Browsing by Subject "Physical activity"
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Item An ecological-based approach to examining barriers and facilitators of a physical activity intervention(2016-08) Errisuriz, Vanessa Leigh; Bartholomew, John B.; Pasch, Keryn E; Jowers, Esbelle M; Cance, Jessica D; Springer, Andrew ETexas I-CAN! promotes physical activity (PA) among elementary school children by incorporating 10-15 minute, physically-active, academic lessons into the classroom. A socioecological approach to evaluate effectiveness could provide a deeper understanding of mechanisms promoting or hindering PA. Three studies examined the impact of implementation quality on child PA during active lessons. Teachers from 20 schools self-reported attitude and perceived behavioral control (PBC) related to implementation, and perceptions of school climate. Staff observed teacher feedback to students during active lessons and student PA. Student PA was also measured objectively (i.e. accelerometry). Before examining how teacher-level factors interact to impact student PA, foundational work was necessary. First, several mathematical cut-points have been developed to classify PA intensity among children. Though research indicates that cut-point selection impacts classification of PA among children aged 6-10 years, this has not demonstrated with school-specific PA. Study 1 demonstrated that cut-point selection impacts estimates of in-school PA intensity and students meeting PA guidelines. Second, quality of process (i.e. teachers’ ability to engage students in intervention programs) has been linked to program implementation. Study 2 examined associations between teacher feedback during lessons and staff-rated, class PA intensity. Positive associations between PA-related feedback (i.e. reinforcement, technical instruction) and PA intensity were found. Technical instruction was positively associated with how often and how many students were active during lessons. Negative feedback was inversely related to these outcomes. Study 3, then, examined the interrelatedness of quality of process (i.e.PA-related feedback), teacher-level data (i.e. attitudes, PBC, perceptions of school climate), and implementation dose, and their impact on objectively-measured student PA using structural equation modeling. PA-related feedback and dose were positively associated with PA intensity. PBC and attitude towards implementation were positively related to dose. Perception of higher quality school climate was associated with greater PBC and poorer attitudes. PBC was positively, and attitudes negatively, associated with PA-related feedback. Results may inform optimization of future physically-active academic lesson interventions. Identification of factors that impact implementation of active lessons provides opportunities to tailor teacher trainings to focus on these important factors and to intervene if implementation begins to wane during intervention periods.Item Coactivation in sedentary and active older adults during maximal power and submaximal power tasks : activity-related differences(2010-05) Newstead, Ann Hamilton; Jensen, Jody L.; Abraham, Lawrence D.; Dingwell, Jonathan B.; Korff, Thomas; Shewokis, Patricia A.; Spirduso, Waneen W.As adults age, they lose the ability to produce maximal power and speed of movement. Success in daily living is often dependent upon power and speed. Thus these age-related decrements in performance can reduce physical independence and quality of life. An active lifestyle in older adulthood is associated with more successful aging. The purpose of this research program was to define the link between habitual activity and performance, specifically in regard to activities requiring power and speed. The hypothesis was that active older adults, compared to sedentary older adults, would be characterized by greater power production in maximal- and submaximal-effort tasks. Grouping older adults by activity level, coactivation was associated with activity level. Functional tasks are performed with a range of power requirements. Coactivation was used to distinguish groups in a maximal power task (Study 1) and submaximal power tasks (Study 2). In Study 1, the young adults demonstrated a greater maximal power than the older adults. While maximal power was not different between the older active and sedentary groups, the groups did differ on how they created maximal power. The active older adults produced a greater coactivation in the lower leg muscles compared to the older sedentary adults. In Study 2, the active older adults responded to different speeds during a submaximal power task with greater coactivation in the muscles of the lower leg at slow speeds compared with the sedentary older adults. Both older adults groups increased coactivation in the thigh muscles at high speeds. The sedentary older adults responded to speed with increased coactivation in the lower leg at fast speeds. The active older adults increased proximal thigh coactivation, EMG index, at the fastest speed compared with the sedentary older adults. Both older adult groups showed muscle activation adaptation to the change in task demands. The results of this dissertation increase our understanding about the link between physical activity and performance. Age-related differences in coactivation were observed during both maximal and submaximal tasks. Activity-related differences were observed suggesting the active older adults have a greater capability to adjust muscle activity to meet