Conventional Training Program Research Articles

Improving walking via real-time visual feedback after stroke in treadmill training (RE-VISIT): a protocol for randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND: After a stroke, most patients often suffer reduced walking ability and balance. Restoring walking ability and improving balance are major goals of stroke rehabilitation. Treadmills are often used in clinical setups to achieve these goals. Adding dimensions to the visual feedback in addition to the mirror for real-time frontal view is proven to enhance the gait. It is, therefore, important to design additional real-time visual feedback in treadmill training, in particular for the sagittal view involved side. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to test if the real-time sagittal visual feedback during treadmill training is superior to the conventional mirror feedback treadmill training program of equivalent intensity in improving walking speed and balance after stroke. METHODS/DESIGN: The RE-VISIT trial (Real-time Visual feedback after Stroke in Treadmill training) is registered in the Clinical Trial Registry of India (CTRI/2023/10/058299). In this two-arm randomized control trial, which will be a single-blinded study, 42 eligible stroke survivors undergoing rehabilitation will be randomly allocated (1:1 ratio) to either real-time visual sagittal feedback along with front mirror (experimental) group or only front mirror treadmill training (control) group, all the participants will receive 15 sessions of treadmill training for up to 15 min at a safe self-selected speed over 5-6 weeks. The RE-VISIT (experimental) group will receive real-time, visual sagittal view feedback of the involved lower limb trajectory along with the routine front mirror view during treadmill training and will be asked to modify their gait pattern. The control group will receive treadmill walking training only with the routine front mirror view feedback. Clinical and gait assessments will be conducted at the baseline, immediately following the final session of training, and at the 9th week during follow-up. The outcome measures of interest are walking speed (primary) and balance (secondary), which will be measured prior to baseline, post 15 sessions of training, and at the 9th week following training. DISCUSSION: This REVISIT trial will provide insight and contribute to the existing innovation and modifications of incorporating real-time visual feedback during treadmill training in post-stroke gait rehabilitation. The findings will help the better designing of a gait rehabilitation program with a treadmill for post-stroke subjects to improve walking speed, and balance for those who have greater difficulties in community ambulation. We anticipate that those in the REVISIT training will demonstrate improved walking ability.

Comparison between six-week exergaming, conventional balance and no exercise training program on older adults’ balance and gait speed

Abstract We evaluated differences between a six-week exergame-training and a conventional balance training program on the balance and gait speed of older adults’ (>65 years). Forty-two healthy participants were recruited from independent living and community centers and randomized to one of three groups: exergaming balance training (EBT), conventional balance training (CBT), or control (no training). The participants completed two balance measurements (Fullerton Advanced Balance Scale (FAB) and center of pressure (COP) excursion), and gait speed at pre, post-intervention, and after a three-week follow-up. Both EBT and CBT groups improved their scores on the FAB, COP displacement, and gait speed post-intervention (p<0.05) and these changes were maintained and did not return to pre-training values after three weeks of detraining. The control group scores for FAB and gait velocity values declined (p<0.001) but not COP excursions during the study. This six-week exergame training program improved balance control and gait speed in community-dwelling seniors in a similar fashion to conventional training. Participants’ physical abilities scores improved and were maintained following three weeks of detraining. Exergame-based training therefore may be considered as an intervention that can address balance control and gait speed in older adults. As well improved scores can be maintained with transient or sporadic activity.

Efficacy of FIFA 11+ Training Program on Performance and Functional Movement in Collegiate Football Players

Background: Football is the most common sport played around the world with 300 million registered players.To decrease injury rates and promote fair play in football, the FIFA-Medical and Assessment Research Centredesigned the FIFA 11+ training program.Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of FIFA 11+ training program on functional performanceand functional movement in collegiate football players.Materials and Methods: A total of thirty subjects were chosen. Fifteen adult male football players were randomlyassigned into one of two groups: Group A (traditional training) or Group B (FIFA 11+ training). Both the groupsreceived the training for six weeks. And to check the performance speed was calculated using a 20m sprint test andaerobic capacity was measured using treadmill test. To check the functional movement FMS score was measured.Results:A Pearson correlation test shows a positive correlation (r = 0.208) but the weaker relationship between thevariables. Paired t test analysis shows a significant improvement after the treatment in terms of Gluteus Maximusmuscle activity, Hamstring muscle length and pain reduction with a P value < 0.001.Conclusion: This study concluded that FIFA 11+ training programs were better than the conventional trainingprogram in terms of functional performance, functional movement, and injury prevention. This was attributed tothe effect of the program on stability, muscle strength, proprioception, and postural alignment, which makes it abetter training program for preventing injuries.

