Objective: To evaluate changes in physical performance in institutionalized older adults through a program of physiotherapy exercises. Materials and methods: We conducted a quasi-experimental study in adults over 60 years institutionalized in Lima, Peru. The exercise program was implemented in 45 minutes sessions included warming, muscle strengthening exercises, balance, gait training and cooling phase, three times a week for 12 weeks. Physical performance was measured with the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) one week before and after the intervention. It included 45 participants, which 16 didn’t attend any of the sessions and was like control group. Results: The average age was 77.6±7.1 years, 62.2% were women. The mean baseline SPPB was 7.0±1.6 in the intervention group and 6.9±1.9 in the control group (p = 0.90). It shows a change in SPPB of 2.6±1.8 in the intervention group versus -1.4±2.0 in the control group (p<0.001). Conclusions: The development of a physiotherapy exercise program for institutionalized elderly increases physical performance, which could be implemented in care centers for elderly. / Revisón por pares

Lifestyle behaviors, including diet and exercise, may mediate the risk of breast cancer recurrence. Large national and international organizations, including the American Cancer Society, the American Institute for Cancer Research, and the World Research Fund, recommend consuming a diet high in plant-based foods, specifically fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and low in dietary fat and added sugar for cancer recurrence prevention. In addition, these organizations recommend regular physical activity, typically 30 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity per day. However, many cancer survivors unfortunately fall short of meeting these recommendations. In addition, low-income, and racial/ ethnic minority populations, especially Latinas, are at increased risk of breast cancer recurrence due to a myriad of factors such as limited access to health care. Theory-based, behaviorally-focused, and culturally-tailored nutrition and physical activity education has been shown repeatedly to improve these lifestyle behaviors in other populations. Previous intervention studies by our research group have significantly improved dietary behaviors among Hispanic/ Latina breast cancer survivors. This dissertation consists of a review of the educational literature on diet and physical activity studies among breast cancer survivors, and three studies: (1) a methodological description on the development of a theory-based, behaviorally focused intervention with classroom and online education curricula, (2) an empirical validation study of a survey instrument, and (3) a cross sectional study of women’s diet and physical activity behaviors and theory-based determinants. Taken together, these studies can inform future educational interventions with this population by using our culturally-tailored, theory-based, behaviorally-focused model as a framework and by using our validated assessment tools. These studies can also inform future educational interventions by understanding diet and physical activity behaviors and related potential mediators. These dissertation activities were conducted within the context of a larger, on-going, two-by-two factorial designed National Cancer Institute (NCI) funded educational intervention study, Mi Vida Saludable (My Healthy Life), which aims to change diet and physical activity behaviors of Hispanic/ Latina breast cancer survivors. The main study will examine the separate and synergistic effects of a) online education and b) in-class education. The intervention is based upon nutrition education curricula developed by the non-profit organization Cook for Your Life, which develops recipes and cooking education for cancer patients and survivors in New York City and a previous intervention conducted by this research group, that targeted fruit, vegetable, and dietary fat intake only. The on-going larger study, Mi Vida Saludable, involves cohorts of 30-40 Hispanic/ Latina breast cancer survivors who go through the intervention arms, at intervals of every 4-8 months, depending on recruitment. As of April 2018, two of the five planned cohorts have completed the study, and four of the five cohorts have been randomized. The purpose of the initial comprehensive review of the literature was to inform the development of this Mi Vida Saludable educational intervention. Three areas relevant to the intervention were reviewed. The first area was the varying dietary and physical activity guidelines, both for cancer survivors, and also for common simultaneously occurring lifestyle-related diseases such as heart disease and diabetes. Similarities and differences were examined, and the resulting recommendations were used in the intervention development. The second area of review consisted of dietary and physical activity interventions that specifically targeted breast cancer survivors. Commonalities of successful interventions included the use of Social Cognitive Theory