Activity Program Research Articles

A longitudinal analysis of physical exercise in shaping language learners’ emotional well-being: a comparative analysis between L1 and L2 students

BackgroundStudents’ psychological wellness is one of the key elements that improve their well-being and shape their academic progress in the realm of language learning. Among various strategies, physical exercise emerges as an effective approach, allowing learners to manage their emotions considerably.MethodsEmploying a quasi-experimental research design, this study examines the impact of a three-month physical running exercise intervention on emotional regulation behaviors among L1 (Arabic language) and L2 (English as a foreign language learning) students. Data was collected at three (pre-test, mid-test, and post-test) intervals, focusing cognitive reappraisal (CR) and expressive suppression (ES) the key constructs of emotional regulation.FindingsThe results showed that the emotional regulation abilities of both groups were considerably impacted by the physical running exertion and differed significantly, with students’ CR skills significantly improving and their ES decreasing over time. However, no significant interaction effect between time and (L1 and L2) groups’ CR was observed, suggesting that physical exercise universally benefits cognitive reappraisal regardless of the language learning context. Conversely, a significant interaction effect was observed in students’ ES, with L2 students experiencing more reduction compared to their L1 counterparts, highlighting the unique emotional challenges faced by L2 learners and the effectiveness of physical activity in mitigating these challenges.ConclusionThe results highlight the importance of physical exercise in enhancing emotional regulation abilities among students, particularly in a second language learning context. Given this, regular physical activity programs should be incorporated into educational curricula to support students’ emotional well-being and academic success. It further offers insightful recommendations for teachers, students, administrators, and policymakers to optimize physical exercise integration in higher education.

Freedom of Curriculum: Evaluation of CIPP Early Childhood Education Co-Curricular Activities Program in Baruga Kendari City

This study aims to evaluate the co-curricular activity program in Early Childhood Education (PAUD) in Kendari City using the CIPP (Context, Input, Process, Product) evaluation approach. Data were collected from 6 schools with 43 respondents consisting of PAUD educators and managers, using an instrument in the form of a questionnaire that was analyzed descriptively quantitatively. The results of the study indicate that in the Context aspect, the condition of the school, students, educators, and school environment are in the good category with an average value of 14.40, 10.72, 10.79, and 10.86, respectively. In the Input aspect, facilities and infrastructure are considered quite adequate (mean 17.74), while the budget and involvement of external parties are still the main challenges with an average value of 11.19 and 10.49, respectively. Educator training is in the fairly good category with an average value of 13.91. In the Process aspect, student participation in co-curricular activities reached a good category (mean 14.12), while the professional and pedagogical competence of teachers showed very good results with an average of 25.02 and 32.33. In the Product aspect, the increase in student competence and the quality of co-curricular activities were in the good category, with average values of 17.91 and 21.12, respectively. This study concludes that the co-curricular activity program at PAUD in Kendari City as a whole has been running well, although improvements are still needed in the budget aspect and external party involvement to optimize results. Strategic recommendations include optimizing financial support, ongoing training for teachers, and closer collaboration with communities and external institutions.

Obesity and the Importance of Breathing.

Obesity is a complex and non-communicable disease with a pandemic entity. Currently, multiple causes can lead to obesity, and it is not always easy to create a direct relationship between physical inactivity, poor quality of nutrients consumed, and calculation of excess calories. Among the associated comorbidities, obesity creates a dysfunctional environment of respiratory rhythms at the central and peripheral levels, with functional, morphological, and phenotypic alteration of the diaphragm muscle. This pathological adaptation of breathing is one of the most important causes of the dysregulation of the autonomic system, which will negatively affect the progression of comorbidities and chronic non-physiological adaptations in obese persons. Introducing a physical activity program involving diaphragm training could be a very valid strategy to restore the systemic autonomic response, delaying or avoiding the onset of pathologies in excess fat. This brief narrative review focuses on the importance of breathing in obese subjects.

