Recent Submissions

  • On the Physical Demands of Gaming: Quantifying Pain, Muscle Activity, Kinematics, and Performance Changes

    Forman, Garrick Neville; Applied Health Sciences Program
    With the rapid growth of both the gaming and esports industries, millions of individuals are now playing games as hobbies and careers. The intense and repetitive nature of gaming can likely lead to significant muscle fatigue and increase an individual’s susceptibility to musculoskeletal injuries and pain. However, the physical demands of gaming have largely been unexplored. The objectives of this thesis fell into three categories. 1) Determine where gamers most commonly experience pain while gaming and whether any demographics or gaming habits can predict pain or discomfort in the upper body (Chapter 3). 2) Determine how muscle fatigue and motor performance of the distal upper limb are impacted by a low-force/high-repetition fatiguing protocol utilizing rapid mouse clicking (Chapter 4) and mouse aiming (Chapter 5). 3) Determine the muscular and postural demands associated with high level, competitive gaming (Chapter 6). In Chapter 3, we identified that the neck, low back, and right arm were the most common locations of gaming-related pain. The high prevalence of gaming-related pain reported confirmed that gaming-related pain is a significant problem which requires further investigation. In Chapters 4 and 5, we found that low-force, high repetition fatigue protocols led to few impairments in motor performance. However, changes in EMG characteristics indicated that the mouse clicking protocol led to fatigue of the wrist flexors while the mouse aiming protocol produced muscle fatigue in the wrist extensors. Finally, in Chapter 6, we found that static loading of the shoulder and forearm musculature exceeded guidelines while playing a competitive PC first-person shooter. Musculature of the upper limb produced sustained high levels of muscle activity with little to no rest, exceeding suggested guidelines based on both magnitude of activity and rest time. This thesis provides some of the first research investigating the physical impact of video games on the upper body. It is also the first work to document the impact of low-force fatiguing protocols on fine motor functioning of the distal upper limb and to quantify the physical demands while playing competitive PC video games.
  • Child-Adult Differences in Discrete Motor-Unit Activation: Insights from sEMG Decomposition

    Woods, Stacey; Applied Health Sciences Program
    The overall purpose of this thesis was to examine age-related differences in the discrete motor-unit (MU) activation of two muscles, differing by size and recruitment strategy (vastus lateralis (VL) and flexor carpi radialis (FCR)) as well as during contractions where torque was developed at low and high rates. These research objectives were assessed within one research project and reported in three studies. Study 1 (Chapter 3) examined differences in muscle performance and discrete MU activation of the VL (large muscle, broad RT range) between boys and men during moderate-intensity isometric contractions. Study 2 (Chapter 4) examined differences in muscle performance and discrete MU activation of the FCR (small muscle, narrow RT range) between boys and men during moderate-intensity isometric contractions. Lastly, study 3 (Chapter 5) examined differences in discrete MU activation between boys and men during moderate-intensity contractions performed at low and high contraction rates in both the VL and FCR. The collective findings of this work indicate that during moderate-intensity isometric contractions, boys activate smaller MUs that have lower MU firing rates (MUFR) compared with men. Although this general trend was observed in both muscles as well as during slow and fast contractions, the specific age-related differences in discrete MU activation patterns varied between muscles. In the VL, men recruited relatively larger high-threshold MUs compared with boys even when accounting for differences in muscle size. Moreover, lower MUFR in boys was present in low- and high-threshold MUs. On the other hand, in the FCR there were no differences in the relative size of high-threshold MUs between groups, but boys demonstrated a narrower recruitment range which may explain why lower MUFR in boys were especially pronounced among high-threshold MUs. Overall, lower MUFRs in boys compared with men can partly explain age-related differences in size-normalized strength. While our findings provide some support for the notion of lower type-II MU activation in children, other emergent differences in MU activation suggest that there are other explanatory factors contributing to differences in muscle performance between children and adults.
  • Advancements in Trichuris trichiura treatment and diagnosis in children: Assessing high-dose ivermectin, benzimidazoles and diagnostic techniques

