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1
Pollock, Elizabeth Davenport. "The relationship between mental health, physical health, physical appearance and marital dissatisfaction." College Park, Md. : University of Maryland, 2006. http://hdl.handle.net/1903/3923.
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Thesis (M.S.) -- University of Maryland, College Park, 2006.<br>Thesis research directed by: Dept of Family Studies. Title from t.p. of PDF. Includes bibliographical references. Published by UMI Dissertation Services, Ann Arbor, Mich. Also available in paper.
2
Fairclough, Stuart John. "Health-enhancing physical activity during secondary school physical education." Thesis, Liverpool John Moores University, 2005. http://researchonline.ljmu.ac.uk/5792/.
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3
Bell, Edith M. "Physical activity and mental health." Thesis, California State University, Long Beach, 2016. http://pqdtopen.proquest.com/#viewpdf?dispub=10195658.
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<p> The study investigated the relationship of physical activity (domain, frequency, amount, and intensity) on mental health (depression, stress, and anxiety) in the general population. Two hundred and fifty-three individuals eighteen or older completed either an online or paper survey for the study. Pearson Correlation, T-tests, and multiple regression were used in the data analysis. Results indicated vigorous activity correlated negatively with stress (<i>r</i> = -.16 <i>p</i> < .01) and anxiety, (<i> r</i> = -.15 <i>p</i> < .01). Amount of activity correlated negatively with anxiety, <i>r</i> = -.15 <i>p</i> < .05. Leisure time activity, frequency of activity, and amount of activity were significant predictors of stress among females, R<sup>2</sup> = .07, <i> p</i> < .05 and anxiety among males, R<sup>2</sup> = .09, <i> p</i> < .05 (vigorous for men and moderate for female). Males were found to participate in significantly more vigorous leisure activity than females, <i>t</i> = 2.50, <i>p</i> < .01. Given the limited research on factors of physical activity, results of the study offer useful information for future research into the complexities of physical activity and its effects on mental health.</p>
4
Harrison, Jeff. "'Stealth Health' Promotes Physical Activity." College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, University of Arizona (Tucson, AZ), 2008. http://hdl.handle.net/10150/622092.
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5
Pinto, Joana Batista de Castro. "Health-related physical fitness and physical activity in Portuguese adolescents." Master's thesis, Universidade de Aveiro, 2015. http://hdl.handle.net/10773/14589.
Full textAbstract:
Mestrado em Fisioterapia<br>Introduction:
Physiotherapy
develops,
maintains
or
restores
movement
and
function,
thus
maintaining
people
physically
active
and
with
adequate
physical
condition
is
one
of
its
main
objectives.
Therefore,
normative
values
are
necessary
for
the
various
components
of
health-‐related
physical
fitness
(HRPF),
for
the
correct
prescription
of
exercise
in
healthy
or
not
healthy
populations.
Objective:
To
contribute
to
the
establishment
of
normative
values
of
the
measures
most
commonly
used
in
physiotherapy
to
assess
HRPF
in
Portuguese
adolescents,
examining
gender-‐specific
differences
and
the
relationship
between
HRPF
and
physical
activity
(PA).
Methods:
A
cross-‐sectional
study
was
conducted.
Socio-‐demographic,
anthropometric
data
and
vital
signs
were
collected
in
adolescents
(12-‐17
years
old).
Their
PA
levels
were
assessed
using
the
"Physical
Activity
Index"
(PAI).
HRPF
was
assessed
through:
body
mass
index
(BMI),
incremental
shuttle
walk
test
(ISWT),
hand-‐held
dynamometry
(HHD),
modified
sit-‐and-‐reach
test
(MSRT)
and
timed
up
and
go
(TUG).
Results:
One
hundred
and
forty
one
adolescents
participated
(71
males).
The
mean
and
its
95%
confidence
intervals
obtained
for
each
test
were:
BMI
58.95
[54.12
–
63.77]
percentile;
ISWT
1251.19
[1199.25
–
1303.13]
meters;
HHD
21.04
[19.67
–
22.41]
Kilograms;
MSRT
38.09
[34.58
–
41.60]
centimeters;
TUG
4.31
[4.05
–
4.58]
seconds.
Male
adolescents
presented
better
performance
in
HRPF
tests
than
females,
except
for
BMI.
Adolescents
had
moderate
PA
levels
and,
the
higher
these
levels,
the
better
were
the
results
in
three
of
the
HRPF
tests
(ISWT;
MSRT;
TUG).
Conclusion:
Findings
are
a
contribution
to
the
development
of
normative
values
for
HRPF
tests
in
Portuguese
adolescents.
Higher
levels
of
PA
were
associated
with
better
HRPF
results.<br>Enquadramento:
A
fisioterapia
promove,
mantém
ou
restaura
movimento
e
funcionalidade.
Assim,
um
dos
seus
principais
objetivos
consiste
em
manter
indivíduos
ativos
e
com
uma
condição
física
adequada.
Para
isso
são
necessários
valores
normativos
relativos
às
várias
componentes
da
condição
física
relacionada
com
a
saúde,
para
a
adequada
prescrição
de
exercício
em
populações
saudáveis
ou
com
patologia.
Objetivo:
Contribuir
para
o
desenvolvimento
de
valores
normativos
dos
testes
mais
utilizados
na
fisioterapia
para
avaliar
a
condição
física
em
adolescentes
Portugueses,
analisando
as
diferenças
entre
género.
Explorou-‐se
também
a
relação
entre
estes
valores
e
o
nível
de
atividade
física
(AF)
dos
adolescentes.
Métodos:
Um
estudo
transversal
foi
realizado
em
colaboração
com
duas
escolas
da
região
de
Aveiro.
Dados
sociodemográficos,
antropométricos,
clínicos,
sinais
vitais
e
dados
de
função
pulmonar
foram
recolhidos
para
caracterizar
a
amostra.
Os
níveis
de
AF
foram
avaliados
através
do
“Physical
Activity
Index”.
A
condição
física
relacionada
com
a
saúde
(CFRS)
foi
avaliada
através
de:
índice
de
massa
corporal
(IMC),
teste
de
marcha
com
carga
progressiva
(TMCP),
dinamometria
manual
(DM),
teste
modificado
de
sentar
e
alcançar
(TMSA)
e
teste
de
levantar
e
ir
(TLI).
Resultados:
Cento
e
quarenta
e
um
adolescentes
(n=141)
participaram
neste
estudo
(71
rapazes)
com
uma
média
de
idade
de
14.33±1.34
anos.
As
médias
e
intervalos
de
confiança
a
95%
obtidos
em
cada
teste
foram:
IMC
58.95
[54.12
–
63.77]
percentil;
TMCP
1251.19
[1199.25
–
1303.13]
metros;
FMQ
21.04
[19.67
–
22.41]
quilogramas-‐força;
TMSA
38.09
[34.58
–
41.60]
centímetros;
TLI
4.31
[4.05
–
4.58]
segundos.
Os
adolescentes
do
sexo
masculino
obtiveram
melhores
resultados
nos
testes
de
CRFS
que
os
do
sexo
feminino,
à
exceção
do
IMC.
Os
resultados
do
PAI
mostram
que
os
adolescentes
têm
uma
AF
moderada
e
que,
quanto
maior
a
sua
pontuação
neste
questionário,
melhores
os
resultados
em
três
dos
testes
de
CFRS
(TMCP;
TMSA;
TLI).
Conclusão:
Os
valores
obtidos
neste
estudo
são
uma
contribuição
para
o
desenvolvimento
de
valores
normativos
para
estes
testes.
Confirma-‐se
que
níveis
mais
elevados
de
AF
estão
relacionados
com
melhores
resultados
de
CFRS.
6
Симоненко, Наталія Олександрівна, Наталия Александровна Симоненко, Nataliia Oleksandrivna Symonenko, and T. Piddubna. "Physical activity is important for health." Thesis, Видавництво СумДУ, 2010. http://essuir.sumdu.edu.ua/handle/123456789/6778.
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7
Tjepkema, Travis T. "Relationship between physical activity and physical fitness attributes." Virtual Press, 1994. http://liblink.bsu.edu/uhtbin/catkey/902485.
