Master's Theses

Permanent link for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/2022/6469

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Experiences of Condom Fit and Feel Among African American Men Living with HIV
(2009-12) Glover, Richard
It has been shown through research that condom fit and feel have impacted condom use. The purpose of this study was to explore the specific perceptions associated with condom fit and feel, and how those variables impact consistent condom use. Participants were recruited from Atlanta, Georgia in 2008 between the months of May to July. Black men living with HIV experienced problems with condom fit and feel. In the study, 41.5% (n=44) stated that condoms fit fine “always” while 21.7% (n=23) who stated they fit fine “often”, 26.7% (n=28) who stated that they fit fine “sometimes”, and over 9 percent (n=10) stated that condoms “never” fit fine. Over 50% (n=53) of all participants said they could not find appropriate sized condoms (this include participants who said “always,” “often”, or “sometimes”). Additionally, 33% (n=35) of participants reported that condoms were too long while 42.9% (n=46) of them reported that condoms were too short. Over 54.3% (n=58) and 36.2% (n=39) of participants reported condoms as (always, often or sometimes) being too tight and too loose respectively. Despite these reports, over 90% (n=96) of participants stated that condoms (always, often, or sometimes) fit fine. Social desirability could have influenced the results of this study because it was a self report questionnaire. A convenience sampling method was used, which will limit the generalizability of this study. Black men living with HIV in metropolitan Atlanta may respond differently than the general population.
Psychosocial Determinants Of Using Online Social Networks: An Application Of The Theory Of Planned Behavior
(2009-12) Mace, Casey
The use of online social networking continues to increase among Americans, yet there is little research related to understanding of the behavior using online social networks. This study aimed to understand the underlying beliefs, evaluations, attitudes, norms, and perceptions behind the intention to log onto online social networks. The Theory of Planned Behavior was applied to the behavioral intention to log onto Facebook once a day for the next three months (n = 269). Regression analysis predicting intention from global constructs of the Theory of Planned Behavior yielded a multiple correlation of 0.62 with attitude (β = 0.32, p < 0.01), subjective norm (β = 0.41, p < 0.01), and perceived behavioral control (β = 0.08, ns). Salient consequences related to stronger intention to log onto Facebook once a day for the next three months included the behavioral beliefs of staying in touch, increasing social network, and sharing interests with others. Salient referents that were significantly correlated with intention to log onto Facebook once a day for the next three months included friends, other students, boyfriend/girlfriend/spouse, family, professors, and future employers. Implications for understanding the intention behind the use of online social networks will be discussed in regards to the salient referents and consequences of logging onto Facebook once a day for the next three months.
Muscle Mass Loss in Active Adults
(2009-12) McCracken, Colleen M.
PROBLEM: It is generally concluded that muscle mass declines with increasing age. Most of the research in this area is focused on the general population which is largely sedentary. The purpose of this study was to examine the muscle mass of highly active adults using several independent methods. METHODS: 167 women aged 50.91 +/- 14.03 yrs and 219 men aged 52.08 +/- 13.45 yrs underwent body composition analysis via 8-lead bioelectric impedance analysis, anthropometric measurements to assess limb circumference, and 24 hour creatinine clearance. Comparative data for the general population (GP) was obtained from the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging, National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey III and The American College of Sports Medicine and Center for Disease Control recommended physical activity guidelines. Highly active subjects were all masters swimmers and a priori categorized as highly active (USMS). To verify this, the USMS were found to participate in 447 min/wk of moderate to vigorous physical activity which was much greater than 150 min/wk reported for the GP. ANALYSIS: Muscle mass was the primary the dependent variable. Single sample t-tests were used to examine muscle mass differences between groups separated by age and sex. Linear regression analysis was used to describe the trend of muscle mass versus age. RESULTS: USMS women had more muscle mass than GP in the 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, & 70-79 age groups. Y-intercepts were significantly (p < .05) different for both sexes between the highly active and general population. No significant differences were found for between men v USMS and GP in 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, & 80 + age groups. Linear regression analysis of the USMS men and women yielded losses of approximately 0.3 lbs per year. DISCUSSION: Highly active subjects participated in significantly greater amounts of dedicated physical activity per week when compared to values available for the general population (NHANES III). Comparisons of the muscle mass slopes yielded no differences between the GP and the USMS. Muscle mass loss occurs at similar rates in both populations. Importantly, and specifically, in the USMS women, muscle mass is greater any given age. However, this was not true for the USMS men. Intensive activity may combat many problems associated with losses in muscle mass, especially those within older women. Why this is not evident in the men requires additional research.
