Browsing by Author "Anderson, Angela S."

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  • Addressing food security in Africa via multiple livelihood strategies of women farmers
    Gladwin, C. H.; Thomson, A. M.; Peterson, J. S.; Anderson, Angela S. (Elsevier Science, 2001)
    Because food insecurity is primarily a problem of low household incomes and poverty, and not just inadequate food production, projects and programs for food-insecure African farmers which aim at increasing production of subsistence crops may be ineffective. Instead, government should look for ways to improve returns to farmers' resources in a broader context, which may include expanded opportunities for non-farm microenterprises and agricultural labor. This has been the conventional wisdom since the writings of Amartya Sen. Still unclear, however, are the implications of his thinking for the roles of African women farmers who are traditionally the food-crop producers in Africa and are often food insecure. Immediate expansion of income-earning activities such as cash cropping and non-farm microenterprises may not be possible for women in male headed households in many African societies where cash income is seen as part of the male domain. In addition, women farmers may need a long adjustment period to diversify their income sources fully because most African countries are at the early stages of structural transformation. Different developmental interventions, both in policy and in technology, are therefore needed to address food security and economic transformations in Africa in the short and long term. --Publisher/Author's abstract
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    Characterization of Metabolic Differences in Benign, Slow Developing and Tumor Initiating Ovarian Cancers
    Anderson, Angela S. (Virginia Tech, 2013-05-14)
    Ovarian cancer is known as the "silent killer," due to its late diagnosis and frequent recurrence after initial treatment.  Finding a new way to diagnose and treat ovarian cancer in conjunction with current therapies is paramount.  By capitalizing on metabolic changes that occur during cancer progression, interventions can be developed.  The Nobel laureate Otto Warburg is credited with discovering an altered metabolic state within cancer cells known as the Warburg effect.  In the Warburg effect, cancer cells participate in an increased rate of aerobic glycolysis with an excess secretion of lactate, allowing for carbon flux into biosynthetic pathways.  Exactly which metabolic pathways are altered in ovarian cancer and at which stage in the progression of ovarian cancer they are occurring was unknown.  Therefore using the recently established mouse ovarian surface epithelial (MOSE) progression model, we were able to measure metabolic changes in varying states of disease and levels of aggressiveness.  As cells progressed from a benign early stage (MOSE-E), through a transitional intermediate stage (MOSE-I), to an aggressive late stage (MOSE-L), the MOSE cells became more glycolytic and lipogenic, establishing the MOSE model as a valuable model for studying ovarian cancer metabolism.  Treating the MOSE cells with the naturally occurring chemotherapeutic agent sphingosine decreased p-AKT  protein levels in the cell, decreased the glycolytic rate and decreased de novo cholesterol synthesis.  Cancer stem cells are known to be resistant to chemotherapy treatments and targeting their metabolism may be promising for combinatorial treatments.  Therefore, the metabolism of highly aggressive tumor-initiating cells (TIC), harvested from ascites of C57Bl/6 mice injected with MOSE-L cells were characterized.  Although the basal metabolism of the TICs was similar to the MOSE-L cells, TICs were more resistant to cell death as a consequence of external stresses and substrate depletion.  The TICs could also up-regulate oxygen consumption rate (OCR) when uncoupled and increase glycolysis when ATP Synthase was inhibited, highlighting their resiliency.  Taken together, we have identified targets for treatment strategies that could suppress the growth of primary tumors and may be effective against TICs, thereby suppressing tumor recurrence and possibly prolonging the life of women with ovarian cancer.
