Days Of Training Research Articles

Educational Intervention Can Improve the Pilot Balloon Palpation Method of Tracheal Tube Cuff Pressure Monitoring: An Experimental Study

Abstract Background: Considerable morbidity is attributable to inappropriate tracheal cuff pressure. An earlier study undertaken in our hospital revealed that a normal cuff pressure of 20–30 cm H2O was achieved in only 6% of intubated patients using subjective estimation methods. Objective: To determine whether a training intervention could improve the accuracy of the subjective estimation method in our tracheal cuff monitoring. Materials and Methods: A 1-day training session was conducted in April 2022 for our anaesthesia providers. The cuffs of different sizes of endotracheal tubes were inflated to 25 cm H2O, and each staff was requested to feel the turgor of the pilot balloon. Subsequently, anaesthesia providers used pilot balloon palpation for the regulation of the tracheal cuff pressure in consecutive patients undergoing general anaesthesia with endotracheal intubation. During each intubation, a manometer was used to crosscheck the inflated cuff pressure objectively. The incidence of post-operative sore throat was also evaluated. The obtained outcomes were compared with pre-intervention data obtained from an earlier study conducted in the health facility from October 2020 to September 2021. Significant differences were considered when P < 0.05. Results: The mean tracheal cuff pressure was improved post-intervention (49.2 ± 24.1 cm H2O versus 77.1 ± 31.1 cm H2O; P < 0.001). A significantly higher proportion of tracheal cuffs (20%; 31/156) were inflated within the normal range compared to 6% (9/141) prior to the intervention (P = 0.003). Fewer patients developed post-operative sore throat following the educational intervention (32.8%; 41/125) versus pre-intervention (47.7%; 53/111; P = 0.019). Conclusion: The educational intervention improved the safety of tracheal cuff management, which could positively impact airway management, especially in poor resource settings without cuff manometers.

Intraday Variation of Ankle Dorsiflexion in Short-Track Speed Skaters.

Optimal ankle dorsiflexion range of motion plays a vital role in attaining the essential crouched posture necessary for excelling in speed skating. The purpose of this study was to determine how the ankle dorsiflexion angle evolves throughout a day of training and to identify the factors that influence this angle. Thirty short-track speed skaters, from 2 teams, participated in this study. The maximum ankle dorsiflexion angle was obtained in a lunge position facing a wall, using a digital inclinometer. All measures were obtained 3 times per side, 6 times per day, on 2 training days separated by at least a week. We conducted multiple tests to study the impact of repetition, day, side, team level, sex, and moment on the ankle dorsiflexion angle. The 3 times repeated measures and the 2days of training did not have a significant influence on the results. There was a statistically significant difference between the first time point of the day and the 5 other time points for both ankles. Moreover, the influence of sex and team level was not statistically significant. The results indicate that there are significant changes in ankle dorsiflexion range of motion but only after the first warm-up of the day. Such findings could enable team staff to enhance athletes' precompetition preparation and tailor ankle mobility training regimens more effectively.

Daily energy expenditure and water turnover in female netball players from the Netball Super League: A doubly labeled water observation study.

To establish the criterion-assessed energy and fluid requirements of female netball players, 13 adult players from a senior Netball Super League squad were assessed over 14 days in a cross-sectional design, representing a two- and one-match microcycle, respectively. Total energy expenditure (TEE) and water turnover (WT) were measured by doubly labeled water. Resting and activity energy expenditure were measured by indirect calorimetry and Actiheart, respectively. Mean 14-day TEE was 13.46±1.20MJday-1 (95% CI, 12.63-14.39MJday-1). Resting energy expenditure was 6.53±0.60MJday-1 (95% CI, 6.17-6.89MJday-1). Physical activity level was 2.07±0.19 arbitrary units (AU) (95% CI, 1.95-2.18 AU). Mean WT was 4.1±0.9Lday-1 (95% CI, 3.6-4.7Lday-1). Match days led to significantly greater TEE than training (+2.85±0.70MJday-1; 95% CI, +1.00- +4.70MJday-1; p=0.002) and rest (+4.85±0.70MJday-1; 95% CI, +3.13-+6.56MJday-1; p<0.001) days. Matches led to significantly greater energy expenditure (+1.85±1.27MJ; 95% CI, +0.95-+2.76MJday-1; p=0.001) than court-based training sessions. There was no significant difference in TEE (+0.03±0.35MJday-1; 95% CI, -0.74-+0.80MJday-1; p=0.936) across weeks. Calibrated Actiheart 5 monitors underestimated TEE (-1.92±1.21MJday-1). Energy and fluid turnover were greatest on match days, followed by training and rest days, with no difference across weeks. This study provides criterion-assessed energy and fluid requirements to inform dietary guidance for female netball players.

