Activity Sessions Research Articles

Effectiveness of a multidimensional collaborative approach versus usual care in the treatment of adult depression in primary care in Chile: study protocol for a single blinded cluster randomized controlled trial.

Major depression (MD) is a prevalent and disabling condition in Chile, with most cases being treated at the primary care level. In Chilean primary care, the authors have identified key factors associated with more complex presentations of MD and a poorer prognosis, such as a history of childhood trauma, suicidality, and comorbidities. These findings underscore the need for a multidimensional, trauma-informed, and interprofessional approach to the treatment of depression. This protocol is a two-arm, single-blinded, cluster RCT to compare the effectiveness of a collaborative multidimensional approach for depression (CMAD) versus usual care to treat MD in primary care clinics in Chile. In total, 394 depressed adults from 18 to 65 years of age in twelve clinics located in Chile's Maule Region will be consented to participate in the study. Patients and care teams from each clinic will be randomized to the intervention or to the control arm.Interprofessional teams in the intervention arm will attend 27 hours of didactic and active learning sessions focused on clinical competences to effectively engage, treat and follow up patients with the factors associated to the complex presentation of MD. Team in the control arm will receive 27 didactic sessions on current clinical guidelines for MD.Patients of both arms will be blindly assessed at baseline, three months, and six months. The primary outcome will be the reduction in depressive symptoms, with secondary outcomes including improvements in anxiety symptoms, interpersonal and social functioning, and treatment adherence. This protocol proposes the evaluation of an intervention designed to improve depression symptoms by enhancing the clinical competencies of primary care teams. These competencies are structured around collaborative care and trauma-informed practices. NCT05016388, registered on 16 August 2021 at ClinicalTrials.gov.

The association of mental health with physical activity and its dimensions in Chinese adults: A cross-sectional study.

Selecting the most efficient type of physical activity that improves mental health can assist in choosing appropriate interventions. Hence, the objective of this study was to evaluate the associations between physical activity and its various aspects, including weekly physical activity, weekly walking and exercise sessions, and the frequency of walking and exercise per week, with the mental health of Chinese adults. This cross-sectional study was carried out in Hangzhou (2023) involving 512 adults aged 18 and 64. Each participant received a self-completed questionnaire comprising three sections. The initial section focused on gathering basic information about the participants, such as gender, age, annual income, and marital status. The second section consisted of the 12-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12), which aimed to evaluate the mental health status of the participants. Lastly, the third section included the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Version (IPAQ-SV), which assessed the metabolic equivalent (MET) of activities like walking, moderate-intensity exercises, and high-intensity exercises. The study found that mental health problems affected 25.74% of adults, while physical inactivity was prevalent in 49.63% of adults. The statistical model was highly significant (F = 25.143, p < 0.001), suggesting that at least one predictor has a significant impact on mental health. The model accounted for 39% of the variance in mental health, with all variables showing predictive value. Notably, the number of walking days per week emerged as the most influential predictor of mental health (β = -0.392), followed by level of weekly physical activity in MET, the number of exercise training sessions per week, weekly exercise training in MET, and weekly walking in MET (β = -0.312, -0.301, -0.212, and -0.202, respectively). Adults can allocate more days per week to walking and their usual physical activity to improve their mental health.

A Case Study on Teaching Imitation Skills to a Child with Autism Spectrum Disorder Through Orff-Based Music Activities

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to examine the Orff-based music activities on teaching imitation skills of a child with Autism (ASD). In this study, which is a case study, a procedure similar to the multiple probe design was used. According to this, sessions were conducted with a child with ASD for a 10 weeks, twice a week. In the research process, baseline, daily probe, teaching, maintenance and generalising sessions have been organised. All of the sessions were done by using one-to-one teaching method. The generalisation effect of the research was evaluated with pre-test and post-test applications between individuals, settings and materials. The maintenance of learning was checked with probe sessions conducted 1st, 2nd and 4rd weeks after the completion of the intervention. In addition, semi-structured interviews were conducted with the child’s parents and teachers for social validity. According to the results, imitation skills were acquired by the child with ASD after 11 sessions of Orff-based music activities; the maintenance was kept after the training was completed and the generalisation was achieved as stated. In addition, it was revealed as social validity data that the applications were effective also on the child’s non-targeted behaviors such as eye contact and attention span.

