observation indicated greater engagement in the classroom with mobile tables compared to the classroom with mobile desks. STROBE classroom observations indicated qualitatively different student-to-student (8% greater), student-to-instructor (3% greater), and student self- (6.5% less) engagement in the mobile table classroom over the mobile desks classroom. Instructor and student perceptions may interact to affect student engagement with various designs of active learning classrooms.Item Active Learning Training and Classroom Renovation: Exploring Student and Faculty Perceptions in Health and Human Performance Disciplines(University of North Carolina at Greensboro, 2020-01) Odum, Mary; Meaney, Karen; Knudson, Duane V.Active learning spaces form an important part of university learning environments and have the potential to enhance student learning, yet studies on student and faculty perceptions of collaborative learning pedagogies indicate many remain resistant. To overcome this resistance, an academic department developed and implemented an active learning initiative to assist faculty transiting to teach in a classroom newly renovated for active learning pedagogies. Five semi-structured focus groups explored perceptions of faculty and students in the inaugural classes in the renovated space to identify what they perceived enhanced or detracted from faculty delivery of content and student learning experiences. Thematic analysis revealed three themes: Positive improvements in the physical classroom environment, enhanced student engagement, and improved instructional methodology because of faulty training and classroom renovation. Key findings indicated primarily positive perceptions of the renovated physical environment, especially the tables and mobile white boards; however, participants also noted some frustrations with the furniture, classroom layout, and technology influencing student engagement and effectiveness of active learning strategies. Overall, data supported the conclusion that the classroom renovation and faculty training program effectively facilitated positive learning experiences and student-instructor interactions.Item Active Shooter Training Drill Increases Blood and Salivary Markers of Stress(Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute, 2020-07-13) McAllister, Matthew; Martaindale, M. Hunter; Renteria, Liliana I.Police officers are frequently engaged in a variety of high-stress scenarios, such as high-speed chases and other suspect conflicts, that cause significant increases in a variety of physiological and psychological stress markers. The purpose of this study was to investigate salivary and blood markers of stress in response to an active shooter training drill (ASD). Thirty-one participants (n = 31; males = 15, females = 16; Age: 21 ± 3.5 years) participated in an ASD involving professional actors playing the role of one active gunman, as well as four victims. The ASD lasted approximately 50 s. Blood samples were collected 15 min prior as well as after the ASD and analyzed for epinephrine (EPI) and norepinephrine (NE) levels. Saliva samples were collected 30 and 5 min prior to the ASD and 5 and 30 min after the ASD, were analyzed for cortisol, α-amylase, and secretory immunoglobulin-A (SigA). The ASD resulted in significant (p < 0.05) increases in EPI, α-amylase, and SigA levels. The increase in NE from pre to post ASD approached significance (p = 0.06). These results demonstrate that a short duration (~50 s) ASD results in significant increases in both blood and salivary markers of stress. These data may provide meaningful implications for those engaged in high-stress tactical occupations, especially law enforcement and military personnel, as chronic exposure to such occupational stressors can contribute to cardiometabolic disease.Item African-American Fathers’ Perspectives on Their Children’s Health Education: A Qualitative, Exploratory Study(Frontiers Media, 2014-12) Odum, Mary; Smith, Matthew Lee; McKyer, E Lisako JPurpose: To investigate African-American fathers’ (AAF) perceptions regarding the applicability and need for their involvement as a health connection for their children and describe how participating fathers’ behavior was affected by their attitudes, knowledge, and perceptions of their influence on their children’s health. Methods: This exploratory study gathered data via semi-structured focus groups (n = 3) and thematically analyzed it utilizing a grounded theory approach. Participants included AAF (n = 20) with a mean age of 37 years (SD 11.79), with at least one child between 6 and 18 years old. Results: Four major themes were revealed: (1) appropriate health education for participants’ children (should first and foremost be delivered by parents); (2) participants’ paternal health-related guidance approach (reactive, rather than proactive); (3) participants’ perceived influences on health-related communication with their children (gender roles, efficacy constraints); and (4) paternal definitions of health (most often associated with diet). Conclusion: Understanding AAFs’ perceived and desired role in their children’s health edification can inform initiatives that actively engage these men, and nurture their level of involvement, to promote positive health behaviors among their children; this is necessary to realize their potential to actively improve the health of their children, families, and communities.Item Anthropometric, Body Composition, and Morphological Lower Limb Asymmetries in Elite Soccer Players: A Prospective Cohort Study(Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute, 