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    Collegiate Athletes’ Knowledge of Nutrition and Sports Performance
    Slagle, Madison T.; Rafie, Carlin; Anderson, Angela S.; Murphy, Kelly (Virginia Tech, 2023-05-08)
    This study examined Virginia Tech female collegiate athletes’ knowledge and perspectives of nutrition and its relationship to sports performance. Although various studies have examined the nutritional knowledge of collegiate athletes, the knowledge and perspectives of athletes on the value of nutrition to their performance needs further study. This current study aims to investigate the nutrition knowledge and perspectives relating to athletic performance of Virginia Tech female collegiate athletes through structured interviews using a literature-based interview guide, and to assess the dietary actions and sources of nutrition information in this population. A total of ten student-athletes participated in the interview process via Zoom. Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) served as the theoretical framework for development of the interview questions and analysis of responses. Content analysis of transcribed interviews was conducted using a hybrid deductive and inductive approach. Information from the interviews fell into four broad themes related to nutrition and athletic performance, focus on balance, schedule considerations, planning ahead, and terminology confusion. This study found female collegiate athletes from Virginia Tech showed a lack of understanding of nutrition as it relates to athletic performance. Despite the fact that respondents think nutrition has a significant impact on sports performance, these participants only gave nutrition a partial significance in their daily lives.
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    Designing a Return to Activity Protocol for a Proximal Hamstring Rupture in a Collegiate Heptathlete: A Case Study
    Locus, Alaina; Williams, Jay H.; Anderson, Angela S.; Speicher, Logan (Virginia Tech, 2021-04-20)
    There are few return-to-activity protocols and functional tests specifically designed for a proximal hamstring rupture for athletic trainers to follow when clearing an athlete for return to activity. To address this problem, the purpose of this study is to describe and evaluate a return to activity protocol that includes functional testing for a post-surgical proximal hamstring rupture to assess readiness for return to activity. This case study collected data from a 20-year-old, 6ft 2in, 185lb (87.9 kg) collegiate heptathlete that ruptured his proximal hamstring that required surgical treatment. The student athlete’s (SA) return to activity process is evaluated and explained. The SA went through numerous function tests to determine return to activity status. The first testing session was conducted 8 months post-surgery. He was then re-assessed 4 months later. During testing, the SA also wore accelerometers to gather more quantitative data to identify gait abnormalities due to the injury. The first round of testing revealed greater strength in his left (affected) leg compared to his right (unaffected) leg. The SA was not able to complete all the tests during the first round of testing due to muscular fatigue and soreness, suggesting low muscular endurance at that point in time. Thus, he was not cleared to return to activity and continued to do rehabilitation exercises to increase the endurance of the hamstring muscles. The second round of testing was completed 4 months later which revealed that he had gained endurance in the hamstring muscles and his strength had increased. At this point, he was cleared for full return to activity. This return-to-activity protocol with specific functional tests could serve as a template for other athletic trainers who are seeking to return an athlete to full activity after suffering a proximal hamstring rupture (See Appendix I).
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    Does Women on Weights Produce Changes in Self-Confidence and Mood Disturbance?
    Worrell, Zachery (Virginia Tech, 2024-05-03)
    Depression and mood disturbances among college women are prevalent concerns, prompting the investigation of interventions to improve mental well-being. This study explores the efficacy of a structured resistance training program tailored for women in enhancing self-efficacy and reducing mood disturbances over a 4-week period. Participants were recruited voluntarily and underwent a 4-week Women on Weights program, consisting of twice-weekly sessions. Pre- and post-surveys, including Beck's Depression Inventory (BDI), Self-Efficacy for Exercise (SEE), and Abbreviated Profile of Mood States (POMS), were administered to assess changes in mental health outcomes. Statistical analyses were conducted using paired t-tests and unpaired t-tests. Results indicate a significant reduction in depression symptoms across all participants, as measured by the BDI. While the SEE Scale did not show significant changes, the POMS survey revealed significant improvements in the Esteem-Related Affect subscale, suggesting an enhancement in self-efficacy post-intervention. Additionally, a trending significance was observed in the POMS Depression subscale, indicating a potential impact on depression symptoms with a larger sample size. These findings highlight the potential of resistance training interventions to improve mental well-being among college women.
