School of Health Promotion & Kinesiology
Permanent URI for this communityhttps://hdl.handle.net/11274/15828
Browse
Browsing School of Health Promotion & Kinesiology by Issue Date
Now showing 1 - 20 of 627
- Results Per Page
- Sort Options
Item Psychometric validation of the Physical Educatorsā Judgments about Inclusion in Angola(Aug-23) Gomes, Agueda Maria Flores 1968-; Dillon, Suzanna R; Mann, Mark; Silliman-French, Lisa; Dunlap, KarenThe purpose of this study was to examine the psychometric properties of the Physical Educatorsā Judgments about Inclusion in Angola (PEJI-A). Originally developed by Hodge at al. (2002), the Physical Educatorsā Judgments about Inclusion (PEJI) evaluates physical educatorsā judgments concerning ācognitive expressions of attitudesā related to inclusion of students with disabilities in general physical education settings (p. 435) and consists of 16 items divided among three subscales: (a) inclusion versus exclusion, (b) acceptance of students with disabilities, and (c) perceived training needs. The pre-existing PEJI instrument was translated and evaluated using a three-phase process that involved: (a) translating of the PEJI instrument from English to Portuguese as spoken in Angola (i.e., PEJI-A), (b) establishing evidence of face and content validity of the PEJI-A, and (c) investigating the reliability and construct validity of the PEJI-A. Data were collected from 237 elementary classroom and secondary physical education teachers from three Angolan provinces using a demographic questionnaire and the PEJI-A. Based on the results of the reliability analysis, EFA, and Pearson correlation analysis, the present version of the Physical Educatorsā Judgments about Inclusion in Angola (PEJI-A), inclusive of all three subscales, does not demonstrate evidence of reliability and validity because the first subscale of the PEJI-A (specific to the dimension of inclusion) was not deemed to be reliable or valid. It appears that the PEJI-A needs to be revised with items that better measure the constructs of inclusion consistent with the Angolan educational context. Despite the statistical constraints of the PEJI-A related to subscale 1, it does show promise as a much-needed tool to investigate physical education for students with disabilities in sub-Saharan Africa and address the preservice and in-service training needs of physical educators that are well-documented in the literature.Item Multi-level influences on seafood consumption among Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program participants in New Orleans, Louisiana(Aug-23) Causey, Traci; Amuta, Ann; Golman, Mandy; Imrhan, VictorineSeafood is a lean, nutrient dense protein source that is recommended for weekly consumption based on the benefits for human health, yet only 10% of Americans meet the recommendation. The purpose of this study was to explore social-ecological factors associated with seafood consumption among Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participants in New Orleans, Louisiana using a quantitative cross-sectional research design and survey instrument. Results showed only 50% of study participants (N = 238) consumed at least two weekly servings of seafood. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to assess the relationship between participantsā sociodemographics characteristics, knowledge of the health and environmental benefits of seafood, social support and group norms, and the influence of policies, public health campaigns, and media and seafood consumption. Race (p = .037, OR= .371) and children in household (p = .007, OR = .565) were statistically significant sociodemographic characteristics. Relative to the participantsā knowledge of the health and environmental benefits of seafood, the model was not statistically significant, Ļ2(1) = .000, p = 1.00, Nagelkerke R2 = .000. Families that consume seafood (p < .001, OR = 3.694) and local New Orleans culture (p = .008, OR = 1.962) were significant intrapersonal predictors. At the societal level, the significant predictors included awareness of seafood-related policies and messaging through Eat Fit Nola (p < .001) and an unawareness through LiveWell Louisiana (p = .030), SNAP-Ed (p = .005), family/friends (p = .015), and social media (p = .039). Crosstabulations using Pearsonās chi-square and Cramerās V tests were conducted to examine participantsā perceptions relative to 15 statements and the influence of accessibility, availability, and cost and seafood consumption. There was a significant relationship between the statement āI worry about mercury when eating seafoodā and seafood consumption, Ļ2(1) = 6.183, p = .013, Cramerās V = .191 and seafood consumption. There was no statistically significant relationship between all other factors. Based on the findings from this study, comprehensive health promotion and education is needed to address low levels of seafood consumption among SNAP participants. Further exploration is needed to understand the potential role of family engagement to increase seafood consumption.Item Cognitive function and mental health: Findings from the Dallas Heart Study cohort(Dec-23) Curry, Karrie 1977-; Rigby, Brandon; King, George; Amuta, Ann; Berry, JarretPurposes: 1) Explore the relationship between hypertension and cognitive functioning among older adults who participated in the second phase of the Dallas Heart Study (DHS-2) and the Dallas Hearts and Minds Study (DHMS); 2) Understand how cognitive functioning evolves among older adults who participated in the DHS-2 and DHMS; 3) Explore the relationship between depression symptoms and mild cognitive impairment in older African American and Caucasian adults who participated in the DHS-2 and DHMS. Methodology: Cross-lagged correlations determined relationships between hypertension, education, income, depression (measured using the Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomology), and cognition (measured using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment) at baseline (DHS-2) and 12 years later (DHMS). Education, income, depression, and resting