Comparison of Static Flexibility and Balance in Older Adults Engaging in Balance Training Activities

Around 36 million falls are reported among older adults each year, with 32,000 of those falls resulting in death (CDC, 2022). In recent studies, correlations have been made between a lack of muscle flexibility and body balance and a lack of balance and poor walking ability (Iwamoto et al., 2009). As a result, balance improvement and flexibility gains allow for a better quality of life (Chang et al., 2010). PURPOSE: To compare the static flexibility and static balance in older adults (50-75 years old) who have (a) participated in balance performance training (Tai Chi, yoga, Pilates, etc.) for four or more years, with (b) older adults who maintain similar levels of activity but do not engage in balance performance training and (c) sedentary older adults who do not meet National Physical Activity Guidelines for older adults. METHODS: Participants were recruited from the Georgetown and Round Rock communities. Prior to the assessments, participants completed the Informed Consent, Godin Leisure Physical Activity Questionnaire, and Health History Questionnaire. Information from the questionnaires was used to categorize participants into three groups (balance-trained, balance-untrained and sedentary). Each participant performed the Back Saver Sit and Reach (right and left leg) along with Standard Romberg (eyes open and eyes closed), Modified Romberg (eyes open and eyes closed), and Unipedal Stance (eyes open). RESULTS: The right leg back saver results for the balance-trained group (17.2 ±6.5 in) were statistically significant (p= .014, np2= .254) when compared with the sedentary group (10.3±2.9 in). The left leg back saver results for the balance-trained group (18.7 ±5.9 in) were also statistically significant (p=.007, np2= .290) when compared to the sedentary group (10.7±3.6 in). The unipedal stance results for the right leg of the balance-trained group (23.59 ± 22.06 in) were statistically significant (p=.02, np2=.224) compared to the balance-untrained group (9.10 ± 5.74 in). However, there were no statistically significant differences between groups for unipedal stance on the left leg, Romberg (eyes open, eyes closed) or Modified Romberg (eyes open, eyes closed). CONCLUSION: Overall, the balance-trained group displayed better static flexibility than the sedentary group. Flexibility is vital for older adults in order to maintain mobility and ability to perform activities of daily living (ADL’s). Maintaining proper balance is essential to living a healthy life without the fear of falling. The results of this study support encouragement for older adults to abide by CDC National Physical Activity Guidelines, in order maintain a healthy quality of life

Meditation Education for Cardiac Rehabilitation Patients

Cardiovascular disease has become the leading public health concern facing our nation. The American Heart Association estimates someone dies every 38 seconds from heart disease. Individuals who experience a severe cardiac incident are often required to undergo rehabilitation as part of their treatment program to improve overall cardiac function. Cardiac rehabilitation provides patients with guided, prescribed exercise programs that encourage the development of healthful behaviors to improve quality of life. Stress has been highly implicated as a contributing factor of cardiovascular disease. Chronic stress causes cardiovascular reactivity, elevations in stress-related hormones and depressed immune function increasing risk of additional cardiac episodes. Research has suggested that cardiac patients learn techniques to control and alleviate stress. One of the most effective stress management techniques proposed is the practice of mindfulness and meditation. PURPOSE: To improve quality of life for cardiac rehab patients by implementing a meditation station to educate patients on the benefits associated with meditation and its various forms in order to reduce stress. METHODS: A meditation station was created in the clinic as part of the patient daily routine. The station included a Kindle with the Headspace app, headphones, and informational signage on how to use the app and meditation benefits. The cardiac rehabilitation exercise physiologists and on-staff nurses were provided an educational presentation on the importance of stress reduction, benefits of meditation, and how to use the Headspace app. Each cardiac rehab patient was provided with an informational handout and a one on one education session on how to use the station. Patients were encouraged to complete a 1-5 min meditation session at the end of their rehab routine. The number of sessions and total length of time were collected on the meditation app. RESULTS: Twenty-five patients were given a one-on-one education session about stress as a risk factor and the benefits of meditation as a stress management technique. After four weeks, 15 sessions for a total of 59 minutes of activity were logged on the Headspace app at the meditation station. In that time, eight patients voluntarily used this station after the education session and two of the patients were repeat users. CONCLUSION: Minutes of usage will continue to be monitored over the next few months along with blood pressure and stress levels pre and post workouts. Behavior change is a long and difficult process. Continued education over the benefits of mediation will hopefully encourage more patients to include this station in their daily cardiac rehab routine

