BSc (Hons) Physical Activity, Health and Wellbeing

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://eresearch.qmu.ac.uk/handle/20.500.12289/10873

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The Benefits and Implications of an Eight Week Anabolic/Androgenic Steroid Intervention at a Supratherapeutic Dose When paired with Resistance Exercise In Older Adults
(2021)
Anabolic and androgenic steroids (AAS) have for quite some time been considered a taboo topic and one which has rarely been researched further since the Anabolic Steroid Act of 1990 deemed them to be a controlled substance. Since that time research within this area has slowed down dramatically and the potential benefits as well as implications are rarely discussed. Contrarily, stroke rehabilitation is an area for great interest and research. It is the aim of the researcher to deem the safety and research the potential benefits of a supratherapeutic dose (higher than would be used to treat a medical condition) of AAS administered to an elderly research participant. AAS are widely recognised by literature to be some of the safest drugs when used safely and correctly. They are also acknowledged to have positive effects on individual health and wellbeing however it is also clear there is risk for organ stress, particularly in relation to the cardiac system. Inorder to establish safety and effectiveness of the interventions for use with stroke survivors, we will assess the responses of age matched otherwise healthy individuals. This pilot study will recruit 20 healthy, male, older adults (65+) to participate in an 8-week AAS cycle paired with an 8 week resistance training program to assess physical function, mental and emotional wellbeing. Upon completion of the trial, the researcher shall conclude whether or not it can be deemed proof of concept to administer the drug in a follow up study, to those who have suffered from stroke, based on its safety and overall effectiveness.
Exploring the Psychological, Social and Environmental Barriers to Active Travel at Queen Margaret University
(2020)
Background This honours project will focus on active travel in the form of walking and cycling in relation to traveling to Queen Margret University (QMU). Active travel is a mode of transport that uses exercise for commuting rather than for recreation, this consists mainly of cycling and walking (Beactive 2015). Being physically active as a means of active transport is an easy way for people to participate in physical activity as it can be incorporated to everyday life. (UK Government 2016). The main aim of this honours project is to identify psychological, social and environmental barriers experienced by QMU staff and students in actively traveling to the University. Currently there is limited research on active travel within the university community. Queen Margaret University does address active travel in their Green Travel Plan (QMU 2019) and the Queen Margaret travel survey 2018 (QMU 2019). The Queen Margaret travel survey will be compared with the honours project questionnaire. The Theory of planned behaviour is also used as this behaviour change model was used in the literature surrounding active travel and also students. Method and Results This study will use quantitative data gathered from an online questionnaire which ran for a two-week period. Exclusion criteria will be anyone who does not attend Queen Margaret University or those living on campus. The questionnaire will focus on active travel to the university and helps to identify the psychological, social and environmental barriers towards active travel at Queen Margaret University. SPPS will be used to analyse data obtained from the questionnaire and chi squared t testing is used and the results presented in tables. 43 participants answered the questionnaire. Results found that 23% walk to university and 20% cycle to university and most participants do not walk or cycle to university so do not actively travel to university. Staff were more inclined to cycle to university and knew people that cycled compared to student who more likely to walk but knew none one that cycled. Discussion Comparing the honours project questionnaire with the Queen Margaret travel survey 2018 gave insight of what the university initiatives are surrounding active travel ant their main aims are. Since the Queen Margaret travel survey 2018 does not emphasise the psychological, social and environmental barriers towards active travel, while this honours project questionnaire attempts to address these issues. This information gives future ideas for active travel initiatives that can be implemented, such as a cycle training programme and improved routes to university
The Extent to Which Young People Can Recognise COVID-19 Misinformation on Social Media
(2021)
The impact of change in health behaviours on mental wellbeing in students during lockdown.
