Kinesiology & Health Science

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Open Access
A Behavioural Genetic Model of the Mechanisms Underlying the Link Between Obesity and Dimensional Measures of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
(2015-12-16) Patte, Karen Allison; Davis, Caroline A.
Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate genetic and psycho-behavioural mechanisms contributing to the strong ADHD symptom-obesity association. Genetic variants associated with hypo-dopaminergic functioning have been implicated in ADHD, particularly the 7-repeat allele of a VNTR located on the DRD4 gene, likely due to the receptor’s predominance in the prefrontal cortex. Based on this evidence, some experts have suggested that a shared aetiology of a dysfunctional dopamine (DA) system is responsible for the link. However, this conflicts with accumulating evidence that it is actually an amplified DA signal that increases the risk for overeating and weight gain due to a stronger appetitive response to food cues. It seems plausible that individuals with ADHD symptoms who are predisposed overeat are those who also possess a high sensitivity to, and greater motivation to seek out, rewarding stimuli, as reflected by increased DA availability in the brain reward pathways. Accordingly, the current study tested the hypothesis that symptoms of ADHD, predicted by hypo-dopaminergic functioning in the prefrontal cortex, in combination with an enhanced appetitive drive, predict hedonic eating, and in turn, higher BMI. Methods: Functional markers of the DRD2 and DRD4 were genotyped to determine their contributions to ADHD symptoms and various indices of hedonic eating, respectively. The model was tested using Structural Equation Modeling procedures in a general population sample (n=421 adults) representing a broad range of body mass index (BMI) values. Results: Overall, the fit indices indicated that the proposed model was a good fit to the data. Controlling for education level, all parameter estimates were in the expected direction and statistically significant with the exception of the pathway from the DRD4 marker to ADHD symptoms. The indirect effect was significant, indicating that overeating mediated the association between ADHD symptoms and BMI. Conclusions: Results lend support to the hypothesis that overeating and an elevated DA signal in the ventral striatum – representative of a greater reward response – are responsible for the link between ADHD symptoms and obesity. The current study was the first to connect the most prominent and supported theories of ADHD with evidence-based models of hedonic eating.
Open Access
A Comprehensive analysis of the factors affecting the development of expertise in athletes with impairments
(2021-07-06) Dehghansai, Nima; Baker, Joe
Abstract Objective: The overarching purpose of this dissertation was to provide an overview of impairment-related factors that influence Paralympic sport (PS) athletes sporting trajectory by examining various stages of the pathway including initiation and recruitment, development, and transfer. First, a modified version of Newells constraints-led model was introduced to collate current literature and highlight the complexity of the factors that facilitate or debilitate development. Second, the demographic and sporting characteristics of participants attending the Paralympian Search events were examined with subsequent recommendations to optimize this process. Third, a detailed overview of Australian and Canadian Paralympic sport athletes developmental trajectories, training histories, and experience in organized sports was explored while controlling for athletes onset of impairment. Last, factors impacting athletes decision to retire and/or transfer between sports were identified, which led to propositions to optimize initiatives to support athletes transfer. Methods: This dissertation used a concurrent mixed-methods approach by using the Paralympian Search survey to collect data for study 1 (Chapter 3), a modified Developmental History of Athletes Questionnaire (DHAQ) to collect data for study 2 (Chapters 4, 5, and 6), and semi-structured interviews to gain insight to coaches and athletes perspective of talent transfer (study 3, Chapter 7). A descriptive analysis along parametric (ANOVAs and Bonferroni post-hoc tests) and non-parametric (Kruskal-Wallis tests with Mann-Whitney U post-hoc procedures) tests were used to examine the quantitative data while thematic analysis guided the exploration of the qualitative data. Results: Several key findings were identified across the studies including 1) the lack of female athletes or participants from rural areas at the Search events, 2) transfer being perceived as an alternative to retirement, yet, currently only being implemented informally in less than ideal conditions, and the 3) strong synergy between athletes previous (Paralympic and able-bodied) sports to their current PS. However, the most notable finding was the influence of impairment-onset on athletes sporting trajectories. More specifically, athletes with congenital and early-acquired impairments (pre-adolescence, adolescence) reached developmental and performance milestones at younger chronological ages than athletes with late-onset impairment (acquired during adulthood), while the latter groups fast-tracked to achieve these milestones at an earlier point in their careers. There were no significant differences in the amount of training accumulated over athletes careers; however, each group demonstrated a different training profile (i.e., hours devoted to each training condition varied between groups). In addition, athletes with impairments acquired during adulthood incorporated some of the training conditions earlier in their careers in comparison to athletes with a congenital or early-onset impairment. Conclusions: The collation of findings suggests different resources may be necessary for athletes at different stages of their careers depending when the onset of impairment occurred, including more specialized pathways with access to key resources for athletes with late-onset impairments and opportunity for multi-sport programs for athletes with congenital and early-onset impairments. In addition, there is a need for initiatives to support the involvement of more female athletes, participants in rural areas, and athletes looking to transfer sports. However, the complexity and dynamics of development, including impairment-related factors, emphasize the need to consider more in-depth, individualized approaches to understanding athlete development in the Paralympic context.
