Effects Of Training Research Articles

Mu-Suppression Neurofeedback Training Targeting the Mirror Neuron System: A Pilot Study.

Neurofeedback training (NFT) is a promising adjuvant intervention method. The desynchronization of mu rhythm (8-13 Hz) in the electroencephalogram (EEG) over centro-parietal areas is known as a valid indicator of mirror neuron system (MNS) activation, which has been associated with social skills. Still, the effect of neurofeedback training on the MNS requires to be well investigated. The present study examined the possible impact of NFT with a mu suppression training protocol encompassing 15 NFT sessions (45 min each) on 16 healthy neurotypical participants. In separate pre- and post-training sessions, 64-channel EEG was recorded while participants (1) observed videos with various types of movements (including complex goal-directed hand movements and social interaction scenes) and (2) performed the "Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test" (RMET). EEG source reconstruction analysis revealed statistically significant mu suppression during hand movement observation across MNS-attributed fronto-parietal areas after NFT. The frequency analysis showed no significant mu suppression after NFT, despite the fact that numerical mu suppression appeared to be visible in a majority of participants during goal-directed hand movement observation. At the behavioral level, RMET accuracy scores did not suggest an effect of NFT on the ability to interpret subtle emotional expressions, although RMET response times were reduced after NFT. In conclusion, the present study exhibited preliminary and partial evidence that mu suppression NFT can induce mu suppression in MNS-attributed areas. More powerful experimental designs and longer training may be necessary to induce substantial and consistent mu suppression, particularly while observing social scenarios.

[Preliminary clinical observation and analysis of structural changes of optic nerve head in glaucoma patients after visual training].

Objective: To investigate the effect of virtual reality visual training on remodeling optic nerve structures of glaucoma patients and analyze the influencing factors of visual training effect. Methods: A prospective non-randomized controlled trial was conducted. Glaucoma patients who presented to the Department of Ophthalmology, Beijing Shijitan Hospital between October 2021 and October 2022 were collected and divided into the training group or the control group according to their intentions. The training group accepted 3 months of visual training, while the control group did not. Optical coherence tomography was used to examine the disc edge area, cup volume, disc area, cup-to-disc ratio, and other parameters of the optic disc of both eyes of the patients at enrollment and after 3 months, and the changes of each parameter in the two groups were analyzed. Multivariate analysis was performed in the training group to investigate the effects of sex, age, visual field index, and mean defect on visual disc structure changes during visual training. Results: A total of 53 glaucoma patients (101 eyes) were included in the final analysis, among which the training group consisted of 27 cases (51 eyes), with 19 males and 8 females, and the age range was 48.0 (40.0, 61.0) years old. The control group comprised 26 cases (50 eyes), with 26 males and 11 females, and the age range was 54.0 (38.0, 63.0) years old. Compared with the control group, the deviation of cup volume was -0.006(-0.050, 0.015)mm3 (P<0.05), and the deviation of disc edge area was 0.00(-0.04, 0.05)mm2 (P<0. 05)in the visual training group after 3 months of visual training. The gender (OR=4.217, 95%CI=1.188-14.966) may be the influence factor of rim area. While,the mean defect (OR=1.526, 95%CI=0.245-9.491) was not that influential on rim area change. Conclusions: Visual training can increase the disc area and decrease the optic cup volume of the optic nerve in glaucoma patients. The rim area may be increased more easily after visual training in male glaucoma patients.

The Effectiveness of Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy Training (Hold Me Tight) on Couples' Emotional Abuse

Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of Emotional Couple Therapy Training (Hold Me Tight) on couples' emotional abuse. Methods: The current study was an experimental ABA single-subject design investigation. The statistical population consisted of all couples who had attended counseling centers in city of Bojnord (Iran) during 2021. From this population, three couples who had met the inclusion criteria were purposefully selected. The Emotional Abuse Scale (EAS) was used to collect data in three stages (baseline, intervention, and follow-up). The intervention consisted of the emotional couple therapy training (hold me tight) that was administered in eight 120-minute sessions for each of the 3 pair of couples. Data analysis primarily included visual analyses, such as level, trend, and variability at three stages of baseline, intervention, and follow-up, both as within-condition, and between-condition layers. Findings: Results showed that the emotional couple therapy training (Hold Me Tight) is effective in reducing emotional abuse. The effectiveness of the results lasted for two months after the intervention. Conclusion: Given the effectiveness of emotional couple therapy, therapists are recommended to draw on this protocol to help couples struggling with emotional problems such as abuse and violence.