the challenges of community living.Item Combatting childhood obesity in zip code 78745 through opportunities for free physical activity(2014-12) Nolley, Rachel Hood; McCray, Talia M.The worldwide obesity epidemic is cause for alarm because of its link to major, life threatening diseases such as cardiovascular disease and Type 2 diabetes. Not only adults, but also children, are suffering from increasing rates of overweight and obesity. This is a matter of serious concern not just because of the specific diseases that are affecting growing numbers of children, but also because overweight and obesity in childhood greatly increase the likelihood that those children will be obese as adults. The incidence of childhood obesity in Texas is significantly higher than the U.S. average. One of the two Austin, Texas zip codes with the highest rates of childhood obesity is zip code 78745. A coalition of concerned residents, government representatives, nonprofit leaders, and religious activists known as Go Austin!/Vamos Austin! (GAVA) has spearheaded an initiative to combat childhood obesity in the zip code. One of GAVA’s three foci is physical activity. This professional report analyzes the physical activity opportunities for children in 78745 through free, publicly available recreation facilities and green spaces. It identifies those spaces that are closest to the childhood obesity hotspots and recommends actions that can be taken by the city, the school district, nonprofits, area businesses, and local residents to increase physical activity among area children through existing and proposed opportunities.Item Diet and related behaviors of low-income, overweight women in early postpartum(2009-05) Shah, Bijal Sanghani; Freeland-Graves, Jeanne H.The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of diet and physical activity behaviors on weight status and lipid profiles in low-income women in early postpartum. In addition, the relationship of nutrition knowledge with dietary intakes was evaluated. A convenience sample of low-income mothers was recruited from public health clinics, community centers, and doctor's offices. Inclusion criteria was Hispanic, African American, or Caucasian ethnicity; body mass index (BMI) [greater-than or equal to] 25 kg/m², low-income (annual household income <185% federal poverty line); parity<3 and ability to speak and write English. Demographic, dietary (24-hr recalls and 2 day food intake recalls), psychosocial, anthropometric, serum lipids (LDL, HDL and total cholesterol and triglycerides) and physical activity (pedometer steps) data were collected. For study 1, the Healthy Eating Index-2005 (HEI-2005) scores were computed as a measure of diet quality in a sample of 125 women. Analysis of Covariance and linear regression was performed to determine the relationship between HEI-2005 and serum lipids. The mean total index score of the sample was 51.4 and was associated inversely with BMI ([beta]=-0.117), LDL ([beta]=-.659) and total ([beta]=-.690) and positively with HDL ([beta]=.216) (P<0.05). Less than 20% of the sample failed to meet the recommendations for fruits, total vegetables, whole grains and oil and 60% had overconsumption of solid fats, alcohol and added sugars. In study 2, snacking frequency and choices of 134 postpartum women were evaluated. Influence of snacking frequency on HEI-2005 scores and disparities in snack choices by BMI categories was assessed by performing ANCOVA. A majority of the sample (82%) consumed snacks and the most favored snack group was sweets and desserts. Increase in snacking frequency was associated with higher mean total HEI-2005 scores, and total fruit, dark green vegetables and legumes, total grains, and saturated fat (P<0.05) component scores when adjusted for energy intakes. Snacking frequency was also associated with higher intakes of protein, vitamins A and C, and calcium (P<0.05). In study 3, 66 new mothers participated and completed an 8-week weight loss intervention promoting exercise by using pedometers. Paired t test revealed improvement in physical activity after intervention. Linear regression analysis determined the ability of pedometer steps to predict weight loss ([beta]=0.465), % body fat ([beta]=-0.316), triglycerides ([beta]=-0.549), LDL ([beta]=-0.391) and total cholesterol ([beta]=-0.418). In study 4, a nutrition knowledge scale was developed and validated in new mothers. Knowledge was associated with greater consumption of grains, low fat meats and dairy (P<0.01), fiber (p<0.01), calcium (p<0.001), and iron (p<0.05). Participants appeared to be more cognizant of information about vitamins and minerals and weight management and less of energy nutrients and calorie counting. Hierarchical regression model identified age, education, ethnicity and income as determinants of knowledge.Item Effects of time of day of a physical activity lesson on classroom behavior in elementary school children(2007-08) Grieco, Lauren Alexis; Bartholmew, John B.Optimal learning times exist for children during the school day, thus it is important to examine the factors that may modify learning. The ability of a child to control his behavior in the classroom is important to learning and academic performance. Physical activity is important for health but may also modify behavior. Through strategic placement of physically active lessons during the school day, academic performance through on-task focus may be optimized. The purpose of this study was to examine the differential effects of time of day and