Lower leg compression sleeves: influence on running mechanics And economy in highly trained distance runners
(2009-12) Laymon, Abigail S.
Athletes in a number of sports are using compression as a means to improve training, performance, and recovery. However, the efficacy of and mechanisms behind the use of lower leg compression as an ergogenic aid to improve running performance is unknown. Purpose: To examine whether or not wearing moderate lower leg compression sleeves during exercise evokes changes in running economy due to altered gait mechanics. Methods: Sixteen highly trained male distance runners completed two separate running economy (RE) tests during a single session, a treatment trial of calf compression sleeves and a control trial without compression sleeves. RE was determined by measuring oxygen consumption at three constant submaximal speeds of 233, 268, and 300 m.min-1 on a motorized treadmill. Variables related to running mechanics were measured during the last 30 seconds of each four-minute stage of the RE test via wireless tri-axial 10g accelerometer devices attached to the top of each shoe. Values of ground contact time, swing time, stride time, stride frequency (SF), and stride length (SL) were determined from accelerometric output corresponding to foot strike and toe-off events obtained from a minimum of 25 consecutive steps. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05. Results: There were no significant differences in submaximal VO2 between control and treatment trials at any of the speeds. Additionally, there was no significant difference in the slope of the lines relating submaximal VO2 and running speed between the two experimental conditions. There were no significant differences in ground contact time, swing time, stride time, stride frequency, and stride length between control and treatment conditions at any of the running speeds. However, there was a large inter-individual variability in response to compression, and three subjects exhibited large, iii consistent reductions in VO2 at each speed with compression treatment. These three subjects demonstrated the greatest decreases in SL and SF variability with compression. Conclusions: Wearing lower leg compression does not significantly change running mechanics or oxygen consumption while running at submaximal speeds. However, the individual metabolic and gait response to wearing lower leg compression varies greatly.
Locus of Control and Media Influence on Body Self-Satisfaction in Late Adolescent Males
(2009-12) Lodyga, Marc G.;
The purpose of this study is to add to the small body of research on the relationship between locus of control and media influence on body self-satisfaction in late adolescent males. The subjects used in this study were 151 male students enrolled in undergraduate classes at a major research university in the Midwest during the 2008 fall semester. The ages ranged from 18 to 23, with 88.1% of the respondents being between the ages of 18 and 20. All respondents were to provide demographic information on their age, sex, weight, height, year in school, and approximate daily interaction (in hours) with selected mass media (cf. television, movies, magazines, newspaper, and internet). The respondents also completed Rotter’s 29-item (I-E) Locus of Control scale (1966), the Body Image and Body Change Inventory (Ricciardelli & McCabe, 2001) and the Perceived Sociocultural Influences on Body Image and Body Change Questionnaire Media Influence Subscale (McCabe & Ricciardelli, 2001). The study found a positive relationship between the total media’s influence and body image importance. The results demonstrated that in late adolescence, there is a relationship between the chosen media and the appearance of their body, weight, and size and strength of muscles. In addition, the study discovered that externally controlled late adolescent males are more likely to place importance on the appearance of their body, weight, and muscle size and strength than do internally controlled late adolescent males.
Limb compression does not alter the forces generated during the vertical jump
(2009-12) Eckert, Nathanial R
PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to identify potential differences in impulse force generated during the vertical jump while wearing commercially available compression shorts as compared to non-compressive, loose fitting gym shorts.
HYPOTHESIS: Leg muscle compression will produce no significant difference in muscle performance variables generated during a standard vertical jump test when compared to no compression.
