Source: Masters Abstracts International, Volume: 47-01, page: 0346. Adviser: Asha S. Kapadia. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (M.S.)--Eastern Illinois University, 2006. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 40-44).

Thesis (Ed. S.)--Northwestern State University of Louisiana, 2005. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 59-64). Also available online (PDF file) by a subscription to the set or by purchasing the individual file.

Thesis (Ed. S.)--Northwestern State University of Louisiana, 2005. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 59-64).

Thesis (M.A.)--West Virginia University, 2007. / Title from document title page. Document formatted into pages; contains iv, 69 p. : ill. (some col.). Includes abstract. Includes bibliographical references (p. 55-59).

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Whole-body bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) was evaluated for its reliability and accuracy in estimating body composition in children and youth. The established electrical principle for estimating volume in a geometrical system from conductor-length('2) divided by impedance is the basis for the use of this method in humans. The hypothesis that body-height('2) divided by the resistance component of impedance (resistance index) can be used to estimate total body water (TBW), fat free body (FFB), and percent fat (%FAT) was tested. Validation studies in adults indicate BIA is a reliable and fairly accurate method of estimating TBW, FFB, and %FAT but no testing has been completed on children. The subjects were 103 nonobese and obese anglo males and females from 10 to 14 years old. Within-day reliability of resistance and reactance was assessed by analysis of variance with built-in comparisons. Between-day reliability for all measurements, made four to five weeks apart, was evaluated by test-retest correlation coefficients and paired t-tests. The criterion variables were FFB and %FAT estimated using equations developed for children and youth based on: (1) skinfolds, (2) body density, (3) TBW, (4) density and TBW, (5) density, TBW, and bone mineral content. Regression and multiple regression analyses were used to select the most accurate method of measuring FFB and %FAT and to determine the relationship among criterion variables and the following independent variables: resistance index alone and combined with sex, fatness category, sex x fatness, age, sexual maturation status, weight, anthropometric variables, and reactance. From this study the following conclusions were made: (1) BIA measurements were reliable, (2) resistance index had a linear relationship with FFB estimated from several criterion variables, (3) weight, sex, fatness category, sex x fatness, age, and sexual maturation status were significant variables for predicting criterion variables used in combination with resistance index but were not significant when anthropometric variables were included in the analysis, (4) prediction accuracy for FFB and %FAT from resistance index was fair (SEE 2.58 kg and 4.21%) and from resistance index plus anthropometric variables and reactance was good (SEE 1.88 kg and 3.26%) and similar to that from the best anthropometric variables alone (SEE 2.11 kg and 3.19%).

Background. Childhood overweight and obesity is a serious health issue. Childhood obesity is associated with asthma, hepatic steatosis, sleep apnea, psychosocial complications, increased presence of cardiovascular disease risk factors, and increased medical costs. A decrease in physical activity, an increase in sedentary behavior, and unhealthy eating likely contribute to childhood overweight and obesity. Over the last 3 decades, the prevalence of early childhood obesity has also risen. The level of physical activity that preschoolers engage is influenced by policies and practices of childcare centers they attend. Given the large number of children enrolled in preschool settings and the variability of physical activity among centers, these environments provide a promising opportunity to engage more children in health promoting levels of physical activity. Preschool students are highly sedentary and very little is known about how to significantly increase physical activity in childcare environments with structured, teacher-led activity. Methods. Activity levels among children aged 4-5 in four childcare centers were measured before and after a one-day preschool physical activity teacher training by accelerometry for approximately 5 hours per child over two mornings. Observers coded individual child activities by time. Accelerometer measures of activity levels in METs and related indicators were linked at one-minute intervals with child activity codes. Data were evaluated using single-group repeated measures analysis of variance. Results. After six weeks of implementation the intervention, average MET levels in preschoolers in three of the four centers increased by 11.5% from baseline to follow up. The average MET level per minute for these children at baseline was 2.69±0.40 and at follow-up was 2.98±0.52 (p value= .001). Teachers from all four centers reported spending 24.6 ±13.0 minutes per activity session with up to two sessions completed per day. Teachers reported following the curriculum closely and indicated that the children were generally enthusiastic. Conclusions. These results justify larger trials to determine the impact of physical activity teacher training on the intensity and duration of preschool students' physical activity in childcare settings

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Thesis (Ph. D., Education)--University of Idaho, April 2009. / Major professor: Jerry McMurtry. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 160-174). Also available online (PDF file) by subscription or by purchasing the individual file.