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Match-related performance analysis in judo Para athletes with visual impairments is important to coaches and staff to identify technical–tactical profiles of their athletes and opponents but also to identify whether there are similar characteristics in each visual class. Thus, this study explores the match-related performance in judo Para athletes and verifies the relationship between performance using the old and new classification systems. The match-derived variables were analyzed using different statistical methods considering a total of 182 matches from the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. The results indicated that performance was affected by sex and degree of impairment. The new classification system seems suitable for grouping Para judo athletes, as it differentiates performance between the two proposed classes (J1 and J2), since athletes from each group compete separately. Furthermore, different variability index measures were correlated with competitive performance, demonstrating a specific performance profile for each sport class in judo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim of this study was 2-fold: (1) to examine the relationships between psychophysiological responses and locomotor demands with variations in technical performance during 2v2 and 4v4 conditioned games and (2) to compare psychophysiological and locomotor responses among players exhibiting higher and lower technical performance levels during the conditioned games. Methods: Twenty-four male youth soccer players (16.3 ± 0.8 y old) participating at the trained/developmental level underwent monitoring for psychophysiological responses (including heart rate, rating of perceived exertion, and visual analog scale), locomotor demands (such as distance covered), and technical performance variables (including successful and unsuccessful passes and shots, as well as lost balls) across 2v2 and 4v4 formats. These formats were applied 4 times within a single session and were replicated twice over 2 weeks. Results: Large correlations between the number of lost balls per minute and mean heart rate were found in both the 2v2 and 4v4 games (r =.586 and r =.665, respectively). Successful shots were inversely and largely correlated with mean heart rate (r = −.518) in 4v4 games. The number of interceptions per minute was inversely and significantly correlated with the visual analog scale in 2v2 and 4v4 games (r = −.455 and r = −.710, respectively). The frequency of lost balls was significantly higher among players who attained a higher mean heart rate (2v2: +42.9%, P =.031, d = −0.965; 4v4: +57.1%, P <.001, d = −2.072). Conclusions: Coaches should be aware that highly psychophysiologically demanding scenarios may significantly impair technical performance. Therefore, prioritizing technical performance by deliberately adjusting the intensity should be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Previous literature has demonstrated the mediating role of adiposity in the association between cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and cardiometabolic risk as well as the potential role of CRF in attenuating the adverse consequences associated with excess weight. This study aimed to evaluate the mediating role of CRF and adiposity in the possible association with cardiometabolic risk. Method: Observational 3-year longitudinal study that included 420 children and adolescents (10.50 [2.05] y of age at baseline; 56.2% girls). Body mass index (BMI) was calculated, and CRF was evaluated using field assessments. A clustered cardiometabolic risk score (cMetS) was calculated from glucose, systolic blood pressure, total cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio, and triglycerides z scores. Analyses evaluated the mediating role of BMI in the association between CRF and cMetS as well as whether CRF mediated the association between BMI and cMetS. Results: BMI at baseline was directly associated with the cMetS at follow-up (0.102; 95% confidence interval, 0.020 to 0.181), independently of CRF, whereas CRF was only indirectly associated with cMetS at follow-up through BMI (−0.036; 95% confidence interval, −0.070 to −0.009), meaning that the association between CRF and cMetS was explained via the mediation role of BMI. Conclusions: BMI presented direct association with cMetS, whereas CRF exhibited indirect association with cMetS mediated via BMI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Ideal implant placement in atrophied posterior mandibular regions is challenging due to surgical difficulties and anatomical limitations. This study aimed to evaluate the use of allogeneic bone rings for vertical augmentation of atrophied posterior mandibular regions with simultaneous implants compared to autogenous bone rings, while avoiding donor site morbidity. Method and materials: A total of 24 vertically atrophied posterior mandibular segments (in 14 patients) were equally randomized into a study group in which mineralized freeze-dried allogeneic bone rings were used, and a control group in which autogenous bone rings with prepared implant osteotomies were harvested from the chin and used. All augmentation sites were prepared before inserting the bone rings. Implants were simultaneously inserted, fixing the bone rings into the native bone. All patients were clinically assessed after 1 week, 2 weeks, and 1 month. Crestal bone level was radiographically assessed after lweek, 6 months, and 3 months of prosthetic loading. Results: None of the 24 bone rings showed signs of implant or graft failure. There was no significant difference in the crestal bone level between the groups. Conclusion: Allogeneic bone rings can be a viable alternative to autogenous bone rings in augmenting the posterior aspect of the mandible, mitigating the concerns associated with donor site complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research provides a review of seated shot put alongside new data from the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games with the aim to understand the latest trends in equipment within a recently established rule set and how key equipment variables may impact performance for athletes in different classifications. First, a review of the literature found that the throwing pole is a key equipment aid that is not well understood, in part due to limitations in testing design. New data from the 2020 Paralympic Games showed inconsistent trends for the use of the throwing pole among athletes, particularly in transitionary classes (F33–34 and F54–55). A two-way analysis of variance found a main effect of classification on performance (p <.001), as well as an interaction effect between pole use and classification on performance (p <.05). Notably, pole users are seen to perform better than non–pole users in Class F32 (p <.05). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to examine whether various athletic performances, anthropometric measures, and playing experience differentiate selected and nonselected ultimate Frisbee players trialing to compete in the world championship. Methods: Forty-three Australian male ultimate Frisbee players (age = 21.2 [1.2] y; height = 1.7 [6.8] m; body mass = 69.7 [8.2] kg; playing experience = 3.5 [1.5] y) participated in a 30-m sprint test, single-leg run-up jump approach (both left [JumpLL], and right leg [JumpRL]) and a stationary bilateral vertical jump (JumpBIL), and change-of-direction speed test. Following a selection camp, players were subdivided according to their selection or nonselection into the team. Results: A multivariate analysis of variance revealed that height, 10-m sprint time, acceleration, JumpLL, JumpRL, and JumpBIL were significantly greater for selected players than nonselected players (P <.05). Area under the curve (AUC) was greatest for JumpRL (AUC = 79%; optimal cutoff value of 37.5 cm, sensitivity and specificity values of 77% and 71%, respectively), JumpLL (AUC = 74%; optimal cutoff 38.5 cm, sensitivity and specificity values 77% and 77%, respectively), and JumpBIL (AUC = 78%; optimal cutoff value of 40.5 cm, sensitivity and specificity values 71% and 79%, respectively). The largest AUC (AUC = 81%; 95% CI 0.66–0.97; P =.001) was found when combining the explanatory variables that demonstrated moderate to large effect sizes (ie, height, playing experience, 10-m sprint, acceleration, JumpLL, JumpRL, and JumpBIL), with sensitivity of 93% and specificity of 71%. Conclusion: These athletic performance and anthropometric characteristics differentiating selected and nonselected players may help inform targeted training and player-development strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aimed to examine the effect of a 6-day basketball tournament on the physical demands, perceptual–physiological responses, well-being, and game statistics of elite under-18 (years of age) players. Methods: Physical demands (player load [PL], steps, impacts, and jumps, all normalized by playing time), perceptual–physiological responses (heart rate and rating of perceived exertion), well-being (Hooper index), and game statistics of 12 basketball players were monitored during 6 consecutive games. Linear mixed models and Cohen d effect sizes were used to assess differences among games. Results: Significant changes were found for PL per minute, steps per minute, impacts per minute, peak heart rate, and Hooper index over the tournament. Pairwise comparisons showed that PL per minute was higher in game #1 than in games #4 (P =.011, large), #5 (P <.001, very large), and #6 (P <.001, very large). PL per minute recorded during game #5 was also lower than in games #2 (P =.041, large) and #3 (P =.035, large). The number of steps per minute was higher in game #1 than in all other games (all P <.05, large to very large). Impacts per minute were significantly higher in game #3 than in games #1 (P =.035, large) and #2 (P =.004, large). The only physiological variable that varied significantly was peak heart rate (higher in game #3 than in game #6; P =.025, large). The Hooper index gradually