METHODS: Twenty five physically active males between the ages of 18 and 30 were recruited for this study. Each subject was asked to wear 4 types of shorts: non-compressive gym shorts (representing a control), regular fitting compression shorts (by manufacturer standard), undersized compression shorts (one size smaller than manufacturer standard), and oversized compression shorts (one size larger than manufacturer standard). The subjects were familiarized with the testing procedures and then completed the three randomized conditions on the same day. The performance tests consisted of 3 sets of 10 countermovement vertical jumps performed upon a force platform. The dependent measures included: velocity at takeoff (Vto; m·s), fatigability across jumps (Vf ; m·s) and surface electromyography (EMG; volts).The maximal impulse generated was taken from the highest curve out 4 of the 10 jumps and average power was determined across the 10 jumps in each condition. The individual compression values were then determined in each condition for each subject with the use of a custom made compression quantification device. Results: There were no significant differences (P>.05) in Vto, Vf, and EMG across compression levels. Conclusions: The compression garments produce no significant change in the forces generated during the vertical jump.
Understanding Leisure Travel Motivations of Frequent Travelers with Mobility Impairments
(2010-01) Shi, Lei
With the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in 1990, the U.S. tourism marketers begin to pay attention to one of the most important but often overlooked segments of the market—people with disabilities (Ray & Ryder, 2003). In the past two decades, a number of studies highlighted the potential of people with disabilities as a tourism market segment (Darcy, 2002; Huh & Singh, 2007). However, consumer and travel research on people with disabilities in general is scarce. The purpose of this study was to understand what motivated people with mobility impairments travel frequently. Travel motivation is fundamental in tourism studies and is essential to tourism development (Wahab, 1975). The push and pull framework has been most commonly used in the study of travel motivation (Uysal, & Hagan, 1993; Fodness, 1994). Another important framework in the study of pleasure travel motivation is proposed by Crompton (1979). He identified nine socio-psychological and cultural motivations. A qualitative study method was utilized for the exploratory study of understanding leisure travel motivations of active travelers with acquired mobility impairments. Two focus groups were conducted during the annual congress of the Society for Accessible Travel and Hospitality in 2009. A total of nine push factors and three pull factors were identified for frequent travelers with mobility impairments. The push factors were: (a) escape from a perceived mundane environment; (b) exploration and evaluation of self; (c) relaxation; (d) enhancement of relationships with family and friends; (e) facilitation of social interaction; (f) independence: regain of control over destiny, travel as a basic need, and be normal; (g) the desire of being in natural environment; (h) adventure; and (i) “do it today”. The first five factors (Factors a-e) vi were the shared motivations between average travelers (Crompton, 1979) and frequent travelers with mobility impairments. Prestige and Regression, motivations of average leisure travelers categorized by Crompton (1979), were not identified in this study. Results also showed that travelers with acquired mobility impairments shared the same motivating factors as what was identified by Crompton (1979) as pull factors for the average travelers: novelty and education. However, accessibility at the destination was also an important pull factor for people with mobility impairments. Although travelers with acquired mobility impairments have similar travel motivations as the average traveler, there are also motivations that are unique to them. Results of the study suggest that travelers with mobility impairments should be considered as a unique travel population and their needs and behavior should be further studied.
PERCEIVED QUALITY OF LIFE OF CLEAR CREEK TRAIL USERS IN BLOOMINGTON, INDIANA
(2010-04) Chen, Ya-Ling
Multi-use trails can contribute to mobility and access, reliability, social equity, the environment and ultimately to quality of life in a community (Shafer, Lee, & Turner, 2000). A study has found that community trails facilitate physical activities and frequent trail use is significantly related to an activity-friendly neighborhood. Furthermore, physical activities benefits are an indirect to trial users, enhancing quality of life and psychological well-being (Librett et al., 2006). The goal of this study is to investigate to what extent demographic characteristics and present user patterns affect the quality of life (QOL) of trial users in Bloomington, Indiana. The participants (n=134) in this study were intercepted on the three trail entrances- Tapp Road, That Road and Church Lane during September and October 2009. Participants were asked to complete two questionnaires- Clear Creek Trail User Survey (Eppley Institute, 2007)and World Health Organization Quality of life brief version (WHOQOL-BREF) (Bonomi & Patrick, 1997). Trail users’ demographic characteristics and time duration spend on the trail were main independent variables in this study. The data were analyzed by using Pearson r test, ANOVA and independent t-test. There was no correlation found between time duration users spend on the trail and their quality of life. However, gender and house income correlated with the users’ overall quality of life.
