Composite Test Scores Research Articles

Army Combat Fitness Test Scores Moderate Cognitive Function Improvements After a Ruck March: A Hierarchical Linear Model Approach.

Sax van der Weyden, M, Merrigan, JJ, Newman, K, Hahn, J, and Martin, J. Army Combat Fitness Test scores moderate cognitive function improvements after a ruck march: A hierarchical linear model approach. J Strength Cond Res 38(7): 1314-1320, 2024-Heavy load carriage is a common task for military personnel and can lead to undue physical and mental fatigue. The purpose of this study was to assess effects of load carriage on cognitive function (CF) and the role individual characteristics play in CF responses. Anthropometrics/body composition, demographics, and Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) scores were gathered from 47 Reserve Officers' Training Corps cadets. Cadets' CF was assessed through the concentration task grid (CTG) before (preruck), immediately after (postruck), and 3 weeks after (follow-up) a 16.09- to 19.31-km ruck march. Hierarchical linear modeling was used, with α < 0.05. The final model revealed growth, or improvement, in CF from preruck to postruck with growth decelerating, but still improved, at follow-up. The load carriage bout improved CF in most cadets, with average growth from 5.67- to 7.20-grid squares found. However, postruck CF did not return to the same level as a controlled follow-up (9.69). Sex (2.46, female), familiarity with the CTG (1.99), ACFT total scores (0.009), and relative ruck mass (-0.09) were all significant predictors of postruck CF. Army Combat Fitness Test scores (0.008) were also significant predictors of the slope between preruck and postruck, such that an ACFT score 59 points above average would result in a 1-grid square greater improvement in CF postruck. The significance of ACFT scores, lower relative ruck mass, and familiarization highlights the importance physical and mental preparation for desirable CF outcomes after occupational tasks.

Graded Motor Imagery and Fall Risk in Older Adults: An Exploratory Case Series

Background: Altered cortical maps can initiate and maintain a pain experience and older adults who move less may be at increased risk for pain, balance and fall risk issues. Purpose: To determine if a brief graded motor imagery (GMI) session to the plantar surface of the foot in older adults can influence self-reported pain, sensitivity of the nervous system and fall risk. Methods: Forty-one older adults (mean age 76.8) received pain neuroscience education, and GMI to the plantar surface of their feet. Measurements pre- and immediately post- intervention included self-reported pain (Numeric pain rating scale), laterality, fall risk (Brief-BESTest), gait speed (40-meter self-paced walk test - SPWT), and nerve sensitivity (Pressure Pain Thresholds - PPT) to the dorsum of the foot and web space dominant hand. Results: Immediately following treatment, mean self-reported pain improved by 1.24 points (p &lt; 0.001), with a large sub-group meeting the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) for self-reported pain (1.7). Gait speed improved significantly (p &lt; 0.001) meeting MCID (0.1 m/s). Left-right judgement task speed (p &lt; 0.001) and accuracy (p = 0.04) improved. None of the PPT measurements improved. While mean composite Briefest test scores did not reach MCID values (9 points), statistically significant improvements were noted in the biomechanical constraints (p = 0.007) and sensory orientation (p = 0.009) subcomponent scores. Conclusion: A brief, one-time GMI session in older adults can decrease pain and improve scores on tests associated with fall risk but fail to decrease sensitivity of the nervous system. More research is needed to validate the results of this exploratory study.

Upper Quarter Y-Balance Test: Normative Values in Firefighters and Relationship to Shoulder Mobility

The job of a firefighter requires high levels of physical fitness and musculoskeletal function. In the United States, firefighters experience over 60,000 injuries annually, predominantly musculoskeletal issues. Screening tests can help identify musculoskeletal dysfunction. This study aimed to establish Upper Quarter Y-Balance Test (YBT-UQ) normative data in firefighters and identify factors that influence upper extremity functional ability in this population. We found firefighters’ Upper Quarter Y-Balance Test composite scores were comparable to other physically active populations but lower than U.S. Coast Guard law enforcement personnel. Upper Quarter Y-Balance Test scores were negatively affected by increasing age and body mass and reduced shoulder mobility in our sample. These findings support the need for targeted weight loss and mobility interventions to improve functional outcomes in firefighters.

