Robbins College of Health and Human Services

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A case study of Mission Guatemala’s nutrition outreach feeding programs for children in Guatemala.
(2016-04-19) Gossett, Jakalyn, 1991-; Walter, Janelle Marshall.
Guatemala is a country with the fourth highest rate of chronic undernutrition in the world and the highest rate in Latin America and the Caribbean [1]. Nutrition initiatives with feeding programs have been incorporated into communities to help alleviate childhood undernourishment. In May 2015, a qualitative descriptive study explored various feeding programs offered in elementary schools in communities near Panajachel, Guatemala with a primary objective to provide up-to-date information on nutrition intervention feeding programs and better assess the performance of these programs. The information gathered in this study aims to facilitate future research with more intense investigation of childhood malnutrition and feeding programs offered in Guatemala.
A pilot study : evaluation of the effectiveness of a cooking class in increasing cancer patients' self-efficacy, sense of control and knowledge.
(2016-03-20) Chi, Hailin.; Greathouse, K. Leigh.
Nutrition and cancer patients’ food choices impact treatment outcomes and survival rates. The goal of nutrition education is dietary behavior change, yet it is unclear which educational format is the most effective. The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a cooking class in increasing cancer patient’s cooking knowledge, self-efficacy and sense of control during treatment and recovery through meal planning and food preparation. A pre-and post-test survey design was implemented on a convenience group. Paired t-tests were performed for pre-and post study comparisons, with independent sample t-tests for between-group comparisons. There was a significant increase in knowledge after the cooking class intervention (p<.05). Subjects with a bachelor’s degree had a higher sense of control (p<.10), compared with those with trade/technical/vocational training. Given the results were validated in a larger patient population, these data suggest that demographic characteristics need to be considered during nutritional educational experiences to enhance the intervention effectiveness.
Acute effects of caloric intake and macronutrient type on body weight, body composition, resting energy expenditure, and total metabolic rate.
(2006-07-31T01:12:44Z) Thomas, Ashli.; Kreider, Richard B., 1962-; Health, Human Performance and Recreation.; Baylor University. Dept. of Health, Human Performance and Recreation.
Obesity is a growing epidemic with no consensus regarding solutions. Thirty healthy overweight and obese female subjects (41.9 ± 12 years, 166 cm ± 7 cm, a 100.5 kg ± 19.6 kg, 46.0% ± 4.0% body fat, and BMI 37.4 ± 6.9) participated in the study. A 14-day dietary intervention examined acute effects of energy balance and macronutrient type on dietary intake, REE, body weight, body composition, and thyroid panel. Significant changes occurred in weight loss over time (p < 0.001); body fat mass over time (p < 0.001) and time x diet (p = 0.02); body fat percentage over time (p < 0.002) and time x diet (p = 0.023); REE over time (p = 0.03), and thyroid panel. Body weight continued to decrease during positive energy balance, yet metabolism rebounded. Results suggest energy balance has a greater overall effect on REE and weight loss than macronutrient type.
Acute effects of dynamic and static stretch on the peak torque and ROM of the shoulder internal and external rotators.
(2010-10-08T16:28:04Z) Smart, Mary Megan.; Greenwood, Lori D.; Health, Human Performance and Recreation.; Baylor University. Dept. of Health, Human Performance and Recreation.
Purpose: The primary purpose was to determine whether or not static and/or dynamic stretch techniques affect the peak torque and average power of the shoulder rotators. A secondary purpose was to assess and compare range of motion after the two stretching techniques. Methods: Using a cross-over design, 16 recreationally active females (18-35 yrs) participated in three sessions (baseline, static stretch, dynamic stretch) separated by at least 48 hours. Each subject warmed-up for five minutes before being tested for peak torque and power measurements, using Biodex System 3 Isokinetic dynamometer with 5 repetitions at 60°/second and 180°/second, and range of motion with a standard universal goniometer was also measured. In sessions two and three, the participant performed either 3x15 repetitions of five dynamic stretches or 3x25 second holds of five static stretches between warm-up and testing. Subjects were randomized as to the order of stretch sessions. Results: No significant differences were found between stretch protocols.
The acute effects of Pterocarpus Marsupium supplementation on insulin-dependent and insulin-independent signaling pathways at rest, after an oral glucose tolerance test and after intense exercise in overweight pre-diabetic females.
