Domain matters: An examination of college student physical activity participation patterns by gender and race/ethnicity.

BACKGROUND: Physical activity (PA) consists of multiple domains, including leisure-time PA (LTPA), occupational PA (OPA), and transportation PA (TPA), though limited research has examined these domains among college students. METHODS: This cross sectional, online survey asked undergraduate students to self-report demographics (gender, race/ethnicity, employment) and PA (LTPA, TPA, and OPA). Participants were categorized as meeting/not meeting current aerobic PA recommendations with only LTPA and with all domains of PA. Analyses examined differences by domain and demographics. RESULTS: For participants (n = 3732) when only considering LTPA, 79% met recommendations, while considering all forms of PA resulted in 94% of students meeting recommendations. Gender and race/ethnicity differences in the odds of meeting PA recommendations were present with only LTPA, however when considering all PA domains, some disparities were no longer present. CONCLUSIONS: These findings highlight how different domains of activity contribute to overall PA and the relationship with gender and race/ethnicity.

Success and Challenges of Community Bicycle Advocacy Organizations in Reaching Underserved Populations.

INTRODUCTION: Bicycling, as forms of recreation and travel, offers many positive physical and mental health benefits, though there are still many disparities in bicycling rates among underserved populations in the United States. Community bicycling advocacy organizations/coalitions promote and advocate for increased bicycling; however, have been shown to have a lack of organizational capacity for equitable programming to diverse populations (racial/ethnic minorities, women, low-income, LGBTQ+ communities, youth). The purpose of this study was to understand the current practices for providing underserved populations bicycling programming among advocacy organizations and to find major barriers and helpful tools for equitable programming. METHODS: This was conducted in a volunteer sample of U.S. bicycle advocacy organizations. An interview (n = 23) assessed organizational function, successful programs, and barriers to reaching underserved populations. RESULTS: Several themes emerged from the interviews. Participants stated that the lack of organizational leadership and member diversity, along with a lack of trust with underserved communities, presented major barriers to providing equitable programming. Partnering with other community organizations that place an emphasis on serving diverse populations was noted to have potential for increasing successful programming by allocating resources and connections. CONCLUSION: Although barriers exist for bicycle advocacy organizations when attempting to reach underserved and diverse populations, groups should focus on creating successful and diverse partnerships to increase the capacity for providing equitable programming.

University bicycle programming capacity for underrepresented student populations: Pedaling toward equitable opportunities.

Purpose: Universities and colleges play a major role in facilitating the behaviors of students into adulthood. Active travel (AT; walking or bicycling for transportation) can provide substantial health benefits, though inequities among bicycling are shown in many underserved populations (racial/ethnic minorities, women, LGBTQ+, disabled, low-income). This study aimed to understand universities' capacity for underserved populations programming on campuses. Methods: Representatives from U.S. universities/colleges participated in an online survey which addressed basic information about university demographics/culture, common barriers and desired tools to reaching underserved students, priorities, and important outcomes. Results: University respondents (n = 51) indicated a lack of programming and implementation of strategies to reach underserved campus populations. Typically, universities ranked equity as a low priority and limited strategies for promoting bicycling reached/targeted underserved populations. Conclusion: There is a notable lack of programs and strategies to engage underserved populations on campus that should be addressed to better serve student health outcomes.

Gender and race/ethnicity differences in occupational activity among students.

Occupational physical activity (OPA) is related to positive health outcomes and meeting overall physical activity recommendations. OPA participation typically varies across racial/ethnic groups and by gender, though little research has examined differences in OPA among college students. A cross-sectional, online survey of college students examined demographics and OPA. Participants (n = 3739) were predominately Non-Hispanic White (77.1%) and female (57.8%) aged 20.97 ± 1.52. Employed students reported greater total PA compared with non-employed students. Males reported significantly greater vigorous OPA, overall OPA, and total PA compared with females. Among employed students, OPA contributed significantly to overall PA levels. Males reported significantly greater OPA compared with females and there were several significant differences by race/ethnicity. Academic performance was related to OPA. These findings provide some insight on the OPA levels of a population group that has not been thoroughly examined.

