Are Tertiary Institutions Losing Sight of Their Duty to Cura Personalis?

Purpose: Physical education requirements (PERs) have been suggested as a potential solution for increasing physical activity (PA) among undergraduate students, specifically for the inactive who face the greatest barriers to PA. In 2010, among a nationally-representative, random sample of tertiary institutions in the U.S. only 39% had PERs as part of their general education curriculum. But, being a decade old, this data may be outdated. The aim of this study was to examine the current status of PERs in U.S. tertiary institutions and to explore what institutional characteristics are associated with having a PER. Methods: Academic catalogs of a nationally representative, random sample of 331 institutions were searched for PER information. Results: The majority of U.S. tertiary institutions did not mandate physical education (PE) courses (56.2%), whereas 31.7% fully and 12% partially required their undergraduate students to complete a PE course to graduate. The characteristics most associated with an institution having a PER included being private, having a small enrollment size, having an academic degree program related to the field, having both activity and conceptual components, being <3 credit hours, offering an elective program in physical activity education, and being located in the south. Conclusion: Future work is needed to identify important elements of PER courses, reasons why PERs are sustained by some institutions versus others, and to establish practical guidelines regarding best practices for quality PER courses. More direct action within the discipline of kinesiology is needed to underscore the importance and need of PERs at the tertiary level.

Power 5 conference institutions' summer transition program physical activity promotion efforts: A review.

Objective: To review the physical activity promotion efforts of Power 5 conference institutions' summer transition programs. Methods: The websites of Power 5 Conference and affiliate member institutions (N = 78) were systematically reviewed and information on summer transition programs pertaining to health were extracted. Results: Most (n = 45, 57.7%) institutions had a summer transition program of some kind. Among those who had summer transition programs, 14 (31.1%) had a nonphysical activity health course (i.e. health and/or nutrition), while courses that incorporated a physical activity component were uncommon (n = 6, 13.3%). Only two institutions covered physical activity, nutrition, and health in at least one offered course. Conclusions: There is an opportunity for tertiary institution-level summer transitional programs to expand coverage to address a currently unmet need for physical activity promotion while avoiding perpetuation of existing inequities.

Health science knowledge translation: Critical appraisal of online physical activity promotion material.

Limited research exists on how often health behavior theory concepts, principles, and techniques are embedded in the design of material to promote physical activity and exercise, such as persuasive communications disseminated via the Internet. This cross-sectional study examined 139 web articles on physical activity and exercise. We assessed how often article messages targeted recommended motivational determinants of health behavior: that is, outcome expectancy, self-efficacy, and self-regulation. Moreover, exploratory analyses were performed, which compared patterns in article messages by organization type. Results showed the largest categories were other messages and self-efficacy, each representing nearly one-third of article messages. The frequency that article messages targeted motivational determinants of physical activity and exercise differed by organization type. Our results suggest web articles that could promote physical activity and exercise motivation exist; however, they can be better constructed to meet the needs of people. For example, over half of article messages targeted a recommended motivational determinant, but the least targeted determinant was self-regulation. We present steps nurse educators and clinicians may take to improve the design or selection of physical activity and exercise promotion material.

Raymond Allen Weiss (1916-2019).

Presents the obituary of Raymond Allen Weiss (1916-2019). The lion's share of his academic career was spent at NYU (1949 -1981), where Raymond progressed through the faculty ranks, including serving as Department Chair. His academic work was heavily influenced by his military service during World War II, for which Raymond received a commendation for meritorious service in 1945. After retiring from NYU at the age of 65 and following the completion of a 2-year clinical psychology internship, Raymond became a licensed psychologist on February 27, 1984. Raymond was a Charter member of and a Fellow in the American College of Sports Medicine, and Raymond served as their Treasurer from 1956 to 1959. Raymond also provided extensive service to the organization now known as SHAPE America, including serving as Secretary of their Research Section in 1950 and 1956, and President of their Research Council from 1959 to 1960. His meritorious service to the organization was recognized in 1961 when they bestowed upon him their Honor Fellow Award. In 1960, Raymond was elected into the National Academy of Kinesiology as Fellow #149, served as their Secretary-Treasurer from 1970 to 1971, and served as their President from 1972 to 1973. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).