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    Early Skeletal Muscle Adaptations to Short-Term High-Fat Diet in Humans Before Changes in Insulin Sensitivity
    Anderson, Angela S.; Haynie, Kimberly R.; McMillan, Ryan P.; Osterberg, Kristin L.; Boutagy, Nabil E.; Frisard, Madlyn I.; Davy, Brenda M.; Davy, Kevin P.; Hulver, Matthew W. (Wiley-Blackwell, 2015-04-01)
    Objective—The purpose of this investigation was to understand the metabolic adaptations to a short-term (5 days), isocaloric, high fat diet (HFD) in healthy, young males. Methods—Two studies were undertaken with 12 subjects. Study 1 investigated the effect of the HFD on skeletal muscle substrate metabolism and insulin sensitivity. Study 2 assessed the metabolic and transcriptional response in skeletal muscle to the transition from a fasted-to-fed state using a high fat meal challenge prior to and following 5 days of HFD. Results—Study 1 showed no effect of a HFD on skeletal muscle metabolism or insulin sensitivity in fasting samples. Study 2 showed that a HFD elicits significant increases in fasting serum endotoxin, and disrupts the normal postprandial excursions of serum endotoxin, and metabolic and transcriptional responses in skeletal muscle. These effects following 5 days of HFD were accompanied by an altered fasting and postprandial response in the ratio of phosphorylated to total p38 protein. These changes all occurred in the absence of alterations in insulin sensitivity. Conclusions—Our findings provide evidence for early biological adaptations to high fat feeding that proceed and possibly lead to insulin resistance.
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    The Effect of Genetic Variations in the FADS1 Gene on Fatty Acid Metabolism
    Steinbach, Rachel; Good, Deborah J.; Anderson, Angela S.; Rockwell, Michelle S. (Virginia Tech, 2022-12)
    FADS1 is a key regulator of fatty acid metabolism with important implications for athlete health and performance. Mutations in the FADS1 gene have been linked to a variety of adverse health conditions, in addition to alterations in biochemical levels of fatty acids. Polyunsaturated fatty acids, including omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, are associated with rates of inflammation, immune function, and brain health in athletes. The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between genetic variability, specifically in the FADS1 gene, and fatty acid metabolism in an athletic population. Methods: 20 collegiate football players were recruited for this study. Saliva samples were collected for the purpose of obtaining genetic information. Serum samples for ALA, AA, EPA, and DHA were collected to measure omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acid levels. Genotypes and serum measurements were compared using 3x3 Fisher Exact tests, and the online software PROVEAN was used to identify potential novel variants in the FADS1 gene. Results of this exploratory study suggest the minor allele for 9 variants in the FADS1 gene decrease baseline serum levels of EPA. These results suggest that genetic data may be useful in assessing individual athlete risk for n-3 PUFA deficiency and associated health consequences. Subsequently, this may allow athletes and sports practitioners to make better informed decisions about individual intake and supplementation of n-3 PUFAs, specifically, EPA and DHA.
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    The Effects of Subconcussive Head Impacts on Neurocognitive Performance in Collegiate Football Athletes
    Torino, Leigha (Virginia Tech, 2022-08-26)
    Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is progressive degeneration of the brain that has been found in multiple case reports of American football athletes. A major predictor of CTE are subconcussive head impacts. Repetitive head impacts that do not result in signs or symptoms of a concussion have been termed ‘subconcussive head impacts.’ Researchers have begun to identify characteristics of subconcussive head impacts experienced during football (e.g., amount, force, speed, and direction of impacts), but to date, changes in these characteristics have not been described over the course of a full collegiate football season. In addition, research on the effects of subconcussive head impacts on neurocognitive performance is inconsistent. Neurocognitive performance is defined as the capability to think and reason through concentration, recall, learning, and processing information. Therefore, in this study we aimed to describe subconcussive head impacts experienced by American football athletes throughout a full collegiate season, and to evaluate the effect of a full season of subconcussive head impacts on neurocognitive performance through the assessment of complex brain activities, or cognition. National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I Football athletes from two programs served as participants (n=39, age 20.4+1.6 years). The data to describe subconcussive head impacts were collected through an accelerometer that attached to the participants’ helmets during all practices and games. The assessment of cognition was conducted through a testing battery, the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB). We found that over the course of one full season, participants experienced a mean of 824.5 head impacts at varying forces. Performance on assessments of memory, reaction time, and flexible thinking decreased from the start of the season to the end of the season. In addition, participants who experienced a higher amount of head impacts and who experienced a higher rotational speed of the head upon impact, performed worse on the assessments of neurocognitive performance. These results suggest an important target for decreasing the consequences of repetitive head impacts, such as a reduction in the amount of contact practices in exchange for film study or other non-contact options.