(2010-06-23T12:25:24Z) Shelmadine, Brian.; Cooke, Matthew B.; Willoughby, Darryn Scott, 1963-; Health, Human Performance and Recreation.; Baylor University. Dept. of Health, Human Performance and Recreation.
Increasing physical activity and modifying diet to incorporate more phytonutrients has been suggested as a way to prevent the progression of insulin resistance (IR) into cardiometabolic disease. Pterocarpus Marsupium (PM), a phytonutrient compound shown to improve hyperglycemia, could potentially improve IR. The primary purpose of this study was to examine the effects of PM on insulin sensitivity and blood lipids in overweight and obese, sedentary women classified as prediabetic. Further, to examine the effects of acute ingestion of PM on insulin- and exercise-mediated glucose disposal following an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and aerobic exercise bout, and to understand the mechanisms by which PM supplementation may affect specific muscle gene expression. A double-blind, randomized, placebo controlled study was conducted. Participants consumed 250 mg of either PM (n=8) or placebo (PL, n=8) twice daily for 6 days. Blood and muscle samples were obtained prior to supplementation, prior to and following OGTT, and prior to and following an exercise bout. Following OGTT, plasma glucose levels were higher at 30 minutes (p<0.001) and 1 hour post-OGTT (p=0.001) in both PM and PL groups. Similarly, plasma insulin levels were higher 30 minutes (p=0.023), 1 hour (p=0.023), and 2 hours post-OGTT (p=0.003) in both PM and PL groups. Additionally, serum glucose levels decreased from 30 minutes to 1 hour postexercise (p = 0.011), and from 30 minutes to 2 hours postexercise (p = 0.013) in both PM and PL groups. A significant increase in mRNA expression of Akt2 (p = 0.001), AMPK (p = 0.001), AS160 (p = 0.02), and PPARα (p = 0.025) was observed one hour after OGTT. The findings suggest that 250 mg of PM twice daily does not improve insulin sensitivity or fasting lipid levels in this population. However, this is the first study to report the novel finding of an increase in skeletal muscle mRNA expression of Akt2, AMPK, AS160, and PPARα in response to an OGTT. The observed increase, and subsequent decrease, in serum glucose levels after brief, maximal exertion exercise was also novel.
Adherence to Fall Prevention Strategies in Community-Dwelling Older Adults
(2023-06-14) Kubista, Katharyn Ann; Collins, Kayla; Baylor University. Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences. Occupational Therapy; Baylor University.; Baylor University. Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences. Occupational Therapy
Occupational Therapists are in a unique position to educate community-dwelling older adults about various extrinsic modifiable fall prevention strategies to assist with maintaining an independent lifestyle. Five out of five (100%) participants in this evidence-based project adhered to at least three fall prevention strategies after attending a course. All participants adhered removing throw rugs, decluttering their homes and installing night lights. There were at least two strategies, changing the bed height and installing railings, that no participants adhered to at the four week follow up call. Limitations include only conducting a community basedclass, having a small sample size and participants were all rural living adults over the age of 60. While the results from this evidence-based project support the adherence of fall prevention strategies, more research must be conducted with a larger sample size and varying communities including non rural communities and must examine participants of varying ages. In addition, further research needs to be conducted on how home visits impact adherence to fall prevention strategies.
An examination of factors affecting student-athlete satisfaction with stadium facilities.
(2019-01-31) Marsh, John Patrick, 1984-; Petersen, Jeffrey C. (Jeffrey Christian)
College athletic departments are in the midst of an era of rapidly increasing budgets and an accompanying facility construction and renovation boom (Fulks, 2015). Athletic departments are building bigger, nicer, more state-of-the-art facilities at extremely high rates and the building boom has persisted through the most recent economic recession (Bennett, 2012). As facility construction and renovations boom the question becomes, what impact are these new facilities having on their institutions and more specifically their athletes? Researchers have examined the impact of numerous factors on the student-athlete experience, but not the impact of the built environment, specifically athletic facilities. To conduct this type of research, a tool to assess facilities from the student-athletes' perspective must be developed. Therefore, this study developed and validated a survey scale to measure student-athlete satisfaction with football stadium facilities. A reviewer of consumer satisfaction, facility evaluation, and service quality literature informed the development of a three factor (functional, atmospheric, and athletic) theoretical model with one moderator (financial). From this model a 54-item survey was developed with all responses using a seven-point Likert scale. The survey was distributed to football student-athletes (n=779) from a cross-sectional sample by NCAA division of ten universities across the United States. Exploratory factor analysis revealed six underlying factors of student-athlete satisfaction with stadium facilities: functional, convenience, game day, audio video, safety security, and aesthetics. Confirmatory factor analysis revealed a good fit to the data (x 2 (1388) = 5516.73, p<.001, CFI=.89, TLI=.88, RMSEA = .08]. Additionally, financial variables were found to have weak positive correlations to each of the six underlying factors resulting in a final model for student-athlete satisfaction with stadium facilities of six factors with one moderator. The instrument developed from this study has numerous theoretical and managerial implications. The instrument can be used by researchers to examine the impact of athletic facilities on the student-athlete experience, student-athlete recruitment, and student-athlete retention. Additionally, the instrument can be used by athletic administrators to provide valuable information from the student-athletes that can be used when making facility-related decisions.