physical activity on the behavioral control of third grade children. Students (N=137) were observed before and after an active or control lesson in the morning and in the afternoon. A three-way (pre- vs. post-observation x time of day [morning vs. afternoon] x lesson type [active vs. control]) repeated measures analysis of variance compared time on task between observation periods. Results indicated a significant difference in time on task during the afternoon between the active and control lessons. Specifically, children significantly improved their on task focus during the afternoon upon following an active lesson when compared to controls. Thus, physically active lessons are useful in improving on-task behavior in the afternoon during subsequent academic lessons.Item Enabling adult physical activity at parks with a focus on physical design elements(2010-05) Christoph, Ali Suzanne; Sletto, Bjørn; Kohl, Harold W.This report studies the built environment of Civitan Park, located in Austin, Texas. Through studying and observing how park design can influence adults’ ability to engage in daily physical activity, alternative design recommendations are suggested for Civitan Park in order to create a park more able to be used by adults for physical activity and in turn, decrease obesity rates.Item Exercising change : investigating the changes in physical activity of undergraduate students(2012-12) O'Connor, Megan Diane; Keating, Xiaofen; Worthy, Mary JoWhen it comes to researching the physical activity levels of college students, there seem to be very few studies that truly depict and show the ranges of physical activity throughout a college student’s life. This statement has helped propelled me to collect and analyze data in order to see what the physical activity is like for an undergraduate college student at the University of Texas. Researchers have discovered that many college students have reported understanding the benefits of physical activity, but that they report that there are many barriers in their daily life that thrust physical activity into the backseat as a priority (Lopez, Gallegos, & Extremera, 2010). Knowing that some college students will ignore physical activity, regardless of the health-related benefits, urges us to further discover the attitude of college students towards physical activity and what factors seem to have the most affect, whether positively or negatively, when it comes to their decisions on physical activity. Many university students decrease their PA levels (Gyurcsik, Bray, & Brittain, 2004; Keating et al., 2005; McArthur & Raedeke, 2009). Knowing this, I seek to answer the question, “What happens to the levels of physical activity throughout an undergraduate student’s life and what are the contributing factors to their level of physical activity?” Researchers noted that a healthy college-aged student should be participating in at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity at least 5 days per week (Nelson, 2007). My thesis is an analysis of daily and weekly activity, as well as what kinds of physical activity college students like and do not, the way in which they participate, either independently or with friends, as well as where they partake in physical activity. My subjects answered questions based on their physical activity levels throughout their college years. The subjects ranged between first and fifth year undergraduate students, which allowed me to get some insight as to how their physical activity levels have changed throughout the duration of their college careers.Item Facilitating Physical Education Programs with Andragogy(2010-12) Callahan, Joseph R.; Price, Margaret A.; Hart, Melanie A.; Meaney, Karen S.; Simpson, Douglas J.Although there is substantial evidence showing the benefits of physical activity as well as recommendations for proper exercise prescription (ACSM, 2006), health educators are still searching for evidence to determine what helps people incorporate physical activity into their lives. Proposed over 40 years ago by Malcolm Knowles (1968), andragogy, or ―the art and science of helping adults learn,‖ (Knowles, 1980, p. 43) may help physical educators in their battle of increasing physical activity adoption and adherence among adults. The overall purpose of this dissertation was to explore the process of applying andragogy’s assumptions to adults in a physical activity setting. In the study, questionnaires, student interviews, and physical activity monitoring systems were used to determine whether an andragogically based course alters self-determination, daily physical activity, and overall satisfaction with the course. At the same time, the instructor’s perceptions of the andragogical model were also examined using an observation of the instructor’s journal in which the instructor logged her thoughts throughout the study. Students enrolled in a diet and exercise class at Texas Tech University were exposed to an andragogy-based (i.e. AG; n = 31) or traditional (i.e. CG; n = 22) teaching style. Both groups showed a significant increase in competence over time while neither group reported a significant difference in autonomy or relatedness. Compared to AG, CG was significantly more active on average; however there was no significant difference in total physical activity between the two groups. Course satisfaction measures resulted in no significant difference between the two groups. Student interviews within AG revealed an orientation to learning, although according to their exit