(2021)
Background: COVID-19 reached the United Kingdom in the early months of 2020, causing the country to go into lockdown. The lockdown restricted the population to interacting with others, meaning all non-essential businesses had to close in order to combat the virus. Due to these restrictions, there has been an impact in health behaviours including physical activity, diet, sleep and alcohol consumption. It is still unsure whether these impacts have been positive or negative. Through the use of quantitative data this study will investigate the health behaviour changes that undergraduate students experienced and its impact on mental wellbeing during lockdown. Methods: A quantitative research method was used through the use of the Healthand Behaviour Survey. This method assessed the main health behaviours of physical activity, diet, sleep and alcohol consumption. Hypothesis: Due to the recent findings on the impacts that lockdown has had on the adult population it appears more likely that the results will show a negative change in health behaviours on mental wellbeing. However, due to the previous studies not focusing on the student population a hypothesis has been made that there will be a more spread variety of positive impacts that impact had on student in lockdown. Discussion: This study will help provide details on the impact that lockdown really has had on students and whether it was positive or negative. The findings of the study will help plan interventions in the future if any form of lockdown was to happen again, regarding different health behaviours and the impacts they have on mental wellbeing.
The Impact Social Prescribing has on Individuals’ Mental Health and Wellbeing
(2020)
Social Prescribing (SP) is primarily used for connecting people to non-medical sources of support or resources within their community and has evolved over the last decade, gaining considerable attention in recent years. This is a person-centred approach and the support from third sector organisations is crucial for it to succeed. Current literature is examined on what impact SP may have on individuals’ mental health and wellbeing and identify recommendations for future research. The review will form both the proposed research design and the planned activities thereafter. Previous research has evidenced that SP has a positive impact on individuals’ mental health and wellbeing and is most effective within socially deprived areas, incorporating the social determinants of health. The Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation (SIMD) (2020) figures show Inverclyde as the most deprived area in Scotland, therefore the proposed research should be carried out in this priority area. The combination of SWEMWBS and the Wellbeing Star will be utilised to capture both qualitative and quantitative data, over an 18 month period, with the aim to gather further evidence into the effectiveness of SP in improving individuals’ mental health and wellbeing.
Investigating the Effect of Exercise on Acute Anxiety, within 3rd and 4th Year Health Science Students at Queen Margaret University.
(2020)
This study is to determine if physical activity (exercises of specific intensity and frequency) have an effect on acute anxiety amongst third and fourth year, Health Science students at Queen Margaret University. It will explore the different intensities and frequencies of various types of exercise and explore if there is an effect on anxiety levels. This will be achieved by investigating the different levels of acute anxiety experienced between, a mixture of physically active and sedentary students. The introduction explains a broad understanding of acute anxiety as well as physical activity. Within this section there is an extensive literature review which looks at anxiety within the chosen population, then reviews literature on exercise and anxiety to identify a gap in knowledge. In this section the objectives and hypothesis are identified. Objectives: To find out the impact of physical activity towards overcoming/ managing acute anxiety; To find out the prevalence of anxiety and exercise in communities (age, gender, course); To find out the categories of exercises that can overcome anxiety, the Hypothesis being: exercise (of correct frequency and intensity) will reduce symptoms of acute anxiety within the chosen population, and therefore will prove to be an effective way of managing acute anxiety. Participants will be recruited through the process of email and hub site advert bulletins. Qualitative data will be acquired through two different questionnaires using the Qualtrics platform. One will look at the frequency and intensity they participate in during the week and the other will look at the level of anxiety they experience. The results will then be compared using SPSS to conduct a T-test in order see if any correlations lie between that of physical activity and anxiety, along with looking at other factors such as age and gender, to investigate if there are relationships within these different sub-groups. To conclude; the potential barriers towards study and other issues are highlighted in the discussion section.
Investigating the Effects of an Indoor and Green-Outdoor Exercise Environment on University Students’ Mental Well-being.
(2020)
Research from a variety of scientific fields suggests there to be a positive relationship between regular physical exercise and psychological health. Similarly, viewing and interacting with nature has been reported to alleviate symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression and improve mood and overall well-being. Various studies have contributed evidence to support the concept that combining both physical exercise and nature provide more significant mental well-being benefits, however less in known about how the effect of this affects the mental well-being of university students who are regular exercisers. This study aims to address the methodological gap present in existing research by considering the effect that the prior exercise history of university students has on the mental well-being outcomes of exercising outdoors in a green environment versus indoors. This topic is important for informing the design of student well-being prevention interventions which are currently needed, due to the global decline of psychological health among undergraduate university students. Participants will be selected depending on their physical activity levels and exercise history which will be compared against the UK’s weekly physical activity guidelines. Mental well-being outcomes will be measured using the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale (WEMWS) at the beginning and at the end of a green-outdoor and indoor exercise programme. Intention for future exercise and preference of exercise setting will be measured using a Likert-scale and open-ended interview questionnaire at the end of the study. The findings will extend on previous work and demonstrate which type of exercise setting provides greater mental well-being benefits for an already active university student population.
