Using information available in the medical and sports medicine literature, a pilot program of exercise for pregnant women was designed for implementation at the local YMCA. The exercises consisted of 1) calisthenics and stretching exercises performed for 20 to 30 minutes and 2) a similar time period of aerobic exercise at no more than 70 percent predicted maximum pulse. Each of these was conducted formally three times weekly with participants urged to perform the exercises on their own at additional times. A group of nine women was followed from 14-16 weeks gestation through delivery and for 6 weeks postpartum and was matched with a group of four nonexercising controls. Both groups were tested by predicted maximum oxygen uptake during bicycle ergometer testing. To date, 37 women have participated and delivered with no untoward side effects in either mothers or offspring. In addition, considerable subjective benefits were stated by participants. Objective quantification of these benefits requires greater numbers of participants and controls, a longer period of time (estimate 3 years) to complete data collection, and more vigorous data collection in terms of reproducibility and meeting the schedule desired.

Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2009. / Title from title screen (site viewed July 21, 2009). PDF text: iii, 105 p. : ill. ; 103 Kb. UMI publication number: AAT 3349560. Includes bibliographical references. Also available in microfilm and microfiche formats.

Thesis (M.S.)--University of Louisville, 2004. / Department of Exercise Physiology. Vita. "May 2004." Includes bibliographical references (leaves 54-63).

Thesis (M.A.)--York University, 2004. Graduate Programme in Kinesiology and Health Sciences. / Typescript. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 61-76). Also available on the Internet. MODE OF ACCESS via web browser by entering the following URL:http://gateway.proquest.com/openurl?url%5Fver=Z39.88-2004&res%5Fdat=xri:pqdiss&rft%5Fval%5Ffmt=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:dissertation&rft%5Fdat=xri:pqdiss:MQ99278

Thesis (M.S.)--Purdue University, 2007. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 39-41). Also available online (PDF file) by a subscription to the set or by purchasing the individual file.

Thesis (M.S.)--Purdue University--[West Lafayette, Indiana], 2007. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 39-41).

Thesis (Ph.D.) - James Cook University, 2007. / Typescript (photocopy) Bibliography: leaves 213-270.

The effect of a 9—month nutrition education and walking program on energy need, body composition, nutrient intake, nutritional status, aerobic fitness, and health risk factors was determined in 7 women with childhood—onset obesity (CO) and 8 women with adult—onset obesity (AO). Data were collected before and after the 9—month program while participants were on a 3-week controlled, weight-maintaining metabolic diet. Need for total calories increased by 2.9% for CO and 3.1% for AO from pre to post (p=.09) whereas calories for resting metabolic rate (RMR) decreased 3.6% for CO and 2.8% for AO (p<.05). Body weight decreased from 98 ± 12 to 93 ± 7 kg in CO and from 93 ± 14 to 90 ± 15 kg in AO (p<.05), with 93% of the loss as fat tissue. Time spent in light and moderate activity increased from pre to post (p<.01). The increase in activity more than compensated for the decrease in RMR, contributing to an overall increase in daily energy need. Over the 9 months % kcals as fat assessed from food records decreased from 46 ± 4 to 29 ± 2% for CO and from 42 ± 6 to 36 ± 6% for AO. Though total calorie need did not decrease pre to post, calorie intake decreased 38% for CO and 10% for AO. Despite reduced calorie intake, both groups maintained or increased their intakes of iron and vitamin B6. Change in dietary fat was related to age of onset of obesity but weight change was not. However, weight change was correlated with body fat distribution (r=-0.67, p<.01). Those women with predominately upper body fat lost more weight than those with predominately lower body fat. Fitness improved in both groups, with V02 max increasing by 8% for CO and 7% for AO (p<.01). Total plasma cholesterol (TC) decreased 11% for CO and 4% for AO (p<.01). LDL-C decreased similarly while no significant change occurred in HDL—C or triglycerides. Resting systolic blood pressure (SBP) did not change significantly, while resting diastolic blood pressure (DBF) decreased 4% and 5% for CO and AO, respectively (p<.05). During exercise at an intensity close to 50% of V02 max, SBP decreased 3-4% (p>.05) while DBF decreased 9-11% (p<.001). Area under the glucose tolerance curve decreased 43% for CO and 21% for AO (p=.07). Change in TC was most highly correlated with change in % kcals from fat (r=0.68, p<.01) while change in resting SBP and DBF was most highly correlated with change in V02 max (r=0.64, p<.01). Change in body weight was not significantly related to change in any of the risk factor variables. These results suggest that changes in dietary and activity habits will improve health risk factors in women with obesity without the need for drastic weight loss. / Graduation date: 1989

This study examined the trend of varying volumes of exercise on the risk factors embodying the metabolic syndrome in sedentary women (n=21, 49.2 ± 5.7 years). The following measurements: waist and hip circumference, weight, height, resting blood pressure, body composition, fasting levels of blood glucose, lipids, and insulin, peak V02 and treadmill time were measured at baseline and upon the completion of the study. Women were randomly assigned to one of three energy expenditure groups: 600 kcals/week (n=6), 800 kcals/week (n=8) or 1000 kcals/week (n=7). They were instructed to perform cardiovascular exercise three times a week for three months in a moderate exercise-training program with no modifications in their diet. The results revealed few significant changes in the risk factors embodying the metabolic syndrome. Nevertheless, these volumes of exercise were adequate in reducing at least one metabolic disorder in nearly half (48%) of our subject population. This impact of exercise on metabolic syndrome risk factors was clinically important because as metabolic disorders decreased so did the mortality risk from cardiovascular and coronary disease within these women. / School of Physical Education

Thesis (Ed. D.)--West Virginia University, 2004. / Title from document title page. Document formatted into pages; contains viii, 159 p. : ill. (some col.). Includes abstract. Includes bibliographical references.