increased throughout the tournament, indicating poorer player well-being as the tournament advanced. Game statistics did not significantly change among games. Conclusions: The average intensities of each game and the players' well-being gradually decreased throughout the tournament. Conversely, physiological responses were mostly unaffected, and game statistics were unaffected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acute ketone monoester (KE) supplementation can alter exercise responses, but the performance effect is unclear. The limited and equivocal data to date are likely related to factors including the KE dose, test conditions, and caliber of athletes studied. We tested the hypothesis that mean power output during a 20-min cycling time trial (TT) would be different after KE ingestion compared to a placebo (PL). A sample size of 22 was estimated to provide 80% power to detect an effect size dz of 0.63 at an alpha level of.05 with a two-tailed paired t test. This determination considered 2.0% as the minimal important difference in performance. Twenty-three trained cyclists (N = 23; peak oxygen uptake: 65 ± 12 ml·kg−1 min−1; M ± SD), who were regularly cycling >5 hr/week, completed a familiarization trial followed by two experimental trials. Participants self-selected and replicated their diet and exercise for ∼24 hr before each trial. Participants ingested either 0.35 g/kg body mass of (R)-3-hydroxybutyl (R)-3-hydroxybutyrate KE or a flavor-matched PL 30 min before exercise in a randomized, triple-blind, crossover manner. Exercise involved a 15-min warm-up followed by the 20-min TT on a cycle ergometer. The only feedback provided was time elapsed. Preexercise venous [β-hydroxybutyrate] was higher after KE versus PL (2.0 ± 0.6 vs. 0.2 ± 0.1 mM, p <.0001). Mean TT power output was 2.4% (0.6% to 4.1%; mean [95% confidence interval]) lower after KE versus PL (255 ± 54 vs. 261 ± 54 W, p <.01; dz = 0.60). The mechanistic basis for the impaired TT performance after KE ingestion under the present study conditions remains to be determined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: In short-track speed skating, athletes need to possess specific physiological capabilities to perform explosive starts and to finish races with faster lap times than their opponents. Repeated-sprint training in hypoxia (RSH) can enhance repeated-sprint ability and high-intensity performance. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between on- and off-ice performance indicators for training and testing purposes and how these are optimized with RSH in world-class short-track speed skaters including world and Olympic champions. Methods: RSH training was administered for 3 consecutive weeks, 3 times per week, at 3500 m of simulated altitude. Testing sessions (on-ice: 3-lap, 27-lap; off-ice: cycling incremental test, 7-s and 30-s Wingate) were performed immediately before and 2 and 4 weeks after RSH to determine the time course of decay. Results: On-ice top speed showed a small and possibly beneficial change of ∼0.9% for the women and large and almost certain ∼0.7% improvement for the men 2 weeks post-RSH. Cycling peak power showed a moderate and probable ∼5.4% improvement for the men 2 weeks after RSH. These adaptations reverted to baseline 4 weeks post-RSH. Wingate average power showed a small and possibly beneficial gain (∼3.4%) in performance 4 weeks post-RSH. Conclusion: Although scientific controls could not be added due to the extremely high caliber of these athletes and low sample size of the national team, this study suggests that cycling RSH can be added immediately after on-ice training and can transfer into meaningful improvements on the ice in both male and female skaters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aims to reveal the effect of the motivational interviewing on the quality of life and self‐efficacy behaviors of individuals with chronic diseases. Material‐method: For this meta‐analysis study, PubMed, Web of Science, EBSCOhost, Google Scholar, and YÖK Theses databases were searched in January–May 2021 without year limitation. As a result, 38 studies were included in the study: 23 for the quality of life variable, and 21 for the self‐efficacy behaviors variable (in 6 studies, both variables were examined together). The data were synthesized with meta‐analysis and narrative methods. The total sample size of the studies is 25,425. Results: This meta‐analysis study showed that the motivational interviewing applied to individuals with chronic diseases changed their quality of life (SMD: 0.296, %95 CI: 0.054–0.537, Z = 2.402, p =.016, I2 = %95). The type of chronic disease, measurement tool, sample group, disease group, age range, and whether the motivational interviewer was a nurse or not changed the effect size of the motivational interviewing on the quality of life. The self‐efficacy score average of the experimental group to which motivational interviewing was applied was statistically similar to that of the control group (SMD: 0.141, %95 CI: −0.065, 0.347; Z = 1.346, p =.178, I2 = %87). Conclusions: As a result of the meta‐analysis, it was determined that the use of motivational interviewing increased the quality of life level of individuals with chronic diseases. However, it is thought that more research is needed because some studies were conducted with small sample size and prepost test design. The results of the study may provide guidance on the interventions to be used in improving the quality of life of individuals with chronic diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of the study is to evaluate whether the application of an interfascial injection with dextrose water could result in reduced pain and improved shoulder function and range of motion. Design: This is a double-blind randomized controlled trial. Thirty-five patients with chronic shoulder pain were randomly assigned to receive either an interfascial injection of 10 mL of 10% dextrose water guided by ultrasound or a sham injection of 0.5 mL of 10% dextrose water into the subcutaneous layer. All patients received education on a home program of self-massage and self-stretching. Shoulder pain, shoulder range of motion, and neck and shoulder function were measured before injection and at 4 and 12 wks after injection. Results: Both groups showed significant improvements in visual analog scale scores at 12-wk follow-up. The interfascial injection group exhibited a significant pain reduction compared with the sham group at the 12-wks follow-up. No between-group differences were observed in shoulder range of motion, pain threshold, and neck and shoulder function. Conclusions: Interfascial injection is effective in decreasing pain in patients with myofascial pain syndrome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Though there is evidence autism identification has been inequitable for populations who are culturally and linguistically minoritized, there is limited research that explains the issue of disproportionality and factors contributing to its occurrence, especially within an educational setting. To explore contributors to racial/ethnic disparities in autism special education eligibility, the current investigation evaluated child and evaluation characteristics as they relate to the absence of autism eligibility. Data were obtained from the Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) Network Study and included children with behavioral characteristics consistent with autism and educational evaluation records. Despite documented characteristics consistent with autism, only 72% of the sample received educational services under autism eligibility. To characterize children without autism eligibility, hierarchical logistic regression was used to evaluate factors documented in evaluation records predicting the absence of autism eligibility. Factors influencing autism eligibility included behavioral characteristics documented, evaluation components completed, intellectual ability, and clinical diagnoses present. There was no unique contribution of race/ethnicity in predicting the absence of autism eligibility when accounting for these previous predictors, but many of these predictors differed by racial/ethnic group. Disproportionality in autism may be the manifestation of inequitable evaluation experiences, including experiencing less comprehensive evaluations, and not receiving an autism specific assessment. Though race/ethnicity did not uniquely contribute to the absence of autism eligibility above and beyond those combined factors, it is important to evaluate and reduce inequities experienced within the autism identification process for populations who are culturally and linguistically minoritized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine the association between weight gain and eating disorder (ED) symptoms among adults receiving treatment for atypical anorexia nervosa (AAN), to determine whether those who had a higher percent of expected body weight (%EBW) at discharge exhibited lower ED symptoms than those who gained less weight, and to compare this group to a matched sample of patients with anorexia nervosa (AN). Method: Participants were 96 adults receiving treatment at an ED treatment facility between December 2020 and May 2023. The Eating Disorder Examination‐Questionnaire (EDE‐Q) was completed at admission and discharge, and %EBW was obtained at admission and discharge. Results: All EDE‐Q subscale scores improved from admission to discharge for patients with AAN and patients with AN. Neither %EBW at discharge nor weight gain were associated with EDE‐Q subscale scores for those with AAN. For patients with AN, %EBW at discharge and weight gain were associated with EDE‐Q Restraint at discharge. Conclusions: Weight restoring to a higher level and gaining more weight were not associated with EDE‐Q scores at discharge for AAN. Further research is needed to determine how weight restoration using intensive treatment settings affects remission and recovery in patients with AAN. Highlights: Among patients with atypical anorexia nervosa (AAN) and anorexia nervosa, all eating disorder Examination‐Questionnaire subscale scores improved from admission to discharge in a higher level of care treatment programme for eating disorders.Neither percent Expected Body Weight at discharge nor weight gain were associated with Eating Disorder Examination‐Questionnaire subscale scores for those with AAN.Weight restoring to a higher level and gaining more weight were not associated with better eating disorder symptomatology at discharge for those with AAN. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Physical activity (PA) has been associated with decreased symptoms of depression and anxiety in the general population, but more consistent evidence is needed in the university population. Purpose: Investigate the association between physical activity and depressive and anxiety symptoms in undergraduates. Methods: 100 university students (23 ± 4 years, 47% female) were included in this cross-sectional study. We performed multiple linear regression analyses to investigate the association between the main variables. Results: The physical activity (MET/min/week) had a significant association with depressive (F(2, 97) = 15.104, p <.001; adjusted R2 =.222) and anxiety symptoms (F(2, 97) = 11.853 p <.001; adjusted R2 =.180), explaining these outcomes in approximately 22% and 18%, respectively. Moderate or vigorous physical activity did not have an association with depressive (B = −0.10, t = −0.700, p =.486) or anxiety symptoms (B = −0.11, t = 0.725, p =.470). Discussion: Individuals with high levels of physical activity have lower depressive and anxiety symptoms than individuals with lower levels of PA. Translation to Health Education Practice: Increasing the level of physical activity may be a viable strategy to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression in university students. A AJHE Self-Study quiz is online for this article via the SHAPE America Online Institute (SAOI) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Hypothesis N -Methyl- d -aspartate receptor (NMDA-R) hypofunctioning has been hypothesized to be involved in circuit dysfunctions in schizophrenia (ScZ). Yet, it remains to be determined whether the physiological changes observed following NMDA-R antagonist administration are consistent with auditory gamma-band activity in ScZ which is dependent on NMDA-R activity. Study Design This systematic review investigated the effects of NMDA-R antagonists on auditory gamma-band activity in preclinical (n  = 15) and human (n  = 3) studies and compared these data to electro/magneto-encephalographic measurements in ScZ patients (n  = 37) and 9 studies in early-stage psychosis. The following gamma-band parameters were examined: (1) evoked spectral power, (2) intertrial phase coherence (ITPC), (3) induced spectral power, and (4) baseline power. Study Results Animal and human pharmacological data reported a reduction, especially for evoked gamma-band power and ITPC, as well as an increase and biphasic effects of gamma-band activity following NMDA-R antagonist administration. In addition, NMDA-R antagonists increased baseline gamma-band activity in preclinical studies. Reductions in ITPC and evoked gamma-band power were broadly compatible with findings observed in ScZ and early-stage psychosis patients where the majority of studies observed decreased gamma-band spectral power and ITPC. In regard to baseline gamma-band power, there were inconsistent findings. Finally, a publication bias was observed in studies investigating auditory gamma-band activity in ScZ patients. Conclusions Our systematic review indicates that NMDA-R antagonists may partially recreate reductions in gamma-band spectral power and ITPC during auditory stimulation in ScZ. These findings are discussed in the context of current theories involving alteration in E/I balance and the role of NMDA hypofunction in the pathophysiology of ScZ. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives. This study aimed to investigate the effects of separate and concurrent exposure to occupational noise and hand-transmitted vibration (HTV) on auditory and cognitive attention. Methods. The experimental study was conducted with 40 construction workers who were exposed to noise (A-weighted equivalent sound pressure level of 90 dB) and to HTV (10 m/s2 at 31.5 Hz), and concurrent exposure to both for 30 min under simulated work with vibrating equipment used in construction. Cognitive performance aspects were then evaluated from each individual in two pre-exposure and post-exposure settings for each session. Results. The effect sizes of concurrent exposure (HTV + noise) and separate exposure to noise on auditory attention were very close (effect size = 0.648 and 0.626). The largest changes in the difference of response time in both types of attention (selective and divided attention) were related to the concurrent exposure scenario and then exposure to HTV, respectively. The highest effects for the correct response of selective and divided attention are related to concurrent exposure (HTV + noise) and then noise exposure, respectively. Conclusion. The HTV effect during concurrent exposure is hidden in auditory attention, and noise has the main effects. The divided attention was more affected than the selective attention in the different scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: It was conducted to investigate digital gaming addiction among nursing students and the associated factors of such addiction. Methods: The descriptive and relationship-seeking study's universe included 1665 nursing students in three universities' nursing faculties and departments. The sample size was determined to be 774 based on a power analysis with a type I error rate of 0.05, a power of the test of 0.80 (α = 0.05, 1-β = 0.80), and an effect size of d = 0.10. Student Information Form, The Digital Game Addiction Scale (DGAS-7), and the Digital Game Playing Motivation Scale (DGPMS) were used to collect student information. Data analysis was performed using the Mann–Whitney U test, Kruskal–Wallis H test, Spearman correlation, and Binary Logistic Regression Model. Results: It was found that 83.7% of the students were female, and the mean age and BMI were 20.03 ± 1.72 years and 21.98 ± 2.90 kg/m2, respectively. A statistically significant positive correlation was found between the students' Digital Game Addiction Scale and Digital Game Playing Motivation Scale Achievement and Energizing (r = 0.717), Curiosity and Social Acceptance (r = 0.612), and Uncertainty in Game Desire (r = -0.110) sub-dimensions mean scores (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The relationship between nursing students' digital game addiction, game playing motivation, and several individual characteristics affecting digital games was found. The study's results call for further research to focus on developing and testing interventions that could effectively reduce gaming addiction while enhancing positive aspects of digital engagement among nursing students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to identify the effect of frailty on loneliness among older adults receiving home care, in correlation to their socioeconomic and homebound statuses. This cross-sectional study recruited 218 individuals aged ≥65 years receiving home-based health services from the "Help at Home" program in the Region of Evrytania, Greece through an open invitation from the municipality authorities from March to June 2022. The Tilburg Frailty Indicator (TFI) was used for the evaluation of frailty, the UCLA Loneliness Scale version 3 was used for loneliness, and social isolation was accessed through five questions (living alone, frequency of interaction with children, relatives, friends, and participation in social organizations). The mean age of the participants was 81.48 ± 9.06, 61.9% were female, 54.1% experienced high levels of loneliness (UCLA-3 mean 45.76 ± 11.10 [range 20–68]), and 46.3% of the participants were found to be socially isolated. Also, 58.3% of the individuals were identified as frail (TFI mean 5.95 ± 3.07) [TFI range 0–13], with 57.3% experiencing physical frailty, 43.6% experiencing psychological frailty, and 27.1% experiencing social frailty. An analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) using UCLA-3 as the dependent variable revealed that loneliness across all domains of TFI was significantly higher in participants with frailty (total frailty [Yes] 49.27 vs. [No] 40,87 p < 0.001) (physical frailty [Yes] = 48.99 vs. [No] = 41.42, p < 0.001, psychological: 48.60 vs. 43.57 p < 0.001, and social: 53.38 vs. 42.94 p < 0.001), particularly compared to non-frail individuals, even after adjusting for potential confounding effects (covariates: gender, age, marital status, family status, living status, educational level, annual income, chronic diseases, homebound status, and social isolation). Our findings indicate that frail older adults experienced higher levels of loneliness, suggesting that frailty and loneliness are independently associated among older adults who receive home-based healthcare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the effects of the Nirvana Fitness (NF) program on state body appreciation (BA) and its correlates, as well as the mechanisms that could explain these changes. The study participants were allocated to NF (n = 21) and functional training (control, n = 22) groups and participated in an 8-week exercise intervention. The mean age was 24.4 ± 6.7. The participants filled out online questionnaires on state measures of BA, body surveillance (BS), functionality appreciation, body–mind connection, mindfulness in physical activity (SMS-PA), intrinsic exercise motivation (IM), satisfaction of basic psychological needs, and perceived physical fitness (PPF) immediately after the first and last sessions. The results revealed a significant improvement in state BA and its correlates in both groups, with no changes in PPF in the NF group or IM in either group. An interaction between group and time effects was revealed in a change of relatedness, indicating a stronger effect in the NF group. Positive changes