Investigating the Impact of Mindful Attention Focus During Nature Walks on Mental Well-being: A Mixed Methods Randomised Control Trial
(2021)
Background: Poor mental well-being and sedentary lifestyles are an increasing problem, especially in the student population. Literature shows Green Exercise (GE) has a synergetic effect, resulting in increased benefits to mental well-being compared to being in nature or physical activity individually. GE has the ability to promote both mental well-being and physical activity. Previous studies have investigated the optimal dose of exercising in nature including duration, intensity, type and environmental characteristics. However, the exerciser-environment relationship, developed through affordances, seems more important to understand the mental well-being benefits that arise during GE. Methods/design: This proposed study will follow a mixed method randomised control trial design. It aims to investigate if a greater improvement in mental well-being is found after carrying out a four-week mindful nature walking programme, compared to a four-week standard practice walking programme. The mindful intervention will focus on drawing participants attention to their external environment, with participants listening to an audio recording through earphones during their walks. Approximately 20 participants will be recruited from Queen Margaret University. Mental well-being will be evaluated by the Warwick- Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale (WEMWBS). Semi-structured interviews will gather qualitative data. Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) will be used to analyse data extracted from interviews to establish themes of participants experiences. Paired-t tests will be used to test significance (p<0.05) of WEMWBS scores pre and post intervention. Discussion: This study will contribute to existing evidence by investigating if mindful walking could be used as an accessible and cost-effective practice to improve mental well-being whilst promoting physical activity. The design of the study is rigorously based on existing evidence within GE. The methodology carefully balances strengthening internal validity by controlling for confounding effects, whilst also ensuring results are externally valid and applicable to real life practice.
Investigating the impact surf therapy has on the mental wellbeing of vulnerable young people.
(2021)
This study is to determine if surf therapy has an impact on the mental health and wellbeing of vulnerable young people. It will explore surf therapy programmes and mental health within the young people population. The introduction will overview a broad understanding of how young people can be deemed as ‘vulnerable’ and mental health as a whole. This section will go on to an extended literature review where it looks into mental health and wellbeing within the young people population, physical activity and surf therapy, green space and blue space, and analyses if there are any gaps in the topic area. The aim, objectives and hypothesis are stated at the end of this section. Participants will be recruited through The Wave Project Scotland, using Qualitative research through a questionnaire to determine the impact on mental health. Participants will partake in a 6-week surf therapy programme and fill out a questionnaire pre and post the programme. The results will be analysed to see what impact surf therapy has on the participants mental wellbeing. In conclusion, potential barriers and future research are established in the discussion at the end of the study.
An Investigation Into The Relationship Between Social Networking Sites And Photo Manipulation On Body Dissatisfaction and Eating Disorders amongst Young Women.
(2020)
Background: Social Networking Sites have become more popular than traditional media formats, consequently the advent of smartphones and front-facing cameras have enabled women to take and distribute images with ease. The combination of viewing depictions online and peer influence is a leading route on the formation of body perception and transmission of cultural ideals. Technology enables us to construct, deconstruct and reconstruct ourselves: by adding filters and manipulating images. These advances in image technology correlate to a greater internalization of the thin-ideal, body dissatisfaction and a drive for thinness. Although there has been a proliferation of academic interest in recent years on beneficial and problematic implications within Social Networking Sites, little research has addressed aspects of photo manipulation online, and the influence this has upon young women. Through the use of quantitative research methods, this study will contribute to existing research by aiming to examine the relationship between photo manipulation stigmas expressed on social networking sites, with overvaluation of body dissatisfaction and disordered eating. Methods/Design: A quantitative research method was used to establish the laws of behaviours and understand attitudes and variables associated with social networking sites and body dissatisfaction. In a cross-sectional design, eighty young women (aged 18-29) within the students of Queen Margaret University completed questionnaires on social media use and body-related and eating concerns measures, lasting approximately thirty minutes. Independent sample t test and Regression Analysis were used to analyse and compare the results from the questionnaire. To organise and produce characteristic patterns between data variables, SPSS software was used. Hypothesis: Based on the findings in this field, the following hypotheses have been formulated: (1) Disordered eating will directly correspond with body dissatisfaction (2) Photo manipulation by individuals will correlate to body dissatisfaction (3) Social Networking Site investment will predict higher body dissatisfaction in people with pre-existing eating disorders. Discussion: This study will help gain insight and knowledge of participants attitudes and perspectives of social networking use and the relationship between photo manipulation, disordered eating and body dissatisfaction. The implication of these findings can be of great importance when planning interventions to counteract problematic experiences online regarding unrealistic beauty aspirations.