Therapeutic effect of proprioceptive dolphin assisted activities on health-related quality of life and muscle tension, biomechanical and viscoelastic properties in major depressive disorder adults: case analysis

IntroductionThe case analysis method is widely used in evaluating dolphin assisted activities due to the lack of research participants. Despite other present diagnostic features adults with major depressive disorder experience psychomotor changes, dysphoria, anhedonia, impaired concentration, and suicidal thoughts. Increasing studies assess the positive effect of proprioceptive exercises in various depressive cases.Methods14 adults diagnosed major depressive disorder included in this case study between September 2022 to April 2024. A two-week proprioceptive dolphin assisted activity program was applied for each with a two-day break after half applied activities, in total 10 activities for each were organised. Proprioceptive dolphin assisted activities varied from heavy muscle work to muscles and joints pressure which was held in a special therapeutic pool, where adults wore wetsuits. The SF—36 scale was used, with levels of QoL compared among: (a) before dolphin assisted activities, (b) after two-week proprioceptive dolphin assisted activities, (c) in a year after two-week proprioceptive dolphin assisted activities. The MyotonPro portable device was used for measuring muscle tension, biomechanical and viscoelastic properties each day of participation: (a) before dolphin assisted activities and (b) after dolphin assisted activities. The MyotonPro was applied to measure the upper (descending) part of the trapezius muscle, lateral part of the deltoids muscle, middle point of the flexor carpi radialis muscle, middle point of the long head of the biceps brachii muscle, the gastrocnemius muscle (plural gastrocnemii), and quadriceps femoris muscle.ResultsThe measuring results of SF—36 scale showed statistically significant changes in 5 subscales out of 8 (Friedman’s test p-value less than 0.05) and in one more scale a partially significant change (p < 0.1). The physical activity that increased after dolphin therapy (from 68.5 to 85) remained the same in one year. There were no statistically significant changes in role limitations due to physical health. However, role limitations due to emotional problems and partially significant changes were recorded, the situation slightly worsened a year later, but there was no statistically significant deterioration. The non-parametric Wilcoxon test was used to compare two dependent samples measured by the MyotonPro. Although the improvement was recorded in almost all muscle groups, statistically significant changes were observed only in trapezius muscle md p right, measuring stiffness, relaxation and creep; trapezius md p left measuring frequency, stiffness, relaxation and decrement; and deltoids muscle left, measuring frequency, stiffness and relaxation, i.e., the p-values of Wilcoxon test are less than 0.05.ConclusionTwo-weeks of proprioceptive dolphin assisted activities for adults with major depression have statistically significant long-term change in better physical parameters. Emotional betterment parameters were less stable. The quick reactivity of trapezius muscle revealed that dolphin assisted activities acts as stress relief, and deltoids muscle as relief of negative emotions, such as fear and anger.

School-Based Physical Activity Program Implementation Is Enhanced With Support From Community-Based Partners.

School-based physical activity (PA) programs are an equitable, evidence-based approach to combat health and PA disparities. This study examined factors associated with implementation of BE Physically Active 2Day (BEPA 2.0), a K-5 school-based PA program, and examined how support from Cooperative Extension via Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed) partners influenced implementation. Teachers in schools receiving BEPA 2.0 trainings were surveyed about program use 3-6 months post-training. Descriptive and chi-square analyses were conducted to evaluate the relationships between implementation factors (e.g., training, support, barriers) and program delivery. Logistic regression was used to summarize the odds of program delivery related to implementation factors. Responses were returned by 355 teachers. The odds of program delivery among trained respondents were 2.64 (1.22, 5.47) times the odds among untrained respondents. Most implementors (72.4%) provided activities 1-2 times/week. More frequent implementation (≥ 3 times/week) [OR = 2.43 (1.27, 4.73)] and fewer barriers were reported among those who received support from SNAP-Ed partners (p = 0.01). SNAP-Ed program partnerships should be considered when implementing school-based strategies to increase PA opportunities for vulnerable youth. High PA program implementation among trained teachers was enhanced with partner support.