An investigation of acute exercise and FGF21.
(2020-07-14) Peterson, Matthew, 1992-; Funderburk, LesLee K.
Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is a molecule that freely circulates in the blood and helps to regulate metabolism. Interest in FGF21 stems from its ability to promote weight loss and ameliorate type II diabetes in animal models. Recent findings have shown that blood levels of FGF21 increase after a single bout of aerobic exercise. Neither the mechanism behind this post-exercise increase in FGF21 nor the potential downstream effects of this increase are known. Similarly, little is known about the effect of biological sex or other types of exercise on circulating levels of FGF21. This dissertation will investigate the effects of two different types of exercise – steady state aerobic and sprint interval – on blood levels of FGF21 in healthy males and females. Related to this aim, the dissertation will also investigate the relationship between potential upstream promoters of FGF21 production and circulating levels of FGF21 as well as the potential downstream effects that arise from a post-exercise increase in FGF21. A secondary aim is to investigate the relationship between baseline levels of FGF21 and physiological and lifestyle factors.
Analysis of exercise intensity and energy expenditure of women participating in the Curves exercise program.
(2006-07-30T19:49:16Z) Farris, Gregory D.; Kreider, Richard B., 1962-; Health, Human Performance and Recreation.; Baylor University. Dept. of Health, Human Performance and Recreation.
The Curves program is designed to improve fitness. The purpose of this study was to identify exercise intensity, HR and energy expenditure in a group of women participating in the Curves program. Seventy-eight women (53.6 ± 7.09 yrs, 192.1 ± 30.43 pounds, 43.5 ± 4.52 % fat) performed the Curves workout on two occasions. Results show that mean HR was 119 ± 15 b/min which was equivalent to 79% max HR or 63 % HRR. Thirty-three women (52.7 ± 6.68 yrs, 193.1 ± 31.73 pounds, 1.8 ± 0.28 L/min VO2 max) performed the Curves 30-min workout on two occasions. Results show that the mean RER to perform the 30-min workout was 1.00 ± 0.07 and 0.98 ± 0.05 for the two sessions. Estimated caloric expenditure was 164.5 ± 25.19 kcals and 160.6 ± 28.36 kcals for the two sessions. Results indicate that the Curves program qualifies as moderate intensity exercise.
An analysis of the strength of religious faith of student-athletes and non-student-athletes at NCAA Division I-FBS institutions.
(2014-01-28) Evans, Jonathan W. (Jonathan Worrell), 1977-; Petersen, Jeffrey C. (Jeffrey Christian); Health, Human Performance and Recreation.; Baylor University. Dept. of Health, Human Performance and Recreation.
This study evaluated and compared the religiosity of student-athletes and non- student-athletes at faith-based and non-faith-based NCAA Division I-FBS institutions via a modified version of the Santa Clara Strength of Religious Faith Questionnaire. A comparison of religiosity between institutions, gender, and student-athlete status was made as well as an exploration of the relationship between religiosity of these students and their intentions to use alcohol, tobacco, or performance enhancing drugs from a representative sample from two institutions (N = 613). Results from a 2 x 2 x 2 ANOVA found significant differences in religiosity based on gender, but no significant differences in religiosity by institution. The student-athletes at the non-faith-based institution were significantly more religious than the non-student-athletes. Logistic regression revealed students at the faith-based school were more likely to agree their faith impacted decisions regarding college choice, academic/athletic performance, alcohol, tobacco, and performance-enhancing drug use than those from the non-faith- based school.
Assessing physical activity behaviors among patients in a federally qualified health center (FQHC) : implications for physician-based physical activity counseling.
