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BACKGROUND: Hatha yoga programs have been shown to be effective at improving low back pain among a variety of populations; however, methods to decrease low back pain of university office employees have not been studied. OBJECTIVE: To examine the impact of an 8-week hatha yoga intervention on measures of health among university office employees. METHOD: Seven participants completed the 8-week yoga intervention. All measures, including anthropometric measures and online questionnaires, were completed at baseline and post-intervention. RESULTS: Baseline pain intensity (6.6±3.1) and pain interference (15.6±4.7) reflected a moderate level of back pain and moderate to severe interference. Pain intensity showed a non-significant improvement with medium-to-large effect size [p = 0.07, (d = 0.7)]. There was a significant improvement with a large effect size [p = 0.002, (d = 2.4)] in pain interference. Baseline anxiety (7.4±3.6) reflected a borderline abnormal symptom level, but anxiety significantly reduced to normal levels at post-intervention with a medium effect size [p = 0.002 (d = 0.5)]. Focus group themes were improvements in health and development of a sense of community. CONCLUSIONS: Hatha yoga may be an effective mode of low-impact physical activity to decrease pain and improve mental health while facilitating a sense of community for office workers employed by a university. This study demonstrates promising results with large effect sizes; however, more research with larger sample size and randomized treatment and control groups are needed for future study efforts.

INTRODUCTION The purpose of this article is to introduce how social networks can be utilized as an effective approach to health informatics and to provide evidence from a quantitative research study regarding the effects of interpersonal interactions at work on healthcare employees' burnout and health. METHODS Tests of moderation were calculated to explore whether interpersonal interactions at work changed the associations between job stress and burnout and health. The study used cross sectional data from a North Carolina convenience sample. Participants were 237 multidisciplinary employees from healthcare organizations who were at least 18 years of age. RESULTS The results from this study provided evidence that more frequent friendly work-related communication benefitted employees' health, while more frequent hostile or difficult communication was detrimental to employees' burnout and health. DISCUSSION In this article, an explanation for using social networks to collect quantitative, relational data to determine when interpersonal interactions at work are beneficial or detrimental to employees' health and burnout is provided. The article concludes with a discussion regarding how these results and methods can be used to advance the national movements aimed at addressing healthcare employees' health and burnout. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).

BACKGROUND: Nurses report the greatest stress of all health care workers. Although physical activity (PA) is associated with health benefits among other populations, nurses have stressors that other occupations do not typically encounter. It is important for nurses to identify techniques for stress management since stressors negatively impact their health and patient care. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to examine the relationship between PA levels and physical, mental, and occupational health among nurses. METHODS: Nurses (N = 62) completed measures of anthropometrics, demographics, and domains of physical, mental, and occupational health. Pearson correlations determined the relationship between PA and measures health along with the relationship between PA and health among active versus inactive nurses. RESULTS: Fatigue was significantly correlated with moderate-to-vigorous PA (r = –0.27, p

To identify the sex-specific prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) risk factors and their physiological, psychosocial, and behavioral correlates in a college-aged population. Participants and met...

Objective: Mothers have lower moderate-to-vigorous physical activity than non-mothers and this negatively impacts health. Group dynamics interventions have been successful for increasing physical a...

An increasing level of occupational stress is a major problem in the workplace that requires innovative approaches and strategies. An understudied research area pertains to the effects that physical activity performed during the workday have on occupational stress.To determine if and how an intervention that increases physical activity and reduces sedentary behavior affects workplace stress. The population of interest are employees at a large university medical center including supportive staff, healthcare professionals, physicians, and faculty members; the study design is longitudinal; the approach is the implementation of an innovative workplace program (i.e., the Booster Break).We present a logic model promoting physical activity and reducing sitting time during the workday as a feasible and practical strategy to cope with occupational stress.The logic model approach emphasizes that funding, partnerships, and incentives are inputs to implementing program activities such as Booster Break sessions, weekly meetings, social support, and personal self-monitoring. Short-term outcomes were categorized as psychosocial, goal setting, organizational, and social; intermediate outcomes were behavioral and psychosocial; and long-term outcomes were health status and physiological status.This study is the first known effort to outline a comprehensive intervention based on changing physical activity and sedentary behavior during the workday and the concomitant effects on occupational stress. The findings of this study can be used to develop and implement interventions at workplaces to target increases in physical activity, decreases in sedentary time, and improvements in overall employee health.