On the Selection of Item Scores or Composite Scores for Clinical Prediction

Recent shifts to prioritize prediction, rather than explanation, in psychological science have increased applications of predictive modeling methods. However, composite predictors, such as sum scores, are still commonly used in practice. The motivations behind composite test scores are largely intertwined with reducing the influence of measurement error in answering explanatory questions. But this may be detrimental for predictive aims. The present paper examines the impact of utilizing composite or item-level predictors in linear regression. A mathematical examination of the bias-variance decomposition of prediction error in the presence of measurement error is provided. It is shown that prediction bias, which may be exacerbated by composite scoring, drives prediction error for linear regression. This may be particularly salient when composite scores are comprised of heterogeneous items such as in clinical scales where items correspond to symptoms. With sufficiently large training samples, the increased prediction variance associated with item scores becomes negligible even when composite scores are sufficient. Practical implications of predictor scoring are examined in an empirical example predicting suicidal ideation from various depression scales. Results show that item scores can markedly improve prediction particularly for symptom-based scales. Cross-validation methods can be used to empirically justify predictor scoring decisions.

Sensitivity of Individual and Composite Test Scores from the Cogstate Brief Battery to Mild Cognitive Impairment and Dementia Due to Alzheimer's Disease.

The Cogstate Brief Battery (CBB) is a computerized cognitive test battery used commonly to identify cognitive deficits related to Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, AD and normative samples used to understand the sensitivity of the CBB to AD in the clinic have been limited, as have the outcome measures studied. This study investigated the sensitivity of CBB outcomes, including potential composite scores, to cognitive impairment in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia due to AD, in carefully selected samples. Samples consisted of 4,871 cognitively unimpaired adults and 184 adults who met clinical criteria for MCI (Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) = 0.5) or dementia (CDR > 0.5) due to AD and CBB naive. Speed and accuracy measures from each test were examined, and theoretically- and statistically-derived composites were created. Sensitivity and specificity of classification of cognitive impairment were compared between outcomes. Individual CBB measures of learning and working memory showed high discriminability for AD-related cognitive impairment for CDR 0.5 (AUCs ∼ 0.79-0.88), and CDR > 0.5 (AUCs ∼ 0.89-0.96) groups. Discrimination ability for theoretically derived CBB composite measures was high, particularly for the Learning and Working Memory (LWM) composite (CDR 0.5 AUC = 0.90, CDR > 0.5 AUC = 0.97). As expected, statistically optimized linear composite measures showed strong discrimination abilities albeit similar to the LWM composite. In older adults, the CBB is effective for discriminating cognitive impairment due to MCI or AD-dementia from unimpaired cognition with the LWM composite providing the strongest sensitivity.

The effect of screen time on hearing and balance in 6–16 aged children

Background The increase in screen time and the decrease in physical- activity cause balance problems as well as many systemic handicaps. Aims/Objectives This study aimed to determine the effect of screen time on balance and the effect of headphone usage time on hearing. Method Thirty-four individuals aged 6–16 years who applied to our clinic with complaints of dizziness and/or balance disorder were included in the study. Participants were divided into 2 groups according to their screen time: Group 1 (4–8 h/day) and Group2(>8 h/day). The other two groups are grouped according to headphone usage time as Group A (2–4 h/day) and Group B (>4hours/day). Pure-tone audiometry, extended high frequency-audiometry, Videonystagmography (VNG) and Computerized Dynamic Posturography (CDP) tests and Pediatric Berg Balance Scale and Visual Analogue Scale were applied to all individuals. CDP scores and pure tone hearing thresholds between groups were compared. Results A significant difference was observed between Group 1 and Group 2 according to the CDP test (visual, vestibular and composite scores), and according to the VAS-dizziness and PBS (p ≤ .05). Pure tone average and pure tone thresholds at high frequencies were compared between Group A and Group B according to headphone usage time. Pure tone thresholds of Group B were worse at high frequencies than Group A (p ≤ .05). Conclusions It has been observed that prolonged screen time may cause balance impairment in children and prolonged use of headphones may affect high-frequency hearing thresholds.