Open Access
A Guided Active Play Invention Focused on Selectively Improving Locomotor and Object Control Motor Skills During Early Childhood
(2016-09-20) Moghaddaszadeh, Asal; Belcastro, Angelo
The relationship between level of proficiency in motor skill (MS) (for either locomotor (LOC) and/or object control (OC)) and increased physical activity (PA) participation in children aged 5 to 7 years is lacking in literature. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of a guided active play intervention program targeting LOC or OC skill development on MS proficiency and percent moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA). The LOC focused MS intervention group showed improvements for all sub-types (LOC, OC, and GMQ), however, the OC focused intervention group only showed significant improvements in LOC score. Minimal changes in MS scores were observed for the comparative group (SAS) that did not receive any specific intervention program. It is concluded that the relationship between PA and MS proficiency during early childhood needs to reflect the notion that PA intensity (>40% MVPA) is an important component influencing MS development.
Open Access
A Novel Protective Role for p130 in Neuron Oxidative Stress
(2018-11-21) D'Souza, Ninoschka Carolyn Mervyn; Scime, Anthony
The human brain is the most energy-consuming and highly oxidative organ in the body. It generates high levels of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS), damaging proteins and DNA. This is evident in neurodegenerative diseases and aging where the brains defence mechanisms prove insufficient. We provide insight into a novel mechanism of ROS defence in the brain, mediated via p130 that limits oxidative phosphorylation. Conditions of increased metabolic stress or treatment of neurons with ROS inducing agent resulted in mitochondrial localization of p130 in neurons. In the mitochondria, p130 bound to mitochondrial DNA and was associated with decreased mitochondrial gene expression. This resulted in decreased ATP production, thus limiting ROS generation. Our results highlight a new understanding of transcriptional regulation of the mitochondrial genome by the nuclear transcriptional corepressor p130. This might serve as a potential mechanism to control ROS production of neurons in response to increased metabolic stress.
Open Access
A Novel Regulatory Function for p130 in Adipocyte Fatty Acid Metabolism
(2018-11-21) Edjiu, Nareh Rinei; Scime, Anthony
Understanding the complex control mechanisms governing fatty acid synthesis and mobilization holds prognostic and therapeutic potential in treating metabolic diseases such as obesity and diabetes. Our data has uncovered a novel function for the transcriptional co-repressor p130 in adipocytes. In particular, we found that the subcellular localization of p130 supports fatty acid metabolism. Indeed, stimulating lipogenesis increased p130 levels in the mitochondria. Here it interacted at the D-loop regulatory region of mitochondrial DNA, repressing genes involved in oxidative phosphorylation. This could allow the intermediates of the TCA cycle to be utilized for lipid synthesis in lieu of energy production. Conversely, inducing lipolysis via 3-adrenergic activation in white adipocytes or a physiological challenge imposed by fasting, decreased p130 levels in the mitochondria, concomitant with increased mitochondrial-encoded gene expression. Unexpectedly, 3-adrenergic stimulation showed the reverse effect in brown adipocytes. Our results provide valuable insight for deconstructing the intricate metabolic framework of adipocytes.
Open Access
A Simplified Approach for the Direct Detection of Protein Oxidation in Muscle Using In-Gel and Microplate Assays
(2016-09-20) Nejatbakhsh, Ali; Perry, Christopher G. R.