Neighborhood Assessment of the Environment for Physical Activity: Engaging Adolescents Within an Under-resourced Community.

BACKGROUND: Physical activity (PA) participation has many benefits; however, rates of participation remain low, particularly among underserved populations which may face low PA participation due to having poorer quality of built environment factors which is a known influence on activity levels. OBJECTIVES: To train adolescents to conduct environmental neighborhood assessments and neighborhood resident surveys of with the end goal of encouraging advocacy for neighborhood improvements. METHODS: This mixed methods, prospective design study was focused in a low-income, under-resourced, predominately African American neighborhood in Pittsburgh. Adolescents (n = 14; 13-17 years) in a community partner's youth program were trained to conduct neighborhood environmental assessments and distributed neighborhood resident surveys. Results of these assessments were shared with community partners to create strategies for improvement. These adolescents participated in a focus group following the environmental assessments to reflect on their findings and the process. The neighborhood resident survey (n = 123) assessed demographics, perceptions of the neighborhood, PA participation and health outcomes. RESULTS: Neighborhood assessments noted and resident surveys noted many barriers to activity (i.e., poor sidewalks, unsafe areas). Results were informative for our community partner to advocate for neighborhood improvements. Focus group results indicated that the adolescents understood how their neighborhood environment could influence PA and how the findings could be utilized to make improvements in their neighborhood. CONCLUSIONS: Adolescents can be successfully trained/educated to follow a research protocol for assessing the built environment for PA using a variety of measurement tools, while additionally gaining insight towards neighborhood environment advocacy.

Physical Activity is Related to Mental Health and Sexual Orientation Among Women in College.

Non-heterosexual women tend to report lower physical activity and poorer mental health than their heterosexual counterparts. The purpose of this study was to examine differences in mental health (stress and depression) and physical activity among female college students by sexual orientation. Students self-reported socio-demographic characteristics, physical activity, perceived stress, and depressive symptoms via an online survey. Correlations, independent samples t-tests, and multiple regression analyses were used to examine relationships between perceived stress, depressive symptoms, physical activity, and sexual orientation. Most participants (n = 1072, 20.0 ± 1.5 years) identified as heterosexual (90.1%), non-Hispanic White (73%), and in their fourth semester or higher. Perceived stress and depressive symptoms differed significantly between heterosexual and non-heterosexual women, but physical activity participation did not. Higher participation in vigorous physical activity and strength training predicted both lower depressive symptoms and lower perceived stress while controlling for sexual orientation. For both heterosexual and non-heterosexual sexual women, depressive symptoms had a positive relationship with perceived stress, and a negative relationship to strength training. Depressive symptoms also had negative correlations with vigorous physical activity among heterosexual women. Findings indicate non-heterosexual women experience greater perceived stress and depressive symptoms, and these mental health issues can have multi-level implications. Greater vigorous physical activity and strength training were associated with lower perceived stress and depression regardless of sexual orientation. Administrators and health promoters should consider ways to promote these forms of physical activity among non-heterosexual women. Further research is needed on the potential barriers impacting engagement in physical activity.

United States' universities are forgetting about equitable bicycle programming on campus.

PURPOSE: Regular participation in bicycling offers many health benefits. Universities throughout the U.S. have a large proportion of underrepresented populations among students/employees (e.g., racial/ethnic minorities, LGBTQ+, disabled) who participate in cycling at lower rates. The purpose of this study was to understand the current practices of universities for implementing equitable bicycling programming to their students/faculty/staff. METHODS: A volunteer sample of U.S. university bicycle representatives (n = 19) were interviewed to analyze current practices, barriers, motivators, and future tools for equitable programming. RESULTS: Multiple themes emerged from the interview, including barriers to programming such as lack of personnel and finances, as well as motivators such as partnering with off-campus organizations and connecting community/university infrastructures. CONCLUSIONS: Although various barriers exist for universities which may present decreased equitable programming, university bicycle/alternative transportation departments should consider partnering with on and off-campus organizations rooted into underrepresented populations to better provide equitable programming to these populations.