USA swimming age classification: are current competitive age-groups appropriate?
(2010-04) Kojima, Kosuke
Matching youth sports participants in order to make competition fair and safe is an important goal of sports federations. USA Swimming has established 4 unisex age-groups based on chronological age (CA): 10 years & under, 11-12 years, 13-14 years, and 15 years & over. Due to considerable differences in growth and maturational status among adolescents within any given CA (Baxter-Jones, 1995; Malina & Beunen, 1996), combining swimmers of different ages into groups may not ensure fair competition. Because younger aged or late-maturing swimmers within an age-group are physically behind their same age-group older or precocious peers, the current age-grouping system may discourage them to continue competitive swimming. In addition, there is no historical rationale for the current USA Swimming age classification. The purposes of the study were to evaluate the current age classification enforced by USA Swimming and to provide an analytical rationale in support of the current or alternative age-groupings. Swim times of the top 100 U.S. women and men swimmers for each age (5 to 20 years) and a group of 21 years and over (a total of 17 separate age-groups for each sex) were acquired through the website of USA Swimming for 2005, 2006, and 2007. Data for each age were pooled over the past three years (2005-2007) and averaged for seven swim events (50-, 100-, and 200-yard freestyle, 100-yard backstroke, breaststroke, and butterfly, and 200-yard individual medley). A 17 × 2 × 7 (age × sex × event) ANOVA with Tukey’s post-hoc test was used to analyze the differences in swim time among ages and to propose alternative age-groups. The study found significant age-related differences in swim performance between each CA up to 15 years old in women and 17 years old in men for most events. Because there were differences in swim performance within the current defined age-groups, stratifying swimmers based on a single age may be a better way for ensuring fairness and equality in competition. The age-related differences in swim time occur later in men when compared with women. This may be due to sex-difference in timing of growth and maturity. The differences between sexes become greater with age but no significant sex-difference was found in 7 years and under age categories. Thus, based upon swim performance, there is no rationale for swimmers under the age of eight to compete in separate unisex categories.
A method to improve the calculation of knee configuration angles in clinical and sport biomechanics
(2010-05) Haddas, Ram
Knee injuries are quite common in sports activities. Biomechanical analyses seek to improve understanding of the mechanisms that produce injury, and to find ways to reduce the incidence of injury. The calculation of knee torques and knee configurations requires the establishment of three-dimensional reference frames attached to the thigh and to the shank. Most clinical biomechanics researchers use the methods proposed by Kadaba et al. (1990) and by Davis and al. (1991). The calculation of the resultant knee joint torques and of the knee joint deformation is hampered by an important methodological problem. The problem is that usually no distinction is made between knee configuration angles and knee deformation angles. The primary purpose of this study was to look for a solution to this problem. Ten male subjects and four female subjects were recruited to participate in the investigation. The subjects performed three types of tests. In the first type the subject performed slow flexions and slow extensions of the right knee in unloaded conditions. In the second type of test they performed a series of 4 straight runs. In the third type of test they performed a series of 4 trials in which they ran forward and executed a cutting maneuver to the left. The trials of types 2 and 3 were given in random order. Three-dimensional leg segment orientations and joint angles were calculated from the landmark location data. v The results support the measurement of angles in unloaded trials to provide adjustments for the raw ab/adduction angles of loaded activities. On the other hand, such an approach is not currently possible for the internal/external rotation angles due to the large intra-subject variability of the internal/external rotation angles in the unloaded trials. The adjusted ab/adduction angles generally reached less extreme values than the unadjusted ones. The standard Kadaba/Davis methods do not include such adjustments. Therefore, the ab/adduction angles calculated with those methods are inflated. In summary, the present project demonstrated a new method for improving the calculation of knee configuration angles. These results can be applied in both clinical and sport biomechanics in ways that will ultimately be of benefit in the future study and treatment of knee injuries.
Effect of card play on perceived life satisfaction and self esteem of older adults
(2010-05) Saunders, Mark V.
STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM: The problem of this study was to (a) assess the effect of playing cards on the level of perception of life satisfaction and self-esteem in older adults and (b) determine if there was any difference in the perceived level of life satisfaction and self-esteem between older adults who played cards with other people compared with those who played cards on a computer. PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: The purpose of this study was to examine a potentially cost effective way to improve the level of perception of life satisfaction and self-esteem of the older adult. METHODS: Single-subject repeated measures A-B-A design was used for the three phase experiment. Data were collected from all subjects across a total of six weeks. Phase (A) was the establishment of the baseline before the start of treatment phase (B). Subjects in the study were tested with two measurement instruments of Life Satisfaction and Self-Esteem before treatment of card play on the computer or face-to-face card play, were administered. Midpoint and end-treatment tests were given at the second and fourth weeks. These two testing sessions measured phase (B), the treatment phase of the experiment. Two weeks after the treatment phase, tests were given as the post-treatment (A) last phase of the experiment, measuring the subjects post treatment return to baseline. Data analysis: data collected from the four testing periods were entered into a Microsoft 2007 Excel file. Individual and combined trend line charts were generated for descriptive analysis, interpretation, and explanation of the trend lines across times of testing.
A Study Of Food Environments And Food Management Strategies Among African American Households In Gary, Indiana
(2010-05) Gates, Darleesa
African-Americans are disproportionately affected with food-related diseases. In fact, making healthy dietary choices—which is a frequent recommendation to reduce overweight and obesity, is not always feasible with presence of food deserts in many low-income communities. Income inequalities are the basis for many of the nation’s health disparities, and individuals’ food management strategies are often shaped by what they can afford and what is available to them. Unfortunately, low-income African-American communities compared to higher-income White communities often lack access to healthy food options and/or are not in close proximity to healthy quality grocery stores (Alwitt & Donley, 1997; Morland, Wing, Diez Roux, & Poole, 2002; Zenk, Schulz, Israel, Kames, Bao, & Wilson, 2005). Therefore, in order to effectively address food related disease within African-American populations, it is important to understand the complexities surrounding eating environments (i.e. social and cultural factors influencing aspects of food purchasing, access to safe and nutritious food and overall food management strategies). The aim of the proposed small-scale study is to examine differences and similarities in food purchase and consumption strategies of African American households during perceived periods of food shortage and financial crisis. A better understanding of food choices and food environments among African American households is essential for the development of appropriate and culturally sensitive public health interventions that inform research and practice. Thus, this exploratory study will examine food management strategies as a facilitating behavior to diet-related obesity, while exploring the environmental context in which these behaviors occur in African-American households in Gary, Indiana. Participants for this study (n=10) will be involved in two in-depth interview, as well as participate in a community-integrated geographic information systems (CIGIS) process exploring food coping and management strategies. It is anticipated that the results of the study will produce solution-oriented research implications to: 1) develop much needed culturally appropriate and generalizable public health interventions around food management strategies to reduce diet-related overweight and obesity; 2) inform policy (i.e. community land-use, zoning, etc.) to improve social and economic conditions in disadvantaged communities; and 3) advance the use of geographic analysis for assessing food environments in an effort to reduce exposure to elements that negatively affect health.
Utilzation Focused Public Health Evaluation Of A Health And Wellness Intervention For College Freshmen
(2010-05) Shipley, Meagan M
The transition from high school to college is a significant experience for many young adults which can potentially impact their fitness and wellness patterns. The purpose of this investigation was to quantify the efficacy of Foundations of Fitness and Wellness (P105) on the health and wellness behaviors of college freshmen. METHODS: A mixed-methods design was implemented to determine the overall effectiveness of the P105 course on improving the health behaviors of college freshmen residing within the Briscoe Fitness and Wellness Living-Learning Center (BFWLLC). A health behavior survey quantifiably examined students’ general health, alcohol use/binge drinking, physical activity, condom use, and perceived stress. A qualitative survey was introduced at the end of the semester to determine the most useful health topics acquired as a result of taking the P105 course. Data was collected on subjects (n=155) at the beginning of the intervention (pre-test) and again at the conclusion of the intervention (post-test). The non-parametric statistical Friedman’s test was used to determine differences in ordinal data from pre- to post-tests. Repeated Measures Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was used to detect differences in interval data from pre- to post-test. RESULTS: Results for self-reported general health, binge drinking, and resistance exercise showed significant positive differences from pre- to post-test (p <0.05). Results for number of drinks consumed, moderate-intensity physical activity, and perceived stress revealed significant negative differences from pre- to post-test (p <.05). CONCLUSIONS: Findings from this pilot study suggest improvements in health behaviors can be accomplished through an academic course comprised of health education and physical activity components offered within a residence hall. However, confounding factors (i.e. transitional time period, dormitory environment, and academic rigor) may have compromised the v overall effectiveness of the course as revealed by the observed significant increase in the number of drinks consumed while socializing, decrease in self-reported moderate intensity physical activity, and increase in perceived stress. Future randomized controlled trials are needed to elucidate the impact of a combined health education and physical activity course on global health and wellness behaviors.