and the Stages of Change construct of the Transtheoretical Model. Finally, the text message literature was reviewed as it pertains to weight management, dietary, and physical activity behaviors, specifically among Hispanic/ Latina populations. Findings indicated that text message interventions were more successful if they decreased in frequency over time, included specific educational advice, and had the ability for two-way communication. The findings from these literature reviews were used to develop the Mi Vida Saludable intervention. (1). The methodological study involved the development of the content of the Mi Vida Saludable group education and electronic (“e-“)-communication programs. These programs were developed using a systematic stepwise theory-based, behaviorally-focused process, the Nutrition Education DESIGN Procedure. Briefly, DESIGN stands for: 1. Decide behaviors; 2. Explore determinants or potential mediators of change; 3. Select theory; 4. Indicate objectives; 5. Generate plans; and 6. Nail down evaluation. DESIGN was applied to help assure the curricula a) enhance motivation and b) facilitate action to change the following behaviors: 1) increase fruit and vegetable intake, specifically focused on non-starchy varieties, 2) decrease dietary fat intake operationalized as less fatty meats, decreased fat added during cooking, and smaller portions of cheese, 3) decrease added sugar intake operationalized as fewer sugar sweetened beverages and less added sugar in processed food and cooking, and 4) increase daily moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. The behavior-change theory applied was the Social Cognitive Theory. The resulting group education program consisted of 4 lessons, 4 hours each in length. Each lesson included a hands-on cooking component and facilitator-led nutrition education and discussion. Two of the four lessons included field trips to the local grocery store and farmers’ market. The resulting e-communication program included 11-months of weekly text messages, biweekly emailed newsletters, and ongoing website access. The content of the online curriculum was developed after the classroom curriculum and mirrored the classroom curriculum so that mode of education would be the key variable tested. (2). A survey instrument was developed to assess two key psychosocial potential mediators of behavior change from Social Cognitive Theory, preferences and self-efficacy, separately for each targeted behavior. This survey was tested for validity and reliability. Expert panel review assessed scale validity by Content and Face Validity. Participants from the target population assessed scale validity and reliability by 1) cognitive interviewing, 2) convergent validity, 3) internal consistency reliability, and 4) test-retest reliability. Content and face validity, and cognitive interviews successfully improved the questionnaire before quantitative analysis. Modifications from content and face validity included the addition of pictures of fruits and vegetables and the addition of examples of different food types high in fat and added sugar. Results from the cognitive interviews indicated primarily that changes should be made in the questionnaire to examples of foods with and without dietary fat and added sugar. Study findings revealed that Cronbach alpha values were sufficient for all Preferences and Self-efficacy scales except for Preferences for Added Sugar Intake. Study findings also revealed that item-total correlations were sufficient for all reduced Preferences and Self-efficacy scales, and that ICC values were sufficient for all Preferences and Self-efficacy reduced scales except for Preferences for Dietary Fat Intake. (3). Psychosocial potential mediators and measures of quality of life were examined in a cross sectional study of Mi Vida Saludable participants as they relate to women’s diet and physical activity behaviors at study entry. Outcome variables included diet, specifically servings of fruits and vegetables (both total and varieties specifically targeted by the intervention), percent dietary fat and added sugar, as well and average minutes of physical activity per week. Our study found that, among Hispanic/ Latina breast cancer survivors, decreased self-efficacy to choose lower sugar foods, increased locus of control of powerful others, and increased stress are related to increased added sugar intake. We also found that increased preferences for foods low in fat are related to decreased fat intake. Finally, we found higher mental health-related quality of life scores are related to increased fruit and vegetable intake, decreased fat intake, and increased physical activity. The results from these three studies will be used to understand behavioral outcomes of the Mi Vida Saludable study, as well as develop future interventions with this and other populations. Advancing our understanding of potential mediators and psychological variables can improve the development and success of interventions, especially among understudied populations such as Hispanic/ Latina breast cancer survivors.

