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Kinesiology & Health Science

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  • ItemOpen Access
    Investigating the function of TRAF1 in NF-κB activation
    (2024-03-16) Tang, Yitian; Abdul-Sater, Ali
    Tumour necrosis factor receptor-associated factor (TRAF) proteins play an important role in mediating the activation of NF-κB. Dysregulation of NF-κB may be one of the potential causes of chronic inflammatory diseases. One member of the TRAF family, TRAF1, has been shown to increase the risk of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, TRAF1 plays opposing roles in the activation of NF-κB downstream of the tumour necrosis factor receptors (TNFR) and toll-like receptors (TLR) signalling pathways. In the TNFR pathway, TRAF1 recruits c-IAP2 to promote NF-κB activation and cell proliferation. In contrast, in TLR pathways, TRAF1 negatively regulates NF-κB by sequestering the linear ubiquitin assembly complex (LUBAC). Because of the complex role of TRAF1 in NF-κB activation, it is important to isolate and study the role of TRAF1 in each of these pathways. To better understand TRAF1 and its role in NF-κB activation, our laboratory has identified the same interaction site between TRAF1 and c-IAP2 and created a mutant TRAF1V203A that significantly reduces the interaction with c-IAP2. This study creates a working functional assay to test the effect of these mutants on NF-κB activation. We have generated TRAF1V203A knock-in monocyte THP-1 cells and demonstrated how this mutant alters signalling downstream of TLR and TNFR in monocytes. This study also shows that the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines is reduced in TRAF1V203A mutant monocytes. This study helps us to isolate effects on NF-κB activation and provides an excellent model to study the role of TRAF1 in vivo.
  • ItemOpen Access
    The Utility of Mobile Visuomotor Assessment for Neuropsychological Evaluation in Older Adults
    (2023-12-08) Adibmoradi, Ghazal; Sergio, Lauren E.
    Performance in complex visuomotor tasks, where guiding visual information doesn't align spatially with the required motor output, relies on the brain's ability to integrate somatosensory information for an appropriate motor response. Performance on such "cognitive-motor integration" tasks is affected in Alzheimer’s disease. We investigate the relationship between a traditional neuropsychological test battery and a tablet-based visuomotor skill performance tasks. Older adults ranging from healthy to early Alzheimer’s disease completed the neuropsychological test battery, three tablet-based tasks and a series of tasks on the KINARM. We observed that 5 of our 6 CMI outcome measures were predictive of four tests from the WMS-IV battery, once variability for sex and age were accounted for; with one outcome variable significantly correlated between the two technologies. Our findings suggest that our multi-domain remotely deployable mobile task (BrDI) may be a good first step assessment tool in order to flag at-risk individuals.
  • ItemOpen Access
    Characterization of RBL2 in Muscle Stem Cell Fate Decisions
    (2023-12-08) Campagna, Lucas; Scime, Anthony
    Skeletal muscle stem cells (MuSCs) regenerate muscle upon injury. Here, they receive activation signals from their environment and make a fate decision to make further copies (self-renew) or commit to becoming muscle (differentiate). Dysfunctional MuSC fate decisions, lead to poor muscle quality. Accordingly, retinoblastoma-like protein 2 (Rbl2) was characterized in MuSC fate decisions. Targeted deletion of Rbl2 in muscle progenitors impaired myotube formation, demonstrating its potential requirement for MuSC function. Rbl2 was analyzed during MuSC fate decisions by immunostaining cultured myofibers with Pax7 and MyoD. Rbl2 was expressed in the nucleus of only a fraction of committed MuSCs. Surprisingly, during a differentiation time course, primary myogenic progenitor cells expressed Rbl2 in the mitochondria. The Rbl2 expression in the mitochondria of differentiating MuSCs was confirmed in vivo by immunohistochemistry. These results provide novel insights for the localization of Rbl2 in MuSC fate decisions and the mechanisms driving differentiation.
