Browsing by Author "Nelson, Tracy, advisor"
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Item Open Access Anthropometric indicators of obesity and their link to lifestyle and cardiovascular risk in Colorado firefighters(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2011) O'Toole, Lorin, author; Nelson, Tracy, advisor; Lipsey, Tiffany, committee member; Peel, Jennifer, committee memberCardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in firefighters as it is in the general population. Despite data promoting Colorado as the leanest state in the nation and the image of firefighters as healthy and physically fit, obesity is evident in Colorado firefighters and continues to be an important CVD risk factor. PURPOSE: To determine obesity prevalence, depending on measurement and classification, and its association with lifestyle factors and cardiovascular (CV) risk in a cohort of Colorado firefighters. METHODS: Analysis was conducted on data from 466 Colorado firefighters (41 females; 425 males). Using standard classification cut-points, prevalence of obesity was determined using body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), waist to hip ratio (WHR), sagittal abdominal diameter (SAD), and percent body fat (%BF) from skin fold (SF) and hydrodensitometry (H) measurements. Lifestyle factors used in the analysis included diet, physical activity, sleep, tension and depression. Lipids, C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, predicted maximal oxygen consumption and fitness measures were also included. CV risk was assessed using the Cooper Risk Profile. Correlation statistics were run for each anthropometric measure with the above variables. RESULTS: Obesity prevalence varied by measurement: BMI=9.8% females, 19.1% males; WC=19.5% females, 18.9% males; WHR=19.5% females, 8.0% males; SAD=31.6% females, 43.5% males; %BF(SF)=17.1% females (7.3% for >35%BF), 15.1% males; %BF(H)=23.7% females (13.2% for >35%BF), 28.6% males. In both sexes, all anthropometric measures were positively correlated with triglycerides and CRP and inversely associated with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (except BMI in females), the sit and reach test and estimated maximal oxygen consumption (except BMI in females) (p≤0.05). All anthropometric measures were significantly correlated with CV risk (p≤0.05) except WHR in females. The strongest link to CV risk was %BF(SF) in females and WHR in males. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of obesity in Colorado firefighters varies depending on the measure used. There are significant associations between obesity and lifestyle factors that should be further explored. Percent BF(SF) and WHR may be appropriate in assessing CV risk in populations of female and male firefighters, respectively, of similar demographics.Item Embargo Development and evaluation of physical and mental readiness training programs for Army Reserve officer training cadets(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2024) Newman, Alissa A., author; Nelson, Tracy, advisor; Braun, Barry, advisor; Graham, Daniel, committee member; Cooper, K. Bradford, committee memberMilitary personnel face myriad stressors in both the combat and training environments, including the singular and combined effects of physical exertion, cognitive overload, sleep restriction, energy insufficiency, ambiguous operational environments, as well as emotional and psychological stress. Though the demands of modern military operations continue to shift with technological advances, humans remain the central element and to be successful in the volatile and uncertain modern operating environments, high levels of both physical and psychological readiness and resilience are required. As failure to meet these demands can have catastrophic consequences, the military has placed a high emphasis on the development of physical and mental fitness, with each branch developing their own programs and initiatives. In 2019, the Army introduced its Holistic Health and Fitness (H2F) system, with the aim of improving individual warfighter health and wellbeing as well as overall operational readiness. While H2F is a step in the right direction for the Army as a whole, non-Active-Duty components may have difficulty implementing the system. Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) programs often have limited access to the space, time, equipment, and expertise needed to optimally promote physical and mental readiness. ROTC cadets will commission as officers upon their graduation, will serve in leadership roles, and will be expected to perform at a high level both physically and mentally. Importantly, ROTC programs produce approximately 70% of the officers entering the Army each year and their preparedness, or lack thereof, has substantial impact on those they lead. The feasibility of delivering physical and mental readiness training programs in real-time within the Army ROTC environment and under the time and resource constraints is unclear. One possible mechanism for implementing readiness training in ROTC programs is through collaboration with university partners. By developing cross-campus collaborations, ROTC programs can access necessary resources, especially fitness programing, supervision, and support, to bolster readiness and prepare cadets for success as future Officers. The purpose of this dissertation is to explore the development and implementation of physical and mental readiness training programs in an Army ROTC program, specifically through a collaborative effort between