Effect of Monitoring and Evaluation Practices and Urban Water Sustainability Project in Rwanda: A Case of WASAC Project in Kigali City

In Rwanda, projects failure is caused by lack of Monitoring and Evaluation staff trainings, technical expertise, design/approach, low level stakeholder involvement, lack of proper planning, lack of supportive supervision, insufficient financial management and poor leadership on feasibility and sustainability project. The general objective of the study is to assess monitoring and evaluation practices and urban water sustainability project in Rwanda. A case of WASAC project in Kigali city and the specific objectives of the study were to assess the influence of project monitoring and evaluation planning on urban water sustainability project in Rwanda, to assess the influence of monitoring and evaluation stakeholders involvement on urban water sustainability project in Rwanda and to determine the effect of monitoring and evaluation trainings on urban water sustainability project in Rwanda. The study was based on two theories such as theory of change and theory of constraints. In this study, a descriptive research design was used and the targeted population includes project management team, project monitoring and evaluation officials, project analysts and engineers. In total they were184 from whom a sample size of 126 was selected as representative of total population. Therefore, a simple sampling technique will be used and data will be collected using questionnaire, interview and documentation. The analysis of data will be done through SPSS version 21. The study findings showed that stakeholders’ involvement is essential in achieving urban water sustainability in the way that M&amp;E planning contribution is at the mean of 3.908 and standard deviation of 0.755, stakeholders involvement contributed to urban water sustainability at the mean of 3.275 and standard deviation of 0.642 while M&amp;E trainings has contributed to urban water sustainability at the mean of4.505 and standard deviation of 0.720 The study found that there are continuous M&amp;E trainings and development of the project staff to acquire skills to implement the project. The study recommended that effective project planning need to be put in place by the project team and managers. Project team should ensure their monitoring and evaluation control plan align with M&amp;E plan. The study recommends a sound stakeholders’ involvement at each phase of the project from initial phase to execution. Keywords: Monitoring and Evaluation, Urban Water Sustainability, WASAC, Project Management, Kigali City Infrastructure

The effects of visual information deprivation and feedback balance training on balance in patients with stroke.

Patients with stroke depend on visual information due to balance deficits. Therefore, it is believed that appropriate visual deprivation training could have an impact on improving balance abilities. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of balance training performed in visual deprivation and feedback conditions on balance in stroke survivors. The 39 participants were randomly assigned to either the Visual Deprivation Group (VDG; n = 13), the Visual Feedback Group (VFG; n = 13), or the Control Group (CG; n = 13). The training sessions were conducted five times a week for three weeks. Participants completed the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Timed Up and Go test (TUG), Four Square Step Test (FSST), and Limit of Stability (LOS) assessments. The VDG showed significant improvements in BBS, FSST, TUG, and LOS. In VFG, significant improvements were observed in BBS and TUG. There were statistically significant differences among the groups in all variables related to balance. The results of this study suggest that balance training under visual deprivation is effective in improving static and dynamic balance and gait in patients with stroke. In other words, patients with stroke need to reduce their over-reliance on visual information.

The effects of virtual reality training on postural sway and physical function performance on older women with chronic low back pain: A double-blind randomized clinical trial.

Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is known as an important debilitating health condition among older women. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of eight-week virtual reality training (VRT) exercises on postural sway and physical function performance (PFP) among older women suffering from CLBP. Twenty-seven older women presenting with CLBP were randomized into experimental and control groups. The experimental group was instructed to perform 30-minute VRT exercises three times a week for eight weeks. Plantar pressure variables [sway velocity (SV) and anterior-posterior (AP) and medial-lateral (ML) fluctuations of the center of pressure (CoP)], 30-second chair stand test (30CST), and timed up and go (TUG) test were recorded. The VRT group exhibited significant decreases in SV (p= 0.002), AP (p= 0.008), and ML (p= 0.02) fluctuations. Also, the performance of the VRT group in the 30CST and TUG tests significantly improved after the exercises (P< 0.001). According to the results, VRT and the program used in this study should be used to enhance balance and PFP in older women with CLBP who mostly prefer activities that are accessible and feasible in low-risk environments.

The effect of training, leadership effectiveness and work environment on employee performance in the Procurement of Goods and Services Section of the Regional Secretariat of North Konawe Regency

This study examines the influence of training, leadership effectiveness, and work environment on employee performance in the Goods and Services Procurement Section of the Regional Secretariat of North Konawe Regency. The method used is a quantitative approach with multiple linear regression. The population of this study includes all 31 employees of the Procurement Section, who also served as the sample for this research. Data was collected through a questionnaire using a Likert scale, then analyzed with statistical tests. The results show that training, leadership effectiveness, and the work environment collectively have a positive and significant impact on employee performance. Individually, each variable was also proven to positively and significantly affect performance. This study emphasizes that improving the quality of training provided, leadership effectiveness, and a comfortable work environment play a significant role in enhancing employee performance. These findings can serve as a reference for government agencies in formulating more effective employee development strategies.

أثر التدريب على تحسين الأداء الوظيفي في القطاع الخاص في مدينة الرياض

This study aims to determine the impact of training on the performance of employees in private sector institutions in the city of Riyadh. The study focuses on a deep understanding of the impact that training can achieve in improving employees’ performance and developing their skills in the work environment. Training is viewed as a strategic tool to enhance efficiency and effectiveness in organizations. The study is based on a comprehensive research methodology that includes collecting data from several institutions in the private sector in the city of Riyadh. Appropriate research tools, such as questionnaires, are used to collect data relevant to training and employee performance. Through this study, it is expected to be of great importance to decision-makers and managers in private sector organizations, as it will provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of training and its impact on employee performance. Based on the results of the study, training strategies can be improved and performance and efficiency enhanced in organizations.

Is It Possible to Train the Endothelium?—A Narrative Literature Review

This review provides an overview of current knowledge regarding the adaptive effects of physical training on the endothelium. The endothelium plays a crucial role in maintaining the health of vessel walls and regulating vascular tone, structure, and homeostasis. Regular exercise, known for its promotion of cardiovascular health, can enhance endothelial function through various mechanisms. The specific health benefits derived from exercise are contingent upon the type and intensity of physical training. The review examines current clinical evidence supporting exercise’s protective effects on the vascular endothelium and identifies potential therapeutic targets for endothelial dysfunction. There is an urgent need to develop preventive strategies and gain a deeper understanding of the distinct impacts of exercise on the endothelium.

Effect Of Compensation, Work Motivation, Training On Employee Performance Through Job Satisfaction As An Intervening Variable

The study aims to examine the effect of compensation, work motivation, training on employee performance through job satisfaction as an intervening variable. The sample of this research is 81 employees at PT Cheil Jedang Indonesia Pasuruan. The main data source in this research is questionnaires. The data processing application uses Smart PLS. The results showed that compensation (X1) has a significant positive effect on job satisfaction (Z) of PT Cheil Jedang Indonesia Pasuruan employees. Work motivation (X1) has a significant positive influence on job satisfaction (Z) of PT Cheil Jedang Indonesia Pasuruan employees. Job Training (X1) has a significant positive influence on job satisfaction (Z) of PT Cheil Jedang Indonesia Pasuruan employees. Compensation (X1) has a significant positive influence on the performance (Y) of employees of PT Cheil Jedang Indonesia Pasuruan. Work Motivation (X1) has no influence on the performance (Y) of employees of PT Cheil Jedang Indonesia Pasuruan. Training (X1) has a significant positive influence on the performance (Y) of employees of PT Cheil Jedang Indonesia Pasuruan Job Satisfaction (X1) has a significant positive influence on the performance (Y) of employees of PT Cheil Jedang Indonesia Pasuruan. Job satisfaction (X1) can mediate the effect of compensation, work motivation and training on performance (Y).