Inclusion of Dancer Wellness Education Programs in U.S. Colleges and Universities: A 20-Year Update.

During the 1990s dancer wellness education began to be codified and understood empirically in U.S. colleges and universities. Those efforts stemmed from a burgeoning knowledge base in dance medicine and science that continues to evolve. However, the current status of dancer wellness education remains largely undocumented. The purpose of this study was to explore the inclusion of dancer wellness education in U.S. colleges and universities. The results were derived from a cross-sectional study of 199 higher education dance administrators at 4-year institutions that were selected using stratified random sampling procedures with data collected through an online survey. Seventy-two participants (36.18%) completed at least part of the survey, and of those 62 (86.11%) completed the entire survey. The majority of dance programs were undergraduate-only (71%), not accredited by the National Association of Schools of Dance (67%), and emphasized dance performance and choreography (89%). Sixty percent offered a formal dancer wellness program, 70% had at least one dancer wellness specialist on faculty, and 20% offered training programs to become dancer wellness specialists. Fewer than half (42.19%) preferred their faculty to have college or university level study in dancer wellness, and only 17.19% required it. Of 11 possible curricular topics, the typical undergraduate program included 64.52% and the typical graduate program 51.87%. Regardless of program level, the top five topics were anatomy, kinesiology, somatics, dance conditioning, and dance injuries. The average school offered 58% of identified supplementary programs at "high levels." Only modest differences were found between programs based on degree level, accreditation status, or program affiliation. Although some positive trends in the evolution of dancer wellness education have occurred over the last two decades, there remains a need for ongoing advocacy and widespread implementation in U.S. colleges and universities.

Body-related comments experienced by Chinese young women: A cross-sectional study.

Within Chinese culture, one way that family and friends demonstrate that they care about one-another is by making body-related comments. How such comments are experienced by young women, in particular, including how they relate to their psychological disposition and/or use of unhealthy weight control behaviors, is unknown. The purposes of this study were to understand the frequency and type of body-related comments Chinese college women received, from whom, and their associations with body mass index (BMI), body satisfaction, body change motivations, and unhealthy weight control behaviors. Women from a comprehensive university in Southwest China (N = 236) participated in this cross-sectional study. Results showed that female Chinese college students received body-related comments most frequently from their friends, followed by parents, and romantic partners. While the frequency of receiving body-related comments was not associated with BMI, higher frequencies were associated with stronger motivation to lose weight/fat and to practice unhealthy weight control behaviors. Additionally, positive body-related comments from romantic partners were associated with higher motivation to gain weight/muscle and/or to maintain weight. Furthermore, positive body-related comments from friends were associated with higher body satisfaction. Educational programs are needed to help female Chinese college students and members of their social networks recognize and understand the potential impact associated with giving body-related comments. Screening protocols for unhealthy weight control behaviors and appropriate counseling services should also be developed and made available.

Differences in university students' motivation between a required and an elective physical activity education policy.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to examine differences in students' physical activity motivation, competence, and weekly exercise metabolic equivalent units (METs) between universities with different physical activity education (PAE) policy arrangements (ie, a required PAE vs. an elective PAE). PARTICIPANTS: Participants (N = 953) were purposefully recruited from two universities with different PAE policies 1 week before the start of fall term 2015. METHODS: Participants completed questionnaires assessing their physical activity motivation, competence, and weekly exercise METs. RESULTS: The results of this study suggest that having a required PAE policy allows for more students with lower self-determined forms of motivation (ie, amotivation) to be reached in comparison to the elective PAE policy. CONCLUSIONS: This finding highlights that a primary value of having a required PAE policy is its ability to reach less motivated students.

Physical Education and Sport: Does Participation Relate to Physical Activity Patterns, Observed Fitness, and Personal Attitudes and Beliefs?

