Kinesiology & Health Science

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Open Access
Multi-Method Study On Referral And Access To Heart Function Clinics
(2025-04-10) Mamataz, Taslima; Grace, Sherry
Patients with heart failure (HF) experience significant benefits from receiving comprehensive outpatient care in specialized heart failure clinics (HF clinics). These clinics have demonstrated their effectiveness in reducing frequent HF-related hospital readmissions while maintaining cost-efficiency. Unfortunately, despite established guidelines recommending the referral of HF patients to these clinics, there exists a notable discrepancy in both access and utilization of this specialized care, creating issues of low and inequitable service utilization. The underlying reasons are largely unknown and under-researched. Therefore, this doctoral dissertation aimed to advance a scholarly understanding of factors influencing the referral decisions and access to HF clinics through a multi-method study. For this purpose, three inter-linked research studies were undertaken. Firstly, qualitative interviews were conducted with key stakeholders in HF care, including policymakers, clinic providers, and patients. This initial phase established a foundational understanding of the barriers preventing optimal access to HF clinic services. Secondly, recognizing that referring providers play a pivotal role in determining patient access to HF clinics, a mixed-method design was employed, using a sequential exploratory approach to delve into their perspectives on the challenges associated with referring patients to HF clinics. Finally, a cross-sectional survey approach was adopted to compare clinic perceptions of ideal referral criteria with those of referring providers. By identifying areas of agreement between both parties, strategies for consistent application were proposed. This dissertation contributes valuable insights for HF clinics and the broader HF community. The knowledge generated has the potential, when translated into practice, to facilitate appropriate patient access to essential HF services. The findings offer guidance to policymakers, healthcare providers, and HF patients, aiming to optimize the utilization of HF clinic services, enhance the quality of care provided, and improve overall patient outcomes.
Open Access
The Effects Of Age And Distraction On Interlimb Synchronization Of The Center Of Pressure
(2025-04-10) Jalalipour, Arash; Mochizuki, George
Older adults experience increased fall risk, which may be influenced by distractibility. This study examines the effects of cognitive distractions on interlimb synchronization and balance in young and older adults. Participants performed quiet standing trials on separate force plates under eyes-open and eyes-closed conditions, with and without cognitive distraction (counting by ones, backward by sevens). Interlimb synchrony was assessed using cross-correlation (CCF) of center of pressure (COP) movements, while root mean square (RMS) sway and mean sway velocity (MSV) were also analyzed. It was hypothesized that cognitive distractions would reduce synchrony, particularly in older adults. Results showed no significant differences in CCF or RMS across groups or conditions, but MSV varied significantly across conditions. These findings suggest that while cognitive distractions affect postural sway velocity, they do not significantly impact synchrony or RMS under these conditions. This study enhances our understanding of balance-cognition interactions in aging.
Open Access
Sex Differences In Endothelial FoxO1 Response To Nutrient And Oxidative Stress
(2025-04-10) Nahal, Manvir Singh; Tara Haas
Endothelial cells (ECs) are vital for vascular homeostasis, regulating blood flow, nutrient exchange, and immune responses. EC dysfunction contributes to diseases such as type 2 diabetes, atherosclerosis, and hypertension, with sex-specific differences in disease progression. Our lab previously observed sex differences in the response of adipose tissue ECs (ATECs) to high-fat diet-induced metabolic and oxidative stress, with females showing more favorable outcomes. Female ECs express higher Forkhead Box O1 (FoxO1) levels than males, suggesting sex-specific FoxO1 regulation. To explore this, male and female ECs were exposed to metabolic and oxidative stress, and FoxO1 subcellular localization and post-translational modifications were assessed. Male ECs showed increased FoxO1 phosphorylation and cytoplasmic localization, while females retained FoxO1 in the nucleus, supporting enhanced transcriptional potential. These findings highlight sex-dependent FoxO1 regulation, offering insights into molecular mechanisms driving sex differences in vascular health.