Effects of Different Weekly Set Volumes on Strength and Perceptual Responses in Athletes.

This study investigated the effects of different resistance training (RT) volumes quantified by weekly sets at high intensity (load and effort) on dynamic strength adaptations and psychophysiological responses in trained individuals. Twenty-four athletes were randomly allocated to three groups that performed three (3 S, n=8), six (6 S, n=8), and nine (9 S, n=8) weekly sets, respectively, three times a week on the barbell back squat and bench press during an 8-week period. While all groups showcased strength gains (p<0.05), post hoc comparisons revealed that 6 S and 9 S elicited greater strength adaptations than 3 S in barbell back squat (p=0.027 and p=0.004, respectively) and bench press (p=0.001 and p=0.044, respectively). There were no differences between 6 S and 9 S conditions for back squat (p=0.999) and bench press (p=0.378). Although a time effect was observed for Session-RPE (p=0.014) and Total Quality Recovery scale (p=0.020), psychophysiological responses were similar among groups. Our findings suggest that performing six and nine weekly sets at high intensities led to greater strength gains compared to three weekly sets in strength-trained individuals, despite similar psychophysiological responses.

Effects of plyometric training on heading jump performance and motion in collegiate soccer players

Effects of plyometric training on heading jump performance and motion in collegiate soccer players

Effects of on-site Supportive Communication Training (On-site SCT) on doctor-patient communication in oncology: Study protocol of a randomized, controlled mixed-methods trial

BackgroundThe quality of communication in oncology significantly impacts patients' health outcomes, as poor communication increases the risk of unnecessary treatment, inadequate pain relief, higher anxiety levels, and acute hospitalizations. Additionally, ineffective communication skills training (CST) is associated with stress, low job satisfaction, and burnout among doctors working in oncology. While acknowledging the importance of effective communication, the specific features of successful CST remain uncertain. Role-play and recorded consultations with direct feedback appear promising for CST but may be time-consuming and face challenges in transferring acquired skills to clinical contexts. Our aim is to bridge this gap by proposing a novel approach: On-site Supportive Communication Training (On-site SCT). The concept integrates knowledge from previous studies but represents the first randomized controlled trial employing actual doctor-patient interactions during CST.MethodsThis randomized multicenter trial is conducted at three departments of oncology in Denmark. Doctors are randomized 1:1 to the intervention and control groups. The intervention group involves participation in three full days of On-site SCT facilitated by a trained psychologist. On-site SCT focuses on imparting communication techniques, establishing a reflective learning environment, and offering emotional support with a compassionate mindset. The primary endpoint is the change in percentage of items rated “excellent” by the patients in the validated 15-item questionnaire Communication Assessment Tool. The secondary endpoints are changes in doctors’ ratings of self-efficacy in health communication, burnout, and job satisfaction measured by validated questionnaires. Qualitative interviews will be conducted with the doctors after the intervention to evaluate its relevance, feasibility, and working mechanisms. Doctors have been actively recruited during summer/autumn 2023. Baseline questionnaires from patients have been collected. Recruitment of new patients for evaluation questionnaires is scheduled for Q1-Q2 2024.DiscussionThis trial aims to quantify On-site SCT efficacy. If it significantly impacts patients/doctors, it can be a scalable CST concept for clinical practice. Additionally, qualitative interviews will reveal doctors' insight into the most comprehensible curriculum parts.Trial registrationApril 2023 – ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05842083). April 2023 – The Research Ethics Committee at the University of Southern Denmark (23/19397).