Sensitivity of individual and composite test scores from the Cogstate Brief Battery to mild cognitive impairment and dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease

AbstractBackgroundThe Cogstate Brief Battery (CBB) is a computerized cognitive test battery found to detect and confirm cognitive deficits related to Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). As the clinical AD and normative samples used to understand the sensitivity of the CBB to AD have been relatively small and varied in terms of selection criteria, it is important to examine the ability of all CBB measures, and potential composites, to discriminate adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia due to AD from carefully selected cognitively unimpaired (CU) adults.MethodAll speed and accuracy measures from the CBB were examined and both theoretically and statistically derived composites were created, from a sample of 4969 CU adults and 185 adults who met clinical criteria for MCI (clinical dementia rating, CDR = 0.5) or dementia (CDR &gt; 0.5) due to AD.ResultIndividual CBB measures of learning and working memory showed high discriminability for AD‐related cognitive impairment for CDR 0.5 (AUCs ∼ 82‐.85), and CDR &gt; 0.5 (AUCs ∼ .90‐.95). There was also high discrimination ability for theoretically derived CBB composite measures, particularly for the Learning and Working Memory (LWM) composite measure (CDR 0.5 AUC = .83, CDR &gt; 0.5 AUC = .97). Various statistically derived linear composite measures showed discrimination abilities similar to the LWM composite.ConclusionIn older adults, the CBB is an effective instrument for objectively discriminating cognitive impairment due to MCI or AD‐dementia from unimpaired cognition, with the LWM composite being a near‐optimal linear CBB composite for that purpose.

Mapping the predictive role of MLAT subtests for L2 achievement through regression commonality analysis

AbstractDespite the widespread use and effectiveness of the Modern Language Aptitude Test (MLAT) composite score in predicting individual differences in L2 achievement and proficiency, there has been little examination of MLAT subtests, although they have potential for illuminating components of L2 aptitude and the mechanism of prediction. Here we use regression commonality analysis to decompose the predictive variance from the MLAT into unique components for each subtest alone and for each possible combination of subtests (duos, trios, etc.) that may have shared variance. The results, from a longitudinal study of 307 U.S. secondary students during 2 years of Spanish learning, provide strong evidence for the role of literacy-related skills in all subtests and in predicting all L2 outcomes. These and other results support a view of L1 literacy and language skills leading to metalinguistic development, which in turn leads to stronger L2 aptitude and achievement.

History of traumatic brain injury does not alter course of neurocognitive decline in older adults with and without cognitive impairment.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) history is associated with dementia risk, but it is unclear whether TBI history significantly hastens neurocognitive decline in older adults. Data were derived from the National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center (NACC) data set. Participants with a history of TBI (TBI +; n = 1,467) were matched to individuals without a history of TBI (TBI-; n = 1,467) based on age (50-97, M = 71.61, SD = 8.40), sex, education, race, ethnicity, cognitive diagnosis, functional decline, number of Apolipoprotein ε4 (APOE ε4) alleles, and number of annual visits (3-6). Mixed linear models were used to assess longitudinal neuropsychological test composite scores of executive functioning/attention/speed, language, and memory in TBI + and TBI- participants. Interactions between TBI and demographics, APOE ε4 status, and cognitive diagnosis were also examined. Longitudinal neuropsychological functioning did not differ between TBI groups (p's > .001). There was a significant three-way interaction (age, TBI history, time) in language (F[20, 5750.1] = 3.133, p < .001) and memory performance (F[20, 6580.8] = 3.386, p < .001), but post hoc analyses revealed TBI history was not driving this relationship (all p's > .096). No significant interactions were observed between TBI history and sex, education, race/ethnicity, number of APOE ε4 alleles, or cognitive diagnosis (p's > .001). Findings suggest TBI history, regardless of demographic factors, APOE ε4 status, or cognitive diagnosis, does not alter the course of neurocognitive functioning later-in-life in older adults with or without cognitive impairment. Future clinicopathological longitudinal studies that well-characterize head injuries and the associated clinical course are needed to help clarify the mechanism in which TBI may increase dementia risk. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

Chinese university students' preferences for physical activity incentive programs: a discrete choice experiment.

