Browsing by Author "Cross, Alison"

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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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    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.