Emily Pietrzak
Research Mentor(s): Dr. Nikhil Parekh
Mentor Department: VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System
Authors: Emily Pietrzak, Nikhil Parekh
Session: Session 7 (4:00pm – 4: 50pm)
Presentation Type: Poster 56
Abstract
Whole Health is a holistic approach to well-being that focuses on mind, body, and social connections, ultimately creating more personalized health outcomes. At the core of Whole Health is the Circle of Health, which emphasizes key areas of well-being, including physical activity, nutrition, mental health, and social and environmental factors. My team and I developed a custom-designed survey to examine the impacts of these attributes across the physical, mental, and social domains of health. We collected data from 217 participants, including veterans, students, and faculty. I specifically focused on assessing the influence of physical activity on mood changes before and after engaging in movement. Through both qualitative and quantitative analysis, the findings revealed that a majority of participants experienced a positive shift in their emotional state following physical activity. These results highlight the potential of regular physical movement as an effective strategy for enhancing mood and promoting emotional well-being. The findings support the use of physical activity within holistic health interventions, particularly as part of the Whole Health model.