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are emerging as regulators of protein redox states which influence many physiological processes. Current methods for the detection of protein redox states, including mass spectrometry, are expensive and not easily accessible or poorly validated. IRdye800CW Maleimide, a highly sensitive maleimide-based infrared dye, has been reported to detect the redox state of immunoprecipitated proteins in cardiac muscle using modified western blot procedures, but has yet to be validated as a novel tool to detect redox conditions throughout the proteome using common and cost-effective assays. In this study we tested the efficacy of IRDye800CW Maleimide in detecting protein redox state in cardiac muscle using mini-gel SDS-PAGE and an in-well approach. Chemical and heat-induced modifications to cardiac tissue redox states were accurately detected with the dye in cardiac lysates. These findings were also validated against HPLC measures of GSSG content.
Open Access
A Telephone-Assisted Planning Intervention to Promote Parental Support for Physical Activity Among Children and Youth With Disabilities
(2016-11-25) Tanna, Sunita; Basett-Gunter, Rebecca
Enhanced parental support could increase physical activity (PA) among children and youth with disabilities (CYD). The multi-process action control (M-PAC) model highlights behavioral strategies such as action planning (AP) as critical in facilitating parental support. There is no known research examining AP as a tool to promote parental PA support among parents of CYD. Purpose: Evaluate a telephone-assisted AP intervention for promoting parental PA support. Method: Parents of CYD were randomized to a telephone-assisted AP intervention (n= 28) or no-support control group (n= 29). Results: Compared to the no-support control group, parents who received the telephone-assisted AP intervention were 80% more likely to action plan. A significant time x condition interaction was found for behavioural strategies (i.e., planning, monitoring) (F(1,36)= 4.14, p= .049). Conclusion: Parents in the telephone-assisted AP intervention increased behavioural strategies to support their childs PA, which suggests AP support may enhance AP and parent support for PA.
Open Access
A Validation Study: Fitbit Charge 2 Heart Rate Measurement at Rest and During Cognitive-Emotional Stressors
(2021-11-15) Williams, Spencer Harrison; Ritvo, Paul G.
Previous studies emphasize concurrent validity of wearable devices during physical activity. We investigate device agreement between Fitbit Charge 2 (FBC2) Heart Rate (HR) and electrocardiography (ECG) under sedentary conditions. In a sample of 32 post-secondary students, agreement was observed during rest, negative affect images, deceptive pattern solving task, and a listening task. ECG HR and FBC2 HR was sampled continuously and transformed into 1120 paired 1-min epochs throughout a 35-minute protocol. Bland-Altman were adopted to evaluate agreement. FBC2 HR underestimated ECG HR as indicated by a mean error bias = -1.1 bpm (95% limits of agreement, -5.62 to 3.42), mean absolute percentage error 1.34 (SD = 1.85) %. Bland-Altman limits of agreement plot indicated minimal systematic error in the measurement range of 54 bpm to 117 bpm. When compared to gold-standard ECG HR the FBC2 HR demonstrated good agreement in healthy young adults.