An evaluation of activities and intervention approaches in an acute dementia setting

Background:Recommended interventions for dementia prioritises person-centred care and non-pharmacological approaches. The evidence-base for various therapies such as Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST), music therapy and sensory based interventions has been growing in recent years; however, there is limited guidance surrounding best practice for working with advanced dementia in acute settings, and research regarding the evaluation of ward interventions is scarce.Method:An audit checklist was compiled from the current recommendations and evidence base. Observations of structured activity sessions were conducted across two acute dementia wards to identify how well these aligned with evidence-based recommendations.Results:Our results suggest that activity sessions on the wards align to the evidence base. Specifically, the wards offer high quality interventions integrating CST approaches. It was revealed that the capturing of these interventions was limited within the clinical notes systems, and an action plan to facilitate efficient capturing was identified and initiated.Conclusion:The study found that it is possible to offer evidence-based activity sessions in an acute setting, for patients with typically advanced dementia presentations. Staff feedback led to the production of a poster to help staff identify the interventions they implicitly use as part of their role, aiming to encourage staff to be proud of their work on the ward and be more aware of evidence-practice links.

Effects on Physical Functioning and Fear of Falling of a 3-Week Balneotherapy Program Alone or Associated with a Physical Activity and Educational Program in Older Adult Fallers: A Randomized-Controlled Trial.

The effects on gait and posture of balneotherapy in fallers are unknown. We assessed the effects on physical functioning and fear of falling of a balneotherapy program alone or combined with a physical activity and educational program in older adult fallers. A multicenter randomized controlled trial enrolled patients aged 65 or older referred to a 3-week balneotherapy program, and screened for risk of falling (a history of falls in the last year and a timed up and go test or a five chair rising test >12sec or a 4-meter walk test >4sec). In addition to balneotherapy, patients had either no intervention (controls) or twelve 60-minute sessions of physical activity including 15minutes of health education and three 90-minute sessions of an educational program (intervention). There were 118 control and 105 intervention patients. The balneotherapy program alone had a clinically significant effect on (i) the grip strength, (ii) the five chair rising test, (iii) the 4-meter walk test, and (iv) the short physical performance battery (Cohen's d 0.29-0.46). It had no effect on (i) the maximum time stood on one foot, and (ii) the timed up and go test. Furthermore, it worsened the falls efficacy scale (d = 0.27). Adding a physical activity and educational program significantly improved (i) the time stood on one foot (Cohen's d =-0.34), and (ii) the timed up and go test (d=- 0.44), (iii) and reduced the concern about falling (Falls Efficacy scale, d=-0.25), and (iv) the fear of falling (d=-0.34). Older patients referred to a balneotherapy program and at high risk of falling when screened at the entrance of the center should be offered an additional physical and educational program to further improve the functional effects of balneotherapy on the timed up and go test, balance, and the fear of falling.

MIC: Memory analysis of IndexedDB data on Chromium-based applications

As Chromium-based applications continue to gain popularity, it is necessary for forensic investigators to obtain a comprehensive understanding of how they store and manage browsing artifacts from both filesystem and memory perspectives. In particular, the incognito mode developed in the current version of Chromium uses only physical memory to manage data related to active sessions. Therefore, handling physical memory is essential for tracking a user's browsing behaviour in incognito mode. This paper provides an in-depth examination of LevelDB, a lightweight key-value database utilized as Chromium's implementation for IndexedDB. In particular, we delve into the details of how IndexedDB data is managed through LevelDB, taking into account its low-level database file format. Furthermore, we thoroughly explore the possibility of residual data, both complete and incomplete, being retained as applications create and initialize IndexedDB-related data. Based on our research findings, we propose a systematic methodology for inspecting the internal structures of LevelDB-related C++ classes, carving these structures from binary streams, and interpreting the data for forensic analysis. In addition, we develop a proof-of-concept tool based on our approach and demonstrate its performance and effectiveness through case studies.