A community case detection tool to promote help-seeking for mental health care among children and adolescents in Ugandan refugee settlements: a stepped wedge cluster randomised trial

Strategies to promote mental health care help-seeking among children are needed, especially in low-income and middle-income countries and in complex settings. The aim of this trial was to compare a vignette-based, community-level, proactive case detection tool (CCDT) against standard awareness raising for promoting mental health help-seeking among children and adolescents. This stepped wedge cluster randomised trial was conducted in the Bidi Bidi, Kyaka II, Kyangwali, Omugo, and Rhino refugee settlements in Uganda. Community gatekeepers received a 2-day training session on using the CCDT to proactively detect children with mental health concerns and encourage children (or their caregivers) to use the mental health-care service run by Transcultural Psychosocial Organization Uganda. At baseline, organisations implemented routine detection or mental health awareness-raising activities. At cross-over to CCDT implementation, gatekeepers used the tool in their daily activities. The primary outcome was mental health-care service use by children and adolescents. Child population size estimates at the zone level were not available. Therefore, service use was calculated using total population size. We report the effect of CCDT implementation as an incidence rate ratio (IRR), which we produced from a model that accounts for calendar time, exposure time, and person-time. IRRs were estimated for the analysis of effect over time in the per-protocol and intention-to-treat populations. The trial is registered with the ISRCTN registry, number ISRCTN19056780. 28 administrative zones were selected for trial participation by October, 2021. Between Jan 1, and Nov 8, 2022, seven clusters of four zones sequentially crossed over from routine care to CCDT implementation in 1-month intervals. The CCDT was implemented by 177 trained community gatekeepers. In 9 months, 2385 children visited a mental health-care service; of these, 1118 (47%) were girls and 1267 (53%) were boys (mean age 12·18 years [SD 4.03]). 1998 children made a first or re-entry visit to a service; of these, 937 (47%) were girls and 1061 (53%) were boys (mean age 12·08 years [SD 4·06]). Compared to standard awareness-raising activities, CCDT implementation was associated with an increase in mental health-care service use in the first month after implementation (20·91-fold change [95% CI 12·87-33·99]). Despite a slight decline in service use over time in both the CCDT and pre-CCDT zones, CCDT zones maintained a time-average 16·89-fold increase (95% CI 8·15-34·99) in mental health service use. The CCDT enabled community gatekeepers to increase mental health-care service use by children and adolescents. Vignette-based strategies rooted in the community could become a valuable contribution towards reducing the mental health-care gap among children, especially when accompanied by accessible mental health-care services. Sint Antonius Stichting Projects. For the Arabic, French and Spanish translations of the abstract see Supplementary Materials section.

Combined intermittent hypoxic exposure at rest and continuous hypoxic training can maintain elevated hemoglobin mass after a hypoxic camp.

Athletes use hypoxic living and training to increase hemoglobin mass (Hbmass), but Hbmass declines rapidly upon return to sea level. We investigated whether intermittent hypoxic exposure (IHE) + continuous hypoxic training (CHT) after return to sea level maintained elevated Hbmass, and if changes in Hbmass were transferred to changes in maximal oxygen uptake (V̇o2max) and exercise performance. Hbmass was measured in 58 endurance athletes before (PRE), after (POST1), and 30 days after (POST2) a 27 ± 4-day training camp in hypoxia (n = 44, HYP) or at sea level (n = 14, SL). After returning to sea level, 22 athletes included IHE (2 h rest) + CHT (1 h training) in their training every third day for 1 mo (HYPIHE + CHT), whereas the other 22 HYP athletes were not exposed to IHE or CHT (HYPSL). Hbmass increased from PRE to POST1 in both HYPIHE + CHT (4.4 ± 0.7%, means ± SE) and HYPSL (4.1 ± 0.6%) (both P < 0.001). Compared with PRE, Hbmass at POST2 remained 4.2 ± 0.8% higher in HYPIHE + CHT (P < 0.001) and 1.9 ± 0.5% higher in HYPSL (P = 0.023), indicating a significant difference between the groups (P = 0.002). In SL, no significant changes were observed in Hbmass with mean alterations between -0.5% and 0.4%. V̇o2max and time to exhaustion during an incremental treadmill test (n = 35) were elevated from PRE to POST2 only in HYPIHE + CHT (5.8 ± 1.2% and 5.4 ± 1.4%, respectively, both P < 0.001). IHE + CHT possesses the potential to mitigate the typical decline in Hbmass commonly observed during the initial weeks after return to sea level.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Sets of 2-h intermittent hypoxic exposure + 1-h continuous hypoxic training, every third day, possess the potential to mitigate the typical decline in Hbmass that is commonly observed during the initial weeks after return to sea level from an altitude camp. Inclusion of IHE + CHT in the training regimen was also accompanied by improvements in V̇o2max and exercise performance in most but not all Tier 3-Tier 5 level endurance athletes during the training season.