2020-02) Mala, Lucia; Maly, Tomas; Cabell, Lee; Hank, Mikulas; Bujnovsky, David; Zahalka, FrantisekThe aim of this study was to identify and compare parameters related to anthropometry, body composition (BC), and morphological asymmetry in elite soccer players in nine age categories at the same soccer club (n = 355). We used a bio-impedance analyzer to measure the following indicators of BC: body height (BH); body mass (BM); relative fat-free mass (FFMr); percentage of fat mass (FM); and bilateral muscle mass differences in the lower extremities (BLD∆). Age showed a significant influence on all parameters observed (F64,1962 = 9.99, p = 0.00, λ = 14.75, η2p = 0.25). Adolescent players (from U16 through adults) had lower FM values (<10%) compared to players in the U12-U15 categories (>10%). The highest FFMr was observed in the U18 category. Players in the U12 and U13 categories showed more homogenous values compared to older players. With increasing age, significantly higher FFMr was observed in the lower extremities. An inter-limb comparison of the lower extremities showed significant differences in the U17 category (t27 = 2.77, p = 0.01) and in adult players (t68 = 5.02, p = 0.00). Our results suggest that the end of height growth occurs around the age of 16 years, while weight continues to increase until 20 years. This increase is not linked to decreasing FM, nor to the FFMr, which remains stable. We found morphological asymmetries between limbs in players of the U17 category and in adult players.Item Barbell Squat Relative Strength as an Identifier for Lower Extremity Injury in Collegiate Athletes(National Strength and Conditioning Association, 2020-05) Case, Marcus J.; Knudson, Duane V.; Downey, Darcy L.The aim of the study was to determine the efficacy of using the relative strength level of Division I athletes in One repetition maximum (1RM) barbell back squat as an identifier of seasonal lower extremity (LE) injury. One repetition maximum back squat (kg) and reported LE injuries were retrospectively collected for Division I male football (n = 46), female volleyball and softball athletes (n = 25). Maximum preseason relative (body mass normalized) back squat strength values were compared with 2 analyses of variance (p < 0.05) between injured and uninjured male (football) and female athletes (softball & volleyball). Relative back squat strength was significantly lower in injured athletes than uninjured athletes in both men (F = 6.03, p = 0.02) and women (F = 4.68, p = 0.04) with a moderate to large effect size (g = 0.86–0.85). These data indicate the potential of 1RM back squat relative strength serving as one tool in multi-factor preseason screening for LE injury risk in these sports. Male athletes with relative squat strength below 2.2 and female athletes below 1.6 in these sports could be more susceptible to LE injury over a season. Strength professionals should consider using body mass normalized 1RM back squats as a screening tool for seasonal LE injury risk in college athletes.Item Biomechanics students’ academic performance before and during the COVID-19 pandemic(2022-04) Hsieh, Cheng Tu; Knudson, Duane V.This study examines students’ academic performance before and after the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic and associations with performance in introductory biomechanics. Two intact undergraduate biomechanics classes were retrospectively examined: One with in-person instruction (IPI) two semesters before the outbreak of the pandemic and one with online instruction (OI) two semesters after the outbreak of the pandemic. Class performance measures were not significantly different between instruction formats. The students’ GPA was significantly higher after all institutions abruptly transferred from face-to-face to online instruction. GPA for three semesters during the pandemic had no association with the biomechanics class performance (r = 0.29, p = 0.19). Therefore, GPA during the pandemic years should be used with caution or in combination with other assessments.Item Chronic Ankle Instability Does Not Influence Tibiofemoral Contact Forces during Drop Landings(Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute, 2020-06-15) Li, Yumeng; Wang, Heng; Simpson, Kathy J.Chronic ankle instability (CAI) is a very common sequela after ankle sprains. Previous studies observed some knee biomechanical and neuromuscular alterations of CAI that could potentially relate to the knee injury mechanism during landings. However, to our knowledge, no studies have assessed the tibiofemoral contact forces for individuals with CAI. The purpose of the study was to compare the tibiofemoral contact forces of participants with CAI versus controls during landings using a computer-simulated musculoskeletal model. Twenty-one female participants with CAI and 21 pair-matched controls performed a drop landing task on a tilted force plate. A seven-camera motion capture system and two force plates were used to test participants’ lower extremity biomechanics. A musculoskeletal model was used to calculate the tibiofemoral contact forces (femur on tibia). No significant between-group differences were observed for the peak tibiofemoral contact forces (p = 0.25–0.48) during the landing phase based on paired t-tests. The group differences ranged from 0.05 to 0.58 body weight (BW). Most participants demonstrated a posterior force (peak = ~1.1 BW) for most of the landing phase and a medial force (peak = ~0.9 BW) and a large compressive force (peak = ~10 BW) in the landing phase. We conclude that CAI may not be related to the increased tibiofemoral contract forces or knee injury mechanisms during landings on tilted