in SMS-PA, BS, and satisfaction of the need for relatedness significantly predicted improvement in state BA. These findings highlight the importance of targeting mindfulness, body surveillance, and relatedness during physical activity in interventions aimed at promoting positive body image in university-aged women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Depression is one of the most prevalent mental disorders worldwide. This study examined the effect of a spiritual connectivity intervention on individuals with depression in a randomized waitlist-controlled trial. Fifty-seven participants with mild or moderate depressive symptoms were randomly assigned to either the intervention group (n = 28) or the waitlist control group (n = 29). The intervention comprised eight weekly sessions focusing on divine connection, forgiveness and freedom, suffering and transcendence, hope, gratitude, and relapse prevention. The outcome measures included depressive symptoms, anxiety, hope, meaning in life, self-esteem, and social support. Participants completed self-administered questionnaires at baseline (week 0), post-intervention (week 8), and 3-month follow-up (week 20). Repeated-measures ANOVA and one-way ANCOVA were used to compare the within-group and between-group differences in the changes in outcome variables. Participants in the intervention group showed significant improvements in depression, anxiety, spiritual experience, hope, self-esteem, and perceived social support after the intervention. Effect size statistics showed small to large differences (Cohen's d, 0.308 to −1.452). Moreover, 85.71% of participants in the intervention group also experienced clinically significant reductions in PHQ-9 scores from baseline to immediate post-intervention. This study highlights the effectiveness of a low-cost, accessible intervention suitable for community implementation by clergy and faith-based organizations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review and meta-analysis assessed the relationship between vitamin D levels and the risk of breast and endometrial cancers, and the efficacy of vitamin D supplementation as a preventive strategy. We searched PubMed and the Cochrane Library using "vitamin D" and "breast and endometrial cancer," focusing on human studies in English. Ten high-quality studies were selected based on robust design and data integrity. We analyzed effect sizes--odds ratios, risk ratios, and hazard ratios with 95% confidence intervals--using a random-effects model. Our findings suggest that higher vitamin D levels are linked to a lower risk of these cancers, especially in premenopausal women and those with greater sun exposure. Although some studies found no significant links, the overall evidence supports vitamin D's protective potential. Further randomized trials are necessary to confirm these results and define vitamin D deficiency standards in cancer risk assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to examine protective factors associated with resilience among unaccompanied refugee minors in comparison to their Norwegian peers and to examine associations between resilience factors and characteristics related to positive outcomes among unaccompanied minors. Data stem from the Pathways to Independence study conducted in Bergen municipality, Norway in 2018–2019 where 81 unaccompanied minors aged 15–20 participated (83.3% male; 80% response rate). An age- and sex-matched control group of 324 adolescents was retrieved from the youth@hordaland study conducted in Norway in 2012. Resilience factors were assessed by the Resilience Scale for Adolescents. Unaccompanied minors reported lower scores on Goal Orientation (d = 0.4), Social Competence (d = 0.4), and Social Support (d = 0.7) compared to Norwegian adolescents. Being male was associated with lower scores on Goal Orientation (standardized mean difference [SMD] = − 0.9) and Social Support (SMD = − 0.9) among unaccompanied minors, while being in frequent contact with family in the home country was associated with higher scores on all resilience factors (SMD range = 0.6–1.1). The number of leisure activities was associated with Social Competence (SMD = 0.22). There were no significant associations between the resilience factors and amount of support in the living arrangements or contact with the child welfare services. Unaccompanied minors reported fewer resilience factors compared to Norwegian adolescents, indicating that they may have different needs compared to other adolescents. Our study also suggests that frequent contact with family in the home country may be important to bolster positive development for unaccompanied minors after settlement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study is to describe how flywheel exercise mechanical outputs are affected by the athletes' body mass (BM) and strength level and by the exercise type. Forty-six recreational athletes came to a laboratory 3 times. On the first day, descriptive data, squat (1 repetition maximum: 1RM) and flywheel familiarization were performed. After a second day of familiarization, subjects performed a randomized flywheel exercise-testing protocol of squat and split squat exercises. The variables used for data analysis were peak concentric power and peak eccentric power, eccentric/concentric ratio, and their relationship with 1RM/BM. Subjects were assigned to a stronger or weaker group according to their 1RM/BM ratio. Group differences were found in absolute values of eccentric overload (EOL) (p < 0.01; effect size [ES] = 0.51) and EOL/BM (p < 0.01; ES = 0.46) only in the split squat. Absolute power values in the concentric phase showed differences between inertial load (p < 0.01; ES = 0.41). The stronger group did not present significant differences between inertial loads during squat (p < 0.01; ES = 0.46), but they showed different ratios with light inertias in comparison with the weaker group (p < 0.01; ES = 0.46). There were significant differences between groups with light inertias in split squat (nondominant) and squat exercises (p < 0.05; ES = 0.29) in the eccentric and concentric phases (p < 0.116; ES = 0.20). Squat and split squat exercises present different profiles depending on the training level. In conclusion, it is recommended that practitioners perform a test to understand the inertial load-power profile (concentric, eccentric, and their ratio) for each exercise and also consider the user's strength level for selection of the inertial load and for the exercise to use in training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Descriptive fit indices that do not require a formal statistical basis and do not specifically depend on a given estimation criterion are useful as auxiliary devices for judging the appropriateness of unrestricted or exploratory factor analytical (UFA) solutions, when the problem is to decide the most appropriate number of common factors. While overall indices of this type are well known in UFA applications, especially those intended for item analysis, difference indices are much more scarce. Recently, Raykov and collaborators proposed a family of effect-size-type descriptive difference indices that are promising for UFA applications. As a starting point, we considered the simplest measure of this family, which (a) can be viewed as absolute and (b) from which only tentative cutoffs and reference values have been provided so far. In this situation, this article has three aims. The first is to propose a relative version of Raykov's effect-size measure, intended to be used as a complement of the original measure, in which the increase in explained common variance is related to the overall prior estimated amount of common factor variance. The second is to establish reference values for both indices in item-analysis scenarios using simulation. And the third aim (instrumental) is to implement the proposal in both R language and a well-known non-commercial factor analysis program. The functioning and usefulness of the proposal is illustrated using an existing empirical dataset. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate whether information about the gender, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status of the patient affects psychiatric assessments in a sample of practicing clinicians in Swedish adult psychiatry. Method: The study used an experimental design in which vignettes describing patients were identical except for information regarding their gender, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status. The outcome variables included assessments of the severity of the patient's clinical condition, how dangerous the patient was to themselves and others, the likelihood of reporting to social services (due to concern for the welfare of children), and whether the patient was recommended psychotherapy or psychopharmaceutical treatment. Results: A series of ANOVAs were performed to investigate main and interaction effects of the studied variables. The performed analyses identified several instances in which the clinicians' assessments varied as a function of the social categories under investigation. For example, male patients and "Arab Swedish" patients were perceived as more dangerous, "Arab Swedish" patients, male patients, and patients with low socioeconomic status were less likely to be recommended psychotherapy, and "Arab Swedish" patients were more likely to be reported to social services. The effect sizes were generally small. Conclusions: The study provides support for the suggestion that information regarding patient gender, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status affects central aspects of psychiatric assessments. The results are interpreted and discussed in relation to other studies on the influence of social stereotypes on psychiatric assessments and the practice of clinical psychiatric assessments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Some studies have researched the correlation between flipped learning and cognitive learning outcomes; however, there is a paucity of research elaborating on the effects of flipped language learning