blood pressure were predictors, with change in cognition as the outcome variable. Multiple standardized correlation coefficients were compared to determine potential paths of relationship between variables across time. A paired samples t-test, with a significance of 0.05, was used to determine how depression and cognitive scores changed over 12 years within African Americans and Caucasians. Results: Participants with hypertension in the DHS-2 had lower scores of cognitive impairment in DHMS (Ī² = .073, p = .026). Participants with lower educational attainment (Ī² = .265, p = .006) and lower income levels (Ī² = .210, p < .001) in the DHS-2 had lower scores of cognitive impairment in the DHMS. The same participants with more depression symptoms had more cognitive impairment in both the DHS-2 (Ī² = -.170, p < .001) and the DHMS (Ī² = -.113, p = .009), and participants with more depression symptoms in the DHS-2 had lower cognitive impairment scores in the DHMS (Ī² = -.088, p = .009). Both African American and Caucasian participants with depression symptoms in the DHS-2 had significantly fewer depression symptoms in the DHMS when controlling for depression symptoms in the DHS-2 (p < .001). The same participants had significantly more cognitive impairment in the DHMS (p < .001). Conclusion: A diagnosis of hypertension may elicit negative changes in cognition over a 12-year period. Individuals from lower socioeconomic status (SES) communities may experience cognitive impairment 12 years later. The presence of depression symptoms may elicit negative changes in cognition over a 12-year period.Item Examining the relationship between coping strategies and positive body image among older women(Dec-23) karpiel, mary susan 1955-; Massey-Stokes, Marilyn; Mandy Golman; Menn, MindyThis exploratory study examined the relationships among coping strategies (appearance-fixing, avoidance, and positive rational acceptance), perceived sociocultural pressures, and positive body image in a sample of women aged 50 and older (N=164). The role of coping strategies as a moderator in the relationship between perceived sociocultural pressures and positive body image was also examined. Correlation analysis revealed that avoidance (r = -.746) appearance-fixing coping (r = -.238) were significantly and negatively correlated to positive body image, and positive rational acceptance ( r = .491) was significantly and positively correlated with positive body image. Correlation analysis also revealed that perceived sociocultural pressures (pressures mean r = -.44) were significantly and negatively correlated with positive body image. In addition, as a first step in determining moderation, multiple linear regression indicated that the three coping strategies significantly predicted positive body image; however, perceived sociocultural pressures were not significant predictors of positive body image. Furthermore, moderation with interaction was tested with coping strategies (appearance-fixing, avoidance, positive rational acceptance) and avoidance coping was the only coping style with a significant interaction. Thereby, indicating that avoidance coping moderated the relationship between perceived sociocultural pressures and positive body image, i.e., the negative effect of perceived sociocultural pressures on positive body image depended on the level of avoidance coping. For instance, high levels of avoidance coping lowers positive body image and this effect on body image remained stable regardless of perceived pressures; whereas, when avoidance coping was low and sociocultural pressures were also low, positive body image was still relatively high. However, small increases in sociocultural pressures strengthened the negative effect on positive body image. Results provide preliminary support for addressing positive rational acceptance coping and avoidance coping in health education/promotion interventions designed to enhance positive body image among older women.Item The effects of the pitcher-ground interaction on fastball pitching velocity(Dec-23) Tuttle, Noelle; Kwon, Young-Hoo; Ellina Grigorieva; David Nichols; Gretchen OliverBaseball is one of the most popular sports worldwide and participation continues to rise, including the number of pitchers per team. Previous studies have investigated the relationship between ground reaction forces (GRF) and pitch velocity; however, no study has fully defined the pitcher-ground interaction as it relates to fastball pitch velocity. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between the pitcher-ground interaction variables and normalized linear wrist velocity (NLWV), an indirect indicator of pitch velocity, in experienced baseball pitchers. Fifteen male baseball pitchers (4 left-handed; age = 20.9 Ā± 5.2 years; height = 177.2 Ā± 7.6 cm; mass = 80.0 Ā± 10.8 kg; experience = 5.6 Ā± 5.2 years) were recruited for participation. All participants were able to throw at least 10 full-effort fastballs and had consistent pitching mechanics. This study utilized a 10-camera motion capture system and a custom pitching mound with three imbedded force plates. Pitchers were asked to throw 10 successful fastballs at top velocity to a target. Variables measured were maximum NLWV, GRF for the drive, stride, and combined feet in the up/down (U/D), towards/away (T/A), and left/right (L/R) directions, and pitcher-ground interaction moments [ground reaction force moment (GRFM) and total external moment] for the drive, stride, and combined feet about the U/D, T/A, and L/R axes. It was determined that maximum GRF of the drive foot in the towards direction, and the stride foot and combined feet in the up and away directions were significantly (p < .05) and strongly correlated with NLWV. Additionally, maximum GRFM and total external moment of the drive foot about the L/R axis, and total external moment of the combined feet about the T/A axis during the first peak were significantly and strongly correlated with NLWV. Based on these findings, the drive foot is responsible for creating large external moments, while the primary role of