surfaces.Item Citations in Google Scholar Profiles by Kinesiology Subdiscipline(2022-06) Knudson, Duane V.Keywords are important bibliometric tools for classifying, accessing, and summarizing research. Communication in and external recognition of kinesiology research may be limited by inconsistent use of terms. Citations to the top twenty Google Scholar (GS) Citations Profiles were retrieved for 20 kinesiology-related subject keywords used as GS “labels”. Total citations to top scholars were largest for the disciplinary labels “physical activity,” “exercise,” “physical education,” “sport science,” “sports,” “exercise science,” “sport,” and “kinesiology.” Citations to top scholars using professional labels were in “sports medicine” and “coaching.” The results confirm previously reported trends of slow growth of use of the term kinesiology primarily in the United States even though the highest citations were to the “physical activity” focus of the field. Strong citation counts to the “exercise,” “physical education,” and “sport science” GS labels likely result from the diversity of research interests in the field throughout the world. Kinesiology-associated scholars are influential leaders contributing to a majority of highly cited research using kinesiology subdisciplinary keywords as labels in GS Profiles. The study confirmed previous research of inconsistent use of the terms “sport” and “sports.” Inconsistent use of terms and keywords are a barrier to recognition of and the search for kinesiology-related research.Item Citations to Biomechanics Articles from Four Databases(2022-04) Knudson, Duane V.Four (Dimensions, Google Scholar, Scopus, Web of Science) multi-disciplinary databases were searched for journal articles published by one scholar to document the coverage of exercise and sports biomechanics. Cleaned searches returned 65 to 93 articles in common between these databases from 116 journals articles published between 1989 and 2019. Citations and mean citation rates were qualitatively higher for Google Scholar (3206 & 3.2) than the other three databases (1100-1400 & 1.6-2.1). Strong positive correlations (0.88-0.96) of citations between databases indicated that for this case, study citations from subscription databases (Scopus & Web of Science) could be predicted (SEE 3 to 7) from the free databases (Dimensions and Google Scholar). This case study indicated incomplete coverage and subtle inconsistences are likely between these databases in exercise and sport biomechanics. Skillful searching of multiple databases is recommended.Item Community Size as a Factor in Health Partnerships in Community Parks and Recreation, 2007(Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2013-07-25) Payne, Laura L.; Zimmermann, Jo An M.; Mowen, Andrew J.; Orsega-Smith, Elizabeth; Godbey, Geoffrey C.Introduction: Although partnerships between park and recreation agencies and health agencies are prevalent, little research has examined partnership characteristics and effectiveness among communities of different sizes. The objective of this study was to determine whether park and recreation leaders’ perceptions of partnership characteristics, effectiveness, and outcomes vary by community size. Methods: A web-based survey was completed in 2007 by 1,217 National Recreation and Park Association members. Community size was divided into 4 categories: very small, small, medium, and large. Questions measured agencies’ recognition of the need for partnerships, their level of experience, and the effectiveness and outcomes of partnerships. Results: Larger communities were significantly more likely to recognize the need for and have more experience with partnerships than smaller communities. Very small and large communities partnered significantly more often with senior services, nonprofit health promotion agencies, and public health agencies than did small and medium ones. Large and small communities were significantly more likely than very small and medium communities to agree that their decision making in partnerships is inclusive and that they have clearly defined goals and objectives. Large communities were significantly more likely than very small communities to report that their partnership helped leverage resources, make policy changes, meet their mission statement, and link to funding opportunities. Conclusion: Community size shapes partnership practices, effectiveness, and outcomes. Very small communities are disadvantaged in developing and managing health partnerships. Increasing education, training, and funding opportunities for small and rural park and recreation agencies may enable them to more effectively partner with organizations to address community health concerns.Item Comparison of Academic and Behavioral Performance Between Athletes and Non-Athletes(Berkeley Electronic Press, 2014-01) Eldridge, James A.; Palmer, Ty B.; Gillis, Kyle; Lloyd, Richard; Squires, William G.; Murray, Tinker D.The Toronto Charter for Physical Activity (2010) and several national physical activity plans advocate sports participation as an important part of population targeted physical activity for youth. Emerging research evidence also suggests that sports participation during adolescents is linked to significant positive correlations with academic and behavioral performance. The purpose of this study was to compare academic and behavioral performance between male and female public school athletes (Total N=11,139; 38% Female) and non-athletes (Total N=23,891; 52% Female) in a convenient, ethnicity diverse, sample (grades 7-12) from the state of Texas (USA). We examined the passing rates of individual athletes