Injury epidemiology in male and female competitive diving athletes: A four-year observational study

ObjectivesTo describe the incidence, severity, burden and sport specific characteristics of injuries reported in elite diving athletes. DesignDescriptive epidemiology study. MethodsMedical attention and time-loss injuries from 63 (43 female, 20 male) Australian national diving programme athletes were prospectively collected over four seasons (September 2018–August 2022). Injury incidence rates and burden were calculated, standardised per 365 athlete days, and compared across groups using negative binomial generalised linear models. ResultsIn total 421 injuries were reported (female = 292, male = 129) at an injury incidence rate of 2.36 (95 % confidence interval = 2.14–2.60) per 365 athlete days. Annual injury prevalence ranged from 70.0 to 85.1 %. Approximately two-thirds of injuries (67.2 %) resulted in a period of time-loss. The overall injury burden was 91 days of absence (95 % confidence interval = 81–102) per 365 athlete days. Stress fractures in springboard diving athletes incurred the largest mean days of time-loss compared to other injured tissue types. The majority of injuries were reported to occur during training (79.3 %) as opposed to competition (2.4 %), with more than half (55.3 %) of all reported injuries occurring during pool training sessions. Water entry (30.4 %) or take-off (27.8 %) were the most frequently reported mechanism of injury. ConclusionsAnnual injury prevalence reported in competitive Australian diving athletes was found to be high. Contrary to existing literature, competitive diving injuries were reported to occur within the daily training environment, with few injuries occurring during competition. Notable injury differences between springboard and platform athletes were observed.

Participatory Demonstration and Evaluation of In-situ Rain Water Harvesting Technology with Sorghum Production in West Hararghe Zone

The study was conducted in Daro Lebu and Hawi Gudina districts of West Hararghe zone with objective of evaluating the performance of In-situ water harvesting technologies with sorghum production under farmers’ condition. Haroresa kile and Ibsa kebeles were selected based on water deficit and potential sorghum production. 4 farmers from Haroresa kile and 3 farmers from Ibsa were participated on the experiment. 10m by 10m area was used and planted side by side on structure verses without structure. The Structure was constructed with 30cm depth, 30cm width and tied ridge at 3m interval and seed was placed on center at 15cm. Melkam Sorghum variety was planted using 75cm *25cm plant spacing. Yield, farmers’ preference and production cost were collected and analyzed by descriptive statistics, simple ranking method and cost benefit analysis respectively. Training and mini-field day were organized to promote In-situ water harvesting on Sorghum production. Farmers selected Structure Technology by stay green, stay moist, drought tolerance, disease tolerance and head size. 47Qtha&amp;lt;sup&amp;gt;-1&amp;lt;/sup&amp;gt; and 45.2Qtha&amp;lt;sup&amp;gt;-1&amp;lt;/sup&amp;gt;grain yield were obtained from Sorghum planted with structure and without structure respectively, with 4% yield advantage over without structure. Production of Sorghum variety with structure and without structure generated an income of 169, 250 birr ha&amp;lt;sup&amp;gt;-1&amp;lt;/sup&amp;gt; and 167, 050 birr ha-&amp;lt;sup&amp;gt;1&amp;lt;/sup&amp;gt;, respectively. Based on farmers’ preferences and profitability of the technology, planting sorghum with tied ridge/structure/ was recommended for water deficit areas of west Hararghe zone and similar agro-ecologies to increase production and productivity of sorghum.