Empowered, Strained, or Stable: Teachers’ Experiences of Occupational Well-Being During the Two-Year Pre-Primary Education Trial in Finland

ABSTRACT Research Findings: This study investigated early childhood education and care (ECEC) teachers’ experiences of occupational well-being during a two-year pre-primary education trial in Finland. Profile groups of the trial experimental group teachers (n = 376) were identified. We also examined whether the identified profiles differed with respect to different ECEC classroom and teacher professional characteristics. Through latent profile analysis, three profile groups of occupational well-being were identified among the ECEC teachers: empowered (n = 34), strained (n = 138), and stable teachers (n = 200). In the majority of the pre-primary groups of empowered teachers, children represented the same age group, whereas the age distribution varied more among the pre-primary groups of strained and stable teachers. Empowered teachers reported having more instructed activity sessions and distributing responsibility more among the personnel teams. Strained teachers reported having more individual responsibility for instructing group activities. Practice or Policy: Attention to ECEC teachers’ occupational well-being should be paid in dynamic and changing circumstances of their work careers, such as the Finnish two-year pre-primary education trial. Nationally unitary and appropriate classroom resources should be guaranteed to support ECEC teachers’ well-being both in trials and in their everyday work.

Upaya Pencegahan Kejadian Hipertensi Melalui Edukasi Lansia di Kelurahan Sawah Padang Aua Kuning, Payakumbuh Selatan, Sumatera Barat

The elderly are the age group over 60 years. The elderly are at risk of various disease burdens such as diabetes mellitus, Alzheimer's, hypertension, and others. Hypertension is a condition characterized by an increase in blood pressure above 140/90 mmHg. Elderly people are at risk of developing hypertension due to the influence of age and the process of atherosclerosis. Many efforts can be made to prevent hypertension, namely maintaining a healthy diet, physical activity, and reducing stress. This effort can be carried out well if it is supported by ongoing education for the elderly regarding hypertension. This activity aims to provide education to the elderly to prevent hypertension and hopefully reduce the incidence of hypertension in the elderly. The method of this activity is carried out by providing education about hypertension and the efforts that need to be made to prevent hypertension to the elderly who attend Posyandu activities at the Sawah Padang Aua Kuning Subdistrict Health Center. The media used was hypertension education posters. After the counseling activity, a question and answer session was held regarding hypertension material. Many of the elderly asked questions and were enthusiastic about the material presented. It is hoped that in the future hypertension education can be carried out regularly to increase the knowledge of the elderly.

Self-reported physical activity properties and 20-year all-cause and cardiovascular mortality among community-dwelling older adults.

Physical activity was previously associated with decreased mortality. Current guidelines recommend >150min/week or >75min/week of moderate or high-intensity exercise to maintain a healthy lifestyle; however, exercise properties most strongly associated with low mortality among the elderly may still be explored. A total of 1210 community-dwelling older adults, from the third phase (1999-2004) of the Israel Study on Glucose Intolerance, Obesity, and Hypertension, were followed until 2016 and 2019 for cardiovascular and all-cause mortality, respectively. Physical activity properties were recorded and evaluated against all-cause and cardiovascular mortality. Mean age at baseline was 73 ± 7years, with 638 (53%) females, and 585 (48%) reported habitual exercise. When compared to sedentary individuals, multivariable Cox regressions showed a significantly lower risk for all-cause mortality among currently active individuals [hazard ratio (HR) = 0.72, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.59-0.88, P = .002], those engaging in light-moderate activity (HR = 0.72, 95% CI: 0.57-0.89, P = .003), those with diverse exercise types (HR = 0.59, 95% CI: 0.44-0.80, P = .001), more sessions/week (HR = 0.94, 95% CI: 0.92-0.97, P < .001), those meeting current exercise recommendations (HR = 0.79, 95% CI: 0.58-0.89, P = .03), those who engaged in walking (HR = 0.58, 95% CI: 0.45-0.76, P < .001), and swimming (HR = 0.66, 95% CI: 0.45-0.96, P = .03). Similar HRs were found for cardiovascular mortality, although a somewhat stronger protective association was observed for swimming (HR = 0.48, 95% CI: 0.24-0.95, P = .04) compared to a sedentary lifestyle. The study further supports current exercise guidelines among the elderly. It also underscores the importance of physical activity in older individuals while prioritizing a greater number of sessions/week in addition to the total duration, and highlights specific activity features associated with lower long-term mortality among older adults. Key message • What is already known on this topic - Physical activity was associated with a lower risk for mortality, although the specific properties and the preferred type of exercise among older adults are still debatable. • What this study adds - The study suggests the optimal activity characteristics in older adults while prioritizing activity sessions over time, light-moderate exercise over strenuous activity, diverse activity, and walking and swimming over other activities. • How this study might affect research, practice or policy - Future exercise guidelines should focus on increasing activity sessions throughout the week and not on the cumulative time to maximize the effect on mortality.

