Anna E. Greer

Community Members’ Assessment of the Physical Activity Environments in Their Neighborhood Parks: Utility of the Community Stakeholder Park Audit Tool

Objective. This study engaged community members to describe physical activity (PA) environments in parks and to examine if the PA environment in parks was related to the economic characteristics of households near parks. Method. Twenty-four Bridgeport, adult residents examined the PA environments in 21 Bridgeport, Connecticut, parks using the Community Stakeholder Park Audit Tool (CPAT) during the summer, 2013. ESRI’s Geographical Information System was used to identify the economic characteristics (i.e., median household income, percentage of households below the poverty line; from 2010 Census data) of households within 0.5 miles of a park. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze CPAT data. Results. A negative association was identified between the parks’ PA area and safety scores (p = .012). Positive associations were identified between the parks’ PA area and amenities scores (p < .001), access and amenities scores (p = .006), and park safety concern and surrounding safety concern scores (p < .001). There were no significant associations between park environment indices and the economic characteristics of households less than 0.5 miles from parks. Community members recommended several strategies to enhance PA environments in parks. Conclusions. The findings highlight the utility of CPAT for enabling community members identify opportunities to enhance PA environments in parks.

Giving Economically Disadvantaged, Minority Food Pantry Patrons' a Voice: Implications for Equitable Access to Sufficient, Nutritious Food.

This study provides economically disadvantaged, minority food pantry patrons (hereafter, patrons) a meaning-ful voice by examining their experiences trying to obtain sufficient, nutritious food. Five focus groups were conducted using a semistructured discussion guide. Atlast.ti software was used to manage and analyze the data. Patrons reported that pantry staff who preserved their dignity by showing compassion were highly valued. Stigma and shame associated with pantry use were major concerns. Patrons suggested environmental and policy changes to improve their food acquisition experiences. These findings suggest that multilevel interventions addressing food access, food distribution policies, and patron-staff interactions are warranted.

Health Action Process Approach: Application to Medication Adherence in Cardiac Rehabilitation Patients

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between Health Action Process Approach (HAPA) postintentional constructs (maintenance self-efficacy, recovery self-efficacy, action planning, coping planning) and medication adherence among phase II cardiac rehabilitation (CR) patients. Purposive sampling was used to recruit 91 phase II CR patients age 50 years and over. All respondents completed paper and pencil questionnaire examining HAPA postintentional constructs (action planning, coping planning, maintenance self-efficacy, recovery self-efficacy), medication adherence, and demographic characteristics. Validity and reliability were confirmed for all scales included in the questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were used to describe respondents’ characteristics. Bivariate statistics (correlation, Mann-Whitney U-test, Kruskal Wallis test) were used to examine associations between medication adherence and each HAPA postintention construct as well as medication adherence and respondent demographic characteristics. Better medication adherence was associated with greater maintenance self-efficacy (r = −.290, p = .006) and better action planning skills (r = −.233, p = .027) and coping planning skills (r = −.277, p = .008) as indicated by higher scores on the maintenance self-efficacy, action planning, and coping planning scales. There was no significant linear relationship between medication adherence and recovery self-efficacy (r = −.103, p = .335) or medication adherence and any of the respondents’ demographic characteristics (p > .05). Only maintenance self-efficacy remained significant in a multivariate model predicting medication adherence. Greater maintenance self-efficacy was associated with increased medication adherence; health professionals working in CR settings might consider opportunities to enhance maintenance self-efficacy for medication adherence. Additional research is needed to identify strategies for promoting maintenance self-efficacy for medication adherence.

Sedentary Behavior and Related Factors Among Full-Time, University Faculty

Purpose – Sedentary behavior, independent of physical activity, is a risk factor for both morbidity and mortality. Little is known about factors related to sedentary behavior. The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between sedentary behavior and the demographic characteristics, perceived physical activity (PA) environment, and PA behaviors of 72 full-time, university faculty members. Design/methodology/approach – For this cross-sectional study, data were collected online using Survey Monkey®. Findings – Participants spent an average of 473 and 328 minutes/weekend day in sedentary activity. There was a positive correlation between minutes spent in vigorous PA and minutes spent sedentary while watching TV (p=0.047). There was a negative correlation between minutes spent in moderate PA per week and minutes spent sedentary while playing video games (p=0.034). Participants’ perceived PA environment scores were inversely related to their minutes spent in sedentary behavior during a typical wee...

