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Item Prevalence of Mental Health Challenges in College Student-Athletes(2022-06) Allen, Morgan Rae; Hensel, Devon J.; Daday, Jerry; Foote, Carrie E.Mental health concerns among NCAA student-athletes have increased in the past decade. Prior research demonstrates the intense environment student-athletes reside in and the negative impact it can have on one’s mental health. However, little is known about the prevalence of mental health symptoms and the choices student-athletes make in regard to their mental health. We aimed to demonstrate the prevalence of adverse mental health outcomes in this population and the subsequent consequences it can have on collegiate student-athletes. Additionally, we examined how the demographic characteristics and behavior factors can affect their mental health, mental health stigma, and help-seeking behavior. Our sample consisted of 236 student-athletes participating in NCAA institutions across the country, with a target audience of Horizon League competing institutions. We utilized descriptive statistics, linear regression, and ordinal regression to examine the prevalence of each predictor and outcome variable. The following scales were utilized to assess various mental health outcomes: Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K6), Psychological Well-Being Scale (PWB), UCLA Loneliness Scale, and the Connor-Davison Resilience Scale (CD-RISC2). Data show that a higher cumulative GPA was associated with lower mental distress and significantly more likely to have higher resilience. Additionally, athletes who were injured, were significantly more likely to experience mental distress compared to their non-injured peers. Furthermore, cisgender females reported significantly higher mental distress compared to their cisgender male counterparts. Student-athletes reporting an increase in public stigma revealed lower mental well-being and higher levels of mental distress. These findings indicate that participant characteristics do impact the adverse mental health outcomes student-athletes experience. The public and/or self-stigma one experiences can impact the overall well-being of the individual when it comes to mental health. We recommend that future studies examine how stigma can affect the choices of how student-athletes navigate their personal mental health. Future research should investigate new ways to combat the negative consequences of mental health challenges to improve the overall student-athlete experience.Item Promotion of Health and Fitness Programming Using an Occupation-Based Approach: A Doctoral Capstone Project(2023-05-01) Feldman, Anna; Chase, Tony; Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Health and Human Sciences; Tilley, VickiThere is an abundance of health and fitness programming that has been developed. However, considerations need to be made in order to meet the needs of the individual accessing programming. For individuals with intellectual disabilities, factors such as poor health, limited accessibility, lack of modifications, and other barriers are common and can impact engagement in healthy lifestyles. Special Olympics North Carolina (SONC) is one organization that aims to be inclusive and promote health and fitness among this population. While the organization offers various opportunities to participate in health-related activities, enhancements can be made in order to increase accessibility, engagement, and participation from athletes of all ability levels. SONC Health partnered with the Indiana University capstone student to address a gap found in current programming. The ultimate purpose of the project was to create and implement sustainable and impactful resources that incorporated health and fitness education as well as occupation to increase accessibility and engagement. Project materials acted as a virtual supplement to a specific program previously developed by the site. Results collected through multiple surveys demonstrated positive outcomes related to the achievement of project goals as well as suggested possible directions for future site endeavors.Item The role of exercise in atrial fibrillation prevention and promotion: Finding optimal ranges for health(Elsevier, 2017) Elliott, Adrian D.; Maatman, Benjamin; Emery, Michael S.; Sanders, Prashanthan; Department of Medicine, School of MedicineThe cardiovascular benefits of regular exercise have been well described, including a significant reduction in cardiovascular morbidity and mortality for those meeting recommended guidelines. Yet the impact of physical activity on the incidence of atrial fibrillation (AF) has been less clear. This review seeks to define the optimal dose and duration for the prevention and treatment of AF. In doing so, we review the evidence that supports a decline in AF risk for those who achieve a weekly physical activity dose slightly above the current recommended guidelines. Furthermore, we identify the reduced AF incidence in those individuals who attain a cardiorespiratory fitness of 8 METs (metabolic equivalents of task) or more during maximal exercise testing. Finally, we review the evidence that shows an excess of AF among regular participants of endurance exercise.