    Matamoros, Gabriela; Applied Health Sciences Program
    Introduction Approximately 350 million people are currently infected with Trichuris trichiura. The WHO recommends mass drug administration (MDA) with benzimidazole (BZ) as the main control strategy, however, these drugs have demonstrated a reduced efficacy against T. trichiura infections. The current strategy is, therefore, not suitable for achieving the recently established goal of eliminating STH as a public health problem by 2030. Administration of combination treatment with broad-spectrum anthelminthic drugs such as IVM has been recommended. Objective The aim of this thesis was to investigate the advancements in T. trichiura treatment and diagnosis. First, by conducting an RCT comparing experimental multiple-day, and high-dose IVM drug combinations against ALB monotherapy. Followed by performing a rapid systematic review and meta-analysis to update the current knowledge on the efficacy and safety of IVM administration against trichuriasis in children. Lastly, comparing the performance of RT-qPCR vs. Kato-Katz, to determine their performance in a context of reduced transmission due to treatment intervention. Methods The randomized clinical trial was performed in northern Honduras. Efficacy was measured 14-21 days post-treatment through egg reduction rate (ERR) and cure rate (CR). Safety was evaluated by analyzing the frequency and severity of adverse events. A rapid review of evidence was conducted in 5 databases, to explore the literature results with respect to efficacy and safety of IVM against trichuriasis. Finally, two diagnostic techniques were evaluated to determine their performance after treatment intervention. Results All the experimental arms containing IVM resulted in significantly higher efficacy compared to the standard of treatment. The combination of ALB and high dose IVM demonstrated an excellent safety profile. The rapid systematic review confirmed the superiority of BZ+IVM combination. The two diagnostic techniques resulted in an almost perfect agreement, in a setting decreasing burden. Conclusions These results provide high-quality data contributing to the available body of knowledge related to the challenges faced by the global efforts of STH control, emphasizing in T. trichiura.
  • Investigating the role of Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor content and signalling on Amyloid Precursor Protein processing

    Baranowski, Bradley; Applied Health Sciences Program
    Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive, multifactorial, neurodegenerative disorder putatively linked to aging. The major pathological hallmark of AD is amyloid-β (Aβ) plaques, which is regulated through the activity of beta-site amyloid precursor protein cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1). As such, understanding BACE1 regulation is crucial in the development of AD preventive strategies. It has been demonstrated that an acute bout of exercise can reduce BACE1 activity and content; however, the mechanism behind this regulation is unknown. One potential mediator of the exercise-induced reductions of BACE1 is brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Studies indicate that exercise-induced changes in cognition and neuronal health require the synthesis, release, and binding of BDNF to its receptor. However, in AD, there is a reduction in synaptic plasticity, cognitive function, and BDNF content. The purpose of this thesis was to determine a viable method to elevate BDNF levels to modulate BACE1 activity and to determine the exact mechanisms by which BDNF can elicit this effect. In study 1 we aimed to determine if subcutaneous injections of recombinant BDNF would elicit a similar effect on amyloid precursor protein (APP) processing as observed with exercise. I found that peripheral BDNF injections improved cognitive performance, reduced BACE1 activity in the prefrontal cortex. In study 2, we explored a potential dietary intervention that may influence BDNF levels. Elevated beta-hydroxybutyrate (β-OHB) levels were previously established to elevate BDNF through epigenetic modifications. Therefore, we examined the effect of oral β-OHB supplementation on BDNF and (APP) processing. I determined that β-OHB supplementation was ineffective at elevating BDNF levels and did not improve cognition. However, β-OHB supplementation did reduce BACE1 activity. Finally, despite demonstrating a link between BDNF and BACE1 activity, the exact mechanism connecting them has remained elusive. The final purpose of this thesis was to examine how BDNF can modulate BACE1 activity. I conclude that BDNF appears to be eliciting a regulatory role on BACE1 activity through GSK3β inhibition. Taken together, this thesis highlights potential therapeutic strategies to target BACE1 modulation and elucidates a mechanism by which BDNF acts, thus allowing for more targeted therapeutic approaches in the future.
  • Uncovering the Psychological and Physiological Factors that Influence Performance and Choking Under Pressure

    Marini, Matthew; Applied Health Sciences Program
    Research suggests that there are more complex psychophysiological influences occurring when an athlete chokes under competitive pressure (Hill et al., 2010; Mesagno et al., 2015). Although the main choking under pressure theories have been researched independently for decades, both Hill et al. (2010) and Lewis and Linder (1997) suggested that these theories are no longer mutually exclusive, with the potential to converge providing insight into the same psychological and physiological factors that influence performance and choking under pressure. Therefore, this dissertation examines the psychological and physiological factors that influence performance and choking under pressure for those who are susceptible to choking, while also exploring different contexts for performers under pressure. This dissertation also investigates how sport psychology interventions such as a pre-performance routine, that integrate breathing, muscle relaxation, attention and self-talk, could help to improve the psychological and physiological factors that influence performance and choking under pressure. In conclusion, all three studies provide insight into the psychological and physiological factors that influences performance and choking under pressure. In particular, the results from study 1 suggested that athletes who are choking susceptible have a lower working memory capacity, and self-confidence, as well as higher cognitive and somatic anxiety than those athletes who are non-choking susceptible. In study 2 results provided insight into how pressure is experienced by athlete and non-athlete performers, and how pressure may be experienced differently between performance contexts. The results from study 3 demonstrated that learning to use a pre-performance routine at the proper time during competition, could help to improve factors contributing to performance under pressure and ideally could help to alleviate a choke.
  • Stepping away from pharmaceutical therapies: Exercise and supplementation with fermented red clover extract as alternative strategies to promote vascular health in postmenopausal women