Effects of Pseudo-Weight Resistance Training Using Mixed-Reality Technology on Muscle Activation in Healthy Adults: A Preliminary Study

The present study investigated the feasibility and effectiveness of pseudo-weight resistance training using mixed-reality (MR) technology for shoulder muscle activation in healthy individuals. Thirty-two healthy students aged 20~35 years participated in this preliminary study and were divided into two groups. Participants in the MR group received 30 min of training three times a week for 4 weeks using a customized MR-based pseudo-weight resistance training system. Those in the control group performed the same exercises using a conventional training program. Muscle activation of the deltoids, upper trapezius, infraspinatus, and supraspinatus were measured before and after the intervention. There was a statistically significant difference in middle deltoid, upper trapezius, and supraspinatus muscle activation in the MR group (p < 0.05), while the control group showed a significant difference in the anterior and middle deltoid, upper trapezius, and supraspinatus (p < 0.05). Regarding the between-group comparison, no statistically significant difference was observed for all six muscles (p > 0.05). Without any superiority of physical weight resistance training in the pseudo-weight training program, an MR-based pseudo-weight resistance training system can potentially be used for muscle-strengthening training, especially for early rehabilitation programs. However, further study using a large sample size with a long experimental duration is needed for more evidence of the presented technology and its use in home training.

Effectiveness of Circuit Class Training for Gait Parameters in Subactute Stroke Patients

Introduction: Mostly the CVA patient’s exhibit hemi paretic gait distinguished by unhurried and uneven gait pattern accompanied by faulty selective muscles power, retarded as well as changed balance reaction along with decreased weight bearing on the hemiplegic limb. Many studies have shown that use of walking aids, muscle strengthening, over ground walking, treadmill training and FES, are some of the available physiotherapy treatments to ameliorate gait in patients with stroke. Objective of our research program is to find out the difference between the efficacies of circuit class training versus conventional exercise program on gait parameters in sub- acute stroke subjects. Methodology: In this study using pre-post-test experimental design, 30 subjects with sub- acute stroke were assigned to 2 (groups A and group B) based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Each group shall contain 15 subjects. Group A receives circuit class training 1 hour per session on alternative days for 4 weeks and Group B received conventional training program for 30 minutes a day, for all days in a week, for 4 weeks, total sessions were 22-24. The outcomes are 6 MWT, DGI and SSQOL. The pre- and post- test values are taken on the first day and then after 4 weeks of treatment. Results: After the treatment there was an improvement within both groups. In the circuit class training group, there was an improvement after the intervention (P<0.04) and conventional exercise therapy group (P<0.03). There was no remarkable differentiation between these both protocols. The significance level between both the group was kept as P>0.5. Conclusion: After the 4 weeks of the study the results reveals that the two groups (group A and group B) show marked changes in the gait parameters as well as the quality of life. However, when comparing circuit class interventions and conventional interventions there was no difference in the level of significance. So, our study concluding that both exercise protocols are effective and there is no significant difference between these both protocols on gait parameters and quality of life in subjects with sub- acute stroke.