Implementation of the Caring for Providers to Improve Patient Experience intervention in Migori County, Kenya: Challenges, successes, and lessons

Key drivers of poor person-centered maternal care (PCMC)—respectful and responsive care—include provider stress and bias. The Caring for Providers to Improve Patient Experience (CPIPE) intervention is a 5-component intervention including provider training, peer support, mentorship, embedded champions, and leadership engagement that addresses these drivers. This report describes the CPIPE implementation, challenges, and successes to demonstrate its feasibility and acceptability. CPIPE was piloted over 6 months in two health facilities in Migori County. Didactic and interactive content to promote PCMC and address stress, burnout, difficult situations, and bias, was delivered during a 2-day training. Facility-based embedded champions then led monthly refreshers and facilitated peer support groups. Twenty-four mentors provided mentorship across various topics with paired mentees, and facility and county leadership were engaged through a Community Advisory Board. Challenges included limited training time, hierarchical facility culture which hindered cross-cadre activities, varying levels of site engagement, competing demands, and leadership changes. Successes included high participation and engagement; positive perceptions about the intervention activities; provider commitments to stress management, bias mitigation, and provision of equitable PCMC; and leadership commitment to address sources of stress and provide mental health support for providers. CPIPE is an innovative and practical intervention that centers the experiences of the providers and the care of vulnerable women. The pilot’s success underscores the timeliness, relevance, feasibility, and acceptability of similar interventions in resource-constrained settings. CPIPE advances the evidence base for interventions to improve patient and provider experiences of maternal care.

Comparison of acute physiological responses between one long and two short sessions of moderate-intensity training in endurance athletes.

To compare acute physiological responses and perceived training stress between one long and two short time- and intensity-matched sessions of moderate-intensity training in endurance athletes. Fourteen male endurance athletes (VO2max: 69.2 ± 4.2mL·min-1·kg-1) performed one 6 × 10-min interval session (SINGLE) and two 3 × 10-min interval sessions interspersed with 6.5h recovery (DOUBLE) of moderate-intensity training on two separate days, while running in the laboratory, using a counterbalanced cross-over trial. The two training days were separated into a first part/session (interval stage 1-3) and second part/session (interval stage 4-6). Respiratory variables, heart rate (HR), blood lactate concentrations (BLa), and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were collected during sessions, whereas supine heart rate (HR) was assessed in a 60-min recovery period following sessions. Measures of perceived training stress (1-10) were assessed in the morning of the subsequent day. HR, Bla, and RPE increased in the second compared to first part of SINGLE (168 ± 7 vs. 173 ± 7bpm, 2.60 ± 0.75 vs. 3.01 ± 0.81mmol·L-1, and 13.4 ± 1.0 vs. 14.8 ± 1.1-point, respectively, all p < 0.05). HR and Bla decreased in the second compared to first session of DOUBLE (171 ± 9 vs. 166 ± 9bpm and 2.72 ± 0.96 vs. 2.14 ± 0.65mmol·L-1, respectively, both p < 0.05). SINGLE revealed higher supine HR in the recovery period following sessions (65.4 ± 2.5 vs. 60.7 ± 2.5bpm p < 0.05), session RPE (sRPE, 7.0 ± 1.0 vs. 6.0 ± 1.3-point, p = .001) and sRPE training load (929 ± 112 vs. 743 ± 98, p < 0.001) compared to DOUBLE. In the subsequent morning, increased levels of perceived fatigue and muscle soreness were observed following SINGLE compared to DOUBLE (7.0 ± 2.5 vs. 8.0 ± 1.0-point, p = .049 and 6.0 ± 2.5 vs. 7.0 ± 2.5-point, p = .002, respectively). One long moderate-intensity training session was associated with a duration-dependent "drift" in physiological responses compared to two short time- and intensity-matched sessions, thereby suggesting a higher overall training stimulus. Simultaneously, the lower cost of the two shorter sessions indicates that such organization could allow more accumulated time at this intensity. Overall, these findings serve as a starting point to better understand the pros and cons of organizing moderate-intensity training as one long versus shorter sessions performed more frequently (e.g., as "double threshold training") in endurance athletes.

Effects of Short-Term Creatine Monohydrate Supplementation Combined with Strength Training on the Physical Fitness Characteristics and Muscle Hypertrophy in Junior Women Wrestlers