Evaluation of an integration community project for asylum seekers in Sweden: physical activity adherence and changes in character traits and life satisfaction

Asylum seekers’ traumatic experiences in combination with discrimination, social isolation, and exclusion in the host country leads to low adherence from health and integration initiatives. Along with their inability to seek health care and physical inactivity, this situation increases their mental illness and, most importantly, decreases their well-being. In fact, the lack of well-being (e.g., life satisfaction) is a better marker of mortality and morbidity than the presence of mental illness. In this context, one of the major single determinants of well-being is character, a dimension of personality that stands for self-regulation, adaptation, and intentional conscious behavior (i.e., goals and values). Host countries often implement integration initiatives including activities aiming to attenuate mental illness, but only a handful are evaluated and reported, with even fewer addressing character development, increases in life satisfaction, or adherence. Our aim was to evaluate the integration initiative “Health for Everyone—Sport, Culture, and Integration”, a 10-week physical activity community project. Specifically, we investigated changes in life satisfaction and character traits (i.e., Self-Directedness, Cooperativeness, and Self-Transcendence) and if these variables, at baseline, predicted adherence and changes in physiological health (i.e., cardiorespiratory fitness, skeletal muscle mass, body fat mass, and visceral fat). Participants (n = 269) answered (pre and post measurements) the Satisfaction with Life Scale, the Short Character Inventory, and undertook physiological tests. In addition, their attendance to the physical activity sessions was registered throughout the project (i.e., adherence). Participants showed no significant increases in Self-Directedness, Cooperativeness, or life satisfaction, but significant decreases in Self-Transcendence. Moreover, higher life satisfaction and lower Self-Transcendence at baseline predicted higher adherence to the activity. However, neither character traits nor life satisfaction predicted changes in physiological health. We argue that low frequency physical activity initiatives may improve this population’s physical health because participants probably have a sedentary life and low levels of physical health due to their asylum conditions (e.g., unemployment, low income, poor housing and social network). Furthermore, physical activity per se may not improve the well-being of asylum seekers. Hence, promoting well-being and character development might require person-centered initiatives focusing on the whole individual in order to fit programmes to the needs and life situation of this population.

Examining Real-World Evidence of Depression-Related Symptom Reduction Through a Comprehensive Holistic Lifestyle Intervention

Depression is a global health concern, with various treatments available. In this study, participants (n = 430) were self-selected or medically referred to a residential lifestyle program at the Black Hills Health &amp; Education Center (BHHEC), with a mean stay of 19 days. Individualized treatment plans included structured physical activity sessions, counseling sessions, and the provision of a vegan diet. Beck Depression Inventory-II, self-reported total exercise minutes, resistance exercise minutes, and sleep, along with the number of holistic treatments and counseling sessions, were evaluated. Paired samples t-tests indicated a significant decrease in depression scores over time (MT1 = 20.14, MT2 = 6.17, P &lt; .001). Results from the multiple linear regression that evaluated total exercise minutes, resistance exercise, number of treatments and counseling sessions, and average reported hours of nightly sleep on depression scores at time 2 indicated that average reported hours of nightly sleep were the only significant predictor of depression scores at time 2 ( P &lt; .05). While depression scores significantly improved from baseline to post-assessment for all participants, it is possible that an unmeasured variable, or the synergistic intervention effect of the wellness program, accounted for changes in depressive symptoms over time. Future studies should incorporate sleep quality and assessing time spent in nature to explore these relationships further.

Effects of Physical Activity on Disordered Eating Behaviours in Individuals With a Psychotic Disorder.