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The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between self-report physical activity as quantified by the Ball State University Adult Physical Fitness Program (BSU-APFP) Physical Activity Code (PAC) and measured physical fitness attributes of participants tested through the Ball State University Adult Physical Fitness Program. For the analysis, subjects were separated into three physical activity groups based on their self-reported PAC. The activity groups were sedentary, moderately active, and active. Comparisons were made among the groups for the following measured physical fitness attributes: age, resting blood pressure and heart rate, body weight, body mass index (BMI), percent body fat, total serum cholesterol, serum triglycerides, and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max). The subject pool for this study consisted of 2152 participants tested through the BSU-APFP between 1972-1992. A subset analysis was performed comparing serum lipids among the physical activity groups using 1432 participants from the original subject pool. Gender-specific univariate ANOVA's were used to assess differences among the physical activity groups for the physical fitness attributes. Significant differences (p<0.05) were observed between the sedentary and active men for all the physical fitness attributes. Significant differences (p<0.05) were observed between the moderately active and active men for all the physical fitness attributes except age and systolic blood pressure. In addition, significant differences (p<0.05) were observed between the sedentary and moderately active men for body weight, BMI, percent body fat, serum triglycerides and V02max. Significant differences (p<0.05) were observed between the sedentary and active women for all the physical fitness attributes except for age and total cholesterol. Significant differences (p<0.05) were observed between the moderately active and active women for all the physical fitness attributes except age, systolic/diastolic blood pressure and the serum lipids. In addition, significant differences (p<0.05) were observed between the sedentary and moderately active women for BMI, percent body fat, the serum lipids and V02max. The observed differences among the PAC groups were in the expected direction meaning that active men and women had more favorable physical fitness profiles as compared to their less active counterparts.<br>School of Physical Education
8
Hooper, Oliver R. "Health(y) talk : pupils' conceptions of health within physical education." Thesis, Loughborough University, 2018. https://dspace.lboro.ac.uk/2134/36203.
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Schools, and in particular physical education (PE), have been increasingly recognised for the role that they play in promoting healthy, active lifestyles amongst children and young people in light of the public health agenda (Armour and Harris, 2013). However, whilst schools have been recognised for the role that they can play in promoting health to children and young people, concerns have been expressed with regard to the status of health in PE and the approaches and practices used to address health-related learning (Cale et al., 2016). A particular concern in this regard is what children and young people know and understand about health , and how they come to conceive this within PE, with a growing body of literature suggesting that pupils conceptions are relatively superficial and simplistic (see Harris et al. (2016) for an overview). Accordingly, the purpose of this research is to explore pupils conceptions of health within PE. The research was comprised of four phases which took place over an 18-month period within the East Midlands region of England. Phase one involved an online survey being distributed to all state secondary schools (n = 293) and with a total of 52 schools responding. Phase two involved semi-structured interviews being conducted with 13 PE teachers at two case study schools and focus groups with 117 pupils (aged 11-12) at the same schools. A participatory approach underpinned the study and relevant methods/techniques were employed within pupil focus groups to generate discussion and elicit pupils conceptions of health . Examples of the methods/techniques employed included: drawings, concept cartoons and statement sheets. Pupils worked interactively with one another to undertake and discuss tasks/activities in line with the youth voice agenda that underpinned the research. This agenda is often allied with participatory methods (Heath et al., 2009) and seeks to privilege the voices of younger participants, recognising that children and young people are competent social agents, capable of both understanding and articulating their own experiences (Christensen and James, 2008). Phase three involved follow-up focus groups with the same pupils who participated during the preceding phase, and a similar participatory approach was employed. Phase four involved semi-structured focus groups being conducted with the same PE teachers at each school. Data generated were analysed using a Foucauldian-inspired discourse analysis. The findings of the study highlight that the vast majority of pupils conceptions of health were reductive, limited and limiting. These conceptions of health were identified as being underpinned by: corporeal notions, aesthetic orientations and healthist influences. In addition, they aligned with normative conceptions of health , that were evidently influenced by public health discourses, which may well have been promulgated by and through PE. Whilst pupils did not necessarily consider that PE influenced their conceptions of health , there were evident links, which PE teachers themselves acknowledged and problematised. Positively, it was highlighted that there were some pupils who were able to disrupt normative conceptions of health and, in doing so, they demonstrated their capacity for criticality. As such, the challenge for PE is now to consider how it might support pupils to develop their capacities to receive, interpret and be critical of health-related information. If it can do so, it may well be that critically-inclined conceptions of health can be fostered within, through and by the subject.
9
Spurkland, Kristin. "Framing Physical Activity| Weight Control Frames and Physical Activity Motivation." Thesis, Portland State University, 2018. http://pqdtopen.proquest.com/#viewpdf?dispub=10824567.
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<p> Public health institutions and popular media frequently frame weight loss and weight control as primary benefits of physical activity. This exploratory, descriptive study examined how respondents rated statements exemplifying three physical activity frames: a weight control frame, a medical frame, and an active embodiment frame. An anonymous, online survey was conducted in March 2018; respondents rated frame statements in terms of inspiring motivation to engage in physical activity, and in terms of perceived credibility. They also provided anthropometric data and physical activity data. Data were analyzed for the entire sample as well as stratified by multiple variables, including body mass index, waist circumference, age, and physical activity levels. </p><p> Overall, the weight control frame was rated the lowest in terms of motivation, and rated moderately in terms of credibility. The active embodiment frame was highly rated in terms of motivation, but did not rate highly in terms of credibility. The medical frame was rated most credible overall, while achieving moderate motivation ratings. A “credibility/motivation gap” was identified when frames were rated highly on one scale (credibility or motivation), but not the other. These findings have implications for how physical activity is framed in public health messaging, and suggest that, as no single frame dominated both the motivation and credibility ratings, a multi-frame approach may have greater success in motivating people to engage physical activity than does the current, weight-control dominant approach. </p><p>
10
Barton, John Mitchell. "The Role of Physical Activity and Physical Fitness on Biomarkers Associated with Depression and Cardiovascular Disease." Thesis, University of North Texas, 2016. https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc862753/.
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Two important health issues that can develop during young adulthood are related to mental health (e.g., depression) and physical health (e.g., cardiovascular disease). A common characteristic for both of these diseases is low-grade and chronic inflammation, but inflammation is negatively associated with physical activity (PA) and physical fitness. Thus, the purpose of this study was to investigate how PA and physical fitness were associated with biomarkers for depression and cardiovascular disease. Participants included 41 undergraduates who were considered to be "physical fit" (n = 21, Males = 15) or "physically unfit" (n = 20, Males = 17). They completed a battery of physical fitness assessments (e.g., 20m shuttle run, body fat percentage, handgrip strength, push-ups, blood pressure, and waist circumference), a self-report measure for depression and stress, and wore an accelerometer for one week. Afterwards, blood was drawn to estimate CVD risk using biomarkers for metabolic syndrome (i.e., triglycerides, glucose, and HDL) and inflammation (i.e., C-reactive protein [CRP], interleukin-6, interleukin-1b, and tumor necrosis factor alpha). The physically fit group had more moderate and vigorous PA, lower body fat percentage and handgrip strength scores, and performed better on the VO2max, curl-up, and plank tests compared to the physically unfit group. They also had a healthier profile for CVD (i.e., smaller waist circumference, lower triglycerides and glucose concentrations, higher HDL, and lower CRP) and lower self-reported depression and stress scores compared to the physically unfit group.
11
Ward, Laura G. "Physical education teachers' engagement with health-related exercise and health-related continuing professional development : a healthy profile?" Thesis, Loughborough University, 2009. https://dspace.lboro.ac.uk/2134/33678.
