Persons with fibromyalgia (FMS) may have compromised muscular strength and muscular endurance due to their disease. PURPOSE The purpose of the present study was to determine whether women with FMS could benefit from a 12-week strength-training program by decreasing tender point sensitivity, fibromyalgia disease impact, and increasing strength and functionality. METHODS Twenty women (46.1±7.1 yr) previously diagnosed with FMS participated in the study. Muscular strength was assessed by a maximal one-repetition strength test (1-RM) for upper and lower body. Tender point reactivity and sensitivity was manually assessed by a board certified rheumatologist. Fibromyalgia impact was assessed by the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ). Body composition was assessed by Dual Energy Xray Absorptiometry (DEXA). Functionality was assessed by utilizing the Continuous Scale- Physical Functional Performance Test (Cs-PFP) that consists of tasks that simulate ADL. The Cs-PFP consists of 5 domains, upper body strength, upper body flexibility, lower body strength, balance and coordination, and endurance as well as an overall score of functionality. Subjects were randomly assigned to a control (C: n=12) or strength (S: n=8) group. The 12-week training program consisted of 11 exercises that focused on the major muscle groups of the body. Subjects exercised twice a week performing 1 set of 8-12 repetitions at 40-60% of their 1-RM and progressing to 60-80 % of 1-RM. Two-way ANOVA was used to assess significance (p / A Thesis submitted to the Department of Nutrition, Food and Exercise Sciences in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Masters of Science. / Spring Semester, 2003. / March 21, 2003. / Strength-Training and Women with FMS / Includes bibliographical references. / Lynn Panton, Professor Directing Dissertation; Tonya Toole, Committee Member; Laurie Grubbs, Committee Member.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of a classroom exercise video program on the behavior of fourth grade students who displayed disruptive behaviors in the classroom. Six students, 5 identified as consistently off-task, and their 23-year old female student teacher were participants. An Alternating Treatments Experimental Design (Cooper, Heron & Heward, 2007) was used to investigate the effects of a classroom exercise program called HealthMPowers on the off-task behavior of selected students during a regularly scheduled morning math class. Two interventions were used on alternate days during this study: a) exercising for approximately 2-minutes to a clip from the HealthMPowers exercise DVD program and b) a control procedure—placing the head down on the desk. Baseline measurements were conducted until the level of off-task behavior during the math class stabilized for most of the participants (no conspicuous trending up or down). At that point, the whole class in which the participants were enrolled received one of the two interventions (exercise with video or head down) on an alternating schedule with one intervention each day. Visual analysis was used to assess the degree of consistency and magnitude of the effect. Observations were made using a 10-second interval recording procedure and interobserver reliability averaged 94% for occurrence reliability and 96% for total reliability. Results indicated that off-task performance stabilized for most students during the third week of baseline and decreased by an average of 13% during the seven weeks that the exercise and head-down interventions were in use. Although the mean decrease in off-task behavior for the exercise intervention was slightly greater, it was not notably different from the head-down procedure. / A Dissertation submitted to the Department of Sport Management, Recreation Management, and Physical Education in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. / Spring Semester, 2011. / February 14, 2011. / Disruptive, Behavior, HealthMPowers, Effects / Includes bibliographical references. / Thomas Ratliffe, Professor Directing Dissertation; Sandra Lewis, University Representative; Diana Rice, Committee Member; Tom Welsh, Committee Member.

