Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of self-foot reflexology on stress (perceived stress, urine cortisol level, and serum cortisol level), fatigue, skin temperature and immune response in female undergraduate students. Methods: The research design was a nonequivalent control group pretest-post test design. Participants were 60 university students: 30 in the experiment group and 30 in the control group. The period of this study was from April to June 2010. The program was performed for 1 hr a session, three times a week for 6 weeks. The data were analyzed using the SPSS/WIN 17.0 program. Results: The results showed that self-foot reflexology was effective in reducing perceived stress and fatigue, and raised skin temperature in female undergraduate students. But cortisol levels and immune response were not statistically significant different. Conclusion:The results of this study indicate that self-foot reflexology is an effective nursing intervention in reducing perceived stress and fatigue and, in improving skin temperature. Therefore, it is recommended that this be used in clinical practice as an effective nursing intervention for in female undergraduate students.

Abstract.[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of an eight-week exercise program on body composition, blood lipids, and hormone levels of 16 obese adult males. [Subjects and Methods] After an experimental group (n=8) and a control group (n=8) were organized, subject were examined: then, the experimental group performed endurance exercises for 8 weeks. At the end of the eight weeks, the two groups were examined again for weight, % body fat, and body fat mass via a bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). A blood sample was collected the day before the exercise program. Right after the exercise program, 5 ml of blood was collected and then centrifuged for 10 min at 3000 rpm. The centrifuged samples were stored at -73°C and sent to Green Cross for analysis; TC, TG, leptin, and insulin were analyzed.[Results] The experimental group showed a statistically significant decrease in % body fat and body fat mass as well as significant reductions in TC and TG and leptin concentrations. There was also a decrease in the exercise group's insulin concentration but is was not significant. [Conclusion] Eight weeks of exercise therapy increased energy consumption resulting in favorable changes in the body composition, blood lipid metabolism, and hormone levels in obese adult males.

No abstract

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the influences of body mass index (BMI), mindfulness and self-esteem on reported body image among university students. Methods: Data were collected through questionnaires from 266 students and were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-test, ANOVA, Scheffe's test, Pearson's correlation coefficients and Stepwise multiple regression analysis with SPSS/WIN 19.0 program. Results: As defined by body mass index, the sample was divided into an underweight group was 88.7%, a normal weight group was 10.5%, and an overweight group was 0.8%. The levels of body image depended on family income, personality, and BMI. The body image was significantly correlated with BMI, mindfulness, and selfesteem. The influential factors affecting body image were self-esteem, BMI, family income and personality, which explained about 34.6% of the variance. Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that nursing intervention are needed to improve body image, and that such variables should be carefully considered in intervention for university students.