This study aims to determine the effect of physical activity on cognitive restraint, uncontrolled eating and emotional eating in individuals with a psychotic disorder. Twenty-seven participants with a psychotic disorder (55% male; mean age: 30 ± 7.5 years; Caucasian: 66.7%; schizophrenia spectrum disorders: 44.4%; bipolar disorder with psychotic features: 29.6%) took part in a 6-month bi-weekly physical activity program (walking, running, yoga, cycling and dancing). The Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire was used to assess participant's eating behaviours, and the frequency of completed physical activity sessions was compiled. The mixed models analysis approach revealed that the level of cognitive restraint remained unchanged (pre: 39.2 ± 18.7 vs. post: 44.1 ± 18.3; p = 0.24), while the levels of uncontrolled eating (pre: 39.7 ± 19 vs. post: 31.6 ± 19.7; p = 0.02) and emotional eating (pre: 45.5 ± 22.3 vs. post: 32.2 ± 22.2; p < 0.001) decreased at the end of the 6-month physical activity program. This study showed that physical activity has positive effects on disordered eating behaviours in individuals with a psychotic disorder, similarly to previous studies on other populations (e.g., overweight and obese participants, postmenopausal women). Further studies are warranted to better understand the role of physical activity in moderating eating behaviours.

The effects of 7-week participation in football on personal well-being among male asylum seekers in a UK hotel

BackgroundThis study examines the impact of participating in a seven-week football programme on the personal well-being of male asylum seekers residing in contingency accommodation in the UK. MethodsThis repeated measures study included a cohort of participants who engaged in weekly football sessions and completed a well-being questionnaire (ONS4) over a continuous seven-week period. Longitudinal linear regression analysis using generalized estimating equations (GEE) was used to assess the relationship between personal well-being and weekly minutes of football participation (M1). A second model incorporating the total number of non-football activity sessions in the past week as a covariate was also implemented (M2). ResultsOf the 73 participants who completed the questionnaire, 23 responded twice or more across the study period and were subsequently included in the analysis. Results revealed that 2 h of football participation within 7 days significantly improved aspects of personal well-being when compared with no football participation, including improved life satisfaction, feeling life is worthwhile, and happiness. Both models demonstrated a shift from ‘low’ to ‘medium’ ONS4 categorical score. Anxiety levels remained unchanged regardless of participation and model. ConclusionWe provide important evidence on the potential benefits of football participation for promoting personal well-being among male asylum seekers residing in contingency accommodation.

Evaluation of the effect of death education based on the Peace of Mind Tea House: a randomized controlled trial of nursing trainees at Xiamen University, China

BackgroundThere are few studies on death education models for nursing students in China. It is of great significance to construct a model of nursing students’ death education combined with clinical practice. This study aims to evaluate the effect of death education on nursing students based on the Peace of Mind Tea House.MethodsThe randomized controlled trial commenced from February 7 to March 18, 2021,featuring a two-month intercession at a hospital situated in Xiamen, China. The research subjects were chosen using a convenient sampling approach with nursing students from the hospital's internship program. Ninety-two participants were enrolled, with 46 in each group. Thirteen participants were lost to follow-up, corresponding to 14% of the total study population. The samples were then allocated randomly into either the intervention group or the control group. In addition to their hospital internship, the intervention group participated in six death education courses that focused on cognitive, emotional, and motor skills as well as the “Peace of Mind Tea House” program. Control participants will undergo regular internships. Before and two weeks after the course, both groups were evaluated for death anxiety, attitude towards death, and the meaning of life to assess the intervention's effectiveness.ResultsIn the fear of death item of the Death Attitude Scale and the meaning of life section, the post-test score minus the pre-test score of the intervention group were 2.50 ± 3.90 (p = 0.011), and 8.90 ± 11.07 (p = 0.035), respectively. During the communication and sharing session of the reassurance card activity, 41 participants (95.3%) found the activity meaningful.ConclusionOur data analysis demonstrates that nursing students have accepted and acknowledged the Peace of Mind Tea House-based education on death, which positively impacted their attitudes towards deathand the meaning of life. The content of death education should be integrated with traditional culture, and a new model of death education should be constructed with the Heart to Heart cards as its core. This research presents proof of the efficacy of implementing appropriate death education for nursing students, and provides a successful intervention plan to alleviate their future death anxiety and develop a positive outlook on death.Trial registrationThis study was approved by the Ethical Committee of Xiamen University School of Medicine (No. XDYX202304K21)(Date:18/01/2021). Written consent to participate was obtained from all the students.

