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<p>Endometrial cancer (EC) is one of the most common forms of cancer among women, and the rate of disease is expected to increase significantly in the next several years. Ethnically diverse EC survivors may be at increased risk for comorbidities or cancer recurrence because of lower physical activity participation and higher rates of obesity. A systematic review of physical activity interventions for overweight and obese female cancer survivors was conducted. The first study was a cross-sectional study, which assessed the differences between 62 active and inactive Bronx EC survivors for body mass index (BMI), quality of life and physical activity behavioral variables. The second study of this dissertation was a wait-list controlled trial for 28 obese to determine the feasibility of a 12-week physical activity intervention in this population. The primary findings from the systematic review were that center-based physical activity interventions were feasible and led to an increase in physical activity for overweight and obese female cancer survivors. The first study found that 65% of the sample was obese, and 47% reported being physically active. The Active group reported significantly higher quality of life of the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy ? Endometrial questionnaire (FACT-En: 154 ? 13 vs. 145 ? 20, d=0.57, p<0.05), compared to the Insufficiently Active group. BMI was 3.3 kg?m-2 lower in the active group (d=0.40, p=0.057). The active group also reported higher walking self-efficacy, barrier self-efficacy and outcome expectations (p<0.05). In the third study, adherence to the physical activity intervention was 60%, and the dropout rate was modest, indicating that the intervention was feasible. Participants who completed the program had significantly greater increase in six-minute walk test distance (+22 meters) and quality of life (+10 points) compared to the control p<0.05). These studies show that this population has an elevated need for physical activity interventions that can promote the adoption of physical activity. Physically active EC survivors have better health and employ in more behavioral processes than their Insufficiently Active counterparts. A 12-week physical activity intervention was feasible and supports the potential effectiveness of a physical activity interventions

This thesis discusses accessibility issues for persons with mobility restrictions visiting Sabino Canyon Recreation Area's Upper Canyon near Tucson, Arizona. A shuttle bus from the Visitor Center area provides the only motorized access into the Canyon interior. Designated shuttle stop areas are inaccessible, preventing some individuals with mobility problems from extending their time in the natural setting. The purpose of this study was to investigate physical inaccessibility at the shuttle stops and provide design recommendations to improve access appropriate to the natural setting, using proposed guidelines which are being considered by the USDA Forest Service, Sabino's managing agency, for its outdoor recreation areas. The methods used were an evaluation of each shuttle stop area and application of the proposed guidelines to assign accessibility accommodation levels to each shuttle stop. Recommended modifications within each level are given. Conceptual plans for two shuttle stop areas and detailed drawings for facility accessibility are provided. A review of literature on human preferences and psychological benefits associated with natural environments, the impacts of physical disabilities, and accessibility legislation and standards is included.

Maximal oxygen consumption rates in exercising skeletal muscle are studied using a Krogh-type cylinder model. Effects of the decline in oxygen content of blood flowing along capillaries, intravascular resistance to oxygen diffusion, and myoglobin-facilitated diffusion are included. Parameter values are based on human skeletal muscle. The model is used to predict oxygen consumption rates in exercising skeletal muscle, based on transport processes occurring at the microvascular level. The dependence of maximal oxygen consumption rates on oxygen demand, perfusion, and capillary density (defined as number of capillaries per unit cross-section area of muscle) is examined. When demand is high, model results show that capillary oxygen content declines rapidly with axial distance and radial oxygen transport is limited by diffusion resistance within the capillary and within the tissue. Under these conditions, much of the tissue is hypoxic and consumption is substantially less than demand. Predicted consumption rates are compared with experimentally observed maximal rates of oxygen consumption. Capillary densities in human skeletal muscle are estimated by using the model to determine the minimum number of straight, evenly spaced capillaries required to achieve experimentally observed oxygen consumption rates. Estimated capillary density values are generally higher than values obtained using either histochemical staining techniques or electron microscopy on quadriceps muscle biopsies from healthy subjects. This discrepancy is partly accounted for by the fact that capillary density decreases with muscle contraction, and muscle biopsy samples typically are strongly contracted. These results imply that estimates of maximal oxygen transport rates based on capillary density values obtained from biopsy samples do not fully reflect the oxygen transport capacity of the capillaries in skeletal muscle. The model is also used to predict decreases in oxygen consumption in maximally exercising muscle due to reductions in the inspired partial pressure of oxygen. In general, observed reductions in maximal oxygen consumption rates due to hypoxic breathing conditions are larger than predicted by the model, suggesting that responses to hypoxia not currently included in the model, such as decreases in oxygen demand or in muscle blood flow, may be important in determining maximal oxygen consumption in hypoxic conditions.