Evaluating the effectiveness of a new student-centred laboratory training strategy in clinical biochemistry teaching

BackgroundThe error-proneness in the preanalytical and postanalytical stages is higher than that in the analytical stage of the total testing process. However, preanalytical and postanalytical quality management has not received enough attention in medical laboratory education and tests in clinical biochemistry courses.Methods/approachClinical biochemistry teaching program aim to improve students’ awareness and ability of quality management according to international organization for standardization 15,189 requirements. We designed a student-centred laboratory training program, according to case-based learning that included 4 stages: “establish an overall testing process based on the patient’s clinical indicator, clarify principles, improve operational skills, and review process and continuous improvement”. The program was implemented in our college during the winter semesters of 2019 and 2020. A total of 185 undergraduate students majoring in medical laboratory science participated in the program as a test group, and the other 172 students were set up as the control group and adopted the conventional method. The participants were asked to finish an online survey to evaluate the class at the end.Results/outcomesThe test group had significantly better examination scores not only in experimental operational skills (89.27 ± 7.16 vs. 77.51 ± 4.72, p < 0.05 in 2019 grade, 90.31 ± 5.35 vs. 72.87 ± 8.41 in 2020 grade) but also in total examination (83.47 ± 6.16 vs. 68.90 ± 5.86 in 2019 grade, 82.42 ± 5.72 vs. 69.55 ± 7.54 in 2020 grade) than the control group. The results of the questionnaire survey revealed that the students in the test group better achieved classroom goals than those in the control group (all p < 0.05).ConclusionsThe new student-centred laboratory training program based on case-based learning in clinical biochemistry is an effective and acceptable strategy compared with the conventional training program.

Low-load resistance training with blood flow restriction versus traditional training exercises in patients with knee osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee is a disabling condition and results in impaired quality of life. Strength training is an important treatment for patients with knee OA. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of low load resistance training (LLR) accompanied by blood flow restriction (BFR) training compared to conventional high load resistance training (HLR) on quadriceps muscular strength, proprioceptive accuracy, and function of the knee joint. A total of 42 patients, from both sexes, with mild to moderate OA in one tibiofemoral joint and whose age ranged from 45 to 60 years old, were randomized into two groups (control and experimental). The control group (HL group) included twenty-one patients (7 men, 14 women) with a mean age of 49.57±4.37 who received the conventional training program (high load resistance training). The experimental group (BFR group) included twenty-one patients (5 men, 16 women) with a mean age of 48.61±3.8 who received LLRT with BFR. Quadriceps muscle strength was evaluated using a hand-held dynamometer (HHD), knee joint function was assessed using the WOMAC questionnaire, and proprioception was assessed with a digital inclinometer. The results revealed a statistically significant improvement in mean WOMAC, HDD, and proprioception values assessed post-treatment in both groups compared to the corresponding mean values pre-treatment (p &lt; 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups on the examined dependent variables at baseline (p &gt; 0.05). Conventional HLR and LLR-BFR training are efficient in managing knee OA by improving quadriceps muscle strength, enhancing the function of the knee joint, and proprioceptive accuracy. Following 4 weeks of treatment, the BFR group had lesser WOMAC and proprioception mean values and greater HHD mean values than the HL group.

TREINAMENTO POR ELEVAÇÃO PROGRESSIVA DE CARGA EM JOVENS JOGADORES DE FUTEBOL

ABSTRACT Introduction: Among the main characteristics of soccer are a long-time of competition and its intensity; its athletes quickly alternate between attack and defense, executing distinct intensities of exercise and manding a high level of physical conditioning. Objective: Verify the impacts of training with progressive load elevation on young soccer athletes. Methods: Fifty students from the soccer special class 2019 of the School of Physical Education were selected as volunteers for the experiment. They were randomly divided into the experimental and control group. The experimental group received a physical training program with progressive load lifting, while the control group received a conventional training program. The experiment lasted 45 minutes daily, three times a week for ten weeks. The fitness index was checked before and after the experiment, and the data were statistically analyzed to verify the influence of the special progressive load lifting training on the physical training of young soccer players and the feasibility of its application in physical training. results: The index scores of the vertical jump and 30m fast run tests were slightly higher than those of the control group (P&gt;0.05). The mean scores of the experimental and control groups were 15.02 and 15.56, and the standard deviations were 1.07 and 0.93, respectively. Conclusion: The experiment's performance in tests of speed, strength, agility, and endurance showed improvements in varying degrees. Among them, the indicators of endurance and sensitivity showed significant differences, indicating that physical training by progressive load elevation can effectively promote the development of endurance and agility in young soccer players. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment outcomes.

