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Challenges in peer interaction are commonly associated with autism, both within research literature and through first-person accounts. Related intervention studies have tended toward a skills-based approach that emphasizes remediating perceived social deficits in the autistic individual, with most of the literature focusing on children who are classified as "high functioning" due to their verbal skills and/or typical IQ scores. Limitations in this skills-based approach have led to the development of a supports-based approach-based largely on a distributed model of communication-as an alternative way to facilitate peer interactions involving autistic students (Vidal, Robertson, & DeThorne, 2018). This supports-based approach prioritizes egalitarian interactions, participation in shared activities, and flexible access to multimodal communicative resources. The present mixed methods study was designed to examine the communication profile and peer interactions of John, a 9-year-old autistic child with inconsistent access to speech and concomitant diagnoses of Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal infections (PANDAS) and apraxia. In addition to behavioral assessments of John, data collection included interviews of John and 8 other adult and peer participants as well as 20 video-taped observations during art class. An ABAB design was employed to assess the functional relation between the social supports provided during art class and differences in peer interaction, measured via communicative offers and interpersonal synchrony between John and one of his non-autistic peers. In regard to key findings, John's speech-language profile was characterized by use of single words, emergent word combinations, some conventional gestures, concomitant language comprehension challenges, and poor intelligibility associated with motor speech impairment. His sensory-motor profile included fine motor impairments, gross motor strengths, and sensory differences across visual, hearing, and tactile modalities. John's peer interactions at the beginning of the study were relatively limited and characterized as single-turn and non-egalitarian with a prominence of eye gaze. The implementation of social supports during art class was associated with increased peer interactions characterized by increases in shared eye gaze, eye contact, shared activity, turn-taking, and emergent egalitarian interactions. In addition, peers and other adults were noted to adopt routines and strategies introduced by the examiner. The present study is pioneering in providing a detailed description of the communicative profile and peer interactions of an autistic child with limited speech. It also contributes to the evidence base for use of a supports-based approach to facilitating peer interaction for autistic students in the classroom. Additional considerations for clinical practice and future research are also discussed. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]

The purpose of this study was to determine whether there are differences in weight status, aerobic and strength physical activity, sugar-sweetened beverage consumption, and perceived stress about having enough money to buy nutritious meals between United States college students who live on campus and college students who live off campus. A secondary analysis was conducted utilizing the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's 2013 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) Questionnaire data set. After the inclusion and exclusion criteria were accounted for, N was reduced to 8,967. Using SPSS statistical software, bivariate analyses were conducted to determine significant differences in weight status and obesity-related behaviors and multiple regression analyses were conducted to assess the predictive effect of residential status. Results indicated students who lived off campus had a significantly higher BMI (p < 0.001) and were significantly less likely to meet the aerobic (p = 0.005) and strength (p < 0.001) exercise requirements compared to those who lived on campus. Residential status was marginally predictive of weight status (p = 0.052) and strength exercise (p = 0.035) when controlling for descriptive variables. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]

A key factor in emboldening collegiate students to become physically active and improve their health and wellbeing is to create effective pedagogy with an intellectually stimulating, engaging and, student centered focus. Recently, the science, mathematics, and engineering fields have acknowledged the Flipped Classroom Approach (FCA) as an effective pedagogical approach with its homogeneous attributes. The FCA is a students centered learning approach, which incorporates both online learning outside of the classroom as well as a variety of activity based learning styles for practical application in the classroom. Despite its pedagogical effectiveness there is no research to support its application at any level in physical education. The current study explored the implementation of an FCA unit impact on the engagement of students and instructional delivery of collegiate physical education content. The five questions addressed the FCA instructional model, during a collegiate physical education unit, impact on 1) skill development, 2) content knowledge acquisition and retention, 3) collegiate students' perceptions of the FCA, 4) the teacher perceptions of the FCA as it relates to pedagogical effectiveness, and 5) student self-efficacy and self-regulation in collegiate physical education. The students and the teacher of two sections of a muscular strength, flexibility, and cardiorespiratory fitness course were investigated. The data collection methods utilized were one-on-one interviews, classroom observation, skills rubrics, surveys, knowledge and fitness tests, and pedometer measures. The paired sample t-test and case study analysis revealed students' skills and knowledge improved over the course of the unit. The analysis also indicated that students' self-efficacy and self-regulation were not significantly influenced by the unit. The students enjoyed the variety of exercise presented, the autonomy, the integration of content, and engagement that the unit offered. Equally as important, the students enjoyed the unit and felt engaged in the learning process. The teacher acknowledged the FCA as an effective pedagogical approach to implement in collegiate physical education courses. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]