Open Access
Relationships Between Movement Behaviours And Dementia
(2025-04-10) Oye-Somefun, Akinkunle Olayemi; Ardern, Chris
The primary objectives of this dissertation were three-fold: i) to evaluate the association of movement behaviors on incident dementia through a systematic review and meta-analysis; ii) to examine the association of movement behaviors on 3-year changes in memory among middle-aged and older adults, stratified by sex; and iii) to investigate the sex-specific association between movement behaviors on cognitive function changes over three years, including the mediation effects of cardiovascular disease on cognitive function. Data from population-based cohort studies, including the Canadian Longitudinal Study of Aging (CLSA), were utilized. A systematic review and meta-analysis (SRMA), as well as general linear regression, and mediation analyses, were employed. In SRMA Study 1, regular physical activity was associated with a 28% reduction in the risk of incident dementia, while both short (<7 hours) and long (>8 hours) sleep durations were associated with an increased dementia risk (RR = 1.23 and 1.32, respectively). In CLSA Studies 2 and 3, 6-8 hours of sleep was associated with positive changes (z-scores) in immediate and delayed recall among males. Among females, the interaction of higher physical activity levels (≥10 MET-hours weekly) with 8+ hours of sleep and high sedentary time led to an increase in delayed recall. Increasing sedentary time was associated with positive changes in cognitive function in males, while excessive sleep duration was associated with a negative change in cognition. Sitting time was found to mediate the relationship between cardiometabolic components and cognitive changes over three years among males (negatively: systolic blood pressure, high-density lipoprotein, carotid intima-media thickness, glycosylated haemoglobin, and positively: waist circumference, diastolic blood pressure, and triglycerides) but not females. The relationship between sitting time and 3-year change in global cognition was further mediated through waist circumference and high-density lipoprotein among both females and males, while glycosylated hemoglobin mediated the sitting time and cognition relationship among males but not females. This dissertation highlights the importance of optimizing movement behaviors for cognitive health among older adults, emphasizing the opportunity for targeted interventions to reduce dementia risk and enhance overall cognitive functioning.
Open Access
Biological Ageing Of Skeletal Muscle Endothelial Cells & Responsiveness To Vegf-A: Role Of Epigenetic Writer Ezh2
(2025-04-10) Essue, Dayna Olivia; Roudier, Emilie
In the older population, the loss of small blood vessels (capillaries), known as rarefaction, precedes muscle atrophy. Aging alters the capacity of endothelial cells, the main constituents of capillaries, to form new blood vessels through angiogenesis. Epigenetics has emerged as a new research area to uncover how an ageing phenotype is acquired. Through this project we investigate how the epigenetic writer Enhancer of Zeste Homologue 2 (EZH2) regulates the pro-angiogenic pathway downstream of vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) and its receptor 2 (VEGFR-2) in skeletal muscle microvascular endothelial cells (SMECs) using an in-vitro model of aging. Our results suggest that EZH2 activity might restrain angiogenesis by impairing the expression of genes downstream of the VEGF-A pathway, such as Nr4a3 and Egr3. Our findings indicate that EZH2 potentially supports vascular aging. Yet, caution is required as in-vitro models, such as passaging, fails to reproduce all aspects of aging, more particularly senescence in primary cells
Open Access
Investigating Metabolic And Inflammatory Relationships In Two Distinct Models Of Right-Sided Cardiac Stress
(2025-04-10) Gandhi, Shivam; Perry, Christopher
This thesis summarizes data generated from two distinct models with unrelated underlying etiology that both implicate metabolic- and inflammatory-mediated adaptations in right-sided cardiac stress. The first model, Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), is a neuromuscular disease caused by mutations in the X-linked DMD gene that encodes the sub-sarcolemmal protein, dystrophin. While current standards of care –glucocorticoid administration and gene-editing therapies – provide promise for skeletal muscle impairments, the effects of these interventions on dystrophic cardiomyopathy are unclear. The purpose of this thesis was to characterize chamber-specific remodeling in young D2.B10-DMDmdx/2J (D2.mdx) mice, while concurrently exploring if an adiponectin peptidomimetic (ALY688) could alleviate underlying chamber-specific pathology. Our results demonstrated that right ventricular (RV) fibrosis and cardiomyocyte hypertrophy in 4-week-old D2.mdx mice were related to lower mitochondrial respiration and increased complex I-stimulated mitochondrial H2O2. ALY688 prevented RV fibrosis and cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, concurrent with macrophage sub-population shifts towards an anti-inflammatory phenotype. Our findings identified that the dystrophic heart is heterogeneously affected, while ALY688 represents a viable intervention aimed at addressing secondary contributors to dystrophic cardiac remodeling. The second model, on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery, is a common intervention for treatment of coronary artery disease. Key to this surgery is infusion of cardioplegia, which temporarily arrests the heart so surgeons can anastomose grafts around occluded coronary arteries while blood supply is maintained by cardiopulmonary bypass. The combination of ischemia and reperfusion remains a precipitator of post-operative complications. To date, repeated-measures mitochondrial stress responses associated with CABG have never been explored in a study design that compares right atrial appendage (RAA) samples from the same patient at multiple time-points. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate if post-CABG RAA exhibited alterations to mitochondrial stress responses (perturbed mitochondrial substrate-specific respiration and reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated protein adaptations) that correlated with patient discharge times. Preliminary findings demonstrated that CABG is associated with increased fatty acid-supported respiration on the post-CABG RAA. It is unknown if this is a protective mechanism or a detrimental mitochondrial stress response. Correlative statistics suggest that the increase in fatty acid-supported respiration and ROS-mediated adaptations do not improve patient discharge times.