Introduction: Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a disabling psychological disorder that affects about 7% of adults in the United States. PTSD and its symptoms have consistently been shown to have an inverse relationship with exercise participation. The strongest reported associations have been between high intensity exercise, and the hyperarousal and avoidance symptom clusters. Importantly, resistance training (i.e., weight lifting) is thought to have beneficial effects for several conditions that commonly co-occur with PTSD, such as anxiety, depression, and poor sleep quality. However, no studies have examined the effects of high intensity resistance training on PTSD symptoms. Purpose: This study sought to examine the effects of a 3-week high intensity resistance training program on the PTSD hyperarousal and avoidance symptom clusters, sleep quality, anxiety, and depression symptoms in anxious adults who screened positive for PTSD. Additionally, this study explored potential mechanisms of action (e.g., cognitive appraisal, perceived exertion, acute changes in affect, arousal, and distress) between exercise and PTSD. Methods: Thirty trait anxious individuals who screened positive for PTSD were randomly assigned to either a 3-week high intensity resistance training intervention, or a 3-week time-matched attention control group, while blocking for gender. Both groups were required to attend 3 on-site sessions per week, for 3 weeks (i.e., 9 total sessions). Each resistance training session consisted of a 5-minute warm-up, 20 minutes of high intensity resistance training, and a 5-minute cool-down. Each control session consisted of a brief 30-minute educational video on topics not relating to exercise or PTSD. Changes in PTSD symptoms, sleep quality, anxiety and depression were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA, and potential mechanisms of action were explored with a series of longitudinal mixed-effects regression models. Results: Participants were 73.3% female, with a mean age of 29.1 years (SD = 7.4), and 63.3% identified as a racial minority. Groups did not significantly differ at baseline. There was a Time*Group interaction for hyperarousal symptoms (F = 4.7, p = .04, η2 .18), demonstrating a significantly larger reduction in hyperarousal symptoms for the resistance training group (d = -1.84) relative to the control (d = -1.13). The Time*Group interaction for avoidance symptoms was not significant (F = 1.7, p = .20, η2 = .08); however, the effect size of resistance training was larger (d = -2.71) than the control (d = -1.16). There was a significant Time*Group interaction for sleep quality (F = 4.7, p = .04, η2 = .19), demonstrating greater improvements in global sleep quality for resistance training (d = -1.06) relative to the control (d = -.15). However, there was no significant effect of Time on PTSD-related sleep disturbances (F = 3.0, p = .1, η2 = .13) nor was there a significant Time*Group interaction (F = .09, p = .80, η2 < .01). Similarly, Time*Group interactions for anxiety (F = 3.5, p = .08, η2 = .14) and depressive symptoms (F = 2.7, p = .12, η2 = .11) were not significant. However, resistance training had a large effect on anxiety (d = -.81), and small effect on depression symptoms (¬d = -.41). Regarding the potential mechanisms of action, changes in cognitive appraisal significantly predicted changes in PTSD symptoms during the resistance training intervention (b = 7.1, SE = 2.9, p = .02). Similarly, changes in perceived exertion during exercise was a significant predictor of PTSD symptoms over the 3-week intervention period (b = -3.1, SE = 1.2, p = .01). However, changes in affect, arousal, and distress did not significantly predict changes in PTSD (p’s >.05). Conclusion: This is the first randomized attention-controlled trial testing the effects of high intensity resistance training on PTSD symptoms. The overall results support the hypothesis that resistance training can beneficially affect PTSD symptoms and its commonly co-occurring conditions, such as poor sleep quality. Future adequately powered studies are warranted.

No description available.