This thesis presents the anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties of dried plum polyphenols in RAW264.7 macrophages. We hypothesize that dried plum polyphenols may benefit in diseases of chronic inflammatory origin. Chronic inflammation is characterized by accumulation of macrophages at injury site and macrophages start the inflammatory cascade. Polyphenols have been found to possess strong anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties. To substantiate this assumption, we tested the chlorogenic acid rich dried plum polyphenols using RAW264.7 macrophage cells. Macrophages express nitric oxide (NO) and cyclooxygense-2 (COX-2) dependent prostaglandins under chronic inflammatory conditions. RAW264.7 macrophage were stimulated with 1 µg/ml of bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to induce inflammation and treated with different doses of polyphenols (0, 0.1,1,10,100 and 1000 µg/ml), for 12 hrs. Polyphenols at a dose of 1000 µg/ml of medium was able to significantly reduce the NO production by 43% compared with LPS stimulated cells only. Moreover, LPS (10 ng/ml) induced expression of COX-2 was significantly reduced by 100 and 1000 µg/ml polyphenols. To investigate the anti-oxidant activity of polyphenols, macrophage cells were stimulated with 100 µM/ml of FeSO4 + 1mM/ml of H2O2 to induce lipid peroxidation. Polyphenols at a dose of 1000 µg/ml showed 32% reduction in malondialdehyde production. Conclusively, our study indicated that dried plum polyphenols are potent anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative agents and can have implications in prevention of diseases of chronic inflammatory origin including bone loss. / A Thesis submitted to the Department of Nutrition, Food and Exercise Sciences in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science. / Summer Semester, 2009. / April 13, 2009. / Dried Plum Polyphenols, Inflammation, Lipid Peroxidation, Macrophages / Includes bibliographical references. / Bahram H. Arjmandi, Professor Directing Thesis; Robert Contreras, Outside Committee Member; Cathy W Levenson, Committee Member; Jeong-Su Kim, Committee Member.

COL5A1 encodes the α1 chain of type V collagen, a minor fibrillar collagen that is an important regulator of collagen fibril assembly. A polymorphism (rs12722, C/T) within the 3'-untranslated region (UTR) of COL5A1 is associated with chronic Achilles tendinopathy (TEN) and other soft tissue injuries as well as exercise-related phenotypes. These phenotypes are directly or indirectly associated with the mechanical properties of musculoskeletal soft tissue. It has therefore been hypothesised that variants in the COL5A1 gene, specifically the 3'-UTR, regulate synthesis of the α1(V) chain and type V collagen production. Type V collagen levels in turn regulate fibril architecture and structure and, thereby, mechanical properties of musculoskeletal soft tissues. Although the 3'-UTR of many eukaryotic genes have been shown to play an important regulatory role, the function of the COL5A1 3'-UTR is currently unknown. Aim. The primary aim of this thesis was therefore to determine whether the COL5A1 3'-UTR was functional and to identify functional differences between the COL5A1 3'-UTR cloned from participants with TEN and healthy asymptomatic control individuals. The secondary aim was to start mapping the functional regions within the 3'-UTR, focusing on regions which are potentially responsible for contributing to the tendinopathic phenotype.

INTRODUCTION: Chronic diseases of lifestyle (CDL) are a major cause of global morbidity and mortality. Although CDL are largely preventable and treatable through adopting and maintaining healthy lifestyle behaviours, CDL rehabilitation programmes remain an underutilised resource. Behaviour modification is thus complex, and requires a collaborative approach between psychologists and medical clinicians involved in the management of CDL. This thesis examined the role of psychological factors in the management of patients with CDL who participated in a comprehensive lifestyle intervention (CLI) programme. METHODS: An explanatory mixed methods design was used to describe the CLI experience. These included an initial clinical audit of 308 patients commencing and completing a twelve week CLI programme to test associations of psychological, demographic, medical and diagnostic factors with physical outcomes. Two qualitative studies were subsequently conducted to further understand patient experiences of CDL and CLI programmes. The first involved interviews of 14 patients at programme commencement and completion. The second consisted of a case study of a patient participating in the programme using human centred design principles as well as ethnography.

Includes bibliographical references / Elite kayakers are required to perform repetitive movements that create strength and flexibility asymmetries in their bodies, making them susceptible to injury. The first portion of this thesis is dedicated to investigating whether a supervised, corrective pre-habilitation programme of the kinetic chain, conducted twice a week for 10 weeks, would reduce these predisposing factors. A group of 19 marathon paddlers were assessed before and after the intervention, with nine of them receiving the intervention. The 10-week intervention programme was found to significantly improve scapular position and kinesis, thoracic spine extension and single arm pulling ability, thus suggesting improved shoulder function and reduced risk of injury. The second portion of the thesis involved novel biomechanical analysis of kayaking on the water and on a kayaking-ergometer. It is the first objective description of the three dimensional movements of the kayak in the literature. Sprint and marathon paddlers performed a 180 metre time trial using an instrumented paddle with an accelerometer and gyroscope attached to the boat for analysis of boat movement characteristics and paddler-generated forces. Similar patterns for paddle torque, boat acceleration and pitch were observed between male sprint paddlers and male marathon paddlers. However, the direction and timing of the roll and the yaw of the boat during the water phase of the kayak stroke differed between these groups of paddlers. In addition, substantial individual variation existed within the group of male marathon paddlers. On the kayaking ergometer, activation patterns of the trunk and pelvic muscles were measured using electromyography during a maximal 200 metre time trial. Gluteus medius, lower trapezius and erector spinae were measured for the first time in maximal kayaking. The latissimus dorsi, pectoralis major and external oblique muscles were more active during the contralateral phase than has previously been reported. When these paddlers performed a single arm pull test on the same day, the muscle activation patterns changed, and muscle groups were active according to their anatomical function and what has previously been described. First, variation of movement, flexibility and segmental training of the kinetic chain may be advantageous when incorporated with kayaking training to prevent shoulder injury risk factors in paddlers. Second, individual evaluation of three-dimensional boat kinematics and muscle recruitment timing provides objective insight into an individual's kayak technique, with potential benefits for improving technical performance and mechanical efficiency.

