Days Of Training Research Articles

Energy availability and macronutrient intake over a 7-day training period in adolescent rugby players.

Understanding the dietary intake of elite adolescent athletes and its adequacy with sport nutrition recommendation is a key issue for health and player development, as well as performance and recovery. Energy availability needs to be considered to ensure optimal health and performance in young athletes. The present study aimed to quantify energy availability, energy expenditure and macronutrient intake in young male rugby union players competing at national level. Twelve male adolescent players (15.6±0.6 years) completed a 7-days prospective observational study (5 days of training and 2 days of full recovery). Total energy expenditure was estimated using indirect calorimetry and heart rate measurement. Energy intake was assessed using weighed food by a dietitian in cafeteria (training days) and image-based dietary (recovery days). Energy availability was calculated using (energy intake-exercise energy expenditure)/fat-free mass. Mean energy availability was 38.5±7.5, 40.2±5.4 and 47.8±5.1 kcal/kgFFM/d on heavy training, moderate training and recovery days, respectively. Players consumed a low carbohydrate (~5.0 g/kg/d), high protein (~2.0 g/kg/d) and high fat (~1.8 g/kg/d) diet on training and recovery days in relation to current international nutritional recommendations for young athletes. Athletes showed sub-optimal energy availability on training days, high energy availability on recovery days and did not comply with carbohydrate intake recommendations on training nor recovery days. These results highlight the short-term inadequacy of energy availability as a result of low carbohydrate intake, warning about the possible adverse short-term metabolic effects on health and performance of young athletes.

Infantry training outcomes: are they improved with an initial reduction in load carriage mass and additional sprint intensity exercise?

IntroductionInfantry is a physically demanding trade that is associated with elevated rates of musculoskeletal injury. A 17-week longitudinal intervention assessed the effect of a progressive increase in load carriage mass...

Analysis of Training Methods and Educational Philosophy Challenges for Grassroots Swimming Organizations: A Case Study of J City Swimming Team

The city's swimming team is in charge of supplying the national and regional teams with potential. Training techniques are essential and the secret to raising team members' performance. Team members' potential may be stimulated, physical skills and fitness can be improved, and injury risk can be decreased with scientific and appropriate training methods. Effective training techniques can help the municipal swimming team stand out in the competition and foster a sense of teamwork. This paper explores the support and obstacles of team members and athletes from parents during the training process of the city team. This study uses theoretical research and case analysis methods to explore how to improve athletes' physical abilities more efficiently in the daily training process, as well as how to improve the educational concepts of society, schools, and parents towards swimming training. This article concludes that grassroots organizations should not only focus on improving physical fitness and skills, but also need a systematic training of athletes in swimming tactics, psychology, and knowledge systems. In addition, it is necessary to establish an incentive goal system to stimulate athletes' desire for victory

Effects of Mental Workload Manipulation on Electroencephalography Spectrum Oscillation and Microstates in Multitasking Environments.

Multitasking during flights leads to a high mental workload, which is detrimental for maintaining task performance. Electroencephalography (EEG) power spectral analysis based on frequency-band oscillations and microstate analysis based on global brain network activation can be used to evaluate mental workload. This study explored the effects of a high mental workload during simulated flight multitasking on EEG frequency-band power and microstate parameters. Thirty-six participants performed multitasking with low and high mental workloads after 4 consecutive days of training. Two levels of mental workload were set by varying the number of subtasks. EEG signals were acquired during the task. Power spectral and microstate analyses were performed on the EEG. The indices of four frequency bands (delta, theta, alpha, and beta) and four microstate classes (A-D) were calculated, changes in the frequency-band power and microstate parameters under different mental workloads were compared, and the relationships between the two types of EEG indices were analyzed. The theta-, alpha-, and beta-band powers were higher under the high than under the low mental workload condition. Compared with the low mental workload condition, the high mental workload condition had a lower global explained variance and time parameters of microstate B but higher time parameters of microstate D. Less frequent transitions between microstates A and B and more frequent transitions between microstates C and D were observed during high mental workload conditions. The time parameters of microstate B were positively correlated with the delta-, theta-, and beta-band powers, whereas the duration of microstate C was negatively correlated with the beta-band power. EEG frequency-band power and microstate parameters can be used to detect a high mental workload. Power spectral analyses based on frequency-band oscillations and microstate analyses based on global brain network activation were not completely isolated during multitasking.

