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Biomedical subjects

L H Eck

Publications and source records attributed to L H Eck.

35 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1991

Physical activity, body composition, and blood pressure: a multimethod approach.

The purpose of the current investigation was to evaluate, using multiple measures of physical activity, the relationships among physical activity, body composition, resting heart rate, and blood pressure in an adult population. Subjects were 221 male (135 normal weight, 86 overweight) and 221 female (156 normal weight, 65 overweight) subjects participating in a longitudinal study of cardiovascular risk factors in families. All subjects were administered three physical activity questionnaires. Principal components analyses were conducted to reduce measures into empirically derived subscales; this analysis revealed five stable factors in men and four in women. Results indicated that aerobic/leisure time significantly correlated to body composition and resting heart rate in both men and women. Additionally, aerobic/leisure time activity was related to blood pressure in women, and moderate activity was related positively to blood pressure in men. No other form of activity (e.g., light activity, anaerobic activity) was related to either adiposity or blood pressure. The implications of these results are discussed, and future research directions are highlighted.

Adult↗
PubMed1991

Measuring short-term dietary intake: development and testing of a 1-week food frequency questionnaire.

Measures typically used to assess short-term intake are 24-hour recalls or records of food intake. However, these methods require a large time commitment from both researchers and subjects. Our study sought to develop a more time-efficient method of assessing short-term intake by developing a 7-day food frequency questionnaire (7DFFQ). We modified Willett's 1-year food frequency questionnaire to assess intake for a 7-day period. Content validity has previously been exhibited in Willett's work. We assessed criterion validity by comparing the 7DFFQ with 24-hour recalls. Twenty-one female and 20 male college students were asked to recall their previous day's intake three times during a 1-week period. After the last recall, subjects completed a 7DFFQ covering the same week. Data were analyzed by comparing each recall and the mean of the three recalls with values obtained on the 7DFFQ. Analyses revealed high correlations between the mean of the three recalls and the 7DFFQ. Further analysis ranked subjects into quartiles for each nutrient on both measures. Most subjects changed either no quartiles or only one quartile for total energy and each nutrient. Test/retest reliability was assessed by administering the 7DFFQ to a group of women for two consecutive weeks and by administering the 7DFFQ to a group twice 3 hours apart. Pearson's r and intraclass correlations for the two administrations show moderately high reliability over the 1-week period and considerable improvement with the 3-hour administration. The 7DFFQ appears to meet several of the criteria for a measure of dietary intake.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1991

Considerations in modifying a semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire.

Quantifying dietary intake remains a challenge. Although advances have been made, we are still attempting to find a quick yet reliable intake method. Utilizing brief, frequency-type questionnaires that have already been tested is an attractive option. However, many of us would also like to alter those questionnaires to make them more specific to our study population. The items covered in this article should help to illuminate some of the tissues that must be considered.

Diet Surveys↗
PubMed1990

The comparability of two commonly used carbon monoxide analysis systems: a technical note.

Carbon monoxide (CO) in expired breath is a common strategy for verifying smoking abstinence. The purpose of this investigation was to determine the comparability of two carbon monoxide (CO) analyzers: the commonly used Ecolyzer Series 2000 analyzer versus the new, highly portable, and less expensive Ecolyzer Model 210. Fifty-eight CO readings were obtained from 29 subjects (17 smokers, 12 nonsmokers) and analyzed on both systems simultaneously. Results indicated that the analyzers yielded highly comparable values for both smokers and nonsmokers. Moreover, the correlation between the two units' readings was very high (r = .92, p less than .001). There was, however, a significant analyzer by sex interaction with the Series 2000 analyzer yielding higher values for males. Overall, it was concluded that the Series 210 analyzer is a highly accurate and cost-effective instrument.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1990

A multimethod approach to the measurement of childhood physical activity and its relationship to blood pressure and body weight.

This investigation examined the relationships among measures of childhood physical activity and their association with measures of weight and blood pressure in a sample (n = 222) of preschool children. A multimethod factored approach to the assessment of physical activity was used; this approach included direct observation, motion sensor evaluation, and several parental reports of the subjects' activity levels. Analysis of these data revealed three highly significant activity factors: general activity, hyperactivity, and direct-observation-competitiveness activity. When the association between physical activity factors and cardiovascular risk was explored, no consistent relationship was found between the various childhood physical activity factors and the cardiovascular risk factors of weight and blood pressure. Individual (nonfactored) physical activity measures also failed to correlate with children's physical activity. The results indicate that physical activity is not related to obesity and blood pressure in children. However, other interpretations (i.e., that the activity protocol was insufficiently accurate to detect subtle differences, or that children are not participating in enough physical activity to affect their cardiovascular health) are also possible.

Blood Pressure↗
PubMed1990

Effects of obesity, social interactions, and physical environment on physical activity in preschoolers.