interview, these needs were not well met. Compared to CG, the instructor reported a stronger feeling of relatedness with AG due to the real-world applications used in her teaching methods. Although not detrimental, the findings of this dissertation do not identify andragogy as being an optimal teaching method for adult physical education. Future studies with older adults, a larger sample size, and a distinctly different teaching style may be useful in revealing other conclusions.Item Health promotion : predicting physical activity in normal weight and overweight rural adolecents(2014-05) McAdams, Cynthia Ann Brooks; Rew, Lynn; García, Alexandra Anne, 1964-; Brown, Adama; Brown, Sharon A; Walker, LorraineAdolescent obesity is ubiquitous and is often antecedent to adverse physical and psychosocial health outcomes. Physical activity is a leading modality for preventing and treating overweight and obesity. A modified resilience framework was used in this study to examine six empirically supported risk factors for physical inactivity and low activity (i.e., body mass index, media use, parental activity, Hispanic ethnicity, minority race, and female sex) along with moderating protective resources (i.e., sense of ethnic identity, health awareness, and social connectedness). The study sample consisted of 251 adolescents, in Grades 8 and 9, recruited from three rural and economically disadvantaged school districts in the southwestern U.S. Data were retrieved from the Longitudinal Health Risk Behaviors in Youth (LongHerby; Grade 8) and Developing Health Behaviors in Middle Adolescence (DHBMA; Grade 9) databases for this secondary analysis of extant longitudinal data. One parent of each participant contributed data used in the study. Demographic analysis revealed the sample was mostly of female sex (56%), White race (81%), and non-Hispanic ethnicity (55%). A descriptive, correlational design was used to examine relationships among variables. Data analysis included correlation, linear regression, and hierarchical multiple regression techniques. The findings showed the outcome of physical activity in Grade 8 was the most statistically significant predictor of physical activity in Grade 9, using two different measures for the outcome (i.e., the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance Scale [YRBSS] and the Adolescent Lifestyle Questionnaire [ALQ]). Two hierarchical multiple regression models explained 20% (YRBSS) and 21% (ALQ) of the variances in adolescent physical activity practices with female sex (R2Δ = .101, p < .001; YRBSS) and health awareness (R2Δ = .114, p < .001; ALQ) contributing the largest proportion to the hierarchical variances. Body mass index percentiles were not correlated with physical activity (YRBSS or ALQ), but did show a small inverse correlation with female sex (r = -151, p = ≤ .005) and a small positive relationship with Hispanic ethnicity (r = .168, p = ≤ .001). Findings of this study are congruent with previous research and could be used in planning health promotion strategies to improve adolescent physical activity.Item How do children spend their time? : a quantitative analysis of physical activity in children on the autism spectrum(2010-05) Leandro, Ana Carolina; Jensen, Jody L.; Castelli, DarlaAutism spectrum disorder (ASD) is pervasive neurodevelopment disorder characterized by a broad range of social abnormalities and deficit in motor skills, many times referred to as clumsiness. These abnormal social characteristics result in a restricted repertoire of activity and interests that also may affect the motor learning process. Therefore, fewer opportunities to practice motor skills can lead to a delay in achieving motor proficiency. It is well known that physical activity and motor proficiency are positively correlated and the amount of time spent in a physical activity is directly related to the level of expertise in neurotypical children. Hence, the specific aim of this study is to quantify the amount of physical activity in children with ASD and compare this value to that of non-diagnosed siblings (ASD siblings) and neurotypical controls (NT), as well as to compare the amount of physical activity between neurotypical controls and ASD siblings. In this study, it was hypothesized that: 1) children with ASD would have lower scores than their non-diagnosed sibling and also than the NT controls in the amount of physical activity; 2) non-diagnosed siblings and neurotypical children would not be different in the amount of physical activity; 3) children with ASD's general score on the motor skills assessments would be lower than the non-diagnosed siblings and lower than NT controls; 4) There would not be a difference in the general score on motor skills assessments between non-diagnosed siblings and neurotypical children and 5) the motor assessments scores would be positively correlated (p < 0.05) to the amount of physical activity. There were differences between ASD and NT groups regarding to the amount of physical activity and also regarding to the motor proficiency scores. Although those differences were not statistically significant, they definitely are clinically relevant as showed that the children on the autism spectrum presented a clear motor delay. Likewise, the correlation between amount of physical activity and motor proficiency was showed not to be significant. These results can be explained by the small sample size. Further studies with a larger sample size would be crucial to verify these hypotheses proposed in the present