Identifying Windows of Opportunity for Active Living and Healthy Eating Policies in Connecticut, 2016

We examined the relative importance of 23 community issues among elected officials and health directors in Connecticut in 2016. For this cross-sectional study, 74 elected officials (40.7% response rate) and 47 health directors (62.7% response rate), who were purposively sampled, completed a questionnaire to rate their perceived importance of 23 community issues. Eight of these issues were related to active living, healthy eating, or obesity. We used χ2 tests to evaluate differences in responses. Compared with elected officials, health directors significantly more often perceived obesity, access to healthy groceries, poor nutrition, lack of pedestrian walkways, and pedestrian safety as important. Elected officials significantly more often than health directors perceived lack of good jobs, quality of public education, and cost of living as important. Health advocates should work with both groups to develop and frame policies to address both upstream (eg, jobs, education) and downstream (eg, healthy eating policies) determinants of obesity.

Implementation and Evaluation of a Physical Activity and Dietary Program in Federal Incarcerated Females

The purpose of this 3-month quasi-experimental pilot study was to examine the effect of a physical activity and dietary education program on body mass index (BMI) and resilience. Participants were given data-storing pedometers to record their physical activity, attended classes on healthy eating, and used portion control tools from http://ChooseMyPlate.gov. MyPlate usage and commissary purchases were collected weekly. BMI and resilience scores were measured at baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks. Twenty-nine female prisoners completed the study. There was a statistically significant reduction in BMI after 12 weeks (χ2 = 7.56, p = .023) and resilience levels increased but did not reach statistical significance (χ2 = 1.66, p = .437). A physical activity and dietary intervention delivered by a correctional health nurse practitioner was an efficacious approach to reducing BMI and improving resilience among female prisoners.

Use of a Unique Farmers’ Market Program Targeting Lower-Income Community Members

We examined use of a farmers’ market that leverages community partnerships to provide free produce to lower-income persons. Participants (n = 422) were asked to complete a questionnaire and given an ID number, which was used to track market use from 2014 to 2015. Chi square tests were used to examine associations between 2014/2015 market use and reasons for market use, financial support received, and how attendees had learned about the market. Ordinal regression was used to identify household characteristics associated with increased market attendance. Although the proportion of lower-income attendees declined over the study period, a substantial proportion of households in 2014 (69.1%) and 2015 (54.6%) were below the poverty threshold. We identified significant differences in attendees’ reasons for market use and ways attendees heard about the market from 2014 to 2015. The most frequently reported reason for 2014 market use was retirement/fixed income (P < 0.001) and in 2015 was low-income (P < 0.001). Most attendees heard about the market through flyers (P < 0.001) and word of mouth (P ≤ 0.001) in 2014 and through local, non-profit services (P < 0.001) in 2015. In the ordinal regression, households with an older person registering the household for the market used the market more times per year (P < 0.001). Impoverished households (P = 0.020) and households receiving more financial support services (P < 0.001) used the market fewer times per year. While a substantial proportion of lower-income persons used the free-produce market, frequency of use was still lowest among this group indicating a need to address barriers beyond produce cost.

Acute Effects of Plyometric and Resistance Training on Running Economy in Trained Runners

Abstract Marcello, RT, Greer, BK, and Greer, AE. Acute effects of plyometric and resistance training on running economy in trained runners. J Strength Cond Res 31(9): 2432–2437, 2017—Results regarding the acute effects of plyometrics and resistance training (PRT) on running economy (RE) are conflicting. Eight male collegiate distance runners (21 ± 1 years, 62.5 ± 7.8 ml·kg−1·min−1 V[Combining Dot Above]O2 peak) completed V[Combining Dot Above]O2 peak and 1 repetition maximum (1RM) testing. Seven days later, subjects completed a 12 minutes RE test at 60 and 80% V[Combining Dot Above]O2 peak, followed by a PRT protocol or a rested condition of equal duration (CON). The PRT protocol consisted of 3 sets of 5 repetitions at 85% 1RM for barbell squats, Romanian deadlifts, and barbell lunges; the same volume was used for resisted lateral lunges, box jumps, and depth jumps. Subjects completed another RE test immediately after the treatments and 24 hours later. Subjects followed an identical protocol 6 days later with condition assignment reversed. Running economy was determined by both relative V[Combining Dot Above]O2 (ml·kg−1·min−1) and energy expenditure (EE) (kcal·min−1). There was a significant (p ⩽ 0.05) between-trial increase in V[Combining Dot Above]O2 (37.1 ± 4.2 ml·kg−1·min−1 PRT vs. 35.5 ± 3.9 ml·kg−1·min−1 CON) and EE (11.4 ± 1.3 kcal·min−1 PRT vs. 11.0 ± 1.4 kcal·min−1 CON) immediately after PRT at 60% V[Combining Dot Above]O2 peak, but no significant changes were observed at 80% V[Combining Dot Above]O2 peak. Respiratory exchange ratio was significantly (p ⩽ 0.05) reduced 24 hours after PRT (0.93 ± 0.0) as compared to the CON trial (0.96 ± 0.0) at 80% V[Combining Dot Above]O2 peak. Results indicate that high-intensity PRT may acutely impair RE in aerobically trained individuals at a moderate running intensity, but that the attenuation lasts less than 24 hours in duration.