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the associations between physical education (PE) and sports involvement with physical activity (PA), physical fitness, and beliefs about PA among a national sample of adolescents. SETTING: Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey National Youth Fitness Survey were used. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 459 adolescents aged 12 to 15 years. MEASURES: Adolescents self-reported engagement in the above parameters; muscular fitness objectively determined. ANALYSIS: Multivariable linear regression. RESULTS: Adolescents who had PE during school days had a higher enjoyment of participating in PE (ß = 0.32; P = .01), engaged in more days of being physically active for ≥60 min/d (ß = 1.02; P < .001), and performed the plank fitness test longer (ß = 17.2; P = .002). Adolescents who played school sports reported that more PA was needed for good health (ß = 0.23; P = .04), had a higher enjoyment of participating in PE (ß = 0.31; P = .003), engaged in more days of being physically active for ≥60 min/d (ß = 0.70; P = .01), performed more pull-ups (ß = 2.33; P = .008), had a stronger grip strength (ß = 2.5; P = .01), and performed the plank fitness test longer (ß = 11.6; P = .04). CONCLUSION: Adolescents who had PE during school, who had more frequent and long-lasting PE, and who played school sports generally had more accurate perceptions of the amount of PA needed for good health, had greater enjoyment of PE, were more physically active, and performed better on several muscular fitness-related tests. This underscores the importance of PE integration in the schools and encouragement of school sports participation.

Physical Fitness and Self-Image: An Evaluation of the Exercise Self-Schema Questionnaire Using Direct Measures of Physical Fitness.

The purpose of this study was to perform a construct validity assessment of Kendzierski's exercise self-schema theory questionnaire using objective measures of health-related physical fitness. This study tested the hypothesis that individuals with an exercise self-schema would possess significantly greater physical fitness than those who did not across three domains of health-related physical fitness: Body composition, cardiovascular fitness, and upper-body muscular endurance. Undergraduate student participants from one private university on the west coast of the United States completed informed consent forms and the exercise self-schema questionnaire within a classroom setting or at an on-campus outside tabling session. Participants not meeting inclusion criteria for Kendzierski's three original schema groups were categorized as "unschematic," and were included within MANCOVA/ANCOVA analyses, where gender served as the covariate. Participants underwent lab-based fitness assessments administered in accordance with the 2013 American College of Sports Medicine Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription. The hypothesis of this study was partially supported. Specifically, exerciser schematics were significantly leaner than aschematics (p = .002) and they had greater levels of upper-body muscular endurance compared to both aschematic and nonexerciser schematics (p = .002). However, no differences were observed for cardiovascular fitness (i.e., predicted V02Max p = .410). The findings of this study help to establish the construct validity of Kendizerski's self-report exercise self-schema categorization scheme. Visual inspection of the data, as well as computed effect size measures suggest exercise self-schema is associated with dimensions of one's physical fitness.

Toward a greater understanding of the syndemic nature of hypokinetic diseases.

Physical activity participation has historically been conceptualized at the individual level with a strong emphasis on apparently healthy people. However, in the latter part of the 20th century and early part of the 21st century, a paradigm shift emerged whereby physical activity participation increasingly was acknowledged to be dependent on factors residing beyond an individual's control, with programming and intervention efforts necessary across the lifespan, in multiple settings, and under various life circumstances. This shifting emphasis has created opportunities and challenges for those involved in physical activity program delivery and research. In this presentation, physical activity behavior change, promotion, and retention efforts will be reviewed and critiqued. Emerging from this critical analysis is an understanding of the syndemic nature of hypokinetic diseases (i.e., the diseases associated with disuse and physical inactivity). The term syndemics is used to account for the interplay and synergistic nature of person, place, and timing in the development of disease. Not only are individual lifestyle behaviors and social factors considered in syndemics, but so too are the forces that link those causes together. To genuinely affect change among the masses, those involved in delivering physical activity interventions and programming must not only address each lifestyle behavior and social affliction that contributes to hypokinetic diseases, but also to the social and environmental forces that link those causes together (e.g., stigma, unequal access to resources).

Theory-based physical activity beliefs by race and activity levels among older adults.