Participation in Higher Intensity Physical Activity Predicts Lower Depressive Symptom Incidence in College Students.

The prevalence of depression and insufficient physical activity (PA) continue to rise in the United States, particularly among college students. PA is typically associated with decreased levels of depressive symptoms; however, the association between different intensities of PA and depressive symptoms is unclear among college students. The aim of this study was to examine how well weekly moderate PA (MPA), vigorous PA (VPA) and strength training (ST) volumes predicted depressive symptoms in college students. Students self-reported weekly MPA, VPA, ST, depressive symptoms (CESD-7), restful nights of sleep, grade point average (GPA) and socio-demographic characteristics. Four individual linear regression models were performed to examine how MPA, VPA, and ST predicted depressive symptoms. Covariates controlled for socio-demographic characteristics (gender, race/ethnicity, and sexual orientation) and other variables (GPA and sleep) that could influence depressive symptoms. Data suggested that higher volumes of VPA (ß = -0.11; R2 = 0.157) and higher days of ST (ß = -0.11; R 2 = 0.157) significantly predicted (p < 0.001) lower depressive symptoms. While MPA volume (ß = -0.01; R 2 = 0.147) did not significantly predict depressive symptoms. Higher volumes of VPA and more days of ST participation predicts lower depressive symptoms in college students. High intensity exercise programs should be promoted at universities and throughout the young adult population. Exercise prescription may be useful and successful for students at risk of depression. Emphasis placed on these intensities will attempt to decrease depressive symptoms in students.

Differences in United States college student physical activity and exercise self-efficacy based on gender and race/ethnicity.

OBJECTIVE: Disparities in physical activity (PA) and PA antecedents, such as exercise self-efficacy, based on the intersection of gender and race/ethnicity among college students are poorly understood. This study aimed to examine differences in PA and exercise self-efficacy based on the intersection of gender and race/ethnicity. METHODS: An online survey collected data on demographics (age, gender, race/ethnicity), PA, and exercise self-efficacy from students (n = 5341) enrolled in general health and wellness at a large Northeastern U.S. University. Differences in PA and exercise self-efficacy based on gender and race/ethnicity were examined using two-way ANOVAs. RESULTS: Analyses revealed significant differences in overall PA and exercise self-efficacy based on gender and race/ethnicity. A significant interaction between gender and race/ethnicity was found in relation to PA, but not exercise self-efficacy. CONCLUSION: Findings demonstrate the need for universities to tailor PA promotion efforts, and to consider how gender and race/ethnicity may intersect to influence PA participation.

Power 5 conference institutions' summer transition program physical activity promotion efforts: A review.

Objective: To review the physical activity promotion efforts of Power 5 conference institutions' summer transition programs. Methods: The websites of Power 5 Conference and affiliate member institutions (N = 78) were systematically reviewed and information on summer transition programs pertaining to health were extracted. Results: Most (n = 45, 57.7%) institutions had a summer transition program of some kind. Among those who had summer transition programs, 14 (31.1%) had a nonphysical activity health course (i.e. health and/or nutrition), while courses that incorporated a physical activity component were uncommon (n = 6, 13.3%). Only two institutions covered physical activity, nutrition, and health in at least one offered course. Conclusions: There is an opportunity for tertiary institution-level summer transitional programs to expand coverage to address a currently unmet need for physical activity promotion while avoiding perpetuation of existing inequities.

Genotyping-in-Thousands by sequencing panel development and application for high-resolution monitoring of introgressive hybridization within sockeye salmon.

