Publication Date

1980

Document Type

Dissertation/Thesis

First Advisor

Parham, Ellen S.||Johnston, Betty Jane

Degree Name

M.S. (Master of Science)

Legacy Department

Department of Home Economics

LCSH

Reducing diets; Reducing exercises

Abstract

Commercial airline pilots were the subjects in a study of the effects of a particular low fat diet and exercise plan on serum lipid levels and blood pressure. Twelve experimental subjects, participating in the Pritikin regimen at the Longevity Center in Santa Barbara, California, were compared to eleven control subjects, currently on flying status, and following an average diet and exercise plan. Values for serum cholesterol, serum triglycerides, and blood pressure were obtained through questionnaires for the experimental pilots, at admittance to the center, discharge 26 days later, and at a 6 to 12 month follow=up period. Control pilots completed similar values on questionnaires, to coincide with their 1978 and 1979 physical examinations. Diet scores, using a dietary rating code that assesses the amount of fat in the diet, were determined for both groups. Completed 1 to 3 day diet records were obtained from all control subjects and from four experimental subjects; an average diet score based on the Pritikin maintenance diet was assigned to the remaining subjects. Exercise scores of mild, moderate, and strenuous were determined for each participant. Results of testing showed that serum cholesterol and serum triglyceride levels of experimental subjects remained significantly improved (decreased) after 6 to 12 months, while the levels of control subjects remained unchanged. Blood pressure levels decreased slightly for experimental subjects, but were not significantly changed. Diet and exercise scores compared between the two groups at final testing dates indicated significantly lower diet scores (less dietary fat) and significantly higher exercise scores for experimental subjects. A positive correlation (r = .82) was found between the serum cholesterol levels and diet scores of all subjects.

Comments

Includes bibliographical references.

Extent

v, 81 pages

Language

eng

Publisher

Northern Illinois University

Rights Statement

In Copyright

Rights Statement 2

NIU theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from Huskie Commons for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without the written permission of the authors.

Media Type

Text

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