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Over the past decade there have been increasing amounts of academic, political and media interest in Physical Education. teachers and their role in promoting healthy, active. lifestyles. Indeed, there is a long-standing assumption that schools play a fundamental role in producing 'a healthy nation' arid that Physical Education is responsible for promoting sport, physical activity and health amongst young people. This research was located within the context of Health-Related Exercise (HRE), a statutory component of the National Curriculum for Physical Education in England which aims to promote in pupils the knowledge, skills and understanding necessary to lead healthy, active lifestyles. An extensive and critical review of literature revealed that there were continuing concerns over the status, organisation and teaching of HRE within the curriculum, and that questions had been raised over Physical Education teachers' knowledge of HRE and the extent to which they have engaged with continuing professional development (CPD) in the area (HRE-CPD). The reasons underpinning these concerns have been relatively unexplored and this thesis represents a contribution towards understanding the social processes which have served to influence the nature and extent of Physical Education teachers' engagement with HRE and HRE-CPD.
12
Woodfield, Lorayne Angela. "Young people's physical activity, attitudes towards physical education, and health related fitness." Thesis, Coventry University, 2008. http://curve.coventry.ac.uk/open/items/967fa15e-56a2-40cf-892a-7de2ba417114/1.
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The aim of this study was to assess the physical activity, attitudes towards physical education, and health related fitness at two points, one year apart (Phase One and Phase Two). Three hundred and ninety four secondary school pupils of mixed ethnicities from National Curriculum school years 7, 8 and 9 (mean age ± S.D. = 12.9 ± 0.81 years) participated in phase one of the study. Two hundred and sixty seven pupils (from the original 394 participants) from National Curriculum school years 8, 9 and 10 (mean age ± S.D. = 13.7 ± 0.79 years) took part in phase two one year later. Physical activity was measured using the four by one-day physical activity recall questionnaire (Cale, 1993). Attitude was measured using the Pre-Adolescent Attitude towards Physical Education Questionnaire (PAAPEQ) (Shropshire, 1997). Five components of health related fitness were measured in a randomly selected sub-sample (35%) of the overall sample: body composition (measured using skinfold measures and body mass index); cardiovascular endurance (measured using the twenty metre multistage fitness test, Brewer et al., 1988); flexibility (measured using the sit and reach test); muscular strength (measured using hand grip dynamometry); and muscular endurance (measured using situps). Results of repeated measures ANOVA revealed a significant decrease in energy expenditure between phase one and phase two (p<0.01) and young people’s energy expenditure was higher during weekends (especially Saturdays) than during school days (p<0.01). Young Asians were found to expend less energy than white and black pupils (p<0.01) and boys expended more energy than girls (p<0.01). No main effect according to school year was found (p>0.05) although a significant ‘time’ by ‘days’ of the week interaction was revealed; pupils in Year 8 were more active on school days than those in Years 7 and 9 (p<0.05). Non-parametric analyses conducted on time spent in moderate physical activity (MPA) and vigorous physical activity (VPA) indicated that: MPA and VPA decreased between phases one and two; Asians consistently spent less time in MPA than white and black pupils (p<0.01); boys engaged in more MPA and VPA than girls (p<0.01). However, the difference in mean reported time for boys and girls decreased between phases one and two. Percentages of the whole sample meeting optimal activity guidelines and percentages classified as active or moderately active decreased between measurements for the whole sample. With regard to attitudes towards PE, results from MANOVA revealed a significant ‘school year’ x ‘ethnicity’ x ‘gender’ interaction (p<0.05). Attitudes of black males became more positive with age whereas the attitudes of other groups followed an age related decline. Significant main effects were found according to school year (p<0.01) and ethnicity (p<0.05). Attitude towards PE became less favourable with school year. Asian pupils had more positive overall attitudes than white and black pupils but univariate analysis revealed that Asian pupils had a less positive attitude towards their PE teacher (p<0.05). Furthermore, Pearson’s product moment correlations indicated weak yet significant positive relationships between total attitude towards PE and energy expenditure (p<0.01), time spent in moderate activity (p<0.05) and time spent in vigorous activity (p<0.01). Results of repeated measures ANOVA conducted on health related fitness data revealed that, for all groups, body fat (p<0.05) and muscular endurance (p<0.01) increased between phases one and two. In both phases, significant positive relationships were found between muscular endurance and energy expenditure (p<0.01) and vigorous activity (p<0.05 and p<0.01 for phases one and two respectively). Therefore, young people who were more active had greater levels of muscular endurance. No further consistent findings were made. Findings indicate that generally young people’s physical activity decreases with age and that girls are less active than boys although as young people age the physical activity gap between the genderes narrows. Findings also lend support to the idea that cultural differences may influence physical activity levels and attitudes towards PE. Furthermore, associations between physical activity and attitude towards PE exist and therefore, attitude may be used to predict physical activity behaviour. Ethnicity, age, and attitude towards PE should be considered in the development of future interventions to increase young people’s physical activity levels. However, as the current study did not reveal strong associations between physical activity and health related fitness, further research is required in the area.
13
Phillips, Daniel J. "Physical activity in the mental health context| Addressing physical activity with clients." Thesis, Northern Arizona University, 2017. http://pqdtopen.proquest.com/#viewpdf?dispub=10189737.
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<p>Research over many decades has considered how physical activity affects mental health and how physical activity is perceived and utilized by mental health professionals in the treatment of clients. Findings suggest that physical activity is useful for decreasing symptoms of some disorders, improving mood, and improving cognitive functioning. Further, mental health professionals generally endorse the topic of physical activity as relevant and useful in the mental health context. However, mental health professionals do not generally address client physical activity. Among other concerns, mental health professionals believe that addressing physical activity with clients could have a negative impact on the client?s perception of the counseling process. This study investigated whether addressing client physical activity with college students participating in an intake counseling session influenced client ratings of the session or client ratings of the counseling relationship. There were no significant differences found in client ratings of the counseling session or counseling relationship when physical activity was addressed. The results of this study can be used in making decisions about addressing the topic of physical activity in the mental health context.
14
Barnett, Tracie. "Determinants of children's physical activity behavior : influence of opportunities for physical activity in elementary schools." Thesis, McGill University, 2004. http://digitool.Library.McGill.CA:80/R/?func=dbin-jump-full&object_id=84467.
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With dramatic increases in obesity in North America and declining levels of physical activity (PA), identification of the determinants of PA in children that are amenable to improvement, is a public health priority.<br>The purpose of this thesis is fourfold: to identify factors that predict decline in PA among school children; to investigate if selected (school-level) opportunities for PA at school are associated with overall (student-level) PA behaviour; to describe school-based opportunities for PA; and finally, to identify environmental correlates of 'high opportunity' schools.<br>Not participating in school-based team sports predicted decline to an inactive status after one year in boys and after two years in girls. Other one-year predictors of decline among boys included moderate (Vs high) baseline PA (odds ratio (OR) = 1.66, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.91, 3.05, low self-efficacy (OR = 2.13, 95% CI: 1.03, 2.71)), born outside Canada (OR = 2.13, 95% CI: 1.31, 3.46) and Asian origin (OR = 1.81, 95% CI: 0.93, 3.55) in boys and moderate PA (OR = 1.91, 95% CI: 1.10, 3.32), low self-efficacy (OR = 1.70, 95% CI: 1.15, 2.49), watching ≥4 TV programs per day (OR = 1.40, 95% CI: 0.97, 2.02), mother unemployed (OR = 1.54, 95% CI: 1.07, 2.23), and grade 5 (Vs. grade 4) (OR = 1.35, 95% CI: 0.94, 1.93) in girls. Two-year predictors included moderate baseline PA (OR = 2.52, 95% CI: 0.84, 7.53, and born outside Canada (OR = 1.96, 95% CI: 0.91, 4.20) in boys and moderate baseline PA (OR = 2.75, 95% CI: 1.01, 7.49), watching 4 or more TV programs per day (OR = 1.93, 95% CI: 0.99, 3.74), and born outside Canada (OR = 1.85, 95% CI: 0.96, 3.55) in girls. In the second analysis, 8% of the variance in children's PA behaviour was at the between-school level. MLM analyses did not identify significant main effects of either 'high PE' or 'sports playing fields' for physical activity outcomes. However, significant cross-level interactions were identified, such that overweight boys who attended high PE schools and/or schools equipped with sports playing fields reported higher levels of PA and were less likely to be inactive than overweight boys attending schools that did not offer these opportunities. In the third analysis, there was substantial variation in PA opportunities between schools. Higher opportunity for PA at school was associated with role modeling of PA by school principals (OR = 2.40, 95% CI: 1.23, 3.46); high interest in links to the municipality (OR = 1.95, 95% CI: 1.18, 3,21); fewer barriers related to cost and human r<br>These findings illustrate the central role of the school environment in influencing children's activity levels, and provide direction to program and policy makers interested in enhancing opportunities for PA available to children at school, and in helping children maintain active lifestyles. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)
15
Aschan, Lisa. "Health inequalities and mental health service use in mental-physical comorbidity." Thesis, King's College London (University of London), 2015. https://kclpure.kcl.ac.uk/portal/en/theses/health-inequalities-and-mental-health-service-use-in-mentalphysical-comorbidity(6f2c678e-1d94-40c0-9622-333539e46c4b).html.