    Wickham, Kate A.; Applied Health Sciences Program
    Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide. Both aging and menopause, associated with the cessation of endogenous estrogen production, are key factors that contribute to the development of cardiovascular disease in women. Over the last few decades, an interest in alternatives to pharmaceutical interventions for promoting and/or rescuing cardiovascular health in postmenopausal women has emerged, where both exercise and phytoestrogen supplementation have been deemed effective candidates. However, due to the paucity of intervention studies in postmenopausal women, knowledge gaps remain in these strategies that need to be elucidated in the context of vascular health. This dissertation aims to answer three main questions that will refine the scientific community’s understanding of alternative interventions for vascular health in postmenopausal women: (1) Can exercise training work synergistically with in-vitro dual anti-platelet therapy to improve platelet function, as determined by basal platelet reactivity and prostacyclin sensitivity (Chapter 4)? (2) Does the timing of the initiation of exercise training after menopause affect the degree of vascular adaptations and thrombotic risk profile (Chapters 5 and 6)? (3) Can short-term supplementation with the novel phytoestrogen fermented red clover extract improve markers of vascular inflammation (Chapter 7)? Together, the findings from this dissertation highlight that exercise and fermented red clover extract are effective alternative strategies to improving vascular health in postmenopausal women. Specifically, exercise training improves platelet function and sensitivity and can work synergistically with in-vitro dual anti-platelet therapy (Chapter 4). In addition, short-term supplementation with fermented red clover extract improves the vascular inflammatory profile in recently postmenopausal women (Chapter 7). However, the timing of exercise training after menopause may influence the magnitude of thrombogenic adaptations, as recently postmenopausal women experience more robust thrombogenic benefits than women who are a greater number of years postmenopausal (i.e., late postmenopausal women) (Chapter 5 and 6).
  • The Effects of Heat and Cold on Cognitive Function and Endurance Capacity

    Wallace, Phillip Julian; Applied Health Sciences Program
    The maintenance of mental and physical function in hot and cold environments is more challenging compared to thermoneutral environments due to increases systemic physiological and psychological strain. The mechanism for impairments in both cognitive and physical function may be due to early perturbations in whole-body heat balance where the change in skin temperature (even before measurable changes in core temperature) impair performance, followed by greater impairments with changes in core temperature. However, the separate and combined effects of changes in skin and core temperature over a range of cognitive functions and exercise require further elucidation. Therefore, this dissertation tested cognitive function (psychomotor processing, working memory, and executive function) and endurance capacity (at 70% of peak power output) over a range of skin and core temperatures and thermal conditions. Chapter 4 investigates the effects of whole-body skin and core warming (hyperthermia) on cognitive function. In addition, the pharmacological drug, methylphenidate (20 mg, dopamine re-uptake inhibitor) was used as it may improve physiological and psychological strain during heat stress. Chapter 5 built upon Chapter 4 by testing the effects of whole-body skin and core cooling (mild hypothermia) on cognitive function. Chapter 6 extended the findings of Chapter 5 by testing the effects of whole-body skin and core cooling on endurance capacity, to potentially see a cognitive-physical performance interaction. Collectively, we found that neither changes in skin temperature (Range: ∆-6 to +4.5°C), without changes in core temperature, nor manipulation of core temperature (Range: ∆-0.8 to +1.5°C) significantly impaired cognitive function in hot or cold environments (Chapters 4 & 5). Furthermore, methylphenidate did not enhance cognitive function. Whereas, endurance capacity was significantly influenced by cold stress, where cooling the skin/outer shell impaired performance by 32%, while core cooling of ∆-0.5C and ∆-1.0C from baseline temperature further impaired performance by 61% and 71% respectively. There were no differences between the two core cooling conditions. Collectively, this research program demonstrates the capacity to maintain cognitive function, but not physical capacity under thermal strain. From a practical standpoint, interventions should focus to minimize cold strain to prevent declines in physical capacity under cold conditions.
  • Understanding Emerging Adults’ Decision-Making Process When Selecting a Smoking Cessation Approach: A Grounded Theory Study