Purpose: Understanding psychosocial factors in the context of lifestyle change is important to recognize distinctions in type 2 diabetes prevention behaviors. A relatively stable psychosocial feature, such as health-related self-concept (HRSC), may indicate factors that promote or repress positive health behaviors. The present study created a questionnaire specific to lifestyle change activities by modifying the Generalized Health-Related Self-Concept Questionnaire (G-HRSC). Design: A modified lifestyle health-related self-concept (Lifestyle-HRSC) questionnaire was developed through creation of new items, context expert review of new items, and small and large sample test of new items. Participants: 101 college students completed the Lifestyle-HRSC. Analysis: Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (0.64) and Bartlett sphericity tests (χ2 = 6350.7 [ df = 3081], P < .01) indicated the sample met criteria for factor analysis. Principle component factor analysis was performed using varimax rotation with Kaiser normalization. Results: Six factors were revealed: nutrition, social support, avoiding diabetes, physical activity, problem solving, and challenges related to being healthy. Item analysis was conducted to remove correlated and conceptually redundant items and to create the 31-item final questionnaire. Conclusion: The Lifestyle-HRSC provides additional knowledge regarding the relationship between self-concept and health as well as insights into the role of psychosocial factors in the context of diabetes prevention.

Objective: To investigate the physical activity levels and experiences of students enrolled in a service-learning dog walking class. Participants: College students (N = 10) from a rural university ...

BACKGROUND Pedometer-based worksite interventions have been found to be successful in increasing physical activity (PA) but adherence is challenging. OBJECTIVE To examine the use of Implementation Intentions (II), a self-regulatory skill, with self-monitoring with a pedometer to initiate behavior change as well as post-intervention adherence in a worksite wellness intervention. METHODS University employees (N = 54) participated in an 8-week pedometer-based intervention. A 2-arm randomized trial was used to compare the effectiveness of 1) only pedometers (PED) (n = 28) and 2) pedometers and II (PED+II) (n = 26) on PA. RESULTS Significant differences were observed between time points (p

Background Workplace walking interventions can lead to positive physical and psychological outcomes for employees. For optimal success, however, innovative approaches that appeal to employees are needed. Objective The purpose of this study was to assess the physical activity levels and experiences of university staff members who walked shelter dogs during their lunch breaks. Method Participants walked with a dog and a partner for 30 minutes during their lunch break one day a week for four weeks. Accelerometer data was collected during participant walks and interviews conducted post-intervention. Results Quantitative results indicated that participants averaged 24.9±7.4 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (range 12- 37 min) during the walk. Qualitative findings suggested that the incorporation of shelter dogs into a walking intervention encouraged participants to take part in the study and continue each week. Conclusions Both the quantitative and qualitative data from this pilot study support the notion that including shelter dogs into a university-based walking program encouraged physical activity engagement and adherence.

Introduction Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a prevalent illness with high societal and personal costs. Whereas there is some systemic research, there are still many pieces yet unknown about T2DM and families. The purpose of the current study is to understand the transgenerational health experiences related to T2DM for both patients and caregivers. Method Focus groups were the primary methodology. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and coded for themes. Participants were recruited via community fliers and e-mail listservs. The primary inclusion criterion was having a (a) family history of T2DM or (b) personal history of T2DM. Participants also needed to be at least 18 years old and be able to read and speak English. Results In 4 focus groups, 32 people were interviewed. The sample was entirely rural yet reasonably diverse. Five dominant themes emerged from the data: physical health comorbidities, T2DM is a lifestyle illness affecting the whole family, mental health stresses and comorbidities, personal and family relationship with T2DM, and sharing knowledge. Discussion Participants indicated that their families had been influenced by T2DM and that the illness had both physical and mental health comorbidities-both of which caused considerable stressors. Participants also reported that they valued the sharing of knowledge related to T2DM with each other and people in their lives. Limitations to the study include lack of generalizability because of small sample size and the majority of recruitment being done via technology. Future research should include larger, more diverse samples and quantitative data collection. Implications are also discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved).