The power of Para sport: the effect of performance-focused swimming training on motor function in adolescents with cerebral palsy and high support needs (GMFCS IV) – a single-case experimental design with 30-month follow-up

ObjectiveThis study aims to evaluate the effect of a performance-focused swimming programme on motor function in previously untrained adolescents with cerebral palsy and high support needs (CPHSN) and to determine...

Training Impact Assessment: Evaluating PAMETI's Programs for Punjab's Extension Personnel

The study was undertaken with the objective of finding the level of effectiveness of the training programmes for extension personnel. The sample consists of trainees from various competency development training programmes organised by Punjab Agricultural Management and Extension Training Institute (PAMETI) in 2017–2018. In total 5 trainings and 24 trainees from each trainings were selected by purposive and random sampling respectively. Thus, a sample of 120 trainees from PAMETI, Ludhiana were taken for the study. Most of the trainees belonged to the high category of ‘applicability and utility’, ‘knowledge, attitude and skill’ and conviction of the training programmes whereas most belonged to medium category of relevance, timeliness and ‘improvement in job performance and satisfaction’ of training programmes. It was found that average training effectiveness index is highest for applicability and utility of the training programmes whereas lowest for job performance and satisfaction. Most of the trainees perceived to lie in the medium category of the overall training effectiveness index followed by high and low category.

Effects of combined resistance training and Tai Chi on oxidative stress, blood glucose and lipid metabolism and quality of life in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

ABSTRACT This study examined the effects of resistance training (RT), Tai Chi (TC) and combination intervention (RT & TC) on the oxidative stress, blood glucose and lipid metabolism and quality of life of elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Ninety-four elderly patients with T2DM were randomly divided into an RT group (RTG, n = 23), TC group (TCG, n = 24), combination intervention group (CIG, n = 24) and control group (CG, n = 23). All participants were given nutrition and medication. On this basis, RTG, TCG and CIG were administered for 24 weeks (3 times/week, 40 minutes/time). Observation indicators were malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), 8-hydroxy-2 deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), postprandial plasma glucose (PPG), haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and diabetes specific quality of life (DSQL). RT, TC and joint intervention can reduce the oxidative stress damage on elderly patients with T2DM to different degrees, control the levels of blood sugar and blood lipid and improve the quality of life. Compared with single intervention, combination intervention can further reduce the level of oxidative stress but has no additional benefits on blood glucose and lipid control and quality of life.

Exercise ameliorates muscular excessive mitochondrial fission, insulin resistance and inflammation in diabetic rats via irisin/AMPK activation

This study aimed to investigate the effects of exercise on excessive mitochondrial fission, insulin resistance, and inflammation in the muscles of diabetic rats. The role of the irisin/AMPK pathway in regulating exercise effects was also determined. Thirty-two 8-week-old male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups (n = 8 per group): one control group (Con) and three experimental groups. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) was induced in the experimental groups via a high-fat diet followed by a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ) at a dosage of 30 mg/kg body weight. After T2DM induction, groups were assigned as sedentary (DM), subjected to 8 weeks of treadmill exercise training (Ex), or exercise training combined with 8-week cycloRGDyk treatment (ExRg). Upon completion of the last training session, all rats were euthanized and samples of fasting blood and soleus muscle were collected for analysis using ELISA, immunofluorescence, RT-qPCR, and Western blotting. Statistical differences between groups were analyzed using one-way ANOVA, and differences between two groups were assessed using t-tests. Our findings demonstrate that exercise training markedly ameliorated hyperglycaemia, hyperlipidaemia, and insulin resistance in diabetic rats (p < 0.05). It also mitigated the disarranged morphology and inflammation of skeletal muscle associated with T2DM (p < 0.05). Crucially, exercise training suppressed muscular excessive mitochondrial fission in the soleus muscle of diabetic rats (p < 0.05), and enhanced irisin and p-AMPK levels significantly (p < 0.05). However, exercise-induced irisin and p-AMPK expression were inhibited by cycloRGDyk treatment (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the administration of CycloRGDyk blocked the effects of exercise training in reducing excessive mitochondrial fission and inflammation in the soleus muscle of diabetic rats, as well as the positive effects of exercise training on improving hyperlipidemia and insulin sensitivity in diabetic rats (p < 0.05). These results indicate that regular exercise training effectively ameliorates insulin resistance and glucolipid metabolic dysfunction, and reduces inflammation in skeletal muscle. These benefits are partially mediated by reductions in mitochondrial fission through the irisin/AMPK signalling pathway.

