This multi method, quasi pre and post intervention design evaluated the impact of Hung Fut Gung Fu's ten basic stances (TBS) on quality of life (QOL) and postural balance in elderly females. The purpose of this inquiry was to explore the effectiveness of TBS as an appropriate and health promoting form of physical activity for senior populations. Five females aged sixty-nine to eighty-three, participated in the eight-week intervention. Pre and post intervention data were collected through a Quality of Life Profile: Seniors questionnaire, the Berg balance test, and a self-report calendar of slips, trips and falls. Post-intervention interviews captured participants' reflections of the experience. Quantitative findings indicate that the TBS sessions generated slight improvements in QOL and postural stability and significant reductions in slips trips and falls. Qualitative data analysis identified two themes as contributing to participants' QOL - acquiring knowledge and socializing with peers. The TBS appears to be a promising strategy for enhancing QOL and postural balance for senior populations.

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of two different repetition maximum (RM) loads and training patterns on acute neuromuscular responses. Twenty one resistance-trained males performed 4 protocols of dynamic constant external resistance exercise, involving elbow flexors, that manipulated either load (5RM, 10RM) or training pattern (TP). For TP the subjects completed 4 sets of exercise with 3 min rest between exercise performing each set to fatigue which produced a decrease in the number of repetitions with each subsequent set (DTP); the second testing pattern involved performing the same number of sets and repetitions to the DTP but in a reverse order so that the repetitions ascend with each subsequent set (ATP). Volume load (VL) was equated for both patterns but the set in which the greatest VL was achieved occurred at different times in the workout, either in the 1st (DTP) or 4th (ATP) set of the exercise. Both TPs were conducted with a 5RM and 10RM load. Fatigue was assessed by changes in maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC), motor unit activation (MUA), muscle twitch characteristics (peak twitch [PT], time to peak twitch [TPT], and 1/2 relaxation time [1/2 RT]). All protocols produced significant changes pre to post fatigue (p A).05) for MVIC, MUA, PT, 1/2RT, and TPT. 5RM/ATP, 10RM/DTP, and 1 ORM/ATP protocols produced significant changes in MUA. PT was found to be significantly different across loads. The results indicate that central fatigue is independent of load and pattern whereas peripheral fatigue appears to be dependent on load.

The purpose of this study was to determine if the ingestion of sodium citrate (CIT), and the subsequent expansion of plasma volume, would have a direct effect on thermoregulation and physiological function during a simulated 1-hour time trial (TT) under sever heat stress. Eight subjects, aged 24.9 years (SD + 4.4), were studied under the following three conditions: (1) High Sodium Citrate (HCIT; 0.2 g/kg sodium citrate), (2) Low Sodium Citrate (LCIT; 0.1 g/kg sodium citrate), and (3) Control (Gatorade). Blood samples, taken before and during exercise, were analyzed for hematocrit (Het), haemoglobin (Hb), bicarbonate (HCO3-), base excess (BE), pH, sodium (Na), potassium (K), and glucose (GLU). Rectal temperature (Tr) and skin temperature (Tsk) was also recorded. Heart rate and psychophysical strain were also measured throughout each TT. Plasma volume significantly increased by 7.1% after ingesting the HCIT compared to the other two trials. There were no differences in mean body temperature, physiological strain, cardiovascular strain or psychophysical perception. The ingestion of HCIT appears to improve cycling performance despite no difference in physiological measurements. HCIT reduced split times, better maintained power output over the TT. and improved time total cycling time.

This quasi-experimental, pre-and-post-test, multi-method design examined e-prompting, and its impact on adherence to a desk-situated workplace exercise program. Fifty volunteer inactive office workers were recruited from a Canadian college. The intervention tested the effectiveness of a 12-week, twice-daily, low resistance, exercise band program with or without e-prompting. Pre-and-post-test data were collected through two questionnaires and measurements of strength/endurance. Additionally, the intranet exercise web site recorded participants' frequency log in data. Quantitative findings showed significant strength improvements in three of the measures (leg press, chest press, bicep curl). Data from the pre-and-post questionnaires found significant positive movement in four questions. Analysis of qualitative data identified two themes, barrier to physical activity and convenience suggesting that the intervention enhanced participants' self-efficacy to perform and adhere to an exercise program. The combination of e-prompting combined with a desk exercise program appears to have the potential to increase physical activity among inactive office workers.

The purpose of this research project was to develop and validate a physical fitness test battery and maintenance standards for Canadian Forces diving personnel. Four dive groups were studied including: Clearance; Ship's Team; Port Inspection; and Cbt divers. Seven sub-studies were conducted during the development and validation of the Canadian Forces Diver Physical Fitness Test (CF DPFT) and standards: 1) development of a preliminary test battery; 2) validation of the finalized test battery; 3) physiological demands comparison between field tasks and a simulated circuit; 4) development of the minimal standards for land-based activities; 5) development of the minimal standards for water-based activities; 6) determination of test-retest reliability; and 7) an assessment of adverse impact. The CF DPFT was developed and validated through various sources of information, including: feedback from subject matter experts; literature reviews; physiological measurements; interviews; focus groups; observations; and video analyses. The proposed CF DPFT provides a valid assessment of the minimum level of fitness CF diving personnel require in order to complete all CF-related diving duties safely and efficiently.

Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is described by the broadly defined symptoms, attention-deficit, hyperactivity and impulsivity. Characterized as the most common diagnosed developmental disorder in childhood, pharmacological interventions have been the most studied and used forms of treatment. Given that the alleviating effects of medication are not universal. researchers have considered other adjuvant therapies. Physical activity is one intervention that has received limited attention. but has been suggested. The purpose of this study was to extend the limited research by the following: (1) provide evidence for the prevalence of physical activity in ADHD children, as well as determine the prevalence of physical activity therapeutic practices, (2) explore the relationship between physical activity and ADHD symptoms, and determine which specific ADHD symptom(s) physical activity may affect most, and (3) identify any moderators of the physical activity and ADHD symptom relationship. Participants included 101 parents, mostly from Canada, who currently have a child with diagnosed ADHD and were recruited through collaboration with the Learning Disabilities Association - South Vancouver Island Chapter by mail and through ADHD online internet parent forums. Participants were asked to complete a questionnaire pertaining to their child's medical history, behavioral symptoms, physical activity behaviors and practices, and parent socio-demographics. Results indicate that 76% of the sample did not meet Canadian national recommended physical activity guidelines, and 52% of the sample does not use physical activity as a therapy.

Thesis (Ph.D.)--Edith Cowan University, 2007. / Submitted to the Faculty of Education and Arts. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (M.I.T.)--The Evergreen State College, 2009. / Title from title screen (viewed 7/15/2009). Includes bibliographical references (leaves 106-112).

Thesis (M. Ed.)--University of Hong Kong, 1997. / Includes bibliographical references (leaf 80-84).

Thesis (M.Ed.)--University of Hong Kong, 1997. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 80-84). Also available in print.