<p> The effect of peripheral cooling on interval work performance in ambient and hot conditions was investigated in 4 male varsity rowers ages 18 &ndash; 22, with a nude equivalent weight of 78.23 +/- 4.19 kg. Subjects performed 4 trials consisting of 5 rounds of 5 minutes of near maximal work performed on a Concept II rowing ergometer, followed by 5 minutes of active recovery in both a moderate (24&deg;C) and hot (30&deg;C) environment. During rest intervals subjects were either cooled or noncooled via the use of a peripheral cooling device called The Glove ,which applied a -40 mmhg pressure and a 17 C cooling effect to the palmar surface. Subject trial order was randomized. Heart rate, blood lactate, esophageal temperature, 6 site skin temperature, and cumulative and individual work bout meters rowed were measured for all trials. Subjects performed an average of 6,415.37 +/- 1,057.57 total meters per trial. However, adjusting for incomplete trials, due to either subject fatigue or termination criteria being reached yielded a more representative average of 6,787.07 +/- 322.42 total meters per trial. Performing a three way ANOVA with repeated measures analysis of all results indicated that there were no significant differences in work performed in both cumulative and individual work bouts, nor in subjects' heart rate, blood lactate, Tesoph, T-skin, between non-cooled and cooled trials and/or 30 &deg;C and 24 &deg;C environmental test conditions. However, while there were no statistically significant differences it should be noted that due to the small subject number of 4, and incomplete data sets within the subject population, this study's resultant power (.144), is insufficient to definitely claim success or failure of the peripheral cooling devices effectiveness on interval work performance in both warm and hot environments. Further studies with a more controlled work rate are required to conclusively determine the effectiveness of peripheral cooling on interval work performance. </p>

<p> Preliminary studies suggest that martial arts participation may benefit children with Autism. Following on existing pilot studies, this investigation conceptualized mixed martial arts in terms of Applied Behavior Analysis and considered the impact of a mixed martial arts program designed for children with Autism on children's focus, attention, motor control, and social skills. This study followed two boys with Autism over the course of six weeks. Multiple behavioral observations, parent interviews, and instructor interview were conducted; Child Behavior Checklist and Gilliam Autism Rating Scale-2 were administered. One child, new to the program, evidenced dramatic gains in social skills, physical ability, respect, and overall attitude. A second child, participating in the program for more than a year, maintained previous gains in these same areas throughout the intervention. Results suggest that boys with Autism may benefit from participation in mixed martial arts training. Discussion considers advantages of martial arts over traditional behavior therapy for children with Autism, such as reduced cost, availability in most areas of the United States, and less stigmatization than a treatment setting.</p>

<p> Research about fan motivation to watch soccer is lacking in the field of sports. The purpose of the study was to assess the differences in motivation for watching soccer between American and non-American students. This study investigated motivational factors between 500 American and 500 non-American randomly selected students at a mid-sized university in western Pennsylvania. Participants were asked to complete the online survey instrument (a modified version of the Sport Fan Motivation Scale; SFMS; Wann, 1995) in order to determine motivations for watching soccer. Results indicated that non-American students (<i>M</i> = 1.89, <i>SD</i> = 0.31) watch soccer more than American students (<i>M</i> = 1.75, <i>SD</i> = 0.44) and there were significant differences (<i>p</i> = .033). The primary motivational factor that influenced both groups to watch soccer was entertainment. For future study, increased number of participants with a variety of nationalities will be necessary to discover more significant results.</p>

Warning signs and labels are on many consumer products and in many public places, and in this increasingly technical world, these warning messages often provide critical information necessary to one's safety. But, many Americans cannot read English. Graphic symbols have been suggested as a means of communication with these users as well as those who can read. Three experiments regarding the effectiveness of pictograms in warnings were conducted. Experiment 1 investigated pictogram identifiability. Identification rates ranged from 2 to 95%. Experiment 2 studied pictogram communication of injury avoidance information. Pictograms did not uniformly cue this information. Experiment 3 investigated how pictograms affect hazard perception. The presence of a pictogram in a warning message was found to increase perceptions of hazard, especially where an external, easily-represented hazard referent was concerned. It is concluded that pictogram comprehension is a function of identifiability as well as injury communication and hazard perception.

The stretch reflex is an involuntary contraction produced in response to muscle stretch. Despite extensive research, its role in the control of movement and posture remains controversial. One reason for this is that the torque output produced by reflex activity has been studied in only a limited number of tasks and behaviours. The main thrust of this thesis is to examine whether the central nervous system (CNS) modifies stretch reflex properties to suit the task. / An electro-hydraulic actuator applied perturbations to the ankles of five subjects while they performed position-matching (PM) and torque-matching (TM) tasks. Stretch reflex properties were determined using a new closed-loop, reflex identification algorithm that analytically separated the torques produced by stretch reflexes from the overall ankle torque. Stretch reflex gain was greater in the PM task than for the TM task, under matched conditions.

<p> Those with mental health issues often present in primary care with somatic symptoms, utilize more health care, and on average die younger. Physical exercise has the potential to be an effective treatment for comorbid physical and mental health symptoms; however, prescribing exercise for those with mental illness is more complicated. Although physical exercise is a possible intervention, more research is needed to further understand the complicated influences exercise may have on those in mental health outpatient with complicated presentations, trauma histories, disruption to the HPA axis, attachment bonds, and possible complicating substance use. Exercise is dose responsive and research has pointed out intensity of exercise performed matters when attempting to shift physical health. This study used three measurements of symptom severity: Trauma Symptom Checklist&ndash;40, Global Assessment of Functioning, and the Patient Health Questionnaire to assess 149 clients presenting for outpatient treatment in a rural community health center. Using the Exercise Benefits / Barriers Scale and the Godin Leisure Time Activity Questionnaire the perception of exercise benefits, barriers, time spent exercising, and intensity levels of exercise was assessed. Those with higher symptom cluster presentations exercised less often and less intensely. Those who had participated in physical exercise over seven days with strenuous or moderate intensity reported less symptoms related to somatoform disorder, depression, panic, and anxiety. Additional findings and implications for future research are discussed.</p>