The impact of physical activity on mental health

This article critically evaluates the interconnectedness of physical activity and mental health, drawing on a diverse body of evidence from observational studies, controlled trials, and emerging neuroscientific research. We explore how engaging in regular exercise is associated with improved mood regulation, reductions in anxiety and depressive symptoms, and better coping strategies under stress. By examining a range of exercise modalities, intensities, and durations across various age groups and demographic contexts, we shed light on the differential impacts of physical activity on mental well-being. Neuroscientific findings including those from neuroimaging and biomarker analyses offer insights into the biological mechanisms behind these improvements, revealing alterations in neural circuits and neurotransmitter systems that underpin emotional resilience and cognitive functioning. We further consider the psychological and social benefits that accompany regular physical activity, such as enhanced self-esteem, feelings of belonging, and the establishment of positive routines. Finally, we identify gaps in existing research, including the need for more tailored, evidence-based exercise prescriptions and an improved understanding of how to optimize interventions for individuals with specific mental health profiles. Overall, this review underscores the imperative of incorporating strategic physical activity programs into mental health prevention, treatment, and policy initiatives.

Socioeconomic status moderates the effect of physical education on overweight and obesity in children: a quasi-experimental trial.

A school-based physical activity intervention, delivered through a physical education program, effectively reduces overweight and obesity risk in disadvantaged primary school students and may address some of the adverse health-related impacts of living with low socioeconomic status. • School-based physical activity programs offer promising solutions for improving health-related physical activity in children. However, the impact of socioeconomic context on the effectiveness of these programs is unclear. • An intensive school-based physical activity intervention effectively reduces overweight and obesity risk in disadvantaged primary school students and may address some of the adverse health-related impacts of living with low socioeconomic status.

Alleviation of liver fibrosis by inhibiting a non-canonical ATF4-regulated enhancer program in hepatic stellate cells

Liver fibrosis is a critical liver disease that can progress to more severe manifestations, such as cirrhosis, yet no effective targeted therapies are available. Here, we identify that ATF4, a master transcription factor in ER stress response, promotes liver fibrosis by facilitating a stress response-independent epigenetic program in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Unlike its canonical role in regulating UPR genes during ER stress, ATF4 activates epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) gene transcription under fibrogenic conditions. HSC-specific depletion of ATF4 suppresses liver fibrosis in vivo. Mechanistically, TGFβ resets ATF4 to orchestrate a unique enhancer program for the transcriptional activation of pro-fibrotic EMT genes. Analysis of human data confirms a strong correlation between HSC ATF4 expression and liver fibrosis progression. Importantly, a small molecule inhibitor targeting ATF4 translation effectively mitigates liver fibrosis. Together, our findings identify a mechanism promoting liver fibrosis and reveal new opportunities for treating this otherwise non-targetable disease.

Active biomonitoring of stream ecosystems: untargeted metabolomic and proteomic responses and free radical scavenging activities in mussels.

Many contaminants from scattered sources constantly endanger streams that flow through heavily inhabited areas, commercial districts, and industrial hubs. The responses of transplanted mussels in streams in active biomonitoring programs will reflect the dynamics of environmental stream conditions. This study evaluated the untargeted metabolomic and proteomic responses and free radical scavenging activities of transplanted mussels Sinanodonta woodiana in the Winongo Stream at three stations (S1, S2, S3) representing different pollution levels: low (S1), high (S2), and moderate (S3). The investigation examined untargeted metabolomic and proteomic responses in the gills and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) activities in the gills, mantle, and digestive glands. Metabolomic analysis revealed a clear separation between mussel responses from the three stations after 28 days of exposure, with specific metabolites responding to different pollution levels. Proteomic analysis identified β-Actin protein in all stations. The β-Actin protein sequence of unexposed mussels had coverage of 17%, and increased to 23% at S1 on day 28 and 34% at S2 and S3 on day 28. All tissues showed increased DPPH and ABTS activities from day 3 to day 28, mainly in stations S2 and S3. These findings underscore the impact of pollution levels on the metabolomic and proteomic responses of S. woodiana and the importance of these discoveries as early indicators (biomarkers) of long-term aquatic environmental problems. In the face of current environmental challenges, this research raises concerns about the health of water bodies. It underscores the importance of developing robust, standardized, and dependable analytical techniques for monitoring the health of aquatic environments.