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Although mental and physical health are likely to share common social causes, most mental-physical comorbidity research has focused on immediate mechanisms between mental and physical illness. This thesis takes a social epidemiological approach to mental-physical comorbidity, where social disadvantage and the disproportionate availability of resources are central. The amplified burden of comorbidity in terms of poor health and functioning may have implications for the relationship between comorbidity and mental health service use (MHSU). Whilst much research examines the impact of comorbidity on physical health services, MHSU is under-researched. Furthermore, comorbidity inequalities may be perpetuated through processes of cumulative disadvantage. For example, barriers to social participation may deplete resources over time, thus leading to worse health outcomes and more adverse social circumstances. This project therefore aims to: 1. Estimate the prevalence of comorbidity, and describe inequalities in mental-physical comorbidity by key socio-demographic and socioeconomic factors 2. Describe and explain the association between comorbidity and mental health service utilisation and quality 3. Describe the trajectories of social functioning by comorbidity Analyses make use of survey data from the South East London Community Health Survey (SELCoH) phases 1 (N=1698) and 2 (N=1052) (73% response among those approached at follow-up). Statistical methods used include weighted cross-sectional and longitudinal regression analyses. The results indicate that comorbidity is associated with distinct socio-economic inequalities (most consistently by household income), increased MHSU over time, and persistent social exclusion. This suggests that comorbidity reflects a process of cumulative disadvantage, which has important implications for comorbidity and health inequality research, and local services and policy makers. Altering the downward spiralling trajectories of health and social disadvantage among those with mental-physical comorbidity may be addressed through integrated care models, while interventions aimed at reducing social inequalities may effectively 3 prevent comorbidity and interrupt its downward spiralling course of disadvantage.
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Rosenberg, Shirit Chaia-Rivka. "Disability, physical activity, health, health status and chronic diseases in adults." Thesis, Teachers College, Columbia University, 2015. http://pqdtopen.proquest.com/#viewpdf?dispub=3704483.
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<p> There is a great deal of concern regarding the levels of physical inactivity in people with disability, which is more prevalent than in the general population. Inactivity in individuals with disabilities can lead to higher rates of chronic diseases and obesity and vice versa. Moreover, disability is increasing in middle-aged adults while decreasing among older adults. This purpose of this dissertation was to: 1) evaluate the prevalence of disability across the lifespan, 2) to examine the relationships between disability (DA), physical activity (PA), and factors associated with them, and 3) to look at the trends in these factors to understand the patterns occurring in middle-aged adults compared with older adults.</p><p> Data analyzed for this dissertation were collected as part of the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey (BRFSS) conducted between 2003 and 2011. Measures included DA, PA, chronic diseases, sociodemographics, health risk behaviors, and health status.</p><p> In our first study, we found that respondents categorized as disabled or functionally limited reported less PA, more chronic diseases, and poorer health behaviors than those categorized as able bodied. There was a higher prevalence of DA in the middle-aged and older adults compared to younger adults. Individuals with lower incomes and those with chronic diseases were more likely to be classified as having a disability compared to individuals with higher incomes and individuals without chronic disease. Our second study showed that middle-aged people were less likely to meet physical activity recommendations compared with older adults. Having a DA and being in poor health were strongly associated with not meeting the PA recommendations. In our third study, we found all the age groups showed an increase in functional limitation and DA over time. Further, among all age groups there was an increase in meeting aerobic recommendations over time. Our studies showed that DA and functional limitation are strongly associated with unhealthy behaviors and chronic diseases and poorer health. Moreover, middle-aged and older adults showed similar results in DA and PA recommendations. Given that physical inactivity has the potential to reduce disability, prevent chronic disease and enhance health, greater public health attention to what is warranted.</p>
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Ream, Scott T. "Pastoral health and burnout| Spiritual maturity, emotional health, and physical environment." Thesis, Nyack College, Alliance Theological Seminary, 2017. http://pqdtopen.proquest.com/#viewpdf?dispub=10189092.
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<p>The purpose of writing Pastoral Health and Burnout: Spiritual Maturity, Emotional Health, and Physical Environment is to integrate biblical and psychological insights to test three suspected factors of burnout among senior pastors. This is accomplished through the creation of the Ream Pastoral Health Scale (RPHS), a 60-question Likert scale survey designed to assess the health of a senior pastor according to spiritual maturity, emotional health, and physical environment. The RPHS was validated using the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI). The MBI is a nationally recognized assessment tool for measuring burnout in the secular word. Eighty-three Christian and Missionary Alliance senior pastors from various districts in the United States were surveyed with the Ream Pastoral Health Scale and the Maslach Burnout Inventory. Strong correlations were found between the RPHS and the MBI.
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Thorson, Rhonda R. "Dunn County comprehensive health assessment Phase II physical and dental health /." Online version, 2002. http://www.uwstout.edu/lib/thesis/2002/2002thorsonr.pdf.
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Culver, Katherine. "Relationship Between Parental Role-Modeling of Physical Activity and Child's Physical Activity." VCU Scholars Compass, 2009. http://scholarscompass.vcu.edu/etd/1727.
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Trends in childhood obesity have lead to a generation that has a shortened lifespan, where excessive weight may decrease life expectancy by as much as five years. Physical inactivity is a major risk factor for childhood obesity as well as cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and cancer. Addressing inactivity in children could help keep the obesity epidemic from continuing to grow as well as help address other health concerns. The specific aims of this study are 1) To examine the effect of parental role-modeling of exercise on children’s activity level by specifically looking at the role of the mother and the father, 2) To determine what variables affect the relationship between parental role-modeling of physical activity and child’s physical activity, and 3) To assess what other variables are associated with children’s physical activity. This cross-sectional study uses data from the National Survey of Children’s Health (NSCH) 2003. The results of this survey are weighted to represent the population of non-institutionalized children ages 0-17 nationally and in each state. This study focused on Virginia as approximately 13.8% of children ages 0-17 in Virginia are overweight and only 23.7% exercise vigorously everyday (26% nationally). The study sample was n=949 children. The sample was predominantly White (76.2%) with approximately equal numbers of males and females. The exposure of interest was parent’s regular exercise (yes/no) and the outcome of interest was child’s regular exercise (0-3 days a week/ 4+ days a week). Potential confounding variables included age, gender, race, BMI, the mother’s and father’s health, and smoking. The crude results of the study show that children with mothers who did not exercise regularly were more likely to exercise than children with mothers who did exercise regularly (OR= 1.19, 95% CI [0.83, 1.72]). Children with fathers who did not exercise regularly were less likely to exercise than children with fathers that did exercise regularly (OR=0.86, 95% CI [0.57, 1.28]). However, after adjustment, children with mothers who did not exercise regularly were less likely to exercise than children with mothers who did exercise regularly (OR=0.99, 95%CI [0.71, 1.32]). The same was true for fathers (OR=0.77, 95%CI [0.49, 1.22]). The results of this study could have possible policy implications. Interventions and programs that are implemented in schools and in communities need to have a family component as this study, as well as others, have shown that parents can influence their child’s exercise behaviors purely by being active themselves. Encouraging and facilitating exercise by parents could be a cost-effective way of implementing obesity prevention efforts with children as well as helping to improve the health of the adult population. Further research needs to be undertaken where all current known risk factors for childhood obesity are included so that the relative importance of these factors can be investigated.