Neuroplasticity in the motor cortex following the achievement of sufficient motor learning.

Skilled motor training causes the cortical representation of the trained body parts to expand into regions of the motor cortex related to other body parts. However, the effect of neuroplastic changes on the neurons originally existing within the expanded area is not well understood. In this study, the extent of the neuroplastic changes after achieving sufficient motor learning and the impact of the expansion on the neurons related to movements of other body parts were investigated. Rats were trained to perform a single-pellet retrieval reaching task, and intracortical microstimulation in the motor cortex was used to assess neuroplastic changes. After 54 to 73 days of training, the trained rats achieved sufficient motor learning. In the motor cortex, the occurrence rate of evoked wrist movements increased to approximately double that of the control group in the expanded area. This finding suggests that the extent of neuroplastic changes in the occurrence rate of evoked movements in the motor cortex achieved through sufficient motor learning is approximately double. Additionally, stimulation in the expanded area predominantly evoked vibrissae movements in the control group; however, the occurrence rate and threshold of evoked vibrissae movements were not significantly changed in the expanded areas in the trained group. This observation may suggest that the expansion of cortical areas corresponding to the trained body parts does not disrupt the original function of movements of other parts in the expanded area.

Basic Bronchoscopy Competence Achieved by a Nationwide One-day Simulation-based Training.

In 2020, a mandatory, nationwide 1-day bronchoscopy simulation-based training (SBT) course was implemented for novice pulmonology residents in the Netherlands. This pretest-posttest study was the first to evaluate the effectiveness of such a nationwide course in improving residents' simulated basic bronchoscopy skills. After passing a theoretical test, residents followed a 1-day SBT course, available in 7 centers, where they practiced their bronchoscopy skills step-by-step on a virtual reality simulator under pulmonologist supervision. Residents practiced scope handling efficiency (task 1) and navigational skills combined with lung anatomy knowledge (task 2). Task 1 outcome measures were navigational skill simulator metrics: percentage of time at mid-lumen, percentage of time with scope-wall contact, procedure time (PT), number of wall contacts and number of wall contacts per minute of PT. Task 2 outcome measures were PT, observational assessment scores of a validated tool with a 5-point scale (1 representing the worst and 5 the best competence) and blinded dexterity assessments. The study included 100 residents. All outcome measures of task 1 improved significantly (P<0.001), except for the number of wall contacts per minute of PT (4.3 [IQR 3.0 to 6.2] pre vs. 3.5 [IQR 2.6 to 5.3] post, P=0.07). For task 2, PT was reduced by 54% (10.3±2.7minutes pre vs. 4.7±0.9minutes post, P<0.001) with an improvement in overall-competence scores (2.0 [IQR 1.0 to 2.0] pre vs. 4.0 [IQR 4.0 to 5.0] post, P<0.001) and all dexterity parameters (P<0.001). Nationwide implementation of a SBT course led to rapid improvement of residents' basic bronchoscopy skills while halving PT.

Increasing the Self-Confidence of School Nurses to Provide Mental Health Care to Students.