Examined demographic, environmental, and parent-child interactional correlates of physical activity in a group of 222 preschoolers. Activity levels were assessed with a system that quantified directly observed physical activity in the natural environment. Using regression-modeling procedures, results revealed a significant relationship between (a) child's relative weight, parental weight status, and percentage of time spent outdoors (environment) and (b) children's activity levels. Parental obesity was associated with lower levels of physical activity in children, childhood relative weight was associated with slightly higher levels of physical activity, and more outdoor activity was associated with higher activity levels. Parental participation in children's activities also significantly interacted with levels of parental obesity in predicting activity levels. Those children with a 50% risk for obesity (as defined by both, one, or neither parent being overweight) had small changes in activity across levels of parent-child interaction, whereas those at higher risk for obesity responded with increased activity as parent-child interactions increased. Results are discussed, and the implications of these findings for future intervention efforts are examined.

Child, Preschool↗
PubMed1990

Smoking status: effects on the dietary intake, physical activity, and body fat of adult men.

This investigation evaluated the relationship between smoking status and body fatness, dietary intake, and physical activity in adults. Subjects were 210 males who were either regular cigarette smokers (n = 35) or nonsmokers (n = 175). Estimated body fat and waist-to-hip (girth) measurements were carefully obtained. Additionally, a sensitive assessment of long-term dietary intake and a multifactorial approach to the assessment of physical activity were made. Results indicated that smokers had lower estimated body fat as calculated by multiple skinfold thickness assessments. In contrast, smokers reported the same total energy intakes as nonsmokers and their levels of physical activity were significantly lower than those of nonsmokers. The differences in intake and expenditure in smokers and the role of metabolism as a possible determinant of the body fat differences in smokers vs nonsmokers are discussed.

Adult↗
PubMed1990

The accuracy of self-reports of physical activity.

This investigation determined the accuracy of self-reports of physical activity compared to observations obtained surreptitiously. Subjects were 44 adults engaged in 1 h of their preferred physical activity while actual activity levels were surreptitiously obtained and compared to immediate self-reported estimates of physical activity. Results indicated that subjects were moderately accurate in recalling their physical activity levels (R = 0.62) but underestimated sedentary activities and overestimated aerobic activities by over 300%. Males overestimated their activity relative to females, and obese subjects underestimated their activity levels compared to normal-weight subjects. Finally, a number of two-way interactions that moderated the accuracy of those subjects engaging in high chronic levels of physical activity were observed.

Adult↗
PubMed1990

The effects of applicant's health status and qualifications on simulated hiring decisions.

The effects of having diabetes or obesity on simulated job decisions was evaluated in a two (qualifications, high v. marginal) by three (diabetes, mildly obese, or normal) design. Subjects were 295 adults, averaging 5.02 years of full-time employment in white-collar settings, recruited in advanced level graduate or undergraduate business classes. Each subject examined a job description and a resume of the 'applicant' and viewed a 5-minute videotape. The applicant's face was never seen and an off-camera voice, constant across all conditions, was dubbed in for the applicant's responses to the interviewer's questions. Subjects were then asked to rate the applicant's qualification level and demeanor during the interview and to recommend whether or not to hire the individual. Subjects were also asked to make ratings about the applicant's work habits, work reliability and absenteeism, and interpersonal skills (e.g. emotional problems, likeability). Results indicated that level of quantification affected decisions to hire the applicant in the predicted direction. However, the obese applicant was rated as less qualified for the job, and both the diabetic and obese applicant were less likely to be hired, although they were rated similarly on personal appearance, attitude during the interview, and communication skills. Additionally, both the obese and the diabetic applicant were viewed as having poorer work habits. The diabetic was rated as much more likely to have medically-related job absences, whereas the obese applicant was rated as more likely to have other absences (e.g. abusing company privileges by feigning illness) and to have emotional and interpersonal problems.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗
PubMed1989

A prospective study of the reliability and convergent validity of three physical activity measures in a field research trial.

This investigation sought to determine the test-retest reliability and convergent validity of three commonly used physical activity measures. The Stanford Physical Activity Recall, the Caltrac Activity Monitor, and a daily physical activity log were administered to 45 subjects over a 3-week period. The results indicated high levels of test-retest reliability for the Stanford and the daily log; low test-retest reliability was obtained for the Caltrac. Convergent validity was also high between the Stanford and daily log but was low for both of these measures with the Caltrac. These results suggest that the Stanford Physical Activity Recall may be the self-report measure of choice for large studies due to its high reliability and convergent validity with a more time-consuming daily log, as well as its cost- and time-efficiency. Based on the results, it is recommended that the Caltrac activity sensors not be used for field studies of physical activity until the logistical problems of their use in clinical trials are solved.

Adult↗
PubMed1989

Recall of a child's intake from one meal: are parents accurate?