This study examined the subjective experiences of training and competition at the collegiate level in a small group of former Division I female collegiate athletes. A review of relevant research indicates there is a dearth of qualitative studies on the experiences of female collegiate athletes. The current study explored the experience of pushing the body to extraordinary limits in a collegiate sports environment to better understand the impact of high-level competition on the female athlete's relationship with her body, in part to consider how it may lead to physically and psychologically empowering or destructive consequences; and to obtain a better understanding of the use of the body as an instrument for performance and competition. Participants were eight women between the ages of 23 and 31 years old. These women participated in semi-structured interviews in which they reflected on their experiences of training and competing at the collegiate level. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis was utilized to identify salient themes. This researcher identified 16 themes from the primary interview material, which were categorized into the following three domains: The body in training and competition: How they persevered; Gender and athletic identities; and Life after college sports. The results suggest that elements of empowerment and strength, as well as compromises to physical and emotional well-being, co-exist for the female collegiate athlete. In looking at the beneficial and empowering aspects of training and competition, this researcher found that competing at the collegiate level strengthened the female athlete's sense of identity; promoted feelings of pride and strength; fulfilled narcissistic needs to feel powerful and competent; and developed skills that translated into other aspects of her life. In looking at the harmful and destructive consequences of training and competition, this researcher found that not paying attention to bodily and emotional needs led to injuries and breakdowns. In addition, participants felt that they had to keep their emotional struggles private, which deprived them of the support necessary to process those feelings. Over time, their relentless pursuit of goals and pressures to cultivate strength and tenacity may have compromised aspects of their emotional development. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]

Dance has attracted little scientific interest on the effects of physical fitness improvements on performance and injury severity, particularly with respect to contemporary dance. The main aims of the current work were: a) to observe the physical demands of dance performance; b) to develop a reliable dance-specific performance tool; c) to assess the association between selected physical fitness parameters and performance in contemporary dance by using a new reliable method (AC test); d) to assess selected physical fitness parameters in relation to injury severity in contemporary dance; e) to study the effects of increased fitness parameters on performance through a randomized controlled trial. A total of 50 performances, performed by 20 dancers, were monitored by using a portable accelerometers (SWA armbands) and heart rate monitors while 45 performances in DVDs were video analysed. Six dancers and two dance teachers were recruited to test a newly developed performance tool. A sample made of 41 dancers were recruited and assessed for aerobic fitness (DAFT), lower body muscular power (jump height test), upper body muscular endurance (press-ups test), flexibility (active and passive hip ROM), body composition (skinfolds), performance (n=17) and injury severity (n=16). In order to investigate the effects of the supplementary fitness training on performance, 24 of the total 41 dancers, were randomly assigned to either an intervention (n=12) or control (n=12) group. The intervention group undertook a specifically designed exercise-training programme (circuit and WBV training) lasting six weeks. Both groups were re-tested for physical fitness levels and performance at the end of the intervention period. Results revealed that performance intensities varied from light to moderate while these were observed with the use of pliés and jumps as well as lifting other dancers. Based on the seven most frequently used criteria by selected pre-professional contemporary dance institutions and companies, a novel performance tool (AC tool) was developed with an inter-rater reliability of r=0.96. There was a significant correlation between aesthetic competence (AC) scores and jump ability (r=0.55) and press-ups (r=0.55), respectively. Stepwise backward multiple regression analysis revealed that the best predictor of AC was press-ups (R2=0.30, p=0.03, 95% confidence intervals=0.11–1.34). Univariate analyses also revealed that the interaction of press-ups and jump ability improved the prediction power of AC (R2=0.44, p=0.004, 95% confidence intervals=0.009–0.04). Pearson’s correlation coefficients detected significant negative correlations between the mean score recorded for injury severity (expressed as TDO) and lower body muscular power (r=-0.66; p=0.014); backward regression analysis also revealed that, from all studied parameters, the strongest predictor of TDO was lower body muscular power (p=0.014). For the intervention group repeated measures ANOVA revealed significant increases (pre vs. post) in aerobic fitness (p<0.05), lower body muscular power (p<0.05), upper body muscular endurance (p<0.05) and performance (p<0.05). Linear regression analyses indicated that the only significant predictor of AC was aerobic capacity (F=7.641; p=0.03); the interaction of press-ups and aerobic capacity (F=6.297; p=0.036), and lower body muscular power with aerobic capacity (F=5.543; p=0.05) demonstrated an improved prediction power. These results show that the observed contemporary dance performance is an intermittent type of activity of moderate intensity. Given the reliability of the AC tool, it is concluded that upper body muscular endurance and jump ability best predict AC of contemporary dancers. Reduced lower body muscular power is associated with increased severity of injuries. Finally, supplementary exercise training significantly increases lower body muscular power, upper body muscular endurance and aerobic fitness, which in turn are beneficial to improve AC of contemporary dancers.