School nurses want and need continued education in student mental health care because of variability in their knowledge, skills, and confidence in assessing and responding to mental health concerns. To address this concern, two student mental health simulation scenarios were developed for a large school-based health program in Hawaii. School nurses (n = 51) participated in a 1-day skills training that included two scenarios with actors depicting students presenting with depression or anxiety. This mixed methods study used a qualitative component to explore nurses' simulation experiences and a six-item survey to assess confidence levels pre- and postsimulation. Scores for all six confidence items showed significant improvement after the intervention. Nurses highly valued the live actors and feedback sessions. Mental health care simulations can significantly increase school nurses' confidence in providing appropriate assessments and follow-up care to students. [J Contin Educ Nurs. 2025;56(1):20-26.].

National Addiction Workshop: A Virtual Adaptation to Support Competency Development in Opioid Use Disorder Management.

Accessible, manualized, skill-based training ready for wide dissemination is needed to prepare healthcare staff to meet the needs of people impacted by the opioid epidemic. A 2-day workshop and simulation training was designed by an interprofessional substance use disorder (SUD) specialty care team, adapted to a virtual platform, manualized, and offered to healthcare staff and trainees from a large healthcare system. The workshop was offered 6 times over the course of 10 months with a total of 177 participants from across the United States enrolled in the training. Interactive experiential learning strategies including games designed to test knowledge, small-group case discussions, video demonstrations of skills, patient panels, and 3 simulations of a patient with chronic pain who developed opioid use disorder in the context of long-term opioid therapy were utilized in efforts to build skills and confidence managing SUDs in primary care and general mental health settings. Of those who completed the post-workshop survey, most found both content and training structure useful, particularly content related to medication management, stigma, and collaborative care. In addition, overall confidence scores in assessing, diagnosing, and treating SUD increased. Skill building exercises, such as interprofessional team simulations, were highlighted as most beneficial. The workshop received national attention leading to a partnership with the healthcare system's simulation center for wider dissemination. Expanding access to SUD treatment requires training healthcare staff to effectively change attitudes, increase knowledge, and improve key skills. This 2-day interprofessional workshop was well-received by participants who reported high acceptability and satisfaction scores and demonstrated improved confidence in the management of SUDs. This type of manualized, collaborative, skill-based learning experience can foster staff preparedness and willingness to conceptualize SUD as a chronic condition amenable to treatment in different healthcare settings.

Hamstring activation deficits during Double-Leg Jump-Landing tasks in athletes with hamstring strain injuries using EMG Time-Frequency analysis.

This study aimed to investigate the hamstring activation in athletes with hamstring strain injuries in vertical jump tasks using an EMG time-frequency analysis. Fifteen injured athletes and 15 matched controls were recruited. The EMG signals of the lateral hamstring (LH) and medial hamstring (MH) were assessed during countermovement, squat, and drop vertical jump tasks. Wavelet analysis was used to analyze the hamstring activation during takeoff, flight, and landing phases. The kinetics outcomes were also investigated. The results showed a significantly lower mean frequency of the LH and MH for all phases and jumps in the injured group compared to the control group (p<0.05). The activation deficit led to a higher landing force (p=0.028) and loading rate (p=0.024) in the injured athletes. The hamstrings were recruited to a greater extent during the countermovement jump compared to the other two jumping tasks. In conclusion, athletes with prior hamstring strain displayed neuromuscular deficits, indicating neuronal alteration after the strain. The persistent activation deficits led to a degraded jump-landing performance. In addition, the hamstring recruitment differed in different jumping tasks. The findings suggest that neuromuscular training may be beneficial as part of the daily training drills of hamstring strains.

Could Sports Coaching Contexts Learn From Planning Models in Physical Education Contexts? Exploring the Parallels and Divergences Regarding Planning Between Both Contexts

Planning is essential for organising learning content in sports coaching and physical education (PE) contexts but depends on multiple and mutable circumstances in each context. Although learning and performance are present in both contexts, planning in PE is typically more centred on learning, while coaching tends to focus more on performance. Nonetheless, sports coaching planning also requires ongoing learning to support performance, with coaches outlining pedagogical strategies in their daily training plans to achieve both short- and long-term goals. From this perspective, planning models used in PE contexts may offer valuable insights for sports coaching contexts, helping coaches develop various pedagogical approaches to plan their learning tasks effectively. Therefore, this article explored the parallels and divergences between planning in sports coaching and PE contexts, encompassing the pedagogical goals and planning structures, alongside opportunities, barriers, remediation strategies, and practical implications potentially transferable to sports coaching. The article highlighted the importance of flexible planning structures to accommodate the nonlinear nature of learning. Specifically, coaching contexts can learn from PE how to plan sessions for athletes with diverse motivations and skill levels, as well as how to design learning tasks that develop psychosocial and psychological skills.