Influence of One-Credit Fitness Courses on Physical Fitness and Psychosocial Well-Being in a Sample of College Students

College is a crucial time for young adults to develop healthy lifestyle habits. Increased academic and social demands can cause students to decrease their physical activity levels and negatively impact their overall health. One-credit fitness courses offered by universities may combat sedentarism and improve mental health. PURPOSE: To investigate health-related fitness and psychosocial well-being measures in college aged students taking one-credit fitness courses. METHODS: Eight college-aged students (19.91 ± 1.92yrs) enrolled in a one-credit fitness course completed a total of two sessions, ten weeks apart. The tests were comprised of the same four health measures (body mass index, blood pressure, resting heart rate, body fat percentage), four fitness measures (aerobic capacity, muscular endurance, muscular strength, flexibility), and three psychosocial well-being measures (perceived stress, self-esteem, physical activity). Paired samples t-tests (α = 0.05) supplemented by Cohen’s d effect sizes were conducted to assess the impact of one-credit fitness courses on students’ health-related fitness and psychosocial well-being. RESULTS: Muscular endurance significantly increased, as students were able to complete an average of five additional push-ups (Pre: 15.25 ± 8.38 vs. Post: 20.63 ± 7.41reps, t(7) = -3.71, p=0.008, d = -0.73). In contrast, muscular strength significantly decreased (Pre: 63.88 ± 10.12 vs. Post: 59.94 ± 11.44 kg, t(7) = 2.48, p=0.042, d = 0.39). No significant differences were observed for the health-related fitness and psychosocial well-being measures (p\u3e0.05). CONCLUSIONS: One-credit fitness courses can maintain a healthy level of stress and self-esteem and moderately improve muscular endurance in college students. Universities might consider the ability of one-credit fitness courses to maintain or improve students’ mental and physical health

Associations With the Number of Well-Known Grocery Stores, Gyms, and Parks to Median Household Income

Segregated neighborhoods are linked to the environmental exposures, education and behavior of their residents. Access to exercise and nutrition resources are dependent on whether or not residents are able to afford it or not. PURPOSE: To identify the associations between the location of nutrition and exercise resources to household income. METHODS: Selective Zip codes in the Austin Area were used to identify the median household income through an online search where data is collected from the U.S. Census. Selective grocery store companies and gyms were found through an online search of their website “store locator.” Neighborhood parks were identified by the Austin Park Directory, provided by austintexas.gov website. Total number of resources were collected in correspondence to their zip code. RESULTS: There is no significant difference between the total number of grocery stores, gyms, and neighborhood parks and the median household income, r (40) = -.20, p \u3e 0.05. CONCLUSION: Though the study has shown that there is no correlation between median household income and resources, other factors may contribute. This may be further studied by adjusting to include all types of nutrition and exercise. The study has shown that areas considered middle-class seem to have more resources than areas considered as low-class

Southwestern University Community Perception on the Implementation of Active Workstations on Campus

Physical inactivity is a leading health concern facing our nation. The implementation of active workstations on college campuses serves to help reduce the amount of sedentary activity and increase physical activity of the campus community. PURPOSE: To see if the Southwestern community not only utilizes active workstations, but also perceives them to have an impact on their physical activity, productivity, and stress levels. METHODS: Forty-three students and twenty faculty members participated in a questionnaire regarding the physical activity level (Godin Leisure Time Exercise Questionnaire), sedentary behavior, and perception and use of the active workstations located on campus. Student participants were recruited via flyers through online solicitation as well as at the active workstations while faculty in the Fondren Jones Science Building were emailed the questionnaire link. Data was analyzed using Qualtrics Reports, two-tailed independent t-tests, and Cohen’s d to determine effect size. RESULTS: Ninety percent of students and eighty percent of faculty ranked as “Active” on the Godin Leisure Time Exercise Questionnaire. There was a significant difference (t(36), p= 0.007) between faculty (n=18) and students (n=43) over the belief that their productivity and/or concentration increased while working by using this active workstation compared to a standard desk. There was a significant difference (t(33), p= 0.005) between faculty (n=18) and students (n=43) over the belief that their stress and/or anxiety levels decreased while working by using this active workstation compared to a standard desk. Students were more likely to reduce sedentary activity when spending time with friends or family who would prefer to be seated when compared to faculty (Cohen’s d= 0.53). Students were more likely to believe that their physical activity increased with usage of the active workstation when compared with faculty (Cohen’s d =0.50). CONCLUSION: Overall, students found active workstations to be more beneficial in regards to productivity, physical activity, and lowering stress levels when compared to faculty who use sit-to-stand desks. Positive student perception has led to more initiatives to increase the availability and accessibility of active workstations around the campus community. Specifically in areas in which students tend to spend long hours engaging in sedentary practices (i.e. studying)