Sounding Together: Collaborative Perspectives on U.S. Music in the 21st Century, edited by Charles Hiroshi Garrett and Carol J. Oja

<i>Sounding Together: Collaborative Perspectives on U.S. Music in the 21st Century</i>, edited by Charles Hiroshi Garrett and Carol J. Oja

Improving Tennis Serve Velocity: Review of Training Methods and Recommendations

ABSTRACT One of the essential components to success in tennis is serve velocity (SV). Coaches and practitioners aim to maximize performance and results by increasing this determinant aspect. Concentrically or eccentrically predominant conventional resistance training programs have been used to raise SV, obtaining moderate increases in experienced populations. Nevertheless, indirect improvements in other components, such as asymmetry reductions and increased neural adaptations following these designs, could interest the young competitor. Other methodologies such as medicine ball throws and explosive or power-based programs that mimic the serve kinetic chain seem to obtain greater gains in young players, because the implication and body structures involved seem more specific to the action. More recent methodologies such as flywheel-based training or weighted implements or limbs also could be of interest, although further studies are needed to confirm the effectiveness of these programs and specific load prescriptions. However, data suggest that heavier or lighter load exercises seem valid options to improve SV if the athlete performs maximal intended execution velocity. Added to the currently available literature on training methods to increase SV, exercise prescription examples are provided to help the strength and conditioning coach improve this key variable.

Effect of CrossFit Training on Physical Fitness of Kickboxers.

Background: Kickboxing is a combat sport that is complex in technique, tactics, and movement structure, and requires an adequate level of motor skills as a foundation for activities during competitions. General physical fitness, defined as the effect of the externalization of motor skills, is the basis for athletic training regardless of the sport. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of modified training based on the principles of CrossFit on the development of general physical fitness in a group of kickboxers compared to a control group. Methods: The study was experimental in nature and was conducted in a group of 60 kickboxers, divided into experimental and control groups. Participants were selected by purposive sampling, and the criteria were training experience, sports skill level (minimum class 1 athletes), and consent to participate in the experiment. The intervention in the study group involved the introduction of CrossFit-based training into a conventional kickboxing training program. General and special physical fitness of the athletes were diagnosed. Results: Statistically significant differences were found in general fitness in terms of abdominal strength (p < 0.001), pull-ups (p < 0.001), dynamometric measurement of handgrip force (p < 0.001) (kg), clap push-ups (p < 0.001), standing long jump (p < 0.001), shuttle run (p < 0.001), sit-and-reach (p < 0.001), and tapping (p < 0.001). Furthermore, changes in special fitness were also demonstrated for the special kickboxing fitness test (SKFT) (p < 0.02), the total number of punches (p < 0.001), punching speed (p < 0.001), and hip turning speed (p < 0.001). There was also a correlation between characteristics of general fitness and special fitness (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The experimental training program based on the principles of CrossFit training had a positive effect on the general and special kickboxing physical fitness.

Combined effect of orthotic intervention and conventional exercise training on balance and gait performance in cerebral palsy: a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundThis study aimed to examine the combined effect of orthotic intervention and conventional therapeutic exercise training on balance and gait performance in children with cerebral palsy. This study was a randomized control trial. Forty children with dyskinetic cerebral palsy of both genders with ages ranged from 12 to 16 years were included. Participants in the control and study groups received a conventional therapeutic exercise training program for two 2 h ours per session. The treatment program was conducted three sessions per week, for twelve 12 successive weeks. Children in the study group additionally wore TheraTogs orthotic undergarment with the strapping system. Pediatric Balance Scale score and postural stability indices (overall, anteroposterior , and mediolateral) evaluated by the Biodex Balance System were assessed (in both groups) at baseline and after 12 weeks of treatment. The changes of step length, gait cycle time, cadence, and velocity were also measured by an electronic walkway.ResultsChildren in the study group showed significant improvements in the scores of all the measured variables post-treatment compared to the control group (P < 0.05). The P -values for overall, anteroposterior and mediolateral postural stability indices were 0.011, 0.014, and 0.021, respectively. The P -values for Pediatric Balance Scale score, step length, gait cycle time, cadence, and velocity were 0.001, 0.023, 0.041, 0.011, and 0.013 respectively.ConclusionsConventional therapeutic exercise training combined with orthotic intervention were more effective in improving balance and gait performance in children with dyskinetic cerebral palsy.Trial registrationThe ClinicalTrial.gov PRS (NCT04990193).Registered 4 August 2021 - Retrospectively registered.