Dose-response and time-lagged effect of daily training load on athlete well-being during an international rugby series

Dose-response and time-lagged effect of daily training load on athlete well-being during an international rugby series

Advancing Image Synthesis: Methods and Applications of Latent Diffusion Models

Diffusion models (DMs) have revolutionized the field of generative modelling, delivering exceptional results in tasks such as image synthesis, inpainting, and super-resolution. Despite their success, the reliance on pixel-space processing in these models has imposed substantial computational challenges, requiring hundreds of GPU days for training and significant resources for inference. In this work, we introduce Latent Diffusion Models (LDMs), an innovative framework that addresses these limitations by operating within a perceptually compressed latent space derived from a pretrained autoencoder. This paradigm shift significantly reduces the computational complexity of both training and inference while maintaining the high fidelity and diversity of the generated outputs. LDMs leverage a two-stage approach: a pretrained autoencoder for efficient latent-space representation and a diffusion model trained directly within this space. By introducing cross-attention layers into the architecture, LDMs also support flexible conditioning on various modalities such as text descriptions, semantic maps, or lowresolution images. This versatility enables the model to perform a range of tasks, including text-to-image generation, classconditional image synthesis, and high-resolution super-resolution. Our experiments demonstrate that LDMs achieve competitive or state-of-the-art performance across multiple benchmarks, including CelebA-HQ, ImageNet, and MS-COCO, while requiring significantly fewer computational resources than pixel-space diffusion models. For instance, LDMs reduce training time by up to 2.7× and inference memory requirements by 50%, all while improving sample quality. This work highlights the potential of latent-space generative models to democratize access to advanced generative AI technologies, making them feasible for researchers and practitioners with limited computational resources. At the same time, we discuss the ethical considerations of using such models, including their potential misuse for creating manipulated content. Latent Diffusion Models pave the way for efficient, scalable, and high-quality image synthesis, providing a robust foundation for future advancements in generative modelling.

Elite U17 football players’ physical parameters: focus on contextual variables during training and matches

ABSTRACT The aim of the study was to examine the distribution of training load in relation to the match location, the opponent’s level and the result of the game amongst U17 hungarian elite youth football players. Data was measured with Catapult Vector S7 GPS technology throughout 13 weeks, during the 2022–2023 season (January-June). We measured six volume and six intensity variables, which were analysed depending on the number of days before a match day (MD). The results show that the volume and intensity are significantly higher on MD-4 (e.g. four days before the match) and MD-2 than on MD-1 and MD-5 sessions. Before home games, on MD-5 the players performed better within all of the volume variables than before away games. Before a winning game the intensity of MD-1 training day was lower (TD (m/min), HSR (m/min), TPL (au/min)) than before a lost game. The intensity on MD-2 training day when preparing for a weaker opponent was significantly more intensive (TD (m/min), ACC (count/min), DEC (count/min)) than when it came to a stronger opponent. The examined academy U17 players don’t yet achieve absolute and relative volume and intensity of trainings and matches as previously reported for adult players.