    Barkans, Meagan E.; Applied Health Sciences Program
    Rates of cigarette smoking have been markedly reduced in recent decades, but young adults (or emerging adults) continue to have the highest rate of tobacco use in Ontario, Canada. Though preventing smoking initiation is optimal, positive outcomes of cessation early in the lifespan make it clear that cessation support for smokers in this age group is critical. Despite research into the effectiveness of quitting approaches and smokers’ preferred approaches to quitting, it remains largely unclear how smokers characterized as emerging adults (Arnett, 2000) make and act upon “real-world” decisions about which cessation approach to use. To learn more about this important aspect of the quitting process, this study investigated emerging adults’ experiences of choosing their approach to quitting. Twenty-six recent quitters between the ages of 19-29 participated in semi-structured interviews. Grounded theory methods were used to develop a framework explaining the decision-making process successful quitters engaged in when choosing a smoking-cessation approach. The newly proposed “Choosing How To Quit” Framework shows a decision making process that includes three distinct phases: Awareness of Approaches; Personal Reflection; Making a Choice. Successful emerging-adult quitters chose a quitting approach by drawing on a variety of sources for information and exploring personal facets including their past experiences, real-life daily-living considerations and an understanding of their present and future-selves. The Framework offers emerging adults and cessation supporters new realistic avenues to consider or explore when making the decision about a cessation approach, potentially leading to a greater likelihood of success. As a preliminary theory, the CHQ Framework requires further investigation, including into which components may be most essential to the decision-making process.
  • Cardiovascular and Inflammatory Consequences of Adverse Childhood Experiences

    Dempster, Kylie S; Applied Health Sciences Program
    This thesis is composed of three investigations which aim to identify changes in cardiovascular and inflammatory health which are present in individuals who have experienced different types of ACEs (i.e., maltreatment, household dysfunction) and the accumulation of ACEs (i.e., <4 and ≥ 4 different ACEs). First, this thesis sought to identify the effects of adversity on change in arterial stiffness and cardiovagal baroreflex sensitivity (cvBRS) from childhood to young adulthood. Study 1 identified significant interactions between ≥ 4 ACEs and time, and maltreatment by time which were associated with a greater increase in systemic pulse wave velocity from childhood to young adulthood among those with a high ACE profile; although this effect only remained significant in maltreatment models after covariates were introduced. Study 1 also observed a significant interaction between ≥ 4 ACEs, time, and sex on the change in cvBRS from childhood to young adulthood with females driving this relationship. Study 2 aimed to determine whether childhood adversity demonstrated an effect on the heart, particularly left ventricular mass (LVM) and left ventricular function, measured as ejection fraction (EF) and fractional shortening (FS). This investigation identified a unique cardiac profile present among individuals who experienced childhood household dysfunction and was characterized by a significantly lower LVM, independent of recent life stress, smoking, physical activity, and inflammation while childhood maltreatment demonstrated a negative effect on EF independent of covariates. Whether this persists into older age is unknown. Notably, Studies 1 and 2 identified the MMP proteolytic family may be involved in subclinical cardiovascular remodeling among those with ACEs and warrants future investigation. Study 3 utilized an acute 60° head up tilt (HUT) to determine whether childhood adversity influenced the hemodynamic and autonomic responses to orthostatic stress. This thesis identified enhanced blood pressure and total peripheral resistance responses and blunted RR-interval, cardiac output, and cvBRS responses to 60° HUT in individuals who experienced ≥ 4 ACEs; suggesting a reduced vagal and likely enhanced sympathetic response to orthostatic stress. Collectively, these studies provide evidence that exposure to ACEs produce unique cardiovascular changes which occur largely in the absence of covariates and enhanced inflammation.
  • Sclerostin influences body composition adaptations to exercise training

    Kurgan, Nigel; Applied Health Sciences Program
    Sclerostin is a secreted glycoprotein mainly produced by the osteocyte, which inhibits the canonical Wnt/ß-catenin signalling pathway. In mice, genetic deletion, or inhibition of sclerostin with a neutralizing antibody increases bone mass while also improving insulin sensitivity and lipid homeostasis. Despite sclerostin not being expressed by adipose tissue (AT), reductions in white AT (WAT) mass and adipocyte cross-sectional area can also be observed with sclerostin inhibition, ultimately conferring resistance to a high-fat diet. Resting circulating sclerostin has also been shown to decrease following exercise training. This dissertation includes six studies examining the hypothesis that sclerostin influences adaptations in fat mass in response to exercise training. Study 1 did not identify serum sclerostin’s response to acute exercise with a top-down proteomic analysis. Study 2 of this thesis utilized a targeted approach and found sclerostin increases in the circulation transiently following acute exercise in adolescents with excess adiposity while those with normal weight have a blunted response. Study 3 utilized a longitudinal study design and found a diet and exercise intervention that leads to a reduction in fat mass attenuates sclerostin’s post-exercise increase in adolescents with excess adiposity. Study 4 identified sclerostin was present in human AT and decreased following exercise training in adults with excess adiposity. Study 5 characterized sclerostin’s response to acute exercise within serum and WAT depots of a mouse model and showed that serum sclerostin is elevated during recovery only in obese mice compared to lean mice and the monomeric form of sclerostin is reduced in scWAT during recovery from acute exercise and is abolished in visceral WAT in response to an obesogenic diet. Study 6 showed that prevention in the reduction in sclerostin seen with exercise with daily injections of recombinant sclerostin also prevents the reduction in scWAT mass and adipocyte cell size and increased lean mass seen with exercise training. These changes may be related to a shift in fuel utilization. Taken together, this thesis provides evidence that sclerostin is influenced by adiposity and exercise training and fluctuations in sclerostin content can regulate adaptations in fat mass and lean mass, which may be mediated by changes in metabolism.
  • Advancing a Youth-Centered Pedagogy that Fosters Physical Literacy by Working with Youth and YMCA Recreation Providers