Open Access
The Effect Of Ketogenic Diet On Hepatic Cholesterol Metabolism
(2025-04-10) Kheirandish, Aris; Ceddia, Rolando
The ketogenic diet (KD), known for its high-fat, low-carbohydrate composition, has gained popularity for weight loss and metabolic health benefits. Despite these advantages, there are concerns that the diet's high saturated fat content might elevate cholesterol levels and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. This study investigates the KD's impact on the molecular mechanisms of cholesterol metabolism in the liver, focusing on cholesterol synthesis markers such as 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase (HMG-CoA reductase) and sterol regulatory element-binding protein-2 (SREBP-2), as well as cholesterol uptake markers including proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) and LDL receptors (LDLr). For that, male Wistar rats (n = 6 per group) were fed for 16 weeks one of the following diets: standard chow (SC, 60% carbohydrates, 13% fat, 27% protein), high-fat sucrose-enriched (HFS, 20% carbohydrates, 60% fat, 20% protein), and ketogenic diet (KD, 0% carbohydrates, 80% fat, 20% protein). Liver tissue was extracted and analyzed for gene expression using real-time PCR and protein content using western blotting. Blood samples were collected to measure circulating cholesterol levels. We found that neither plasma cholesterol levels nor HMG-CoA reductase and SREBP-2 levels in the liver differed among the dietary interventions. However, the KD significantly reduced liver PCSK9 content and expression in comparison other diets, suggesting that the KD enhanced clearance of circulating cholesterol by the liver. To test whether there was a higher amount of LDLr on the membrane compared to the cytoplasm, the ratio of LDLr distribution between these compartments was measured. Importantly, there was an upward trend in the levels of LDLr on the membrane. In conclusion, the KD altered key steps that regulate hepatic cholesterol metabolism and prevented plasma cholesterol levels from increasing, despite its elevated saturated fat content.
Open Access
Investigating The Effect Of Chronic Muscle Use And Disuse On Innate Immune Signaling In Skeletal Muscle
(2025-04-10) Khemraj, Priyanka; Hood, David
Skeletal muscle health is highly dependent on the intricate mitochondrial reticulum that exhibits high levels of adaptability. It is now recognized that mitochondrial perturbations can activate innate immune pathways, such as the NLRP3 inflammasome complex, by augmenting the response against damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs). The objective of this study was to investigate how various metabolic conditions affect innate immune activation and mitochondrial health within skeletal muscle, which has not been fully elucidated. To investigate this, we assessed innate immune signaling pathways and mitochondrial parameters within a model of muscle denervation and an aging model combined with endurance training. Our results suggest that NLRP3 inflammasome signaling is responsive to alterations in skeletal muscle activity and can be attenuated with chronic endurance training. Furthermore, we highlight a differential response to exercise with aged muscle in innate immune signaling. This work aims to further the understanding of innate immune signaling pathways within skeletal muscle, which can potentially highlight therapeutic targets to regulate its activation under divergent metabolic conditions.
Open Access
Investigating The Association Between Objectively Measured Physical Activity, Trunk Endurance, And Previous Low Back Injury
(2025-04-10) Ilunga, Placide Kalala; Drake, Janessa
The goal of this study was to explore the relationship between physical activity, trunk muscle endurance, and low back pain (LBP) in an undergraduate student population. Using triaxial accelerometers and standardized endurance tests, physical activity and trunk muscle endurance were objectively measured and the results compared between the control and LBP groups. Findings indicated that while the control group generally showed higher physical activity levels, only two of fifteen variables—maximum METs and percent time in vigorous physical activity—were statistically significant. Trunk muscle endurance was higher in the control group, but a ceiling effect in the trunk endurance tests limited the ability to discover the real differences between participants. The expected correlation between physical activity and trunk muscle endurance could not be confirmed due to these limitations. This research contributes to improving the understanding of physical activity, trunk endurance, and LBP among undergraduate students.