on cognitive load (CL). Objectives: This study investigates the effects of using flipped learning designs (student‐led, teacher‐led and collaboration‐led) on learning outcomes and CL management during out‐of‐class activities versus during‐class activities. Methods: A mixed methods research was used to concurrently triangulate different strands of data on the effects of flipped learning designs on English as foreign language (EFL) learners' learning outcomes and CL. A total of 122 EFL learners were randomly assigned to either the control or experimental group and participated in the study. The interpretations were made based on running one‐way analysis of variance between four groups. Results and Conclusion: This study evidenced the efficacy of the interactive use of collaboration‐led flipped learning design over student‐led and teacher‐led designs for improving learning outcomes and lowering CL during computer‐assisted language learning (CALL) course. Pedagogically, CALL practitioners need to develop and integrate a well‐organized combination of student‐led and teacher‐led flipped learning activities for during‐class and out‐of‐class phases with respect to the CL and learning material complexity, while also considering the specific contexts and goals of their instructional settings. Theoretically, the results indicate the necessity of merging active learning and sociocultural theories into an instructional design to take advantage of the identified affordances of flipped language learning approach in terms of psychological effects (CL management) and learning effects (CALL outcomes). Lay Description: What is already known about this topic: The flipped language learning approach involves receiving online instruction outside the classroom and is a learner‐centered pedagogy. What this paper adds: This study contributes by triangulating different strands of data on the effects of flipped learning designs on learning outcomes and cognitive load.The findings highlight the effectiveness of collaboration‐led design for flipped language learning, facilitating engagement in both out‐of‐class and during‐class activities. Implications for practice: The findings emphasize the importance of designing and implementing instructional designs that align with emerging educational technologies.Teachers should consider the flexibility, fluency and novelty of the learning material when designing flipped learning activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background study: Computer‐assisted pronunciation training (CAPT) has emerged as an important resource for second language (L2) pronunciation learning. CAPT offers diverse opportunities for learners to master L2 pronunciation with the help of authentic learning activities in multiple contexts. Objectives: This study presents a comprehensive overview to examine the overall effect of using a computer in learning pronunciation in multiple settings and diverse educational levels with the assistance of different tools. Methods: The meta‐analysis consisted of 31 primary studies that reported results obtained from experimental vs. control group designs. These studies reported 42 effect sizes in the results. Results: The findings of the meta‐analysis indicated that using CAPT in learning pronunciation had an overall medium effect size. Similarly, the results showed that using CAPT inside the classrooms had a large effect size. The results also showed that CAPT had a large effect size when used in schools and other formal learning contexts, such as language institutes. CAPT had a medium effect when it was used in universities. The results also showed that using videos for learning pronunciation had a large effect size while other tools had a medium effect size. Conclusions: The study findings contribute to understanding the overall effect of CAPT and offer implications for educators and practitioners involved in designing effective instructional strategies for enhancing L2 pronunciation skills. Lay Description: What is already known about this topic: Computer‐Assisted Pronunciation Training has emerged as a valuable tool for L2 pronunciation learning.The variables that may affect the using of Computer‐Assisted Pronunciation Training include settings, educational level and CAPT tools. What this paper adds: The study drew on a meta‐analytic framework to examine the overall effect of using a computer in learning pronunciation in different settings and in different educational levels with the help of different tools.The meta‐analysis consisted of 31 primary studies reported results obtained from experimental vs. control group design. Implications for practice and/or policy: Language instructors are requested to incorporate CAPT in their teaching of L2 pronunciation.The integration of CAPT can be to any educational stage (i.e., schools, colleges, etc.).To optimize the benefits of CAPT, instructors should consider integrating videos, games, and other multimedia elements into their teaching practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To examine physical therapist awareness and utilization of imaging referral privileges in the United States (US) and how it relates to direct access frequency. Methods: This study utilized survey data collected in 2020–2021 from US physical therapists. Subjects were asked about imaging referral jurisdictional authority in their state. Responses were analyzed for accuracy and compared to the level of jurisdictional authority and its impact on imaging referral. Analysis of imaging skills performance and imaging referral practices were compared to direct access frequency. Results: Only 42.0% of physical therapists practicing in states that allow imaging referral were aware of this privilege. Those practicing where imaging referral was allowed via state legislation were significantly more likely (p < 0.01) to be aware of this privilege (71.4%) compared to those granted by the state board (25.2%). Those aware of their imaging referral scope were more likely (p < 0.01) to practice imaging referral (44.5%) compared to those who were unaware (3.2%). Direct access frequency was positively associated with imaging skill performance and imaging referral practice (p < 0.01). Doctors of Physical Therapy, residency/fellowship-trained physical therapists, and board-certified physical therapists all reported practicing greater frequency of direct access (p < 0.01). Discussion/Conclusion: There is a striking lack of awareness of imaging privileges among physical therapists as influenced by the level of jurisdictional scope. These results suggest that the lack of awareness may have a dampening effect on diagnostic imaging referrals. The American Physical Therapy Association should consider engaging with state boards to raise imaging privilege awareness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this review was to provide a qualitative and quantitative overview of the effects of exercise on pain, physical function, and quality of life for patients with knee and hip osteoarthritis. This study was an umbrella and mapping review with meta-meta-analysis. Meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials were included. The methodological quality and risk of bias were evaluated using the Modified Quality Assessment Scale for Systematic Reviews and the Risk of Bias in Systematic Reviews tool. The quality of evidence was evaluated using the Physical Activity Guidelines Advisory Committee Grading Criteria. 41 meta-analyses were included, 43.9% of the studies had adequate methodological quality, and 56.1% of the studies had a low risk of bias. Moderate evidence was found that exercise decreases pain intensity (33 meta-analyses; SMD = −0.49; 95% CI −0.56 to −0.42), improves function (19 meta-analyses; SMD = −0.50; 95% CI −0.58 to −0.41), strength (6 meta-analyses; SMD = −0.57; 95% CI −0.70 to −0.44) and quality of life (SMD = −0.36; 95% CI −0.46 to −0.27) for patients with hip and knee osteoarthritis. Exercise is an effective intervention to decrease pain intensity and improve function in patients with hip and knee osteoarthritis. (PROSPERO, CRD42020221987) Exercise in hip and knee osteoarthritis has shown improvement in pain, function, strength, and quality of life in different studies, but no differences have been observed in others. The meta-meta-analysis of the present article find that exercise produces significant improvements in pain, function, strength, and quality of life of patients with knee and/or hip osteoarthritis with a small effect size and significant heterogeneity. There is moderate evidence that exercise is effective in reducing pain and increasing function, strength, and quality of life of patients with knee and hip osteoarthritis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The present study aimed to assess and compare the effect of Morus alba and chlorhexidine gel as an adjunct to scaling and root planing (SRP) in treating stage II periodontitis. Methods: A single‐blind, randomized controlled trial was conducted on 180 patients with stage II periodontitis who received full‐mouth SRP. They were randomly assigned to receive chlorhexidine digluconate (CHX) gel, Morus alba (MA) and placebo gel for Groups A, B and C, respectively, at the baseline, 15 days and 30 days. Plaque index (PI), Gingival index (GI), periodontal pocket depth (PPD) and quantitative analysis (culture) of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis and Tannerella forsythia were assessed at baseline and 45 days. Analysis of variance was used to compare the significant difference in PI, GI, PPD and microbiological parameters between the three groups after the intervention, followed by post hoc Mann–Whitney U and Tukey's HSD test for clinical and microbiological parameters, respectively. Results: Intergroup comparison of the PI, GI and microbiological parameters between the MA and CHX groups at the end of 45 days did not show a statistically significant difference (p > 0.05), whereas a statistically significant difference was observed for PPD between MA and CHX groups with the mean difference of 0.18 mm (p = 0.002). Conclusion: Morus alba