Devido a grande prevalência de lombalgia não-especifica, esse estudo buscou conhecer melhor sobre o uso do método Pilates no tratamento desta doença. Os objetivos foram descrever e comparar o padrão eletromiográfico da musculatura do core durante exercícios intermediários do Mat Pilates em pessoas saudáveis e com lombalgia não-específica, bem como relatar as diferenças entre os exercícios e a sequência de progressão de cada exercício para fins terapêuticos. A amostra foi composta por 32 pessoas (13 com lombalgia crônica não-específica e 19 saudáveis) com idade entre 18-45 anos e sem contato prévio com o Pilates. Os músculos multífido, oblíquo externo, oblíquo interno e reto abdominal foram avaliados eletromiograficamente e exercícios clássicos do repertório foram escolhidos (Single leg stretch, Criss-cross e Dead bug). Utilizou-se um eletromiógrafo de superfície de 8-canais, wireless, sincronizado com a variação angular de quadril e os dados coletados em 2 kHz. Analisamos (a) Root mean square (RMS) normalizado pela contração voluntaria máxima, (b) pico do envoltório normalizado pela contração voluntaria máxima; (c) tempo do pico de ativação e (d) co-contração entre a musculatura flexora e extensora (reto abdominal / oblíquo externo / oblíquo interno X multífido). Foram realizadas ANOVAs para medidas repetidas para comparar os exercícios entre si quanto as variáveis RMS e pico de ativação. E, ANOVAs 2 fatores para se comparar os grupos e exercícios para as variáveis tempo de pico de ativação e co-contração. Como resultados, obtivemos que o exercício criss-cross apresentou maiores valores de RMS para os flexores de tronco - reto abdominal, oblíquo externo e interno - quando comparado com os outros exercícios. Os maiores picos de ativação foram dos músculos oblíquo interno e externo no exercício Criss-cross, seguidos do Single leg stretch e do Dead bug, os quais se apresentaram mais similares entre si. O tempo do pico de ativação do reto abdominal e oblíquo externo mostraram-se mais adiantados para o Dead bug e Single leg stretch, enquanto que para o Criss-cross, foram mais atrasados em ambos os grupos. Tanto controles quanto lombálgicos apresentaram maiores índices de cocontração no exercício Dead bug e Single leg stretch, sendo que o Criss-cross apresenta o menor índice deles, com exceção da razão entre obliquo externo e multífido nos controles. Os grupos estudados foram semelhantes entre si em todos os exercícios em relação à co-contração, mas o tempo de pico do reto abdominal e do oblíquo externo dos lombálgicos apresentaram-se mais adiantados que os controles. Podemos concluir que os exercícios foram diferentes quanto a seu padrão de recrutamento do core mesmo tendo a mesma classificação dentro do método - intermediários- e que em termos de progressão clínica para o tratamento de lombalgia crônica, deveríamos iniciar com os exercícios menos desafiadores (Dead bug, Single leg stretch) e somente então evoluir para exercícios mais complexos que demandem de maior estabilização lombo-pélvica (Criss-cross). O método Pilates permitiu a ativação da musculatura estabilizadora lombo-pélvica mesmo em uma primeira sessão, tanto com indivíduos saudáveis quanto lombálgicos, podendo ser portanto indicado nos casos de reabilitação de indivíduos com lombalgia crônica não específica desde que com progressão adequada / Due to the high prevalence of non-specific low back pain, this study meant to learn more about the best use of the Pilates method in rehabilitation. The aims of the study were to describe and compare the core muscles electromyographic pattern during intermediate Mat Pilates exercises in healthy people and with low back pain. In addition, to report the differences between the exercise and the sequence of progression of each exercise for therapeutic purposes. The sample consisted of 32 people (13 with chronic non-specific low back pain and 19 healthy) aged between 18 and 45 years with no prior contact with Pilates. An electromyography analysis were done assessing the multifidus, external oblique, internal oblique and rectus abdominis muscles and exercises of the classical repertoire were chosen (Single leg stretch, Criss-cross and Dead bug). It was used a surface 8-channel electromyograph, wireless, synchronized with the hip angular variation and the data were acquired at 2 kHz. It were analysed: (a) Root mean square (RMS) normalized by maximum voluntary contraction, (b) peak of the linear envelope normalized by maximum voluntary contraction; (c) time of peak activation and (d) co-contraction of the flexor and extensor muscles (rectus abdominis / external oblique / internal oblique X multifidus). ANOVAs for repeated measures were performed to compare between exercises using the variables RMS and peak activation. Moreover, two-way ANOVAs compared groups and exercises for the variables time of peak activation and co-contraction. We observed that the criss-cross exercise had higher RMS values for the trunk flexors - rectus abdominis, external oblique and internal oblique - when compared to other exercises. The highest peaks of activation were observed for the internal and external oblique muscles in Criss-cross exercise, followed by the Single leg stretch and the Dead bug, which