A structured reflection-based graphic organizer approach for professional training: A technology-supported AQSR approach

The mission of professional training is to foster learners' abilities to perform analysis and to carry out problem-solving. During the process of professional training, how to promote learners' self-efficacy, re-organization, and reflection is the key to boosting their problem-solving abilities. However, conventional professional training programs tend to rely on teachers' elaboration of basic knowledge and cases. They also use graphical organizers for knowledge organization. The main focus of this learning method aims at promoting learners' memory and assisting their comprehension of the overall structure of the knowledge. However, learners who use this method often fail to develop a deep understanding of the relationship of different cases without additional supports. To solve this problem, this study proposed a technology-enhanced Annotation, Questioning, Summarization, and Reflection (AQSR) training approach which uses a graphic organizer to guide trainees to gain knowledge during the process of comprehending and organizing learning content. To evaluate the effectiveness of these strategies, a quasi-experiment was conducted to compare the performances of the AQSR-based graphic organizer approach and the conventional graphic organizer-based training. The participants were new nursing staff who were enrolled in two classes of a training program. From the experimental results, it was found that the nursing staff who used the AQSR training approach showed significantly better learning achievements and case analysis test scores as well as more positive learning attitudes than those who used the conventional graphic organizer-based training, showing the potential of the proposed approach for professional training.

Home-Based Tele-Exercise in Musculoskeletal Conditions and Chronic Disease: A Literature Review.

Exercise training is an essential component in the treatment or rehabilitation of various diseases and conditions. However, barriers to exercise such as the burdens of travel or time may hinder individuals' ability to participate in such training programs. Advancements in technology have allowed for remote, home-based exercise training to be utilized as a supplement or replacement to conventional exercise training programs. Individuals in these home-based exercise programs are able to do so under varying levels of supervision from trained professionals, with some programs having direct supervision, and others having little to no supervision at all. The purpose of this review is to examine the use of home-based, tele-exercise training programs for the treatment of different disease states and conditions, and how these programs compare to conventional clinic-based exercise training programs.

A motivational model‐based virtual reality approach to prompting learners' sense of presence, learning achievements, and higher‐order thinking in professional safety training

AbstractIncreasing learners' sense of presence is important in professional training, in particular, when aiming to foster their competences of making judgements and solving problems when facing real cases. However, in conventional training programmes, sometimes it is difficult to situate learners in real cases owing to several considerations, such as cost and potential danger. Scholars have indicated that the lack of opportunities to experience real contexts could seriously affect the training outcomes. To cope with this problem, the present study proposes a spherical video‐based virtual reality (SVVR)‐based professional training (SVVR‐PT) approach based on the attention, relevance, confidence and satisfaction (ARCS) model to situate learners in an authentic training environment to experience the process of solving practical cases before facing real cases. To evaluate the effectiveness of the approach, a true experiment was conducted in a hospital by randomly assigning 70 nurses to an experimental group learning with the SVVR‐PT approach and a control group learning with the conventional training approach. The experimental results show that the proposed approach outperformed the conventional approach in terms of promoting the learners' sense of presence and learning achievement as well as their problem‐solving tendency and critical‐thinking awareness. Moreover, the SVVR‐PT learners also showed higher technology acceptance than the conventional training group. Practitioner notesWhat is already known about this topic? Spherical video‐based virtual reality (SVVR) immerses learners in an authentic environment that enables them to have more opportunities to experiment and practice. Attention, relevance, confidence and satisfaction model has great potential in promoting learners' motivation and engagement. What this paper adds? A motivational model‐based virtual reality approach is proposed to facilitate learners' professional training performance. In addition to promoting learners' training performance, the results claimed that the proposed approach could promote students' sense of presence, problem‐solving tendency and critical‐thinking awareness. Implications for practice and/or policy It is potentially worth using the motivational model‐based virtual reality approach in professional training to facilitate learners' performances and perceptions. The proposed approach can further analyze and compare the effects of the cooperative learning strategy on learners' performance and recorded learning process.