(2020-04-08) Gutierrez, Mariela Alejandra, 1994-; Ylitalo, Kelly R.
Physical activity (PA) is beneficial for overall health. However, the high prevalence of physical inactivity is concerning. Race/ethnic minority groups, such as Blacks and Hispanics, report significantly lower levels of PA. Behavior change theories, such as the Social Cognitive Theory (SCT), can help understand PA behavior adoption and maintenance. Assessing the relationship between SCT constructs and PA among diverse patient populations can help improve physician-based PA counseling, a primary care initiative to increase PA levels. This study assessed SCT constructs and the self-reported PA of a sample of federally-qualified health center patients. Self-efficacy and self-regulation of PA behavior were the most significant SCT constructs associated with PA behavior among patients. Physician-based PA counseling should incorporate strategies to increase self-efficacy and self-regulation. Moreover, the racial/ethnic differences of the associations between SCT constructs and PA suggest physician-based PA counseling programs should be tailored to the behavioral needs of diverse patient populations.
Association of dietary fiber intake with metabolic risk factors for type 2 diabetes in African American men.
(December 2022) Young, Madison A., 1996-; Stull, April J.
An insufficient amount of research has focused on the relationship between dietary intake and type 2 diabetes among African Americans (AA) which are disproportionately affected by the disease. This study examined the association of dietary fiber intake on metabolic risk factors for type 2 diabetes in AA men with a family history of type 2 diabetes. Measurements of anthropometry, blood pressure, DXA, and blood lipid profiles from the ARTIIS study (parent study) were used in the current study. Also, food frequency questionnaire and lifestyle history questionnaire were used. Outcomes indicated that dietary fiber intake is far below recommendations in AA men. Subjects that consumed higher dietary fiber had lower LDL-C (P≤0.05) and they self-reported currently exercising (P≤0.05). The relationship between dietary fiber and metabolic risk factors for type 2 diabetes was not evident. Our findings indicate the imperative need to further examine dietary patterns within AA and their influence on metabolic outcomes.
Barriers and facilitators of colorectal cancer screening in a federally-qualified health center : patient and clinician perspectives.
(2018-04-19) Camp, Brendan G., 1994-; Ylitalo, Kelly R.
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality in the United States. Current screening recommendations for individuals aged 50 to 75 years include colonoscopy every ten years, flexible sigmoidoscopy every five years, and/or annual stool-based testing. Stool-based testing, and specifically fecal immunochemical tests (FIT), are cost effective, easy to perform at home, and non-invasive. Efforts to enhance CRC screening has been effective the past few decades. Yet, many patients fail to return testing kits and remain unscreened. The purpose of the thesis was to evaluate perceived barriers and facilitators of FIT return in a Federally-Qualified Health Center. Patients who received a FIT order from January 1, 2017 to July 1, 2017 were enumerated (n=1498). After exclusion criteria, analysis of FIT returners (n=440) and FIT non-returners (n=435) was conducted to compare sociodemographic and health characteristics. Telephone surveys assessed barriers and facilitators of the CRC screening process for non-returners (n=121).
The Benefits of Yoga for Enhancement of Self-Regulation: A Case Report
(2023-08-02) Parks, Emily Elise; Collins, Kayla; Baylor University. Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences. Occupational Therapy; Baylor University.; Baylor University. Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences. Occupational Therapy
Many affirmative benefits are cited on yoga’s effectiveness in promoting self-regulation skills in children through reducing maladaptive behaviors, improving focus and attention and providing sensory input (Ehleringer, 2010; Goldberg, 2004; Pascoe & Bauer, 2015). In conjunction with typical occupational therapy intervention, the daily yoga intervention was beneficial for the participant with emotional dysregulation in promoting improved self-regulation skills in regards to improving emotional regulation and decreasing behavioral outbursts. Incorporating yoga techniques including physical postures, breath regulation, and mindfulness techniques shows potential to support healthier overall well-being and improved participation in daily activities for the participant. Increased time engagement in the yoga program may be beneficial for the child to experience greater advancements in self-regulation.
Burnout, diet quality, and sleep quality in college student athletes vs. physically active college students.
(2022-04-26) Renaldo, Mari, 1995-; Funderburk, LesLee K.