Recognition of Plastic Film in Terrain-Fragmented Areas Based on Drone Visible Light Images

In order to meet the growing demand for food and achieve food security development goals, contemporary agriculture increasingly depends on plastic coverings such as agricultural plastic films. The remote sensing-based identification of these plastic films has gradually become a necessary tool for agricultural production management and soil pollution prevention. Addressing the challenges posed by the complex terrain and fragmented land parcels in karst mountainous regions, as well as the frequent presence of cloudy and foggy weather conditions, the extraction efficacy of mulching films is compromised. This study utilized a DJI Mavic 2 Pro UAV to capture visible light images in an area with complex terrain features such as peaks and valleys. A plastic film sample dataset was constructed, and the U-Net deep learning model parameters integrated into ArcGIS Pro were continuously modified and optimized to achieve precise plastic film identification. The results are as follows: (1) Sample quantity significantly affects recognition performance. When the sample size is 800, the accuracy of plastic film extraction notably improves, with area accuracy reaching 91%, a patch quantity accuracy of 96.38%, and an IOU and F1-score of 85.89% and 94.20%, respectively, compared to the precision achieved with a sample size of 300; (2) Different learning rates, batch sizes, and iteration numbers have a certain impact on the training effectiveness of the U-Net model. The most suitable model parameters improved the training effectiveness, with the highest training accuracy achieved at a learning rate of 0.001, a batch size of 10, and 25 iterations; (3) Comparative experiments with the Support Vector Machine (SVM) model validate the suitability of U-Net model parameters and sample datasets for precise identification in rugged terrains with fragmented spatial distribution, particularly in karst mountainous regions. This underscores the applicability of the U-Net model in recognizing plastic film coverings in karst mountainous regions, offering valuable insights for agricultural environmental health assessment and green planting management in farmlands.

Neurofeedback training can increase the effectiveness of neuromuscular training on balance and limit of stability of athletes with chronic ankle instability: three arms and single-blind randomized control trial

Neurofeedback training can increase the effectiveness of neuromuscular training on balance and limit of stability of athletes with chronic ankle instability: three arms and single-blind randomized control trial

Effects of C-reactive protein rapid testing and communication skills training on antibiotic prescribing for acute cough. A cluster factorial randomised controlled trial

This cluster randomised clinical trial carried out in 20 primary care centres in Barcelona was aimed at assessing the effect of a continuous intervention focused on C-reactive protein (CRP) rapid testing and training in enhanced communication skills (ECS) on antibiotic consumption for adults with acute cough due to lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI). The interventions consisted of general practitioners and nurses’ use of CRP point-of-care and training in ECS separately and combined, and usual care. The primary outcomes were antibiotic consumption and variation of the quality-adjusted life years during a 6-week follow-up. The difference in the overall antibiotic prescribing between the winter seasons before and after the intervention was calculated. The sample size calculated could not be reached due to the COVID-19 outbreak. A total of 233 patients were recruited. Compared to the usual care group (56.7%) antibiotic consumption among patients assigned to professionals in the ECS group was significantly lower (33.9%, adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.38, 95% CI 0.15–0.94, p = 0.037), whereas patients assigned to CRP consumed 43.8% of antibiotics (aOR 0.70, 95% CI 0.29–1.68, p = 0.429) and 38.4% in the combined intervention group (aOR 0.45, 95% CI, 0.17–1.21; p = 0.112). The overall antibiotic prescribing rates in the centres receiving training were lower after the intervention compared to those assigned to usual care, with significant reductions in β-lactam rates. Patient recovery was similar in all groups. Despite the limited power due to the low number of patients included, we observed that continuous training achieved reductions in antibiotic consumption.