Evidence For Effects Of Training Research Articles

701-P: Effects of Exercise on Extracellular Matrix Modifiers in Subcutaneous Adipose Tissue of Obese Adults

Mechanisms underlying the direct effects of exercise on metabolic health (independently of weight loss) are poorly understood, and very little is known about the effects of exercise on adipose tissue. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of exercise training on the key extracellular matrix (ECM) modifiers, matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2) and MMP9, in abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue (aSAT) of obese adults. Seven obese adults (BMI=33±4 kg/m2; age=32±6) completed 12 weeks of exercise training (either 45min of steady-state exercise at 70% HRmax or 10x1min intervals at 90% HRmax with 1min recovery between intervals), and they were required to maintain body weight throughout. aSAT biopsies were collected before training (Pre) and twice after training - 1 day post exercise (1d PEX) and again 4 days post exercise (4d PEX; to wash out the acute effects of exercise). Using standard immunoblotting methods, we found no evidence for effects of training on either MMP2 or MMP9. However, using gelatin zymography (a technique with more than 100-fold higher sensitivity than immunoblotting) we found a strong trend for an increased MMP9 abundance 1d PEX (3.7±1.0 vs. 3.0±1.4 arbitrary units (AU), for 1d PEX vs. Pre; P=0.08). Interestingly, however, MMP9 returned to Pre training levels by 4d PEX (1.9±1.3 AU; P<0.05 vs. 1d PEX). Gelatin zymography can also allow for quantification of the active-form of MMPs, and we found trends for exercise training to increase MMP2 in both its active- (P=0.08 and P=0.22 for 1d PEX and 4d PEX vs. Pre, respectively) and inactive-form (P=0.13 and P=0.12 for 1d PEX and 4d PEX vs. Pre, respectively). We were unable to detect the active form of MMP9. In summary, because increased abundance and activity of MMPs may alter the fibrotic content and composition of the ECM, exercise-induced increases in MMP2 and MMP9 within aSAT may contribute to favorable modifications within adipose tissue ECM of obese adults. Disclosure P. Varshney: None. B.J. Ryan: None. C. Ahn: None. M.W. Schleh: None. J.F. Horowitz: None. Funding National Institutes of Health (R01DK077966, P30DK089503, F32DK117522, UL1TR002240)

Self-perfection or self-selection? Unraveling the relationship between job-related training and adults' literacy skills.

Can participation in job-related training contribute to the formation and maintenance of adults’ literacy skills? Although evidence suggests that participation in training is related to higher literacy skills, it remains unclear whether this association reflects a causal effect of training participation on literacy (training effects), results from the self-selection of more high-skilled individuals into training (selection effects), or is due to other sources of endogeneity (e.g., omitted variable bias). To unravel these possibilities, we used data from the Programme for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC) and its German follow-up, PIAAC-Longitudinal (PIAAC-L). As these unique data offer repeated measures of literacy skills, spaced three years apart, in a large and representative sample, they allowed us to disentangle training effects from selection effects and to account for potential endogeneity. Analyses revealed that, even after taking account of formal education and a host of job characteristics, individuals with higher literacy skills were more likely to participate in training. By contrast, no evidence for effects of training on literacy skills emerged in any of our models, which comprised lagged-dependent, fixed effects, and instrumental-variable models. These findings suggest that, rather than job-related training contributing to literacy development, individuals with higher literacy skills are more likely to participate in training.

The influence of pre-training evaluative responses on approach-avoidance training outcomes

ABSTRACTApproach-avoidance training (AAT) has been shown to be effective in both clinical and laboratory research. However, some studies have failed to show the effects of AAT. Therefore, finding moderators of the AAT effect is a priority for further research. We investigate the moderating effect of pre-training evaluative responses towards familiar AAT targets. In particular, we test predictions: (a) that congruent responses (i.e. approach to positive targets and avoidance of negative targets) increase liking, whereas incongruent responses decrease liking; (b) that training is more effective when it can strengthen existing positivity or negativity; and (c) that ambivalence increases AAT effects. Two experiments (total N = 132) implemented an AAT with local soft-drink brands after measuring initial positive/negative explicit evaluative components and implicit liking towards the brands. Results show no reliable evidence for training effects on consumption or rating of drinks, but participants showed more implicit liking of approached drinks than avoided drinks. Furthermore, the magnitude of implicit liking measured pre-training was positively related to the size of the training effect. Ambivalence had no direct effect on the training outcomes. These results partially support the congruency prediction and underline the importance of implicit liking prior to AAT as a moderator for AAT effects.

Metamagnetic transition and spin memory effect in epitaxial [formula omitted] thin films

Epitaxial Gd1-xCaxMnO30≤x≤1 thin films were prepared by pulsed laser deposition (PLD) on SrTiO3 substrate and their magnetic properties were investigated. Similar in the bulk samples, the field cooled (FC) and zero field cooled (ZFC) curves of the films show a hump and negative value of magnetization at low temperature which could be attributed to the magnetic moments of Gd ions which order in the opposite direction of Mn ions. However, the magnetic hysteresis loop of the films is different from that of bulk samples. In low doped concentrations, 0.1≤x≤0.3, a metamagnetic transition occurs in low applied field at low temperature. At Ca concentration, 0.4≤x≤0.7, the magnetization versus external magnetic field behaves like a soft ferromagnet. In high Ca concentrations, x=0.8 and x=1 demonstrate antiferromagnetic transition in ZFC curve and thus the magnetization shows antiferromagnetic behavior at low temperature. In contrast, x=0.9 displays soft ferromagnetic hysteresis loop with evidence of training effect. It could be associated with the cluster glass peak in ZFC curve for this film.