Abstract: Background: Despite improvements in surgical neck dissection (ND) procedures, head and neck cancer survivors (HNCS) still endure acute and chronic side effects such as loss of muscular strength, limitations in physical functioning, and fatigue, that impact quality of life and limit return to work. Light-to-moderate intensity resistance training has been shown to improve some of these side effects. Heavy lifting strength training (HLST) has shown promise in further improving outcomes in some populations, but it is unknown if HLST is feasible and safe in HNCS. Purpose: The primary aim of the LIFTING trial was to examine the feasibility and safety of a HLST program in HNCS ≥1-year post surgical ND. Methods: This single arm feasibility study recruited 8 HNCS to a 12-week HLST program. The 12-week HLST program included 2 training days per week, with a 5 to 8-week progression period towards lifting loads of 80%-90% of 1 repetition maximum (1RM) for bench press, and a rating of perceived exertion (RPE) of 8 to 9 (out of 10) for the squat and deadlift. Accessory movements were also incorporated into the HLST program. The primary feasibility outcomes included the eligibility rate (with reasons for ineligibility), recruitment rate (with reasons for refusal), 1RM testing rate (with reasons for not completing the test), HLST program adherence (including attendance, dose modifications, and progression), and follow-up assessment rate (with reasons for drop out). The primary efficacy outcomes were upper and lower body strength changes from baseline to postintervention. Secondary efficacy outcomes were physical functioning, quality of life, fear of cancer recurrence, pain, anxiety, fatigue, stress, shoulder mobility, sleep, and motivation. Wilcoxon signed rank tests were used to compare the pre-post changes in efficacy outcomes. Results: From November 2020 to June 2021 (8 months), 8 participants were recruited to the LIFTING trial. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we were unable to track the eligibility rate or recruitment rate, or the associated reasons for not participating. All 8 participants (100%) who were recruited were able to perform the maximal strength tests, and all 8 successfully progressed to heavy loads (80-90% 1RM) at approximately 5-weeks. Median adherence to the 24 supervised HLST sessions was 90.6% (range: 17 (70.8%) to 24 (100%)). Weight lifted from baseline to postintervention increased for the squat/leg press (median change: +36 kg; 95% CI: +25 to +47; p=0.012), bench press (median change: +7 kg; 95% CI: +2 to +10; p=0.012), and deadlift (median change: +13 kg; 95% CI: +6 to +25; p=0.018). In addition, the total weight of the 3 strength exercises combined significantly increased from baseline to postintervention (median change: +55 kg; 95% CI: +40 to +72; p=0.012). Significant improvements were also reported in resting systolic blood pressure (median change: -10.0 mmHg; CI: -17 to -6; p=0.012), resting diastolic blood pressure (median change: -13 mmHg; 95% CI: -16 to -4; p=0.017), resting heart rate (median change: -6 bpm; 95% CI: -10 to -1; p=0.035), and the global health status/quality of life measure (median change: +8.3; 95% CI: 0 to +16.7, p=0.041). No significant changes were observed for physical functioning, fear of cancer recurrence, pain, anxiety, fatigue, stress, shoulder mobility, self-esteem, or sleep quality. Motivational and behavioural outcomes were high at baseline, and remained high postintervention. No adverse events occurred. Conclusions: Preliminary results of the LIFTING trial suggest that a HLST program may be feasible and safe for HNCS who are at least 1-year post-ND, and have evidence of recovery of spinal accessory nerve function. Given our recruitment strategy, the eligibility and recruitment rates could not be adequately tracked. HNCS who performed the HLST achieved significant improvements in muscular strength (squat, bench press, and deadlift), resting heart rate, resting blood pressure, and global health status/quality of life. Future research should consider additional recruitment strategies and compare HLST to light-to-moderate load strength training to determine if it is a better prescription for improving outcomes important to HNCS including return to work. If proven more effective, HLST could be incorporated into the clinical care of HNCS to optimize physical and psychosocial outcomes in this underserved patient population.