  • ItemOpen Access
    Developing a Scale to Examine Aging-Related Assets Developed Through Sport in Older Adults
    (2023-12-08) Patelia, Shruti Shashikant; Baker, Joseph
    Background: Participation in sport continues to rise among older adults. Interestingly, sport is proposed as an avenue to continue development, particularly in psychosocial outcomes, across the lifespan. However, a significant limitation in this area is the lack of an appropriate measure to explore the development of psychosocial outcomes (i.e., assets) in older adults. Objective: The overarching purpose of this dissertation was to create a quantitative assessment tool to measure psychosocial assets in older adults. Methods: To achieve this aim, a mixed-method, sequential research design was applied, where the initial phases in the study helped inform and guide subsequent phases (i.e., development of the assessment tool). Study One included a scoping review that summarized our knowledge on sport and older adults since the first World Masters Games. This step was important in understanding how older athletes have been studied in prior research. Study Two, focused on examining the sport experiences and psychosocial development of older rowing athletes. Responses from eight athletes were analyzed to help confirm previous findings on psychosocial assets, report any novel assets, and examine general sport experiences in rowing. The final study used information gathered from previous studies as well as knowledge in the area of psychosocial development to create a preliminary instrument, “Psychosocial Assets Scale (PAS)”, to measure psychosocial assets in older adults. Results: The scoping review indicated most studies examined physiological outcomes with little exploration in areas such as psychosocial outcomes. Additionally, most studies did not report data on sociodemographic variables. Results from Study Two suggested sport experiences and psychosocial development of assets varies across individuals. In addition, findings indicated some negative sport experiences, which could alter development of assets. Lastly, the creation of the PAS showed emergence of nine factors: wellbeing, contribution, social support, drive/challenge, integrity, health habits, supportive family relationships, perceived safety, and desire to learn/continued learning. Conclusion: Collectively, this dissertation led to the creation of a preliminary scale to measure psychosocial assets in older adults. While the scale created in this dissertation requires further validation, the PAS allows researchers to advance in this area with implications for research, policy developers, sport advocates, and the broader society
  • ItemOpen Access
    Online Therapist-Guided Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Body Dysmorphic Disorder: Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial
    (2023-12-08) Kerry, Camrie Lauren; Ritvo, Paul G.
    Objective: While internet-based cognitive behavioural therapy is garnering increased empirical support, and standalone mindfulness meditation interventions provide promise, the efficacy of online mindfulness-based CBT for Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) remains unknown. This study demonstrates the first effort to determine whether online CBT-M for BDD is feasible and acceptable, and whether mindfulness meditation adds to CBT treatment effects for BDD. Methodology: In this 8-week pilot RCT, 28 adults were randomly allocated to an online CBT-M or online CBT-only group. Study retention, accrual, adherence, and self-report measures for BDD, depression, anxiety and pain were collected. Results: This study was feasible to implement and deemed acceptable. Significant improvements were found on all outcome measures for both groups, and large between-group effect sizes were found for BDD (d= -0.96), depression (d= -1.06), pain severity (d= -1.12), and pain interference (d= -1.28). Conclusion: Mindfulness meditation may add to beneficial online CBT treatment effects for BDD.
  • ItemOpen Access
    Exploring the role of mitochondria and muscle function in a pertussis toxin free experimental autoimmune myositis mouse model
    (2023-12-08) Garibotti, Madison Claire; Perry, Christopher; Abdul-Sater, Ali
    Myositis is a rare autoimmune disorder characterized by skeletal muscle inflammation and weakness. Recently, mitochondrial stress has emerged as a possible disease contributor. To assess the relationship between mitochondrial stress and myopathy in myositis, evaluations of experimental models are required. Several models utilize an exotoxin, pertussis toxin(PT), coupled with foreign myosin injections. However, PT induces systemic inflammation impacting the ability to determine if the inflammatory response is consistent with myositis or a systemic response. Thus, the purpose of this thesis is to establish a modified myositis model whereby PT is excluded to exemplify the human condition, and to explore mitochondrial stress and myopathy. This modified model demonstrated no muscle atrophy occurred, but both the diaphragm and tibialis anterior(TA) displayed indices of mitochondrial stress. Additionally, the TA exhibited weakness that recovered over time. Suggesting the modified myositis model may induce a mild phenotype, highlighting the need for more robust model development.