This study aims to explore and compare Chinese university students' preferences for various physical activity motivation programs. A cross-sectional study was conducted in China from February 25 to March 25, 2022. Participants anonymously completed an online questionnaire based on a DCE. A total of 1,358 university students participated in the survey. The conditional logit model (CLM), willingness to accept (WTA), and propensity score matching (PSM) were used to assess college students' preferences for different attributes and levels of physical activity incentive programs. Respondents identified the number of bonus, exercise time, and academic rewards as the three most significant attributes of the athletic incentive program. The importance of each attribute varied based on individual characteristics such as gender and BMI. In CLM, college students displayed a preference for a "¥4" bonus amount (OR: 2.04, 95% CI 1.95-2.13), "20 min" of exercise time (OR: 1.85, 95% CI 1.79-1.92), and "bonus points for comprehensive test scores" as academic rewards (OR: 1.33, 95% CI 1.28-1.37). According to the WTA results, college students were willing to accept the highest cost to obtain academic rewards tied to composite test scores. The number of bonus, exercise time, and academic rewards emerge as the three most crucial attributes of physical activity incentive programs. Furthermore, college students with different characteristics exhibit heterogeneity in their preferences for such programs. These findings can guide the development of programs and policies aimed at motivating college students to engage in physical activities.

Retinal perfusion is linked to cognition and brain MRI biomarkers in Black Americans.

We investigated whether retinal capillary perfusion is a biomarker of cerebral small vessel disease and impaired cognition among Black Americans, an understudied group at higher risk for dementia. We enrolled 96 Black Americans without known cognitive impairment. Four retinal perfusion measures were derived using optical coherence tomography angiography. Neurocognitive assessment and brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were performed. Multiple linear regression analyses were performed. Lower retinal capillary perfusion was correlated with worse Oral Symbol Digit Test (P<=0.005) and Fluid Cognition Composite scores (P<=0.02), but not with the Crystallized Cognition Composite score (P>=0.41). Lower retinal perfusion was also correlated with higher free water and peak width of skeletonized mean diffusivity, and lower fractional anisotropy (all P<0.05) on MRI (N=35). Lower retinal capillary perfusion is associated with worse information processing, fluid cognition, and MRI biomarkers of cerebral small vessel disease, but is not related to crystallized cognition.

COVID-19 and Changes in the Model of Physical Fitness and Body Composition of Young Tennis Players

This retrospective study aimed to estimate the differences between selected indicators of physical fitness and body composition in young tennis players during the COVID-19 pandemic (2020 and 2021) and their values as predicted using the pre-pandemic trend (2015–2019). Data were collected from selected boys (mean ± SD; 13.2 ± 1.7 years) and girls (13.1 ± 1.9 years) during annual tests. Data were analyzed with linear mixed-effects models for males and females, separately, to predict body composition and physical fitness test scores, adjusting for age and pre-pandemic trends in the data. Compared with expected values, body fat mass increased in boys (2020: 0.68; 0.44–0.92, 2021: 1.08; 0.72–1.43), whereas muscle mass decreased (2020: −0.22; −0.34–−0.10, 2021: −0.28; −0.46–−0.10) throughout the pandemic. Interestingly, boys’ age-adjusted squat jump test scores improved relative to their expected scores during COVID-19 (2020: 0.19; 0.00–0.38, 2021: 0.35; 0.06–0.63). No other differences between predicted and measured values were noted across the observation period. The results of this study suggest that the sustained reduction in sports activity caused by the pandemic may have negatively affected the body composition of athletes; however, this did not affect selected performance indicators.