Stocking programs have been widely implemented to re-establish extirpated fish species to their historical ranges; when employed in species with complex life histories, such management activities should include careful consideration of resulting hybridization dynamics with resident stocks and corresponding outcomes on recovery initiatives. Genetic monitoring can be instrumental for quantifying the extent of introgression over time, however conventional markers typically have limited power for the identification of advanced hybrid classes, especially at the intra-specific level. Here, we demonstrate a workflow for developing, evaluating and deploying a Genotyping-in-Thousands by Sequencing (GT-seq) SNP panel with the power to detect advanced hybrid classes to assess the extent and trajectory of intra-specific hybridization, using the sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka) stocking program in Skaha Lake, British Columbia as a case study. Previous analyses detected significant levels of hybridization between the anadromous (sockeye) and freshwater resident (kokanee) forms of O. nerka, but were restricted to assigning individuals to pure-stock or "hybrid". Simulation analyses indicated our GT-seq panel had high accuracy, efficiency and power (> 94.5%) of assignment to pure-stock sockeye salmon/kokanee, F1, F2, and B2 backcross-sockeye/kokanee. Re-analysis of 2016/2017 spawners previously analyzed using TaqMan® assays and otolith microchemistry revealed shifts in assignment of some hybrids to adjacent pure-stock or B2 backcross classes, while new assignment of 2019 spawners revealed hybrids comprised 31% of the population, ~ 74% of which were B2 backcross or F2. Overall, the GT-seq panel development workflow presented here could be applied to virtually any system where genetic stock identification and intra-specific hybridization are important management parameters.

The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on US College Students' Physical Activity and Mental Health.

BACKGROUND: Investigating the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on both physical activity (PA) and mental health is important to demonstrate the need for interventions. This study examined the apparent impact of the pandemic on college students' PA, perceived stress, and depressive symptoms. METHODS: From 2015 through 2020, data were collected at the beginning and end of the spring semester at a large Northeastern US university via an online survey assessing student demographics, PA, perceived stress, and depressive symptoms. Mixed ANOVA examined differences in PA and mental health changes over the spring semester between "normal" and COVID-19 circumstances. Two-way ANOVA examined the interaction between circumstance and changes in PA in relation to changes in mental health. RESULTS: Participants (n = 1019) were predominately women and non-Hispanic white. There was a significant decline in PA and an increase in perceived stress under COVID-19, but not normal, circumstances and a significant increase in depressive symptoms under COVID-19, but not normal, circumstances among women. CONCLUSIONS: A significant decline in PA and mental health among college students occurred under COVID-19 circumstances, and PA did not appear to protect against deterioration in mental health. Proactive and innovative policies, programs, and practices to promote student health and well-being must be explored immediately.

Using Exercise as a Stress Management Technique During the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Differences Between Men and Women in College.

Psychological stress is a major concern in college students and can lead to negative mental and physical health outcomes. The COVID-19 pandemic has increased psychological stress. Using exercise as a stress management technique has been shown to have a large effect in preventing and treating psychological stress. This study attempts to understand the gender differences between how using exercise as a stress management technique predicts perceived stress levels during the COVID-19 pandemic. Students completed an online survey to self-report their stress management techniques, perceived stress (PSS-10), grade point average (GPA) and demographics (age, race/ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity). Independent samples t-tests compared each PSS-10 item for those who did/not use exercise as a stress management technique for each gender. Separate linear regression models compared perceived stress levels in those who did/not use exercise as a stress management tool for each gender. GPA, sexual orientation, and race/ethnicity were included as covariates. Data from 384 students were analyzed. Four PSS-10 items showed significant differences in women who did/not use exercise as a stress management technique. Women who used exercise as a stress management technique reported significantly lower levels of perceived stress compared to those women who did not (p < 0.05); while men showed no significant differences whether or not they used exercise as a stress management technique. University officials should recognize gender differences in stress among their students when creating programs/interventions to prevent and treat student psychological stress.