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    Effects of Water Consumption and Body Water Content on Exercise Performance in Recreational Athletes
    Brown, Meghan (Virginia Tech, 2024-06-05)
    Objective: To evaluate water consumption and body water content of recreational athletes to determine their effects on physical fitness and performance. Methods: This secondary cross-sectional investigation utilized data from Drexel University. Participants had their data collected over two visits to the laboratory. Measurements taken in the original study included: aerobic fitness assessed via maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) using a metabolic cart, resting metabolic rate (RMR) evaluated using a metabolic cart, body composition measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), body water content measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), kilocalories (kcals) from vigorous physical activity measured using Actical accelerometers, water consumption assessed by asking participants how much water they consumed the day prior to each visit (at both time points), and dietary data from the 2005 Block Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ). R studio (RStudio 2023.12.1 Build 402 "Ocean Storm" for Windows, 2024, Posit Software, PBC, Boston, MA) was utilized to run linear models that fit all covariates (age, sex, body weight, height, body mass index [BMI], kcals from vigorous activity), water consumption obtained at time points 1 and 2, extracellular water [ECW], intracellular water [ICW], total body water [TWC] obtained by BIA at time point 1 only). These models analyzed the two-way interaction of VO2max to the water variables or covariates. These models also analyzed three-way interactions of VO2max to water variables and covariates combined. A stepwise linear regression was then used, and analysis of variance (ANOVA) tests were performed. Linear regression of the significant water variables was plotted showing variations in age and sex. Results: A total of 141 individuals (65 females and 76 males), 18 to 64 years of age, were included in the secondary cross-sectional analyses. The youngest age group had the highest mean VO2max and body water content (47.8 mL/kg/minute and 98.34 L (TWC), respectively). Changes in the covariates (age, height, BMI, kcals from vigorous activity) were each found to significantly affect VO2max (all P<0.001). ECW (P=0.0005), ICW (P=0.01) and TCW (P=0.016) were significantly associated with VO2max. Water consumption at both time points were not significantly associated with VO2max. ECW had a strong positive relationship with VO2max for those 18 to 29 and ≥50 years of age. There was an inverse relationship between ICW and VO2max for those 18 to 29 years of age and those ≥50 years of age (P=0.0020 and P= 0.59, respectively). In those 18 to 29 years of age, as ICW increased VO2max increased, while for those ≥50 years of age, as ICW increased VO2max decreased. Conclusion: There were no significant associations found between water consumption and VO2max; however, significant correlations with water content assessed by BIA and VO2max were found. The significant positive relationship among ECW, ICW and VO2max, with variations by age, indicate that further research for these populations should be conducted because body water content may play a role in exercise performance. Keywords: Adult athletes, Body water content, Exercise performance, Recreational athletes, VO2max, Water consumption
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    An Exploration of the Relationship between Campus Recreation Usage at Virginia Tech and the COVID-19 Pandemic
    Mengle, Julie (Virginia Tech, 2024-05-06)
    Throughout the pandemic, Virginia Tech Recreational Sports operations were adapted in compliance with federal, state, and local guideline to ensure the safety of the students it serves as a department. Operational adjustments that were made included closures, limited capacities, and virtual programming to name a few. Participation rates in all areas of Virginia Tech Recreational Sports naturally saw a significant decrease during the pandemic due to these restrictions. This project investigated the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on student engagement in campus recreation, or recreational sports, programs at Virginia Tech with a focus on facility gym swipes, group exercise attendance, and intramural sports involvement spanning three distinct time periods: pre-COVID (T1), during COVID (T2), and post-COVID (T3). Virginia Tech Recreational Sports data uploaded to Virginia Tech’s University Data Commons was used to analyze engagement numbers for students at the undergraduate and graduate level across various demographics including academic college, race/ethnicity, and gender. Statistical tests for significance were not able to be completed with the data in this study alone, so the results were only interpreted qualitatively. This study indicates that there has been a gradual return to pre-COVID engagement and participation levels in all areas of Virginia Tech Recreational Sports, but the return has been varied across each area. Intramurals appears to have higher involvement post-COVID than pre-COVID, whereas gym swipes and group exercise participation numbers have not returned to pre-COVID levels for most demographics. Return to pre-COVID participation levels varies between academic colleges, race/ethnicity, and gender for all areas. Research plays an integral role in informing decisions and developing strategies that will shape the future of campus recreation. Understanding how student engagement has evolved as a result of the pandemic can guide programmers within Virginia Tech Recreational Sports, specifically Director of Rec Sports Ali Cross, to make data-informed decisions for their offerings.
