Publications by authors named "Vanessa Martinez Kercher"

Background: Physical inactivity in the U.S. poses a significant risk of developing chronic health factors associated with cardiovascular disease.

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Sport-based youth development programs, delivered through campus-community partnerships, can create impactful experiences for college students, meet university objectives, and improve the health of children in under-resourced rural communities. This study aimed to pilot test intervention mapping (IM), a systematic approach to intervention development and implementation, to refine the Hoosier Sport intervention, which is a local public health initiative that utilizes the Obesity-Related Behavioral Intervention Trials (ORBITs) model to improve physical activity in middle school children. The IM process, which included a diverse IM planning and advisory group of university representatives and local schools, was guided by self-determination theory (SDT) and social cognitive theory (SCT) and followed four steps: Logic Model of the Problem, Logic Model of Change, Program Design, and Program Production.

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Background: Despite extensive research on the relationship between psychological factors and aerobic training, there remains a gap in understanding these relationships within resistance training (RT), particularly barbell-based RT. This study aimed to examine the associations between basic psychological needs, behavioral regulation, self-efficacy, and a longitudinal barbell-based RT program for adults.

Methods: Forty-three adults ( age = 45.

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This study examines how the 8-week Hoosier Sport program impacts cardiovascular disease (CVD) risks by promoting physical activity (PA) among rural, low-income children. Using a human-centered participatory co-design approach, the program aimed to increase PA levels (e.g.

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Introduction: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) accounts for 18 million deaths per year, disproportionately burdens under-represented racial and ethnic groups, and has economic costs greater than any other health condition. Participation in youth sport may be an effective strategy to improve CVD-related risk factors but studies of youth sport participation have shown mixed results for improving health outcomes. Therefore, the objective of this systematic review is to examine how participation in youth sport contributes to physical activity levels and CVD risk factors in children aged 5-14 years old.

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Purpose: The significance of regular physical activity (PA) in reducing cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk is widely acknowledged. However, children in rural areas encounter specific barriers to PA compared to their urban counterparts. This study employs human-centered participatory co-design, involving community stakeholders in developing a multi-level PA intervention named Hoosier Sport.

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Article Synopsis
  • Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are linked to obesity, but their connection to weight cycling hasn't been thoroughly investigated, which is concerning given the challenges of maintaining weight loss and the stigma associated with obesity.
  • A study of 78 overweight/obese adults, mostly educated white women, found that higher ACE scores were significantly associated with a history of weight cycling, particularly in those with four or more ACEs.
  • This suggests that ACEs may influence patterns of weight loss and regain, indicating a need for further research to see how ACEs affect long-term weight loss success and the stigma surrounding obesity.
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Introduction: Physical activity yields significant benefits, yet fewer than 1 in 4 youth meet federal guidelines. Children in rural areas from low socioeconomic (SES) backgrounds face unique physical activity contextual challenges. In line with Stage 0 with the NIH Stage Model for Behavioral Intervention Development, the objective of the present study was to conduct a community-engaged needs assessment survey with middle school children and adults to identify perceptions, barriers, and facilitators of physical activity, sport, psychological needs, and nutrition from a multi-level lens.

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Background: The primary aim of the current pilot study was to examine enrollment rate, data completion, usability, acceptance and use of a mobile telehealth application, Brain CareNotes. A secondary aim was to estimate the application's effect in reducing caregiver burden and behavioral and psychological symptoms related to dementia (BPSD).

Methods: Patient-caregiver dyads (n = 53) were recruited and randomized to intervention and control groups.

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Introduction: Currently, only 1 in 4 children in the U.S. engage in the recommended amount of physical activity (PA) and disparities in PA participation increase as income inequities increase.

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Purpose: Age of first exposure to tackle football and head impact kinematics have been used to examine the effect of head impacts on mental health outcomes. These measures coupled with retrospective and cross-sectional designs have contributed to conflicting results. The purpose of this study was to identify the effect of one season of head impact exposure, age of first exposure to football, and psychological need satisfaction on acute mental health outcomes in adolescent football players.

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The purpose of this study is to identify profiles based on the reasons adults have for being physically active. A secondary purpose was to examine how profiles differ on motivational regulation and physical activity (PA). A total of 1275 (46.

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