presented similar behaviour to each other. The time of peak activation of the external oblique and rectus abdominis showed up anticipated for the Dead bug and Single leg stretch, while for the Crisscross, delayed in both groups. Both groups had higher co-contraction rates in the Dead bug and Single leg stretch exercises, and the Criss-cross had the lowest indexes, with the exception of the ratio of external oblique and multifidus in control group. Both groups were similar in all exercises for co-contraction, but the low back pain group presented earlier time of peak of rectus abdominis and external oblique of than controls. We conclude that the exercises were different as their recruitment pattern, even with the same classification in the Pilates method - as intermediate exercises - and in terms of treatment progression of chronic low back pain, we may start with the least challenging exercises (Dead bug, Single leg stretch) and only then progress to more complex exercises that require greater lumbopelvic stabilization (Criss-cross). The Pilates method allowed the activation of the lumbopelvic stabilizing muscles even in a first session for both groups, and may therefore be indicated in cases of chronic nonspecific low back pain rehabilitation with proper progression

The National Women's Health Information Center reports that domestic violence is the leading cause of injury to American women and that nearly one-third of American women have been physically assaulted by their significant other at some point in their lives. These women often experience depression, low self-esteem, anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder, and grief (Campbell et al., 1995). Literature supports the use of physical activity in promoting psychological well-being. The purpose of this study, then, was to evaluate the influence of physical activity on how survivors of domestic violence view themselves and their circumstances. The participants were seven women (18 to 54 years) who had been in abusive relationships, on average for eleven years, and who had recently left their partners. The participants were given access to an exercise facility and participated in one, two, three, or four interviews at one-month intervals. Interview questions covered abuse history, physical activity levels, self-view, emotional status, and how exercise may have influenced these factors. Qualitative analysis of 11 participants' responses revealed that exercise gave women the perception of healing, "getting out of trauma mode," of working towards a future self, "moving towards the vision of the type of person that I want to be," and freedom. Exercise improved their self-view by demonstrating to them that they were advancing beyond their abuse-controlled lives; that they were taking care of themselves. Women found exercise an effective means of "eliminating nervous energy" that resulted from being battered women, which in turn improved emotional status. Results are discussed in terms of the unique benefits derived from physical activity by these women, how exercise enhanced their recovery, and suggestions made by participants as to how the benefits of exercise could be fully realized. / Graduation date: 2004

There is a need of more evidence‐based knowledge of different treatment/training‐approaches for children with Cerebral Palsy (CP) to better describe the objectives of interventions, effects on functioning and fulfilment of health care needs. The general aim of this thesis was to evaluate the effectiveness of intensive training in groups (ITGs) with a habilitation approach and a conductive education approach. In addition, this thesis explored different meanings of participation in ITGs to parents from a parent perspective. This thesis consists of two parts, a quantitative evaluation of the effectiveness of two ITGs (paper I‐III) and a qualitative study exploring parents’ different ways of experiencing ITGs (paper IV). Fifty‐four children, 3‐16 years old, with different types of CP, intellectual capacity and level of gross motor function, participated with their parents in a four weeks ITG with a short‐term and a one‐year follow‐up (paper I‐III). The second sample was strategically composed of parents to 15 children with CP with experiences of ITGs in different settings. The results showed that the proportion of clinically significant change in gross motor capability, functional skills or self‐reported individualized goal measure didn’t show any major differences between the two ITGs. One period of ITG facilitated small clinical and parent reported improvements in functioning for the short‐term. Nine children out of 54 made a clinically significant improvement in gross motor capability (GMFM‐88 total score); 36 children improved if an improvement in any dimension A‐E was counted for. Twenty‐two children out of 52 improved in one of the domains self‐care, mobility and social function (PEDI Functional Skills). Twenty‐eight parents out of 54 perceived a clinically significant improvement on the self‐reported individualized goal measure. Most individualized goals dealt with motor activities and movement‐related body functions in both ITGs. The self‐reported individualized goal measure was not found to be more