To assess acute performance-related effects of foam rolling, this study investigated the immediate effects of a standard foam rolling protocol on explosive strength of the plantarflexors and alpha motor neuron excitability in the soleus. Explosive strength was measured via vertical jump height (JUMP) and the Reactive Strength Index (RSI) obtained from a single leg drop jump. Alpha motor neuron excitability was measured by H reflex amplitude as H wave to M wave ratio (HM) obtained from the soleus muscle. JUMP and RSI measures were analyzed from nineteen subjects (12 male, 7 female) HM data were analyzed from 15 subjects (9 male, 6 female). Subjects attended one day of practice and instruction for the single leg drop jump and one day for data collection. One leg was randomly assigned to be the test leg (FL) and the other as the control (NL). The reported dominant leg and gender were also recorded for each subject. Subjects performed two single leg drop jumps per leg from a box height of 30 cm and then 10 soleus H reflexes were obtained. The intervention, which followed standard professional guidelines, consisted of 2.5 minutes of foam rolling for the FL and rest for the NL, followed by a 5 minute warm up on a cycle ergometer. The best jump and the average HM ratio were chosen for analysis. For each variable a post/pre ratio was calculated for statistical analysis. A 2x2x2 factor ANOVA with repeated measures on both factors was used for each variable. Analysis revealed no statistically significant differences for any of the variables, either as main effects or any of the interaction effects. Subjects trended towards a slightly larger post-intervention decrease in JUMP and RSI for the FL than the NL but this was not significant. It was concluded that a 2.5 minute intervention of foam rolling had no acute effect on explosive strength of the plantarflexors or alpha motor neuron excitability of the soleus.

The rising trend in cardiovascular disease is made evident by the drastic increase in health care costs as more and more people seek medical attention for coronary heart disease, atherosclerosis, heart attack, and stroke. This disease is further exacerbated by cigarette smoking which increases inflammation and has been proven to cause cancer. The focus to combat this disease has shifted away from treatment and towards prevention as people are realizing the benefits of exercise on all aspects of health. While the benefits of aerobic exercise are well-documented, resistance training (RT) as a means to counteract the markers of cardiovascular disease is not as well understood. The current study exams the effect of a 12-week periodized RT intervention and nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) on the fitness level and body composition in a population of young sedentary smokers. The subjects were randomized into four groups: RT and NRT, only RT, only NRT, or into the control group which received neither RT nor NRT. Participants were young (age 24.5 ± 4.6 yr), sedentary smokers. The control group had no significant drop in BMI and weight compared to the RT/NRT and RT groups. The RT/NRT group had a significant decrease in total fat, trunk fat, and fat percentage. The RT group had a significant increase in CRF measures compared to the other groups. Relative maximum aerobic capacity increased from 27.4 ± 3.05 ml/kg/min to 30.8 ± 2.12 ml/kg/min. This was significantly greater than the improvement seen in the NRT group (P < 0.05). The improved absolute maximum aerobic capacity and maximum breathing frequency were greatest in the RT group than in the NRT/RT, NRT, and Control groups. There was no significant difference between the changes in maximum heart rate. NRT/RT and RT groups had significantly greater improvements in 1-RM for chest press, leg press, and seated row as well as the composite RM as compared to the NRT group. The body mass index between the healthy cohort (HC) (23.17 ± 3.0) and smokers (25.05 ± 5.60) was not significantly different, neither was the height, weight, nor age. However, the body composition between these two groups was significantly different in all values analyzed. Total fat in the HC was 11.22 ± 10.97kg while smokers had a total fat of 18.06 ± 10.97kg. Trunk fat was measured at 4.69 ± 2.22kg in the HC and 7.90 ± 6.30kg in the smokers. There was a significant difference between body fat percentage with the smokers having and average of more than 5% higher than the HC and lean body mass was significantly lower for smokers as well.

The purpose of this research was to develop an equation to predict 1RM bench press strength from push-ups to fatigue in trained and untrained college age females. Sixty-six females (21.02 ± 2.32 yrs.) participated in this study. Body composition was found for each participant via 7-site skin fold technique and blood pressure was monitored prior to each testing session. Each participant performed both a push-ups to fatigue test and a 1 RM bench press test, within 48-72 hours. The push-ups to fatigue test required each participant to perform as many push-ups as possible set to a 60bpm cadence, while touching the chest to a 3.75 in (9.5 cm) tall plastic cup. The 1 RM bench press test followed standard 1 RM protocol. A hierarchical linear regression analysis was conducted to examine the extent to which push-ups to fatigue, body mass (kg), lean mass (kg) and training status accurately predicted 1RM bench press strength. Results indicated that together, push-ups and body mass accounted for a significant amount of variability in 1 RM bench press strength (R2 = .273, p < .0001, SE = 5.30) and that both push-ups to fatigue and body mass served to accurately predict 1 RM in the presence of one another. Neither lean body mass nor training status was found to significantly predict 1 RM bench press strength, in the presence of push-ups or body weight. As a result, the final prediction equation developed may be used to accurately predict 1 RM bench press strength in college-aged females.