Unlocking Success: Determining Predictors of High-Performance among COMBI Community Health Volunteers in Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya

Background: Community Health Volunteers (CHVs) are crucial in achieving universal health coverage and vital in public health activities, including the COMBI (Communication for Behavioral Impact) approach for dengue prevention and control and assessing the performance of COMBI CHVs are essential in evaluating the program effectiveness. We aimed to measure the level of performance and determine predictors of high-performance among COMBI CHVs in Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2023 among 285 COMBI CHVs from 5 health operational zones in Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya. The CHVs were stratified proportionately, with 45.5% of respondents randomly selected from each stratum based on their zones. Self-administered questionnaires assessed their performance level and associated factors, including training, supervision, knowledge, motivation, and job satisfaction. Chi-square and Multiple Logistic Regression tests were used to determine the factors and predictors of high-performance COMBI CHVs. Results: The prevalence of high-performance COMBI CHVs was 59.3%, significantly associated with training factors (experience, duration, and adequacy of training), supervision factors (being supervised, supervision frequency, and encouragement from supervision), motivation and job satisfaction level. As for significant predictors, having at least one day of training (AOR=14.557), being supervised by medical personnel (AOR=4.997), having a high motivation level (AOR=5.538) and having a high job satisfaction level (AOR=4.562) were more likely to have a high-performance level. Conclusion: Training duration, supervisor background, motivation and job satisfaction can contribute to high-performance levels among COMBI CHVs, which can applied in evidence-based policies and strategies for performance improvement and more effective community healthcare delivery.

Assessing the impact of critical care training on pharmacy students in Egypt: a pre-post study

BackgroundTransition to independent pharmacy practice is challenging. Undergraduate and postgraduate pharmacy students in low-to-middle-income countries (LMICs) currently receive minimal experiential learning in critical care.ObjectiveTo assess the critical care training course’s impact on pharmacy students’ knowledge, self-efficacy, and self-esteem, as well as their satisfaction with the course.MethodIn a pre-post interventional study, pharmacy students took a 10-day critical care training course with experiential learning. They completed a knowledge questionnaire covering various critical care topics, the 18 questions Pharmacy Self-efficacy and Self-esteem Study Questionnaire, and a satisfaction questionnaire. Data was analyzed using IBM SPSS version 20.0.ResultsA total of 72 trainees participated in the study. The average score for pre-course self-efficacy and self-esteem significantly increased post-course, with a median (IQR) of 3.75 (3.50–3.94) compared to 3.56 (3.28–3.78) pre-course, with a p-value of less than 0.05. Furthermore, their overall knowledge score significantly increased from baseline to post-course, with the median (IQR) rising from 0.53 (0.50–0.61) to 0.98 (0.97–1.0), with a p-value of less than 0.05. Their course satisfaction average total score was 45.08 (SD ± 5.41) (on a scale of 10–50).ConclusionThe present study provides clear evidence that integrating this critical care training course into a structured curriculum for pharmacy students using experiential learning can act as a facilitator of knowledge enrichment, increase their self-esteem and self-efficacy, and make them satisfied with learning. Larger long duration studies are needed to support this evidence.

Effects of Prone Posture Maneuver to Ameliorate Pusher Behavior in Acute Stroke: A Retrospective Study.

Background: Pusher behavior after stroke is an important sequela that interferes with rehabilitation and independence in activities of daily living. As represented by visual or vestibular feedback, conventional methods require substantial assistance and time commitments, but have limited effectiveness. A recent case series suggests that prone posture may alleviate pusher behavior in patients with acute stroke. This study was conducted to retrospectively investigate the effects of prone posture maneuvers. Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional observational study was conducted in a stroke care unit at a university hospital. In total, 37 acute stroke cases presenting with pusher behavior were included from 787 eligible patients. Individuals with pusher behavior were conditioned with prone posturing for 10 min for 2 consecutive days, in addition to regular daily rehabilitation training. The Scale for Contraversive Pushing (SCP) values, Stroke Impairment Assessment Set (SIAS), and functional activities were assessed before, immediately after, and three days after the intervention. Results: The SCP value and the ability to roll over and sit balanced significantly improved compared with the baseline (p < 0.05) and persisted for 3 days after the intervention. Multiple regression analysis identified the SIAS motor score as a determinant of SCP changes. Conclusions: The prone posture maneuver promptly and consistently suppressed pusher behavior, particularly in patients with mild paresis, as indicated by SCP values in acute stroke cases. The uncontrolled, single-site, and retrospective features of the current study require further investigation.