Background:A significant literature links race and socioeconomic status with physical inactivity and negative health outcomes. The aim of this study was to explore physical activity (PA) perceptions of an underserved, lower socioeconomic minority sector of the workforce.Methods:Two focus groups were conducted to examine university housekeepers’ perceptions of physical activity. Demographic and anthropometric data were also obtained.Results:Participants (N = 12; 100% female, 100% African-American) overwhelmingly associated PA with traditional exercise (eg, going to a gym). The most important barrier to PA was the perception of being active on the job, thus not needing to do leisure time PA. The most important perceived benefit to PA was improvement of physical and mental health. Employees perceived that a university investment in employees’ health might improve morale, especially within low-pay employee sectors where low levels of job satisfaction may be present.Conclusions:Although perceived benefits to PA in this population are consistent with other employee sectors, perceived barriers to PA may be unique to this sector of the workforce. PA promotion programs should focus on providing resources as well as guidelines that demonstrate the need for PA outside of the workplace setting. Such programs may improve employee health, morale, and productivity.

Increased sedentary behavior and reduced physical activity are risk factors for morbidity and mortality. As adults spend a significant portion of their time at work where the default is to spend the majority of the day sitting, shifting workplace norms to decrease sedentary time and increase active time could have a public health impact. Workplaces offer a unique setting for multi-level interventions that can reach diverse populations. Traditional worksite wellness initiatives have produced equivocal results in terms of increasing physical activity. One reason for this may be the focus on corporate-fitness type programs and health education with little change in workplace culture. More innovative approaches combining theory-based worksite wellness components with behavioral economics approaches promoting incidental physical activity at the workplace to make activity the default may be necessary. This article discusses strategies to shift the workplace paradigm from being sedentary to more active using a range of approaches.

Many higher education institutions incorporate service-learning programs because of the positive outcomes they produce for students. However, limited research has assessed the outcomes of service-learning for students working with older adults in a sport setting. Using a discourse analysis approach, this study examined the outcomes of volunteering with the Greenville-Pitt County Senior Games for 55 students enrolled in a physical activity and aging course. The results revealed that students’ perceptions about older adults’ Physical Abilities and Competitiveness and their view of Sport as a Social Event changed as a result of the service-learning experience. Students also cited Humanizing the Older Adult Experience and Learning by Doing as positive outcomes of the experience. The research findings suggest that service-learning with older adults in a sport setting can help better prepare students to serve the aging population. The implications and opportunities for Sport Management instructors are highlighted.

Background: Time spent in sedentary behaviors is an independent risk factor for several chronic diseases (e.g., cardiometabolic diseases, obesity, type 2 diabetes, and hypertension). Recently, interventions to reduce sitting time at work (a prominent sedentary behavior) have been developed and tested. Organizational culture plays a critical role in the success of workplace interventions. However, there are a limited number of studies that have examined the role of organizational culture in reducing sitting time in the workplace. Objectives: Therefore, in this systematic review, we summarized the empirical literature investigating organizational culture and sedentary behavior in the workplace and identify gaps in the knowledge base. Methods: We described the procedures of our systematic review and included two study flow diagrams that detailed the step by step process. Combinations of several search terms were used; the databases searched were PubMed, Medline, Academic Search Complete, and Google Scholar. We started with thousands of citations. After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, eight relevant articles were identified. Results: For each identified article, the data extracted included citation, sample, objective, intervention, assessment of organizational culture and workplace sitting, findings, and implications. Each article was rated for risk of bias by population, intervention, comparator, outcomes, and study design (PICOS) analysis. The classification for each study was either: high-, moderate-, or low-quality evidence. Given the paucity of data, no definitive conclusions were presented; however, positive trends were highlighted. Conclusions: Work place interventions to reduce sitting time at work may benefit from considering elements of organizational culture; however, the evidence to date is sparse and more high-quality studies in this area are needed. To advance the field of workplace health promotion, organizational culture, and interventions to reduce sitting at work, we present 11 recommendations.