Comparison of two feeding regimens on endothelial function variability measured by peripheral arterial tonometry
(2010-05) Liu, Yibin
Consumption of a high-fat meal has been shown to elicit endothelial dysfunction that contributes to cardiovascular events. The US diet pattern of frequent meals and snacks extends the postprandial state. The focus of this research was to optimize a feeding model to study the acute effects of two high-fat meals on endothelial-dependent vasodilation (reactive hyperemia index) and a biomarker of oxidative stress. The study was conducted to compare changes in endothelial function induced by two different feeding regimens (standard feeding regimen and body surface area-based feeding regimen) and to study the peripheral vascular function in the extended postprandial state. A 2 × 4 within subject design was used to investigate variability in reactive hyperemia index and oxidative stress. Ten male subjects (age 19-30 years, BMI 18.5-24.9 kg/m2, Body surface area 1.5-2.2 m2) were recruited and assigned to two feeding regimens, in random order, on different days, with a 1-week washout period. Each feeding regimen contained two meals that were consumed as “breakfast” (0h) and “lunch” (4h) on the test day. Each meal in feeding regimen 1 provided 850 kilocalories; whereas, each meal in feeding regimen 2 provided 460 kilocalorie/m2 subject body surface area. Reactive hyperemia index was measured, followed by blood draw at 0, 2, 4, 6 hours. Blood was analyzed for plasma malondialdehyde as a measure of oxidative stress. Blood glucose and triglyceride were measured to monitor the postprandial response at 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 hours. Power was too low to detect a significant difference in regimen × time interaction and main effect of feeding regimen for reactive iv hyperemia index and oxidative stress (p>0.05, 1-β<0.6). However, the feeding regimen based on body surface area might be a more effective model to use than the standard meal as shown by the greater effect size (ηp2 and ω2). More subjects are needed to confirm this finding. Reactive hyperemia index increased from the fasting state to the postprandial state (p<0.05). Oxidative stress was elevated 2 hours after “breakfast” (p<0.05) and decreased by 4 hours after “breakfast” (p<0.05).
Personal factors that influence residents’ preferences about community involvement in tourism planning
(2010-05) Zhang, Ye
Due to the unfair power distribution during the process of tourism development, community involvement has attracted growing attention among tourism researchers. However, there was lack of research in the literature regarding community involvement from residents’ perspective. The purpose of this research was to investigate the preferences of residents in the Midwestern United States on how they would like to be involved in tourism planning and development, and the personal factors that influenced their preferences. Tosun’s (2006) community involvement typology (i.e. spontaneous and induced participation) was used as the theoretical framework of the study. A mail survey was conducted to collect data from a randomly selected sample of residents living in 11 counties in southeastern Indiana. The study found that residents preferred spontaneous participation to induced participation. In addition, their preference about spontaneous participation was influenced by perceived economic benefits and attitude toward tourism jobs; and preference about induced participation was influenced by environmental sustainability. However, for residents who were knowledgeable about tourism, their preference about spontaneous participation was influenced by attitude toward tourism jobs, environmental sustainability, and evaluation of current community involvement in tourism planning. Finally, residents who preferred spontaneous participation were composed by more males than females, perceived higher level of current community involvement, and had more household income than residents who preferred induced participation. Further research should explore other personal factors that may impact residents’ preferences about community involvement.
Uncovering infectious disease burden and socio-cultural determinants of water use and health in a peri-urban community in the dominican republic
(2010-05) Blair, Cheríe S.
