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Biomedical subjects

G Halpin

Publications and source records attributed to G Halpin.

13 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1995

A test to estimate VO2max in females using aerobic dance, heart rate, BMI, and age.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this investigation was to develop a sub-maximal exercise test for estimating VO2max utilizing aerobic dance. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: One hundred females between the ages 18 to 40 yr served as the subjects for test validation. The subjects completed a treadmill test to determine VO2max and were assessed for heart rate (HR) response to a bout of aerobic dance. The data associated with responses to treadmill exercise and the aerobic dance test, in conjunction with descriptive variables (e.g., age, BMI) were utilized in the validation of the multiple regression model. MEASURES: Reliability was determined by correlation and paired "t"-tests of the aerobic dance routine test and retest trials. The construction of the multiple regression equation, via forward entry analysis, and the cross-validation of the regression equation were completed to ensure the validity and reliability of the protocol in accurately estimating VO2max. RESULTS: Test, retest reliability for the dance-exercise routine was demonstrated (r = 0.98). Moreover, no significant differences were shown between the HR responses for the test and retest trials. The multiple regression analysis yielded a three variable multiple prediction equation for estimating VO2max (R = 0.84; SEE, 5.5 ml.kg-1.min-1). The three variables were the HR response to four min of aerobic dance (HR4), body mass index (BMI), and age (years). Cross-validation of the aerobic dance test was determined with a second group of 50 female subjects (R = 0.83; SEE, 5.5 ml.kg-1.min-1). Additionally, the application of the validation group regression equation to the cross-validation group yielded a comparable R of 0.82. Comparison of the predicted values for VO2max from both equations also yielded a highly significant invariance coefficient of 0.96. Finally, the results of "t"-tests between the observed and predicted mean values for VO2max revealed no significant difference (p > 0.05). Therefore, the final prediction equation, based on collapsing the means associated with the validation and cross validation samples (n = 150), was: VO2max (ml.kg-1.min-1) = 130.18-(0.38 * HR4)-(0.81 * BMI)-(0.27 * Age); R = 0.84, SEE = 5.5 ml.kg-1.min-1. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that a four minute aerobic dance test provides a valid and reliable sub-maximal protocol for estimating VO2max and providing an index of aerobic fitness in apparently healthy 18 to 40 yr old females.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1992

Relationship of drug use to involvement in school, home, and community activities: results of a large survey of adolescents.

All 7th, 9th, and 11th grade students in 129 school districts responded to a 466-variable survey that primarily assessed drug use but also contained questions about involvement in various activities. Meaningful relationships were obtained between students' involvement in school, family, and church activities and reported use of tobacco, alcohol, and marijuana. Factors reflecting the extent of parental supervision were also related to the reported use of those substances.

Activities of Daily Living↗
PubMed1984

Predictors of success in nursing school and on State Board Examinations in a predominantly black baccalaureate nursing program.

High school grade point averages, Scholastic Aptitude Test verbal and quantitative scores, and National League for Nursing Pre-Nursing Examination scores were obtained for 456 black students enrolled in a private baccalaureate school of nursing. Discriminant analysis showed that these measures significantly differentiated between dropouts and graduates. For 181 graduates, these same predictors plus college grade point average also significantly differentiated between passers and failers on the State Board Examination.

Achievement↗
PubMed1978

Reaction time of the fingers with responses measured on a typewriter keyboard.

Reaction times on each of the eight fingers were obtained for 24 skilled typists using an electric typewriter and a mechanical timer. Repeated-measures analysis of variance indicated significant differences among the mean reaction times of the eight fingers. Scheffé's multiple-comparison procedure indicated that the mean reaction time of each finger differed from that of every other finger and that the mean reaction time of the finers on the left hand was significantly slower than the mean reaction time of fingers on the right hand. The average inter-class correlation coefficient among the fingers was .92 which indicated rank-order of reaction times to be similar across fingers.

Adult↗
PubMed1978

Language impairment evaluation in aphasic patients: developing more efficient measures.

Two short forms of the Porch Index of Communicative Ability (PICA) were derived using data from 50 adult aphasic patients. Subtest, modality and overall intercorrelations, internal consistency reliability estimates, means and standard deviations were computed for both forms and full-length test. Results indicate that the short forms are equivalent. Further, they seem to be measuring the same traits as the long form, have only slightly lower reliability, and have practically identical means and standard deviations across all subtest, modality and overall scores.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Using linked birth and infant death files for program planning and evaluation: NIMS workshop lessons.

Health planners should base program decisions on the best information available. Combining information from different sources can be valuable in identifying problems--the essential first step in program planning. To facilitate this process, a workshop was conducted during the National Infant Mortality Surveillance Conference in Atlanta, GA. Maternal and child health directors explored the use of linked birth and infant death data for program planning and evaluation. Linked birth and infant death certificate files permit evaluation of infant mortality by birth weight and other infant and maternal characteristics, thus providing more detailed information than birth or death certificates alone. An assessment of the birth weight distribution of live births, birth weight specific-mortality risks, distribution of deaths by birth weight, and birth weight-specific causes of death can help identify problems in the childbearing population and with the delivery of health services. Once the infant health problems are defined clearly, the selection and delivery of services can be better targeted and evaluated for the reduction of these problems.

Birth Certificates↗