Abstract Background Creatine is a nutritional supplement commonly used to increase strength performance and muscle mass, but its effects on female wrestlers are still unclear and equivocal. The purpose of the present study is to investigate the efficacy of short-term creatine monohydrate supplementation combined with strength training on the physical fitness characteristics and muscle hypertrophy in junior women wrestlers. Methodology Eighteen women wrestlers (age = 18.7 ± 0.9 years, body mass index = 21.4 ± 2.5 kg/m2) participated in this research. Participants were randomly divided into three groups: Experimental Group 1—EXP1: (training with creatine supplementation), Experimental Group 2—EXP2: (training without creatine supplementation), and Control group (without training or creatine supplementation). Strength training was performed for 6 weeks, four sessions per week, with a training intensity ranging from 65 to 75% of the maximal heart rate reserve and one-repetition maximum. EXP1 was supplemented with 10 g creatine during training days. Various physical fitness characteristics and muscle hypertrophy variables were collected at three time points (pretest, midtest, and posttest). Results A number of variables were significantly improved in the EXP1 after 6 weeks (weight, body mass index, one-repetition maximum, agility, muscular power, and hypertrophy) but not in the EXP2 and control groups. Conclusion Short-term creatine supplementation, in conjunction with strength training, emerges as a highly effective approach for enhancing hypertrophy and boosting physical fitness factors in female wrestlers. Therefore, it is recommended that junior wrestlers individuals supplement with creatine during their strength training routines.

Evaluation of Sleep Behaviors in Male Football Players Participating in Youth Football Leagues

This article addresses a research study aimed at evaluating the sleep behaviors of young football players in Turkey. The research was conducted using a correlational survey design. The population consisted of male football players participating in the Turkey Football U 19 Elite A, U 17 Elite A, U 17 Elite B, U 19 Regional Development, U 17 Regional Development, and U 16 Development leagues, with a sample size of 203 players. Statistical methods such as normality analysis, Mann-Whitney U test, and Kruskal-Wallis H test were used for analysis. The study found no statistically significant differences in the variables of football year, position status, training day, regular medication use status, education level, and sleep duration among young football players. The data revealed that young players who stayed with friends at home or alone had higher sleep quality compared to those staying with their families at home. When analyzed according to the computer and phone usage variable, except for the sleep disorder factor, all sub-dimensions favored those using computers and phones. Regarding the playing status in development leagues, significant results were found in the sports factor sub-dimension for U 19 Elite A and U 19 Regional Development league players in relation to sleep quality factors. According to ASBQ Total Score averages, the values of U 19 Elite A league players were more significant compared to U 17 Elite A league players and U 16 Development league players. Regarding the sleep problem status variable, players indicating sleep problems had statistically higher values in sleep quality factors, Habitual sleep efficiency factors, and ASBQ Total Scores. In conclusion, it can be stated that there is a direct relationship between sleep and performance among U 19 Elite A young football players, and they act with this awareness.

Free-ranging dogs quickly learn to recognize a rewarding person

Individual human recognition is important for species that live in close proximity to humans. Numerous studies on domesticated species and urban-adapted birds have highlighted this ability. One such species which is heavily reliant on humans is the free-ranging dog. Very little knowledge exists on the amount of time taken by free-ranging dogs to learn and remember individual humans. Due to their territorial nature, they have a high probability of encountering the same people multiple times on the streets. Being able to distinguish individual humans might be helpful in making decisions regarding people from whom to beg for food or social reward. We investigated if free-ranging dogs are capable of identifying the person rewarding them and the amount of time required for them to learn it. We conducted field trials on randomly selected adult free-ranging dogs in West Bengal, India. On Day 1, a choice test was conducted. The experimenter chosen did not provide reward while the other experimenter provided a piece of boiled chicken followed by petting. The person giving reward on Day 1 served as the correct choice on four subsequent days of training. Day 6 was the test day when none of the experimenters had a reward. We analyzed the choice made by the dogs, the time taken to approach during the choice tests, and the socialization index, which was calculated based on the intensity of affiliative behaviour shown towards the experimenters. The dogs made correct choices at a significantly higher rate on the fifth and sixth days, as compared to Day 2, suggesting learning. This is the first study aiming to understand the time taken for individual human recognition in free-ranging dogs, and can serve as the scaffold for future studies to understand the dog-human relationship in open environments, like urban ecosystems.

Transcutaneous cervical vagus nerve stimulation enhances second-language vocabulary acquisition while simultaneously mitigating fatigue and promoting focus

Transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (tVNS) is a promising technique for enhancing cognitive performance and skill acquisition. Yet, its efficacy for enhancing learning rate and long-term retention in an ecologically valid learning environment has not been demonstrated. We conducted two double-blind sham-controlled experiments examining the efficacy of auricular tVNS (taVNS: Experiment (1) and cervical tVNS (tcVNS: Experiment (2), on a 5 day second-language vocabulary acquisition protocol among highly selected career linguists at the US Department of Defense’s premier language school. tcVNS produced accelerated recall performance during training (Day 2–4), benefits of which were maintained across a 24 h retention interval with no stimulation at the final test. Consistent with prior work, tcVNS also produced fatigue-mitigating and focus-promoting effects as measured by the Air Force Research Laboratory Mood Questionnaire. Based on the current and the previous findings supporting tVNS’ efficacy on performance, training enhancement, and fatigue mitigation, we believe tcVNS to be an effective learning acceleration tool that can be utilized at language-teaching and other institutions focused on intensive training of cognitive skills.