A mixed methods approach to investigate weightbased reactions and discriminative incidents within a gym environment. Specifically targeted to people with overweight or obesity: A proposed study
(2021)
Stigmatising incidents – specifically towards a person’s weight - are apparent worldwide including the workplace, healthcare settings and in fitness environments. To date, there is a vast amount of evidence investigating the impact weight stigma has towards exercise adherence of overweight and obese participants. However, there is little research regarding what procedures could be implemented to alleviate inactivity in this population. The proposed study intends to use a mixed methods approach using analysis from quantitative surveys to determine the presence of stigma within a gym environment. It will also analyse information gathered from qualitative semi-structured interviews about what could be implemented within fitness facilities to allow for a more comfortable experience. Participants will be selected from a funded NHS weight management programme which is run within fitness centres across Edinburgh. The criterion for the study is that the participants have a Body Mass Index of 25> and have attended a gym at least once in their lifetime. The hypothesis of theproposed study is that the findings will align with previous research highlighting the need for additional measures to be put in place to reduce stigmatic experiences. The need for extra resources to allow for higher numbers of physical activity attendance in overweight and obese individuals may also emerge.
A qualitative approach to explore the impact of blue space on family’s health and wellbeing.
(2021)
Natural environments are progressively being examined as important settings for health promotion (Ashbullby et al. 2013). However, only some studies have looked at the health impacts of outdoor blue spaces. Evidence is emerging that blue spaces can be especially valuable for psychological wellbeing, and blue spaces commonly appear among people’s preferred areas to go to for relaxation and restoration (Ashbullby et al. 2013). Hardly any research has investigated what adults and children find fun about spending time in blue space environments or how they think spending time in these settings might influence their health outcomes. This study aims to enhance the literature on natural environments and health by employing qualitative approaches to investigate family’s experiences of holidaying in blue spaces. The proposed study will use semi-structured interviews to understand the perceived health and wellbeing impacts blue space has on parents and children. The participants will be required to have children aged between 7 to 12 years old and have purposely holidayed in localities with blue spaces. The interviews will be carried out with six families through Skype. Thematic analysis will be used to identify themes within the data. The hypothesis of the proposed study is that the findings will align with previous research highlighting the positive health effects of natural environments, however, additional effects may emerge as the focus will be on blue space and families experiences.
A qualitative approach to investigate the perceived benefits of an intergenerational buddy system within a physical activity programme specifically targeted to people with dementia: A proposed study.
(2020)
Dementia is a worldwide public health concern. Due to the nature of the symptoms, people with dementia often face negative stereotyping and a compromised quality of life. Research suggests that intergenerational programmes have the potential to change societies attitudes towards people with dementia, while posing significant benefits to the people with dementia. The most prevalent risk factor for contracting the condition is age, and physical activity presents a host of benefits for the elderly population. The study intends to investigate the perceived benefits of combining an intergenerational programme with a physical activity programme specifically targeted to people with dementia. The proposed study will use an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis of focus groups and semi – structured interviews to understand the perceived benefits from both the people with dementia and a young “buddy” volunteer out with their generation. Participants will be selected from a local physical activity programme for people with dementia. The hypothesis of the proposed study is that the findings will align with previous research highlighting the benefits of intergenerational programmes for both generations, but additional benefits may emerge from the use of a physical activity programme.