and non-athletes on standardized tests (Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills, TAKS) for math, language arts, reading, writing, science, and social studies. We also examined the percentage of athletes and non-athletes for being "at risk," for dropping out of school and for the total average number of disciplinary actions. Chi-Square statistical analyses comparing athletes to non-athletes showed that athletes scored significantly better (p<0.05) on all standardized tests compared to non-athletes (passing rate ranges ranged from 77.1% to 92.9% versus 27.7% to 66.5% respectively). Athletes were at lower risk for dropout compared to non-athletes (35.6% versus 49.24%; p<0.05), and they had fewer disciplinary actions (mean of 0.85 per athletes per year versus 1.23 for non-athletes; ANOVA, p<0.05). Our results support the research findings of others that participation in school sports is positively correlated to better academic and behavioral performances for athletes compared to non-athletes.Item Concurrent Respiratory Resistance Training and Changes in Respiratory Muscle Strength and Sleep in an Individual with Spinal Cord Injury: Case Report(Taylor & Francis, 2011-01) Russian, Christopher J.; Litchke, Lyn G.; Hudson, JohnContext: Quality sleep possesses numerous benefits to normal nighttime and daytime functioning. High-level spinal cord injury (SCI) often impacts the respiratory muscles that can lead to poor respiratory function during sleep and negatively affect sleep quality. The impact of respiratory muscle training (RMT) on sleep quality, as assessed by overnight polysomnography (PSG), is yet to be determined among the spinal cord-injured population. This case report describes the effects of 10 weeks of RMT on the sleep quality of a 38-year-old male with cervical SCI. Methods: Case report. Findings/results: The subject completed overnight PSG, respiratory muscle strength assessment, and subjective sleepiness assessment before and after 10 weeks of RMT. The post-test results indicated improvements in sleep quality (e.g. fewer electroencephalographic (EEG) arousals during sleep) and daytime sleepiness scores following RMT. Conclusion/clinical relevance: Respiratory activity has been proven to impact EEG arousal activity during sleep. Arousals during sleep lead to a fragmented sleeping pattern and affect sleep quality and daytime function. Our subject presented with a typical sleep complaint of snoring and excessive sleepiness. The subject’s pre-test PSG demonstrated a large number of arousals during sleep. It is important for all individuals complaining of problems during sleep or daytime problems associated with sleep (i.e. excessive daytime sleepiness)to seek medical attention and proper evaluation.Item Confidence Crisis of Results in Biomechanics Research(Taylor & Francis, 2017-02-28) Knudson, Duane V.Many biomechanics studies have small sample sizes and incorrect statistical analyses, so reporting of inaccurate inferences and inflated magnitude of effects are common in the field. This review examines these issues in biomechanics research and summarises potential solutions from research in other fields to increase the confidence in the experimental effects reported in biomechanics. Authors, reviewers and editors of biomechanics research reports are encouraged to improve sample sizes and the resulting statistical power, improve reporting transparency, improve the rigour of statistical analyses used, and increase the acceptance of replication studies to improve the validity of inferences from data in biomechanics research. The application of sports biomechanics research results would also improve if a larger percentage of unbiased effects and their uncertainty were reported in the literature.Item Effect of Physical Activity on the Stereotypic Behaviors of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder(Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, 2015-12) Liu, Ting; Fedak, Anne T.; Hamilton, Michelle D.Background: Physical activity is now widely accepted as a measure to reduce stereotypic behaviors in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). However, several issues exist concerning the effects of physical activity on stereotypic behaviors, such as inconsistency with research methodology. The present study which was different from previous investigations as it attempted to address those issues because it classified the intensity of physical activity using heart rate, monitored the children’s behavior over a span of 4 hours after physical activity and documented how long stereotypic behavior reduction lasted. The regimented exercise routine was also enriched with fun and motivational activities. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of physical activity on stereotypical behaviors of children with ASD. Patients and Methods: The present study was comprised of 23 children aged from 5 to 11 years, who participated in 15 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA). Physical activity was identified as moderate or vigorous based on the child’s heart rate. Participants were observed for a period of 2 hours before and after 15 minutes engagement in MVPA and their behaviors were then classified as either stereotypic behavior (SB) or task-engaged behavior (TE). A 2 (gender) x 3 (disorder) repeated measures ANOVA was conducted on pre and post percentage scores to analyze the physical activity effects on children’s stereotypic behaviors. Conclusions: This information has implications for researchers and practitioners who consider MVPA participation when designing behavior-changing interventions for children with ASD.