Perceived Value of a Motorcycle Training Program: The Influence of Crash History and Experience of the Training

Objective: Evidence that rider training reduces motorcycle-related injuries or crashes is currently lacking. However, significant community demand for training persists, which in turn can influence policy. The present study aims to contribute to the understanding of this demand via two objectives: to (1) offer a method, namely, contingent valuation, to measure the value motorcyclists place on training and (2) examine determinants of such value. Methods: Value was elicited through a willingness to question, using a bidding format, novice motorcyclists who were randomly assigned to groups either offered the training or not. Results: The group that was offered and subsequently received training provided a lower mean perceived value of the training than the group that was not. Perceived value increased with rider age and decreased with training participation and near-crash experiences, controlling for bidding order, income, education, and experience of other training. Conclusion: This study demonstrates the utility of contingent valuation in quantifying the perceived value of training, as well as the modifiability of perceived value, with age, training participation, and near-crash experiences as key determinants. This indicates that research to determine ways to align the perceived value with evidence on training effectiveness is worthwhile in order to facilitate more appropriate and justified allocation of road safety resources. Potential options to explore and evaluate may include community education on evidence of training effectiveness as well as alternative measures with demonstrated effectiveness in reducing crash risks.

Bedeutung und Evidenz der körperlichen Aktivität zur Prävention und Therapie von Erkrankungen

A sedentary lifestyle has been shown to have negative effects on morbidity and mortality. In contrast, a large number of prospective cohort studies on the effects of regular physical activity demonstrated positive effects. Therefore, physical training is today an essential part of prevention and therapy in internal medicine. This review is based on literature research in meta-analysis and review papers. Regular physical exercise or training is a significant and evidence-based part of prevention and therapy of diseases such as heart, cardiovascular and lung diseases, diabetes mellitus, renal disease and cancer. Evidence of training effects is mostly high grade. Physical activity or exercise training is indicated in many diseases as medicine--similar as a drug. It is applied after acute treatment as a component of the standard drug therapy. There is a non-linear dose-response effect, psychological aspects and some side-effects need to be considered.In conclusion, physical exercise acts as a highly efficient drug, and should be used in many diseases. Training recommendations refer to the kind, the duration, the intensity, the frequency and the increase of training.

A look at the financial returns of training: empirical evidence from textile sector of Pakistan

This research is aimed to provide empirical evidence of training effectiveness by using return on investment (ROI) as measurement tool. Fourteen textile composite units (listed in Islamabad Stock Exchange) were selected for study for two years: 2009 to 2011. Findings show that none of the respondents were using ROI of training as evaluation tool. So measuring training in financial terms using ROI would be something valuable for organisations. ROI was measured by estimating costs and benefits of training. Training costs comprised of four elements, i.e., trainer’s fee, trainee’s scholarship/fee, training development and delivery cost, and production lost during training time. Training benefits were divided in five categories, i.e., reduction in down time cost, reduction in errors, increase in production, reduction in repair cost, and savings from reduced absenteeism. Findings show that there is strong relation between training investments and benefits that organisations can reap. Findings also showed that all of the firms were having higher ROI than the costs associated with training. Implications and future implications are also given at the end.

The General Practitioners Role in Promoting Physical Activity to Older Adults: A Review Based on Program Theory

Positive influences of physical activity both on many chronic diseases and on preservation of mobility are well documented. But chronically ill or mobility restricted elderly living in their own homes are difficult to reach for interventions. The general practitioner's (GP) surgery offers one of the few opportunities to give advice for physical activity to those people. We used program theory to sound out knowledge on GP-centered physical activity counseling. The "conceptual theory" (evidence for training effects in old age) and the "implementation theory" (unique position of the GP) were reviewed narratively. The "action theory" (effects of GP counseling) was reviewed systematically. According to program theory, appropriate MeSH (Medical subject headings) concepts were Aged OR Aged, 80 and over (Target group), Physicians, Family OR Primary Health Care (Implementation/Setting), Counseling OR Patient Education as Topic OR Disease Management OR Health promotion (Intervention), Exercise OR Motor Activity OR Physical Fitness OR Sports (Determinants). The resulting six review papers (Pubmed, 2000-2009) were presented using the STARLITE mnemonic. Authors agree, that the GP plays a central role in the promotion of physical activity to elderly people, but there is conflicting evidence concerning counseling effectiveness. Utilizing behavioral change strategies and the collaboration between GPs and specialised professions are recommended and currently under research.

Design training and aesthetic evaluation: An intergroup comparison

A number of studies have observed differences in the evaluation of visual, aesthetic stimuli between those with and without professional training in art and design. If exposure to design training underlies such differences it follows that evidence of training effects should be observable when comparing subjects at different stages of design training, and not observable when comparing subjects at different stages of non-design training. In addition, this evidence should be consistent with directional predictions. The study reported in this paper investigated this question using a sample of 192 trained and untrained subjects in an evaluative task. Subjects were from two departments (Design and Computer Studies) of the same educational establishment and comprised balanced groups of lecturers, 1st, 2nd and 3rd year undergraduate students. The results obtained demonstrated evaluative differences and patterns of association both within and between the subject groups consistent with a training hypothesis.