“Sink or Swim? A study to understand the relationship between personality traits, mental health and the effects of social media use in university students”
(2021)
Over the past two decades, adolescents’ engagement with Social Media has substantially increased. While a relationship between social media and mental health has been established, research must investigate why some adolescents are affected by social media more than others. The present study is designed to examine the relationship between social media and the well-being of adolescents at university. Specifically, this study attempted to examine to what extent certain personality traits, when using social media, can leave one more predisposed to effects on wellbeing. Statistical analysis for the proposed study will use a point-biserial correlation, that is assessed on the relationship between the five personality traits and daily stress on the one hand, with use of social media on the other. Using 3 different questionnaires to obtain information on daily stress, social media use and personality traits. This study is based on previous work by (Brailovskaia et al. 2020). Participants for this cohort will be recruited at Queen Margret University with advertisement being placed around the university campus. The hypothesis of this study is that certain levels of social media use can have a detrimental effect on individuals daily stress when specific personality traits are also displayed.
To what extent does applying limits to social media applications on smartphones decrease sedentary behaviour in university students?
(2020)
Smartphones, television and computers play an integral role in the world today. As a results of screen based usage people are in danger of spending longer amounts of time in sedentary positions. Guthald et al (2018) found that from 2010 to 2016 that the levels of physical inactivity globally has risen from 23.3% to just over 25% and linked this increase to increased screen based usage. Of all online time, 30% is spent on social media, with the average person spending 2 hours and 20 minutes per day browsing social platforms (Medium 2019). This has increased more than 50% since 2012. Furthermore there are a number of studies which support the link between screen based time and sedentary behaviour. The literature also shows that both have detrimental impacts on health if spending prolonged periods of time engaging in them. Physical activity has the ability to combat these health issues and has been proven to work as an intervention to sedentary behaviour. There is not currently any research looking into whether limiting social media can positively impact sedentary behaviour. This research proposal will explain how to carry out a study which will do just that. Participants will have their social media usage tracked on their mobile phones before a one week intervention is applied. This will limit their time allowed on applications of social by 25%. Step count and exercise habits will be tracked whilst the week before and the week of the intervention to determine whether the participant’s sedentary time is affected.
Using Self-Evaluation to Advance Continuing Professional Development in Gymnastics Coaches: A Proposed Study.
(2021)
Technically challenging to perform and coach, gymnastics is a sport which is respected by many. Despite the critical role a coach plays in the development and performance of athletes, a distinct lack of research has been conducted to improve and advance a coach’s techniques and practices. By utilising the advancement of continuing professional development, coaches can ultimately improve their athlete’s performance by improving their own skillset. Mosston and Ashworh (2002) set out a Teaching Styles Spectrum, claiming that a coach who holds and delivers all the qualities will excel. TheProposed study will aim to establish the effect self-evaluation has on advancing a gymnastics coach’s continuing professional development. Factors such as the coach’s experience in the field, attitude towards self-evaluation and adaptation to adopt new coaching techniques will be considered. A qualitative research method will be used to understand and explore the relationship between self-evaluation and continuing professional development. Five gymnastics coaches from the same club will voluntarily participate in a series of data collection interventions. To collect data, both a semi-structured and fully structured interview will take place. Additionally, the coaches will take part in a four-week reflective diary, aiming to reinforce existing understanding and awareness of self-evaluation and its effects. The interviews will be transcribed in preparation for analysis. Thematic analysis will be used to highlight key themes in the collected data. The hypothesis of the proposed research expects that self-evaluation will have a similar positive effect on both coach professional development and athlete’s technical development. The Teaching Styles Spectrum will work well in presenting as a ‘model’ coach and provide clarity and guidance for those looking to advance their practise.
Yoga after Stroke: A Qualitative Study on how Yoga Affects Stroke Survivors’ Perceived Self
(2021)
Stroke affects many aspects of people’s functioning and lives, and at the deepest level, it can change individuals’ sense of self and identity (Ownsworth 2014). Individuals often describe having a negative perception of self following stroke, experiencing mind-body disconnection, and seeing their body as unknown and altered (Garrett et al. 2011). After stroke, often special attention is devoted to the body, neglecting other aspects such as one’s sense of self and identity (Pallesen and Roenn-Smidt 2015). Yoga is a holistic approach that is considered to treat the person as a whole and can be used for stroke survivors to address both psychological and physical health (Andrews et al. 2020). Yoga encourages self-acceptance, mind and body awareness and promotes mindfulness, hence yoga will be used to explore stroke survivors’ sense of self and identity. Purpose: To explore the experiences of stroke survivors on their perceived sense of self and identity after participating in a yoga program.