Temperature and humidity (microclimate) are key factors implicated in the development of pressure ulceration, however, microclimate in-shoe has been relatively understudied in research related to diabetic foot ulceration (DFU). Additionally, the influence of ambient climate on these parameters in-shoe has also been overlooked. Such information is needed since footwear guidelines to prevent DFU commonly emerge from countries with cooler climates and it is not known whether their application in warmer Mediterranean climates is beneficial. Preliminary validation studies demonstrated suitability of the thermistors (ICC r = 1; Bland and Altman limits of agreement of -0.42°C and 95% CI -1.96, 1.14) and relative humidity sensors (ICC r = 1; Bland and Altman limits of agreement of -0.6°C and 95% CI -1.8, 0.6) for use in in-shoe measurement during ambulation when compared with the gold reference instruments. A reliable repeated measure of in vivo application during shod gait with a thermistor and RH sensor attached between first and second toe and beneath the navicular, was demonstrated. To assess influence of season on in-shoe microclimate, 14 healthy participants walked for 38 minutes on a treadmill in winter and in summer, establishing normative data which was then compared with data from diabetic participants (n=5) using the same protocol. Results demonstrated that seasonal variation has a significant influence (p < 0.01) on inshoe temperature, while no difference was exhibited on in-shoe RH kinetics (p > 0.05). It has been demonstrated that after 20 minutes of walking in Summer, in-shoe skin parameters exceeded 30°C and 70% RH in both healthy and DM participants, levels previously stipulated as indicative of unfavourable parameters to skin resilience in other areas of the body. Therefore, this study provides new Mediterranean-relevant evidence related to in-shoe temperature and RH kinetics during activity, suggestive of negative implications to tissue viability, and also highlighting the need for more climate-specific guidelines related to the use of closed footwear, prescribed to prevent diabetic foot ulceration. It is hoped that this novel information will increase awareness on high in-shoe temperature and RH levels, as potential and influential factors within the pathway of diabetic foot ulceration, in Malta and countries with similar climates.

Background: The benefits of physical activity during pregnancy extend to both mother and baby, however, little is known about the reasoning behind expecting mothers' decision to initiate or maintain regular participation during this period. Objective: The main purpose of this research project was to investigate the socio-cognitive determinants of pregnant women's physical activity behaviour. Method: A mixed methods research approach using a multiphase design with the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) as conceptual framework guided the investigation. Application of the TPB required both qualitative (Study One; n = 18) and quantitative (Study Two; n = 78) cross-sectional data to be collected which addressed the aims of understanding and predicting physical activity behaviour during pregnancy. A further qualitative study (Study Three; n = 10) involving semi-structured interviews with community midwives augmented the investigation. Results: Whilst findings from individual studies have merit, a major strength of this study pertain to the 'meta-inferences' drawn from the combination of studies. Specifically, findings suggest that (1) pregnant women do not have access to the necessary information that would allow them to make informed decisions regarding their engagement in physical activities; (2) a co-ordinated effort is required to support pregnant women in overcoming barriers associated with regular exercise participation; and (3) profiling pregnant women according to motivation and behaviour status could serve as a useful and manageable starting point for intervening to produce positive changes in pregnant women's physical activity behaviour. Conclusion: In achieving better health and ensuring greater health outcomes for mothers and babies it is necessary to consider the factors involved in behaviour change, identify opportune moments to intervene, and involve health professionals in facilitating and supporting the lifestyle changes that may be required.

Physical activity (PA) during pregnancy is safe for both mother and fetus in the majority of cases, including for women who have undergone in vitro fertilisation (IVF) treatment; however, this population is likely to face unique barriers to PA. Currently, there is a paucity of research exploring the qualitative experiences and decision-making processes surrounding PA for women who have undergone IVF treatment. Eight women, who had undergone successful IVF treatment and given birth within the last two years, participated in semi-structured interviews about their experiences of PA during pregnancy. Interview transcripts were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. Three super-ordinate themes emerged from the data: ‘experiences of loss and opportunities for hope’, ‘navigating risks and obstacles’, and ‘PA can be a valuable part of pregnancy’. Women’s experiences of PA during pregnancy varied. For some, it was a way to keep hold of their active pre-pregnancy selves, for others PA was experienced as a risk to pregnancy, thus influencing the decision-making process. Limitations of the study are considered, as well as implications for clinical practice and directions for future.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of California, San Diego, and San Diego State University, 2004. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 104-107).

Diss. (sammanfattning) Stockholm : Karol. inst., 2005. / Härtill 4 uppsatser.

Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Western Australia, 2007.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--UCLA, 2008. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 264-280).

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Wisconsin--Madison, 1966. / Typescript. Vita. eContent provider-neutral record in process. Description based on print version record. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (M.S.)--Florida State University, 2006. / Advisor: Emily M. Haymes, Florida State University, College of Human Sciences, Dept. of Nutrition, Food and Exercise Science. Title and description from dissertation home page (viewed Sept. 15, 2006). Document formatted into pages; contains x, 181pages. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (M.Sc.)--York University, 2005. Graduate Programme in Kinesiology and Health Science. / Typescript. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 70-88). 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_val_fmt=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:dissertation&rft_dat=xri:pqdiss:MR11787