Background:A positive association between physical activity and mental health is well established, particularly for lower symptoms of depression and anxiety among active adults. However, it is unclear whether the association is influenced by personality, which might moderate or otherwise explain the association. In addition, past studies have not confirmed the association using an objective measure of physical activity.Objective:Our objective was to examine whether Extraversion and Neuroticism influence the association between mental health and physical activity measured by convergent self-reports and an accelerometer.Methods:Structural equation modeling was used to test competing models of the relationships between personality, physical activity, and mental health in a sample of female undergraduates.Results:In bivariate analysis, mental health was negatively related to Neuroticism and positively related to Extraversion, self-reported physical activity (which was related only to Extraversion, positively), and objective physical activity (which was related only to Neuroticism, negatively). In structural equation modeling, a 3-way interaction indicated that objective physical activity and mental health were unrelated in extraverts, but related positively in neurotic-introverts and negatively in stable-introverts.Conclusions:Higher levels of physical activity were associated with better mental health only in neurotic-introverts, who are at higher risk for mental health problems.

Background Mothers are a population that engages in low levels of physical activity due to unique barriers to physical activity. As such, there is a need to develop and implement physical activity interventions for mothers that can be delivered in community settings. The objective of this article is to describe the Moms UNITE (Using Networks to Increase Togetherness and Efficacy) for Health walking intervention. This intervention, based on social cognitive theory, is designed to compare a collective efficacy enhanced intervention to a standard intervention for increasing physical activity and secondary outcomes. Methods In this 6-week, randomized controlled trial, mothers will be assigned to either the standard or intervention (collective efficacy) group. Both groups will receive the same walking intervention and an evidence-based health education program. Strategies and messages focusing on building collective efficacy will be used in the intervention group. Data will be collected at baseline, post-intervention, and follow-up (after a 3 month no-intervention period) using a mixed methods approach. Results Quantitative data will include anthropometric measurements, objective physical activity, and questionnaires assessing self- and collective-efficacy. Post-intervention focus groups and weekly process evaluation surveys will describe participants' experiences within the program. Conclusions This paper will serve as a theoretical framework for researchers and public health practitioners to develop and implement community-based walking programs for mothers.

In an effort to determine how sport could be better positioned on the public health agenda, three community physical activity programs aimed at combating obesity were examined to determine the benefits residents seek through their participation. Using a case study approach and critical framework, assumptions and presumed knowledge of these public health programs were drawn out through site visits and interviews. A total of 42 interviews with community leaders, program organizers, and residents in each community were conducted. The results reveal that new approaches need to be considered for promoting greater levels of participation in U.S. community sport and other leisure-time physical activity programs. Instead of the commonly emphasized benefits of physical health or appearance, the results demonstrate that hedonic rewards and opportunities for social interaction are two overlooked, yet primary benefits sought by participants. This research suggests that concerted efforts to focus on the hedonic feelings and social aspects can potentially lead to increased sport participation and holistic health. Such an approach may help better address vital public health policy issues while demonstrating the distinctiveness and utility of sport.

Motherhood is associated with low rates of physical activity that increase disease risk. Most theory-based approaches to increasing physical activity focus on personal rather than social factors. The purpose of this study was to examine the associations among perceptions of community collective efficacy and objectively measured physical activity, self-efficacy, social support, and health. Mothers completed questionnaires and wore a pedometer for 7 days. There was a significant, positive association between physical activity and collective efficacy-social cohesion subscale. In the regression analysis, only age and social support were independent predictors of physical activity. Future studies should examine relationships among collective efficacy and social support and physical activity.

