Applicant: Samantha Deere
- Title: Exercise is Medicine Implementation: Assessment of physical activity knowledge and development of healthcare provider education
- Submitted: October 2018
- Proposal Abstract: Participation in physical activity (PA) is a well-known prevention tool and treatment for many diseases (e.g. Heart Disease, Cancer, Diabetes). However, less than half of all Americans meet the current PA recommendation of 150 minutes of moderate-vigorous aerobic activity per week. It is well known that patients highly value the opinions/recommendations of their healthcare providers. In an effort of increasing PA participation, the American College of Sports Medicine developed the ‘Exercise Is MedicineTM’ (EIM) initiative, which encourages healthcare providers to assess PA as a vital sign, prescribe PA, and refer patients to PA professionals. Despite global initiative growth (43 countries), many healthcare providers are unfamiliar with PA guidelines and choose not to discuss PA with their patients. The level of EIM participation in the Great Lakes Bay Region is unknown. Therefore, this project aims to 1) determine and publish the results of a recent survey of regional healthcare providers, 2) develop relationships with healthcare providers in the region, and 3) develop and execute healthcare provider educational opportunities. The developed partnerships and educational opportunities created through this project will help inform the future of EIM in the Great Lakes Bay Region, which may positively impact the overall health of community members. To complete this project, a student researcher will meet with the investigator weekly and will participate in many facets of the research process, including: data analysis, manuscript development, scholarly presentations, partnership and educational programming development.
Applicant: Samantha Deere
- Title: Exercise is MedicineTM Implementation: Partnership Development and Needs Assessment
- Submitted: October 2017
- Proposal Abstract: Participation in physical activity (PA) is a well-known prevention tool and treatment for many diseases (e.g. Heart Disease, Cancer, Diabetes). However, less than half of all Americans meet the current PA recommendation of 150 minutes of moderate-vigorous aerobic activity per week. It is well known that patients highly value the opinions/recommendations of their healthcare providers. In an effort of increasing PA participation, the American College of Sports Medicine developed the ‘Exercise Is MedicineTM’ (EIM) initiative, which encourages healthcare providers to assess PA as a vital sign, prescribe PA, and refer patients to PA professionals. Despite global initiative growth (43 countries), many healthcare providers are unfamiliar with PA guidelines and choose not to discuss PA with their patients. The level of EIM participation in the Great Lakes Bay Region is unknown. Therefore, this project aims to 1) develop relationships with healthcare providers in the region and 2) assess healthcare provider a) knowledge of PA guidelines, b) likelihood of assessing PA as a vital sign, and c) likelihood of prescribing PA. The partnerships developed and knowledge gained through this project will help to inform the future of EIM in the Great Lakes Bay Region, which may positively impact the overall health of community members. To complete this project, a student researcher will meet with the investigator on a weekly basis and will participate in all facets of the research process, including, partnership development, IRB completion, data collection, and result dissemination.
Applicant: Samantha Deere
- Title: Exercise Is Medicine: an initiative to improve physical activity behaviors in pregnant women
- Submitted: October 2015
- Project Abstract: Few pregnant women meet the national physical activity (PA) or nutrition recommendations, despite their efficacy in improving health outcomes (both maternal and child). There is a need for evidence-based behavioral interventions that focus on PA and healthy diet during pregnancy, while considering the barriers and program needs of the population. The American College of Sports Medicine’s (ACSM) Exercise is MedicineTM (EIM) initiative aims to increase PA participation by encouraging health-care providers to assess PA as a vital sign. The effectiveness of the EIM initiative and Obstetrician’s perceptions of the EIM initiative have not been evaluated. The purpose of this study is to (1) develop, implement, and evaluate an evidence-based, behavioral PA and dietary pilot intervention, based on the EIM initiative, for pregnant women, and (2) evaluate physician perceptions of incorporating the EIM initiative into their practice. The intervention will be informed by data collected from focus groups and a literature review. Although the exact intervention is unclear at this point, a few components are certain: (1) self monitoring of PA and weight, (2) social support via online support groups, and (3) optional group-based behavioral sessions and walking groups. The EIM initiative will be utilized, whereby physicians from Valley OB/GYN (Saginaw, MI) will assist in recruiting pregnant women to enroll in the intervention. Students will play a major role in intervention development, subject recruitment, delivery, and evaluation, and will present findings from the study at regional and/or national conferences.