Recent Considerations on Gaming Console Based Training for Multiple Sclerosis Rehabilitation.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a well-known, chronic demyelinating disease of the Central Nervous System (CNS) and one of the most common causes of disability in young adults. In this context, one of the major challenges in patients’ rehabilitation is to maintain the gained motor abilities in terms of functional independence. This could be partially obtained by applying new emerging and cutting-edge virtual/augmented reality and serious game technologies for a playful, noninvasive treatment that was demonstrated to be quite efficient and effective in enhancing the clinical status of patients and their (re)integration into society. Recently, Cloud computing and Internet of Things (IoT) emerged as technologies that can potentially revolutionize patients’ care. To achieve such a goal, a system that on one hand gathers patients’ clinical parameters through a network of medical IoT devices equipped with sensors and that, on the other hand, sends the collected data to a hospital Cloud for processing and analytics is required. In this paper, we assess the effectiveness of a Nintendo Wii Fit® Plus Balance Board (WFBB) used as an IoT medical device adopted in a rehabilitation training program aimed at improving the physical abilities of MS patients (pwMS). In particular, the main scientific contribution of this paper is twofold: (i) to present a preliminary new pilot study investigating whether exercises based on the Nintendo Wii Fit® balance board included in a rehabilitation training program could improve physical abilities and Quality of Life (QoL) of patients compared to that of a conventional four-week rehabilitation training program; (ii) to discuss how such a rehabilitation training program could be adopted in the perspective of near future networks of medical IoT-based rehabilitation devices, interconnected with a hospital Cloud system for big data processing to improve patients’ therapies and support the scientific research about motor rehabilitation. Results demonstrate the advantages of our approach from both health and technological points of view.

The Effect of Virtual Reality-Based Therapy on Improving Upper Limb Functions in Individuals With Stroke: A Randomized Control Trial.

Background: Stroke is a common cause of motor disability. The recovery of upper limb after stroke is poor, with few stroke survivors regaining some functional use of the affected upper limb. This is further complicated by the fact that the prolonged rehabilitation is accompanied by multiple challenges in using and identifying meaningful and motivated treatment tasks that may be adapted and graded to facilitate the rehabilitation program. Virtual reality-based therapy is one of the most innovative approaches in rehabilitation technology and virtual reality systems can provide enhanced feedback to promote motor learning in individuals with neurological or musculoskeletal diseases.Purpose: This study investigated the effect of virtual reality-based therapy on improving upper limb functions in individuals with chronic stroke.Methods: Forty Saudi individuals with chronic stroke (6–24 months following stroke incidence) and degree of spasticity ranged between 1, 1 + and 2 according to Modified Ashworth Scale were included in this study. Participants were randomly assigned into two groups, experimental and control, with the experimental group undertaking a conventional 1-h functional training program, followed by another hour of virtual reality-based therapy using Armeo Spring equipment and the control group received 2 h of a conventional functional training program. The treatment program was conducted three times per week for three successive months. The change in the scores of Action Research Arm Test (ARAT), Wolf Motor Function Test (WMFT), WMFT-Time (time required to complete the test) and Hand Grip Strength (HGS) were recorded at baseline and after completion of the treatment. Parametric (paired and unpaired t-tests) non-parametric (Wilcoxon and Mann–Whitney tests) statistical tests were used to identify the differences within and between groups (experimental group and control group) and evaluation times (pre- and immediately post-treatment).Results: Both groups showed significant differences (all, P < 0.05) in all measured variables after 3 months of the treatment. Individuals with stoke in the experimental group had a better improvement in ARAT (P < 0.01), WMFT (P < 0.01) and WMFT-Time (P < 0.01) scores after completion of the treatment compared to the control group. No significant difference in HGS scores was detected between groups after completion of the treatment (P = 0.252).Conclusion: The use of combined treatment of virtual reality-based therapy and conventional functional training program is more effective for improving upper limb functions in individuals with chronic stroke than the use of the conventional program alone.