Glycogen depletion has frequently been shown to result in a decrease in respiratory exchange ratio (RER). However, the metabolic response to glycogen depletion has generally been studied in overnight fasted subjects or in subjects who were already fatigued, or hypoglycaemic, or both, raising the question of whether the differences seen were due to general "carbohydrate deficiency" or due specifically to muscle or liver glycogen depletion. If euglycaemia and especially hyperglycaemia is maintained, the " carbohydrate deficiency" is overcome. In addition, because insulin stimulates muscle glucose uptake and not liver glucose uptake during euglycaemia (except at very high concentrations), insulin infusion would differentiate between liver and muscle glycogen depletion, since if the decrease in RER previously observed is abolished with insulin infusion while euglycaemia is maintained, this would indicate that the decrease is specifically due to muscle glycogen depletion. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the metabolic effect of glycogen content while an adequate amount or an excess of carbohydrate was provided in the form of an intravenous glucose infusion and when plasma insulin concentrations are raised.

It is a well-documented finding that blood lactate concentrations at any given absolute or relative (% of maximum oxygen uptake; % VO₂ₘₐₓ) workload, are lower following endurance training. The search for the mechanisms responsible for lower blood lactate concentrations after training, however, has led to conflicting results, particularly when the possible causes of this finding have been investigated in humans. In this study, three questions related to the effects of endurance training on lactate metabolism were investigated.

Includes bibliographical references / The prevalence of childhood overweight and obesity has increased substantially globally with a concurrent decline in both children's physical activity and fitness levels. The socio-ecological model proposes that health behaviour, such as physical activity, is influenced by multiple factors, at an individual, social and environmental level. However, there seems to be a lack of consensus in the current literature on the factors influencing physical activity in different settings (e.g. school, neighbourhood), and across a wide range of socio-economic conditions. To our knowledge, there are no data available on the role of different environmental factors (within the school and the neighbourhood environment) in relation to children's physical activity in a South African setting. Therefore, one of the key aims of this thesis was to assess the effectiveness of a novel intervention on fitness, measures of physical activity and factors that influence physical activity. Specifically, this thesis assessed the effectiveness of a school-based, curriculum-grounded, educator-focused intervention designed to increase physical activity and healthy eating in South African primary school students in low income settings, on fitness levels and physical activity related knowledge, attitudes and behaviour (Chapter 2). Additionally, this thesis examined factors within the school environment associated with observed physical activity in children during in-school break time, self-report activity, and moderate- to -vigorous, in-school objectively-measured activity (Chapter 3-5). Furthermore, this thesis assessed the influences of parental perceptions and the neighbourhood environment on children's physical activity (Chapter 6). The overarching aim of this thesis is to examine the association between environmental constructs (physical spatial and built environment, social environment, and policy environment) and children's physical activity.