Colorado State University's Health and Exercise Science Department and Army ROTC programs. Study 1 evaluated two training programs designed to improve ACFT performance. The first was an adaptation of programs from Army Training Publication 7-22: Holistic Health and Fitness (ATP 7-22) and the other was designed by HES staff. HES staff, including a Certified Strength and Conditioning Coach and undergraduate practicum students, supervised all physical training sessions alongside Army ROTC cadre. While we saw no significant differences between groups, we found a statistically significant improvement in ACFT scores in our collective study cohort. We faced several challenges over the course of the study period, including a global pandemic and severe weather that impacted and cancelled training sessions. Despite this, we showed that it is feasible to provide effective, multidimensional physical training with limited time and equipment, even in the face of unforeseen challenges. In Study 2, we delivered an 8-week mental skills training (MST) program to first- and second-year Army ROTC cadets. Our qualitative findings suggest that the intervention was impactful and that the participants were able to learn and apply the skills taught during the intervention in physical training and academic settings, as well as during their ROTC training. While we did not find any statistically significant performance outcomes, the results of this study demonstrate a positive impact of MST in this population and provide support for the integration of increased MST into the ROTC curriculum. Collectively, these studies show the impact of both physical and mental readiness training interventions in ROTC cadets. Perhaps more importantly, these studies demonstrate the feasibility of conducting such programs in real time, even with limited time and resources, as well as the capacity for a partnership between ROTC and other university academic departments. We believe that this collaboration is a successful model for the integration of H2F into ROTC programs and could be an effective solution to the challenges faced in delivering comprehensive readiness programming to ROTC cadets.Item Open Access Effectiveness of a low dose behavior change intervention on physical activity maintenance following an exercise trial in pre-type II diabetics(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2017) Sanders, Ashley B., author; Leach, Heather, advisor; Nelson, Tracy, advisor; Graham, Daniel, committee memberPre-type II diabetes (PT2D) is emerging as one of the fastest growing chronic diseases among adults. Increasing physical activity (PA) levels is often a first line of defense for managing PT2D; however, PA levels in this population are below the national average. PA behavior change (PABC) interventions can be useful in assisting with the adoption and maintenance of regular PA, yet the feasibility and effectiveness of embedding a low dose PABC within an exercise efficacy trial for PT2D has not been examined. The main purpose of this study is to determine the effectiveness of one PABC counseling session on PA maintenance following a 12-week exercise efficacy trial. This study also aims to examine changes in self-efficacy following the PABC counseling session. Finally, this study aims to explore both social support and perceptions of neighborhood walkability as determinants of PA following an exercise trial. Participants were randomized to receive a one-hour PABC counseling session, or not (CON), held after completion of the 12-week exercise trial. The session was based on social-cognitive theory, and the primary goal was to increase post-intervention PA maintenance through discussion of PA benefits, PA goal setting, and identifying and overcoming PA barriers. Self-reported PA was measured using the International PA Questionnaire (IPAQ), pre, post and three-months after the exercise trial. Participants also completed questionnaires assessing self-efficacy, social support and neighborhood walkability. Baseline, post-intervention questionnaires, and the PABC counseling session were done while participants were in the laboratory doing their oral glucose tolerance test, and the follow-up questionnaire was completed by mail or online. Participants (N=21, M Age = 62±5.8), were mostly female (86%), Caucasian (88%), and high socioeconomic status (70.6% completed at least 4 years of college, and 76.5% had an annual household income ≥ $50,000). Paired t-tests detected a significant difference in total PA between post-intervention to follow-up, t(15) = 3.33, p = .005, with total PA decreasing from post to follow-up for the entire sample. No significant within group changes (N=16; PABC N=8, CON N=8) were found between post and follow-up. Repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) did not detect statistical significance between groups in total PA change from post-intervention to three-month follow-up, F(1, 14) = 2.93, p = .109. Barriers self-efficacy significantly improved from before to after the PABC, t(12) = -2.63, p = .022. Social support, neighborhood crime and neighborhood aesthetics were significantly associated with PA measures at three-month follow-up. Incorporating a single session PA behavior change intervention as part of an exercise efficacy trial is feasible. While the PABC counseling session did not result in a lower rate of total PA decline from post to follow-up, those who received the PABC did report higher levels of PA at follow-up. Self-efficacy, social support and perceptions of neighborhood walkability are important determinants