study.Item Interpersonal influence on physical activity : mediation by psychological factors and moderation by personal characteristics(2010-05) Ripperger-Suhler, Kenneth Grant; Chalip, Laurence Hilmond, 1951-; Gottlieb, Nell H.; Bartholomew, John B.; Steinhardt, Mary; Kohl, Harold W.; Mirowsky, JohnThe primary purpose of the study was to identify relationships among sources of interpersonal influence, putative psychological mediators, and physical activity. The moderation of these relationships by age, body composition, and educational attainment was also evaluated. Responses from 1224 employees were collected through an online survey at a major healthcare facility in central Texas. Structural equation modeling was used to construct the Social Context Scale of Interpersonal Influence and to estimate its ability to explain intention to be physically active and predict physical activity behavior. Invariance testing provided estimates of moderation by age, education, and body composition. Home social context was positively associated with self-efficacy and positive anticipated outcomes and negatively associated with negative anticipated outcomes. Friend social context was positively associated with self-efficacy, positive anticipated outcomes, and intention. Teasing was positively associated with negative anticipated outcomes. Self-efficacy and positive anticipated outcomes were positively associated with intention. Negative anticipated outcomes were negatively associated with intention. The relationship between friend social context and both positive anticipated outcomes and intention was stronger for obese than non-obese respondents. Home social context was more strongly associated with self-efficacy for those with four year degrees than for those without. Self-efficacy was more strongly associated with intention for those with four year degrees than for those without. Self-efficacy predicted subsequent total leisure time physical activity and the relationship was stronger for respondents over 45 years of age than for those younger than 45. The association between self-efficacy and subsequent total leisure time physical activity was also stronger for respondents with a four year degree than for those without. Home and friend social contexts provide potential conduits for post intervention influence on physical activity behavior. The discussion of the benefits of physical activity among friends may encourage overweight and obese individuals considering exercise, especially those with limited physical activity experiences of their own.Item Investigating environmental factors that contribute to disparities in utilization across different sections of a 10-mile urban trail(2014-05) Mount, Sarah Elizabeth; Bartholomew, John B.The purpose of this study was to identify barriers that contribute to a disparity in utilization across different segments of an urban trail. To achieve this aim, subjective ratings of trail characteristics for high-use areas (western sections of the trail) were compared to subjective ratings of lower-use areas (eastern sections of the trail). These ratings were compared between those who reported primarily traveling the western, high-use sections vs. those who primarily travel the eastern, low-use sections. Data were collected through self-report and a cross-sectional analysis based on sections of primary use. Ratings for each trail characteristic from an online survey were compared for different trail segments as a function of these groups. Comparisons were conducted through ANOVA and showed that perceptions of trail characteristics varied strongly as a function of which sections of the trail were used most by the respondents. Users of the high-traffic, western sections held significantly more negative views of the eastern sections. In contrast, users of the low-traffic, eastern sections held similar views of the eastern and western sections. Objective measurements of trail characteristics were conducted on all six segments of trail to compare to user perceptions. A trail count and researcher evaluation/audit of all trail characteristics provided data for comparison. A descriptive analysis of the differences between trail user perceptions and objective measures was reported. The trail count and survey results showed similar patterns of usage. The western sections exhibited the highest number of trail users representing 80% of the people on the trail. The central sections contained 14% and the eastern sections 6%. Mode of travel observed was 94% walking or running and 6% cycling. In addition, these numbers are similar to those of the earlier, pilot study (TEMBA, 2011). Given the similarities between the online survey, and both the objective trail count for usage and the earlier TEMBA study, it is hoped that the online sample is representative of the population of regular trail users. A comparison of subjective and objective ratings revealed different patterns of agreement depending on east vs. west group membership. Overall, west users are misinformed about crime and amenities on the east side but are in general agreement on other characteristics. This suggests that their concerns about trail continuity, directional clarity, and loop options may be warranted. Overall, east users showed general agreement with objective measures on the west side except for exposure to traffic, which they rated more poorly than objective measures.Item Leisure time exercise behavior and motives of university administrators in