Basketball is a sport with many complex demands that require a combination of fitness, skills, team tactics and strategies, and motivational aspects. However key areas that are likely to play an important role in a basketball player's success are muscular strength, fitness and body size. Methods of evaluating and developing these characteristics have been extensively tested in controlled research settings, but there is a dearth of research exploring the value of, and methods of improving, muscular strength, fitness and body size of basketball players within the demanding schedule of an elite junior development program. These were therefore explored in this thesis.

Researchers have previously examined only the effects of land plyometrics on power, force, and velocity. The purpose of this study was to compare changes in performance outcome and muscle soreness between plyometric training on land and plyometric training conducted in an aquatic setting. Thirty-two physically active college-aged female students with varied sport experience and no previous orthopedic or musculoskeletal injuries to the lower extremities that exhibit chronic problems were matched on vertical jump and randomly assigned to an 8-week land plyometric or an 8-week aquatic plyometric program. Performance outcome variables were peak power [vertical jump distance in cm using a vertical (squat jump) jump test], peak torque [torque in N • m using BIODEX isokinetic testing] and velocity [m • s -1 in a 40-meter sprint] and were assessed pre-training, mid-training, and post-training. Muscle soreness of the rectus femoris, biceps femoris, and gastrocnemius muscle was estimated using an established ordinal scale and self-report of pain sensitivity upon muscle palpation as measured with an algometer (Algometer FDK40, Scrip Inc.; Peoria, IL). Muscle soreness and pain sensitivity were assessed at baseline (first week of training) and when training intensity was increased at week 3 and week 6 at 0, 48, and 96 hr post-training bout. The exercise protocols involved three exercise sessions per week lasting 65 minutes, including a 15 minute warm-up. The training protocols were identical except that land plyometrics was conducted on a gymnasium floor and the aquatic plyometrics was conducted in 4 to 4 ½ feet of water. Multivariate and univariate analysis of variance set at a statistical significance of p < 0.05 were used for statistical analyses. Performance outcome results indicated that there was a main effect for time. Post-hoc tests revealed that pre-training < mid-training < post-training, p < 0.001, for power output, torque, and velocity. There was no main effect for treatment and no treatment by time interaction effect indicating that there was no performance outcome difference between the two treatment groups. The perception of muscle soreness was significantly greater, p = 0.01, in the land plyometric training group than the aquatic plyometric training group at baseline and when the training intensity was increased at week 3 and week 6 at 48 hr and 96 hr post-training bout. Therefore, it was concluded that aquatic plyometrics provides the same performance enhancement benefits when compared to land plyometrics with a reduced amount of muscle soreness.

This study investigated the effect of yoga on percent body fat, blood pressure, oxygen consumption, flexibility, muscular strength and endurance, and levels of state anxiety. Thirteen college age females (18-22 yr.) signed up for a 12 week yoga program, meeting once a week for 90 min. The classes consisted of 10 min. of supine relaxation, 70 min. of Hatha Yoga postures, and 10 min. of relaxation to conclude the class. All thirteen subjects attended the first class and completed a Spielberger STAI X-l (state) inventory prior to and immediately following the class. Concurrent with previous research a significant decrease in levels of state anxiety was found (p < .004). Only seven subjects remained to complete the intervention. Average attendance was 7 classes. No significant changes were found in percent body fat, blood pressure levels, oxygen consumption, flexibility, muscular strength, or muscular endurance. The results showed trends of increased upper and lower body strength and improvements in flexibility. These findings indicate that yoga promotes short-term decreases in state anxiety and shows a potential to improve muscular strength.

This study was to develop normative data of isotonic muscular strength in college females using the Spartacus model Universal Gym bench press and leg extension and to control for the influence of body weight. Two hundred and two college age females enrolled in weight training and conditioning classes used the Universal Gym for twelve weeks. Subjects were tested for maximum strength on 2 exercises and their percent body fat was calculated. Pearson-product moment correlations between lean body weight , body weight and the bench press test and the leg extension test were correlated. After statistically controlling for the effects of body weight, percentile ranks were calculated for both tests.

Two different weight training programs were compared to determine which was most effective in improving strength. The experiment was conducted with the bench press, leg press, and sitting press for a period of fifteen weeks.

The purpose of this study was to investigate strength and flexibility development as each is affected by three training programs using two apparatuss the Exer-Genie and the Super-Mini-Gym.