Application of Youth-Led Participatory Action Research to Examining Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights in Ontario: What Can We Learn?

Engaging adolescents and young people as partners in research is increasingly acknowledged as a vital strategy to ensure diverse voices are heard and to catalyze social change. This article, coauthored by adolescent and adult researchers, presents the methodological approach and outcomes of a youth-led participatory action research (YPAR) study in which three teams of youth researchers developed and implemented projects examining equity-related factors affecting adolescent sexual and reproductive health and rights (ASRHR) in Ontario, Canada. Teams of four assigned-female youth researchers aged 16-19 years were recruited from three priority regions through purposive sampling. Selected youth completed a paid 5-day virtual YPAR training. Each youth team, supported by adult research mentors, identified key ASRHR issues in their region and developed a related research question. Each team then determined their study's design, obtained institutional ethics approval, and conducted data collection, analysis, and interpretation. Based on their findings, teams proposed potential solutions and communicated results to multiple stakeholders. Methodologically, the YPAR process amplified youth voices through a social justice-framed approach to examining ASRHR. Centering the perspectives, values, and experiences of youth positively impacted the youth researchers themselves, while yielding results that were relevant, meaningful, adolescent-responsive, and culturally informed. Results from the youth-led projects identified multiple barriers to accessing sexual and reproductive health services and products. Policy and practice implications encompassed concerns related to geographical accessibility, equity, service provider competence, and content of sexuality education curricula.

Critical Fluctuations as an Early Warning Signal of Sports Injuries? A Proof of Concept Using Football Monitoring Data.

There has been an increasing interest in the development and prevention of sports injuries from a complex dynamic systems perspective. From this perspective, injuries may occur following critical fluctuations in the psychophysiological state of an athlete. Our objective was to quantify these so-called Early Warning Signals (EWS) as a proof of concept to determine their explanatory performance for injuries. The sample consisted of 23 professional youth football (soccer) players. Self-reports of psychological and physiological factors as well as data from heart rate and GPS sensors were gathered on every training and match day over two competitive seasons, which resulted in an average of 339 observations per player (range = 155-430). We calculated the Dynamic Complexity (DC) index of these data, representing a metric of critical fluctuations. Next, we used this EWS to predict injuries (traumatic and overuse). Results showed a significant peak of DC in 30% of the incurred injuries, in the six data points (roughly one and a half weeks) before the injury. The warning signal exhibited a specificity of 95%, that is, correctly classifying non-injury instances. We followed up on this promising result with additional calculations to account for the naturally imbalanced data (fewer injuries than non-injuries). The relatively low F1 we obtained (0.08) suggests that the model's overall ability to discriminate between injuries and non-injuries is rather poor, due to the high false positive rate. By detecting critical fluctuations preceding one-third of the injuries, this study provided support for the complex systems theory of injuries. Furthermore, it suggests that increasing critical fluctuations may be seen as an EWS on which practitioners can intervene. Yet, the relatively high false positive rate on the entire data set, including periods without injuries, suggests critical fluctuations may also precede transitions to other (e.g., stronger) states. Future research should therefore dig deeper into the meaning of critical fluctuations in the psychophysiological states of athletes. Complex Systems Theory suggests that sports injuries may be preceded by a warning signal characterized by a short window of increased critical fluctuations. Results of the current study showed such increased critical fluctuations before 30% of the injuries. Across the entire data set, we also found a considerable number of critical fluctuations that were not followed by an injury, suggesting that the warning signal may also precede transitions to other (e.g., healthier) states. Increased critical fluctuations may be interpreted as a window of opportunity for the practitioner to launch timely and targeted interventions, and researchers should dig deeper into the meaning of such fluctuations.

