Clinical Exercise Physiology Master's Theses

The response of blood lactate and glucose in type I diabetes to a single bout of supramaximal exercise with and without carbohydrate ingestion

Craig Adam Lewin — Fri, 29 Mar 2013 08:40:50 PDT

This randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study closely examined the effects of carbohydrate supplementation before and throughout supramaximal exercise on blood glucose and blood lactate levels in active males between 18 and 35 years old with or without type 1 diabetes. 7 healthy males between 18 and 35 years old with IDDM (26.4±3.6 years) and 12 healthy males (29.2±3.1 years) between 18 and 35 years old without IDDM were asked to complete a baseline VO2max session, 2 self-report food and insulin logs, and two intervention sessions. Intervention sessions consisted of a 12 hour fast prior to testing, a 60 second Wingate...

The effects of a three month cardiac rehabilitation program on cardiovascular endurance, ejection fraction, and quality of life

Kerry Anne Dinon — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 09:14:43 PST

This retrospective study examined the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), six-minute walk test (6MWT), and Short Form 12 Health Survey (SF-12) of 50 individuals following a three-month cardiac rehabilitation program. After receiving approval by the two participating institutional review boards, medical records were examined. Men and women between 40 and 75 years of age who had an uncomplicated myocardial infarction in the past four weeks prior to cardiac rehabilitation and a LVEF between 25-45% were included in the study. Participants who had undergone LVEF, 6MWT, and SF-12 measures at both baseline and following the three-month program were only included. The...

Healthy kids, healthy futures open gym observations

Jordan Elizabeth Thomas — Fri, 24 Sep 2010 06:15:28 PDT

Childhood obesity is growing at an alarming rate. To date there is a very limited availability of age-appropriate, family-oriented, community-based physical activity (PA) promotion programs for families with preschool aged children. Healthy Kids, Healthy Futures Open Gym (OG) is a community-based PA initiative created for families with 3-8 year old children to provide access to and promotion of PA. Ten families and 17 student activity leaders (SAL) were enrolled and structured observations across nearly 1,100 intervals were carried out during seven OG sessions. A modified systematic direct observation (SOFIT) tool was used to assess child, caregiver and SAL behaviors. Ten...

Association Between Executive Function, Physical Activity, and Physical Fitness in People with Type 2 Diabetes

Joyce Ann Indelicato — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 06:50:17 PDT

To investigate the association between executive function, physical activity, and physical fitness in people with type 2 diabetes, twenty participants (51-73 years, 50% female) with type 2 diabetes (mean HbA1C 7.9%) completed the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function - Adult (BRIEF-A), the Diabetes Task of Executive Function (DTEF), the 7-day Physical Activity Recall (PAR), the Duke Activity Status Index (DASI), and the 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT). Body Mass Index (BMI) and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) were calculated, and percent body fat (BF%) and blood pressure (BP) measurements were obtained. Data were analyzed (SPSS 16.0) using Pearson's correlation and multiple linear...

Effects of pre-existing co-morbidities in variable lifestyle modification programs on weight loss

Suzanne Marie Vogt — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 08:15:04 PST

Introduction: Bariatric surgery patients with pre existing co morbid conditions such as diabetes and hypertension are at increased cardiovascular risk. The relationship of exercise in promoting a more healthy body composition with bariatric surgery is not clearly defined. Subjects: Bariatric surgery patients (n=223) at Tufts Medical Center in Boston, MA. were followed for changes in absolute and relative body weight over two years. Patients were stratified by surgical procedure, prevalence of baseline diabetes or hypertension, and participation in an exercise program or no exercise program at three semi-annual visits. Results: Surgical groups were significantly different in absolute and relative body...

Effects of the USDA daily recommended intake for protein and strength training on physical function, body composition, and strength in older men

Heather Ann Milton — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 08:15:03 PST

Background: Aging adults experience significant declines in muscle mass and function. These can be reversed with strength training (ST). However, the combined effect of ST with the DRI for protein intake (0.8 g/kg/d) has not been determined. Objective: To examine the combined effects of ST and protein DRI in older men. Design: Seven healthy men (69-78y) were admitted to the Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University, Boston, MA for 13 ½ weeks. After 5 ½ weeks of diet equilibration at the DRI level, protein intake was maintained and subjects were randomized to high-intensity ST+DRI 3x/wk (n=3) or...

A healthy and competitive approach to weight loss

Kristen M. Miller — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 08:15:02 PST

A Healthy and Competitive Approach to Weight Loss. M.S. in Clinical Exercise Physiology, 2008(M.E. Watson). Purpose: To investigate the effectiveness of an 11-week weight loss competition on two groups of obese college students. Methods: Subjects (N=20) were divided into two cohorts by semester of participation. Maximal exercise tests, anthropometric measurements, field tests, and sub-maximal strength tests were used to design exercise programs and test changes in fitness. Independent and paired t-tests compared the cohorts, and changes in subjects' pre and post fitness and questionnaire results. The association of program success and weight loss was analyzed using bivariate correlation. Results: There...