Galaxy @Sciensano: a comprehensive bioinformatics portal for genomics-based microbial typing, characterization, and outbreak detection

The influx of whole genome sequencing (WGS) data in the public health and clinical diagnostic sectors has created a need for data analysis methods and bioinformatics expertise, which can be a bottleneck for many laboratories. At Sciensano, the Belgian national public health institute, an intuitive and user-friendly bioinformatics tool portal was implemented using Galaxy, an open-source platform for data analysis and workflow creation. The Galaxy @Sciensano instance is available to both internal and external scientists and offers a wide range of tools provided by the community, complemented by over 50 custom tools and pipelines developed in-house. The tool selection is currently focused primarily on the analysis of WGS data generated using Illumina sequencing for microbial pathogen typing, characterization and outbreak detection, but it also addresses specific use cases for other data types. Our Galaxy instance includes several custom-developed 'push-button' pipelines, which are user-friendly and intuitive stand-alone tools that perform complete characterization of bacterial isolates based on WGS data and generate interactive HTML output reports with key findings. These pipelines include quality control, de novo assembly, sequence typing, antimicrobial resistance prediction and several relevant species-specific assays. They are tailored for pathogens with active genomic surveillance programs, and clinical relevance, such as Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella spp. and Mycobacterium tuberculosis. These tools and pipelines utilize internationally recognized databases such as PubMLST, EnteroBase, and the NCBI National Database of Antibiotic Resistant Organisms, which are automatically synchronized on a regular basis to ensure up-to-date results. Many of these pipelines are part of the routine activities of Belgian national reference centers and laboratories, some of which use them under ISO accreditation. This resource is publicly available for noncommercial use at https://galaxy.sciensano.be/ and can help other laboratories establish reliable, traceable and reproducible bioinformatics analyses for pathogens encountered in public health settings.

Fostering Soft Skills in Active Labor Market Programs

Fostering Soft Skills in Active Labor Market Programs

Co-development of a programme to improve physical activity support for women after breast cancer treatment: a pre-protocol for PURE-EX

Background Breast cancer and its treatment can have long-term adverse effects on physical and mental health. Evidence-based guidelines recommend that healthcare professionals (HCPs) advise women with breast cancer to engage in physical activity to improve health outcomes. However, support to be active is not standard care. The PURE-EX (EXpanding into communities to imProve physical activity sUpport foR womEn after breast cancer) programme aims to address this knowledge-practice gap. Aim To co-develop a programme that integrates physical activity referrals into standard care for women after treatment for early-stage and locally-advanced breast cancer. Programme components will include: 1. A referral pathway enabling HCPs to refer women to community-based physical activity programmes after they have completed primary treatment for breast cancer; 2. An online training course to support community providers in adapting their existing physical activity programmes for women who have undergone breast cancer treatment. Work Packages We will co-develop, refine, and evaluate PURE-EX programme components through four work packages (WPs): WP1. Conduct a systematic scoping review to describe the characteristics of community-based physical activity programmes for women with breast cancer reported in the literature. WP2. Undertake qualitative research with: (i) women with breast cancer, (ii) HCPs responsible for their care, and (ii) exercise professionals, to explore barriers and facilitators to incorporating physical activity into breast cancer care from different perspectives. WP3. Hold co-development events to develop and refine components of the PURE-EX programme and gain insights as to how it could be operationalised in practice. WP4. Conduct a feasibility trial in 45 women who have finished primary treatment for breast cancer to assess the feasibility and acceptability of the PURE-EX programme. Discussion The PURE-EX programme will be an evidence-based, theory-informed, and person-centred intervention, with the potential to make physical activity support routinely available for women after breast cancer treatment.