Open Access
Abnormal COX2/PGE2 Signalling in the Developing Cerebellum - A Link to Autism Spectrum Disorders
(2022-03-03) Kissoondoyal, Ashby; Crawford, Dorota Anna
Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) include a group of neurodevelopmental conditions that are characterized by deficits in social interaction and communication, increases in repetitive/restricted often stereotyped behaviour, and increases in anxiety. The heterogeneous nature of ASDs with regards to symptoms but also genetic profiles of ASD individuals, make understanding factors contributing to the disorder complex. However, literature suggests that ASDs arise from a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Clinical studies have suggested that abnormal lipid signalling, as a result of environmental insults can contribute to the etiology of ASDs. The phospholipid membrane of cells within the can be metabolized into lipid signalling molecules, including prostaglandins. Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) is one of the most utilized lipid signalling molecules in the brain, involved in developmental processes such as synaptogenesis, migration, and differentiation of neuronal stem cells. Abnormal levels of PGE2, as well as COX-1 and COX-2, the rate-limiting enzymes in PGE2 synthesis have been linked to ASD. Furthermore, various environmental risk factors including exposure to heavy metals, infection/inflammation in pregnancy, exposure to pesticides, fragrances, and the use of over-the-counter medications such as aspirin and acetaminophen can affect PGE2 levels and are linked to ASD. The exact mechanisms that link abnormal COX2/PGE2 signalling to ASD are still unclear. To help address the lack of information, in this dissertation we first examine the effect of exposure to PGE2 on differentiated neuroectodermal (NE-4C) stem cells. Further, Studies have demonstrated that the cerebellum may be important in the etiology of ASDs. Interestingly there is evidence that PGE2 can affect postnatal development of the cerebellum. We examine the effect of increases (in a maternal PGE2 injection model) and decreases (in a COX-2--KI model) in PGE2 levels on prenatal neurodevelopment. We specifically examine the effects of these increases and decreases on cytoskeletal-dependent morphology through dendritic morphology within the cerebellum. Additionally, we examine the effect of prenatal PGE2-exposure on cerebellar-dependent motor function postnatally. Given the importance of sex as a factor in examining neurodevelopmental disorders such as ASD that have a large sex bias towards males, all of our in vivo studies address the modulation of the PGE2 effect by sex. These studies demonstrate that abnormal COX2/PGE2 signalling can affect important neurodevelopmental processes in vitro and development of the cerebellum in vivo. We observed disruptions in cytoskeletal dynamics, and changes in the expression of cytoskeletal proteins corresponding to abnormal COX2/PGE2 signalling. In PGE2-exposed mice, the changes in dendritic morphology in the cerebellum, corresponded to deficits in cerebellar motor function. Further, we found that the disruption of COX2/PGE2 affected development in a sex-dependent manner. The findings strengthen the involvement of COX2/PGE2 signalling in normal development of the brain and further suggest that abnormal COX2/PGE2 signalling as a result of exposure to environmental factors can result in neuropathologies including those found in ASDs
Open Access
Accelerometer Measured Physical Activity and Obesity
(2017-07-26) Raiber, Lilian; Kuk, Jennifer
The use of accelerometers to objectively measure physical activity (PA) volume does not account for inter-individual differences in body mass or cardiorespiratory fitness among adults, which may contribute to the commonly observed discrepancies between objective and subjective measures of PA. Using a sample of 6149 adults from the National Health and Nutrition Survey, the first study demonstrated that for given accelerometer count, individuals with overweight and obesity had a greater rate of energy expenditure than normal weight, and that accounting for differences in energy expenditure due to body mass reduced discrepancies between objective and subjective measures of PA. The second study demonstrated that current accelerometer threshold values used to measure durations of PA may not correspond to the appropriate respective relative intensity of PA after accounting for maximal oxygen consumption by sex and body mass index categories in 828 adults. These results suggest that the established accelerometer thresholds may bias measures of objective PA for individuals with obesity and this may contribute to the discrepancies seen between objective and subjective measures of PA volume.
Open Access
Action Intention Modulates the Activity Pattern in Early Visual Areas
(2018-08-27) Velji- Ibrahim, Jena; Crawford, John Douglas
The activity pattern in the early visual cortex (EVC) can be used to predict upcoming actions as it is functionally connected to higher-order motor areas. However, the mechanism by which the EVC enhances action-relevant features is unclear. We explored this using fMRI. Participants performed Align or Open Hand movements to two oriented objects. We localized the calcarine sulcus, corresponding to the periphery, and the occipital pole, corresponding to the fovea. During planning, univariate analysis did not reveal significant results so we used multi-voxel pattern analysis (MVPA) to decode action type and object orientation. Though objects were located in the periphery, we found a significant decoding accuracy for orientation in an action-dependent manner in the occipital pole and action network areas. We established the functional connectivity between the EVC and somatomotor areas during planning using psychophysiological interaction (PPI) analysis. Taken together, our results show object orientation is modulated by action preparation.
Open Access
Action Sport for development in the Philippines: Exploring the Surfing, Well-Being and Environment Nexus
(2022-12-14) Bandoles, Emerald; Hayhurst, Lyndsay M.