Mitochondrial Fitness Science Communication for Aging Adults: Prospective Formative Pilot Study.

A key driver that leads to age-associated decline and chronic disease is mitochondrial dysfunction. Our previous work revealed strong community interest in the concept of mitochondrial fitness, which led to the development of a video-based science communication intervention to prompt behavior change in adults aged 50 years and older. This study aimed to conduct formative and summative evaluations of MitoFit, an instructional, biologically based communication intervention aimed at improving physical activity in older adults aged 50 years and older. In the phase-1 formative evaluation, community-dwelling older adults (N=101) rated the acceptability, appropriateness, and helpfulness of our MitoFit video series, titled "How to Slow Down Aging Through Mitochondrial Fitness." In the phase-2 summative evaluation, a subgroup of phase-1 participants (n=19) participated in a 1-month MitoFit intervention prototype to evaluate the intervention and data collection feasibility. In phase 1, participants (mean age 67.8, SD 8.9 y; 75/100, 75% female) rated the MitoFit videos as acceptable (≥4 out of 5 on a Likert-scale survey; from 97/101, 96% to 100/101, 99%), appropriate (101/101, 100%), and helpful (from 95/101, 94% to 100/101, 99%) to support adaptation and continued work on our novel approach. Previous knowledge of mitochondria ranged from 52% (50/97; What are mitochondria?) to 80% (78/97; What are the primary functions of mitochondria?). In phase 2, participants (mean age 71.4, SD 7.9 y; 13/19, 72% female) scored better than the national average (50) on the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System-19 for physical function (57), social activities (55.5), depression (41), fatigue (48.6), and sleep disturbance (49.6) but worse for anxiety (55.3) and pain interference (52.4). Additionally, 95% (18/19) of participants demonstrated MitoFit competencies within 2 attempts (obtaining pulse: 19/19, 100%; calculating maximum and zone 2 heart rate: 18/19, 95%; and demonstration of exercises: 19/19, 100%). At 1 month after instruction, 68% (13/19) had completed a self-initiated daily walking/exercise plan and submitted a daily activity log. A walking pulse was documented by 85% (11/13) of participants. The time needed to walk 1 mile ranged from 17.4 to 27.1 minutes. The number of miles walked in 1 month was documented by 62% (8/13) of participants and ranged from 10 miles to 31 miles. The number of days of strength training ranged from 2 to 31 days/month. Intervention feasibility scores ranged from 89% (17/19; seems easy to follow) to 95% (18/19; seems implementable, possible, and doable). Overall, 79% (15/19) stated an intention to continue the MitoFit intervention. Furthermore, 4 weeks after delivery of the prototype intervention, the percentage of participants doing aerobic activity for regular moderate activity increased from 35% (6/17) to 59% (10/17; P=.03). MitoFit was enthusiastically embraced and is a cost-effective, scalable, and potentially efficacious intervention to advance with community-dwelling older adults.

Mindfulness-based relapse prevention for drug addiction in Nepal: impact and implications of an initial 2-day training of trainers

Drug addiction is rife in Nepal, with a high relapse rate following treatment. Apart from basic psychosocial support, there are no evidence-based aftercare services for individuals in recovery. Recently, mindfulness-based interventions have shown promising results in preventing relapse. We discuss the context, challenges and opportunities of organising a 2-day intensive face-to-face mindfulness-based training for Nepalese mental health professionals to facilitate 8-week mindfulness-based relapse prevention (MBRP). Altogether, 24 participants completed the feedback questionnaire. Most were rehabilitation staff, along with a few psychologists and psychiatrists. Feedback suggested a high degree of satisfaction and provided comments to improve the programme. It has prompted us to design online MBRP training and set up a feasibility study for an MBRP programme in Nepal. If successful, this may help a huge number of individuals in recovery.