of PA maintenance in adults at risk of developing type-II diabetes. Future studies should explore the dose response of PABC counseling sessions in this population to determine the lowest dose needed to enhance PA maintenance following an exercise trial.Item Open Access Healthy Hearts, Healthy Lifestyles Club: an after-school intervention to promote cardiovascular health in elementary students(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2013) Jensen, Brittni Anne, author; Nelson, Tracy, advisor; Browning, Ray C., committee member; Cunningham-Sabo, Leslie, committee memberObesity and its comorbidities play an immense role in the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD). With its reputation as the number one cause of death in the United States, prevention and attenuation of risk factors for cardiovascular disease is of vital importance. Risk factors have been found in children as young as 6 years old, eliciting public health interventions aimed at addressing these risk factors before they develop into adulthood disease. PURPOSE: We developed an after-school pilot intervention program entitled Healthy Hearts, Healthy Lifestyles Club at Lopez Elementary School in Fort Collins, Colorado. The goal of this initiative was to educate 4th and 5th grade students on heart healthy lifestyles, including physical activity, dietary behaviors, and stress awareness. We also sought to encourage the students to "educate" their families about these behaviors. METHODS: We utilized information gathered from parent and student focus groups to design and implement an after-school program once a week for five weeks for 5th grade students and again for eight weeks for both 4th and 5th grade students. The curriculum consisted of various physical activity games, healthy snack preparation, and lessons on heart health and building leadership qualities to foster heart health knowledge, a necessary precursor to transformation in behavior. Changes in heart health knowledge and behaviors were analyzed through self-reported pre and post-tests given to students and their parents/guardians. RESULTS: A total of 11 students participated in Part I of the program, (Pre-test: n=11 fifth grade students, n=9 parents/guardians; Post-test: n=9 fifth students, n=4 parents/guardians), and 17 students participated in Part II of the program, (Pre-test: n=7 fourth grade students, n=5 fifth grade students, n=10 parents/guardians; Post-test: n=7 fourth grade students, n=6 fifth grade students, n=4 parents/guardians). Students and their parents/guardians showed improvement on several health knowledge and behavior parameters, namely increased recognition of unsaturated fat as a healthier option, (Part I: 33.3% to 44.4% students; Part II: 40% to 60% fourth grade students, 0% to 25% fifth grade students), and enhanced ability to provide examples of saturated and unsaturated fats, (Part I: 50% to 75% parents/guardians; Part II: 66.7% to 100% parents/guardians). Additionally, more participants reported zero days of high fat food consumption, (Part I: 11.1% to 33.3% students, 25% to 50% parents/guardians), more reported eating 5 servings of fruits and vegetables every day (Part I: 50% to 75% parents/guardians; Part II: 80% to 100% fourth grade students, 33.3% to 100% parents/guardians), and performing exercise on additional days of the week (Part II: 60% to 80% fourth grade students). CONCLUSIONS: Multi-component after-school programs may be viable channels through which CVD risk factors can be targeted in youth. Tailoring heart health knowledge to promote healthy behaviors in students may elicit improved knowledge and behaviors within the family.Item Open Access Multilocus genetic associations with obesity outcomes in Hispanic and non-Hispanic whites using a principal components regression approach: the San Luis Valley Diabetes Study(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2013) Booth-Kalajian, Andrea D., author; Nelson, Tracy, advisor; Melby, Chris, advisor; Hokanson, John, committee member; Peel, Jennifer, committee member; Bellows, Laura, committee memberIntroduction: The overweight and obesity crisis in America has reached alarming rates with little progress of reversing the trend, despite much effort. Heritability has been estimated at up to 70%, though it is still unclear how genetics respond to environmental pressures. Evaluating groups of genes that are known to influence metabolic pathways has given some insight into the variation we see in body composition and prevalence of metabolic diseases. Methods: Data from the San Luis Valley Diabetes Study's third examination were utilized (1997-1998, n=837). One hundred seven single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) were selected from 22 genes that have previously been associated with obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2D) in a cohort of Hispanic and non-Hispanic white (NHW) individuals. Genetic data were reduced to a smaller set of derived factors using principal components analysis (PC). Associations were determined between factors and obesity outcomes. Results: Hispanics were more likely to have T2D than NHW (19% vs. 11%). Sample minor allele frequencies for 100 analyzable SNPs varied between the two groups with the minor alleles of rs8059937 (A2BP1) and rs6822807 (UCP1) being significantly more prevalent in Hispanics and rs11724758 (FABP2) and rs2239179 (VDR) significantly more prevalent in NHWs. SNP variance was redistributed into orthogonal components and 32 were retained for analysis, accounting for 77% of the total variance in