FACULTY & STAFF DIRECTORY

Maria Kosma Associate Professor Louisiana State University Department of Kinesiology 123 Long Field House Baton Rouge, LA 70803-7101 Phone: 225-578-8016 FAX: 225-578-3680 mkosma@lsu.edu

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Physical Activity Promotion for Underserved Populations:
Although physical activity promotion for improved health-related quality of life (HRQOL; physical and mental health) is a public health priority, most underserved populations (e.g., people with disabilities and older adults) are significantly less active than over represented populations (e.g., healthy adults). Additionally, people with disabilities and older adults report lower HRQOL levels than people without disabilities (USDHHS, 2000). Therefore, in my research line I focus on physical activity promotion for improved HRQOL among adults with physical disabilities (e.g., multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injuries, cerebral palsy, amputations, post-polio, and peripheral neuropathy) and older adults by utilizing the following investigative mechanisms:

1. Cross-sectional, prospective, and longitudinal examination of theory-based psychosocial determinants of physical activity for improved HRQOL.
2. Application of advanced statistical and methodological procedures (e.g., structural equation modeling and latent growth curve analysis) to understand physical activity behavior change.
3. Examination of the construct validity of a modified stages-of-change algorithm for physical activity to ultimately develop and implement stage-matched physical activity motivational programs.
4. Identification of important falls’ risk determinants for older adults.

EDUCATION

PhD (GPA = 4.0), 2000-2003, Oregon State University, Department of Nutrition and Exercise Sciences (formerly: Department of Exercise and Sport Science), Corvallis, OR. Major: Exercise and Sport Science. Minor: Psychology.

 

M.S. (with distinction), 1998-1999, University of Jyväskylä, Department of Physical Education, Jyväskylä, Finland. The first semester (Fall 1998) of the Master’s degree took place at the Catholic University Leuven, Faculty of Physical Education and Physiotherapy, Leuven, Belgium. Specialization: Adapted Physical Activity.

B.S., 1993-1997, National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Science, Athens, Greece. Specialization (with distinction): Adapted Physical Activity.

PUBLICATIONS

Peer Reviewed Journal Articles and Book Chapters

Antikainen I.E., Ellis R., Kosma, M., Allen, P.D., Cherry, K.E., Monroe, P.A., & Wood, R.H. (in press). Examining change in theory-based physical activity beliefs of culturally diverse older adults. Journal of Applied Gerontology.

Ellis, R., Kosma, M., Cardinal, B.J., Bauer, J.J., & McCubbin, J.A. (2009). A comparison of two measures of physical activity among adults with physical disabilities: The issue of scale correspondence. Journal of Developmental and Physical Disabilities, doi: 10.1007/s10882-009-9150-z (online).

Kosma, M., Ellis, R., Cardinal, B.J., Bauer, J.J., & McCubbin, J.A. (2009). Psychosocial predictors of physical activity and health-related quality of life among adults with physical disabilities: An integrative framework. Disability and Health Journal, 2, 104-109.

Winchester F., Ellis R., Kosma, M., Cherry, K.E., Allen, P.D., Monroe, P.A., & Wood, R.H. (2009). Predictors of ADL disability in culturally diverse older adults. International Journal of Exercise Science, 2, 202-214.

Gao, Z., Kosma, M., & Harrison, L., Jr. (2009). Ability beliefs, task value, and performance as a function of race in a dart-throwing task. Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport, 80, 122-130.

Gao, Z., & Kosma, M. (2008). Intention as a mediator of weight training behavior among college students: An integrative framework. Journal of Applied Sport Psychology, 20, 363-374.

Parish, T.R., Kosma, M., & Welsch, M.A. (2007). Exercise training for the patient with heart failure: Is your patient ready? Cardiopulmonary Physical Therapy Journal, 18, 12-20.

Ellis, R., Kosma, M., Cardinal, B.J., Bauer, J.J., & McCubbin, J.A. (2007). Physical activity beliefs and behaviour of adults with physical disabilities. Disability and Rehabilitation, 29, 1221-1227.