  • ItemOpen Access
    Health care and outcomes in persons with obesity in Canada; an analysis of Canadian Institute for Health Information data 2018-2022
    (2023-12-08) Mirzadeh, Parmis; Ardern, Chris I.
    Overweight and obesity are associated with physical, functional, and mental health risks across the continuum of care. The purpose of this thesis was to quantify the ICD-10 code use for overweight and obesity (E66) in healthcare settings across Canada, and explore patient care of persons with obesity within emergency departments in Ontario. This study utilized data from the Canadian Institute for Health Information Discharge Abstract Database and National Ambulatory Care Reporting System from April 1, 2018 to March 31, 2022. Regional variations in E66 use were observed, where the highest rates of coding were seen in Manitoba, and the lowest rates in British Columbia (2018-2019) and PEI (2020-2021). Ontario was the only province to show an increase in E66 coding over time. Compared to controls matched for age, sex, and main diagnosis, patients with an E66 code had higher average length of stay, longer wait time for physician initial assessment, and higher triage scores.
  • ItemOpen Access
    Exploring the time-dependent changes to skeletal muscle macrophage redox homeostasis in Myositis
    (2023-12-08) Thuhan, Arshdeep Kaur; Perry, Christopher; Abdul-Sater, Ali
    Myositis, a rare idiopathic inflammatory myopathy (IIM), is characterized by skeletal muscle wasting and weakness. While autoimmune-mediated, the etiology is largely unknown. The focus of this thesis was to assess a modified version of a model commonly used in the literature, known as experimental autoimmune myositis. We assessed the progression of this model over time in the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles, to explore muscle specific changes in the immune response. Our findings reveal changes to ROS production in muscle macrophages, as well alterations in the expression of inflammatory related genes. However, the modified model, with the absence of pertussis toxin, does not replicate the strong disease phenotype observed in traditional EAM models. This allows us to question the extent to which pertussis toxin induces a myositis phenotype as opposed to systemic inflammation. Ultimately, there is a need to develop a comprehensive model of myositis that accurately mimics the human condition.
  • ItemOpen Access
    An examination of psychological stress and its effects on the mitochondrial DNA
    (2023-12-08) Mirzadeh, Parsa; Ritvo, Paul G.
    Background: With improvements in cellular stress measurement, current findings firmly implicate mitochondrial activity in cell stress reactions. Recent studies have highlighted the effects of psychological stress on mitochondria in terms of oxidative deterioration and crisis signalling. However, these studies have mainly assessed this relationship using the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST), while a variety of methods have been applied in blood sample analyses. This study contributes to the progression of existing studies as a partial replication that employs a different experimental stress protocol (based on the International Affective Picture System) (IAPS), a younger student population and similar blood sample analyses. Specifically, the relationship between cell-free mitochondria (via analyses of ccf-mtDNA levels following experimental stress) and acute psychological stress was evaluated in healthy female university-student participants. Methods: This study partially replicates the Trumpff et al., 2019 study. Fourteen female participants (n=14) were recruited on a university campus via posters and emails. All participants completed baseline questionnaires and two blood draws, with a 10-minute experimental stressor occurring between the pre-stress blood draw and post-stress blood draw. Blood samples were obtained at: i) baseline prior to the stressor and ii) +30 mins post stressor, to evaluate the changes in ccf-mtDNA levels associated with acute psychological stress. Results: A paired two-tailed t-test was used to assess the difference between the pre and post-blood samples, There was a statistically significant increase (P < 0.01) (a 53% increase) in ccf-mtDNA +30 mins after the psychological stressor. Conclusion: The present findings suggest that acute psychological stress is associated with a statistically significant increase in cell-free mitochondrial DNA (ccf-mt-DNA) in young healthy female university students.