Internationally, (action) sport for development and peace (ASDP) initiatives use sport as a tool for development purposes to address several issues, including conserving the environment and promoting gender equality, health, and well-being among program participants. The purpose of this research project was to explore the experiences of the staff members and participants of local non-governmental organization (NGO), in Siargao, Philippines. Drawing on postcolonial feminist political ecology (PFPE), this participatory action research project (PAR) utilized visual methods, semi-structured interviews, document analysis, and reflexive journals to investigate how the Siargaonon NGO participants, volunteers, and staff experience its activities on well-being and local environmental efforts. The findings highlight that the role of surfing is nebulous, and the activity is rooted to the economic development history of the island. Moreover, the findings demonstrate how the environment, colonial and imperial histories, politics, local knowledge, and cultural forces (i.e., race, class, and gender) are important factors that shape surf development efforts, well-being, and leisure participation of the participants. The significance of this study has a range of benefits for the scholarly and ASDP community including, but not limited to: (1) initiating new discussions and practices on how to better support programming, community, and participants; and (2) identifying resources that the NGO may need to improve overall environmental and well-being efforts in Siargao.
Open Access
Adaptability of Human Gait: Exploring Red Noise Auditory Stimuli and Gait Fluctuation Patterns
(2019-11-22) Power, Cecilia Rose; Gage, William
Using dynamical systems approaches to examine gait, it has been found that variability structure is important for understanding gait, and that stimuli can influence gait variability. The present study was performed to test for an adaptability limit and to analyze stepping strategies used for entraining gait. The study used Detrended Fluctuation Analysis to analyze gait variability, characterized by a Fractal Scaling Index (FSI), compared to auditory stimuli with FSI values between 1.00 to 1.25. Stepping strategy was analyzed through kinematics including cadence, stride time, and stride velocity, and comparing stride times to stimuli onset times. Fourteen participants completed one baseline trial and six stimuli-cued walking trials. For gait FSI, differences were found for both stimuli and sex. However, entrainment error only had differences for stimuli, and kinematic variables only showed differences between sexes. Overall, the study showed that a possible entrainment limit exists at a stimuli FSI value of 1.20.
Open Access
Addressing Gaps in Our Understanding of the Epidemiology of Drowning at the Global, National, and Local Level
(2017-07-27) Clemens, Tessa Karin; Macpherson, Alison
Introduction: The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that there are at least 372,000 deaths by drowning each year, making drowning the third leading cause of unintentional injury death worldwide. Despite its global impact, drowning remains a neglected public health issue and relatively under-researched area. Objective: (1) To conduct a comprehensive epidemiological investigation and address gaps in our understanding of the drowning problem at the global, national, and local level; and (2) to provide policy-makers and advocates with comprehensive information to inform their drowning prevention efforts. Methods: This study involved retrospective reviews of five data sources: (1) global drowning data were extracted from the WHO mortality database for all countries that reported deaths using ICD-10 drowning codes; (2) data on non-fatal drowning victims who required hospital admission in Canada were obtained from the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI)s Discharge Abstract Database; (3) data on non-fatal drowning victims who required an emergency department visit were obtained from CIHIs National Ambulatory Care Reporting System; (4) data on unintentional fatal drowning deaths in Canada were obtained from the Drowning Prevention Research Centre (DPRC) database; (5) data on child drowning fatalities in private backyard pools in Ontario were collected from the case files at the Office of the Chief Coroner for Ontario using a structured questionnaire. Results: The results presented in this dissertation can inform drowning prevention globally, nationally, and locally. Internationally, official data categorization methods contribute to an underestimation of the burden of fatal drowning. In Canada, fatal drowning is only part of the problem; non-fatal drowning presents a substantial burden and the characteristics of non-fatal drowning differ significantly from fatal drowning. Further, although bystander intervention plays an important role in the survival of a drowning person, non-professional bystanders often intervene with high-risk, contact rescues, or do not attempt a rescue at all. Finally, children who drown in private backyard pools in Ontario often access the pool directly from the residence, yet most municipalities have not enacted isolation fencing bylaws. Conclusion: Addressing gaps in epidemiological drowning research at the global, national, and local level revealed several recommendations for policy, prevention, and future research.