Although the accuracy of dietary intake information for children has previously been studied, methodological issues make the results of those studies difficult to interpret. In order to address one of the major methodological issues, unobtrusive observations were performed on the lunch meal of 34 children. These children ranged in age from 4.0 to 9.5 years (mean = 5.8 years, standard deviation = 1.6 years). Each child was accompanied by both parents. Dietary recalls were obtained the following day from (a) the mother alone, (b) the father alone, and (c) the mother, father, and child reporting as a group (consensus recall). Recalls were analyzed with nutrition software that yields information on energy, protein, carbohydrate, sugar, total fat, cholesterol, sodium, iron, and calcium. Strong correlations were seen between each recall and the observation (mean r = .86). However, the group accuracy in correctly reporting different types of foods varied from the fathers' under-reporting of breads (-27%) to fathers' over-reporting of fruit (+50%). When regression analyses were used, only the consensus recall resulted in a regression line not significantly different from 1.0 for the majority of the nutrients analyzed. Thus, it appears that the consensus recall produced a better estimate of the observed intake from one meal than did recalls obtained from mother or father.

Child↗
PubMed1988

Accuracy of self-reports of food intake in obese and normal-weight individuals: effects of obesity on self-reports of dietary intake in adult females.

The purpose of this study was to determine the accuracy of self-reported 24-h dietary recalls of overweight and normal-weight adults. Forty female college students (21 overweight, 19 normal weight) consumed a lunch meal at the university cafeteria while being unobtrusively observed. The following day subjects returned to the lab and completed a 24-h recall of their food intake. Accuracy of recalls was assessed by comparing directly observed intake with self-reported intake. Correlated t tests comparing observed and reported intake found a significant amount of overreporting of consumption for the entire sample. When analyses were conducted on individual groups (normal weight vs overweight), no between-group differences were found. A series of one-way analyses of variance (ANOVA) (normal weight vs overweight) and a multivariate ANOVA were performed for total calories, nutrients, and the amount of over- and underreporting. No significant differences between groups were observed.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1988

Accuracy of self-reports of food intake in obese and normal-weight individuals: effects of parental obesity on reports of children's dietary intake.

The purpose of this investigation was to determine the accuracy of dietary-intake information of normal-weight vs overweight parents in their reports of their children's food intake. Subjects were 36 families with either normal-weight (n = 20) or overweight (n = 16) children aged 4-9 y. Unobtrusive observers recorded the types and amounts of food eaten by the children at one meal. The next day families were visited in their homes and were asked to provide dietary-intake information from the previous day on their child. Results indicated that parental reports of the dietary intake of their children correlated significantly with the observers' measures of food intake. Neither the father's, the mother's, nor the family's obesity status had an effect on the accuracy of recalled information. The results indicated that the lack of differences consistently observed in dietary intake between obese and normal-weight children could not be explained by differential accuracy of recalled dietary information.

Analysis of Variance↗
PubMed1988

A comparison of four commonly used nutrient database programs.

The present study evaluated the comparability of two microcomputer systems and two mainframe nutrient database systems. Sixty 24-hour recalls were analyzed on each system. Analysis of the nutrient values obtained from each system revealed several significant differences between Short Report and the other three systems. There were no significant differences between DINE, NCC, and UTNDB. Attempts to reveal the source of this error were not successful.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Changes in food consumption and body weight associated with smoking cessation across menstrual cycle phase.

Forty women smokers were randomly assigned to smoking cessation for a 10-day period of time, either during the follicular or the luteal phase of their menstrual cycle. Measurements of dietary intake and body weight were collected during the same phase the previous (smoking as usual) month and during the cessation phase. Physical activity was controlled across the 2 months. Comparisons between the smoking and cessation months indicated that both groups increased their dietary intake during the cessation month, but no interaction occurred between phase and month. That is, women in both groups increased dietary intake to the same degree. All energy nutrients tested (fat, complex carbohydrates, and sugar) increased significantly from baseline to cessation. Conversely, body weight increased by 1.8 kg (4 lb) in the Luteal group, while weight remained stable (0.1 kg change) in the Follicular group.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

The relationship between a history of depression and adherence to a multicomponent smoking-cessation program.

The purpose of this study was to determine whether a history of depression in female smokers (age 18-65) who did not self-report any current depression was associated with adherence to a multisession, multicomponent smoking-cessation program. Participants in a 13-week cognitive-behavioral group program plus random assignment to nicotine gum, appetite suppressant gum, or placebo chewing gum were grouped by depressive-history and compared on attendance, average expired carbon monoxide after planned cessation, and number of pieces of gum chewed. No significant differences between the depressive history (yes/no) subgroups were found on any of the three measures of adherence. The power to detect a significant difference (alpha = 0.05) was calculated to be 0.89. Group cognitive-behavioral treatment appears to be the basis of an effective smoking-cessation program for women with a history of depression who are not currently depressed.

Adolescent↗