Elementary School Counselors Perception of the Effectiveness of Play It Safe! a Preventative Child Physical and Sexual Abuse Course

Preventative education is important for students to receive at a young age due to the high prevalence of child abuse. Play It Safe! is a preventative physical and sexual abuse course that was created by the Women’s Center of Tarrant County consisting of multiple presentations catered to each elementary school grade. These presentations cover three main points 1. What a safe, not safe, or confusing touch is 2. Establishing a trusted adult 3. Reassuring the audience it is never their fault. PURPOSE: To determine the effectiveness of Play It Safe! a preventive physical and sexual child abuse course through feedback provided by the counselors based on their perception and observations. METHODS: The Play It Safe! presentations were administered to elementary school students by the Williamson County Children’s Advocacy Center community educators. Georgetown Independent School District counselors (n=9) completed a survey one week post presentation regarding their perception of the effectiveness of the Play It Safe! preventative physical and sexual child abuse presentation. Questions were answered using a likert scale, others were on a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ basis. RESULTS: Six out of nine counselors responded. Eighty-three percent (83.3%) of counselors strongly agreed that Play It Safe! is a beneficial course for students to receive. Counselors ‘agreed-strongly agree’ (4.5 ± 0.84) that school is a safe place for students to discuss the content of the presentation. Over half (n=5) of the counselors ‘agreed-strongly agree’ (3.83 ± 0.75) that more students would disclose abuse after receiving the presentation. Counselors reported that the main point most often referenced by students was the definition of who a trusted adult is (4.33 ± 0.52). Counselors reported (4 ± 0.63) to observe students reference the three kinds of touches discussed in the presentation. While self blame was observed as the least often reported aspect of the presentation (3.33 ± 0.82). Counselors perceived students retaining any of the three main points from the presentation, the point of trusted adults was also reported higher than others (4.5 ± 0.55). Counselors perceived students to retain the different kinds of touches (3.83 ±0.75) more than the self blame aspect (3.33 ± 0.82). CONCLUSION: Overall this study found GISD counselors perceive Play It Safe! to be an effective course. Students being able to receive this presentation allows them to identify what physical and sexual abuse is in an age appropriate manner

Southwestern University Student Athlete Wellbeing Survey - Pilot Study

1 in 5 Americans live with a mental health condition. Student athletes\u27 mental health is imperative for their performance and overall health. The pressures and challenges student athletes face can contribute towards a poor mental state. The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) is encouraging athletics departments to create a culture of mental wellness. PURPOSE: To assess the wellbeing (state of health and happiness emotionally, physically, and psychologically) of student athletes at Southwestern University. METHODS: Using Google Forms, a survey was created including questions that would examine the anxiety (BECK anxiety scale) and stress (combination of the Student Stress Scale and the Inventory of College Students Recent Life Experiences) levels in Division III student athletes. The survey also assessed student athlete perception as well as Daily Recovery (i.e. sleep, hydration, eagerness to train, upper/lower body soreness and wellness level). An introductory email was sent out to all (n=514) student athletes informing them of the study and survey. Two days after the introductory email was sent, an email including the link with the survey was sent out to all athletes requesting participation. The survey was available for three weeks and a reminder email was sent out at the beginning of each week. Once the survey link was closed, each participant was categorized into a low, moderate, or high level of stress and anxiety. RESULTS: A total of (n=148) participants completed the survey however, two did not provide consent for a total of (n=146) responses. Anxiety and stress scores identified low (12+8.72) levels of anxiety and moderate (39.84+9.79) levels of stress. Overall perception of the mental wellbeing survey was positive and well received by the student athletes. The Daily Recovery survey was not well received and perceived as a ‘daily hassle’. CONCLUSION: Student athlete feedback indicated they would appreciate more individual counseling from the athletic trainers over daily recovery scores. Evaluating stress and anxiety levels throughout the semester will allow administrators to track the mental wellbeing of our athletes (in season and out of season). At risk students can then be identified and guided toward necessary services to improve mental health

Grand Movement: Influence of Fitness Sessions on Static and Dynamic Balance in Older Adults