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Shaver, Julie Christine. "Gender differences in physical health and depression." Thesis, National Library of Canada = Bibliothèque nationale du Canada, 1999. http://www.collectionscanada.ca/obj/s4/f2/dsk2/ftp01/MQ37418.pdf.
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Shagott, Todd P. "Physical health promotion in consumer run organizations." Diss., Wichita State University, 2009. http://hdl.handle.net/10057/2494.
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There are large disparities in physical health within psychiatric population. These disparities are
made greater by the poor health behaviors of the psychiatric population in general. Change in
health behaviors is aided by social support, a resource common within consumer run
organizations (CROs). This study both investigated the health of people with psychiatric
disabilities in Kansas and examined CROs to determine their organizational and setting level
support for physical activity and eating a healthy diet.
Collection of data was primarily through semi-structured interviews. Interviews were conducted
with two samples, attendees of the 2008 Recovery Conference, and members and staff of 16
CROs in Kansas.
Consistent with previous literature, the participants in this study were found to be in much poorer
health than the general population. The dietary behaviors of participants included high
consumption of foods with low nutritional value and low consumption of foods high in
nutritional value. In general, the organization and setting characteristics of CROs provided little
support for either healthy eating a healthy diet or physical activity. Discussion focused on the
potential for CROs to enhance healthy eating and physical activity through setting changes.<br>Thesis (Ph.D.)--Wichita State University, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Dept. of Psychology
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Autenrieth, Christine S. "Physical activity, vascular health, and delayed mortality." Diss., Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 2013. http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:19-163907.
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Carless, David. "Mental health and physical activity in recovery." Thesis, University of Bristol, 2003. http://hdl.handle.net/1983/261d3734-2195-480d-aef8-64dde3fed29e.
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Rice, Judy A. "Assessing the Physical Health of Psychiatric Patients." Digital Commons @ East Tennessee State University, 2001. https://dc.etsu.edu/etsu-works/7619.
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Loney, Tom. "Physical activity and health : an evolutionary approach." Thesis, University of Bath, 2009. https://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.500710.
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Anthropologic data suggests that the present human genome evolved in a physically active hunter-gatherer environment where there was an unavoidable linkage between food procurement (energy acquisition) and physical activity (PA; energy expenditure). Antithetically, contemporary society provides the convenience whereby it is no longer necessary to expend energy to procure food, as it is easily accessible, energy dense and cheap. In addition, modern technology and mechanisation (e.g. vehicular transport) have decreased daily energy expenditure. Emerging evidence suggests that numerous public health epidemics (e.g. obesity) may be caused by a mismatch between our 'Stone Age' genes and our 'Space Age' lifestyle.
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Ansara, Donna Lynn. "Women's physical health after childbirth, do violence and depression histories represent risk factors for more postpartum physical health symptoms?" Thesis, National Library of Canada = Bibliothèque nationale du Canada, 2001. http://www.collectionscanada.ca/obj/s4/f2/dsk3/ftp05/MQ63067.pdf.
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Wannasuntad, Supaporn. "Factors predicting Thai children's physical activity." Diss., Search in ProQuest Dissertations & Theses. UC Only, 2007. http://gateway.proquest.com/openurl?url_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:dissertation&res_dat=xri:pqdiss&rft_dat=xri:pqdiss:3261262.
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Frauhiger, Lynnette. "The effects of daily physical activity on student academic achievement and physical health." Virtual Press, 2002. http://liblink.bsu.edu/uhtbin/catkey/1237761.
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The purpose of this study was to discover if daily physical activity affects students' academic achievement on standardized tests and their physical health as measured by their body composition, body mass index, cholesterol levels, and blood pressure.Purposeful sampling was used to recruit participants in this study. The experimental group consisted of 17 fourth-grade students who attend a rural Indiana school. The control group for this study consisted of 20 fourth-grade students who attend the same rural Indiana elementary school.After parental permission forms were returned from students in the experimental group, those 17 students participated in the daily physical activity program that met for approximately 20 minutes each day from January 31, 2002 through April 12, 2002. The researcher taught the daily physical activity program that involved aerobic activities during which the students wore heart rate monitors to help them monitor their heart rates. The goal for each activity time was for the students to maintain a heart rate between 150 and 200 beats per minute. The focus of the daily physical activity program was on cardiovascular wellness. The control group consisted of 20 students who participated in their school's regular physical education program offered one day a week for 45 minutes. During the time that the experimental group participated in the daily physical activity program, the students in the control group were at recess where they could participate in unstructured activities of their choice.Data was collected and compared from standardized test scores, and health data provided by an independent organization, The Caylor Nickel Foundation, to determine if there was a significant difference between the control group and experimental group in their academic achievement and physical health factors.Univariate analyses of variance (ANOVA) were used to determine any significant differences between the groups (p =.05). The results indicated no significant difference between the control and experimental groups in academic achievement as measured by the NWEA Test in the areas of language, reading, and math. No significant difference was found in the cholesterol levels or the diastolic blood pressure of the two groups of students. A significant difference was found between the groups in their body composition, body mass index and systolic blood pressure. It was found that the experimental group had healthier results in their body composition, body mass index, and lower systolic blood pressure levels.<br>School of Physical Education
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McFadden, Taylor. "Mental Health, Physical Activity Participation and Physical Activity Recommendation Habits of Medical Students." Thesis, Université d'Ottawa / University of Ottawa, 2021. http://hdl.handle.net/10393/41854.
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The purpose of this doctoral dissertation was to investigate the relationships between mental health and physical activity participation of medical students, as well as their confidence, motivation and frequency in recommending physical activity in future medical practice. Moreover, this thesis involved the implementation and evaluation of a peer support walking intervention aimed at improving the mental health and physical activity participation of medical students. Two separate studies were conducted, including a cross-sectional correlational survey administered to medical students in all four years at three Canadian Universities (Study One; Articles One, Two and Three) and a single-subject study testing the impact of a two-month peer support walking intervention delivered to first and second year medical students at two Canadian universities (Study Two; Articles Four and Five). Article One examined relationships between physical activity, including mild and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), and mental health profiles in a sample of Canadian medical students using latent profile analysis. Three distinct mental health profiles emerged (low, moderate and high ratings of mental health) and individuals in the high mental health profile reported engaging in more mild physical activity than MVPA. Article Two investigated the underlying mechanism(s) contributing to frequency in recommending physical activity, to provide insight into how we can increase physical activity recommendations in future practice as physicians. Findings showed positive relationships between medical students’ physical activity levels and their frequency recommending physical activity to patients. Results also revealed that medical students are significantly more motivated than they are confident to recommend physical activity to patients and only 52% of student participants were aware of and accurately able to recall the Canadian physical activity guidelines. Article Three examined demographic differences in medical students’ motivation and confidence to recommend physical activity to future patients. Results revealed differences according to gender, year of study and academic background. For instance, second year students were more motivated to assess a patients’ level of physical activity compared to third and fourth year students. Article Four evaluated the impact of a two-month peer support walking intervention aimed at improving the mental health and physical activity participation of first and second year medical students using the RE-AIM framework. Findings showed that the peer support walking intervention was delivered as intended and may be an important proactive strategy for maintaining mental health and physical activity levels of medical students during stressful situations, including the COVID-19 pandemic. Finally, Article Five offered evidence-based strategies for conducting mental health research in medical professionals to optimize recruitment, engagement and retention. Ten strategies were provided to help inform the planning of future research aiming to support the mental health of medical professionals, including students. Taken altogether, findings from this dissertation show that peer support and incorporating mild physical activity may be an effective strategy to offer within medical student wellness programs. Additionally, results highlight the need to expand the medical curriculum to include physical activity education in order to prepare students to recommend physical activity to patients in future medical practice as an important preventive and therapeutic strategy for several chronic illnesses.
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Kemp, Kim. "Pathways to health in a deprived population : relationships between smoking, mental health & physical health." Thesis, University of Edinburgh, 2011. http://hdl.handle.net/1842/5520.