the stride foot is to generate large external forces prior to ball release, which are associated with increased NLWV. Therefore, pitchers may choose to adapt a pitching style that maximizes the pitcher-ground interaction prior to ball release.Item The role of available resources to identify and treat low-income women with postpartum depression during COVID-19(May-23) CedeƱo DĆ”vila, Roselyn 1982-; Amuta, Ann; Menn, Mindy; Porras Pyland, Claudia; Porras Pyland, ClaudiaEfforts to address the COVID-19 pandemic have affected the sexual and reproductive health of women with increased cases of domestic violence, deaths among women, and depression. This study aimed to uncover the role of available resources in identifying and treating low-income women with postpartum depression (PPD). Therefore, the purpose of this study was to interview low-income women of childbearing age (18-51), pregnant, or with children aged 2 or younger to learn from their experiences accessing resources to report symptoms and get treated for PPD during the COVID-19 pandemic. Five themes emerged from the interviews including 1. Fear, anxiety, and loss of interest 2. Social support 3. Lack of access to screening 4. Lack of resources for PPD 5. The COVID-19 pandemic. Their experiences reflect the lack of communication between patients and healthcare providers as well as the absence of resources offered to low-income women.Item Muscle damage, inflammation, and muscular performance following the physical abilities test in professional firefighters(May-23) Sokoloski, Matthew Lawrence 1992-; Rigby, Brandon; Irvine, Chris; Bosak, Andy; King, George; Irvine, Chris; Bosak, Andy; Biggerstaff, Kyle D; King, GeorgeProper monitoring of fatigue, cardiovascular disease, and muscular damage may be used to decrease the high levels of cardiovascular disease, overuse musculoskeletal injuries, and workers compensation claims within the profession of firefighting. The purpose of this study was to examine muscle damage, muscular fatigue, and inflammation responses following a typical firefighting shift. Twenty-four professional firefighters completed two Physical Abilities Tests to standardize the tasks typically performed in a day of work and elicit similar physiological responses. These individuals were then monitored for 48hrs. Prior to and 48hrs following the PAT these individuals were evaluated for changes in strength, power, range of motion, as well as blood markers including myoglobin, TNF-Ī±, and C-Reactive Protein. Following the PAT significant differences in myoglobin (p < 0.05), grip strength (p < 0.05), vertical jump (p < 0.05), and sit-and-reach (p < 0.05) were observed. No differences in TNF-Ī± or C-Reactive Protein were observed (p > 0.05). Twenty-four hours following a shift firefighter still show decreased levels of strength, power, and range of motion. This may lead to decreases in performance and an increased risk of injury.Item Leadership development and effectiveness among female athletic directors in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)(May-23) Elms, Rachel; Kimberly Miloch; Nichols, David; Jennifer FlanaganWomenās participation in sport has increased significantly, however, women remain significantly underrepresented in leadership positions at all levels (Burton, 2015). While Title IX has been a monumental force for the increase of female sport participation (Coakley, 2009), the authority of women remains marginalized in sport (Bopp & Walker, 2011). Furthermore, current reports by Lapchick (2021) indicate that women now hold only 36.3% of upper management positions in sport. Furthermore, studies pertaining to the interaction between leader gender and leadership style in sport are also limited (Wells, Peachey, 2014; Peachey, Burton, 2011; Dirik, 2020). Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate leadership style in sport as it relates to gender, years in leadership positions, and effectiveness via a developmental perspective. Qualitative data was collected through individual, in-depth semi-structured interviews involving female athletic directors in intercollegiate sport. The study sample featured eight female athletic directors currently working in the NCAA divisions I, II, and III. The open-ended interview questions focused on the womenās career paths, perceptions of leadership within collegiate sport settings, and changes in leadership style over time. These questions were developed from the literature review yet altered to meet the objectives of the study. The term effectiveness was defined as a high-level of achievement within the leadership role. Achievement for this study indicates positive results as they refer to relationships and career goal fulfillment within the role of athletic director. Through the tedious process of coding and data reduction and analysis, ten dominant themes were established. The themes for RQ1 included (a) leadership style variance (b) the importance of collaboration. The themes for RQ2 included (a) underrepresentation (b) gender-based stereotypes (c) work-life applications. The themes for R3 included: (a) career viability (b) leadership support. The findings of this research are valuable in the furthering of career options and opportunities for females seeking to pursue athletic director roles within the NCAA. The findings also suggest areas for improvement within the organizational environment of leadership within intercollegiate sport.Item Self-efficacy, barriers, and opportunities: Examining the delivery of asthma education among U.S. primary care physician assistants(May-23) Greenlee, QuantĆ© Lamont 1982-; Amuta, Ann; Amuta, Ann; Amuta, Ann; King, George; Amuta, Ann; Amuta, Ann; Massey-Stokes, Marilyn; Isik, ElifThe delivery of asthma education among primary care physician assistants (PAs) has not been well documented in the literature. Although researchers have mentioned PAs in previous studies, the findings were not specific to the profession. This study had a quantitative cross-sectional research design with a convenience sample representative of primary care PAs from across