OBJECTIVE: Given the benefits of physical activity and the high proportion of inactivity among older adults, the purpose was to elicit theory-based behavioral, normative, and control physical activity beliefs among 140 educationally and economically diverse older adults and compare their beliefs by race (Blacks vs. Whites) and physical activity levels (inactive/underactive vs. highly active individuals). DESIGN: This was an elicitation study that took place in eight, mostly rural community settings in a Southeastern US state, such as Council of Aging Offices, retirement centers, and churches. Participants' behavioral, normative, and control beliefs were elicited via in person interviews. A valid and reliable questionnaire was also used to assess their physical activity levels. RESULTS: According to the content analysis, inactive/underactive participants reported fewer physical activity advantages than highly active participants. Common physical activity advantages between the two groups were overall health, emotional functioning, and physical functioning. Similar physical activity advantages were reported among Blacks and Whites with overall health being the most important advantage. The most common physical activity disadvantages and barriers for all four groups were falls, injuries, pain, and health issues. Inactive/underactive individuals and Blacks tended to report more disadvantages and barriers than their peers. Common physical activity supporters were family members, friends and peers, and health-care professionals. CONCLUSION: In their physical activity motivational programs, health promoters should reinforce physical activity benefits, social support, access to activity programs, and safety when intervening among older adults.

The 2015 C. H. McCloy Lecture: Road Trip Toward More Inclusive Physical Activity: Maps, Mechanics, Detours, and Traveling Companions.

This essay stems from the 35th annual C. H. McCloy Research Lecture at the 2015 SHAPE America National Convention & Expo in Seattle, WA. The lecture series has 2 main aims. First, it provides an annual forum for a contemporary scholar to delve deeply into her/his work and to share that work with her/his peers. Second, it is an enduring tribute to the pioneering work and influential career of Charles Henry McCloy (March 30, 1886-September 18, 1959), research professor emeritus at the University of Iowa. This essay is composed of 6 sections: a prologue, a biography of McCloy, my autobiography, the fundamental premises and overarching aims of my work, a summary of my research contributions aimed at promoting inclusive physical activity, and an epilogue. The entire article is built around the construct of maps, mechanics, detours, and traveling companions. Paradigm shifts and insights are unraveled as the work unfolds and becomes increasingly integrated. Rarely does a scholar have the chance to provide a narrative of this nature, and it is hoped that this essay will inspire others to discover their own scholarly pathways and to contextualize and reflect on their contributions for the greater good of the field of kinesiology and society.

Development of a Conceptual Model for Smoking Cessation: Physical Activity, Neurocognition, and Executive Functioning.

PURPOSE: Considerable research has shown adverse neurobiological effects of chronic alcohol use, including long-term and potentially permanent changes in the structure and function of the brain; however, much less is known about the neurobiological consequences of chronic smoking, as it has largely been ignored until recently. In this article, we present a conceptual model proposing the effects of smoking on neurocognition and the role that physical activity may play in this relationship as well as its role in smoking cessation. METHODS: Pertinent published peer-reviewed articles deposited in PubMed delineating the pathways in the proposed model were reviewed. RESULTS: The proposed model, which is supported by emerging research, demonstrates a bidirectional relationship between smoking and executive functioning. In support of our conceptual model, physical activity may moderate this relationship and indirectly influence smoking behavior through physical activity-induced changes in executive functioning. CONCLUSIONS: Our model may have implications for aiding smoking cessation efforts through the promotion of physical activity as a mechanism for preventing smoking-induced deficits in neurocognition and executive function.

Markers of adiposity among children and adolescents: implications of the isotemporal substitution paradigm with sedentary behavior and physical activity patterns.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to examine the association between daily movement patterns and dual energy X-ray absorptiometry-determined body fat percent (DXA-BF%) among children and adolescents while applying both traditional and novel analytical procedures. METHODS: Using data from the cross-sectional 2003-2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (n = 5607), physical activity was assessed via accelerometry, with the following movement patterns assessed: 1) meeting moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) guidelines and engaging in more light-intensity physical activity (LIPA) than sedentary behavior (SB); 2) meeting MVPA guidelines, but engaging in less LIPA than SB; 3) not meeting MVPA guidelines, but engaging in more LIPA than SB; and 4) not meeting MVPA guidelines and engaging in less LIPA than SB. Various markers of adiposity (e.g., DXA-BF%) were assessed. RESULTS: Children in movement pattern 1 (52 %), compared to those in movement pattern 4, had significantly lower levels of BMI (∆ 2.2 kg/m(2)), waist circumference (∆ 6.5 cm), tricep skinfold (∆ 4.2 mm), subscapularis skinfold (∆ 2.6 mm), android BF% (∆ 7.6 %), gynoid BF% (∆ 5.1 %), and total BF% (∆ 5.2 %). Substituting 60 min/day of SB with MVPA resulted in a 4.6 % decreased estimate of total DXA-BF%. No findings were significant for adolescents. CONCLUSIONS: The low proportion of children engaging in ≥ 60 min/day of MVPA and accumulating relatively more LIPA than SB had the lowest DXA-BF%.