  • ItemOpen Access
    Comparing fatigue induced by isometric and shortening contractions in skeletal muscle
    (2023-12-08) Andrews, Nathaniel Joel; Cheng, Arthur
    The intramuscular mechanisms causing greater fatigue-induced reduction in force during shortening compared with isometric contractions is not completely understood. The focus of this thesis was to compare fatigue in repeated shortening contractions and isometric contractions and investigate if greater force loss during repeated shortening contractions is attributed to more severe reductions in sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ release. Single intact flexor digitorum brevis muscle fibres from C57Bl/6 mice were mechanically dissected and loaded with indo-1 AM fluorescent dye to assess myoplasmic free [Ca2+]. Fibres were either placed in an isometric or shortening protocol which were both stimulated at 70Hz of 600ms duration and 4 seconds rest for 50 tetani. The results of this thesis did not show that repeated shortening contractions cause greater fatigue-induced reductions in force compared with repeated isometric contractions, and there were no differences in the fatigue-induced reductions in SR Ca2+ release during the repeated contractions.
  • ItemOpen Access
    The Timing of Walking and Post-Meal Blood Sugar Levels in Adults with Type 1 Diabetes
    (2023-12-08) Turner, Lauren Victoria; Riddell, Michael C.
    Managing blood glucose excursions following a meal can pose a challenge for individuals with type 1 diabetes (T1D). This thesis examined whether, compared to being sedentary, a 20-minute moderate-intensity walk pre- or post-dinner could reduce postprandial glucose excursions. Eleven adults with T1D using hybrid closed-loop systems (HCLS) participated in this randomized, crossover real-world study. Participants undertook a 20-minute pre- or post-dinner walk for two weeks following a two-week baseline period. Continuous glucose monitoring data were analyzed using generalized estimating equations. In the 2-hours pre- to 4-hours post-dinner, pre-meal walks significantly improved percent time in 3.9-10.0mmol/L (LSM±SE=84.9±1.5%; B=5.58; p=0.01) and decreased percent time in 10.0-13.9mmol/L (LSM±SE=11.1±1.4%; B=-4.70; p=0.02) compared to baseline (LSM±SE=79.3±1.9% and 15.8±1.7%). There were no significant differences in area under the curve, peak, and nadir glucose between conditions (p>0.05). A 20-minute pre-meal walk may be a practical strategy to mitigate postprandial glucose excursions in individuals with T1D using HCLS.
  • ItemOpen Access
    Comparison of Autonomic and Cardiovascular Dysfunction to Cognitive Decline in Persons with Type 2 Diabetes
    (2023-12-08) Ramraj, Olivia; Edgell, Heather
    This thesis investigated the relationship between autonomic and cardiovascular dysfunction and cognitive decline in type 2 diabetes. Autonomic indices such as heart rate, blood pressure, pulse wave velocity and cardiac output response to exercise were measured as well as flow mediated dilation and pulse wave reactive hyperemia index. Global cognitive function, executive function and verbal learning tests were administered. Linear regression and correlations were performed between cognitive scores, and vascular and autonomic parameters. Microvascular function was inversely related to verbal learning (n=10, r=-0.86, p=0.0013) and executive function (n=11, r=-0.64, p=0.033). Resting cardiac output was associated with verbal learning (n=8, r=0.77, p=0.025). Heart rate during exercise was associated with global function (n=9, r=0.84, p=0.0020). The second minute of heart rate recovery was inversely related to global function (n=9, r=-0.71, p=0.030) and verbal learning (n=8, -0.71, p=0.037). Overall, hypoperfusion and reduced parasympathetic function were predictors of cognitive decline in type 2 diabetes.
  • ItemOpen Access
    Early Sport Engagement in Elite Figure Skaters
    (2023-12-08) Cattle, Antonia Catherine; Baker, Joseph
    The lack of research on athlete well-being and the impact of historical training in early specialization athletes was a catalyst for this investigation. Chapter 1 provides background information on high-performance child athletes and presents the rationale for this study. Chapter 2 investigates athletes' training, competition, and injury histories to understand the development of elite figure skaters. Utilizing elements of the Exposure to Sport Scale, data were collected from 23 elite figure skaters across Canada in both Junior and Senior levels of competition. Results showed high variability in our small sample size and revealed no clear path to excellence in figure skating. Chapter 3 positions our findings relative to current literature on high-performance child athletes and discusses how National and Provincial sport organizations can utilize this study to support coaches and parents in monitoring athletes for adverse training affects.