Manipulations of the context-response relationship reduce the expression of response habits

Habitual instrumental behaviour is believed to rely on stimulus–response (S–R) associations. However, the method most commonly used to identify habitual behaviour, outcome devaluation, provides only indirect evidence of S-R control. Therefore, it is important to have a better understanding of the S-R association believed to underlie habitual responding. Under free-operant conditions, the context itself likely serves as at least part of the relevant stimuli in the association, and so modifications to the predictive power of the context should alter the expression of habits. The following experiments investigated how changes to the relationship between the training context and performance of the response, either by changing the context during testing or by exposing animals to the context alone, without the response lever present, impacted behavioural control during a devaluation test. We found evidence that the training context is important for the expression of habits; testing animals in a different context than where they were trained resulted in increased goal-directed control (Experiment 1). Furthermore, context alone exposure also increased goal-directed control with animals that received context alone exposure showing stronger devaluation effects, whether the context alone exposure happened on the last day of training (Experiment 2) or throughout training (Experiment 3). These findings are consistent with prior reports that the training context is important for the expression of habits and extends these findings by using sensory-specific satiety as a means for devaluation and by using context alone exposure to alter behavioural control.

The Effects of Volume-Matched 1- and 2-Day Repeated Backward Sprint Training Formats on Physical Performance in Youth Male Soccer Players.

Bouguezzi, R, Negra, Y, Sammoud, S, Uthoff, A, Moran, J, Behrens, M, and Chaabene, H. The effects of volume-matched 1- and 2-day repeated backward sprint training formats on physical performance in youth male soccer players. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2024-This study examined the effects of a 6-week, 1 vs. 2 sessions of volume-matched weekly repeated backward sprint training (RBST) on measures of physical fitness in youth male soccer players. Thirty male youth soccer players from a regional soccer team were randomly assigned to a 2-day group (n = 15; age = 16.40 ± 0.64 years; Maturity-offset = 2.19 ± 0.65 years) or a 1-day group (n = 15; age = 16.27 ± 0.51 years; Maturity-offset = 1.91 ± 0.40 years). Measures of jumping ability, linear sprint speed, change-of-direction (CoD) speed, aerobic endurance (AE), and repeated sprint ability (RSA) were measured before and after 6 weeks of training. The training interventions involved 1 to 2 sets, each comprising 7 repetitions over a 20-m distance of RBST in the 2-day group, and 2 to 4 sets, also with 7 repetitions each over the same distance, in the 1-day group. Statistical analyses were conducted using the analysis of covariance model with baseline measurements entered as covariates. Results indicated that RBST over 2 days generated greater benefits compared with a single day for improving CoD speed (∆4.91 vs. 0.04%; effect size [d] = 0.78 vs. 0.00, respectively), linear sprint speed (10-m: ∆4.74 vs. 0.36%; d = 0.96 vs. 0.00, respectively; 20 m: ∆3.34 vs. 0.82%; d = 1.00 vs. 0.49, respectively), and RSA performances (RSAbest: ∆2.61 vs. 0.29%; d = 0.71 vs. 0.16, respectively; RSAmean: ∆2.86 vs. 0.89%; d = 0.59 vs. 0.16, respectively; RSAtotal: ∆2.86 vs. 0.89%; d = 0.62 vs. 0.41, respectively). However, similar improvements in the 2 RBST formats were observed on jumping (2-day group: ∆6.9%; d = 0.75; 1-day group: ∆10.6%, d = 1.26) and AE performance (2-day group: ∆17.24%, d = 1.04; 1-day group: ∆27.25%, d = 2.25). In summary, the findings suggest that, when volume is matched, spreading the RBST regimen over 2 days may result in greater improvements compared with a single-day approach for enhancing CoD speed, linear sprint speed, and RSA performance.

Impact of Weekly Training-Load Structure and Content on the Risk of Injury in Professional Rugby Union Match-Play.