Agricultural Experiences Are Positively Associated With High School Students' Fruit and Vegetable Perceptions and Consumption

Objective To examine the relationship between high school students’ agricultural experiences and their (1) attitudes about consuming local fruits and vegetables, (2) willingness to try new fruits and vegetables, and (3) fruit and vegetable consumption. Design Cross‐sectional survey research. Setting Public high schools in a lower‐income, diverse, urban, northeastern community. Participants A total of 327 students from 3 public high schools. Main Outcome Measure(s) Exposures were prior experience helping on a farm or community garden (yes/no) and having a home garden (yes/no). Outcomes were perceptions about local produce consumption (&agr; = .73), willingness to try new fruits (&agr; = .86) and vegetables (&agr; = .86), and adequate fruit and vegetable consumption (yes/no) as measured by a valid 2‐item cup screener. Analysis Independent t tests, 1‐way ANOVA, and chi‐square tests were used. Results Half of students (52.9%) reported prior farm experience; 29.7% reported having a garden at home. Few students reported consuming at least 3 cups/d of vegetables (9.8%) or 2 cups/d of fruit (37.0%). Students with prior farm experience had more favorable scores for local produce perceptions (P = .002) and willingness to try new fruits (P = .001) and vegetables (P < .001) than were students without prior experience. Students with a home garden had more favorable scores for local produce perceptions (P = .02) and willingness to try new fruits (P = .001) and vegetables (P = .001) and more often consumed adequate vegetables (P = .007) than did students without a garden. Conclusions and Implications Those working with high school students might consider offering agriculture experiences that could promote positive fruit and vegetable attitudes and behaviors.

Plyometric and Resistance Training Do Not Inhibit Running Economy for Up to 24 Hours: 1299 Board #2 June 2, 8: 00 AM - 10: 00 AM.

Many college runners supplement their run training with plyometric and resistance exercises, yet little is known about their acute effects on running performance. PURPOSE: To investigate the acute effects of plyometric and resistance training (RT) on running economy (RE) in male collegiate distance runners. METHODS: Eight male distance runners recruited from a local Division 1 college completed a VO2 peak assessment and one repetition max (1RM) testing for four lower body exercises. Two weeks after initial testing, and using a crossover design, each runner completed a continuous 12 minute RE test with six minutes at 60% and 80% VO2 peak each, followed by a one hour RT protocol or rest (CONT). Running economy was assessed via oxygen consumption (VO2) and energy expenditure (kcals/min) during the last 2 minutes of each RE test intensity. RT consisted of three sets of five reps of two plyometric exercises as well as the four lower body exercises previously tested. All resistance work was performed at 85% of 1RM. Following the RT or CONT treatment, subjects immediately completed another RE test as well as one 24 hrs later. Subjects followed an identical protocol after a one week washout period with the alternate condition (RT or CONT). VO2, respiratory exchange ratio (RER), energy expenditure (EE) and ventilation (VE) were recorded during all RE testing. Metabolic data were analyzed parametrically using a repeated measures ANOVA with a Tukey post hoc test. RESULTS: There were no significant (p > 0.05) increases in VO2 or EE immediately nor 24 hr post-RT. VE was significantly greater (p < 0.05) at 60% and 80% VO2 peak post-RT (57.01 ± 8.94, 89.26 ± 18.06 L/min) as compared to pre-RT (52.81 ± 9.36, 82.28 ± 16.37 L/min). RER was significantly greater (p < 0.05) post-RT (0.94 ± .04) compared to pre-RT (0.93 ± .04) at 80% VO2 peak. CONCLUSION: These findings indicate that high intensity RT does not significantly affect RE in male collegiate distance runners.