E-learning of phonetic transcription training for speech-language therapy students

This study aimed to investigate the effects of hip joint training on static and dynamic posture control and ankle joint function in individuals with chronic ankle instability (CAI) and to provide useful information on various rehabilitation strategies. A total of 25 subjects who met the criteria for International Ankle Consortium were participated in this study and they were applied 6-week training program consisting of neuromuscular training and hip (EG, n=12) or ankle (CG, n=13) joint training program. The static posture control consisted of total length (TL), sway velocity (SV), and envelope area (ENV) of the conter of pressure (COP) on stable and unstable surface with eyes open and closed, and lower quarter Y-balance test (YBT-LQ) was performed to measure dynamic posture control. The ankle joint function was tested using 4 hop tests.BR After 6-week training program, the TL and SV of COP in both groups were significantly reduced during one leg standing on stable surface with eyes closed. And in only CG, they were significantly reduced on unstable surface with eyes closed. The ENV of COP in only CG was reduced during both one leg standing on stable and unstable with eyes closed after 6-week training program. The score of YBT-LQ after the application of 6-week training program was significantly higher in both EG and CG. The ankle joint function using 4 hop test was improved in both EG and CG. This study showed that 6-week hip training program improved the static and dynamic posture control and ankle joint function similar to conventional ankle training, and the hip training program had a positive effect on chronic ankle instability (CAI).

Background: The inclusion of resistance training in the treatment and management of muscular dystrophy has previously been discouraged, based on mainly anecdotal evidence. There remains a lack of experimental investigation into resistance training in individuals with muscular dystrophy. The aim of the current study was therefore, to determine the effect of a 12-week resistance training programme on muscle strength and functional tasks in ambulatory adults with muscular dystrophy.Methods: Seventeen ambulatory adults with muscular dystrophy (Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy: n = 6, Limb-Girdle muscular dystrophy: n = 6, Becker muscular dystrophy: n = 5) were recruited for this study. Participants attended three testing sessions: one session at baseline, one session after a 12-week control period and one session after a 12-week resistance training period. Each testing session consisted of measurements of isometric knee extensor and knee flexor maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) torque (Cybex dynamometer). Participants also completed a timed sit-to-stand, a four steps-stair ascent, and a four steps-stair decent. The 12-week resistance training period consisted of two supervised sessions a week. Each training session included a 5-min warm-up, a step-up exercise, free-standing or assisted squats, knee flexion and knee extension exercises, and an additional 6 single-joint exercises specific to each individual's needs.Results: Knee flexor MVC torque increased by 13% after the 12-week resistance training programme (p < 0.05), with no change over the control period. Knee extensor MVC torque did not significantly change after the training programme or the control period. Time taken to complete sit-to-stand, stair ascent and stair descent all decreased (improved) following the 12-week training programme (p < 0.05).Conclusions: A twice-a-week, 12-week, resistance training programme resulted in increased knee flexion strength and improvements in functional tasks in ambulatory adults with muscular dystrophy. This provides support for the inclusion of resistance training in the treatment programmes for these forms of muscular dystrophy.

The study aimed to (i) verify the effects of an on-court training program on the International Tennis Number (ITN) of young tennis players, as well as on a set of change of direction, linear sprint, and maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) variables, and (ii) identify the main predictors of ITN. The sample consisted of 20 young male tennis players (mean age, 13.62 ± 0.23 years). Players underwent a 6-week on-court training program. The ITN and a number of change of direction variables (T-drill and repeated sprint ability), linear sprint (5 m, 10 m, and 20 m distances), and VO2max were measured. All variables improved significantly between the pre- and posttest (p < 0.001). The ITN (7.98 ± 6.06%, d = 0.82) and VO2max (6.77 ± 1.21%, d = 1.53) showed the greatest relative improvement with moderate to large effect sizes. The hierarchical linear model retained the time (estimate = 18.90, p < 0.001) and the T-drill (estimate = −64.77, p < 0.001) as significant predictors of the ITN. This indicates that the ITN improved significantly over the 6-week training program and that the T-drill test was the best and most significant predictor. Coaches and researchers are encouraged to monitor the ITN along with other physical fitness and technical variables. They can also use the T-drill test to understand the ITN of their players.