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    Exploring Genetic Influences on Food Allergies and Auto-Immune Diseases: Understanding Individual Variations
    Anderson, Rashonda (Virginia Tech, 2024-04-23)
    Food allergies pose a significant health risk, affecting millions of Americans, with symptoms ranging from mild discomfort to life-threatening anaphylaxis. Likewise, autoimmune diseases, where the immune system attacks healthy tissues, encompass a wide range of conditions, each with distinct symptoms and impacts on various organs. Through an analysis of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs), this research explores associations between specific genetic markers and phenotypic outcomes related to allergies and autoimmune diseases. Utilizing data from the genetic testing service 23andMe, this study investigated how genetic makeup may be related to individual responses to food, shedding light on underlying molecular mechanisms. Results demonstrate significant associations between certain SNPs and disease outcomes, highlighting the potential for personalized interventions in managing allergies and autoimmune disorders. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of personalized nutrition and may pave the way for novel approaches to disease prevention and management.
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    Exploring the Feasibility and Applicability of Whoop Technology in NCAA Division D1 Collegiate Wrestlers: A Pilot Study
    Gerardi, Collin; Anderson, Angela S.; Davy, Brenda M.; Williams, Jay (Virginia Tech, 2023-05-19)
    Although athletes decide to go to college ultimately to get an education, the importance of athletic performance to D1 college athletes and coaches cannot be looked over. Coaches and athletes across the country are looking for the most effective way to prepare and train to optimize athletic performance. New technology such as Whoop wearable devices, are leading the way, helping athletes optimize training and recovery to increase athletic performance. The main purpose of this pilot study was to explore the feasibility and applicability of Whoop technology in D1 college wrestlers. Specifically, the aims were to look at relationships between different Whoop biofeedback indicators and relationships between Whoop indicators and variables such as mood states, hydration status, and vertical jump height as a measure of performance. 9 male D1 college wrestlers (age: 21.2 ± 1.20) wore a Whoop strap every day and night except during competition, for 6 weeks during in-season training. The Whoop strap measured recovery percentage, heart rate variability (HRV), resting heart rate (RHR), sleep, and strain (from training and other physical demands) daily. Participants also completed the profile of mood states (POMS) questionnaire and a vertical jump test once weekly. At the conclusion of the study, participants completed the BEVQ-15 survey indicating their fluid intake habits over the course of the previous 30 days. At the conclusion of the data collection phase, 9 out of 10 participants had enough viable data to use for analysis. Additionally, multiple participants reported that they still use the Whoop device even after the conclusion of the study to continue managing their training and recovery. A 90% compliance rate and continued use of the Whoop technology points to its feasibility and applicability for college wrestlers. Results found that recovery, as measured by the Whoop, was positively associated with HRV and sleep, but negatively associated with RHR (p<0.0001, p<0.0001, and p=0.003 respectively). HRV was also found to be negatively associated with RHR (p<0.0001). Daily strain was negatively associated with sleep, RHR, and vertical jump height (p=0.021, p=0.0002, and p=.037 respectively). Lastly, sleep was positively associated with RHR (p=0.041). To add, there were no significant correlations between mood states as measured by the POMS as well as hydration status, with performance as measured by the vertical jump test. In conclusion, Whoop technology was found to be a feasible tool to use to measure performance and readiness biofeedback indicators in a small sample of D1 collegiate wrestlers and the usefulness of Whoop technology to help athletes and coaches make training adaptations and increase performance is promising.