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Introduction: Recently there has been increasing interest in understanding and addressing health inequalities and enhancing the well-being of the population as a whole through anticipatory care and better health care delivery. The current study aimed to investigate the predictive relationships between smoking behaviour, physical health, and mental health in a deprived population using models of mediation. Method: Participants had attended a Keep Well health check, a national programme offering health screening, advice, referrals and signposting to individuals aged 45-64 living in deprived areas. Participants completed a questionnaire measuring smoking status, physical health (RAND general health subscale), mental health symptoms (GHQ-12), positive mental health (WEMWBS), and demographic information. Results: The current study found that smoking mediated the relationship between mental health problems and physical health, as well as mediating the relationship between positive mental health and physical health. Discussion: These findings suggest that by offering interventions to encourage individuals to stop smoking health care providers can hope to reduce mental health problems via direct effects but also via an indirect benefit of improvements in physical health. There are also opportunities to improve physical health via the direct effects of reducing mental health problems and increasing positive mental health, as well as the indirect effect of smoking.
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Kiken, Laura G. "Knowledge and Perceived Ambiguity of Physical Activity Recommendations and Physical Activity in Men and Women in the United States." Also available to VCU users at:, 2006. http://hdl.handle.net/10156/2192.
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Allen, Elnora H. "Health Locus of Control Belief and Health Behavior in Patients with Job Related Injuries." VCU Scholars Compass, 1987. http://scholarscompass.vcu.edu/etd/4337.
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This study examines the relationship between an individual's health locus of control belief and four variables: previous job injury experience, the duration of work absence due to previous job injury, appointment keeping behavior, and the wage replacement ratio. Seventy-two subjects with job related injuries referred to an industrial physical therapist were administered the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scale (MHLC). There was an uneven distribution of subjects according to MHLC belief patterns with more subjects demonstrating a "pure internal" health locus of control belief. No significance (Q > .05) was found between our four variables associated with a job injury and a high powerful others (PHLC) and chance (CHLC) locus of control beliefs. Not all the subjects had experienced a previous job injury and, therefore, had not developed learned expectancies regarding this type of situation. Their health locus of control belief may be a general measure whereas for those subjects with prior job injury experience, the health locus of control for this situation is likely to be a more specific construct. The researcher concludes that a worker's belief that the external factors of chance or a significant powerful other may not relate to experience with previous injury on the job, the duration of previous job injuries, financial factors associated with job injury and the stage of the injury.
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Kuku, Olubunmi, Gabrielle Caselman, Julia Ph D. Dodd, Lindsay Taylor, Brittany Arnett, Stephanie Alu, and Morgan Barker. "Association between depression and physical health among college adults: The mediating roles of physical activity and diet." Digital Commons @ East Tennessee State University, 2018. https://dc.etsu.edu/asrf/2018/schedule/159.
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Depression is regarded as the most common mental problem among young college adults and is associated with numerous health complications and increased mortality. Significant evidence supports a relationship between depression and physical health outcomes, including poorer general health and obesity. The purpose of this study is to examine potential mechanisms underlying this relationship. Specifically, we examined whether three health behaviors – physical activity (PA), fruit and vegetable consumption (FVC), and fast food consumption (FFC) mediated the relationship between depression and three physical health outcomes – self-rated general health, somatic complaints, and body mass index (BMI). A sample of college students (n=723) was recruited through the ETSU Sona system and completed self-report questionnaires via the REDCap survey platform. Linear regression analysis was conducted in order to determine the association between depression, health risk behaviors, and health outcomes. The effects of age, race, gender, income, and year in school were controlled to limit confounding. Depression was found to significantly predict general self-rated health (R2 = .18, F[7, 335] = 10.64, p < .000, β = -.06), BMI (R2 = .13, F[7, 337] = 7.12, p < .01, β = .14), and somatic symptoms (R2 = .40, F[7, 335] = 31.86, p < .000, β = .60). Depression also significantly predicted fast food consumption (R2 = .04, F[7, 336] = 2.04, p < .01, β = .07), although it did not significantly predict fruit and vegetable consumption (R2 = .06, F[7, 335] = 3.00, p = .579, β = -.07) or minutes of physical activity (R2 = .03, F[7, 307] = 1.30, p = .975, β = -.08). No significant predictive relationships were found between the health behaviors in our study (PA, FVC, and FFC) and selected health outcomes (self-rated health, somatic complaints, and BMI). Because the regression results were not significant supporting mediation, a mediation analysis was not performed. The study findings demonstrate that depression is a strong predictor of multiple measures of physical health as well as of fast food consumption. Future research should continue to examine the mechanisms by which depression affects physical health outcomes. Understanding the health determinants that link depressed mood to physical health outcomes will help determine specific public health interventions that can potentially prevent and better manage the prevalence of these coexisting health conditions among college adults.
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Park, Woo Sung. "A survey of pastors regarding their physical health /." Free full text is available to ORU patrons only; click to view:, 2005. http://proquest.umi.com/pqdlink?did=1014315091&sid=1&Fmt=2&clientId=456&RQT=309&VName=PQD.
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Applied research project (D. Min.)--School of Theology and Missions, Oral Roberts University, 2005.<br>Includes abstract and vita. Translated from Korean. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 181-185).
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O'Connell, Christine. "Integrating physical and psychological wellbeing in child health." Thesis, Canterbury Christ Church University, 2016. http://create.canterbury.ac.uk/15004/.
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Research shows that the integration of physical and mental healthcare in paediatric settings is beneficial in terms of clinical and cost effectiveness (Kahana, Drotar, & Frazier, 2008; Douglas & Benson 2008, Griffin & Christie, 2008). Due to the high rates of mental health problems within this population, several studies have shown that referral to paediatric psychology should be increased (e.g. Wagner & Smith, 2007). However, there are few studies investigating factors influencing healthcare professionals’ referral behaviour. The current study used theory of planned behaviour (Ajzen, 1988; 1991) to develop a questionnaire which explores factors influencing the referral of children and families to paediatric psychology. Psychometric properties of the questionnaire were examined. Findings indicate that the questionnaire holds good reliability and validity and that the main constructs of theory of planned behaviour are useful in predicting intention to refer to paediatric psychology. Specific beliefs about referral were also shown to influence intention to refer. Findings that individual referrer factors such as attitudes and beliefs can impact healthcare professionals’ referral behaviour indicates that multidisciplinary interventions and inter-professional education relating to the psychological aspects of illness are required. Recommendations for future research are discussed.
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Witmer, Larissa Kathryn. "Adolescent Girls' Perceptions of Physical Activity and Health." NCSU, 2009. http://www.lib.ncsu.edu/theses/available/etd-04252009-122914/.
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The purpose of this study was to examine middle school females' perceptions of physical activity, eating, and physical health. This research considers several key issues, including high obesity rates, girls' lack of physical activity, the decrease in physical activity during adolescence, and teenagers' failure to meet nutritional guidelines. A qualitative approach was selected to gain a deeper understanding of the significance girls place on these health behaviors and some of the factors that go into their decisions about leisure time activity and eating. Four focus groups were conducted in central North Carolina with a total of 28 girls in sixth through eighth grades. Data were analyzed with ATLAS.ti 5.2. Four themes emerged from the analysis: perceptions of health, social norms, family, and enjoyment. Recommendations are given for ways to encourage healthy diets and PA participation in adolescent girls.
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Bandhil, Pavan. "Physical intelligent sensors for integrated system health management /." Available to subscribers only, 2006. http://proquest.umi.com/pqdweb?did=1136091891&sid=12&Fmt=2&clientId=1509&RQT=309&VName=PQD.
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Leitschuh, Gloria A. "Self actualization scores as predictors of physical health /." View online, 1990. http://repository.eiu.edu/theses/docs/32211998880989.pdf.
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Stratton, Gareth. "Children's health promoting physical activity in school contexts." Thesis, Liverpool John Moores University, 2000. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.247314.
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Mytton, Oliver. "A population perspective on physical activity and health." Thesis, University of Cambridge, 2017. https://www.repository.cam.ac.uk/handle/1810/264414.