Chéradame, J, Loursac, R, Piscione, J, Carling, C, Decq, P, and Jacqmin-Gadda, H. Impact of weekly training-load structure and content on the risk of injury in professional Rugby Union match-play. J Strength Cond Res 38(9): 1613-1619, 2024-The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of different components of daily training load during the week preceding the match on the risk of sustaining a match injury in professional rugby union. A cohort of 72 players from a single professional French club participated. Global positioning system-derived data including total distance (TD) and high-speed distance in addition to ratings of perceived effort (RPE) for both on- and off-pitch (gym-based strength conditioning work) training were collected for each training session over 3 seasons (2017-2020). The association between the daily measures of external and internal training load over the week preceding the day of the match (MD) and the subsequent risk of injury in match-play was estimated using a mixed-effects logistic model adjusted for contextual and individual factors. A total of 184 injuries were sustained in 128 matches (incidence: 81.2 injuries per 1,000 player hours). Higher RPE values for the strength conditioning session on MD-5 ( p < 0.001) and for the on-pitch session on MD-1 ( p = 0.04) were associated with an increased risk of injury in matches. On MD-2, a higher TD covered and that run at high speed (>MAS) were, respectively, associated with a higher ( p = 0.03) and lower risk ( p = 0.02) of injury in matches played. This study in professional rugby union shows that different components of external and internal load had varying influences on injury risk and particularly in relation to the day on which these were performed in the week leading up to the next match. At MD-2, training load favoring intensity rather than volume could reduce the risk of match-play injury.

The effect of probiotics and casein supplementation on aerobic capacity parameters of male soccer players.

In the realm of sports science, nutrition is a well-established pillar for athletes' training, performance, and post-workout recovery. However, the role of gut microbiota, often overlooked, is a novel and intriguing aspect that can significantly impact athletic performance. With this in mind, our study ventures into uncharted territory, investigating the effect of probiotic and casein supplementation on the aerobic capacity of male soccer players. A double-blinded and placebo-controlled study was conducted with 44 male soccer players (Age: 22.81 ± 2.76 yr, Height: 177.90 ± 6.75 cm, Weight: 67.42 ± 8.44 kg). The participants were subjected to the Bruce test in the beginning; then, they were randomly divided into four groups, each consisting of 11 people: probiotics (PRO), casein (CAS), probiotics with casein (PRO+CAS), and placebo (PLA). PRO group was given one probiotic capsule (containing strains of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum BP06, Lacticaseibacillus casei BP07, Lactobacillus acidophilus BA05, Lactobacillus delbrueckii BD08 bulgaricus, Bifidobacterium infantis BI04, Bifidobacterium longum BL03, Bifidobacterium breve BB02 and Streptococcus salivarius thermophilus BT01, with a total dose of 4.5 × 1011 CFU) during dinner, while the CAS group consumed 20 grams of casein powder 45 minutes before bed. The PRO+CAS group was given one probiotic capsule during dinner and 20 grams of casein powder 45 minutes before bed. The participants in the PLA group were given one red capsule (containing 5 grams of starch) during dinner. All participants were instructed to take the supplements only on training days, three times a week for four weeks. The maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max), Ventilatory Threshold (VT), Time-to-exhaustion (TTE), Respiratory Compensation Point (RCP), Isocapnic area Time (Time-IC), Isocapnic area oxygen consumption (VO2-IC), and Hypocapnic Hyperventilation area Time (Time-HHV), after the Bruce test were Measured. All data were analyzed using SPSS Windows software, mixed repeated measure ANOVA, and Bonferroni post hoc test at p < 0.05 level. The current study's findings illustrated that, after the intervention, TTE (p = 0.01) and RCP (p = 0.01) were significantly improved in PRO+CAS compared to the PLA group. No significant difference was observed between PRO and PLA (p = 0.52), PRO and CAS (p = 0.999), PRO and PRO+CAS (p = 0.9), CAS and PLA (p = 0.65), CAS and PRO+CAS (p = 0.73) in TTE. In addition, no significant difference was observed between PRO and CAS (p = 0.999), PRO and PLA (p = 0.40), PRO and PRO+CAS (p = 0.999), CAS and PLA (p = 0.263), CAS and PRO+CAS (p = 0.999) in RCP. Time-HHV was significantly higher in PRO+CAS (p = 0.000) and CAS (p = 0.047) compared to the PLA group. However, no significant difference was observed in the Time-HHV between PRO and CAS (p = 0.999), PRO and PRO+CAS (p = 0.25), PRO and PLA (p = 0.12), and CAS and PRO+CAS (p = 0.57). Additionally, all the groups had no significant differences in VO2max, VT1, VO2-IC and Time-IC. The findings showed that consuming probiotics and casein could relatively improve the aerobic capacity of male soccer players. Nevertheless, simultaneous consumption of probiotics and casein had a more pronounced effect on aerobic capacity indicators, especially TTE and Time-HHV.