gel was found to be effective in decreasing PPD. However, there was no difference between Morus alba and chlorhexidine gel as an adjunct to SRP in treating stage II periodontitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study identified the mediating effect of resilience on the relationship between job stress and the professional quality of life of hospice and palliative care nurses. Methods: The participants included 136 hospice and palliative care nurses from 13 inpatient hospice and palliative care wards at a tertiary hospital in a metropolitan city in South Korea. Data were collected from February 2022 to March 2022. Hayes' PROCESS macro 3.5 was used to test the significance of the parameter's indirect effects. Professional quality of life was divided into three subdomains: compassion satisfaction, secondary traumatic stress, and burnout. Results: As a mediator, resilience had both direct and indirect effects on the relationship between job stress and the compassion satisfaction of hospice and palliative care nurses. Furthermore, there were both direct and indirect effects on the relationship between job stress and secondary traumatic stress. Finally, although there was no direct effect on the relationship between job stress and burnout, there was an indirect mediating effect. Conclusion: This study confirmed the direct effect of compassion satisfaction on job stress and the professional quality of life of hospice and palliative care nurses, as well as the mediating effect of resilience on job stress and burnout. To improve the professional quality of life of hospice and palliative care nurses, it is necessary to develop and apply programs that enhance resilience in order to promote its mediating effects on compassion satisfaction and burnout. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to develop and validate a tool to evaluate slow nursing performance for older adults in long-term care hospitals. Methods: The search period was set from March 2013, when the term "slow nursing" was first used in the literature, to October 2021. A slow nursing tool was developed in two phases: development and verification. In the tool development phase, 29 items were developed through an extensive literature review and in-depth interviews with seven long-term care hospital nurses. Construct validity testing was performed by a 10-member expert panel, and a pilot survey was conducted on long-term care hospital nurses. In the tool validation phase, the construct validity, criterion validity, and reliability of the tool were tested by applying it to 181 nurses in long-term care hospitals . Results: The final tool comprised five factors and 23 items, with an overall explanatory power of 56.8%. Construct validity was examined using confirmatory factor analysis, and the model fit was good. Known-group validity was established by the observation of a significant difference in the slow nursing score between intensive care unit and long-term care hospital nurses, and criterion validity was established by a significant correlation between the slow nursing and person-centered assessment scores. Internal consistency reliability was shown by a Cronbach's α coefficient of .781. Conclusion: The concept of slow nursing has been clarified, improving the understanding and implementation of slow nursing care by nurses in long-term care hospitals. The Slow Nursing Tool for Long-term Care Hospital Nurses (SNT-LCHN) is expected to increase interest in and contribute to the effectiveness of slow nursing practices. It will serve as a valuable tool for improving nursing performance in these settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study was performed to identify factors associated with nursing performance, classify potential profiles of nursing performance-related variables, and explain their effects on nursing performance. Methods: The study involved 245 nurses at a University Hospital in South Korea from September 1 to 14, 2021. The participants were nurses in a ward who operated within a team and had at least 6 months of clinical experience. Structured questionnaires were used to measure variables, and data were collected online using Google Forms. Using latent profile analysis, the participants were classified into four human resource and job attitude profiles. Linear regression was used to identify relevant factors, and one-way analysis of variance was employed to examine the differences in nursing performance between the four profiles. Results: Shared leadership (β=.30, p< .001 ) was most strongly associated with nursing performance, followed by authentic leadership (β=.16, p=.009), and education level (β=. 15, p=.006). Significant differences in nursing performance (F=22.48, p<.001) were observed across profiles, with the groups deemed "excellent" and "best" scoring higher in nursing performance and authentic leadership compared to the "fair" and "worst" groups. However, no significant difference in education level was found across the latent profiles (p=.212). Conclusion: This research examined the impact on nursing performance through variable-centered analysis and a person-centered approach. Accordingly, this study provides valuable insights for interpreting the results of linear regression analysis, highlighting the need to consider individual heterogeneity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study examined the relationships of health literacy, physical activity, and grip strength with self-care compliance in older male patients with chronic heart failure. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive was conducted, and 106 older male outpatients with chronic HF were recruited from a veterans' hospital in Seoul. Data were collected from February 7, 2022 to April 10, 2022 using a self-reported questionnaire and were analyzed using SPSS/WIN 23.0. Results: The average age of the participants was 76.3±4.5 years, and the average time elapsed since the heart failure diagnosis was 3.22±2.01 years. The mean self-care compliance score was 42.21 ±6.03 out of 60 points. In the univariate analysis, grip strength was not significantly correlated with self-care compliance. The hierarchical regression analysis indicated that health literacy (β=.33, p<.001), physical activity (β=.32, p=.001), and alcohol drinking (β=-.28, p=.001 ) had statistically significant effects on self-care compliance, collectively explaining 34% of the variance (adjusted R²=.34, F=12.00, p<.001). Conclusion: The study highlights the necessity of periodically assessing and considering health literacy and the level of physical activity when developing educational strategies to promote self-care compliance among older male patients with heart failure in outpatient nursing practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Little is known about family mental illness and substance use disorder (SUD). This case-control study explored the relationship between family (parents and/or siblings) mental health problems (FMHP) and lifetime substance use disorder (SUD), considering a gender perspective. A sample of 387 patients (n = 306 men, 79.1%; n = 81 women, 20.9%) was recruited from the Proyecto Hombre Navarra (Spain) addiction treatment program. Patients with (80 men; 24 women) and without (226 men; 57 women) FMHP were compared, taking sex into account. The prevalence of FMHP was 26.9%, without significant differences between men (n = 80; 26.1%) and women (n = 24; 29.6%). Men with FMHP reported higher severity in family/social and psychiatric areas than those without FMHP. Women with FMHP reported a higher severity in the psychiatric area and a higher prevalence of anxiety problems, suicidal attempts, previous psychopharmacological treatments, and physical abuse than women without FMHP. FMHP is highly prevalent in patients with SUD. They are associated with lifetime psychopathological problems, mainly in men. Further specific research is needed to evaluate this issue to develop specific treatments tailored to the needs of patients with FMHP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: The success of organizations' sustainable performance mainly depends on their human resource capital and for this organizations now need to focus on green human capital development programs including green talent management (GTM). GTM entails attracting, nurturing, and retaining those people who can promote the green initiatives of the organization. OBJECTIVE: This paper aims to investigate the impact of GTM, transformational leadership, and employee engagement on the sustainable environmental performance of organizations. METHODS: The data were collected from both academic and administrative employees in five Omani higher education institutions (HEIs). In total 367 questionnaires were collected using drop-off and pickup methods. RESULTS: The results of the study showed that green hard and green soft talent management (TM) and employee engagement with green initiatives are significant predictors of the sustainable environmental performance of HEIs. Moreover, transformational leadership can moderate the influence of green soft TM on employee engagement with green initiatives by strengthening the relationship. CONCLUSIONS: For sustainable performance and development, organizations especially HEIs need to actively assume their social responsibilities and implement sustainable environmental management. The present study provides meaningful implications for practitioners, educational policymakers, and leaders to promote GTM and employee engagement for sustainable environmental performance. Supporting green skill development, engaging employees with green initiatives, and promoting staff with green skills can help organizations particularly HEIs to increase their sustainable environmental performance and gain a competitive advantage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Mediterranean Nursing & Midwifery is the property of Galenos Yayinevi Tic. LTD. STI and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Purpose: To investigate whether a novel electropalatography (EPG) therapy, underpinned by usage-based phonology