Background: Global levels of overweight and obesity in preschool-aged children have increased dramatically in the last two decades, with most overweight and obese children younger than five years living in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Statistics from the 2013 South African National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (SANHANES-1) confirm that levels of overweight and obesity are high in South African preschool-aged children, with prevalence rates of overweight and obesity up to 18.2% and 4.7%, respectively. This increasing problem of overweight and obesity in South African preschoolaged children highlights the need for intervening in this age group. Overweight and obesity interventions in preschool children typically include one or more of the following behaviours: physical activity, sedentary behaviour and screen time. Aim and objectives: The aim of this study was to characterise the preschool environment in rural South Africa, and to explore physical activity, gross motor skill proficiency, sedentary behaviour and screen time in rural South African preschool-aged children. Additionally, aims of this study were to explore the associations between gross motor skills, body composition and physical activity; and to assess compliance with current physical activity and sedentary behaviour guidelines. Methods: Preschool-aged children (3-5 years old, n=131) were recruited from three Preschools and two Grade R (reception year) settings in Agincourt, a rural village in north eastern South Africa. In order to gain an understanding of the Preschool and Grade R settings, an observation of the preschool environments was conducted using a tool adapted from the Outdoor Play Environmental Categories scoring tool, Environmental and Policy Assessment and Observation instrument, and the Early Learning Environments for Physical Activity and Nutrition Environments Telephone Survey. Each child’s height and weight was measured. Physical activity and sedentary behaviour were measured objectively using a hip-worn ActiGraph GT3X+ accelerometer for 7 days (24 hours, only removed for water-based activities). Gross motor skills were assessed using the Test for Gross Motor Development–Version 2 (TGMD-2). Physical activity and sedentary behaviour, including the contextual information for these behaviours, during the preschool day (08h00 until ±12h00) were measured using the Observational System for Recording Physical Activity in Children (Preschool Version). A separate sample of parents/caregivers were recruited (n=143) to complete a questionnaire that was adapted from the Healthy Active Preschool Years questionnaire and Preschool Physical Activity Questionnaire. Parents reported on their child’s screen time, and on factors within the home and community contexts in which physical activity and sedentary behaviours occur. Results: In terms of the environment, the Preschools and Grade R settings differed in that fixed play equipment only featured in the Preschool settings. Grade R settings had more open space in which to play. All Preschool and Grade R settings provided children with limited portable play equipment, and none of the schools had access to screens. Although all children recruited for the study were preschool-aged, the Grade R children were significantly older than the Preschool children (5.6±0.3years vs. 4.4±0.4 years, p <0.05). According to IOTF cut-offs, the prevalence of overweight/obesity was low (5.0%) in the sample, and 68.1% of children were classified as normal weight. On average, children spent 477.2±77.3 minutes in light- to vigorous-intensity physical activity (LMVPA) per day, and 93.7±52.3 minutes in moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity (MVPA). In terms of the new current guidelines (180min/day LMVPA, including 60min of MVPA, described as ‘energetic play’), and using average daily average of LMVPA and MVPA, 78.2% met current guidelines. Observed and objectively measured sedentary behaviour results revealed that children were more sedentary during preschool time (between 08:00 to 12:00) compared to the afternoons. Overall, boys were significantly more physically active than girls; and Preschool children did more physical activity during preschool time than Grade R children (all p< 0.05). Over 90% of the sample achieved an ‘average’ or better ranking for gross motor skill proficiency. The Grade R children were significantly more proficient than the Preschool children for all gross motor skill components (raw scores and standardised scores). Overall, boys achieved significantly better object control raw scores than the girls, and displayed greater proficiency than the girls in the strike (p=0.003), stationary dribble (p< 0.001) and kick (p< 0.001). None of the preschool or Grade R settings had access to screens such as televisions or iPads, and parent-reported screen time was low for the total sample (0.5±0.3hr/day). The majority of the sample (97.9%) met current screen time guidelines (<1 hour per day). Parents (82.5%) reported that they believed that their child did sufficient PA for their health, but 81.8% also reported believing that television time would not affect their child’s health. Parent responses revealed neighbourhood safety as a potential barrier to being physically active in the community. Conclusions: Rural preschool-aged children in South Africa appear to be engaged in adequate amounts of physical activity, particularly LMVPA, and are adequately proficient in gross motor skills. The children did not engage in excessive amounts of screen time. Overweight and obesity were not prevalent in this sample of rural preschool-aged children, and therefore it would appear that an intervention to reduce or prevent obesity by increasing physical activity, improving gross motor skills and reducing screen time is unnecessary. Rather, interventions that facilitate the increase in levels of MVPA in order to meet current physical activity guidelines are warranted. Additionally, it is essential that the high levels of physical activity (LMVPA) and good foundation of gross motor skills observed in this sample are promoted in an effort to maintain them throughout childhood. Future research may want to determine whether these activities (high levels of LMVPA, low levels of screen time) track throughout childhood and into adolescence.