Open Access
Adherence to a Community Based Tai Chi Program for Low-Income Older Adults
(2015-08-28) Shah, Suhayb; Ardern, Chris
The purpose of the current study was to determine factors affecting adherence in a 16 week Tai Chi program amongst multi-ethnic middle aged and older adults living in a low socio-economic environment in Toronto. Analysis was based on data collected from three Tai Chi cohorts taking place from August 2009 to March 2012. The main outcome variable, adherence, was measured by the total number of sessions attended by each of the participants. Total sample size was 210 participants with a mean age of 68.1±8.6. Based on the regression model, older age, greater perceived stress, higher education and higher short form-36 mental and physical scores were significantly associated with greater adherence. Conversely, higher baseline weekly physical activity was significantly associated with lower adherence. Our findings suggest we target less educated individuals with poor mental and physical health to optimize adherence for future community based Tai Chi programs.
Open Access
Adult Women's Learn to Play Hockey Experiences: A Case Study
(2015-12-16) Pidwerbeski, Daina Erin; Nakamura, Yuka
This research project examined the experiences of women enrolled in an Adult Learn-to-Play Hockey (ALTPH) program in Toronto, Ontario. This case study aimed to identify the barriers and facilitators to participation in hockey and the ALTPH program. Using qualitative research methods, the research project gained in-depth insight to the lived experiences of women enrolled in the ALTPH program. Participants consisted of 13 adult women that attended the ALTPH program in the fall of 2014; nine were interviewed. The researcher was a participant in the program, therefore this project includes an autoethnographic component. Findings indicate that barriers for earlier participation in hockey were, lack of opportunities, familial obligations, inconvenient time and location logistics, as well as access to equipment. Facilitators that were identified are, family that plays, program environment, prior skating experience, social class and individual desire. This project contributes to the knowledge on (older) women and novice hockey participation.
Open Access
Advancing Understanding of Early Specialization in Youth Sport
(2022-12-14) Mosher, Alexandra Patricia; Fraser-Thomas, Jessica; Baker, Joe
Objective: The overarching purpose of this dissertation was to better understand early specialization, through two main objectives. The first objective was to determine research gaps in existing literature, and the second was to develop a valid tool for measuring specialization based on the identified gaps. Methods: In Chapter Two, a systematic review of the literature was conducted. Both non-data driven and data-driven studies were included to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the literature. Chapter Three describes a two-part study. In part one, 362 athletes were coded as specializers or non specializers depending on three different indicators used in previous research. In part two, 237 athletes were then coded to determine whether they were elite, pre-elite or nonelite in adulthood. Lastly, in Chapter Five, a Delphi-approach included 16 experts in the field to test elements of validity of the Sport Exposure Scale. Results: Findings from Chapter Two indicated inconsistent definitions and measures used in the literature and a clear discrepancy between key components of early specialization and approaches used to classify early specializers. Chapter Three results showed the proportion of athletes classified as specialisers varied depending on the method used and that there was no clear advantage or disadvantage to being a specializer based on skill-level achieved. Finally, in Chapter Five, the content and face validity of the Sport exposure Scale was established when the Delphi panellists reached consensus for each item. Conclusion: This dissertation highlighted gaps in the literature around early specialization and showed the implications of measurement imprecision. This dissertation attempted to provide a solution to these issues by creating the Sport Exposure Scale, which was designed to help advance not only our understanding of early specialization, but sport participation pathways in general. This dissertation provides areas for future research and has significant implications for research, stakeholders and society more broadly.
Open Access
Advancing Understanding of Toddler and Preschooler Sport Participation: A Research Area in its Infancy
(2020-05-11) Harlow, Meghan; Fraser-Thomas, Jessica L.