Open Access
Black Feminist Geographies Of Harm Reduction: Race, Space & The Embodied Consequences Of Drug Use In Southern Ontario, Canada
(2025-04-10) Hassan, Lensa Said; De Lisio, Amanda
With the dramatic rise in overdose deaths, harm reduction strategies are urgently needed. Limited studies centre Black women and gender-diverse people (BWGDP) and their critical insights regarding harm reduction and drug-related care. This is especially important because in Canada drug criminalization repeatedly and disproportionately subject BWGDP to heightened violence. Using Southern Ontario as a research site, I examine the impact of the current policies and legislation that inform harm reduction services in relation to the unique and complex realities of BWDGP. This research is theoretically informed by the work of Black Feminist Geographies and involved the careful analysis relevant policies, semi-structured interview, and photo data to understand the living geographies of harm reduction and embodied resistance practices of BWGDP who use drugs. I argue for solutions to the state-funded harm reduction strategies that target the systems and sources of violence, in lieu of the bodies that stand in place.
Open Access
Ethnic Variations In Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors- Implication For Prevalent CVD And CVD Mortality
(2025-04-10) Cheung, Queenie Yung Xun; Kuk, Jennifer
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains a prevalent global health concern, contributing significantly to morbidity and mortality rates. While ethnicity itself is not a direct cause of CVD, certain ethnic groups exhibit a higher prevalence and susceptibility to cardiovascular conditions, stemming from a blend of genetic, environmental, and socio-cultural determinants of health. Recognizing these disparities is pivotal for the development of targeted interventions and policies aimed at reducing health inequalities and fostering health equity. This study employed data from the National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey (NHANES) spanning from 2011 to 2020 to conduct a cross-sectional analysis of the ethnic differences in how CVD risk factors relate with prevalent CVD and CVD mortality. Exploring differences in CVD risk factors between diverse ethnic groups holds the potential to address disparities in healthcare, enhance risk assessment, and optimize treatment strategies through precisely targeted preventive interventions for ethnic minorities.
Open Access
Effects Of Sustained Release Somatostatin Type 2 Antagonism On Glucagon Counterregulation And Glycemia In Type 2 Diabetic Rate Model
(2025-04-10) Aleali, Nadia; Riddell, Michael C.
This thesis examined whether a novel somatostatin receptor 2 antagonist (SSTR2a), ZT-01, could enhance endogenous glucagon secretion and protect against hypoglycemia in a rat model of type 2 diabetes (T2D). Male Sprague Dawley rats were placed on a high-fat diet and injected with streptozotocin to induce T2D. The rats were then chronically treated with varying doses of ZT-01 or vehicle using implanted mini-osmotic pumps. While ZT-01 did not significantly affect basal glucose levels or oral glucose tolerance, it tended to increase baseline glucagon levels and the glucagon response to insulin-induced hypoglycemia, though the effects were small. Overall, sustained exposure to SSTR2a modestly improved the glucose and glucagon response to insulin-induced hypoglycemia in this T2D model, suggesting the potential for this approach to prevent hypoglycemia in insulin-requiring T2D.
Open Access
Exploring The Relationship Between Mitochondrial-linked Cell Death And Muscle Atrophy During Ovarian Cancer Progression
(2025-04-10) Khajehzadehshoushtar, Shahrzad; Perry, Christopher
The mechanisms underlying muscle atrophy during ovarian cancer are not fully understood. This study investigated the role of mitochondrial hydrogen peroxide (mH2O2)-mediated apoptosis and necroptosis in muscle atrophy using an orthotopic epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) model at 40 and 80 days of tumor progression. We also examined the effects of the mitochondrial-targeted antioxidant SkQ1 on mH2O2 levels, regulation of apoptosis and necroptosis, and atrophy. Contrary to existing literature, muscle atrophy preceded EOC-induced changes in mH2O2 emission, and SkQ1, despite lowering mH2O2, did not prevent atrophy. Apoptotic markers (mPT, caspase-3, -9 activity) were elevated early in EOC progression and remained high, while necroptosis markers (RIPK1, phosphorylated MLKL/total MLKL) decreased with cancer progression. EOC-induced changes in necroptosis were unaffected by SkQ1, whereas markers of apoptosis (caspase-3/-9 activities) were downregulated by SkQ1. This study lays a crucial foundation for future research into regulated cell death pathways as mechanisms of cancer-induced atrophy.