the United States (N = 140). The purpose of the study was to determine what PA practice characteristics (primary care discipline, clinic location, time spent with patient, and years of work experience) were predictive for the delivery of asthma education delivery. The study also sought to determine if clinical experience (years of work experience and number of asthma patients seen weekly) was predictive of asthma education self-efficacy. The survey deployed in this study was a modified version of the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey 2012 National Asthma Survey. Survey modifications included adding questions to focus on Component 2 (asthma education) of the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program EPR-3 guidelines and removing questions on asthma treatment and monitoring. The modified 2012 NAS was an 11-item survey to collect data on clinical demographics, clinical experience, measured asthma education resources, components of asthma education delivered, barriers to asthma education, asthma education self-efficacy, and perceived patient knowledge. The participants also completed a personal demographics survey. Multiple regression was conducted to determine the relationship between PA practice characteristics and asthma education and the relationship between clinical experience and asthma education self-efficacy. Further analyses included a binomial logistic regression to examine the relationship between asthma education and barriers, chi-square goodness of fit to examine the relationship between components of asthma education, and Spearmanās Rho to examine the relationship between perceived patient knowledge and asthma education. Statistical analysis was significant for the relationship between time spent with patient and total asthma education delivered (Ć = .19, p = .03), indicating that more time spent with patient increased the delivery of asthma education. Based on the negative regression coefficient, male gender (Ć = -.26, p < .01) was associated with higher levels of asthma education. Chi-square goodness of fit was also statistically significant for symptom recognition education (Ļ2(1) = 124.46, p < .001), risk-factor avoidance education (Ļ2(1) = 132.11, p < .001), home and work environment (Ļ2(1) = 37.03, p < .001), and observation of inhaler technique (Ļ2(1) = 9.26, p = .002), indicating a difference between the components of asthma education delivered by primary care PAs. Asthma action plans was the only asthma education component not statistically significant (Ļ2(1) = 0.46, p = .499). The statistical tests examining the relationships between clinical experience and asthma education self-efficacy, asthma education and barriers, and perceived patient knowledge and asthma education had no statistically significant results. The results of this study indicate that time is a primary barrier to the delivery of asthma education among PAs. Additionally, while the results do not indicate that PAs perform asthma education at significant lower rates than other PCCs, overall self-efficacy and rates of delivery need improvement.Item Relationships among physical self-concept, physical activity and physical fitness in three different participant groups(1/1/2013) Brewer, Wayne A.; Olson, Sharon; Roddey, Toni S.; Tapley, HowellThe overarching goals of this dissertation were accomplished in three distinct studies. The design of the first study is a descriptive study to determine in young adults the relationships among physical fitness, activity and self-concept; lower extremity strength and power; and physical self-concept. The correlations between the maximal aerobic physical performance measure and the Endurance and Activity subdomains of the PSDQ-S were moderately strong at r = 0.60 and r = 0.54, respectively. Low but significant relationships were found between VO2 max and the Sport subdomain (r = .35). Another significant and moderately strong correlation was found between the seated row and the Activity subdomain for the 3-RM/BW% (r = 0.64). The Strength subdomain measure significantly correlated with the 3-RM/BW% for the seated row (r = 0.35) and chest press (r = 0.43). The ACT and SP subdomains both demonstrated the greatest number of significant correlations with the strength physical performance measures. ACT demonstrated weak to moderate correlations with chest press (r = 0.40), seated row (r = 0.61), and QUAD180 (r = 0.34) SP was correlated with chest press (r = 0.40), seated row (r = 0.39), leg press (r = 0.33), and QUAD180 (r = 0.35.) For Global PSC and SE, only the quadriceps isokinetic measures yielded moderate but significant relationships (r = 0.33 and r = 0.37 for 60 and 180 degrees per second speeds, respectively). This study provided insight on the relationships between perceived competencies in the various domains of physical self-concept and objective measures of physical fitness. The Activity and Sport subdomains of physical self-concept were the best self-reported measures of physical fitness, while the seated row measure represented the best objective measure for overall physical fitness. The design of the second study was a case series consisting of three subjects. Baseline measures of physical self-concept, muscular and cardiovascular endurance, and physical activity levels were collected within 1 month of the conclusion of a previous research study that involved the same subjects for this study that received a 12-week supervised aerobic and resistance training program. These outcome measures were compared at the conclusion of the intervention to assess levels of effectiveness and compliance with the unsupervised home exercise program. The mean values of all the factors of the PSDQ-S were lower for all three subjects in this case report as compared to a reference population of 986 high school students from Australia. The two global factors of self-esteem and overall physical self-concept for two of the three subjects were lower than the reference group. The three subjects showed small decrements in muscular strength and cardiovascular endurance at baseline