  • ItemOpen Access
    The Role of ATF4 in Mediating Skeletal Muscle Function in Response to Acute Contractile Activity
    (2023-12-08) Sanfrancesco, Victoria Carmela; Hood, David A.
    To maintain homeostatic conditions under cellular stress, mitochondria possess the ability to initiate a nuclear retrograde signaling response to counteract the initial stressor and restore optimal organellar functioning. The Integrated Stress Response (ISR) is a newfound mitochondrial quality control stress mechanism that is activated in the face of intraorganellar stress and is capable of transducing various transcriptional responses in a manner dependent on the activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4). Mitochondrial homeostatic conditions can be challenged by acute contractile activity/exercise, activating the ISR. Using a mouse model, we sought to determine the responsiveness of the ISR and ATF4 to acute contractile activity of hindlimb muscle. Our data suggest that both the ISR and its effector, ATF4, are activated with contractile activity-induced stress at various stages. However, the precise mitochondrial stress that occurs with contractile activity and leads to the activation of the ISR and ATF4, remains to be elucidated.
  • ItemOpen Access
    An Assessment of the Flash Version of Eye Movement Desensitization And Reprocessing (EMDR) In Memory Distress: Double-Blinded Randomized Controlled Trial
    (2023-12-08) Babaei, Nazanin; Ritvo, Paul G.
    Eye Movement and Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) is an exposure-based psychological PTSD treatment. Although proven effective, exposure-based therapies can evoke emotional arousal, resulting in treatment dropout. Flash Technique (FT), a modification of EMDR, emphasizes indirect exposure to distressing memories by focusing on a Positive Engaging Focus (PEF). This randomized controlled trial compared FT and EMDR efficacy delivered via online videos in reducing PTSD-related symptoms, depression, and anxiety. 90 participants were randomly allocated to the experimental (FT) or control group (EMDR). The primary outcome measure was self-reported PTSD symptoms. Anxiety and depression symptoms were secondary measurements. Linear mixed model analysis did not reveal a significant between groups difference in reducing PTSD and depression symptoms at 1-month follow-up. A significant between-group difference was observed for state anxiety levels post-intervention. Findings suggest that FT is more effective in reducing state anxiety. Both online FT and EMDR videos have the potential to reduce PTSD symptoms.
  • ItemOpen Access
    Exploring Canadian Elite Female Youth Hockey Teams' Shared Leadership Through Coach and Athlete Leaders' Experiences
    (2023-12-08) Church, Daniel David; Fraser-Thomas, Jessica L.
    Effective coach and athlete leadership is fundamental to optimal sport performance (Cotterill & Fransen, 2016). Guided by emerging frameworks (e.g., Fransen et al., 2014, 2017), this study explored shared coach and athlete leadership within Canadian elite youth female hockey teams. Fifteen coach and athlete-leader dyads (i.e., N=30) were purposefully sampled from youth female high-performance leagues (i.e., U18 AAA) for representation across Canada. Participants engaged (individually) in semi-structured interviews focused on their sport experiences, leadership approaches (e.g., implicit/explicit), and team outcomes (e.g., performance, positive youth development). Results emerged through four interconnected themes: (a) establishing a shared structure: collective collaboration (b) building a shared philosophy: ‘we before me’, (c) developing a shared foundation: caring and supporting, and (d) attaining shared goals: (re-) defining success. Findings advance understanding of shared coach and athlete leadership, offer practical implications to enhance leadership development, and provide insights for fostering healthy shared leadership models.
  • ItemOpen Access
    Anti-Black Racism and Maternal Health in the Greater Toronto Area
    (2023-12-08) Bhupaul, Valerie Ashelita; De Lisio, Amanda
    In June 2020, the Toronto Board of Public Health declared anti-Black racism a public health crisis. Yet, race-based data with respect to the maternal healthcare experiences of Black women in Canada is limited (Turner et al., 2020). Recognizing perinatal care as a site of racialization (Bridges, 2011), this study uses Critical Race Theory (Crenshaw, 2011) and Reproductive Justice Framework (Ross & Solinger, 2017) to investigate the relationship between race and perinatal experiences of Black women. This research conducted a document analysis of postpartum material (Weber & Hilfinger Messias, 2012) and collected semi-structured interview data from 7 Black women (Hayes & Casstevens, 2017) who delivered a child in January 2020 to May 2023 and sought care in a hospital in the Greater Toronto Area. It is evident that approaches for person-centred care are needed in the Canadian health care system, as it is critical in providing Black women with dignified care.