Open Access
The Role Of Athlete Support Teams In The Development And Treatment Of REDS In Female University Endurance
(2025-04-10) Teschuk, Erin Elizabeth; Erickson, Karl
Objective: Relative energy deficiency in sports (REDs) results from chronically low energy availability (when calories consumed cannot support calories expended) and is known to affect athletes' health and performance – particularly female athletes in endurance and aesthetic sports. University programs and support staff (coaches, physiotherapist, dietitians etc.) can profoundly impact athlete health behaviours both positively and negatively. Therefore, it is critical to examine how support staff may impact the development and management of REDs, specifically in high-risk populations. Methodology: This study employed a mixed-method design (network analysis followed by qualitative interviews) with 20 female USport cross country athletes to explore: 1) what support staff are available for female USports cross country athletes and 2) athletes' perspectives on how their support system relates to the prevention and management of REDs. Results: Results indicate that culture around REDs is positively shifting, however, there is still a need for greater awareness and open dialogue about REDs and symptoms. Athlete comfort around discussing REDs depends on their relationship with support team members, support staff’s expressed openness to discuss REDs, and perceived knowledge and experience of support staff. Additionally, athletes tend to be more comfortable discussing REDs with female staff members - particularly when a strong relationship does not exist. Barriers to athlete disclosure of REDs symptoms include prioritization of immediate performance and stigma associated with disordered eating. University athletic departments should create environments that emphasize interdisciplinary support, and open dialogue around REDs, emphasizing the long-term performance and health detriments associated with it.
Open Access
IMU-Integrated 'Smart' Knee Brace Validation Using Optoelectronic Motion Capture During Treadmill Walking
(2025-04-10) Nguyen, Vincent Vinh Vu; Gage, William
Optoelectronic motion capture systems are the gold standard for collecting kinematic data. However, these systems are expensive, occupy a large volume of space, and require training to operate. Inertial measurement units (IMUs) are small, portable devices that measure linear acceleration, angular velocity, and magnetic field and have been proven to be valid in measuring joint angles. A ‘smart’ brace was implemented with two IMUs and the knee joint angles calculated using data from the ’smart’ brace were compared to a gold standard motion capture system to assess the agreement and reliability of the brace. Ten participants visited the lab for two sessions, during which three 2-minute treadmill walking trials were conducted each session. The ‘smart’ brace had moderate to excellent reliability in measuring axial plane range of motion, and sagittal and frontal plane knee angles, but had poor agreement when measuring sagittal plane angles and frontal plane range of motion.
Open Access
Lumbopelvic Control in Dynamic Tasks – The Relationship Between the Active Hip Abduction Test and Frontal Plane Kinematics
(2025-04-10) Sheffield, Daniel William; Drake, Janessa
This study investigated the relationship between Active Hip Abduction (AHAbd) test performance and lumbopelvic control (LPC) in the frontal plane during a dynamic stair circuit in physically active adults. Thirty-four participants (23 males, 11 females) completed the AHAbd and a 15-minute fatiguing stair circuit. While no significant effects of age, sex, or AHAbd score were observed on LPC during stair ascent, significant interactions were found during stair descent, particularly among younger adults and females with poor AHAbd scores. The AHAbd test did not effectively identify LPC deficits in this active older adult population, suggesting that further research is needed in less active populations. These findings highlight the importance of maintaining physical activity to mitigate age-related declines in LPC and suggest that diverse populations should be studied to optimize physical activity recommendations across age groups.
Open Access
Ultrasound Reliability of Blood Flow Measurements in Neck Vasculature: A Comparison Between a Novice and Experienced Sonographer
(2025-04-10) Mahal, Davin Singh; Hynes, Loriann
Current literature on the reliability of ultrasound in measuring blood flow volume of the neck vasculature remains sparse, especially when comparing the reliability of these measurements taken by a novice sonographer to an experienced sonographer. This study sought to examine the reliability of blood flow measurements taken by a novice and experienced sonographer in the left common carotid artery (CCA), internal carotid artery (ICA), and vertebral artery (VA) using duplex Doppler ultrasound (DDU). Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) revealed poor inter-rater reliability within the CCA (-.127 to .445) and ICA (.066 to .321), and moderate reliability in the VA (.694 to .725). ICCs also revealed moderate intra-rater reliability of novice blood flow measurements in the CCA (.701) and ICA (.729), and good reliability in the VA (.818). Results demonstrated an overall lack of inter-rater reliability, suggesting a single sonographer be used for research involving repeated evaluations to increase consistency in measures.