Burnout in sport may be on the rise given the pressures of an intense training schedule, balancing academics with a social life, eating a healthy diet, and getting adequate rest. College student athletes and physically active college students (PA college students), students that participate in 30 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity for a minimum of twice per week, were asked to complete an Athlete Burnout Questionnaire, Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index, and the Rapid Eating Assessment for Patients – Short Version. Results showed no significant differences in emotional exhaustion, devaluation, REAPS between athletes and PA college students. However, there was a significant difference between college student athletes and PA college students with the risk for burnout, specifically concerning personal accomplishment. There was a significant difference between college student athletes and PA college students with regards to sleep quality.
Calf muscle oxygen hemoglobin saturation characteristics in healthy and clinical populations.
(2018-04-11) Holmes, Michael Jacob, 1993-; Koutakis, Panagiotis.
Peripheral artery disease (PAD), a manifestation of systemic atherosclerosis, is characterized by atherosclerotic blockages of the arteries supplying blood to the legs. The occlusion results in decreased blood flow during exercise which alters calf muscle hemoglobin oxygen saturation (StO2) limiting functional capacity. Sarcopenia is the natural age-associated loss of muscle mass and function. This study examined changes in calf muscle StO2 across the lifespan in younger and older healthy individuals. The goal was to differentiate between changes seen from ageing and PAD and associate common sarcopenia tests, 4-meter walk speed and handgrip strength, with StO2 kinetics. Subjects completed the same tests, Gardner Treadmill test and 6-minute walk test, commonly performed with PAD patients. The results show that ageing, regardless of health, lowers and slows StO2 kinetics during and after exercise. They also support findings from previous studies that PAD further negatively affects StO2 kinetics beyond that of ageing.
Cardiac gene expression in early and late-stage pre-clinical cancer cachexia.
(2024-05) Salinas, Linda, 2000-; Law, Michelle L.
Cancer cachexia is a multifactorial syndrome characterized by decreased food intake, unintentional muscle and body weight loss, psychosocial and physical challenges, cardiac atrophy, and decreased heart function. In this preclinical study, a colon-26 adenocarcinoma mouse model of cachexia was used to study cancer-associated cardiac gene expression at an early-stage and late-stage timepoint in cachexia development. Tissue weights and body weights were recorded and analyzed, and gene expression was investigated via RT-PCR at each timepoint to identify potential sex effects, tumor effects, and sex x tumor interactions. There was a significant increase in inflammation in mice with tumors at the early-stage timepoint. At the late-stage timepoint, autophagy proteolysis, fatty acid ß-oxidation, and inflammation genes were shown to be significantly altered in tumor-bearing mice. In conclusion, inflammation is shown to drive cancer cachexia related cardiomyopathy as severity progresses into a late-stage timepoint with altered metabolism.
Cardiovascular and renal responses to continuous, moderate and high-intensity interval exercise in mid-spectrum CKD.
(2018-08-31) Forsse, Jeff Stephen, 1986-; Grandjean, Peter W.
The purpose of the present investigation was to determine the effect a short acute bout of aerobic exercise had on vascular and renal function in individuals with midspectrum CKD. Six men and fourteen women (Age = 62.0 ± 10 years; BMI = 37.3 ± 8.3; Waist = 98.9 ± 12.7; VO2max = 19.4 ± 4.6; and eGFR = 51.5 ± 6.5) participated in two experimental conditions: high-intensity interval exercise (HIIE) and continuous moderate-intensity exercise (CMIE). Each exercise condition lasted for 30 minutes and was completed after an 8- to 12-hour fast. Ultrasound-determined flow-mediated dilation of the brachial artery (FMD) was assessed before, 1 and 24 hrs after exercise. Blood and urine samples were taken before, 1 and 24 hrs post-exercise. Serum and plasma samples were measured for nitrotyrosine (ᶟ¯NT) asymmetric dimethyl arginine (ADMA), paroxonase-1 (PON-1), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and creatinine. Urine samples were measured for epidermal growth factor (uEGF) and creatinine and the uEGF/uCr ratio was calculated as a marker of renal function. MDRD and CKD-EPI estimates of glomerular filtration rates were calculated. All samples were analyzed using 2-way repeated-measures ANOVA. Comparison-wise significance was established at p < 0.05. FMD was increased similarly with HIIE and CMIE. FMD increased 4.4% ± 1.4 at 1 hour and 2.9% ± 0.9 at 24 hour post-exercise (p < 0.005). ADMA was decreased 5.9% ± 2.3 by 24 hours after exercise (p < 0.0006), while PON-1 increased 4.6% ± 4.9 (p < 0.0097) and TAC 4.3% ± 4.2 (p < 0.012), reaching their zenith 24 hours post-exercise. Serum creatine decreased by 11% ± 3.2 at 1 and 24 hours after exercise (p < 0.0061) while eGFR increased 1 hour post-exercise and returned to baseline by 24 hours. uEGF/uCr ratio remained unaltered in both exercise conditions; however, eGFR equations MDRD increased by 16.6% ± 4.6 and CKD-EPI increased by 18.9% ± 4.5 were greatest after exercise (MDRD = p < 0.0096 and CKDEPI = p < 0.007). Exercise improves measures of vascular and renal function in mid-spectrum CKD. Results were similar after HIIE and CMIE and may last for several hours after exercise. Therefore, a single episode of HIIE or CMIE transiently improves cardiovascular health in individuals with mid-spectrum CKD.