Phonetic transcription is an essential skill for a practising speech and language therapist (SLT) required during the assessment, diagnosis and management of clients with speech difficulties. It is vital that appropriate training is received by student SLTs to ensure that they carry out phonetic transcription accurately and reliably once out in the workplace. This study investigates the views and experiences of final year SLT students regarding the training in phonetic transcription they received in university, with the aim to identify what poses difficulties for them and what could be done to enhance their learning. Responses from 40 participants representing one cohort of SLT students, graduates of a particular year, were collected using an online questionnaire. The majority of the respondents consider phonetic transcription an important professional skill and plan on maintaining it after graduating. Learning phonetic transcription was easy/quite easy for 57% of the respondents; however, the confidence in transcription skills was rather low: 70% of them reported not being confident and fully equipped to enter the workforce with their transcription skills. The main difficulties were associated with narrow (impressionistic) transcription and transcription of disordered speech. 58% of the respondents found the teaching environment suitable; however, a recurring theme is the need for small-group tutorials during which the lecturers could provide feedback to individual students more efficiently. Participants’ responses suggest that more clinically relevant transcription practice of disordered speech, the opportunity to refresh and apply phonetic transcription skills throughout the four-year curriculum and smaller group teaching would benefit their learning and enhance their confidence using transcription on placements and in the workforce.

Objective: Phonetic transcription may encourage engagement with language diversity in multilingual settings. We describe how transcription can be used to help South African speech-language therapy (SLT) students engage with the many languages spoken in their country. Objectives were to describe (a) the local context, (b) transcription in the curriculum, and (c) participant observations from staff facilitating the Child Speech course. Method and Materials: A case study approach was used to investigate teaching and learning transcription in a real-life context, the undergraduate second-year Child Speech course in an SLT programme. Document review of curriculum and university documents, national policies, and international best practice guidelines took place, together with participant observations from facilitators. Results: We describe 4 activities that show how transcription skills can be developed while introducing local languages into the curriculum. These activities give students the opportunity to develop transcription skills for a range of local languages, while at the same time encouraging them to learn the languages, construct communal resources, and promote a problem-solving attitude to their practice. Conclusion: Calls to transform higher education in South Africa and “decolonise” curricula are key drivers underpinning this work. Transcription may be a useful tool in preparing students to practise in a multilingual context.

Effect of aerobic and resistance training over a 6-weeks day hospital period on body fat in moderately to severely obese patients

BackgroundDancers face significant physical demands and are at high risk for lower extremity injuries due to the complexity and intensity of their movements, which require strong dynamic balance. Improving dynamic balance through training can potentially enhance performance and reduce injury risk.ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the effects of a 12-week combined balance and plyometric training program (BP) compared to plyometric training alone (PL) on dynamic balance and lower extremity injury risk among college dancers.MethodsA total of 30 female college dancers were randomly assigned to either the BP group (n = 15) or the PL group (n = 15). Both groups participated in a 12-week training program, with the BP group engaging in both balance and plyometric exercises, and the PL group performing only plyometric exercises. Dynamic balance was assessed using the Dynamic Posture Stability Index (DPSI). Lower extremity injury risk was evaluated using the Limb Symmetry Index (LSI) and Center of Pressure (COP) measurements, pre- and post-intervention.ResultsThe BP group showed significant improvements in dynamic balance compared to the PL group, with a reduction in DPSI values (DF-DPSI: p < 0.001, partial η2 = 0.625; DL-DPSI: p < 0.001, partial η2 = 0.559). Additionally, the BP group showed significant reductions in COP displacements, particularly in the anterior-posterior direction (DF-COPAP: p < 0.015, partial η2 = 0.101; DL-COPAP: p = 0.019, partial η2 = 0.094). The BP group also demonstrated greater improvements in LSI-3C and LSI-6, which reflect dynamic stability (LSI-3C: p < 0.001, partial η2 = 0.229; LSI-6: p = 0.006, partial η2 = 0.128).ConclusionThe 12-week combined balance and plyometric training program was more effective than plyometric training alone in improving dynamic balance and reducing lower extremity injury risk in college dancers. This combined training approach is recommended for improving performance and preventing injuries in dancers.

This paper describes the changes in communication skills, knowledge and confidence in Speech Language Therapy (SLT) students in conversations with People With Aphasia (PWA) after Training Con-tAct, a Dutch Communication Partner Training. MethodsOn a voluntary basis, nine SLT students (2nd yr) completed Training Con-tAct, in which People With Aphasia (PWA) were involved as co-workers. A mixed method design with pre- and post-measures was used to analyze the students’ communication skills, knowledge and confidence. A quantitative video analysis was used to measure changes in students’ communication skills. Besides, a self-report questionnaire was used to measure the changes in students’ knowledge and confidence regarding their communication with PWA. To evaluate the perspectives of the students on Training Con-tAct, additionally a focus group interview was held. ResultsRegarding students’ communication skills the outcomes revealed a significantly higher score on the ‘supporting’ competence in students who took part in Training Con-tAct. The mean scores for the ‘acknowledging’ and ‘checking information’ competences did not improve significantly. The outcomes of the questionnaire showed students gained more knowledge and confidence regarding communication with PWA. The focus group interview provided insights into: motivation for participating in Communication Partner Training, content and structure of the training, feedback in CPT, and learning experiences. ConclusionThe present study suggests that SLT students may benefit from Training Con-tAct as the training leads to better skills, more knowledge about aphasia and more confidence in communicating with PWA. Training Con-tAct could be a valuable addition to the curricula of all healthcare disciplines, and eventually support interprofessional collaboration, resulting in improved access to health care, which is important for communication vulnerable people. Further research with a larger sample size and a control group is required.