The transportation industry faces a myriad of health problems, including obesity, physical inactivity, poor nutrition, and high stress levels compared to individuals in other sectors of the workforce. The study's purpose was to examine the impact of active living every day (ALED) as a way to promote and increase mass transit workers' physical activity participation by creating changes in physical activity affect and enjoyment. This study condensed the traditional 12-week ALED program into a 6-week format and delivered it in two phases. The first phase received a 6-week version of the program with its original content. The second phase received a 6-week version of the program, tailored to meet the particular needs of the mass transit workforce. Affect was measured using the Feeling Scale and physical activity enjoyment was measured using the Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale. For physical activity affect and enjoyment, there were significant increases (p = .001, p = .001 respectively) in the tailored inter...

Context The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess changes in body weight and relative adiposity (%FAT) during college and identify potential moderating variables. Evidence acquisition A review of peer-reviewed articles published before June 28, 2013 identified 49 studies evaluating the effect of the first year of college on the dependent variables of body weight (137 effects from 48 studies) and %FAT (48 effects from 19 studies). Statistical analysis was conducted between July 1, 2013, and May 1, 2014. Effect sizes were calculated by subtracting the mean pre-test measurements from the mean post-test measurements. Evidence synthesis Participants' weight increased 1.55 kg (95% CI=1.3, 1.8 kg) during college, with a 1.17% increase in %FAT (95% CI=0.7, 1.6%). Meta-regression analysis concluded that changes in body weight and %FAT were positively associated with study duration, suggesting that effects measuring change over a longer duration yielded larger effects when compared to effects with shorter observations. Sex and baseline BMI were not associated with change in weight or %FAT after accounting for study duration. Conclusions The increase in weight and %FAT during the college years is equal to 1.55 kg and 1.17%, respectively. Change in body weight during the first year of college is significantly less than that during the cumulative remaining years of college. By understanding the magnitude of change, appropriate prevention efforts can be designed for the college population, which may be beneficial in reducing adult overweight and obesity rates.

Despite overwhelming evidence of the importance of physical activity, only 20% of US adults meet physical activity recommendations. A subsector of the population vulnerable to inactivity is college students. There is a disconnect between evidence-based physical activity programming and dissemination into college communities, which may be overcome through logic model development and evaluation. The purpose of this paper is to discuss logic model development for a service-learning, dog walking program for undergraduates. Participants were undergraduates (18-25 years). Process evaluations and observational data were used in a content analysis to determine major themes to create the logic model. A set of resources were needed to complete program activities, which led to short- and long-term outcomes. The overarching goal of the program is to improve the overall health status of college students and companion animals. This logic model may have significant public health impact as it can serve as a framework for universities wanting to develop, implement, and evaluate a service-learning, dog walking program for students.

Introduction: Physical inactivity is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. Worksites provide an ideal environment for physical activity (PA) interventions. The aim was to use the Nominal Group Technique (NGT) to examine university employees’ perceptions of worksite PA barriers and benefits. Methods: A focus group using the NGT and the Health Belief Model was conducted to assess employees’ perceived susceptibility of physical inactivity, perceptions of barriers and benefits to PA, and cues to action. Results: Findings showed university employees experienced similar barriers to PA as employees in other sectors, including lack of time and knowledge. Participants reported unique benefits to being physical active, notably being physically active allowed them to maintain demanding professional and personal lifestyles. Discussion: Results imply university employees experienced benefits to PA consistent with other worksite populations; the surprising benefits of PA for this population are strong motivators and would provide an excellent basis for interventions. Results also indicate although university employees face similar barriers to PA as other worksites, the unique barriers for this worksite should be the focus for worksite programs for this population. Similarly to the benefits, the unique barriers of this population should influence development of interventions to promote PA on campuses.

Evidence-based recommendations for physical activity following spinal fusion surgeries for idiopathic scoliosis are limited, specifically in the adolescent population. Individuals with scoliosis treated operatively or non-operatively have been reported to participate in less than 1–3 days/week of even mildly strenuous physical exercises. Over 40% of individuals with scoliosis returned to sports at a level lower than pre-operative participation levels or did not return at all post spinal fusion. It is particularly important for human movement specialists, such as physical therapists, occupational therapists, athletic trainers and kinesiologists to assist these individuals effectively transition to and maintain engagement in physical activity. This review provides a snapshot of common considerations and potential factors influencing individuals with spinal-fusion for scoliosis to participate in safe physical activity.