of the unsupervised study despite a washout period that ranged from 3-10 weeks between from the supervised intervention. Two subjects essentially maintained their VO2 max while the third subject had a large improvement (25%) at the conclusion of the unsupervised program from baseline. At the conclusion of the unsupervised program, only subject came close to meeting the Federal Physical Activity recommendations. The other two subjects lacked almost 400 minutes per week of recommended moderate to vigorous physical activity. The low self-reported physical activity levels for two of the subjects would suggest a much smaller expected change in aerobic capacity and muscle force generation than what actually occurred, thus a discrepancy existed between the self-reported physical activity and the physical fitness measures. The third study utilized a quasi-experimental design. The subjects were women referred to an Exercise and Education group (Ex + Ed); the comparison group were women who received a Diet-only (Diet) intervention. Education about proper diet and activity levels were provided to all participants. The Diet group received monthly education from their physician and a health educator. The Ex + Ed group received education from physical therapists and dieticians as part of their group intervention. Seventy-seven women enrolled in the Ex + Ed intervention and completed the baseline assessments. Twenty-three women completed the assessments at the conclusion of the 12-week intervention, resulting in a 71.1% attrition rate. At baseline, there were no differences in body weight between the women in Ex + Ed and Diet interventions. The women in the Diet group were significantly younger, had fewer co-morbidities and tended to be of Hispanic ethnicity. The ethnic make-up of the women in the Ex + Ed group was predominately African-American. The results of the 2 x 2 mixed model ANOVA revealed a significant group x time interaction (p = .02). The Diet group had a mean decrease in body weight of approximately 2.31 kg as compared to the Ex + Ed group with a mean decrease of 0.43 kg. Post hoc analysis with alpha set at .025 revealed a significant within-participants' effect for weight loss at the conclusion of the Diet intervention (p < .001). For the participants in the Ex + Ed intervention, significant improvements were made in the distance walked in six minutes and isometric load lifted for the squat and grip strength averages of both sides. The self-reported measures of physical self-concept and moderate PA improved significantly from baseline. Similar to previous studies, weight loss can be achieved easier by controlling caloric intake versus increasing caloric expenditure with exercise. Despite the absence of weight loss, improvements in physical fitness and physical self-perceptions can occur for obese women from low socio-economic backgrounds.Item Physiological responses to a 60-Minute ZumaĀ® class in college age females(Texas Woman s University, 1/1/2013) Rogers, Rebecca; Biggerstaff, Kyle D.; Ben-Ezra, Victor; Nichols, David L., Ph. D.Purpose. The purpose of this study was be to determine the physiological responses throughout a 60 min ZumbaĀ® class and compare the average METs of the ZumbaĀ® class to the American College of Sports Medicine's definition of vigorous activity of 6 METs. Methods. 30 college age females were analyzed during a ZumbaĀ® class. Throughout the class, METs, caloric expenditure, kcal/min, HR, and VO2 were recorded using a K4b2 Cosmed unit that the participant wore during the class. Results. There was no significant difference between the METs of the full ZumbaĀ® class and 6 METs (5.7 Ā± 1.8 vs. 6.0). Discussion. ZumbaĀ® is classified as a moderate intensity activity and capable of meeting the ACSM's criteria if practiced for 60 min duration, 3-5 days per week. Taking three ZumbaĀ® classes per week would be the minimum recommended frequency with an increase for more fitness improvements or weight control.Item Using movement homework activities to enhance the phonological skills of children whose primary communication difficulty is a phonological disorder.(Texas Woman s University, 1/1/2013) Diaz-Williams, Paz; Silliman-French, Lisa; French, Ron; Nichols, David L., Ph. D.; Moorer-Cook, LauraStudents who have been classified with a Speech-Language Impairment (SI) are eligible to receive special education services within the U.S. school system. The classification of children with SI is generally categorized into two groups: Those with language impairments (receptive and expressive) or those with speech impairments (e.g., articulation, fluency, voice, phonological). The focus of this dissertation was on phonological disorders, which are one of the most common speech impairments treated during preschool years. It has been reported that up to 20% of all preschool children in the U.S. can be described as having noticeable phonological problems (McKinnon, McLeod, & Reilly, 2007). There are several concerns to be considered when choosing and applying a therapeutic approach when teaching preschool children with phonological processing disorders. First, a lack of progress is noted when the treatment lacks adequate opportunities for practice (number of trials or responses per session and minimal number of sessions). Second, a preschool child does not receive developmentally appropriate treatment; in other words, the application of therapeutic approaches is not modified to fit the audience (e.g., cycles approach). Third, a preschool child naturally has short attention spans and often benefit from gross motor movement (Gallahue & Cleland-Donnelly, 2003). In view of these concerns, the motor domain may be used as a medium to enhance the phonological skills of preschool children. The purpose of this investigation was to determine the effect of Gross Motor Activity Homework on the phonological skills of preschool children whose primary communication difficulty is a phonological disorder. Three different homework groups were compared: (a) Gross Motor Activity Homework, (b) Structured Table Activity Homework, and (c) Structured Table Activities with Letter-Tracing Homework. Participants were 30 students (26 males, 4 females, M age = 4 years, 5 months, age range: 3.6 - 5.3 years). Children were purposefully selected, and then were randomly assigned to one of three groups (10 in each group). Pretest measures were compared to posttest measures after a 12 week intervention phase that consisted of the participants completing homework assignments with their parents 5 times a week. Based on the analysis of the data, improvement in phonological skill performance was therefore evident for all three groups across the interventions.Item Factors influencing professional team sport attendance among Hispanics(1/1/2013) Reed, Corrie Maria; Myers, Bettye; Nichols, David L., Ph. D.; Webb, KerryThe purpose of this study was to investigate, by utilizing the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), factors influencing Hispanic adults to attend a professional team sporting event or to watch one on television. Another aim was to discover the favorite team sport of Hispanics. Finally, the frequency of watching professional team sporting events on television and the amount of money spent on purchasing a favorite teams logo products among Hispanics was examined in the study. The total U.S. sports market generates revenue of roughly $400 to $425 billion yearly (Plunkett, 2010). Numerous motivating factors influence spectator attendance to professional team sports including cost, substitute products available, game importance, player identity, team identity, social influence, entertainment value, and the uncertainty of the final outcome. The Terry College of Business reports two trends in Hispanic buying power including (a) Hispanic buying power will increase by 50% from 2010 to 2015, and (b) Hispanic buying power tops all other racial and ethnic groups in the rate of growth (Fahmy, 2010). The TPB is a theory often used to explain why a person behaves a certain way by taking into account the following (a) attitude toward the behavior, (b) social pressure, and (c) perceived behavioral control. Quantitative research methodology using demographics and frequency distribution was applied. The two surveys (FPTSEPCIH and PTSAPCIH) as well as a demographic questionnaire were administered through the on-line web-based company Survey Monkey. Three hundred fifty-eight total responses were received. Excitement was the most frequently expressed influence for Hispanics to attend a professional team sport event. Eighty percent of attendees, 40% of non-attendees, and 9% of neither attendees nor television viewers reportedly purchased some type of sport team logo product with the majority spending less than $100. It was also discovered that the favorite professional team sport to attend was basketball (78%) while football (77%) was the favorite to watch on television. Results from this study have revealed Hispanics are current consumers of professional team sport. It is recommended that sport marketers invest resources toward moving Hispanics up the consumer escalator from light or moderate to heavy users.Item Skilled Nursing facilities: Wellness requests from the baby boomer generation(Texas Woman s University, 1/1/2013) Kyle, Sara McVean; Nichols, David L., Ph. D.; Miloch, Kimberly; Baker, PamelaThe purpose of this study was to determine wellness specific requests of the Baby Boomer population in reference to hoosing a skilled nursing facility for self and family members. Participants are any individual born from 1946 ĀØC 1964 with access to the survey via internet or hard copy. A survey was emailed using various hosting sites, such as corporate emails, social media sites, and forwards to additional contacts, containing questions regarding physical, social, and intellectual wellness preferences in the nursing setting. Returned survey responses through PsychData totaled 462, totaling 436 useable surveys. All data analyses were conducted using SPSS version 21.0, using a significance level of p Ā”Ć .05: for all analyses. Results of the study show that the specific demographics of income and education may not significantly determine the extent to which a Baby Boomer will prefer certain dimensions of wellness in a skilled nursing facility. However, gender has a significant impact on both physical and social wellness preferences based on Mann Whitney analysis. Physical wellness questions regarding meal options, walking trails, supervised exercise programs, adapted exercise programs, and overall wellness were all significantly different at p <.001. Mean scores indicate women place slightly greater importance on each measure of physical wellness. Social wellness and gender shows association when measuring (1) distance of facility from family members and potential visiting friends, (2) family proximity to facility (3) animal interaction, and (4) volunteer opportunities. While the differences between genders are statistically significant for four of the five social wellness questions, there is only a noticeable difference for animal interactions. Additionally, intellectual wellness is important to Baby Boomers, exhibited by selections of ongoing educational programs and accessibility to technology and internet communication via Wi-Fi availability. In conclusion, the majority of Baby Boomers surveyed seek physical and social wellness opportunities in long term care, specifically skilled nursing despite income and education levels.Item Examination of factors that impact medication adherence among heart failure patients in Southern rural counties(1/1/2014) Washington, Rosalind; Parker, Kimberly; Crosslin, Kate; James, GayApproximately 5.7 million people in the United States have been diagnosed with heart failure as of 2012, with an estimated annual cost of $34.4 billion (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2012a). Expenditures associated with heart failure include healthcare services, medications, and lost work productivity (CDC, 2012a). Treatment for those who suffer from heart failure relies heavily upon adherence to specific medications