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Regular physical activity reduces the risk of many chronic diseases. Consequently, the promotion of it and particular types (e.g. walking and cycling for travel), have become a priority for governments seeking to improve health and constrain rising demand on health services. Despite this many uncertainties persist. The aim of this thesis is to address two particular areas of uncertainty: a) the association of walking and cycling for travel with indices of health and well-being; b) and the extent to which increases in physical activity will reduce need for health and social care. The first part of my thesis consists of three studies that describe the health benefits associated with walking and cycling to work among working age adults. The first is a longitudinal study of the associations between maintenance of active commuting with sickness absence and well-being using the Commuting and Health in Cambridge dataset. The second, using the same dataset, describes the longitudinal associations between maintenance of active commuting and self-reported body mass index. Building on this, the third study using a large cohort study (the Fenland Study) with detailed characterisation of diet and physical activity (including objective measurement) describes the baseline associations between active commuting and objective measures of adiposity. The second part of my thesis describes the development of a combined microsimulation multi-state life table model that is used to characterise the effects of a population ‘shift’ in physical activity on the burden of six major diseases at the population-level. Specifically, it seeks to better describe the effect of increases in physical activity on healthcare need considering not just the effect of physical activity on disease incidence but also the effect on healthcare need arising from consequent survival to an older age (at which disease incidence is higher), and contrasts this with a method that does not make allowance for increased survival. The findings of this thesis provide evidence of the importance of walking or cycling to work in maintaining or improving the health and well-being of working age adults. It suggests that increases in physical activity, even after allowance for increased survival, are likely to reduce need for healthcare, although the reductions in need are less than might be assumed when allowance is not made for increased survival. Taken together this work provides a stronger empirical basis to inform public health practice. A stronger ‘health case’ for active travel can be made. The benefits of which should be communicated to individuals choosing how to travel as well as policy makers and others who can influence the determinants of active travel. It also provides a more realistic and nuanced understanding of how increases in physical activity may affect future healthcare need.
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Bless, Stephanie Marcia. "Physical Activity in Nature and Children's Mental Health." ScholarWorks @ UVM, 2015. http://scholarworks.uvm.edu/graddis/506.
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The aim of this study was to determine if there is a relationship between children's physical activity and wellbeing, and if that relationship is enhanced by physical activity in nature. This study was a non-experimental retrospective multi-informant data review conducted at an outpatient pediatric psychiatric clinic in the Northeast. The theoretical framework used to guide this study was the Health Promotion Model, suggesting Advanced Practice Nursing investigate the relationship between health promoting behaviors and personal factors that support mental wellness in children and protect against mental illness. Data collected included age, sex, and exercise and wellbeing subsections of the Vermont Child Health and Behavior Questionnaire (VHBQ): Parent Reports and Self-reports for 11-21 year olds. Data from three sample groups were analyzed: parent participants (n=178, 61% male, 38% female), child participants (n=78, 51% male, 49% female), and parent-child pairs with sex determined by child (n-25, 60% male, 40% female). Physical activity was calculated using a metric for participation in sports.
Two sample t tests were used to analyze children's response to the question "do you participate in sports regularly?" in relation to wellbeing scores. Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to investigate correlations between 1) parent reports of their children's physical activity and wellbeing, 2) children's self-reports of physical activity and wellbeing, 3) parent reports of their children's physical and children's self-reports of physical activity, and 4) parent reports of their children's wellbeing and children's self-reports of wellbeing.
Statistically significant results included positive correlations between parent reports of their children's physical activity and wellbeing item, "his/her living conditions are excellent" (r=.34, p=<0.001 for overall, r=.25, p=.002 for indoor, and r=.28, p=<0.001 for outdoor). Positive weak correlations were found between parent reports of their children's physical activity and scores on the VHBQ 10-point Worst Life/Best Life bar (r=.19, p=0.02 for overall and r=.17, p=.04 outdoor). Additionally, results showed significant strong positive correlations for all physical activities between parent reports of children's participation and children's self-report of participation (r=0.83, p=<0.001 for overall, r=0.85, p=<0.001 for indoor, and r=.67, p=0.02 for outdoor). However, only a single wellbeing item, "Compared with...most peer, [child] is less happy than they are", demonstrated statistically significant positive correlation (r=.48, p=0.03) when parent reports and self-reports of wellbeing were compared.
These results underscore the need for further research. Among professions, Advanced Practice Nurses may be best equipped to fully understand the lifestyle factors that promote children's mental health. Moreover, because of their background, training and employment settings, Advanced Practice Nurses could play an important role not only in initiating well-being research studies, but also in using the resultant information to develop educational resources and policy.
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Metcalf, Bradley Scott. "Physical activity and obesity-related health in childhood." Thesis, Exeter and Plymouth Peninsula Medical School, 2015. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.699434.
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Background/Aims: The high prevalence of childhood obesity, and its associated metabolic disorders (e.g. insulin resistance, IR), is often attributed to the lack of physical activity (PA) undertaken by contemporary children. However, there is little convincing evidence that physical inactivity causes obesity or indeed that the promotion of PA will impact on it The aims of this thesis will help determine i) whether inactivity is a risk factor for obesity (Aim 1) or metabolic disturbance (Aim 2) ii) what proportion of children/adolescents are deemed inactive (Aim 3) and iii), whether we can get children to be more active (Aim 4) and if not, why not (Aim 5). Methods: Aims 1, 2 and 3 used data from the EarlyBird Diabetes Study, a longitudinal study with annual measures of body fat percentage (BF%), metabolic disturbance and accelerometer-based PA from 5-16y in -300 children. Aim 1 examined both directions of causality between PA and BF% from 7-10y. Aim 2 examined the relationship between PA and metabolic disturbance (JR, lipids, BP etc.) in childhood (5-By) and in adolescence (9-16y). Aim 3 established the proportion of children that were deemed inactive (i.e. undertook less than 60mins/day of moderate-and-vigorous PA, MVPA) every year from 5-15y. Aim 4 involved a systematic review of childhood PA intervention studies that had measured PA with accelerometers. Aim 5 used data from the EarlyBird Three Schools Study (accelerometer-based PA in -200 children, aged 9y) to compare the school time and non-school time PA across three schools with varying amounts of timetabled P.E. (-2 to -9hrs/wk). Results: Aim 1: Inactivity does not appear to be a risk factor for obesity given that changes in BF% from 7-10y were not associated with PA at 7y (p=0.8), but changes in PA from 7-10y were associated with BF% at 7y (p=0.02). Aim 2: Inactivity may be a slight risk factor for metabolic disturbance given the small or temporary associations found with some metabolic markers (e.g. the mid-adolescent peak in IR was 17% lower in the more active children, but this difference had disappeared by late-adolescence). Aim 3: The proportion deemed inactive was high during childhood (-70%) and even higher during adolescence (-80%). Aim 4: It may be difficult to make children more active given that PA interventions have only led to small increases in MVPA (-4mins/day). Aim 5: Such small intervention effects could be due to the compensation of PA given that children receiving -9hrs/wk of P.E., compared to -2hrs/wk, off-set almost all of the 15mins/day difference in school time MVPA by undertaking 14mins/day less MVPA in non-school time. Conclusions: Despite most children being deemed inactive, we conclude that the promotion of PA should not be used as the tool for tackling the childhood obesity epidemic due to the limited risk that inactivity poses to obesity-related health, and the inability of interventions to increase activity levels by a meaningful amount.
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Dallat, Mary. "The health economic evaluation of physical activity interventions." Thesis, Queen's University Belfast, 2016. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.705904.
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The health consequences of physical inactivity have been described as a “global pandemic", as approximately 31% of the world’s population fails to achieve minimum recommended levels. This has huge social and economic implications for society. The Connswater Community Greenway (CCG) and the Physical Activity Loyalty (PAL) card scheme are two local interventions, which aim to improve physical activity levels. The CCG is a major urban rejuvenation scheme set in East Belfast, which through the creation of a 9km linear park should improve opportunities for exercise. The PAL scheme is a multi-component intervention, targeted at sedentary office-based workers, which attempts to mimic the high-street loyalty card. Subjects can gain points and rewards (financial incentives) contingent upon them achieving targeted physical activity levels. By applying traditional techniques of cost-effectiveness analysis, I found that the CCG could be cost-effective at increasing physical activity levels. Furthermore, after performing a Return-on-Investment analysis, to capture the potential wider benefits of the CCG beyond health, I found that the CCG should pay for itself between two to six times over its lifetime. Finally, by evaluating the PAL scheme from both a healthcare and employer’s perspective, I found it could be a cost-effective way to increase activity levels and productivity, in predominantly sedentary office-based workers.