Cardiovascular disease risk and Covid-19 related PTSD in healthcare workers : the effects of moderate-intensity exercise and curcumin supplementation.
(2023-08) Walbolt, Jarrett, 1995-; Koh, Yunsuk.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has been linked to a greater risk of cardiovascular disease and, associatively, poor markers of inflammation, oxidative stress, and endothelial function. Healthcare workers are at greater risk for PTSD development, particularly during pandemics. Curcumin is a bioactive compound sourced from spice turmeric that exhibits anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects in humans. Chronic moderate-intensity exercise is also known to trigger anti-inflammatory and antioxidant processes. Pathways that are detrimentally affected by PTSD are affected in the opposite direction by both moderate-intensity exercise and curcumin, meaning each may act as an effective way to mitigate cardiovascular risk caused by PTSD. The purpose of this study was to examine the potential effects of moderate-intensity exercise and curcumin on inflammation, oxidative stress, and endothelial function in healthcare workers. Twenty-four healthcare workers were divided in a randomized, double-blind fashion into three treatment groups: curcumin/exercise (CE), curcumin/no exercise (CNE), and placebo/no exercise (PNE). They participated in their given treatment for 6 weeks. Regardless of the treatment, all groups significantly improved the Impact of Event Scale and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (p < 0.05). Improvement in the Cohen Perceived Stress Scale neared but did not reach a statistical significance (p = 0.053). Regardless of the treatment, all groups had an increase in fat mass (p = 0.027). There were no statistically significant changes in the inflammatory markers, including TNF-a, IL-6, and IL-8 or the oxidative stress markers, SOD and GPx (p < 0.05). In conclusion, claims that curcumin, with or without exercise, could improve oxidative stress, inflammation, or PTSD symptomology were not substantiated by this study. This may be due to the specific subject population, healthcare workers, in the current study and uncontrollable factors such as the progression of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Changes in activation of Mexican-heritage children and father physical activity social networks in response to a father-focused family-centered health program.
(2021-04-13) Prochnow, Tyler, 1992-; Umstattd Meyer, M. Renée.
Physical activity (PA) and active play are beneficial for physical, mental, and emotional health; however, very few families meet PA guidelines to attain health benefits. Unfortunately, Latinx children report lower PA levels and are at elevated risk for developing obesity. PA is also significantly associated with PA behaviors of friends and family through support, influence, and co-participation. Past studies have focused on mother’s influence on and perception of child PA, especially within Mexican-heritage families; however, recently scholars have called for a renewed focus on fathers to promote the health of their children. This dissertation examined if participation in a father-focused family-centered health program changes the social connections within Mexican-heritage children’s and fathers’ PA networks. Participating families consisting of child (aged 9-11), mother, and father were recruited from colonias by promotoras for participation in a six-week father-focused family-centered health program focused on family dynamics relative to healthy eating and active living. Children reported up to five people (alters) they actively played with the most in the previous month before and after the program. Likewise, fathers reported up to five people they with whom they were physically active. Children and fathers then reported each alters’ sex, their relationship to the alter, and frequency with which they played with the alter, if they thought the alter was active regularly, and if they alter helped them to be active as well as what they did most often with that person. Multilevel regression models examined the change in alter level variables. Children and fathers were more likely to report more frequent PA with their alters after the program when compared to before the program. Additionally, girls were more likely to report more frequent active play with alters when compared to boys; however, a significant interaction term indicated boys were more likely to increase this frequency as compared to girls. Supporting families to activate their social network ties to be more active, which is theoretically supported through family systems theory and Social Ecological Model, could result in more PA for children and families. Results indicate these connections or activations are possible through a family-centered father-focused health program.

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