  • ItemOpen Access
    Exploring Perceptions of Sedentary Behaviour Messaging Among the Disability Community
    (2023-12-08) Mousses, Victoria; Basett-Gunter, Rebecca
    Approximately 10% of Canadians report having some form of physical disability. People with physical disabilities (PWD) accumulate more sedentary behaviour (SB) time than people without disabilities, which can have a detrimental effect on health and well-being. This was the first known study to explore the perceptions of SB messaging campaigns and messaging preferences among PWD. Participant preferences and messaging needs were identified using a qualitative approach. The social issue advertising believability model (SIABM) guided the project given that it is a useful framework for understanding persuasive messaging as a tool to change behaviour. A thematic analysis (TA) was conducted. The results of this work will inform recommendations for national health promotion agencies (i.e., ParticipACTION) such that they are guided in developing SB messages that are inclusive of PWD.
  • ItemOpen Access
    Sport and Livelihoods: From Outcomes to Experiences
    (2023-12-08) Levi, Natan; Fraser-Thomas, Jessica L.
    This research aims to add to the limited but growing body of literature on the potential impacts of Sport for Development and livelihood programming. Previous research has predominantly focused on prescribed outcomes and reinforcing neoliberal capitalist ideologies. More specifically, the purpose of this qualitative study is to explore the use of sport for livelihood programming in supporting the needs of youth facing barriers at one Sport for Development facility. This research is guided by two key objectives: (a) How do participants (current and past) describe and interpret their experiences within a Sport and Livelihood program? (b) How are contemporary constructions of class, race, gender, poverty, (dis)ability and culture shaped through this programming? Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 7 participants of the MLSE LaunchPad Fellowship Program. Participants’ ages ranged from 19 to 25; 4 were males and 3 females; 6 identified as BIPOC, while 1 individual identified as white. Thematic analysis was an accessible and flexible way to identify patterns within and across data in relation to participants’ lived experience, perspectives, behaviours, and practices. The four aggregate themes were discussed by participants: Program Experience, Organizational Supports, Workplace Structures and Livelihoods. A further subset of twelve themes was also identified providing a deeper level of nuance for the aggregate themes. Findings suggested that programming within the field of SfD and Livelihoods may (re)produce inequality by providing precarious working conditions for participants. Future research is a needed to explore programming from an interdisciplinary, if not transdisciplinary, perspective. There is a need to understand the variety of forces—economic, political, cultural, psychological—that (re)shape SfD and livelihoods.
  • ItemOpen Access
    The Associations Between Shift Work Exposure and Selected Health Outcomes Among Middle-Aged and Older Adults, Results from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging
    (2023-12-08) Khan, Durdana; Tamim, Hala
    We live in a globalized 24-hour society, consuming services, products and entertainment around the clock. As a result, more and more people are working in shifts. Currently, one in every four Canadians is working in shifts other than regular daytime hours. At the same time, the working population is aging and are becoming more common in most developed nations, including Canada. Together with physiological and epidemiological data on the alarming relationships between shift work and various physical, social and mental health outcomes, there is reason to believe that shift work may become a major occupational health problem in the near future. This dissertation analyzed data from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA) and investigated the associations between shift work and three specific outcomes related to health of middle-aged and older adults, specifically variations in age at natural menopause, frailty and cognitive impairment. The primary exposure, shift work, was measured using three derived variables: ever exposed to shift work, shift work exposure in current job, and shift work exposure in longest job. Multivariable analysis revealed that exposure to shift work is significantly related to adverse health outcomes among middle-aged and older adults. These findings highlight how shift work affects the health of the aging labor force. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of taking modifiable risk factors like shift work into account when developing and implementing health interventions in old age. It is believed that shift work, through circadian misalignment and melatonin suppression, interfere with human homeostasis and wellbeing, however, further research is needed to confirm this.