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    Exploring Vertical Jump Height During a Congested Calendar Period in Women's Collegiate Soccer
    Adams, Courtney S.; Williams, Jay; Anderson, Angela S.; Tegarden, David (Virginia Tech, 2023-05-10)
    This study aimed to explore how vertical jump height, as a measure of fatigue, was affected throughout the pre-season training period in women’s division I collegiate soccer. The participants of this study completed three consecutive countermovement jumps with the hands placed on the hips before and after each day of training, throughout a five-day pre-season training period. Participants were placed into one of three groups based on the total minutes of match play each athlete experienced (>60 minutes, 30-60 minutes or <30 minutes). Athletes in the >60 minutes group experienced a larger reduction in vertical jump height than those in the other two groups. The type of training each group participated in following matches one and two was dependent upon the number of match play minutes, as the high minute group participated in a recovery-based training session following each match played. The effects of these group-specific training plans were reflective in the vertical jump heights as there was an increase in jump height for the >60 minutes group and a decrease in height for the 30-60 minutes and the <30 minutes groups. Vertical countermovement jump height was shown to reflect the fatigue experienced by division I collegiate women’s soccer players throughout a pre-season training time-period, as reductions in jump height were found amongst high-minute athletes following match play and amongst low-minute athletes following more demanding training sessions.
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    The Feasibility of Accelerometer-Derived Measures of Vertical Jump Height as a Marker of Neuromuscular Performance in Collegiate Soccer Players
    Hines, Deena Sbitany (Virginia Tech, 2022-06-23)
    In female college soccer players, there is no protocol for assessing fatigue. A total of 40 members of the Virginia Tech Women's Soccer team participated in the countermovement jump assessment to find a reliable way to gauge player fatigue and readiness in these athletes. These were tested by assessing the within and between-day similarity of a countermovement jump test as a measure of neuromuscular performance by comparing multiple jump heights during jumps performed within a single day and on separate days. Additionally, to determine the responsiveness of countermovement jump height as a marker of fatigue, we compared jump heights before and after activities thought to induce fatigue and competitive matches. All subjects wore a STATSports APEX unit that includes an 18Hz GPS, 952 Hz accelerometer, and 952 Hz gyroscope situated on the upper back over the second thoracic vertebra using a manufacturer-provided vest. After each training session or match, the data was downloaded using the manufacturer's software (APEXA). A custom MATLAB program was then used to calculate CMJ height from vertical acceleration. Results showed that CMJ heights were very reliable both within and between testing days. CMJ heights were found to accurately decrease following both high-load training sessions and a competitive soccer match. For both activities, the decrease in performance was dependent on the amount of load experienced. Lastly, CMJ height did not recover the day following high training load sessions. Across a training week, CMJ consistently decreased each day. This was followed by a recovery in performance following two off days. The results suggest that the use of a trunk-mounted, GPS-embedded accelerometer and a novel three-jump protocol is responsive to assess CMJ height. In addition, it is responsive to estimating fatigue following soccer activity.