On pedagogy of a Soil Science Centre for Doctoral Training

AbstractHere we describe and evaluate the success of a multi‐institutional Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT), which was established to address a UK skills shortage in Soil Science. The government‐funded ‘STARS’ (Soils Training And Research Studentships) CDT was established in 2015 across a range of universities and research institutes in the UK. It recruited 41 PhD students equitably split across the institutions under four core research themes identified as being central to the national need, namely, (1) Understanding the soil–root interface, (2) Soils and the delivery of ecosystem services, (3) Resilience and response of functions in soil systems and (4) Modelling the soil ecosystem at different spatial and temporal scales. In addition, the STARS CDT provided a diverse skills programme, including: Holistic training in soils, the promotion of collegiality and joint working, strategies to promote science and generate impact, internships with end users (e.g., policymakers, industry), personal wellbeing, and ways to generate a lasting soils training legacy. Overall, both supervisors and students have reported a positive experience of the CDT in comparison to the conventional doctoral training programmes, which have less discipline focus and little chance for students to scientifically interact with their cohorts or to undertake joint training activities. The STARS CDT also allowed students to freely access research infrastructure across the partner institutions (e.g., long‐term field trials, specialised analytical facilities, high‐performance computing), breaking down traditional institutional barriers and thus maximising the students' potential to undertake high‐quality research. The success and legacy of the STARS CDT can be evidenced in many ways; however, it is exemplified by the large number and diversity of journal papers produced, the lasting collaborations, final career destinations, and creation of a web‐based legacy portal including new and reflective video material.Highlights Soil science was identified as having a scientific skills shortage in the UK. A dedicated soil science Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) was established to address this skills gap. The multi‐institutional, discipline‐focused CDT proved more successful than conventional generic PhD training programmes. The CDT model provides critical mass to provide more effective training of soil scientists.

Effects of Robot-Assisted Gait Training in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis: A Single-Blinded Randomized Controlled Study.

This study aims to evaluate and compare the effects of conventional and robot-assisted gait training (RAGT) programs on fatigue, mood, and quality of life in patients with multiple sclerosis who have fatigue. In this single-blinded, randomized controlled study, 37 patients with multiple sclerosis were randomized into two groups: RAGT ( n = 18) and conventional gait training ( n = 19). The RAGT group had gait training with RoboGait, whereas the conventional gait training group received conventional physiotherapist-assisted gait training. Outcome measures were the Fatigue Severity Scale, Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale, Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life-54, Extended Disability Status Scale, Functional Ambulation Category, Berg Balance Test, and 6-min walk test. Baseline demographic, clinic, and functional data were similar. Both groups showed improvements in the Fatigue Severity Scale, Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale-Depression, Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life, Berg Balance Test, and 6-min walk test scores after treatment. Only the RAGT group showed an improvement in Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale-Anxiety score. The RAGT group had better Fatigue Severity Scale, and Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale scores. In combination with the standard rehabilitation program, both RAGT and conventional gait training are effective for multiple sclerosis. However, RAGT has superior effects in terms of fatigue, depression, and anxiety. Therefore, it may be preferred in multiple sclerosis patients who exhibit prominent symptoms of fatigue, depression, or anxiety.

Effect of Game-Based Cognitive Training Programs on Cognitive Learning of Children with Intellectual Disabilities

Early detection and repeated learning training of children with intellectual disabilities are important factors that are directly related to the quality of future life of such children. However, implementation of such programs is challenging, as the subjects are still children. Therefore, motivation and interest are important for children with intellectual disabilities to carry out continuous training. In this study, Neuro-World, a game-based cognitive training program, was proposed for motivation and interest induction, and its effectiveness was compared with that of a conventional cognitive training program through analysis after both programs were implemented by professional therapists. The pre-test and post-test results of the game-based cognitive training program were statistically significant and showed superiority in the comparison with the conventional program. Therefore, the game-based cognitive training program developed in this study through digital media is expected to be effective in improving cognitive learning ability.