sensitive to change than the clinical measures. The one‐year follow‐up showed that children had a stable level of functioning. No child deteriorated on the clinical measures short‐term and at the one‐year follow‐up. A higher proportion of change was seen in the social function domain at the one‐year follow‐up, indicating a better potential to change in social function than in gross motor function. The majority of children had a high consumption of training delivered by the Child and Youth Habilitation and merely half of the group continued with repeated ITGs. The differences in functional outcome between children continuing with repeated ITGs compared with only customary Child and Youth Habilitation were limited to a higher proportion of improvements in social functioning. Parents perceived a high service quality in both ITGs. To parents, fulfilment of health care needs was as important as functional outcome. The probability for high service quality was associated with previous experience of the ITG, high expectations of improvements, if expectations and improvements in gross motor capability were achieved and if the child participated in the ITG with the habilitation approach. Therapists in the habilitation approach were more involved in discussions with parents about expectations for the ITG and knowledge exchange than conductors were, indicating more familycenteredness. The qualitative study points to a variety of parental needs that may be met at ITGs but also indicates some problems that should be addressed. Five overarching meaning categories of ITGs were described: ITGs as knowledge promotion, as a complementary training resource, as a bracket to ordinary life, as building up relations with therapists, and as a leisure‐activity. An additional category – “ITGs as risk for ill‐being” – subsumed different kinds of problems that may arise. Conceptions suggest that ITGs contribute to parents’ improved knowledge, support and well‐being, but ITGs could also negatively influence family‐functioning. Professionals and parents need to discuss parents’ previous experiences of ITGs, expectations of functional improvements, the functioning of the child and health care needs in order to individualize goals for ITGs and make the objectives for participation clear. There were no major differences in effectiveness between the two ITGs, a habilitation approach and conductive education approach. Various training approaches should be chosen depending on the child’s and family’s needs. In the choice between different training approaches it is of equal importance to acknowledge functional needs of the child as well as health care needs of the child and parent.

This preliminary investigation utilized both a top-down theory (Banduras Self-Efficacy Theory: SET, 1997) and a bottom-up theory (Leventhals Common Sense Model: CSM, 1980) to examine the cognitions and exercise behavior of novice cardiac rehabilitation (CR) participants engaged in 3 months of standard CR treatment. The primary purpose of this study was to investigate if the Illness Perception Questionnaire (IPQ,) as a reflection of the CSM, could classify CR novices relative to the strength of their illness perceptions. A further objective was to detect differences at baseline between the illness perception groups when evaluating SET variables and health-related outcomes that have been identified as important correlates of CR adherence. Additionally, the study proposed to determine differences between illness perception groups on adherence to recommended exercise therapy in CR. Lastly, differences between the groups on the assessed variables over the 3 month-rehabilitation period was examined. Forty-nine CR initiates were recruited. Participants were measured at 4 different time points over the 3-month initiation phase of CR. The IPQ, SF-36 (assessing health-related quality of life; HRQL,) and other social cognitive measures, including self-regulatory efficacy and positive and negative outcome expectations, were used to examine individuals. Participants completed measures at initiation of CR, after 2 weeks in CR, 6 weeks in CR and at the end of the 3-month initiate phase of CR. At onset of the program, cluster analysis successfully classified participants to weaker and stronger symptom-identity groups (i.e., illness perception groups). These groups were shown to be significantly different on the illness perceptions of identity, consequences and emotion. Upon initiation of CR, the classified groups were also significantly different on likelihood and value of negative outcome expectations, as well as physical and mental HRQL. At baseline, the group with stronger identity, consequences and emotion had higher negative outcome expectations and lower HRQL. In regards to adherence at the end of 3-months of CR, significant differences were found between the groups such that the group with stronger identity, consequences and emotion were less adherent to CR. This study was an initial exploration of the effectiveness of using the CSM along with SET. The findings offer insight into complementary use of top-down and bottom-up theoretical constructs to study psychological beliefs and adherence to exercise therapy in this rehabilitation setting.