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    Inclusive Pedagogy in Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise: Data and Ongoing Projects
    Good, Deborah J.; Hedrick, Valisa E.; Eaton, Renee; Anderson, Angela S. (2020-01)
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    Increased body weight affects academic performance in university students
    Anderson, Angela S.; Good, Deborah J. (2017-03)
    For K-12 students, obesity has been linked to student educational achievements. The study objective was to determine whether academic performance in university students is correlated with BMI. Students from two consecutive academic years (Jan-May 2013 and Jan-May 2014) were given an optional class survey in May, as extra credit. Of the 452 students that completed the survey, 204 females and 75 males (N = 279; 73% female and 27% male) consented to participate in the study. The number of correct answers to problem-solving questions (PSQs) and the overall final grade for the class were compared to the calculated BMI using linear regression with a Pearson's R correlation and unpaired t-tests. BMI was significantly negatively correlated with student's final grades (P = 0.001 Pearson's r = - 0.190) and PSQs were positively correlated with final grades (P < 0.001; Pearson's r = 0.357). Our findings show a correlation between healthy body weight and improved academic performance. Further, the data suggest that future research in the area of body weight, diet, and exercise and any correlations of these with academic performance in college students are warranted.
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    Lessons Learned during the Transition to Online Learning
    Anderson, Angela S.; Cox, Heather; Eaton, Renee; Rockwell, Michelle S.; Girmes-Grieco, Nicolin; Jaskowak, Daniel; Good, Deborah J. (2021-02-05)
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    Lessons Learned during the Transition to Online Learning in a University Nutrition and Exercise Department
    Anderson, Angela S.; Cox, Heather; Eaton, Renee; Girmes-Grieco, Nicolin; Rockwell, Michelle S.; Good, Deborah J. (InTech Open, 2023)
    In the spring semester of 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic led to an unprecedented shift from face-to-face learning to an instantaneous online learning environment. At the time, the department of Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise (HNFE) at Virginia Tech had few online class offerings. Twenty-nine Spring 2020 HNFE classes were transitioned from traditional face-to-face offerings to online delivery models. Many members of the HNFE faculty have strong pedagogical training, but the immediate pedagogical shift in the middle of the semester gave little time for adequate course design geared toward online learning. As such, the purpose of this study was to evaluate student perceptions of the transition to online learning. A departmental survey employing quantitative and qualitative questions was used to assess students’ learning experiences in the spring of 2020 and then re-employed at the conclusion of the Fall 2020 semester to re-assess students’ online course experience and identify if the department was improving in online course delivery. An additional component of the survey specifically evaluated students’ self-perceived motivation for learning. Examples of educational and logistical strategies in online learning environments implemented by instructors and findings of students’ experiences from both surveys will be shared.
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    A Nutrient Analysis of COVID-19 Meals and Standard Meals in One Elementary School Participating in the National School Lunch Program
    Berbic, Naida (Virginia Tech, 2023-05-05)
    To date, there has been limited research about the nutritional quality of school lunches during the COVID-19 pandemic. This analysis compared the nutritional profile of grab-and-go take-home lunches compared to standard lunches provided during in-person class instruction once normal schedules and school meals resumed at one elementary school. The study included two school lunch menus: 1) – one menu for take-home school lunches retained from January 2021 (COVID-19 lunches); and one lunch menu the school system’s standard food distributor from January 2023 (standard lunches). The nutritional content of the COVID-19 meals was analyzed using Food Processor nutrition software. Both lunch menus were analyzed for macronutrients – carbohydrates, cholesterol, fats, fiber, protein, and sugar along with micronutrients- calcium, potassium, sodium, iron, and vitamin D. A Mann Whitney U tests were used to compare differences between two independent groups – COVID-19 lunches and standard lunches. The Bonferroni adjustment was a post hoc adjustment used to decrease type I error. The COVID-19 meal entrees contained more iron than the standard lunch. For standard meals, the fruit groups contained more iron. The COVID-19 meal’s milk group contained significantly more total fat and vitamin D than the standard lunches. In the total meals, the only significant difference was a higher level of calcium in the COVID-19 take-home meals compared to standard meals. This analysis indicates school meals served during COVID-19 were nutritionally equivalent to standard meals, in spite of limitations with packaging lunches, supply side issues, etc. Additional research is warranted with larger sample sizes to provide broader insight into USDA school meals during COVID-19 and potential impacts on youth benefiting from these meals.