Introduction to Guitar Techniques and Genres for the Utilization in Improvised Active Music Therapy

Abstract Guitar is a popular instrument for music therapy clinicians and students because it is portable and musically versatile. Guitar training is increasingly shared through music therapy literature, professional conferences, and workshops. However, there is still a lack of literature regarding the use of guitar improvization techniques for beginner and intermediate-level music therapists. The purpose of this manuscript is to provide the first simplified and standardized guitar methodological system for beginner and intermediate-level music therapy students and clinicians for the use in Improvised Active Music Therapy sessions in neurological rehabilitation. Improving guitar skills is important to increase confidence among students and clinicians and to enhance clinical outcomes. The manuscript is divided into two groups of exercises. The first group consists of four exercises with chord progressions. The second group consists of six strumming exercises. The strumming exercises should be combined with the chord progressions in the first group to expand upon the first position and aesthetic qualities. The exercises incorporate extended, chromatic, and suspended chords in Rock &amp; Roll, Blues, Hip-Hop and rap, Reggae, folk, country, Latin American, and Spanish styles in key of E major. The goal is to stimulate the skill of music therapy students and clinicians, and perhaps add some extra motivation and ideas for guitar improvization skills to enhance clinical outcomes.

The Effect of a Single About of Resistance Exercise with Two Intensities and Different Recovery on Pro-Inflammatory Factor TNF-Α, HSP-70, And Anti-Inflammatory Factor BDNF In Female Bodybuilders

Background and purpose: resistance exercises with high loads of HLRT can cause physiological changes, including in the immune system. The purpose and credibility of qualitative research investigated the effect of a resistance activity session with two different intensities and recovery on the expression of TNF-α, HSP-70, and BDNF genes in female bodybuilders.Methods: In this Quasi-experimental study, twelve healthy female bodybuilders (age 30±5) volunteered to participate in the research. The samples performed one weekly strength training protocol session designed at two intensities of one maximum repetition in two different recovery times of one and two minutes. 36 hours after the end of the training, sampling was done after ten hours of fasting, and the samples were centrifuged and stored at minus 20℃. At the end of the four stages, the levels of TNF-α, HSP-70, and BDNF were checked in the medical laboratory. A consent form was obtained from all the participants. SPSS version 27 software was used for data analysis at a significance level of α ≤ 0.05.Findings: The results showed that HLRT resistance training compared to moderate intensity resistance training, by increasing the training intensity to 85% of a maximum repetition and recovery time of one and two minutes, significantly reduced TNF-α level (with p&lt;0.001and a significant increase in the serum levels of BDNF and HSP-70 (with p&lt;0.0001).Conclusion: It seems that increasing the intensity of HLRT resistance training has no negative effect on the immune system, and probably with the decrease of the pro-inflammatory factor TNF-α and HSP-70, the anti-inflammatory factor BDNF also increased reduces the incidence of inflammation in female bodybuilders.

Pelatihan Pengelolaan Keuangan Rumah Tangga dalam Rangka Peningkatan Kesejahteraan Keluarga

Family economic problems start from a lack of knowledge about household financial management. This activity aims to provide knowledge about household financial management for housewives so that they can meet the family's current and future needs appropriately so as to create a prosperous family. The method of this activity is to provide training to participants directly and there is a pre-test and post-test to determine participants' understanding before and after the training activity. The results of this activity provide knowledge to housewives as financial managers. This can be seen from the post-test score regarding household financial management which is greater than the pre-test before the training and active discussion sessions from the participants. Apart from that, this activity provides awareness for participants to be able to recognize financial conditions so that they can use their income effectively and efficiently to meet family needs.

Enactment, Evaluation, and Expansion of a Healthy Living Club in an Out of School Setting: A Community-Academic Partnership.