theory, can improve the accuracy of target speech sounds for school-aged children and adults with persistent speech sound disorder (SSD) secondary to cleft palate +/− lip. Method: Six consecutively treated participants (7–27 years) with long-standing speech disorders associated with cleft palate enrolled in a multiple baseline (ABA) within-participant case series. The usage-based EPG therapy technique involved high-volume production of words. Speech was assessed on three baselines prior to therapy, during weekly therapy, at completion of therapy, and 3 months post-therapy. Percent correct of target phonemes in untreated words and continuously connected speech were assessed through acoustic phonetic transcription. Intra- and inter-transcriber agreement was determined. Result: Large to medium treatment effect sizes were shown for all participants following therapy (15–33 sessions). Percentage of targets correct for untreated words improved from near 0% pre-therapy, to near 100% for most target sounds post-therapy. Generalisation of target sounds to spontaneous connected speech occurred for all participants and ranged from 78.95−100% (M = 90.66; SD = 10.14) 3 months post-therapy. Conclusion: Clinically significant speech change occurred for all participants following therapy. Response to the novel therapeutic technique is encouraging and further research is indicated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1) Background: This study explores the potential energy expenditure associated with participation in after-school sports activities among primary school children. (2) Methods: The study involved 129 children age (11.35 ± 0.55 years) recruited from eight different public after-school sport programs. (3) Results: Data analyses revealed significant differences between the eight sports in total calories per session, calories per minute, and METs (p < 0.05). All sports showed higher energy expenditure compared to chess (p < 0.05), with soccer and rugby exhibiting the highest energy expenditure per session. Team sports showed elevated energy consumption per session (p < 0.01, r > 0.30), calories per minute (p = 0.01, r > 0.40), and METs (p < 0.01, r > 0.40) in comparison with individual sports. (4) Conclusions: These findings enhance our understanding of the energy expenditure observed in primary school children following various after-school sports activities. The results indicate that team sports, in particular, are pivotal in elevating physical activity levels, thereby playing an essential role in fostering healthier lifestyles among children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is disagreement regarding the efficacy of 'safe' lifting recommendations for reducing low back disorder risk. These recommendations commonly focus on minimising lumbar spine flexion, which limits the range of allowable starting lift positions for that person. This study evaluated whether starting postural adaptations could allow a person to reach down further without rounding their lumbar spine before beginning a lift. Reach displacement was measured as participants performed a series of maximal reach tasks under different combinations of stance width, foot orientation and trunk inclination, with their lumbar spine motion restricted. There were no interactions between any of the three postural adaptations or any effect of stance width or trunk inclination. Seventy-nine percent of participants achieved their greatest reach displacement with their feet externally rotated, which contributed to a 4 cm greater reach displacement compared to a neutral foot orientation (p < 0.001). Practitioner summary: This study examined whether aspects of initial posture could influence the ability to adhere to 'safe' lifting recommendations across a range of lift heights. As a component of lifting (re)training interventions, practitioners should consider starting lift posture adaptations (e.g. manipulating foot external rotation) to improve capacity to adhere to recommendations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Physiotherapy Canada is the property of University of Toronto Press and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: Intact awareness facilitates an individual's adoption of strategies to support community living skills. However, most studies have not examined awareness during ongoing complex task performance. Objective: To examine whether community-dwelling adult's Accuracy and Strategy use on the Weekly Calendar Planning Activity 17-item version (WCPA-17), Total Cues on the Performance Assessment of Self-care Skills Checkbook Balancing and Shopping Task (PCST), and scores on the self-report Alzheimer's Disease Cooperative Study - Activities of Daily Living Scale (ADCS-ADL) differ between groups who do and do not demonstrate awareness of performance difficulties on the WCPA-17. Methods: Using data collected as part of a larger study we performed a crosssectional analysis of 274 community-dwelling adults aged 55 to 93 years. Two methods classified participants into groups aware or unaware of their performance. Independent sample t-tests examined group differences on four dependent variables: Accuracy and Strategy use on the WCPA-17, PCST Total Cues, and score on the ADCS-ADL. Results: Using one classification method, aware individuals showed superior Accuracy (p < 0.001), used more Strategies (p = 0.002), needed fewer PCST Total Cues (p < 0.001), and reported greater independence on the ADCS-ADL (p < 0.004), similar trends were observed with the other method in Accuracy (p < 0.001) and PCST Total Cues (p < 0.001) but Strategy use and ADCS-ADL differences failed to reach significance after Bonferroni correction. Conclusion: Groups categorized as aware performed better on all measures. Intact awareness is critical to performance on complex everyday activities and can be evaluated with functional cognition assessments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To examine the dose-response relationship between specific types of exercise for alleviating Timed up and Go (TUG) in Parkinson's disease PD. Design: Systematic review and Bayesian network meta-analysis. Data sources: PubMed, Medline, Embase, PsycINFO, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science were searched from inception until February 5th, 2024. Study analysis: Data analysis was conducted using R software with the MBNMA package. Effect sizes of outcome indicators were expressed as mean deviation (MD) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CrI). The risk of bias in the network was evaluated independently by two reviewers using ROB2. Results: A total of 73 studies involving 3,354 PD patients. The text discusses dose- response relationships in improving TUG performance among PD patients across various exercise types. Notably, Aquatic (AQE), Mix Exercise (Mul_C), Sensory Exercise (SE), and Resistance Training (RT) demonstrate effective dose ranges, with AQE optimal at 1500 METs-min/week (MD: -8.359, 95% CI: -1.398 to -2.648), Mul_C at 1000 METs-min/week (MD: -4.551, 95% CI: -8.083 to -0.946), SE at 1200 METs-min/week (MD: -5.145, 95% CI: -9.643 to -0.472), and RT at 610 METs-min/week (MD: -2.187, 95% CI: -3.161 to -1.278), respectively. However, no effective doses are found for Aerobic Exercise (AE), Balance Gait Training (BGT), Dance, and Treadmill Training (TT). Mind-body exercise (MBE) shows promise with an effective range of 130 to 750 METs-min/week and an optimal dose of 750 METs-min/week (MD: -2.822, 95% CI: -4.604 to -0.996). According to the GRADE system, the included studies' overall quality of the evidence was identified moderate level. Conclusion: This study identifies specific exercise modalities and dosages that significantly enhance TUG performance in PD patients. AQE emerges as the most effective modality, with an optimal dosage of 1,500 METs-min/week. MBE shows significant benefits at lower dosages, catering to patients with varying exercise capacities. RT exhibits a nuanced "U-shaped" dose-response relationship, suggesting an optimal range balancing efficacy and the risk of overtraining. These findings advocate for tailored exercise programs in PD management, emphasizing personalized prescriptions to maximize outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Aberrant movement in chronic low back pain (CLBP) is associated with a deficit in the lumbar multifidus (LM) and changes in cortical topography. Anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (a‐tDCS) can be used to enhance cortical excitability by priming the neuromuscular system for motor control exercise (MCE), thereby enhancing LM activation and movement control. This study aimed to determine the effects of a 6‐week MCE program combined with a‐tDCS on cortical topography, LM activation, movement patterns, and clinical outcomes in individuals with CLBP. Methods: Twenty‐two individuals with CLBP were randomly allocated to the a‐tDCS group (a‐tDCS; n = 12) or sham‐tDCS group (s‐tDCS; n = 10). Both groups received 20 min of tDCS followed by 30 min of MCE. The LM and erector spinae (ES) cortical topography, LM activation, movement control battery tests, and clinical outcomes (disability and quality of life) were measured pre‐ and post‐intervention. Results: Significant interaction (group × time; p < 0.01) was found in the distance between LM and ES cortical locations. The a‐tDCS group demonstrated significantly fewer discrete peaks (p < 0.05) in both ES and LM and significant improvements (p < 0.05) in clinical outcomes post‐intervention. The s‐tDCS group demonstrated a significant increase (p < 0.05) in the number of discrete peaks in the LM cortical topography. No significant changes (p > 0.05) in LM activation were observed in either group; however, both groups demonstrated improved movement patterns. Discussion: Our findings suggest that combined a‐tDCS with MCE can separate LM and ES locations over time while s‐tDCS (MCE alone) reduces the distance. Our study did not find superior benefits of adding a‐tDCS before MCE for LM activation, movement patterns, or clinical outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study