Applicant: Merrick Lincoln
- Title: Landmine Exercise Load Quantification Procedure: a comparative reliability study
- Period of Study: January 13, 2020 – May 2, 2020
- Proposal Abstract: Landmine barbell exercises are used in performance-training and rehabilitation settings. Landmine exercise are performed with a barbell positioned with one end stationary. The user lifts the free end of barbell, thereby moving a load (resistance/weight) in the form of a barbell-lever system. The loading characteristics of a landmine exercises are distinct from similar exercises performed in traditional free-weight fashion. The load encountered during landmine exercises is directly related to the angle of the barbell and other features. Despite the growing popularity of Landmine Exercises, no method of quantifying the load has been described in the literature. Quantification of load during exercise is needed to track progress and training volume, inform comparisons between exercises and between athletes, and facilitate collection of objective data in sports science research. The proposed project will describe mathematical formulae for calculation of loading during landmine exercise. The construct-related validity of the several mathematical formulae will be described, and the reliability properties of procedures will be experimentally determined. Specifically, the project will describe three measurement methods for collecting the data required to calculate the load of a landmine exercise. The investigative team will test the intra-rater and inter-rater reliability of each. Student researchers will be afforded opportunity to apply basic science (physics and trigonometry) and specific clinical laboratory skills to the project. Moreover, students will have the opportunity to collect and disseminate novel and timely evidence to professionals in sports science fields.
Applicant: Rebecca Schlaff
- Title: Evaluation of a postpartum physical and mental health survey
- Submitted: October 2018
- Proposal Abstract: Postpartum depression, a clinically diagnosable mental health disease, is a significant mental health disorder that impacts women, their children, and families. Depressive symptoms are common after childbirth, and due in part to the significant body changes occurring during pregnancy and postpartum. Previously published behavioral interventions during pregnancy (promoting physical activity and/or nutrition) have neglected to include targeted mental health components/assessments, and consider the impact of physical health behaviors (i.e. physical activity and dietary behaviors) on postpartum mental health. An internet-based survey was recently implemented, which assessed the aforementioned factors in a sample of postpartum women. Data are ready to be downloaded, cleaned and analyzed so that presentations and publications may be prepared. As a result, the student funded by this grant will have the opportunity to 1) learn how to locate, interpret and synthesize peer-reviewed literature and formulate testable hypotheses, 2) understand basic principles in data management and analysis, and 3) learn to communicate findings scientifically by publishing a (undergraduate student first author) paper in a peer-reviewed journal and present at a conference.
Applicant: Rebecca Schlaff
- Title: Examining interactions between mental and physical health during pregnancy and postpartum.
- Submitted: October 2017
- Project Abstract: Postpartum depression, a clinically diagnosable mental health disease, is a significant mental health disorder that impacts women, their children, and families. Depressive symptoms are common after childbirth, due in part to the significant body changes occurring during pregnancy and postpartum. Previously published behavioral interventions during pregnancy (promoting physical activity and/or nutrition) have neglected to include targeted mental health components, and consider the impact of physical health behaviors (i.e. physical activity, dietary behaviors, frequent weight monitoring) on postpartum mental health (i.e. postpartum depression, body image, and body dissatisfaction). If interventions designed for pregnant women are to be maximally beneficial and maximize health outcomes, they should aim to incorporate elements that, ultimately, improve both physical and mental health through pregnancy, into the postpartum period. This application proposes methods to add to and strengthen a current behavioral pregnancy physical activity and nutrition intervention: 1) inclusion of mental health components and assessment of mental health within the intervention and 2) expansion of active intervention to the postpartum period. The data will be used for publications, presentations, an application for external funding, and to add knowledge to the field to help pregnant women at this vulnerable time of their life. Student researchers will have the opportunity to lead/assist in participant recruitment, focus group facilitation and evaluation, and intervention development.