China(2012-08) Shangguan, Rulan; Keating, Xiaofen; Lambdin, DorothyBackground: University administrator physical activity (PA) attitudes and actions may play an important role in student fitness promotion on campus but have been given little attention. Guided by the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), this study explored the relationships of factors that influence Chinese university administrator PA behaviors. Methods: A survey was designed to collect information regarding participants’ PA behaviors, intentions, perceived health, body mass index (BMI) and common demographic factors. A total of 474 Chinese university administrators participated in this study with 443 completed surveys. Path analysis was used to test the predictive and mediational role of the aforementioned variables on total PA. Results: Results revealed a good model fit. Attitudes mediated the effects of BMI and perceived health on total PA; subjective norms and self-efficacy had significant direct effects and mediated the effects of satisfaction and attitudes on total PA. The effects of intentions on total PA were not significant. Conclusions: Chinese university administrator PA behaviors were significantly influenced by attitudes, subjective norms, self-efficacy, BMI, perceived health and satisfaction with exercise facilities. The non-significant effects of intention on PA participation were not expected. More studies on university administrator’s PA are needed in the future.Item Linking public health and community design through green infrastructure(2015-12) Winslow, Jane Futrell; Steiner, Frederick R.; Sletto, Bjørn I; Shearer, Allan W; Kohl, III, Harold W; Wilson, Barbara BThe link between community design and public health has gained prominence in recent years as solutions are sought for chronic health problems attributed, in part, to environmental conditions and physical inactivity. In response to these intersecting challenges, the connectivity of a green infrastructure system may offer a dynamic solution toward healthy community design in providing opportunities for increased levels of physical activity. This dissertation explores how green infrastructure can work to bridge planning and public health concerns through physical activity at the municipal scale. Using qualitative comparative case study methods, green infrastructure for physical activity is explored through existing policies, infrastructure, and strategies for implementation in four cities known for ‘green’ initiatives – Austin, Texas; Denver, Colorado; Louisville, Kentucky; and Portland, Oregon. My primary research question focuses on how green infrastructure can serve as a bridge between planning and public health to realize infrastructure that provides for human physical activity at the municipal scale. Through a lens of critical pragmatism, three sources of data comprise the investigation through a normative framework: 1) Review and evaluation of municipal comprehensive plans and functional master plans for parks, stormwater management, and green infrastructure/greenprinting; 2) a content analysis of a significant project in each city utilizing two audit tools for post-occupancy evaluation in terms of non-motorized modes for connectivity, integration, and multi-functionality; and 3) forty-four semi-structured interviews with agency staff, professional consultants, and developers participating in the process at the project and municipal levels. Emerging patterns from analysis were then compared across the four cities. Findings suggest projects demonstrate connectivity in complete and well-connected routes for both pedestrian and bicycle circulation, yet the politics of maintenance challenge innovative solutions. Broad goals of municipal plans were not easily translated into project implementation, while public health involvement for the projects was intent on removal of environmental contaminants from previous land uses. The power of these innovative projects to test the regulatory framework with ecological infrastructure solutions reveals the complexities of overlapping jurisdictional agencies and disciplinary interests. The use of storytelling and project precedents serve an important role in understanding the ‘messiness’ of navigating through the regulatory process, and combined with technical knowledge provide a knowledge–action–knowledge sequence to advance both green infrastructure theory and practice. This research highlights the emerging opportunities for incorporating normative values of health through urban ecological infrastructure. It illustrates the collaborative roles of key participants and their successes in crossing disciplinary boundaries to pursue collaborative strategies for multi-functional landscapes that can provide an array of health benefits, including physical activity. The incorporation of health in planning and design and the interaction with public health interests are key components to the future of ecosystem services.Item Making alternative sport/PA programs work : understanding the essential elements vital to successful and sustainable after-school sport/PA programs(2014-12) Burden, Theadore France; Dixon, Marlene A., 1970-The purpose of this study is to examine the components that are essential to successful and sustainable after-school sport and physical activity programs. The study examines not only what components must be present, but what barriers as well must be overcome to ensure implementation, success, and sustainability. While some programs have been successful in attracting and providing