compared the efficacy of linear, non-linear and differential methods on variables related to ACL injury risk of a side-step cutting task in male and female basketball players. Thirty males and thirty females practiced basketball skills in sixty 90-minute sessions across 5 months. Ten players trained in each of the LP, NLP and DL female/male groups separately. Before and after the intervention, each player was tested on a side-step cutting task. A repeated 3 × 2 × 2 factorial ANOVA with repeated measures was performed for each biomechanical variable. Variables (trunk, hip, and knee flexion angle, knee valgus angle, ankle dorsiflexion angle, hip, knee, and ankle ROM, peak VGRF and knee extension/flexion, knee moment and ankle dorsiflexion moment) all revealed significant test by group interactions (P < 0.05) but no significant group by sex interactions (P > 0.05). In both sex, biomechanical changes were better in the NLP, followed by the DL and LP. It is argued that the advantage of the NLP method results from increased exploration of movement solutions induced by the manipulation of task constraints. Therefore, according to the NLP, it is possible to manipulate the constraints without feedback and the model/pattern can keep the athlete away from possible risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Recent findings suggest that individuals tend to engage in masturbation more frequently when experiencing elevated levels of psychological stress, and there appears to be distinguishable effects on stress response based on clitoral and vaginal stimulation. In this concurrent mixed-method study, we aimed to investigate this association in more detail using a convenience sample of 370 women. Methods: Quantitative data were used to examine whether higher psychological distress was associated with higher levels of masturbation frequency depending on the mode of stimulation, while qualitative data gave further insight into this association. Results: In regression analysis, higher levels of general and subscale-specific psychological distress were significantly associated with higher clitoral, but not combined clitoral and vaginal masturbation frequency. Qualitative content analysis showed that masturbation was used as a reliable coping strategy and self-care strategy which induced positive affective states, such as happiness and relaxation. Very few women reported negative feelings associated with masturbation. Mixed-method analysis revealed that women who indicated to use of masturbation for coping or self-care or who reported negative feelings did not differ in their level of psychological distress from women who did not report using it. The positive effects of masturbation were not related to the mode of stimulation. Conclusions: Results showed the complexity of how psychological distress is related to sexual activity and point to the potential benefits of masturbation for dealing with psychological distress and for enhancing general well-being. Our results have various implications for researchers, clinicians, and society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated measurement invariance across males and females on the Neurobehavioral Symptom Inventory (NSI) in U.S. military veterans enrolled in the VA Million Veteran Program. Participants (N = 17,059; males: n = 15,450; females: n = 1,609) included Veterans who took part in the VA Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Screening and Evaluation Program and completed the NSI. Multiple-group confirmatory factor analyses investigated measurement invariance of the NSI 4-factor model. The configural (comparative fit index [CFI] = 0.948, root mean square error of approximation [RMSEA] = 0.060) and metric (CFI = 0.948, RMSEA = 0.058) invariance models showed acceptable fit. There was a minor violation of scalar invariance (Δχ2 = 232.50, p <.001); however, the degree of noninvariance was mild (ΔCFI = −0.002, Δ RMSEA = 0. 000). Our results demonstrate measurement invariance across sex, suggesting that the NSI 4-factor model can be used to accurately assess symptoms in males and females following TBI. Findings highlight the importance of considering validity of measurement across study groups to increase confidence that a measure is interpreted similarly by respondents from different subgroups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intolerance of uncertainty (IU) is the tendency to react negatively on affective, cognitive and behavioural levels to uncertain situations and to harbour negative beliefs about the implications of uncertainty. IU has been linked to psychopathology and shown to impact treatment outcomes. This study systematically reviewed the literature and performed a meta‐analysis of the effects of psychotherapy on IU. A total of 22 studies (1491 participants) were identified in online searches and included in the meta‐analyses. Analyses were performed on studies with passive and active control conditions. The pooled effect on IU from studies with passive control was large (g = −0.94 [95% CI −1.25 to −0.62]) but with significant heterogeneity. Pooled effects on IU from studies with active controls were not significant. Moderator analysis showed that among studies with a passive control condition, studies that recruited participants from clinical care facilities produced smaller effect sizes. Among studies with an active control condition, study quality significantly moderated the results, with higher quality leading to a larger effect size. These results indicate that changes in IU may be difficult to reliably achieve in psychotherapy and leave many questions about the effect of psychotherapy on IU unanswered, such as what active components produced the observed changes in studies with passive control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cancer screening is a pivotal method for reducing mortality from disease, but the screening coverage is still lower than expected. Telehealth interventions demonstrated significant benefits in cancer care, yet there is currently no consensus on their impact on facilitating cancer screening or on the most effective remote technology. Design: A network meta‐analysis was conducted to detect the impact of telehealth interventions on cancer screening and to identify the most effective teletechnologies. Methods: Six English databases were searched from inception until July 2023 to yield relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Two individual authors completed the literature selection, data extraction, and methodological evaluations using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. Traditional pairwise analysis and network meta‐analysis were performed to identify the overall effects and compare different teletechnologies. Results: Thirty‐four eligible RCTs involving 131,644 participants were enrolled. Overall, telehealth interventions showed statistically significant effects on the improvement of cancer screening. Subgroup analyses revealed that telehealth interventions were most effective for breast and cervical cancer screening, and rural populations also experienced benefits, but there was no improvement in screening for older adults. The network meta‐analysis indicated that mobile applications, video plus telephone, and text message plus telephone were associated with more obvious improvements in screening than other teletechnologies. Conclusion: Our study identified that telehealth interventions were effective for the completion of cancer screening and clarified the exact impact of telehealth on different cancer types, ages, and rural populations. Mobile applications, video plus telephone, and text message plus telephone are the three forms of teletechnologies most likely to improve cancer screening. More well‐designed RCTs involving direct comparisons of different teletechnologies are needed in the future. Clinical Relevance: Telehealth interventions should be encouraged to facilitate cancer screening, and the selection of the optimal teletechnology based on the characteristics of the population is also necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Emerging literature suggests caregiver self-efficacy is an important factor related to caregivers’ shared reading practices with their children. Reduced shared reading has been documented among families of caregiver(s) with language-based learning disabilities (LBLD). Yet, it remains unclear whether caregivers’ history of language and reading difficulties is associated with caregiver self-efficacy. The purpose of this study was to examine whether self-efficacy in language- and reading-related caregiver activities related to caregiver history of language and reading difficulties and shared reading practices. Method: One hundred seventy-six caregivers of children aged 18–60 months completed a custom self-efficacy in language- and reading-related caregiver activities questionnaire, as well as demographic, history of language and reading difficulties (used both as a continuous measure and to dichotomize caregivers with and without LBLD history), and shared reading measures in a one-time survey. Results: Caregivers with a history of LBLD reported an overall lower self-efficacy and a reduced amount of time reading with their children per week than caregivers without LBLD history. Examining caregiver history of language and reading difficulties continuously across the whole group, self-efficacy mediated the relationship between caregiver difficulties and shared reading practices, even when caregiver education was incorporated as an additional mediator in models. Conclusions: Findings indicate that self-efficacy and caregiver education mediate the relationship between caregiver history of language and reading difficulties and shared reading practices. Consideration of self-efficacy by clinicians and educators is warranted when promoting shared reading practices to caregivers of young children. There is a need for future research to examine relationships between self-efficacy and shared reading among caregivers with LBLD of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]