    Petersen, Jennie; Applied Health Sciences Program
    Participation in sport and physical activity declines in children at approximately 11-14 years of age. Efforts to support long-term participation in physical activity have focused on the promotion of physical literacy, which offers a holistic view of the factors affecting youth participation. Limited research has explored pedagogical approaches that can support youth physical literacy and engagement in recreational sport and physical activity contexts. This dissertation investigates pedagogical approaches aimed at supporting youth physical literacy in a YMCA recreation context using action research. An important objective was to support change in YMCA organizational pedagogical practices. Practical implications for the implementation of physical literacy are discussed throughout. Interviews with 10 youth and eight coaches involved in YMCA recreational sport and physical activity programs were conducted in the first study of this dissertation. Factors that supported youth engagement included sense of enjoyment, learning and accomplishment, and comfort with peers in the program. Youth described feeling disengaged when they felt a low sense of autonomy, excluded, or if there was potential for embarrassment. Gender stereotypes were identified as a contributing factor leading to lower levels of participation and engagement in girls. Coaches who had previously taken physical literacy related training perceived improvements in their instructional ability to engage youth. In the second study, 31 youth participated in a series of focus group meetings exploring what approaches to physical literacy resonate amongst youth. During a wrap-up meeting with YMCA stakeholders, youth participants shared their ideas and courses of action. Findings demonstrated that the presence of a caring adult, interacting with peers of a similar age, opportunities to have input and co-create their programs, games-based approaches, and the flexibility of their program structures were important factors for enhancing youth involvement in sport and physical activity. In the last study, a youth-informed recreation instructors training was designed, developed, and co-created with six YMCA stakeholders over the course of seven focus group meetings. A key outcome was the development of a recreation instructor training, called Working ‘with’ Youth in Sport and Physical Activity. Findings provide insight on the challenges that recreation organizations face with implementing physical literacy concepts.
  • Effects of Exogenous Lipopolysaccharide Exposure on Bone Outcomes in Rodent Models

    Bott, Kirsten; Applied Health Sciences Program
    Chronic low-grade inflammation has been identified as a potential contributor to the pathophysiology of osteoporosis. A key mediator may be lipopolysaccharide (LPS) released from gram-negative bacteria in the gut that can enter circulation stimulating an inflammatory response and upregulate bone resorption. Since rodent models mimic the loss of bone mineral density (BMD) and structure that occurs in humans, rodents offer an accelerated model for studying these inflammation-mediated changes. Therefore, the objective of this thesis was to characterize a rodent model of LPS-induced bone loss using repeated in vivo μCT scans to establish a time course effect of LPS longitudinally and for this purpose three studies were conducted. Study 1 & 2 were run simultaneously using the same control mice. Study 1 demonstrated that repeated irradiation had a negative impact on trabecular bone in both male and female CD-1 mice, while cortical bone was only negatively impacted in the females. In study 2, continuous delivery of exogenous LPS via osmotic pumps for 12 weeks elevated serum LPS in both male and female CD-1 mice but did not alter trabecular or cortical bone structure or BMD at any of the scanning timepoints. Results from Study 2 may in part have been influenced by the effects of repeated irradiation from the in vivo μCT scans at 4-week intervals for a total of 4 scans analyzed in Study 1. In study 3, a systematic review was conducted to better characterize a model of LPS induced bone loss and identify factors that may impact the effects of LPS on bone outcomes in rodent models. Regardless of study duration, exogenous LPS negatively impacted trabecular bone structure and BMD but not cortical bone structure, due to an upregulation in bone resorption. Together these data suggest that exogenous LPS can induce alterations in bone structure and BMD in rodent models, however a clearly defined model of exogenous LPS induced bone loss has yet to be fully characterized.
  • The Role of Protein Following Intense Exercise in Competitive Youth Athletes