genetic data. The combined genetic information increased predictive power of increases in body mass index (BMI) from the study baseline by 5.6% in Hispanics. Genetic data increased predictability of BMI and waist circumference (WC) in NHWs by 7.5% and 5.1%, respectively. Both groups had a significant increase in knowledge gained (18%) for the prevalence of T2D when genetic information was added to the base model. SNPs from UCP1 loaded strongly onto PC4, which was associated with BMI change in Hispanics and BMI, WC, and T2D in NHWs. PC7 represented SNPs from RBP4 and FABP2, which was associated with diabetes status in both groups. All obesity outcomes were associated with PC15 in Hispanics, symbolizing SNPs on the PPARD and RBP4 genes. NHWs showed additional associations with components having strong loadings from SNPs on multiple genes, including ADIPOQ, GC, VDR, PPARG, PPARGC1A, PPARD, UCP2, UCP3, and AlOX15. Conclusions: When combined together, multilocus genetic data show a larger influence on obesity outcomes than single polymorphisms alone. Base variations in UCP1, RBP4, and FABP2 gene sequences are associated with change in BMI and diabetes status in Hispanics and BMI, WC, and diabetes status in NHWs.Item Open Access Predictors of health behaviors and cardiovascular disease risk factors for professional firefighters(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2014) Dussinger, Beth, author; Nelson, Tracy, advisor; Lipsey, Tiffany, committee member; Graham, Dan, committee memberAlthough the leading cause of mortality among all Americans is cardiovascular disease (CVD), accounting for about 32% of deaths, the risk among firefighters is even higher. About 45% of on-duty firefighter deaths result from CVD. While their strenuous job duties most often precipitate the CVD-related events, almost all of these incidents are occurring in firefighters with underlying risk factors for CVD. Health behaviors such as diet and exercise are known to have large impacts on known CVD risk factors; however, the dietary habits of firefighters have not been extensively studied. Also the impact of various work-related factors on diet and exercise has not been quantitatively documented. Therefore, the purpose of this cross-sectional study was to elucidate the association between health behaviors and CVD risk factors among firefighters and to analyze predictors for these health behaviors including call volume, social norms and other factors associated with the fire station environment. Subjects included 42 professional firefighters (mean age 41.0 ± 9.6 years, 95.2% male) who participated in the Heart Disease Prevention Program (HDPP) at Colorado State University. These evaluations provided data on body fat percentage, body mass index, waist circumference, blood pressure, blood lipids, C-reactive protein, cardiorespiratory fitness, overall coronary risk, and records of on-duty and off-duty diet. These individuals and 40 more Colorado firefighters (mean age 41.0 ± 8.7 years, 92.5% male) completed a questionnaire on motivations for health behaviors. Of these 82 firefighters, 46 completed an on-line dietary screener. Most participants displayed risk factors for CVD, including increased rates of obesity, systolic blood pressure, and triglycerides. Diet records also showed reason for some concerns and correlation with CVD risk factors. Firefighters reported consuming about 37% of their daily calories from fat. Diet records showed sodium intake of 65% more than the tolerable upper level (UL) and fiber intake 25% lower than the adequate intake level (AI). The American Heart Association goals were met for fruits and vegetables by about 26% of participating firefighters, for whole grains by about 28%, for sugar-sweetened beverages by about 35%, for sodium by 0%, and for physical activity by 43%. Sodium intake was positively correlated with systolic blood pressure (SBP) (p<.05) and physical activity was negatively correlated with SBP (p<.05). Increased consumption of added sugar showed correlation with increased body fat percentage, triglycerides, and overall coronary risk (p<.05). The volume of emergency calls showed minimal association with CVD risk factors, diet and exercise. Aspects of social norms and group cohesion appeared to have some correlation with diet and exercise behaviors. Convenience and the availability of unhealthy snacks at the fire station were commonly reported and showed associations with the diet. Emotional eating cues and cost were not shown to be strongly related to eating habits. Certain family and home environment factors appeared to also be strongly connected with health behaviors. In conclusion, these findings suggest there are work-related predictors of health behaviors and CVD risk for firefighters, but the home environment showed associations with health behaviors, too.Item Open Access Using data science to understand psychosocial determinants of health behaviors(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2020) Courtney, Jimikaye Beck, author; Li, Kaigang, advisor; Nelson, Tracy, advisor; Braun, Barry, committee member; Henry, Kim, committee memberTo view the abstract, please see the full text of the document.Item Open Access Wearable fitness trackers in physical activity research: accuracy assessment and effects on motivation and engagement(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2021) Nuss, Kayla, author; Li, Kaigang, advisor; Nelson, Tracy, advisor; Sharp, Julia, committee member; Marchant, Tasha, committee memberTo view the abstract, please see the full text of the document.