Oral contraceptives (OCs) are the most frequently used type of birth control among young women. OC-users have higher C-reactive protein (CRP) values, an indicator of systemic inflammation, than do non-OC-users. In addition, adiposity (percent fat) is positively associated with CRP, and physical activity (PA) is inversely associated with CRP. The present study determined the interactive associations of PA, percent fat, and OC-use with CRP. Data were collected during 2012-2015 at the University of Georgia. Objective PA was measured via pedometers. Percent fat was measured via dual X-ray absorptiometry. The current OC-use was self-reported. High-sensitivity (hs) CRP was determined using venipuncture. Multivariate linear regression determined the interactive associations of percent fat, OC-use, and PA with hs-CRP. Participants (n = 247; mean age 18.9 ± 1.4 years, 60.7 percent white) accumulated a mean of 10,075.7 ± 3,593.4 steps/day. One-third of participants were categorized as overweight/obese by BMI (mean = 24.5 ± 4.8 kg/m

Introduction: Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Recent data suggests that African Americans (AA) have reduced levels of CRF compared to Caucasian Americans (CA). However, this viewpoint has not been widely accepted and it is unclear whether racial differences in CRF may be of a large enough magnitude to increase the risk of CVD. Methods: A literature review was conducted for studies comparing CRF levels between AA and CA adults. Studies were eligible for inclusion if CRF was assessed by an exercise test (submaximal or maximal), CRF was compared between AA and CA adults, examined an adult study population, and was published in a peer-reviewed journal. Potential studies were excluded if the sample included children or adolescents, the sample size was less than 15 participants in each racial group, or the study evaluated participants who had significant health conditions. Meta-analyses were performed comparing CRF between AAs and CAs in two analyses: 1) all studies compared using metabolic equivalents (METs) and 2) restricted only to studies that quantified CRF by directing measuring maximal oxygen consumption (considered the gold standard). Both fixed effects and random effects models were fit to these data. Because of the heterogeneity only results from the random effects models are reported. Analyses were performed using R (version 3.1, R Foundation for Statistical Computing, Vienna, Austria. URL https://www.R-project.org/) and the rmeta package (version 2.6). Results: There were 27 studies (n=131,084) that that met the criteria for the meta-analysis (23 studies excluded). In both the analyses for METs (27 studies, Summary effect: 0.91, CI: 0.8 to 1.0) and directly measured VO 2 max (16 studies, Summary effect: 3.2, CI: 2.1 to 4.3) as the criteria for CRF, AA had lower fitness compared to CA adults. Conclusions: The present study suggests that AAs have lower CRF compared to CAs based on epidemiological studies and clinical trials whether directly measured using indirect calorimetry or maximal METs estimated from exercise testing. A difference of 0.91 METs is associated with ~13.7% higher risk of CVD based on previous epidemiological data. Thus, lower CRF in AA adults may represent a health disparity risk factor and interventions to improve CRF in sedentary AAs may be warranted.

Background Physical inactivity is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. Worksites provide an ideal environment for physical activity (PA) interventions. Colleges and universities are a unique work venue, with institutions of higher education of varying scope within every state of the United States and worldwide. Objective To explore the institutional influences on worksite PA across multiple universities. Participants Employees from two large, universities (Midwestern and Southern) and a mid-size, university (Midwestern) participated in exploratory research in March/April 2010 and 2013. Methods The Nominal Group Technique (NGT) methodology and the Health Belief Model (HBM) were used to assess perceived influences on employees' engagement in worksite PA. Results The findings demonstrate that university employees experienced similar factors that influence PA as employees across the different institutions. Specifically, there was an interesting relationship between opportunities for PA and lack of a supportive work culture to promote it. Conclusions Emphasis on immediate perceived threats to PA inactivity may improve the utility of the HBM for interventions within this context. Further, campus worksite interventions for employees should address barriers such as cost of campus recreation centers and administrative support for engaging in worksite PA as possible cues to action.