ObjectiveTo assess the influence of a 12-week training programme on plasmatic levels of allantoin, an in vivo marker for oxidative stress, in adolescents with Down syndrome. This finding would be...

PURPOSE: This study aimed to verify the effects of a field hockey activity-based high-intensity interval training program on hockey-related physical performance and global positioning system (GPS)-derived variables.METHODS: A total of 20 players who were full-time professional players were divided into two groups: the general training (GT) and field hockey activity-based training (FHT) groups. Before and after the two groups underwent the 6-week training program, the Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test (YYIR) and the 20-m sprint dribbling and arrowhead dribbling tests were conducted, and GPS-derived running variables during practice matches were collected (including low-intensity running distance, high-intensity running distance, sprint distance, proportion of low- and high-intensity distances to total distance, and bouts of sprint). The rate of improvement was calculated using all collected data relative to baseline values.RESULTS: After the 6-week training program, the FHT group showed a higher rate of improvement in covered distance (p&lt;.001), VO2max in YYIR Level 1 (p&lt;.001), sprint dribbling (p&lt;.01), and arrowhead dribbling (p&lt;.001) compared to the GT group. In addition, the FHT group showed a significant increase in the proportions of high-intensity running distance to the total distance (p&lt;.001).CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that a 6-week field hockey activity-based high-intensity training program is an effective method for improving players’ dribbling skills and high-intensity movements.

BackgroundPhonetic transcription is recognized in regulatory standards as an essential skill for Speech and Language Therapists (SLTs) in the assessment, diagnosis and management of clients with speech difficulties. Previous research has identified that approaches to phonetic transcription vary, and that SLTs often lack confidence in transcribing. However, SLTs’ views and working practices have not been investigated in detail, particularly in terms of whole service approaches and following the recent increase in telehealth.AimsTo investigate SLTs’ views about phonetic transcription, their working practices at both individual and service levels, and the factors that influence these.Methods & ProceduresA total of 19 SLTs from the UK were recruited to online focus groups via social media and local networks. Participants discussed their views of, and practices in, phonetic transcription. Themes were identified using reflexive thematic analysis.Outcomes & ResultsThree broad themes were generated division and unity; one small part of a big job; and fit for purpose. SLTs were uniformly proud of their ability to phonetically transcribe and viewed this as a unique skill, but clear differences existed between different groups of SLTs in their views and practices. Investing in phonetic transcription was not always a priority for SLTs or services, and although many felt under‐confident in their skills they considered these to be adequate for the populations they usually encounter. SLTs make an early judgement about possible therapy targets, which influences the level of detail used in their phonetic transcription. Practical barriers are often not addressed at service level, and assessment via telehealth poses some specific challenges.Conclusions & ImplicationsSLTs and services would benefit from increased investment in phonetic transcription in terms of time, opportunities for continuing professional development (CPD) and initiatives such as electronic patient records (EPRs) which support the use of phonetic symbols. Identifying target sounds at an early stage raises questions about the implications of disregarding other features of speech, and the selection of appropriate intervention approaches. Further research is needed to analyse actual rather than reported practices, and to consider the relationship between phonetic transcription and intervention approaches. Future studies could also identify precise CPD requirements and evaluate the effectiveness of CPD.What this paper addsWhat is already known on the subjectPrevious research has demonstrated that SLTs often lack confidence in phonetic transcription and that practices are varied, with relatively little use of narrow transcription. SLTs are interested in opportunities to maintain and develop transcription skills but do not often undertake CPD for transcription.What this paper adds to existing knowledgeBy using focus groups as a forum for discussions, this study provides a rich and detailed insight into SLTs’ views about clinical transcription and their working practices, with previously unreported details about the reasons for these practices in a clinical context and at a service‐wide level.What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work?Transcription is often de‐prioritized in non‐specialist contexts, with practical barriers and a lack of clear and consistent protocols at a whole‐service level. There is an opportunity for service managers to address the systemic difficulties in using transcription effectively by raising the profile and value of transcription amongst clinicians, and promoting CPD opportunities, using the findings of this study as a rationale for funding this. Together, these recommendations have the potential to improve client outcomes through more accurate assessment and diagnosis, and hence more appropriate intervention.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of a traditional dance training program on aerobic capacity and muscle strength of adults with hearing loss. Twenty-three adults with hearing loss were separated into 2 groups. Thirteen subjects (6 men, 7 women, mean age, 25.7 +/- 3.9 years) constituted the intervention group, whereas 10 subjects (5 men, 5 women, mean age, 26.4 +/- 5.9 years) formed the control group. Pretraining and posttraining treadmill tests were performed to determine heart rate (HR peak), peak minute ventilation (VE peak), peak oxygen consumption (VO2 peak, absolute and relative), and time to exhaustion (min). Peak torque of hamstring and quadriceps muscles at angular velocities of 60 degrees /s, 180 degrees /s, and 300 degrees /s was also measured. The intervention group followed a 12-week traditional dance training program, whereas the control group received no training during this period. Repeated measures of multiple analyses of variance were used to test mean differences between the values of both groups. A paired t-test was used to compare the values within each group prior and after program participation. A significance level of 0.05 was used for all tests. Following the 12-week training program, significant improvements in peak physiological parameters were seen for the intervention group for peak minute ventilation, peak oxygen consumption (both absolute and relative), time to exhaustion, and peak torque values between the 2 measurements (initial and final). No significant improvements in peak physiological parameters and peak torque were noticed in the control group. In conclusion, adults with hearing loss can improve their physical fitness levels with the application of a systematic and well-designed traditional dance training program.

