Kinesiology

Effects of Exercise on Brain Activation in Response to Visual Food Cues

Laura Hackett — Tue, 19 Apr 2011 15:55:12 PDT

Alzheimer's Disease

Sophie Walsh — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 16:31:15 PDT

The Use of Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) in Treating Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS)

Tiffany Windju — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 16:31:14 PDT

The Effects of Carbohydrate, Caffeine, and Protein on Endurance Performance

Tony Zapata — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 10:33:06 PDT

A Program to Promote Physical Activity and Healthy Body Weight in an Adolescent Female: A Case Study

Katie Stoddard — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 09:16:20 PDT

A case study of an obese 14-year-old female was conducted to assess her body weight and dietary and physical activity habits. The purpose of this study was to promote weight loss through improved dietary practices and an increase in energy expenditure. This was done by monitoring and altering caloric intake and engaging in regular, vigorous physical activity. Furthermore, the subject increased health-related knowledge, developed new skills, and ultimately attempted behavior modification. From April to September 2009, the subject participated in a minimum of two supervised exercise sessions per week to increase her energy expenditure and to teach her strategies for exercising independently on a regular basis. Further, she was given personalized dietary strategies to promote weight loss and healthy weight management. Anthropometric, cardiovascular fitness, muscular strength and endurance, flexibility, and resting metabolic rate assessments were conducted at regular intervals. Baseline assessments were performed in early April, and mid-program measurements were taken in early June. Post-testing was conducted in September to evaluate the subject’s final measurements and assess her ability to maintain healthy habits, while transitioning from a more structured schedule during the school year to one with more leisure time during her summer break. The subject increased health behaviors from baseline to mid-program testing, but regressed between mid- and post-program assessments. Results reflected these patterns.

PolyHeart: Cardiovascular Disease Risk Assessment

Katherine Vaughan — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 15:13:48 PDT

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in ‘Western Civilization.’ Lifestyle modification (ie regular exercise and healthy diet) greatly reduces the risk for CVD. It is unclear whether faculty at Cal Poly, who are exposed to positive benefits of lifestyle modification are at risk for CVD. The purpose of this study was to assess Cal Poly’s faculties’ cardiovascular health status, as specified by the American College of Sports Medicine’s (ACSM) seven cardiovascular disease risk factors. Both the researchers and participants benefit from this study because awareness of CVD risk factors may help prevent progression of risk factors and may improve quality of life. Twelve faculty (7 Men, 5 Women) at Cal Poly participated in this study. Height, body weight, and body fat assessed by bioelectrical impedance analysis were measured. Participants completed a health history questionnaire, and then a fasting blood sample was taken to assess a lipid profile (total cholesterol, HDL) and glucose concentrations. Each subject completed a sub-maximal treadmill (Treadwalk Test), using three successive speeds and grades to achieve steady state heart rate to estimate VO2 peak. Using the mean of all seven risk factors (body mass index, blood pressure, glucose concentrations, lipid profile, estimated oxidative capacity), the Cal Poly faculty were classified at low risk for CVD. However, individual data showed that two subjects were at high risk for CVD evidenced by high glucose concentrations, high blood pressure, and dyslipidemia. These data suggest that Cal Poly faculty, who are exposed and aware of the benefits of regular exercise and a healthy diet, are at low risk for cardiovascular disease. Future studies should focus on identifying members of the Cal Poly community at high risk for cardiovascular disease, and providing a behavioral intervention to lower the risk for CVD in those individuals.

Hands on Health Symposium: Student Research and Creative Endeavors

Jessica Lynn Rogers — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 16:19:19 PST

This paper explains the organization and planning process for the student research section of the first annual Hands on Health Symposium that was held on the Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo campus. The event was to promote and make public awareness of healthy living. I did a write up of the sources I used, and what I did, so that the next student in charge of putting on the student section, will have a guideline.