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Mirzaiinajmabadi, Khadigeh. "Physical activity and health promotion in midlife women." Thesis, Queensland University of Technology, 2005. https://eprints.qut.edu.au/16067/1/Khadigeh_Mirzaniinajmabadi_Thesis.pdf.
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Objectives: This study specifically focused on health promotion and physical activity in midlife women. Health promotion in midlife women was examined to determine if exercise could improve the menopausal symptoms and health status in midlife women and if a multi-modal intervention might improve the level of activity in midlife women. The objectives of the study included 1) To identify the relationship between physical activity, menopausal symptoms and health status in midlife women, and 2) To determine the effect of a multi-modal intervention on increasing levels of exercise in midlife women.
Methods: The study was conducted in two phases. The first phase included a secondary data analysis of 886 women who took part in the Queensland Midlife Women Health Survey (QMWHS) aged 45-60 years, who were randomly selected from South-East Queensland. In the second phase a randomised, controlled study was conducted on a subset of women who participated in the QMWHS. Women who were allocated to the intervention group (n=47) received an intervention, which combined a multi-modal program of physical activity with health education. Women in the control group continued their normal physical activities (n=66).
Results: Findings of this study indicated that increasing exercise was associated with lower psychological and somatic symptoms in midlife women. The study found that exercise was associated with decreasing menopausal symptoms. In the area of health status, significant differences were found between exercise and mental health, vitality, general health and physical function. This study revealed that a multi modal intervention could increase the level of activity in midlife women. There were significant differences in monthly exercise and vigorous activity between the intervention and control groups 3 months after the intervention. Women stated that they felt physical and mentally better and the program motivated them into being more active. They mentioned that the program was easy to understand and follow and the concept of the program was well organized and useful for them.
Conclusion: This study showed that exercise might provide a wider health effect on midlife women's health by decreasing menopausal symptoms and improving health status.
Exercise counselling is an essential component of healthcare, especially among middle-aged women who are experiencing physical, emotional, and social changes. Health professionals and nurses are in a good position to assist midlife women through providing information about the health effect of exercise. Physical activity should be encouraged for the prevention and reduction of risks for chronic disease and the improvement of health in midlife women.
The multi-modal program was effective in increasing levels of activity in midlife women. This is an important finding as exercise is difficult health behaviour to change. Study implications suggest that this type of intervention may provide an effective, clinically manageable therapy for women who choose a self-directed approach to increase their level of activity. This program may offer implications for designing and implementing exercise interventions in further studies.
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Mirzaiinajmabadi, Khadigeh. "Physical Activity and Health Promotion in Midlife Women." Queensland University of Technology, 2005. http://eprints.qut.edu.au/16067/.
Full textAbstract:
Objectives: This study specifically focused on health promotion and physical activity in midlife women. Health promotion in midlife women was examined to determine if exercise could improve the menopausal symptoms and health status in midlife women and if a multi-modal intervention might improve the level of activity in midlife women. The objectives of the study included 1) To identify the relationship between physical activity, menopausal symptoms and health status in midlife women, and 2) To determine the effect of a multi-modal intervention on increasing levels of exercise in midlife women. Methods: The study was conducted in two phases. The first phase included a secondary data analysis of 886 women who took part in the Queensland Midlife Women Health Survey (QMWHS) aged 45-60 years, who were randomly selected from South-East Queensland. In the second phase a randomised, controlled study was conducted on a subset of women who participated in the QMWHS. Women who were allocated to the intervention group (n=47) received an intervention, which combined a multi-modal program of physical activity with health education. Women in the control group continued their normal physical activities (n=66). Results: Findings of this study indicated that increasing exercise was associated with lower psychological and somatic symptoms in midlife women. The study found that exercise was associated with decreasing menopausal symptoms. In the area of health status, significant differences were found between exercise and mental health, vitality, general health and physical function. This study revealed that a multi modal intervention could increase the level of activity in midlife women. There were significant differences in monthly exercise and vigorous activity between the intervention and control groups 3 months after the intervention. Women stated that they felt physical and mentally better and the program motivated them into being more active. They mentioned that the program was easy to understand and follow and the concept of the program was well organized and useful for them. Conclusion: This study showed that exercise might provide a wider health effect on midlife women's health by decreasing menopausal symptoms and improving health status. Exercise counselling is an essential component of healthcare, especially among middle-aged women who are experiencing physical, emotional, and social changes. Health professionals and nurses are in a good position to assist midlife women through providing information about the health effect of exercise. Physical activity should be encouraged for the prevention and reduction of risks for chronic disease and the improvement of health in midlife women. The multi-modal program was effective in increasing levels of activity in midlife women. This is an important finding as exercise is difficult health behaviour to change. Study implications suggest that this type of intervention may provide an effective, clinically manageable therapy for women who choose a self-directed approach to increase their level of activity. This program may offer implications for designing and implementing exercise interventions in further studies.
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Hardee, Angelica M. "Physical Activity among College Students." University of Cincinnati / OhioLINK, 2014. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1409065705.
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Meyer, Katharina. "Physical activity and fitness in women : association with health status, health-relevant behavior and attitudes /." Bern, 2003. http://www.public-health-edu.ch/new/Abstracts/MK_10.09.03.pdf.
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Metz, Cara L. "The effects of mental health and physical health on job satisfaction in the mental health field." University of Cincinnati / OhioLINK, 2012. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1337715058.
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Hwu, Yueh-Juen. "The concept of health and health behaviour in Chinese people with chronic illness." Thesis, University of Ulster, 2001. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.274392.
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McGuire, Karen Ashlee. "Health-related physical fitness and its relationship to objectively measured physical activity in children." Thesis, University of British Columbia, 2007. http://hdl.handle.net/2429/31597.
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During childhood, physical activity (PA) builds the foundation for a healthy body and is an important determinant of chronic disease risk. Recent reports indicate that children in Canada do not participate in sufficient amounts of PA for optimal health and well-being. Furthermore, certain ethnic groups may be at higher risk of developing chronic disease due to extremely low levels of PA and physical fitness. Literature delineating the relationship between PA and health-related physical fitness in children is inconsistent and has been inhibited by PA measurement tools. Objective measures of PA may overcome many of the limitations associated with other PA measurement tools. The purpose of this investigation was to objectively measure habitual PA, examine differences in PA and health-related physical fitness between Asian and Caucasian children, and determine the relationship between PA and health-related physical fitness. One-hundred seventy boys (n = 79) and girls (n = 91) in grades 4 and 5 from five schools in the Greater Vancouver Region participated. Measures of body composition (Body Mass Index and waist circumference), vascular health (blood pressure), resting heart rate, musculoskeletal fitness (grip strength, sit-and-reach, curl-ups and push-ups) cardiorespiratory fitness (Leger shuttle run) and habitual PA (via accelerometry) were obtained over a 1-week period. Results indicated that boys participated in 134 minutes and girls accumulate 114 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) per day. Only 30 minutes and 15 minutes per day were accumulated in bouts exceeding 5 minutes in duration in boys and girls respectively. During the school day the percentage of time spent in MVPA for recess, lunch hour and Physical Education class was 28%, 35% and 13% in boys and 18%, 27% and 16% in girls. Caucasian girls accumulated more MVPA per day, had significantly higher counts per minute and had higher aerobic fitness than Asian girls (p<0.05). There was no significant difference in musculoskeletal fitness. Caucasian boys had significantly higher counts per minute, higher aerobic fitness, and significantly higher musculoskeletal fitness scores (p<0.05) than Asian boys. Physical activity did not significantly predict cardiorespiratory or musculoskeletal fitness in either boys or girls. This investigation demonstrated that physical activity during the school day was low. Caucasian boys and girls obtained higher PA and fitness levels than Asian boys and girls. These findings suggest that all children may be at higher risk for health complications associated with low levels of PA, especially those of Asian ethnicity.<br>Education, Faculty of<br>Kinesiology, School of<br>Graduate