Evidence to support including lifestyle light-intensity recommendations in physical activity guidelines for older adults.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the association of objectively measured lifestyle light-intensity physical activity (LLPA) and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) with various biological markers and chronic diseases among a nationally representative sample of U.S. older adults (65+ years). DESIGN: A cross-sectional design was used for this study. SETTING: Data were obtained from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2003-2006. SUBJECTS: Subjects were 1,496 older U.S. adults. MEASURES: Participants wore an accelerometer for at least 4 days and completed questionnaires to assess sociodemographics and chronic disease information. Blood samples were taken to assess biological markers. ANALYSIS: Adjusted Wald tests and Poisson regression were used to examine the association of LLPA and MVPA with biological markers and chronic disease. RESULTS: Older adults engaging in ≥300 min/wk of LLPA had lower observed values for body mass index, waist circumference, C-reactive protein, and insulin resistance compared to those engaging in <300 min/wk of LLPA. Additionally, those engaging in <300 min/wk of LLPA had a rate 1.18 times greater for having chronic disease compared to those engaging in ≥300 min/wk of LLPA. CONCLUSION: In this national sample of older U.S. adults, participation in at least 300 min/wk of LLPA was associated with more favorable health outcomes. Future experimental studies are warranted to confirm these findings.

If Exercise is Medicine, Where is Exercise in Medicine? Review of U.S. Medical Education Curricula for Physical Activity-Related Content.

BACKGROUND: This study provides an update on the amount and type of physical activity education occurring in medical education in the United States in 2013. It is the first study to do so since 2002. METHODS: Applying content analysis methodology, we reviewed all accessible accredited doctor of medicine and doctor of osteopathic medicine institutions' websites for physical activity education related coursework (N = 118 fully accessible; 69.41%). RESULTS: The majority of institutions did not offer any physical activity education-related courses. When offered, they were rarely required. Courses addressing sports medicine and exercise physiology were offered more than courses in other content domains. Most courses were taught using a clinical approach. No differences were observed between MD and DO institutions, or between private and public institutions. CONCLUSIONS: More than one-half of the physicians trained in the United States in 2013 received no formal education in physical activity and may, therefore, be ill-prepared to assist their patients in a manner consistent with Healthy People 2020, the National Physical Activity Plan, or the Exercise is Medicine initiative. The Bipartisan Policy Center, American College of Sports Medicine, and the Alliance for a Healthier Generation called for a reversal of this situation on June 23, 2014.

Association between accelerometer-assessed physical activity and objectively measured hearing sensitivity among U.S. adults with diabetes.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the association between objectively measured physical activity and hearing sensitivity among a nationally representative sample of U.S. adults with diabetes. METHOD: Data from the 2003-2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were used. One hundred eighty-four U.S. adults with diabetes wore an ActiGraph 7164 accelerometer and had their hearing function objectively assessed. A negative binomial logistic regression was used to examine the association between moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and hearing sensitivity. RESULTS were adjusted for age, gender, race/ethnicity, education, body mass index, comorbidity index, marital status, cotinine, homocysteine, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, glycohemoglobin (HbA1c), C-reactive protein, microalbuminuria, noise exposure, and vision impairment. RESULTS: Compared to those with hearing within normal limits, results showed that participants with mild hearing loss and moderate or greater hearing loss, respectively, engaged in 93% fewer minutes of MVPA (incident rate ratio = 0.07; 95% CI [0.01, 0.60]) and 94% fewer minutes of MVPA (incident rate ratio = 0.06; 95% CI [0.01, 0.54]). CONCLUSION: Adults with diabetes who have greater hearing impairment are less physically active. Future research is needed to determine the direction of causality.