It is recommended that adults 65 years and older engage in activities to improve balance such as standing on one foot at least 3 days a week (CDC, 2022). Flexibility and balance are vital components of fitness for older adults in order to perform activities of daily living (ADLs) and aid in reducing risk of falling which is prevalent in senior living facilities. Fear of falling is a belief that an individual cannot prevent themselves from falling or that they have a nagging worry that they will fall (Varshneya & Sonawane, 2020). PURPOSE: To evaluate static and dynamic balance, static flexibility and reaction time in two older adult populations (fitness session group vs non-fitness session group). METHODS: Participants (n=31) were recruited within a senior living facility and completed a physical activity (PA) questionnaire to be placed into appropriate groups. Fitness session group participants were encouraged to maintain activity levels as identified by the PA questionnaire. Pre and post measurements were assessed 6-8 weeks apart. Assessments included Back Saver Sit and Reach (R/L), Standard Romberg (eyes open and closed), Standing Functional Reach, 5 Time Sit to Stand, and Timed Up and Go. RESULTS: In the Standing Functional Reach significant differences were found in the Session x Group Interaction (F(1,28)=4.455, p=0.044) (np2=0.137), as well as the pre to post assessment comparisons (F(1,28)=6.760, p=0.015) (np2=0.194). Significant results were also found on the 5 Time Sit to Stand in the pre to posttest analysis (F(1,23)=7.813, p=0.010)(np2=0.254), as well as the between groups analysis (F(1,3)=8.906, p=0.007)(np2=0.279). Significant differences were also found in the Group x Session interaction for the Timed Up and Go (F(1,26)=6.905, p=0.014)(np2=0.210). CONCLUSION: The Fitness Session Group improved measurements on all 7 assessments (except Romberg with eyes open), and exhibited higher averages than the Non-Fitness Session Group. There is evident benefit to assisted and independent living facilities providing fitness programming and encouraging physical activity within the older adult population. These resources help reduce the risk of injury and enhance quality of life

The BiG Hearts Program: Developing a Physical Activity Program for Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

Less than one-third of the population of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs) meet the World Health Organization\u27s (WHO) weekly recommended physical activity (PA) requirements (Temple et al., 2006). This qualitative case study focused on a PA program for five women with IDDs. PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to (a) engage participants in in-person encouragement via completing the tasks with participants and motivational words during activities and (b) assess the level of daily physical activity (via daily step count through an activity tracker). METHODS: Participants completed a month-long study, consisting of wearing a fitness tracker, noting their daily steps, going to a gym, going on walks, or chair exercises twice weekly. The five participants were instructed to wear the activity trackers seven days a week for up to 10 hours. RESULTS: Three of five participants enjoyed the activity trackers, and two did not care for them. One participant chose not to wear the activity tracker throughout the duration of the study but continued to engage in the program. CONCLUSION:The researcher concluded that the factor that increased motivation for PA engagement the most was the motivational words of encouragement. Each participant had a varying interest in PA, but all worked best one-on-one with the researcher

Physical Activity Influence on Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

Less than a one-third of adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) are meeting national physical activity guidelines (WHO, 2020). Adults with IDD are at risk for developing chronic health related diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, type-2 diabetes, and hypertension earlier in adulthood and typically progress faster than adults without IDD. Physical activity combats these chronic diseases and needs to be introduced to this population in an accessible way. PURPOSE: To determine the influence of physical activity training sessions on balance, flexibility, range of motion, cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular endurance, muscular strength and self-efficacy in a group of individuals with IDD. METHODS: Participants completed two (30-min) physical activity sessions every week over 6 weeks. Seven measurements were assessed pre and post. Self-efficacy was measured at the end of sessions every two weeks. Observational data in relation to level of engagement from each session was recorded. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant results between pre and post measurements. There were large and meaningful effects sizes for Sit to Stand (Cohen\u27s d= 2.182), Timed Up-and-Go (Cohen\u27s d = 2.116) and Right Shoulder Extension (Cohen\u27s d = 1.309). All other assessment measurements were maintained pre and post. A clear increase in motivation and willingness to engage for longer durations during the sessions was observed by the researchers. Self-efficacy and level of confidence increased, as well as trust with trainers and comfortability in the gym. CONCLUSION: The hope of this study was to contribute to the supporting literature for the need and successes of physical activity programming for individuals with IDD. It is important to increase the accessibility of these individualized programs to enhance motivation for the engagement in healthy active lifestyle behaviors, as they are capable and eager to participate