and other treatment regimens. The appropriate use of medication is essential to self-management of most chronic diseases such as heart failure; however, it is estimated that over 50% of prescribed medication is not taken as directed by patients with cardiovascular disease, including heart failure (Horne & Weinman, 1999). The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships among perceived severity, beliefs about medication, necessity-concern of medication and medication adherence among Medicare eligible patients with HF receiving treatment from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences-Area Health Education Centers (UAMS-AHEC). The majority of the 81 heart failure patients sampled from the two clinic locations in the Texarkana, Arkansas area indicated prescribed medications were essential for maintaining their health. Participants with negative beliefs about prescribed medications were more likely to have lower medication adherence and those with positive beliefs about medication revealed higher medication adherence. Participants with higher perceived severity of heart failure reported lower medication adherence, while those with lower perceived severity of heart failure reported higher medication adherence. This research study provided a one-time event snapshot of patients' self-reported behaviors relative to medication usage and possible relationships among other modifying factors that may facilitate or mediate adherence. In clinical practice, the discovery of patients' beliefs about medication during the early stage of diagnosis could aid in establishing better communication and education to promote sustainable medication adherence.Item A study of depression care perceptions in Texas primary care nurse practitioners(Texas Woman s University, 1/1/2014) Bredow, Denise; Wiginton, Kristin; Parker, Kimberly A., Ph. D.; Crosslin, KatieDepression often coexists with chronic illness and presents uniquely in each primary care patient. As Nurse Practitioners (NPs) note the complex nature of the treatment of depression in primary care as well as the prominence, they are also faced with balancing the fine line of mental and physical health of their patient populations. The purpose of this study was to identify and evaluate NPs' perceptions and identification of barriers to depression care in primary care settings in Texas. A mixed methods approach was used in this descriptive study using a convenience sample of 6,356 family and adult Nurse Practitioners (NPs) in Texas (N=121). Participants completed the Demographics and Practice Data questions and the Primary Care Provider Questionnaire (Upshur & Weinreb, 2008). A series of regressions were used to assess the effect of demographics, perceived barriers, and professional characteristics on attitude scores of the Primary Care Provider Questionnaire While there were no significant predictors of attitude scores, a significant multiple linear regression was found predicting skills scores from perceived barriers, and vi professional characteristics. Examination of the individual predictors revealed that participants who agreed that patient resistance and compliance issues were a barrier to education had increased self-ratings of skills in recognizing and treating depression (p < .05). A significant model was also seen in that participants who see more patients on a daily basis are more likely to have lower Satisfaction, Compensation and Adequacy of time scores. Significant predictors of higher behavior scores included indicating that time restrictions are not a treatment barrier (p = .020) and having participated in continuing education (p < .003). Time was noted as an educational barrier by a majority but not selected as often as a treatment barrier. Qualitative responses included themes of challenges and importance of assessment and treatment of depression in patients. While current studies of depression treatment in primary care have focused on physician and other health professionals' attitudes towards depressed clients, very little research has been completed with NPs and their attitudes and perceptions of treatment of depression. This study helps to identify barriers and treatment concerns of depression care in urban and rural Texas. In this environment of managing complex populations of patients, a teamwork approach using ancillary staff such as health educators, nurses, and other care managers will be necessary for NPs to provide the complex physical and mental health care expected in today's healthcare environment.Item The influence of dietary sugars and acute exercise on postprandial lipemia in premenopausal women(1/1/2014) Rowe, James; Biggerstaff, Kyle D.; Ben-Ezra, Victor; DiMarco, Nancy M.; Nichols, David L., Ph. D.Postprandial lipemia (PPL) is elevation in triglyceride (TG) concentration within the blood in the hours following the ingestion of a meal and is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and may be a greater risk in women compared to men. Women completing aerobic exercise prior to ingesting a high-fat meal have reported a lower postprandial TG concentration. It is unclear if prior aerobic exercise would lower the postprandial TG concentration in women following the ingestion of a high-carbohydrate meal comprised of high amounts of glucose and fructose sugars. This investigation examined the effect of prior exercise on postprandial (PP) triglyceride concentration following a mixed meal (MM) made with either glucose or fructose. Sedentary premenopausal women (n=16; age=28.2 Ā± 6.1yrs; VO2max= 30.8 Ā± 4.2 ml -1Ėkg-1Ėmin) completed four trials in random order: 1) Rest-Fructose: RF, 2) Rest-Glucose: RG, 3) Exercise-Fructose: EF, 4) Exercise-Glucose: EG. Exercise was treadmill walking at 70%VO2max expending 500 kcal. Rest was 1 hr of supine rest. The morning after each trial, a fasting (12 hr) blood sample was collected followed by consumption of the MM with a macronutrient composition of 55% carbohydrate (CHO), 15% protein, and 30% fat. The MM was blended with whole food items plus a glucose or fructose powder that accounted