Kosma, M. (2007). Expert commentary: The conceptualization of the stages of physical activity change among people with physical disabilities (pp. 1-6). In L.A. Chiang (Ed.), Motivation of Exercise and Physical Activity. Hauppauge, NY: Nova Science.

Kosma, M., Ellis, R., Cardinal, B.J., Bauer, J.J., & McCubbin, J.A. (2007). The mediating role of intention and stages of change in physical activity among adults with physical disabilities: An integrative framework. Journal of Sport & Exercise Psychology, 29, 21-38.

Grodesky, J.M., Kosma, M., & Solmon, M.A. (2006). Understanding older adults’ physical activity behavior: A multi-theoretical approach. Quest, 58, 310-329.

Kosma, M., Ellis Gardner, R., Cardinal, B.J., Bauer, J.J., & McCubbin, J.A. (2006). Psychosocial determinants of stages of change and physical activity among adults with physical disabilities. Adapted Physical Activity Quarterly, 23, 49-64.

Kosma, M., Cardinal, B.J., & McCubbin, J.A. (2005). A pilot study of a web-based physical activity motivational program for adults with physical disabilities. Disability and Rehabilitation, 27, 1435-1442.

Kosma, M., Cardinal, B.J., & McCubbin, J.A. (2004). Recruitment techniques among understudied populations and their implications for physical activity promotion. Quest, 56, 413-420.

Kosma, M., Cardinal, B. J., & McCubbin, J. A.  (2004). Predictors of physical activity stage of change among adults with physical disabilities.  American Journal of Health Promotion, 19, 114-117.

Kosma, M., Wood, T.M., Rintala, P., & Acock, A.C. (2004). A comparison of the effects of health-related fitness and motor ability on adaptive behavior among adults with intellectual disabilities. Journal of Human Movement Studies, 47, 303-326.

Cardinal, B.J., & Kosma, M. (2004). Self-efficacy and the stages and processes of change associated with adopting and maintaining muscular fitness-promoting behaviors. Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport, 75, 186-196.

Cardinal, B.J., Kosma, M., & McCubbin, J.A. (2004). Factors influencing the exercise behavior of adults with physical disabilities. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 36, 868-875.

Kosma, M., Cardinal, B.J., & Rintala, P. (2002). Motivating individuals with disabilities to be physically active. Quest, 54, 116-132.

PRESENTATIONS: INVITED, NATIONAL, INTERNATIONAL (Since 2007)

Kosma, M., Ellis, R., & Li, L. (2009, July). Application of the transtheoretical model for physical activity among older adults with peripheral neuropathy. Paper presentation at the International Conference of the Athens Institute for Education and Research (ATINER), Athens, Greece.

Kosma, M., Ellis, R., & Li, L. (2009, April). Predictors of physical activity among older adults with peripheral neuropathy. Poster presentation at the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance, Tampa, FL

Moore, S.D., Ellis, R., Kosma, M., Fabre, J., McCarter, K.S., & Wood, R.H. (2009, April). RC grant findings: validation of fall-related psychological measures among independent-living older adults. Paper presentation at the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance, Tampa, FL

Zhang, T., Solmon, M.A., Gao, Z., & Kosma, M. (2009, April). Examining school students' participation in leisure-time physical activity behaviors. Paper presentation at the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance, Tampa, FL

Kosma M. (2008, September). Psychosocial determinants of physical activity for improved health-related quality of life among adults with physical disabilities. GUEST SPEAKER at the KAHPERD International Congress, Olympic Parktel & Korea National University, Seoul, Korea.

Kosma M. (2008, September). Psychosocial aspects of physical activity. GUEST SPEAKER, special lecture seminar for undergraduate students, graduate students, and faculty, Seoul National University of Technology, Seoul, Korea.

Kosma, M., Ellis, R., & Li, L. (2008, May). Predictors of the stages of physical activity change among older adults with peripheral neuropathy. INVITED POSTER PRESENTATION at the State of the Science Conference on Health, Wellness and Disability, Portland, OR.

Holton, F., Ellis, R., Kosma, M., Cherry, K., Antikainen, I., Russell, R., & Wood, R. (2008, May). Predictors of ADL disability in culturally diverse older adults. Paper presentation at the Annual Meeting of the American College of Sports Medicine, Indianapolis, IN.