Exercise Test Predicts Both Noncardiovascular and Cardiovascular Death in a Primary Prevention Population

ObjectiveTo identify specific causes of death and determine the prevalence of noncardiovascular (non-CV) deaths in an exercise test referral population while testing whether exercise test parameters predict non-CV as well as CV deaths. Patients and MethodsNon-imaging exercise tests on patients 30 to 79 years of age from September 1993 to December 2010 were reviewed. Patients with baseline CV diseases and non-Minnesota residents were excluded. Mortality through January 2016 was obtained through Mayo Clinic Records and the Minnesota Death Index. Exercise test abnormalities included low functional aerobic capacity (ie, less than 80%), heart rate recovery (ie, less than 13 beats/min), low chronotropic index (ie, less than 0.8), and abnormal exercise electrocardiogram (ECG) of greater than or equal to 1.0 mm ST depression or elevation. We also combined these four abnormalities into a composite exercise test score (EX_SCORE). Statistical analyses consisted of Cox regression adjusted for age, sex, diabetes, hypertension, obesity, current and past smoking, and heart rate–lowering drug. ResultsThe study identified 13,382 patients (females: n=4736, 35.4%, 50.5±10.5 years of age). During 12.7±5.0 years of follow-up, there were 849 deaths (6.3%); of these 162 (19.1%) were from CV; 687 (80.9%) were non-CV. Hazard ratios for non-CV death were significant for low functional aerobic capacity (HR, 1.42; 95% CI, 1.19 to 1.69; P<.0001), abnormal heart rate recovery (HR, 1.36; 95% CI, 1.15 to 1.61; P<.0033), and low chronotropic index (HR, 1.49; 95% CI, 1.26 to 1.77; P<.0001), whereas abnormal exercise ECG was not significant. All exercise test abnormalities including EX_SCORE were more strongly associated with CV death versus non-CV death except abnormal exercise ECG. ConclusionNon-CV deaths predominated in this primary prevention cohort. Exercise test abnormalities not only predicted CV death but also non-CV death.

Balance performance measured by posturography in mild-moderate Alzheimer's Disease: An undervalued assessment

PurposeThe aim of the study was to compare balance performance in mild-moderate stage Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients and healthy peers using clinical balance tests and computerized posturography. MethodsWe recruited 95 patients and divided them into two groups; 51 patients (62 % (n=32) female) in AD group and 44 patients in healthy controls group (50 % (n=22) female). Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and Timed Up & Go (TUG) test were performed. Computerized posturography was performed. ResultsThe mean age was 77.2±5.5 years in the AD group and 73.8±4.4 years in the control group (p<0.001). Sensory organization test composite equilibrium score (60[30-81], p<0.001), step quick turn-sway velocity (69.2 [38.2-95.8], p<0.001) and step quick turn-time (3.8 [1.6-8.4], p<0.001) were significantly impaired in mild-moderate stage AD patients. Berg Balance Scale (50 [32-56], p<0.001) and TUG test (13.0 [7.0-25.7], p<0.001) results were worse in AD. ConclusionsComputerized posturography measures were impaired in mild-moderate AD patients. The results highlight importance of early screening for balance and fall risk in AD patients. The study provides multi-dimensional and holistic assessment of balance performance in early-stage AD patients. Alzheimer's disease patients at earlier stages are prone to fall risk and should be evaluated accordingly.