    McKinlay, Brandon; Applied Health Sciences Program
    The overall purpose of this thesis was to examine the role of post-exercise dairy protein consumption (isolated and whole-food) on recovery indices (performance and muscle damage) and inflammation following intense exercise within the context of different ecologically valid sporting environments, i.e., acute competition and a short-term period of intensified training, in competitive youth athletes. For this, two studies were conducted. Study 1 (Chapter 3) investigated the effect of whey protein consumption following a high-intensity interval swim session (HIIS) among adolescent swimmers on subsequent performance, muscle soreness, plasma creatine kinase and inflammatory cytokines, compared with isoenergetic carbohydrate and flavoured water in the acute (0–8 h) and short-term (8–24 h) recovery periods. Study 2 (Chapter 4) examined the effects of increased protein consumption, via plain Greek yogurt, compared with an isoenergetic carbohydrate control on performance recovery, inflammation, and muscle damage, during a 5-day simulated soccer training camp in competitive adolescent female soccer players. The collective findings indicate that during both acute and short-term periods of intensified exercise, the provision of dairy protein regardless of form (isolated or whole food), provided no added benefit at enhancing performance recovery or ameliorating muscle damage above that of energy matched carbohydrates. However, it does appear that the consumption of calories, regardless of type (e.g., carbohydrates or dairy protein), when rapid recovery is required, offers greater performance retainment than water. Therefore, during periods of intensified exercise that may be accompanied by inadequate recovery, the replenishment of energy should be the primary focus. Further, in both studies the consumption of dairy protein following exercise leads to an augmented anti-inflammatory response (i.e., increased IL10), not observed in the control conditions (i.e., water or energy-matched carbohydrates). Thus, it is possible that dairy protein consumption post-exercise may benefit the acute immune response. This possibility requires further study.
  • Tea types and their effects on in vitro mineralization and in vivo bone structure and density

    McAlpine, Michael D.; Applied Health Sciences Program
    The consumption of tea has many proposed health benefits thought to likely be the result of an abundance of unique polyphenols. In particular, one exciting potential health benefit of tea is its capacity to have bone supportive effects when consumed throughout life. Prior to testing the potential bone supportive effects, it was important to characterize several types of tea and determine the ideal steeping time for each tea, maximizing the quantity of polyphenols while also maintaining taste (Study 1). Results from this study were congruent with manufacturer’s recommendations. Following this, several types of teas and tisanes were tested in an in vitro osteoblast model to determine if there were any alterations in quantity of mineral produced (Study 2). Findings demonstrated that all teas effectively increased mineralization at a dietary concentration of polyphenols, but red rooibos tea appeared to produce the greatest effects. The next important aspect which needed to be clarified was if there was an optimal concentration of red rooibos tea that elicited maximal results (Study 3). To determine this, a dose response study was conducted in the same osteoblast model as study 2 and mineral quantity was measured. From this study a positive dose-dependent response was observed without any signs of toxicity, suggesting that high concentrations may be beneficial. Following the initial in vitro studies it was important to test red rooibos tea in a physiologically relevant model of elevated bone turnover, pregnancy and lactation (Study 4). Female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized to one of the following groups: PREG TEA (pregnant and received a supplemental level of red rooibos: ~2.6 g /kg body weight/day in water), PREG WATER (became pregnant and received water), or NONPREG CON (age-matched, non-pregnant control) from 2 weeks prior to pregnancy (age 8 weeks) through to 4 months post-lactation. Results demonstrated that there were immediate losses of both trabecular and cortical bone following lactation. However, cortical bone rapidly recovered in both pregnancy groups while the majority of trabecular outcomes only partially recovered and appeared to have permanent reductions. When comparing the two pregnancy groups, there were no differences in cortical bone post-lactation but there were significant improvements in several of the trabecular outcomes in rats that received red rooibos herbal tea. The findings from this thesis demonstrated in progressively more complex and physiologically relevant models that tea does have the capacity to be bone supportive, particularly during periods of high turnover.
  • Exploring Mental Health in Sport: The Behaviors, Perspectives and Needs of Stakeholders

    Murphy, Jessica; Applied Health Sciences Program
    Student-athletes are at high risk for poor mental health. Leaders within the varsity sport environment influence athlete mental health and help-seeking. This dissertation explored the behaviors, perspectives and needs of athletes, coaches, and athletic trainers as it pertains to mental health in sport. Three studies were conducted, the first utilized the Theory of Planned Behavior to explore factors associated with coach-athlete conversations about mental health. A coach’s Attitude towards having a conversation with an athlete significantly influenced their Intention to do so. Perceived Behavioral Control (PBC) significantly influenced the relationship between Social Norms and Intention. Both PBC and Social Norms had a significant relationship with the Behavior (having a conversation about mental health with an athlete). The second study applied a conceptual model from Horn’s Working Model of Coach Effectiveness to explore how an athlete’s perception of coach behavior impacts attitudes and help-seeking behaviors. Psychological distress levels influenced an athlete’s Perception of their coach’s behavior. Openness to help-seeking was significantly related to help-seeking Behaviors and influenced the relationship between personal characteristics and help-seeking. Perception of coach behaviors influenced the relationship between psychological distress and help-seeking from a coach. The last study sought to determine the acceptance of an online varsity sport-specific mental health resource. Preliminary results were promising; The PEER Network was frequently used over the study period and participants had positive and supportive feedback. Overall, results from the three studies suggest that perceived ability and social support may influence whether coach-athlete conversations about mental health occur. Due to the effects of these variables, coach mental health training should focus on improving the skills required for these conversations and normalizing mental health in sport. As an athlete’s perception of coach behavior mediated the relationship between psychological distress and help-seeking, training should also focus on clear ways to show athletes that coaches are supportive of mental health. Athlete-specific training should try and improve attitudes towards help-seeking and highlight the value from seeking help. The PEER Network may be an easily accessible and context-specific way of achieving these educational goals for members of the varsity athletic community.
  • Teachers’ Experiences of Implementing a Pedagogical Approach for Meaningful Physical Education