The Dominican Republic is a low-middle income country located in the Caribbean that has been selected to be one of the seven pilot countries for the UN’s Millennium Development Project. Despite the economic growth experienced by this country within recent years, improvements in basic indicators of growth and development, such as water quality, have not been achieved. Given the critical importance of quality of water for community health and economic development, this study aims to describe the burden of infectious diseases associated with water quality, particularly diarrheal disease, in the municipality of Constanza in the Dominican Republic. A convenience sample of 88 households throughout the Constanza municipality was selected. Interviews with heads of households and ethnographic observations were conducted to obtain information about access to safe and clean water and to observe cultural practices surrounding water. A household survey was administered to examine self-reported diarrheal morbidity, water handling practices, and healthcare-seeking behavior. Survey questions were modeled after the Dominican Republic Demographic and Health Survey, and communities were GPS tagged. Water samples were collected from households and selected environmental sources (e.g. aqueducts) were analyzed for E. coli and coliform bacteria. Despite governmental potable water treatment recommendations, the majority (60.2%) of households reported not taking any measures to sanitize their water, which accounted for the majority of individuals self-reporting diarrheal disease (59.8%). Logistic regression analysis indicates that adults aged 65+ are at highest risk for diarrheal disease. Although aqueducts carrying potable water to the communities lacked measurable coliform bacteria contamination, most households (90.1%) had some contamination in the drinking water. This study revealed poor water quality and sanitation practices surrounding drinking water. Findings from this study will be utilized for an education program to encourage proper water storage and sanitation with the goal of increasing access to safe and clean water.
Parenting styles of taiwanese single mothers whose eldest child is between the ages of seven and seventeen
(2010-05) Chen, Jou-Chen
This study addresses parenting styles of Taiwanese single mothers, focusing on interactions between cultural factors and their approach to parenting, and how Taiwanese single mothers define and perceive their parenting styles. Using phenomenological and narrative analysis, eight participants (four divorced, four widowed) were interviewed in-depth in Taiwan, using Chinese and Taiwanese. The study identified their self-awareness as parents in terms of behaviors, beliefs, attitudes and values as well as interactions with their children, including the use of discipline. Additional issues addressed include financial circumstances, social and government resources available to single mothers, their emotional management/coping strategies and problem solving abilities, their use of self-talk/proverbs, and their children’s personalities in relation to family status and patriarchal cultural attitudes about single-mother households.
THE ROLE OF EXPIRATORY FLOW LIMITATION IN THE OXYGEN COST OF EXERCISE HYPERPNEA IN HIGHLY-TRAINED DISTANCE RUNNERS
(2010-08) Wilhite, Daniel
There is an upper limitation to the flow rates achievable during exhalation. Once this limitation is reached (expiratory flow limitation; FLexp), such as that observed during intensive exercise, no further increase in expiratory flow is possible. During heavy to maximal exercise, a major consequence of FLexp may be an increased oxygen cost of breathing. To examine the effect of FLexp on respiratory muscle oxygen consumption (VO2RM) during maximal exercise, a sample of highly-trained male distance runners (n=18; O2 max = 74.28 ml·kg-1·min-1) completed an incremental exercise test to exhaustion on a treadmill. Based on flow-volume loop analysis, subjects were separated into two groups, flow-limited (FL) and non-flow limited (NFL). During a second visit, runners performed three separate trials of voluntary hyperpnea, matching exercise ventilation ( E) at 80%, 90%, and 100% of maximal exercise while standing on the treadmill. Respiratory muscle O2 consumption (VO2RM) was estimated during each voluntary hyperpnea trial. A one-tailed, independent samples t-test detected a significantly greater VO2RM in FL compared to NFL (P = 0.043). E at O2 max was also greater in FL vs. NFL (P = 0.029). No differences were found between expiratory reserve volume (ERV), tidal volume (VT), or breathing frequency (fb) during maximal exercise. When co-varying for E at O2 max, there was no significant difference in VO2RM between groups, suggesting that the greater oxygen cost of breathing in flow-limited individuals is a consequence of the greater VE and not due to differences in breathing mechanics associated with flow limitation.
