Search

Autistic individuals and persons with other intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD) may experience challenges in social engagement, sensory processing, and behavior rigidity. This population is more likely to face barriers to successful preventative healthcare, including vaccines, compared to neurotypical peers. Autistic individuals and persons with other IDD may be at greater risk for COVID-19 infection due to sensory dysregulation that interferes with mitigation such as wearing masks, and challenges in social communication that impose difficulties in understanding and adhering to prevention measures. Adaptations are needed to make vaccine opportunities more accessible for neurodivergent individuals. A series of seven Sensory-Friendly COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics (SFVCs) were conducted between December 2021 and August 2022 in collaboration with the A.J. Drexel Autism Institute and the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University. SFVCs examined perceived barriers and facilitators to vaccine experiences, based on feedback from autistic individual/persons with IDD and their caregivers. Surveys were administered to autistic individuals/persons with IDD or their caregivers (n = 35) from the larger sample who attended the clinic; 18 participants also complete a supplemental interview. Scaled survey questions were analyzed to determine the acceptability of the SFVCs. Open-ended survey questions and interview responses were coded thematically to identify barriers, facilitators, and areas of improvement. All individuals who came to a SFVC with intent to be vaccinated were successfully administered a COVID-19 vaccine. More than 90% of participants reported that experiences at the SFVCs were positive, promoted retention, and they would recommend clinics to others. Staff clinical expertise, sensory-friendly elements, and hosting clinics at a neutral location (free from past medical history) served as facilitators to successful vaccine administration, whereas factors such as ill-equipped pharmacy staff, behavioral challenges, and logistical issues may serve as barriers. Incorporating reported barriers, facilitators, and accommodations of SFVC experiences may lead to more successful preventative healthcare processes for neurodivergent individuals., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Purpose: To determine whether kinetic chain pattern during knee extensor strength training influences quadriceps femoris center of mass and moment of inertia about the hip in a predictable manner as such changes can affect running economy. Methods: Twelve participants completed 8 weeks of both unilateral open (OKC) and closed (CKC) kinetic chain resistance training on opposing legs. Changes in quadriceps femoris muscle volume (VOL QF ), center of mass location (CoM QF ), and moment of inertia ( I QF ) about the hip were determined from magnetic resonance images scans. Regional hemodynamics of the vastus lateralis taken at 30% and 70% of muscle length during OKC and CKC bouts early in the training program were measured using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) and used post hoc to predict changes in CoM QF . Results: While increases in VOL QF were similar between OKC (Δ79.5 ± 87.9 cm 3 ) and CKC (Δ60.2 ± 110.5 cm 3 , p = 0.29), the patterns of hypertrophy differed; a distal shift in CoM QF (Δ2.4 ± 0.4 cm, p < 0.001) and increase in I QF (Δ0.017 ± 0.014 kg m 2 , p < 0.001) occurred in OKC but not in CKC (CoM QF : Δ-2.2 ± 2.0 cm, I QF : Δ-0.022 ± 0.020 kg m 2 , p > 0.05). Regional hemodynamics assessed by NIRS during a single training session displayed similar exercise and regional differences and predicted 39.6% of observed changes in CoM QF . Conclusions: Exercise selection influences muscle shape sufficiently to affect CoM QF and I QF , and these changes may be predicted in part from NIRS measurements during a single workout. Given I QF is inversely related to running economy and since CKC exercise provides a more proximal pattern of hypertrophy than OKC, it may be more preferential for running. The results from the present study also highlight the potential of NIRS as a tool for predicting patterns of hypertrophy between different exercises and exercise conditions., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2023 Earp, Angelino, Hatfield, Colantuono, Jackson, Morgan, Adami, Melanson and Blazevich.)