Evaluation of a reflective practice group for social care managers

Registered Managers in care settings have complex and varied roles, including supporting the staff and those they serve in care homes and domiciliary services. A Department of Health white paper acknowledged that often registered managers do not receive adequate training and support to fulfil this vital role (Department of Health, 2012). In 2020 in response to the pressures of the covid pandemic the UK government set up 41 county-wide mental health hubs offering psychological support to health and social care staff. This hub offered co-produced bi-monthly training days for registered managers for a period of a year, of which a reflective practice group using the Heads and Hearts model was a key element (Kurtz, 2022; Kurtz, 2020). This model provides groups with structure and purpose in looking at the emotional impact of the work, and thinking through practice dilemmas, both in terms of client care and management of staff. Participants’ experiences of the group were explored using semi-structured interviews conducted by a trainee clinical psychologist and senior assistant psychologist in the service and was analysed using thematic analysis. Three superordinate themes were identified: Peer support and collaboration, reflexivity and thinking differently, and confidence in making changes. The frame of reflective practice, including the size and stability of the group, were identified as important factors in the participants’ experiences of the group. Suggestions for future research and practice are also discussed.

Modulation of pulmonary oxidative status in methamphetamine-withdrawn rats, comparing the effects of continuous training and NBS superfood supplementation.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of six weeks of continuous training and Nutrition Bio-shield (NBS) Superfood Supplementation on the state of oxidative stress by the expression of Nrf2, NOX4, superoxide dismutase, and malondialdehyde genes in the lungs of rats after methamphetamine withdrawal. Forty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups (n = 8, per group), undergoing methamphetamine administration (six weeks, 5 mg/kg ip, and once per day) followed by a 21-day withdrawal period. The rats were supplemented NBS superfood at a dosage of 25 g/kg per day for six weeks. The training protocol was 30 minutes of daily continuous training (treadmill running), five days a week for six weeks. The regimen escalated from a pace of 3 m/min for the initial 5 minutes, to 5 m/min for the following 5 minutes, culminating at 8 m/min for the remainder of the session, all at a 0° incline. A one-way analysis of variance was performed to analyze the gene expression of Nrf2, NOX4, MDA, and SOD in the lungs tissue of rats. The results indicated that, in the experimental groups which underwent continuous training and NBS Superfood supplementation, the expression of the Nrf2 gene exhibited a significant elevation compared to the control group (P < 0.05), while the NOX4, MDA, and SOD genes expression exhibited a significant decline in comparison to the control group (P < 0.05). In general, both exercise interventions and NBS superfood supplementation, when employed separately or in combination after methamphetamine withdrawal, can enhance the state of oxidative stress in the lung.

Analyzing Key Factors on Training Days within a Standard Microcycle for Young Sub-Elite Football Players: A Principal Component Approach.

Utilizing techniques for reducing multivariate data is essential for comprehensively understanding the variations and relationships within both biomechanical and physiological datasets in the context of youth football training. Therefore, the objective of this study was to identify the primary factors influencing training sessions within a standard microcycle among young sub-elite football players. A total of 60 male Portuguese youth sub-elite footballers (15.19 ± 1.75 years) were continuous monitored across six weeks during the 2019-2020 in-season, comprising the training days from match day minus (MD-) 3, MD-2, and MD-1. The weekly training load was collected by an 18 Hz global positioning system (GPS), 1 Hz heart rate (HR) monitors, the perceived exertion (RPE) and the total quality recovery (TQR). A principal component approach (PCA) coupled with a Monte Carlo parallel analysis was applied to the training datasets. The training datasets were condensed into three to five principal components, explaining between 37.0% and 83.5% of the explained variance (proportion and cumulative) according to the training day (p < 0.001). Notably, the eigenvalue for this study ranged from 1.20% to 5.21% within the overall training data. The PCA analysis of the standard microcycle in youth sub-elite football identified that, across MD-3, MD-2, and MD-1, the first was dominated by the covered distances and sprinting variables, while the second component focused on HR measures and training impulse (TRIMP). For the weekly microcycle, the first component continued to emphasize distance and intensity variables, with the ACC and DEC being particularly influential, whereas the second and subsequent components included HR measures and perceived exertion. On the three training days analyzed, the first component primarily consisted of variables related to the distance covered, running speed, high metabolic load, sprinting, dynamic stress load, accelerations, and decelerations. The high intensity demands have a high relative weight throughout the standard microcycle, which means that the training load needs to be carefully monitored and managed.