    Beni, Stephanie; Applied Health Sciences Program
    Dominant forms of physical education (PE) have been criticized for their inability to promote lifelong movement, with many scholars arguing in favour of an approach oriented toward meaningful experiences in PE. The Meaningful PE approach has been designed in response to this but has yet to be tested extensively in practice. The purpose of this dissertation has been to study teachers’ experiences of learning about and implementing the Meaningful PE approach. Five teachers based in Ireland and 12 teachers based in Canada participated in two separate studies lasting eight weeks and across two school years, respectively. Qualitative data were collected in the form of semi-structured interviews, non-participant observations, community of practice (CoP) meeting transcripts, and reflections. Results of this dissertation are presented in four articles. Article One highlights the experiences of Irish primary classroom teachers, demonstrating preliminary support for the approach from classroom teachers with little background in PE. Article Two focuses on Canadian elementary teachers’ experiences of implementing the Meaningful PE approach with their students and on the factors that influenced their implementation decisions. Primary factors influencing implementation included teachers’ prior experiences and beliefs, students’ responses to the implementation process, and external organizational pressures. Article Three focuses on Canadian teachers’ experiences of learning about Meaningful PE through a professional (PD) initiative designed around characteristics of effective PD outlined in the literature. Teachers were most supportive of the use of a CoP and modelling of the approach to foster their learning about Meaningful PE, while also highlighting several tensions between ideal and practical forms of PD, taking personal and organizational barriers into account. Article Four focuses on my experience of becoming a facilitator of teachers’ PD through facilitating a CoP for teachers. This article highlights the important role of identity in the process of learning to become a facilitator and navigating the tensions associated with that process. Collectively, this dissertation makes a significant contribution to the literature by a) informing the refinement of the Meaningful PE approach, b) offering insights into educational implementation research, and c) adding to the literature on teachers’ professional learning when being introduced to innovations.
  • "(Having?) Doing it All”: A Narrative Exploration of Self-Care and Well-being for Generation X Women at Midlife

    Petty, Lisa; Applied Health Sciences Program
    Inspired by my own experiences as a woman moving through midlife, the purpose of this research was to better understand the lived experience of Generation X women. Specifically, the study investigated the relationship between self-care and well-being as the women navigate their changing bodies and negotiate, resist and/or reproduce social role expectations. Using a critical constructivist perspective and guided by the Life Course framework, this narrative study involved two reflexive, dyadic interviews with 21 Generation X women (born between 1965-1980). As part of the study, women took photographs that represented their experiences, and the images and narratives were included in the data. Use of Reissman’s (2008) narrative thematic analysis revealed four major thematic areas: (a) The Multiple Meanings of Self-Care: It’s Whatever is Important to You, (b) The Big Lie: Having Doing it All, (c) Who is she? What is this?: Changing Bodies, and (d) Navigating Self-Care: Something has to Give. Each thematic area is comprised of several subthemes that narrate the women’s experiences. Thematic areas are first presented in pastiche form, which is a representation much like a quilt that provides a weave of participants’ co-existing meanings (Ely, Vinz, Downing, & Anzul, 1997). The pastiche is then followed by written thematic analysis of the findings using verbatim quotations from participants, as well as my own personal reflections. Taken together, the findings highlight the myriad ways the social backdrop of ‘having it all’ has influenced the life experiences and well-being of these women. More precisely, findings show how the women reproduce and resist social role expectations placed on them in the practise of their self-care, and introduces the concepts of mindful connection, self-care shaming and the archetypal Crone to the self-care literature. As the experiences of Generation X women have largely been ignored in research across disciplines, this research provides important contributions to the self-care literature and its connections to well-being for women.
  • Can exergaming improve mental health of university students?