PLAYGROUND SURFACES: AN EVALUATION OF SURFACES FOLLOWING INSTALLATION TO DETERMINE ACCESSIBILITY FOR CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES
(2010-12) Skulski, Jennifer
The playground is a place for play and learning for all children and especially for children with disabilities. When the playground presents physical barriers such as inaccessible surfaces and routes, play, learning, development and the self-actualized benefits of the leisure experience can be stunted or even eliminated for a child with a disability. There are more than 100 different commercial varieties of playground surfaces on the market in 2010. Lack of reliable product performance data on the effectiveness of safe, accessible playground surfaces relative to costs for installation and ongoing maintenance prohibits public playground owners from making informed choices on the selection of surfaces most appropriate for their public setting. The purpose of this study was to evaluate a variety of playground surfaces, their ability to meet accessibility requirements and their costs upon initial installation. The research questions include: how well do various playground surfaces meet the accessibility requirements upon installation? What are the costs for the various playground surfaces and are the costs related to performance? What accessibility issues arise out of initial installation? A total of 25 sites were visited to evaluate the surface conditions for accessibility and gather information on the costs for installation. The playground surfaces were categorized as either poured in place rubber, rubber tiles, engineered wood fiber, shredded rubber or a hybrid surface system. A visual inspection was conducted at nine pre-determined locations within the play area. Locations were awarded a deficiency score at occurrences where the surface location was not in compliance with the minimum accessibility standards of the Americans with Disabilities Act. In addition, the surface locations were measured for firmness and stability with a Rotational Penetrometer. Results from this study indicate that there is no perfect playground surface. Even within 12 months of installation, each type of surface has had some type of issue or series of issues that may affect the product’s performance and contribute to the necessity and frequency of surface maintenance to assure accessibility and safety for use by children on a daily basis.
SELF-ADHERENT UNDERWRAP MAINTAINS RANGE OF MOTION RESTRICTION AFTER EXERCISE
(2011-04) VanWagoner, Richelle
The use of athletic tape to decrease ankle range of motion and aid in the prevention of lateral ankle injuries is widespread and has been extensively researched. Various forms of underwrap are often used with taping to allow for better protection of the underlying skin. A lack of research exists concerning the best form of underwrap that should be used with taping to aid in the restriction of ankle range of motion. The purpose of this study is to assess the effectiveness of different underwrap conditions on reducing ankle range of motion before and after exercise. Twenty subjects were used in this study (11 male, 9 female, 20.75±1.48 yrs, 175.29±9.24 cm, 74.39±11.77 kg). Subjects were physically active with no history of lower extremity surgery or recent injury as well as no history of any serious medical condition. Four conditions were evaluated: 1) a control (no tape or underwrap), 2) tape applied directly to the skin, 3) tape applied to foam underwrap, and 4) tape applied to self-adherent underwrap. An ankle electrogoniometer was used to measure ankle range of motion in two planes, inversion to eversion and dorsiflexion to plantarflexion in degrees. Subjects came to the laboratory four separate days, one for each condition being tested. Ankle range of motion was measured initially before tape application (pre-tape) and again after tape application (post-tape). Subjects then performed a thirty-minute exercise regimen consisting of a five-minute warm-up, twenty minutes of drills involving multi-directional movements and ending with a five-minute cool down. Ankle range of motion was measured again after the exercise protocol (post-exc). Two different repeated measures Analysis of Variance (RMANOVA) were performed to establish the differences in ankle range of motion restriction between the tape conditions, one for each direction. Tukey’s post-hoc analysis was done on all significant findings. The statistical analysis identified a significant tape condition by time interaction for the inversion-eversion range (F6,114=33.20, p=.001) and the dorsiflexion-plantarflexion range (F6,114=54.96, p=.001). Furthermore, all the post-tape measures and post-exercise measures were significantly different from the pre-tape measures. Analysis of inversion-eversion revealed a significant loosening after exercise in both the tape to foam and tape to skin conditions. However, no significant loosening occurred in the tape to self-adherent condition. Analysis of dorsiflexion-plantarflexion revealed a significant loosening after exercise in only the tape to skin condition. These findings indicate tape to self-adherent underwrap maintains its inversion-eversion range of motion restriction after exercise. Tape to self-adherent underwrap and tape to foam underwrap maintains its dorsiflexion-plantarflexion restriction after exercise.

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