An Exploration of the Relationship Between Pharmacy School Admission Variables and PGY1 Pharmacy Residency Program Match

ObjectiveTo explore the relationship between pharmacy school admission variables and matching to a postgraduate year 1 (PGY1) pharmacy residency program. MethodsDemographic data, academic indicators, and application review scores were collected for the 2017–2020 Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) graduating classes. Multiple mini-interview (MMI) scores were collected for the 2018–2020 PharmD graduating classes. Postgraduate year 1 matching data were collected for all students. Bivariate analyses were performed comparing students who matched to a PGY1 residency versus those who did not match versus those who did not pursue a residency. Logistic regression modeling was performed to explore predictors of matching to a PGY1 residency program. ResultsA total of 616 students were included. Bivariate analyses revealed that students who matched to a PGY1 had a higher undergraduate grade point average, higher pharmacy college admissions test composite score, were younger in age, and were more likely to identify as female. Students who matched also scored higher on MMI stations with constructs related to integrity, adaptability, critical thinking, and why pursuing our school. Logistic regression modeling found that an increase in age was associated with lower odds of matching to a PGY1 (0.88 [0.78–0.99]) and an increase in composite MMI station score was associated with higher odds of matching (1.8 [1.31–2.47]). ConclusionSeveral pharmacy school admission variables were found to be associated with successful matching to a PGY1 residency. These findings have the potential for impact at a programmatic level when evaluating the weight of certain criteria for admission decisions and at the individual student level when providing career services support.

Dynamic posturography after computerized vestibular retraining for stable unilateral vestibular deficits

Background Balance deficits increase the risk of falls and compromise quality of life. Current treatment modalities do not resolve symptoms for many patients. Aims/objectives To measure changes in objective posturography after a computerized vestibular retraining therapy protocol. Materials and methods This was a single-arm interventional study of individuals with a stable unilateral vestibular deficit present for greater than six months. Participants underwent 12 twice-weekly sessions of computerized vestibular retraining therapy. Objective response was measured by the Sensory Organization Test and questionnaires were administered to measure subjective changes. Results We enrolled 13 participants (5 females and 8 males) with a median age of 51 years (range 18 to 67). After retraining, the Sensory Organization Test composite score improved by 8.8 (95% CI 0.6 to 19.1) and this correlated with improvement in the Falls Efficacy Scale-International questionnaire (rs −0.6472; 95% CI −0.8872 to − 0.1316). Participants with moderate-to-severe disability at baseline (n = 7) demonstrated greater improvement in the composite score (14.6; 95% CI 7.0 to 36.9). Conclusions and significance Computerized vestibular retraining therapy for stable unilateral vestibular deficits is associated with improvement in dynamic balance performance. Posturography improvements correlated with a reduction in perceived fall risk.Trial Registration Information Clinicaltrials.gov registration NCT04875013; 04/27/2021

An Evaluation of Nonacademic Predictors of Success in a Doctor of Pharmacy Program

Objective. Pharmacy programs have struggled to predict who will be successful in their programs based solely on cognitive skills. The primary objective of this study was to determine which, if any, nonacademic factors are associated with on-time progression within the school of pharmacy curriculum.Methods. A survey was developed and offered to all Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy students in fall 2020. This survey included questions to collect demographic data and incorporated four validated questionnaires: the Grit-Grid, the Academic Pharmacy Resilience Scale (APRS-16), the Cohen Perceived Stress Scale (CPSS), and the Turkish Time Management Questionnaire (TTMQ).Results. Completed surveys were submitted by 213 students out of 569 (37.4% response rate). On-time progression rate was calculated separately for each class. Through binary logistic regression, we found that on-time progression was significantly associated with prepharmacy grade point average >3.20, high school Grit-Grid score >0.9, APRS-16 score >35, and CPSS score >34. Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT) composite scores and admissions committee rubric scores were not associated with on-time progression.Conclusion. Based on the results of this study, it may be reasonable to implement the Grit-Grid, APRS-16, and the CPSS in the admissions process to help determine the most appropriate candidates for our program or use them as screening tools for incoming students to identify who may be at academic risk. However, these factors need to be validated in pharmacy programs in other private and public universities before widespread adoption can be condoned.