alternative programs for those that do not currently participate in interscholastic sport, the elements that make such programs successful and sustainable have yet to be thoroughly identified in the field. This study will examine best practices of existing successful programs, in order to make recommendations for expanding these programs to other schools. This study employed a qualitative descriptive design aimed at garnering an in-depth understanding of the experiences and perceptions of participants and program administrators in public schools who currently offer such programs. The study utilized questionnaires, interviews (individual and group), and observations to examine the best practices toward implementing attractive and sustainable after-school physical activity programs. The study included a comprehensive description of the programs, participants, and procedures of seven (7) separate Texas high school after-school programs. The programs fall into three (3) distinctive program designs. In addition, the essential components that make these programs successful and sustainable were reviewed. These five components were Supportive Administrators and Decision Makers Quality Facilitators, Inclusive and Enjoyable Opportunities, Practical and Flexible Logistics, and Parental and Community Involvement. Each of these elements is discussed in-depth in relation to motivational and adolescent development theories. This study demonstrates the viability of promoting and implementing theoretically sound programs that address appropriate developmental capabilities and student motivations. Through focus on local interests, inclusive programs, engaged facilitators, community involvement, and creative facility usage, a broad range of public schools could embrace the value and benefit of physical activity and sport programs for academic enhancement and positive youth development.Item Measuring how stress impacts physical activity behaviors in undergraduates(2015-08) Born, Katelyn Ann; Bartholomew, John B.; Jowers, EsbellePURPOSE: To examine the effect of self-reported life stress on objective measures of physical activity. METHODS: Participants were a convenience sample of 98 undergraduates. Participants wore an ActiGraph GT1M Accelerometer for 6 consecutive days. Thirty participants were eliminated due to insufficient wear time (at least 8 hours/day). On each day of the week, they completed the Perceived Stress Scale. This was used to identify their highest and lowest stress day of the week excluding weekends. In addition, participants were divided according to their reports of consistent, exercise behavior. ANALYSIS: A 2 (gender) X 2 (day) RM-ANOVA was conducted to examine differences in time spent in MVPA. RESULTS: There was a significant interaction for gender, in that females increased their time spent in MVPA on their high stress day compared to their low stress day while males MVPA did not change, F (1, 66) = 7.55, p = .008. DISCUSSION: These results support findings by Lutz et al (2010), and extend it by using a sample with males and an objective measure of MVPA. Future studies should investigate the impact of exercise behavior on the relationship between stress and exercise.Item Measuring the validity of self-monitoring heart rate and activity tracking wearables(2016-05) Dooley, Erin Elizabeth; Bartholomew, John B.; Jowers, EsbellePURPOSE: To examine the validity of wearable physical activity tracking devices. METHODS: Participants were 62 students. Participants wore a Polar HR chest strap, Actigraph GT3X+ Acceleremetor, Apple Watch, Fitbit Charge HR, Garmin Forerunner 225 and were connected to a metabolic cart. Participants completed a seated 10-min baseline period, 4-min stages of light, moderate and vigorous intensities, and a 10-min seated recovery. Heart rate (HR), energy expenditure (EE) and step count were examined for each bout of exercise. ANALYSIS: Two-way RM-ANOVA were performed to compare the ability of the wearable devices to accurately measure each outcome relative to the criterion. Paired-samples t-tests compared the number of steps in observed videos and those reported for Fitbit. RESULTS: For HR, Apple Watch was accurate at all stages except in light and moderate intensities, in which the device measured lower HR. The Fitbit Charge HR produced accurate results in moderate PA, but measured significantly higher HR readings at baseline and light activity and lower HR readings at vigorous intensity. The Garmin Forerunner 225 was only accurate at vigorous intensity PA and measured significantly higher HR readings at all other intensities. For EE, the Fitbit measured significantly higher EE for all stages except vigorous intensity and recovery stages. The Apple Watch and Garmin measured significantly higher EE at all PA intensities. The Fitbit measured significantly lower step count than the criterion at all PA intensities. DISCUSSION: This study provides novel findings for Apple Watch and Garmin devices and provides new information regarding Fitbit accuracy. No studies have reported accuracy of these devices to measure HR. Future studies should investigate why differences between the devices exist.Item Neighborhood plans as tools for public health improvement : steps to a healthier Austin and neighborhood planning in Austin, Texas(2006-05) McGehee, Megan Lynn; McMillan, Tracy E.This study explores local plans as primary source documents outlining resident-requested, City-approved projects that may help reduce neighborhood-level barriers to