Open Access
Mitochondrial Relationships and Contributions to Muscle Weakness and Wasting during Cancer Cachexia
(2025-04-10) Delfinis, Luca Joseph; Perry, Christopher
Cancer-induced cachexia is the on-going loss of skeletal muscle mass and function throughout cancer progression. 20%-80% of cancer patients are predicted to develop cachexia depending on the type and stage of cancer, of which, there is currently no treatment. Current literature on the mechanisms of muscle loss and weakness in cancer have been limiting, especially as it relates to mitochondrial function. Moreover, several experts have suggested the use of cancer cachexia models which replicate the human disease more accurately would be of large utility towards mechanism elucidation and therapy development within this disease. The focus of this dissertation was to first determine the precise muscle-specific and time-dependent cancer-induced muscle myopathy through two different preclinical models of cancer cachexia. We first used the well-established Colon-26 (C26)-ectopic model of cancer cachexia to characterize skeletal muscle weakness, atrophy and mitochondrial function across time and muscle types. We then used a novel metastatic and orthotopic model of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) cachexia to further identify precise cancer-induced skeletal muscle myopathy, once again across time and different muscle types. Finally, to both establish the efficacy of a novel treatment and establish a direct link between cancer-induced skeletal muscle myopathy and mitochondrial function, we administered the mitochondrial-targeted therapeutic SkQ1 to EOC tumour bearing mice. Our findings reveal that cancer-induced skeletal muscle weakness precedes the development of skeletal muscle atrophy in both the C26-ectopic and EOC-orthotopic models of cancer cachexia. Thus, this dissertation identifies muscle atrophy-independent contributions to skeletal muscle weakness exist in cancer-induced myopathy, a phenomenon yet to be explored. Our findings also demonstrate decreases in mitochondrial respiration and increases in mitochondrial reactive oxygen species are associated with skeletal muscle weakness and atrophy across two preclinical models. Last, treatment with SkQ1 establishes a direct link between mitochondrial function and skeletal muscle weakness independent of atrophy as this mitochondrial-enhancing drug improved force production across various muscles and time. In conclusion, this dissertation identifies a direct relationship between mitochondrial function and cancer-induced weakness. This work supports the future investigation of mitochondrial targeted therapy in cancer cachexia.
Open Access
Mortality Risk in Persons with Obesity: The Role of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medication Use
(2025-04-10) Reid, Reagan Alexander; Ardern, Chris
Persons with obesity (PwO) are at an elevated risk of both cardiovascular and metabolic diseases as well as increased mortality risk. The effects of medication use on this relationship has not been investigated and is the focus of the current investigation. This study utilized data from 1999-2018 pooled cycles of the US NHANES. In general, death rates were higher in those taking medications. PwO aged 65 years and older who were taking cardiovascular or metabolic medications had a lower risk of mortality than those of a normal weight over 65 years of age and older without each respective medication. Conversely, PwO aged 30 to 64 years old showed a higher mortality risk than those of a normal weight, with greater risk of mortality observed in those using medication than those without.
Open Access
Transnational Adoptees' Identity, Belonging, And The Role Of Sport
(2025-04-10) Wong, Bliss Valentina; Nakamura, Yuka
This study examines how, and if, sport could influence transnational adoptees’ identity formation and sense of belonging. Transnational adoptees’ identity and belonging development is complex, dynamic, and contextual. For example, some transnational national adoptees are racialized individuals within a white society and feel a lack of belonging to either group. Three facets of identity were identified: pre-adoptive identity, the adoptee identity, and ethnic identity. Each identity facet was found to develop uniquely; a singular plot can not be used to understand the development of all the facets. Sport was found to offer transnationally adoptees a space to develop essential network connections, provide opportunities for ethnic identity exploration and cultural connection, and provide a reprieve from conflicts and tensions. However, pre-existing dynamics and social exclusion were also reproduced. The stories that emerged offer insights into how the context of sport influences transnational adoptees’ navigation of belonging and identity.