Investigation of the effect of interactive art activity program on repetitive behaviors, social skills and parents’ emotions in children with autism spectrum disorder

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to examine the effects of an interactive art activity program on repetitive behaviors, social skills and parents’ emotions in children with autism spectrum disorder.Design/methodology/approachThe research was carried out in autism classes and special education and rehabilitation centers of children diagnosed with autism in Batman city center between September 2021 and March 2022. The study was concluded with 28 children with Autism spectrum disorder (5–17 years old) and their mothers (13 experiments, 15 controls). Data were collected using the Personal Information Form, the ASSP-T Form, the Quality of Life in Autism Questionnaire-Parent Edition and the Social Impact Form of the Repetitive Behaviors in Children with Autism Scale. In the analysis, in the comparison of the pretest, posttest and retention data in the application group, repeated measures ANOVA was used if the data were suitable for normal distribution, and Friedman analysis was used if not. In the comparison of the data in the control group, the Paired T test was used if the data were suitable for normal distribution, and the Wilcoxon test was used if it was not.FindingsAfter the training, it was concluded that there was a significant difference p < 0.05 on social skills, repetitive behaviors and quality of life of the children and mothers in the experimental group, and there was no significant difference in the control group in general.Research limitations/implicationsIt was determined that the interactive art activity program of children with autism had a positive effect on repetitive behaviors, social skills and parents’ emotions.Originality/valueConsidering the positive effect of art activities on children’s social skills and repetitive behaviors, educational programs for children with autism can be integrated with art and sports activities, and the use of different areas of art and sports can be expanded, taking into account the interests and readiness of the children.

Pelatihan Mikrokontroler Dasar Arduino UNO dan Simulasi Tinkercad

The Electrical Engineering study program of the Faculty of Engineering, Atma Jaya Catholic University of Indonesia has been collaborating with Harapan Bagi Bangsa Christian Middle School, Cilincing, North Jakarta for several years in an extracurricular program for junior high school students, as a form of community service from Electrical Engineering lecturers. The extracurricular activity program implemented is in the form of basic electronics training. The theme of the activity varies, according to the requests and needs of the partner schools. The first activity is to provide basic electronics skills training to students. This program received a very positive response from teachers and students. From the evaluation results of previous activities, all students wanted training activities with advanced materials. The training provided is an introduction to basic Arduino Uno microcontrollers using Tinkercad simulation software. The purpose of this activity is to conduct training on the introduction and how to program the Arduino Uno microcontroller to turn on Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs). The training was carried out at Harapan Bagi Bangsa Christian Middle School. The training began by assembling the resistor and LED components on the project board. After all the components were installed, an Arduino Uno microcontroller program was created to turn on the LEDs alternately according to the order of the program created. The training used Tinkercad simulation software and the Arduino Uno microcontroller board. From the results of the student evaluation, 92.2% of students gave good and excellent ratings, while 7.8% gave neutral ratings for this training.

The impact of video games on the promotion of active aging: a medical perspective

Introduction: currently, population aging is one of the key concerns for healthcare systems and governments, requiring new alternatives to improve quality of life. The rise of technology has made video games and virtual reality widely used in various areas of society, making their use in healthcare unsurprising.Objective: to analyze the potential of video games as a therapeutic tool to promote well-being and health in old age.Method: a search was conducted for articles published between 2000 and 2024 through PubMed, Google Scholar, and ChatGPT, focusing on the potential of video games for healthy aging. The following MESH terms were used: "Aging" AND "Cognitive function"; "Exergames" AND "Older adults"; "Video games" AND "Life quality."Development: video games in active aging programs improve physical fitness, mental health, and quality of life in older adults. Tools like Kinect and iPACES™ promote functional independence, reduce depression, improve memory and executive function, encourage self-management of health, and facilitate communication with healthcare professionals.Conclusions: the reviewed studies clearly highlight the benefits of using exergames and virtual reality systems in physical and cognitive training programs for older adults. The integration of these innovative technologies not only improves functional fitness and quality of life but also has a significant positive impact on mental health and cognitive function