Applicant: Rebecca Schlaff
- Title: Expanding Community-based Research to Target Postpartum and Mental Health Outcomes
- Submitted: October 2016
- Proposal Abstract: Postpartum depression, a clinically diagnosable mental health disease, is a significant mental health disorder that impacts women, their children, and families. Depressive symptoms are common after childbirth, and due in part to the significant body changes occurring during pregnancy and postpartum. Previously published behavioral interventions during pregnancy (promoting physical activity and/or nutrition) have neglected to include targeted mental health components, and consider the impact of physical health behaviors (i.e. physical activity, dietary behaviors, frequent weight monitoring) on postpartum mental health (i.e. postpartum depression, body image, and body dissatisfaction). If interventions designed for pregnant women are to be maximally beneficial and maximize health outcomes, they should aim to incorporate elements that, ultimately, improve both physical and mental health through pregnancy, into the postpartum period. This application proposes methods to add to and strengthen a current behavioral pregnancy physical activity and nutrition intervention: 1) inclusion of mental health components and assessment of mental health within the intervention, 2) expansion of active intervention to the postpartum period, and 3) intervention delivery within the clinic setting. The data will be used for publications, presentations, an application for external funding, and add knowledge to the field to help pregnant women at this vulnerable time of their life. Student researchers will have the opportunity to lead/assist in participant recruitment, focus group facilitation and evaluation, community outreach with local OB/GYN clinics, and intervention development.
Applicant: Rebecca Schlaff
- Title: Understanding the Barriers to and Physical Activity Program Needs of Pregnant Women
- Submitted: March 2015
- Project Abstract: A majority of pregnant women do not meet physical activity recommendations, despite the efficacy of physical activity preventing many pregnancy complications. Pregnant women may encounter a number of unique barriers to physical activity participation, and desire specific types of physical activity programs. There is a need for evidence-based physical activity programs among pregnant women. In order to develop interventions that can successfully increase physical activity in this population, barriers and program needs should be considered. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to (1) conduct focus groups in a sample of pregnant women in an effort to better understand their barriers to physical activity and what types of physical activity programs they desire, (2) investigate currently existing evidenced-based physical activity interventions for pregnant women, and (3) develop an evidence-based, behavioral physical activity intervention for pregnant women (based also upon focus group findings) that can be implemented in future studies. Increasing physical activity among large groups of pregnant women, whether at the regional or state-level, has the potential to have a significant impact on population health. Students will have the opportunity to assist in participant recruitment, focus group facilitation and evaluation, and intervention development.
Applicant: Rebecca Schlaff
- Title: Evaluation of a lifestyle intervention to improve health behaviors among older adults
- Submitted: March 2015
- Project Abstract: Although physical activity has been found to be associated with numerous health benefits, nearly half of all Americans do not meet recommendations. While there are many barriers to participation in regular physical activity, older adults appear to have a particularly difficult time. Providing opportunities for physical activity programs and teaching individuals the behaviors and skills necessary to incorporate physical activity into their daily life may be an effective means for improving health status. Therefore the purpose of this randomized controlled trial is to implement and evaluate a 12-week, behavioral, group-based physical activity intervention targeting older adults. Participants (n=90) will be randomized to a physical activity or healthy eating program and will attend 12 weekly, group-based intervention sessions. Each week will focus on a behavior/skill that will assist participants in changing their physical activity or eating behaviors (e.g. self-monitoring, social support, goal setting). Demographics, physical measures, physical activity, dietary behaviors, and potential mediators of change (e.g. social support, self-efficacy) will be measured at baseline and upon completion of the program (i.e. at 12 weeks). Students will have the opportunity to assist in intervention delivery, data collection, and participate in the evaluation and dissemination of findings.