    Santos, Esther; Applied Health Sciences Program
    The academic, financial, and social pressures that emerge when adults begin university may lead them to encounter mental health challenges (American College Health Association [ACHA], 2016). In Ontario, 46.2% of university/college students have reported ‘excessive’ stress whereas 64.5% report ‘overwhelming’ anxiety (ACHA, 2016). One approach that may be useful for enhancing mental health is exergaming which uses motion-sensor technology requiring players to move their bodies to complete the videogame sessions (Huang et al., 2017). However, studies focused on the effectiveness of exergaming for improving mental health of university students are scarce in number and limited in scope. The overall purpose of this dissertation was to examine the role of exergaming in relation to mental health reported by university students. In Study 1, a synthesis of published intervention research using exergaming to change well-being – a psychological concept affiliated with mental health – reported by adults was conducted. Results from Study 1 indicated that less than 50.0% of the coded studies - using either multi- or single-group (pre-post-test) research designs - reported enhanced well-being as a function of exergaming. In Study 2, the link between the amount and intensity of exergaming behaviour per week and mental health reported by university students was evaluated. Results from Study 2 indicated that university students who reported more frequent exergaming behaviour during a typical week displayed lower anxiety and stress plus higher flourishing and vitality. In Study 3, the contributions of exergaming to mental health of university students were investigated using an experimental research design that compared exergaming against other physical activity behaviours and self-management approaches. Results from Study 3 showed that ‘exergamers’ did not present higher or lower mental health scores compared against ‘traditional’ exercisers but displayed less stress and anxiety when compared against pet therapy, as well as, higher vitality plus lower stress and anxiety compared to ‘non-exercisers’. The results from these studies make it apparent that exergaming may not offer anything ‘unique’ as a stimulus beyond more traditional modes of exercise, but it fosters mental health of university students.
  • Future-proofing: Exploring the value of a therapeutic recreation positive psychology intervention for supporting youth experiencing mental health challenges

    Cripps, Lauren C.; Applied Health Sciences Program
    In Canada, suicide remains the second leading cause of death for individuals aged 15 to 24, exceeded only by unintentional injuries (accidents). In 2012, suicide accounted for 15% of deaths among youth aged 10-14 years, 29% among youth aged 15-19 years and 23% among young adults aged 20-24 (Statistics Canada, 2017). Recovery supports the development of a meaningful life (as described by the individual) that includes enhanced traits and practices that are specifically intended to maintain one’s level of satisfaction in everyday life, while supporting the management of recurring symptoms and/or changes in current life circumstances (Andresen, Oades, & Caputi, 2011; Kleiber, Hutchinson, & Williams, 2002; McCormick & Iwasaki, 2008; McCormick & Iwasaki, 2008; McCormick, 1999). This recovery-oriented project was a qualitative, interpretative phenomenological study guided by the evidenced-informed process as a framework for program design, implementation and evaluation. This project sought to critically explore mental health as it pertains to adolescents through the design, implementation and evaluation of a therapeutic recreation intervention designed for youth living in a residential treatment setting. This project provides evidence that the BYBS-Y program has the potential to support change with the participants. This project also demonstrates new learning and is an illustration of the potential connection between a strengths perspective and supporting essential tasks assigned to development and recovery. By implementing a three-phase process this research shows the value of feedback from both practitioners and clients, affirming that our greatest insights are always gained from those with lived experience. Finally, this project provides evidence for the contribution of TR services in the recovery process, suggesting that by focusing on the development of skills and capacities that are likely to generate emotion, highlight strengths, support choice and create opportunities for positive social connections, it is likely that youth can increase the resiliency necessary to buffer the effects of chronic symptoms and in turn begin to envision (and obtain) a life that includes, but is not defined by illness.
  • Lessons learned from a critical appraisal of a fall break policy in higher education: A case study

    Pilato, Kelly A.; Applied Health Sciences Program
    The incidence, severity and persistence of mental health issues is increasing across post- secondary campuses (Zivin et al., 2009; Canada Newswire, 2012) with these students now viewed as a high-risk population (Stallman, 2010). Many Canadian universities are implementing a policy for a fall break in hopes of alleviating students’ stress and anxiety in order to improve mental health, heighten retention, and increase academic productivity. To date, there is limited empirical evidence to guide the development of policy and the delivery of effective practices to alleviate school-related stress and anxiety. This thesis is presented as a three paper, manuscript approach. The focus of this project was to appraise the development and implementation of a fall break and then evaluate its effectiveness in an effort to address rising concerns related to mental health for post-secondary students. Three thousand and seventy-one students in years one to four completed a post-break survey during one week in January of 2013, 2014, 2015. Of those, 1019 were male and 2052 female. Thirty-three students varying in years from one to four participated in focus groups in February of 2013, 2014, 2015. Of those 4 were male and 19 were female. Ten faculty from varying faculties and one informant participated in interviews in spring, 2018. Analyses from the surveys revealed that overall, students are in favour of having a fall break. Even though a small percentage of participants perceived their workload to go up before and after the break, 90% of students agree that the fall break was useful in reducing school related stress levels. However, the focus group, faculty and informant interviews revealed that the timing of the fall break had an impact on how students and faculty experienced the break and thus influenced perceptions on the impact that the break had on student mental health. Comprehensive evidence about whether a fall break policy supports or undermines the mental health of students needs to be assessed using a range of indicators before its implementation. This will help post-secondary institutions determine whether a break in the fall semester can be an effective approach to addressing students’ stress and anxiety.

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