CLINICAL APPROACHES TO SUPPORT MALE DEMENTIA FAMILY CAREGIVERS

Abstract Integrated Memory Care (IMC) is a primary care practice for people living with dementia and their family caregivers. The practice integrates geriatric medicine, dementia specialty care/cognitive neurology, and palliative care along with caregiver services including support groups, classes, and psychotherapy for individuals and families. Finally, the practice hosts various opportunities to participate in caregiving research. Since 2015, the practice has treated over 2500 people living with dementia (PLWD) and supported their family caregivers. The mean age of patients is 78.6 years, the majority (66%) are female, and 42% identify as a racial or ethnic minoritized group. Caregiver relationship to patients (PLWD) is divided evenly between spouse (48%) and adult child (48%) and their mean age is 65.3 years. Men serving as primary family caregiver differ from their female counterparts in choice of clinical services, engagement in caregiver-specific programs, and participation in research. Successful marketing approaches include emphasis on caregiver as hero archetype, a clear message of the return-on-investment of services and activities. This presentation will describe the experience of supporting and engaging men as dementia family caregivers using aggregated data from multiple pilot studies as well as direct input from current active caregivers and IMC program staff.

뇌졸중으로 인한 경도인지장애 환자에게 모바일 인지 활동 프로그램이 미치는 영향 : Case Study

Objective : This study aimed to investigate the effects of a mobile cognitive activity program on patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) caused by stroke, using a single-case study design. Methods: An case study design was employed in the study: Baseline A Traditional cognitive activity pro gram, Intervention Phase B: Mobile cognitive activity program, Return-to-Baseline A’: Reversion to the traditional program, Three stroke patients with MCI participated in the program for 30 minutes per session, five days per week, over three weeks (October 14–November 1, 2024). Assessments using online MoCA-K and CERAD-K were conducted at the end of each phase. Data were analyzed using SPSS 25.0 for descriptive statistics, including means and standard deviations. Results: The mean MoCA-K score improved from 20.33 (±2.08) during baseline A to 22.33 (±2.51) during intervention B and remained at 22.33 (±2.51) during the return-to-baseline A’. For the CERAD-K Trail Making Test A (TMA), the mean time improved from 129.66 seconds (±69.97) in baseline A to 108.00 seconds (±48.53) in intervention B, and further improved to 100.33 seconds (±38.68) in return-to-baseline A’. Conclusion: The mobile cognitive activity program had positive effects on patients with mild cognitive impairment caused by stroke, particularly in improving cognitive abilities related to language. This study provides foundational data for the application of mobile cognitive activity programs in stroke patients. Future research should further validate its effectiveness, allowing for broader use of such programs in the community.

FRAILTY THERAPEUTICS: CLOSING THE PHYSICAL ACTIVITY GAP FOR FRAIL ADULTS

Abstract Physical activity has been described as the ‘ideal’ intervention for frailty. In fact, exercise is the most effective frailty mitigation intervention studied to date. Yet, frail older adults face great challenges to physical activity over time. These challenges include decreased physiologic capability, greater barriers, fewer resources, narrower availability, reduced self-efficacy, poorer outcome expectations and restricted payor coverage for long-term activity programming. In this presentation, we will review the challenges frail adults face to participating in the most promising frailty intervention. To do this, we will summarize barriers noted in prior frailty exercise trials and will also report findings from our local survey study assessing physical activity behavior change factors among non-frail, pre-frail and frail older adults (n=101, 93% African-American). We will also review the current restricted payment structure for community-based long-term care services like exercise programs. We will then describe a novel exercise intervention designed to address several of these unique challenges, currently undergoing efficacy testing in a randomized controlled trial. The EngAGE trial is a multisite randomized controlled trial designed to compare an exercise intervention delivered over a voice-activated device in the home (EngAGE) versus paper-based exercises in n=124 frail, homebound, African-American older adults. We will share the EngAGE trial design, methods, measures and preliminary study fundings. We will close by summarizing key remaining issues that need to be addressed to close the physical activity gap for frail adults and will offer ideas for future research directions. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05337514

Participation in Senior Employment and Social Activity Program and Depression: Moderating Effect of Age Discrimination Experience

Participation in Senior Employment and Social Activity Program and Depression: Moderating Effect of Age Discrimination Experience

A Systematic Review of the Impact of Public Health Center-Based Physical Activity Programs: Based on the ICF Model

A Systematic Review of the Impact of Public Health Center-Based Physical Activity Programs: Based on the ICF Model