Gao, Z., Lee, A.M., Kosma, M., & Solmon, M.A. (2008, May). Understanding students’ motivation in physical education: Examining the mediating role of self-efficacy on physical activity. Paper presentation at the Annual Meeting of the American College of Sports Medicine, Indianapolis, IN.

Gao, Z., Liu, Y., Zhang, T., & Kosma, M. (2008, April). Temporal stability of outcome expectancy in middle school physical education. Poster presentation at the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance convention, Fort Worth, TX.

Gao, Z., Lee, A.M., Xiang, P., & Kosma, M. (2008, March). Students’ motivation and physical activity levels in middle school physical education: The effects of activity, grade, and gender. Paper presentation at the American Educational Research Association Annual Meeting, New York City, NY.

Zhang, T., Solmon, M.A., Kosma, M., Carson, R.L., & Gu, X. (2008, March). Need support, need satisfaction, intrinsic motivation, and physical activity participation among middle school students. Paper presentation at the American Educational Research Association Annual Meeting, New York City, NY.

Antikainen I.E., Ellis, R., & Kosma, M. (2007, June). Change in physical activity beliefs among culturally diverse older adults. Poster presentation at the North American Society for the Psychology of Sport and Physical Activity conference, San Diego, CA.

Gao, Z., Lee, A., Solmon, M., Kosma, M., Carson, R., Zhang, T., Domangue, E., & Moore, D. (2007, June). Comparison of objective measures of in-class activity levels among middle school students. Poster presentation at the annual meeting of the American College of Sports Medicine, New Orleans, LA.

Kosma, M., Ellis Gardner, R., Cardinal, B.J., Bauer, J.J., & McCubbin, J.A. (2007, March). Health-related quality of life predictors for adults with physical disabilities. Poster presentation at the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance convention, Baltimore, MD.

HONORS AND AWARDS

 

2008	Fellow, Research Consortium, American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance. Inducted at the 2008 AAHPERD National Convention, Fort Worth, TX.
2008	Emerging Scholar Award on Health, Wellness and Disability, Rehabilitation Research and Training Center, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR.
2008	Certificate of Achievement for receiving the Mabel Lee Award through AAHPERD, College of Education, Louisiana State University.
2008	Certificate of Achievement for obtaining Fellow Status in the Research Consortium of AAHPERD, College of Education, Louisiana State University.
2007	Mabel Lee Award, American Alliance for Health Physical Education Recreation and Dance. Awarded at the 2007 AAHPERD National Convention, Baltimore, MD.
2004	Sport and Exercise Psychology Academy Dissertation Award. American Alliance for Health Physical Education Recreation and Dance/NASPE. Awarded at the AAHPERD National Convention, New Orleans, LA.
2003	Research Consortium Graduate Student Research Award ($1,000). American Alliance for Health Physical Education Recreation and Dance. Awarded at the AAHPERD National Convention, Philadelphia, PA.
2003	Steven O. Skaggs Award, Oregon State University, Movement Studies in Disability Program, Department of Exercise and Sport Science, Corvallis, OR.
2003	Certificate of Appreciation, for 2 years service as a student representative of the International Federation of Adapted Physical Activity.
2002	Second Prize Award ($125): Oral Presentation Competition, Oregon State University Graduate Conference, Corvallis, Oregon.
1998-1999	ERASMUS Exchange Scholarship: European Master's Degree in Adapted Physical Activity.
1996-1997	Honorary Scholarship ($575) for college-level academic excellence (1995-1996), Ministry of Education, Greece.
1993	Mayoral Recognition/Award for high school student excellence, Lamia, Greece.

Curriculum Vitae

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In the news

College of Education Faculty Present at the 2008 AERA Conference in NY

Kinesiology Assistant Professor Receives Scholarship

Kinesiology Assistant Professor Wins Award

LSU College of Education Hosts Honors Convocation

Exploring Physical Activity Facilitators & Barriers of Individuals with Disabilities

** Note: For a more complete listing of faculty publications, presentations, awards, and outreach, please visit our annual reports page.