The purpose of this doctoral dissertation was to advance understanding of early-years (<6) sport and organized physical activity (OPA) participation. This research involved a scoping review, followed by a qualitative case-study, which drew upon multiple data collection methods (semi-structured interviews, observation) from multiple perspectives (toddlers, preschoolers, parents, coaches; N=27), providing a comprehensive picture of early-years sport (Baxter & Jack, 2008; Creswell, 2012). Specific goals across four manuscripts/studies were to: (1) systematically review and synthesize research examining developmental outcomes associated with early-years sport involvement, (2) explore parents, coaches, and childrens perceived outcomes and experiences of early-years sport, (3) explore early-years sport pathways and patterns of engagement, and (4) explore coaches experiences in early-years sport, focusing on challenges-faced and strategies drawn-upon for effective coaching. Scoping review findings (Study 1) offer preliminary evidence that early sport and OPA participation is related to primarily positive outcomes (e.g., enhanced social skills, pro-social behaviours, self-regulation); however, negative and inconclusive outcomes were also identified. Study 2 showed some alignment between parents, coaches, and childrens perceived outcomes and experiences in early-years sport in the areas of physical activity, energy management, sport skill acquisition, physical literacy, learning to win and lose, and social/life skills. Findings were moderated by childrens age, developmental capacities, sport readiness, and attendance in other programs (e.g., music, preschool). Study 3 offered insight into early-years sport, OPA, and unstructured sport pathways, highlighting common features and engagement patterns within programming (e.g., structure, movement/sport skill focus, play-based activities). Findings suggest existing life-span sport participation/development models may not align with delivery of and experiences within early-years sport programming. Finally, Study 4 highlighted unique challenges and strategies for effective coaching across diverse early-years coaching contexts, showing differences according to program-type (i.e., private and club-based versus community-based). Collectively, this research advances limited understanding of early-years sport and OPA participation, which may help inform key stakeholders decisions around early-years sport programming; several important future research directions are outlined.
Open Access
Aging and Negotiating Social Stigma: Stereotypes and Stairs
(2017-07-27) Stone, Rachael Chana; Baker, Joseph
Negative age-stereotypes can foster biopsychosocial health consequences within older adults; however, there is a paucity of research examining self-efficacy (a determinant of activity avoidance or uptake), and no research exploring stair navigation performances after exposure to age-stereotypes. The present work aimed to examine the influence of age-stereotype priming on stair navigation, while exploring self-efficacy as a moderator in older adults. Older adults aged 50 years or greater were voluntarily recruited within the Greater Toronto Area. In total, 130 older adults participated, of which 90 represented the healthy sub-sample and 40 represented those with osteoarthritis. Psychological questionnaires and stair navigation assessments were completed after exposure to age-stereotype primes. The following manuscripts act as independent and connected segments toward examining stereotype priming, stair navigation, and self-efficacy in older adults. Manuscript one illustrates the development of effective stereotype primes and statistical models for analyzing the effects of age-stereotypes on stair navigation and self-efficacy for stairs. The results confirmed variables and statistical methodologies to be used in further analyses, with implications for streamlining future research. Stemming from this work, manuscript two and three employ these models to examine the influence of age-stereotype priming on self-efficacy for stairs in healthy older adults from baseline to post-exposure, as well as the influence of priming on stair navigation. The results suggested negatively primed older adults experienced declines in self-efficacy for stairs, while displaying slower stair navigation compared to those positively primed. The implications speak to developing priming as an intervention tool to mitigate negative primes and enhance task-specific functionality and well-being in healthy older adults. Building from these results, manuscript four compared the influence of stereotype priming on self-efficacy for stairs and stair navigation among healthy adults and those with osteoarthritis, the most common age-related condition. The results suggested a complex relationship regarding prime exposure and the health status of older adults. These findings have implications for developing primes for special populations to facilitate performance enhancements. Overall, these findings have implications for promoting stereotype research efficiency, while acknowledging the limitations that remain to be studied by future stereotype research regarding healthy adults and those with chronic conditions.
Open Access
Alcohol Use Among Off-Reserve Canadian Aboriginal Adolescents: Prevalence and Association With Cultural Participation
(2016-11-25) Brandon, Alisa; Tamim, Hala
A limited body of research suggests that cultural participation may protect Aboriginal adolescents against alcohol use. Therefore, this thesis examined the relationship between cultural participation, including Aboriginal language knowledge and participation in extracurricular cultural activities, and three alcohol use outcomes 12-month alcohol use, heavy episodic drinking (HED), and weekly alcohol use, among off-reserve Aboriginal adolescents. The 2012 Aboriginal Peoples Survey, a national cross-sectional survey of off-reserve Aboriginal identity individuals aged six years and older, was used. The analysis was restricted to adolescents aged 15 through 18 years with non-proxy interviews. Overall, 64.0 percent reported using alcohol in the past year, 22.4 percent participated in HED, and 10.9 percent used alcohol weekly. Aboriginal language knowledge was inversely associated with all outcomes, while participating in extracurricular cultural activities was negatively associated with 12-month alcohol use. Programs that promote Aboriginal languages and culture may be successful in reducing alcohol use among Aboriginal youth.