Classification Accuracy and Consistency of Compensatory Composite Test Scores

AbstractTest scores are often used to make decisions about examinees, such as in licensure and certification testing, as well as in many educational contexts. In some cases, these decisions are based upon compensatory scores, such as those from multiple sections or components of an exam. Classification accuracy and classification consistency are two psychometric characteristics of test scores that are often reported when decisions are based on those scores, and several techniques currently exist for estimating both accuracy and consistency. However, research on classification accuracy and consistency on compensatory test scores is scarce. This study demonstrates two techniques that can be used to estimate classification accuracy and consistency when test scores are used in a compensatory manner. First, a simulation study demonstrates that both methods provide very similar results under the studied conditions. Second, we demonstrate how the two methods could be used with a high‐stakes licensure exam.

Effect of sleep deprivation on postural control and dynamic stability in healthy young adults

BackgroundPostural control results from non-linear interactions of multiple neuromusculoskeletal elements and contextual factors. The use of non-linear analyses that consider the temporal evolution of postural adjustments, such as sample entropy, could inform about the changes in postural control due to contextual disturbances such as sleep deprivation. Research questionWhat are the effects of sleep deprivation on static postural control and dynamic stability in healthy young adults? MethodsA quasi-experimental study was performed with 17 healthy young males submitted to 24 h of monitored sleep deprivation. The postural control was measured using sample entropy, area, and total average velocity of the center of pressure on a force platform. The dynamic stability was measured using the Modified Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBTm) composite score for each lower limb. Repeated-measures analysis of variance (baseline × 12 h × 15 h × 18 h × 21 h × 24 h of sleep deprivation) verified the effect of sleep deprivation in the postural control variables. Paired t-test compared the composite score of the SEBTm between baseline and 24 h sleep deprivation. ResultsSample entropy decreased after 18 h of sleep deprivation (p = 0.032) and 24 h of sleep deprivation (p = 0.001). Despite the significant main effect for the area (p = 0.012) and speed (p = 0.007) of the center of pressure, no pairwise differences were identified in the post hoc analysis. The non-dominant lower limb SEBTm composite score was reduced after 24 h of sleep deprivation (p = 0.033), and no difference was observed in the dominant limb. SignificanceSleep deprivation reduced the adaptability in static postural control and dynamic stability of the non-dominant lower limb of healthy young male adults. Sample entropy seemed more sensitive to capture the effects of sleep deprivation than the classical postural control variables.

Does a ten-week activate GAA warm-up intervention improve outcomes in adult male hurlers?

BACKGROUND: Injuries are frequent in hurlers and injury prevention exercise programmes implemented during their warm-up could play a role in reducing injury risk. OBJECTIVES: To determine whether a ten-week Activate GAA warm-up intervention improves outcomes (landing mechanics, dynamic postural control, quality of movement and hamstring and adductor strength) in hurlers. METHODS: A non-randomized controlled trial was implemented in adult male non-elite hurlers (intervention n=58; control n=59) and players were eligible if they were uninjured and currently playing with a non-elite hurling team. The landing error scoring system (LESS), Y balance test, overhead squat, single leg squat, hamstring strength test and adductor break test were assessed by one Certified Athletic Therapist pre- and post-intervention. The intervention group completed the Activate GAA warm-up prior to all training and games. Two participants were unable to complete post-testing due to injury in the control group only. RESULTS: The ANCOVA analysis revealed that the intervention group’s landing mechanics (LESS total score: p&lt;0.0001, ηp2=0.34), postural control (Y balance test composite score: p&lt;0.0001, ηp2=0.23), and quality of movement (Overhead squat: p&lt;0.0001, ηp2=0.21; single leg squat dominant: p=0.04, ηp2=0.0.04; single leg squat non-dominant: p&lt;0.0001, ηp2=0.12) were significantly better than the control group. Adductor and hamstring strength were not significantly improved (p&gt;0.05). CONCLUSIONS: These findings support the use of the Activate GAA warm-up in non-elite adult male hurlers with improvements observed in landing mechanics, dynamic postural control and quality of movement. Randomised controlled trials to examine its effect on injury incidence along with consideration of long-term compliance are required.