The self-regulation of exercise for the purposes of disease prevention and rehabilitation is a complex process that includes temporary lapses from exercise adherence. Research is lacking in the understanding of the cognitive experiences associated with lapsing and the impact of possible negative thoughts, emotions, and self-evaluations on future exercise self-regulation. Using a Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) framework, the primary purpose of the present experimental study was to examine the impact of potential negative reactions to exercise lapse experiences on exercise self-regulatory cognitions (i.e., decisional struggle, exercise self-regulatory efficacy, action planning, and willingness to self-regulate) using an experimental message designed to induce negative thoughts and affect about exercise lapsing. A secondary purpose of the study was to examine the potential moderating influences of the relatively unexplored construct of emotional self-efficacy on possible negative reactions. Forty-four adult participants were recruited from two exercise therapy programs run by the local health region to participate in this study. Participants filled out baseline measures of demographics, exercise self-regulatory efficacy (exercise SRE), and emotional self-efficacy at the first meeting. At the second meeting, participants were randomly assigned to read either an information control message or a negative lapse message. After reading the message, participants responded to affect measures and recorded their acute exercise thoughts. Next, self-regulatory cognitions were measured including decisional struggle, exercise SRE, action planning, and willingness to self-regulate. There were no significant differences between experimental groups on any of the measures, F(9, 34) = .80, Wilks ë = .825, p = .619. Possible explanations for these nonsignificant results are discussed. Given the opportunity to compare the present results to past research on acute positive and negative exercise thoughts by Gyurcsik and colleagues, and to potentially extend these findings to a population of exercise therapy maintainers, post hoc analysis of related research questions was carried out. Groups of positive and negative thinkers were formed based on the measure of acute thoughts. The omnibus MANOVA comparing positive and negative thinkers on social-cognitive measures was significant, F(8, 31) = 2.72, Wilks ë = .588, p = .021. As hypothesized, positive thinkers were found to have higher positive affect (p = .03), lower decisional struggle (p = .006), higher exercise SRE (p = .013), and higher willingness to self-regulate (p = .003). Positive thinkers also exercised more frequently than negative thinkers both at the program, F(1, 36) = 9.5, p = .004, and independently, F(1, 36) = 5.4, p = .026. Results are discussed in relation to SCT and past research on acute exercise thoughts. Limitations of the original experiment are discussed in terms of the negative lapse message. Future research is discussed both for the study of negative reactions to lapsing and for positive and negative thinking related to exercise.

Depression is a disabling mental disorder that has huge impacts on one’s life and is therefore considered a global health concern. Efforts to find the most effective treatments have led to the development of antidepressants and cognitive therapy treatments. However, exercise as a form of treatment for depression has been growing in popularity. Recently, Dance Movement Therapy has gained exposure as a possible form of exercise treatment. Therefore, in the current study, West African dance was studied in order to determine its effects on depression. It was hypothesized that West African dance would target and alleviate symptoms of depression as outlined on the Beck Depression Inventory. Participants were already enrolled in the dance class and the Beck Depression Inventory was administered to the participants. Results indicated that West African dance had a significant positive impact on depression by lowering overall depression scores and psychological depression scores. This study contributes to current literature by offering a unique form of dance with rhythmic drum beats that has not been studied before. Future research should be aimed at further establishing the efficacy of West African dance and the long-term effects it has on depression.