Interventions in community settings, where children spend substantial out of school time, may enhance access to evidence-based lifestyle interventions. The Boys and Girls Club of Lawrence (BGCL) and New Balance Foundation Obesity Prevention Center at Boston Children's Hospital partnered to revise, enact, and evaluate BGCL's existing Healthy Living Club and then flexibly expand the program to increase access. The BGCL is within walking distance of three public housing communities and easily accessible to members, of whom 90% identify as Hispanic. The interventions comprised nutrition sessions and either fitness activity sessions (N+FA Cycle 1, n = 63, 26 hours; N+FA Cycle 2, n = 94, 27 hours) or academic basketball practices (N+AB Cycle 2, n = 99, 72-80 hours), leveraging time already in the schedule where fitness could be intentionally promoted by coaches. Among children aged 8-15 years, mean [95% confidence interval (CI)] changes (beginning to end) in percentage above the BMI median were significant [N+FA Cycle 1: -2.4 (-4.1, -0.8); N+FA Cycle 2: -4.3 (-5.4, -3.1); N+AB Cycle 2: -5.5 (-6.9, -4.1)]. Lifestyle interventions, implemented with flexibility in existing programs, had beneficial impact, indicating potential of community-academic partnerships.

The impact of subtle contextual information on remembering to complete academic goals.

Remembering to complete goals-termed prospective memory (PM)-is critical for success in everyday life, yet minimal empirical work has been dedicated to examining PM within an educational setting. The main goal of this study was to investigate students' ability to complete numerous future-oriented academic intentions (PM tasks) while simultaneously paying attention to a lecture and to see if working memory (WM) capacity and adding subtle contextual information would support the students' likelihood of completing their PM tasks. Participants took part in a 2-hr session of college course-like activities. Throughout the session, there was occasionally the opportunity to complete one of several naturalistic PM tasks. The following findings are based on the results of our Bayesian models. Providing subtle contextual clues about when PM tasks could be completed was found to likely increase performance. The number of PM intentions to be remembered (i.e., load) produced no discernable effect on ongoing task performance or PM performance. Furthermore, individual differences in WM capacity were likely to be predictive of a near-zero change in PM performance. The current findings hold meaningful implications for educators, wherein providing context, even at a subtle level, can enhance students' ability to remember to complete tasks, without altering their ability to focus on the tasks at hand. Moreover, it appears that asking students to remember to complete multiple, prospective in-class tasks is not likely to hinder task completion or their ability to focus on other ongoing tasks.

Aerobic Exercise: Randomized Controlled Trial Data Suggest Qualified Benefits for Erectile Dysfunction.

Erectile dysfunction (ED) refers to the difficulty in achieving and maintaining a degree of penile erection that suffices for satisfactory sexual activity. ED is multifactorial in origin; its prevalence therefore varies with the population studied. In the general population, ED is present in 18-52% of men in younger to older age groups and in 43-76% of men with different medical conditions. Phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor drugs are gold standard treatments for ED. However, because many lifestyle disorders predispose to ED and because aerobic exercise is beneficial for these lifestyle disorders, aerobic exercise may be a possible intervention for ED. In this context, a recent systematic review and meta-analysis identified 11 randomized controlled trials (RCTs; pooled N = 1,147) of aerobic exercise vs nonexercising control conditions for the treatment of ED. These RCTs had been conducted in men with different medical and surgical conditions, commonly obesity, metabolic syndrome, diabetes mellitus, and cardiovascular disease. The exercise interventions were varied but mostly involved 30-60 minutes sessions of activity, 3-5 times a week, for a median duration of 6 months. Advice for diet and weight loss was also commonly provided. The meta analysis found that aerobic exercise was significantly superior to nonexercising control conditions, with greater improvement in erectile functioning observed in subjects with greater baseline impairment. Limitations of the findings were that subjects could not be blinded to the nature of the intervention and that the magnitude of benefit with exercise, although statistically significant, fell below thresholds suggested for clinical significance. Aerobic exercise might therefore be more useful for the primary prevention of ED, for which preliminary evidence already exists. Exercise can also be recommended, along with other lifestyle guidance, to improve sexual functioning in both men and women and to improve health across a range of domains.