physically active transportation and recreation. Emerging evidence suggests a link between the built environment and physical activity, but any causal relationship remains uncertain. This report begins with a literature review to discover neighborhood traits currently under investigation for correlation with higher activity levels. This is followed by an analysis of Austin Neighborhood Plans to identify community-prioritized Action Items pertinent to physical activity. Next, crime data are reviewed to assess objective and perceived safety levels in the study neighborhoods, Chestnut and East César Chávez. Finally, planners and residents are interviewed to explore how health and safety were addressed in the planning process, discover methods by which plan items have been implemented, and identify common barriers to project completion that the public health community may help bridge. Findings indicate that residents’ concerns regarding personal safety and crime may outweigh other neighborhood barriers to physical activity. Planning and health departments would be advised to address crime and safety levels as part of larger built environment efforts to encourage active transportation and recreation.Item An Onion Creek Plantation case study : encouraging physical activity by improving park access(2015-05) Torcat Chavez, Adriana; McCray, Talia; Burgin, John FThe effects of improvements to the built environment on physical activity and obesity levels has been widely analyzed. Nevertheless, there is still a need to prove through software simulations that actual modifications to the built environment may not result in disruptions the natural environment. Improvements to the built environment have the potential to enhance quality of life and promote active lifestyles. This study explores how built environment interventions and park connectivity strategies could contribute to higher rates of physical activity (PA) in Onion Creek Plantation -- a local community located in southeast Austin, Texas -- and analyze the incidence of those interventions on public health and obesity rates in the community. This study proposes to foster physical activity through the construction of a pedestrian low water crossing to improve access to the Onion Creek Greenbelt from the adjacent residential areas. Data for this analysis were obtained from the U.S Census Bureau, City of Austin's GIS data repository, City of Austin Watershed Protection Department and Children's Optimal Health reports. Three software products were used to process the data; ArcGIS 10.1, HEC-RAS 4.1.0 and HY8 -- Culvert Hydraulic Analysis software. Simulations of the behavior of Onion Creek during the 2 year and 100 year flood events allowed to measure the variation in the water surface elevation after adding the LWC. For the 2 year event the variation was 1.15 ft. and 0.46 ft. for the 100 year event. These variations should not create additional significant hazards during flood events in Onion Creek. The Onion Creek Park access project demonstrates the benefits of intersecting community planning with walkability, built environment and environmental health considerations to enhance the overall health of a local community. This study shows the value of simulating changes in the natural environment when new features are built.Item Perceived and measured environmental barriers to physical activity among minority youth in East Austin(2012-08) Price, Paula Holland; Bartholomew, John B.; Jowers, Esbelle M; Dixon, Marlene A; Hazen-Swann, Nancy L; Gaither, Kelly PTwo prospective studies were conducted to examine the social and built environmental barriers to physical activity among middle childhood youth in a low income, minority, urban community. The mixed method design first explored parent and child perceptions related to the social and built environmental barriers to middle childhood, ages 8-12, physical activity (PA) for families residing in East Austin, and then compared those to barriers identified by a systematic objective assessment of the neighborhoods of residence. Study 1 was a qualitative study where middle childhood-aged students and their parents participated in six parent-only and student-only focus groups. The focus group prompts encouraged discussion of the participants's perceptions of built and social environmental barriers to PA within their community. The parents identified traffic, crime, limited programming at local PA sites and technology, such as video games and television, as barriers to middle childhood PA. While the students discussed traffic and crime, they expressed less concern than their parents, and although they acknowledged that television and video games competed with PA, they expressed a desire for more family PA. Study 2 was an environmental study incorporating spatial analysis and systematic objective observation. Five East Austin neighborhoods were selected from those represented by the Study 1 participants. The neighborhoods and nearby recreational sites were mapped. Built environmental barriers were located and crime and traffic data were incorporated for each specific neighborhood. The measured barriers were then compared to the perceived barriers from Study 1. The spatial analysis revealed that the youth of East Austin have access to many parks and PA sites. Built environmental barriers included railroad tracks; traffic danger and fenced commercial properties blocking access. Social environmental barriers included limited age-appropriate programming for middle childhood-aged youth.