The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of futsal training on variables related to body composition and physical performance in student-athletes. This longitudinal study was based on a 12-week training program, and the sample consisted of 34 futsal players in the U17 and U19 categories, competing in a regional championship 2023-2024. The players trained for 240 minutes a week, divided into three training sessions. Body composition (BC) was assessed by measuring skinfolds using an adipometer, and the Futsal Intermittent Endurance Test (FIET) was applied. The Shapiro-Wilk test was used, and the pre- and post-intervention values were analyzed using the Wilcoxon test. The differences were classified according to the effect size for the Wilcoxon test (r). In terms of body composition, height showed a significant increase with a large effect (p&lt;0.01) after the 12 weeks of training, as did body mass (p&lt;0.01) and lean mass (p&lt;0.01). On the other hand, fat mass showed a significant and large-effect reduction in both absolute (p&lt;0.01) and relative (p&lt;0.01) measures. Regarding physical performance, peak velocity showed a significant increase with a large effect (p&lt;0.01), and the FIET distance showed the same tendency (p&lt;0.01). The findings of the present study indicate significant and beneficial changes in both anthropometric measures and physical performance parameters in U17 and U19 athletes after a 12-week futsal training program.

This study analyzed the differences in effects of a 12-week combination of exercise training program with resistance training and aerobic exercises on the risk factors of metabolic syndrome, carotid wall thickness, and thyroid function, between subclinical hypothyroidism patients and obese groups, in middle-aged women. Subjects consisted of either 20 middle-aged women in the subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) group or 20 obese (body mass indices [BMI], ≥ 25kg/m2) women without hypothyroidism in the obese (OB) group. The body composition, blood lipid factors, hormones associated with thyroid functions, blood pressure (BP), and carotid intima-media thickness were measured, while physical fitness was ascertained. In the SCH group, waist circumference (WC) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol values were outside the normal ranges, while WC and systolic BP (SBP) were outside the normal ranges in the OB group. Following the 12-week training program, significantly positive changes occurred in body fat percentage, sit and reach test results, and SBP (p < 0.05) in the SCH group, while in the OB group, significantly positive changes in BMI, WC, sit and reach test results, SBP, and diastolic BP (DBP, p < 0.05) were observed. In addition, both groups showed significant decreases in intima-media thickness of the right carotid bifurcation (p < 0.05). However, in the two groups, the 12-week exercise training program did not have similar significant impact on the hormones related to thyroid functions and blood lipids. Therefore, further research on exercise training that can effectively induce changes in the hormones associated with thyroid functions in patients with subclinical hypothyroidism is necessary.

Regular moderate physical activity positively affects health, fitness, and body composition; it regulates the pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines levels. Vitamin D plays an important regulatory role; its adequate levels correlate with low values of inflammation markers and an increase in muscle strength and fitness in exercising people. The study's aim was to evaluate changes in somatic variables, oxidative stress, and inflammation markers, as well as blood calcidiol concentration in middle-aged healthy women after 12 weeks of aerobics classes—endurance exercises, including choreographic sequences, aiming to improve fitness and motor coordination. The training led to a significant reduction of body mass and fat tissue; it induced an increase in lean body mass. After the 12-week training program, plasma antioxidant status increased (0.65 ± 0.21, p < 0.01) and the concentration of lipid peroxidation products decreased (0.07 ± 0.02, p < 0.001). A significant increase in plasma antioxidant status associated with training could have reduced the level of proinflammatory interleukin as indicated by a positive correlation between these variables (rs = 0.64, p < 0.05). The study proved that a 12-week health training program in physically inactive middle-aged women might provide improvements in their anthropometric parameters and selected biochemical indicators.