for half of the total carbohydrate content within the MM. Blood was collected again at 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 hr post-MM and analyzed for triglyceride concentration. Postprandial responses were quantified via the area under the curve (AUC) using the trapezoidal method. Significant differences (p < .05) between trials were determined using a repeated measures ANOVA and Bonferroni post hoc test. The PPTG AUC (mgĖdl -1Ė6hr-1) following the EG trial (346.8Ā±178.1) was significantly lower (p < .028) compared to the RF (476.2 Ā± 279.5) and RG (485.0 Ā± 309.7) trials, but not compared to the EF trial. Postprandial TG concentration was reduced only in the EG trial. The RG, RF, and EF trials had a similar postprandial TG concentration. The lack of difference in the TG concentration between the RG, RF, and EF trails is unclear.Item Biomechanical effect of therapeutic shoes(Texas Woman s University, 1/1/2014) Wang, Qiu; Kwon, Young-Hoo; Nichols, David L., Ph. D.; Wang-Price, Sharon; Sanborn, CharlotteThe purpose of this study was to determine whether or not OrthofeetĀ® Biofit and OrthofeetĀ® Dress therapeutic shoes provided biomechanical benefits compared to DanskinĀ® Now. Twenty participants (eight women and twelve men) walked at self-paced speed across a walkway with two embedded force plates. Both in-shoe plantar pressure and gait kinematics and kinetics in the sagittal plane were collected. Therapeutic footwear showed significant effects on gait kinetics and kinematics at the ankle joint level and the effects diminished towards more proximal joints (i.e. knee and hip joints). Therapeutic footwear altered the plantar pressure distribution with increased peak pressure and Pressure-time integral (PTI) under the big toe, slightly reduced peak pressure and PTIs under 1st metatarsal, reduced peak pressure and PTIs under the medial heel. The outcomes of the study might be useful and helpful for both clinical practitioners and consumers when choosing therapeutic footwear.Item Effect of video modeling and primary reinforcers on the push-up performance of elementary aged male students with autism spectrum disorders(1/1/2014) Trocki-Ables, Pamela M.; French, Ron; Silliman-French, Lisa; Nichols, David L.The prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) has been on the rise since the early 1990's (Centers for Disease Control, 2012). As a result, more children than ever are being diagnosed with ASD. However, since 2002, there has been a more significant increase which has almost doubled. Currently 1 in 88 children (11.3 per 1,000) in the United States has been identified as having an Autism Spectrum Disorder which is a 23% increase since the last report was released from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in 2009. With the prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorders increasing, it has become necessary for those teaching students with ASD to use and implement evidence-based practices (EBP) in all areas. The purpose of this investigation was to determine the effect of two evidence-based practices, specifically video modeling and reinforcement, on the push-up performance of elementary aged males with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Participants were 5 elementary aged males with an Autism Spectrum Disorder and a speech impairment but no secondary intellectual disability. Participants were asked to perform push-ups, based on FITNESSGRAM criteria, in their home environment under three different treatment conditions. The treatment conditions included video modeling, primary reinforcers, and no video modeling or primary reinforcers (control). In addition, this investigation included a generalization phase in which one push-up session was conducted 3 days after the last treatment session. A randomized alternating-treatment design was used in this investigation (Richards, Taylor, & Ramasamy, 2013) and from the data collected, repeated measurements of the dependent variable (i.e., number of push-ups performed) were analyzed. The data from this study were analyzed through visual inspection of graphic data. Additionally, a Friedman's analysis of variance by ranks was used to determine if there was a statistically significant difference in push-up performance among the three treatments. Based on visual inspection of the data, 2 out of 5 participants performed their best push-ups under both Treatment 1 (video modeling) and Treatment 2 (primary reinforcer) and 3 out of 5 participants performed their best push-ups under Treatment 1 (video modeling). Based on statistical treatment of the data, differences between Treatment 1 (video modeling) and Treatment 2 (primary reinforcer) on push-up performance was not statistically significant; however, both Treatment 1 (video modeling) and Treatment 2 (primary reinforcer) were statistically significant when compared to Treatment 3 (control).Item Call and response: Trends in Capoeira Pedagogy(1/1/2014) Shilcutt, Jackie Beth; Nichols, David L.; Silliman-French, Lisa; Graham, LeslieThe purpose of this study was to inquire into the promotion of longevity within the Brazilian martial art form capoeira by investigating learning environments created by capoeira professores, with specific attention given to (1) pedagogical techniques used to pass on capoeira in a way that promotes longevity and (2) injury prevention practices present in capoeira instruction. This qualitative study utilized capoeira professores recruited amongst known teachers in the Itu community via email and word of mouth. These professores completed questionnaires, participated in oral interviews, and further discussed emerging themes and practices in a focus group. Results indicated themes of injury specific preventative stretches and strengthening, inclusion practices, pedagogical tactics, and a typical class format of warmup, stretches, specific skill work, and practice. By examining current practices, this study creates space for questions and dialogue about existing techniques and provides a comparative marker for future generations to reference.