abstract: While obesity rates have plateaued within the last decade, two-thirds of the United States population is currently classified as overweight (defined a s a body mass index [BMI] of 25-29.9 kg/m²) or obese (a BMI greater than 30 kg/m²). Bariatric surgical interventions are not only more effective than behavioral treatments in the short term but are the only form of obesity intervention with evidence of consisten t long-term effectiveness. However, even among bariatric surgery patients, weight loss often stabilizes and it is estimated that more than 20% of bariatric surgery patient s will regain a significant amount of weight that was initially lost long-term. Li ttle research to date has been conducted on physical activity in post bariatric surgery pati ents. More specifically, there have been no studies to date examining the effects of Me ditative Movement (MM) programs on body composition in bariatric patients. A s tudy using an 8-week Tai Chi Easy program was conducted in female gastric bypass patient s to explore feasibility of MM in the bariatric population as well as pre- and post-in tervention changes in weight, mindfulness, eating behaviors, body awareness, physical a ctivity patterns, dietary quality and mood. Data analysis revealed that there were no s ignificant changes in weight or physical activity patterns; however, significant changes w ere observed in anxiety, overall body awareness and cognitive restraint in eating. Addit ionally, a significant decrease in processed meat consumption and a weak trend towards increa sed consumption of fruits may suggest an overall improvement in dietary quality. / Dissertation/Thesis / Doctoral Dissertation Physical Activity, Nutrition and Wellness 2014

abstract: Spousal bereavement is one of the most stressful life events, resulting in increased morbidities and mortality risk. Negative health outcomes include depressive episodes, anxiety, sleep disruption, and overall poorer physical health. The older adult population is rapidly increasing and over 30% of the US population 65 years and older are widowed. Current studies regarding older adults and spousal bereavement treatment have been limited to psychological and educational interventions. Meditative movement practices (e.g. Tai Chi) have shown benefits such as mood elevation, anxiety reduction, and other physical function improvements. A feasibility study applying an 8-week Tai Chi Easy intervention was examined to address the sequelae of spousal bereavement among adults 65 and older. Grounded in geriatric nursing as a discipline that addresses the unique needs of older adults' psychological and physiological health needs and related theoretical constructs, this project also draws from exercise science, mental health, and social psychology. Theoretical premises include Orem's Self Care Deficit Theory (nursing), Stroebe and Schut's Dual Process Model (thanatology), and Peter Salmon's Unifying Theory (exercise). Aims of the study examined feasibility as well as pre-post-intervention changes in grief, and the degree of loss orientation relative to restoration orientation (Inventory of Daily Widowed Life). A trend in the direction of improvement was found in measured subscales, as well as a statistically significant change within the loss orientation subscale. Based upon these encouraging findings, effect sizes may be used to power a future larger study of similar nature. / Dissertation/Thesis / Ph.D. Nursing and Healthcare Innovation 2012