Option Exercise Research Articles

Evaluating the Effects of an 8-Week Zumba Exercise Program on Physical Fitness in Sedentary Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Objectives. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of an 8-week Zumba exercise program on physical fitness and body composition among sedentary women. The primary goals were to assess changes in muscle mass, flexibility, back strength, cardiovascular fitness, body weight, and body fat percentage. Materials and methods. Twenty-four female volunteers (mean age: 22.30 ± 2.10 years, height: 162.80 ± 4.00 cm) from North India were randomly assigned to either an experimental group, participating in a structured Zumba program (60-minute sessions, thrice weekly), or a control group, maintaining their usual activities. The initial and follow-up assessments comprised the measurement of height, weight, Body Fat Percentage (BFP), Body Muscle Mass (BMM), grip strength, back strength, flexibility, and Maximal Oxygen Consumption (VO₂max). Results. The statistical analysis conducted using the SPSS 26 software and the Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test revealed significant improvements in the experimental group. Body weight decreased from 58.20 ± 5.10 kg to 56.80 ± 5.00 kg (p = 0.002), body fat percentage dropped from 25.10 ± 5.80% to 23.80 ± 6.00% (p = 0.03), and body muscle mass increased from 20.40 ± 3.20 kg to 21.00 ± 3.30 kg (p = 0.04). Grip strength improved from 32.50 ± 5.00 kg to 33.20 ± 4.80 kg (p = 0.05), back strength rose from 85.00 ± 22.00 kg to 105.00 ± 25.00 kg (p = 0.001), flexibility increased from 31.00 ± 2.80 cm to 34.00 ± 2.50 cm (p = 0.002), and VO₂Max increased from 41.00 ± 5.00 ml/kg/min to 44.00 ± 4.50 ml/kg/min (p = 0.001). No significant changes were observed in the control group. Conclusions. The 8-week Zumba program significantly enhanced physical fitness and body composition in sedentary women, improving muscle mass, flexibility, back strength, and cardiovascular fitness. These findings support Zumba as an effective and enjoyable exercise option, promoting an active lifestyle and better health outcomes, reinforcing its role as a comprehensive fitness solution suitable for encouraging sustained physical activity.

Self‐care in prevention of burnout amongst counselling professionals: A systematic literature review

AbstractAimThis paper sought to examine current application of self‐care to reduction and prevention of burnout amongst counselling professionals.Materials and MethodsA systematic approach to the literature across CINAHL, EBSCO, PsycInfo, PsycArticles, PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar was conducted, adhering to PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome (PICO) and Sample, Phenomenon of Interest, Design, Evaluation and Research type (SPIDER) were applied as strategic tools to paper inclusion. After the completion of selection process, Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) was used to examine the included papers and to narrow the study down to a total of 16 journal articles. Furthermore, thematic analysis revealed two superordinate themes: Factors contributing to burnout with total of five subthemes and actions contributing to self‐care with total of six subthemes.ResultsThe factors contributing to burnout had both personal and organisational origin, primarily based on lack of knowledge of burnout symptoms and reduced resources for applied self‐care. Furthermore, access to clinical supervision was not readily available, and self‐care concepts were not adequately implemented within the organisational context.ConclusionDespite the extensive research regarding the serious occupational repercussions of burnout amongst counselling professionals, the role of timely and appropriately applied self‐care has not been clearly established. Many counselling professionals were not aware of burnout signs and symptoms while self‐care was seen as optional exercise, applied either minimally or not at all. Holistic education on the effects of cognitive, emotional, physical and spiritual self‐care needs amongst the counselling professionals is necessary in prevention and reduction of burnout and should be further examined.

Food and exercise practices among British Pakistanis; how can Bourdieu's theory of practice help to understand them?

The prevalence of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are significant among the Pakistani ethnic group in the UK. Existing literature has identified food and exercise practices as contributing factors. This qualitative inquiry investigates food and exercise practices among this group. The study also identifies any cultural resistance to changing prevailing unhealthy practices. Five qualitative semi-structured interviews with local Pakistani community leaders, two focus group discussions, and 40 individual interviews with participants of both genders. Bourdieu's theory of practice was used to analyse the data. The lifestyle choices of the participants mainly follow the cultural practices of their home country. In particular, three cultural phenomena might have been contributing to CVDs among this community: a culture of consuming fatty and calorie-dense food, complexity in joint decision-making among family members, and a lack of motivation and cultural support for healthy physical activities, especially among women and older adults. It would be challenging to significantly influence this unhealthy lifestyle in the short term. Integrating religious discourse within health promotion, adopting a whole-family approach, and working with the community on healthier cooking and making exercise options culturally relevant could be helpful for reducing the prevalence of CVDs among the Pakistani community in the UK.

Home-based guidance training system with interactive visual feedback using kinect on stroke survivors with moderate to severe motor impairment

The home-based training approach benefits stroke survivors by providing them with an increased amount of training time and greater feasibility in terms of their training schedule, particularly for those with severe motor impairment. Computer-guided training systems provide visual feedback with correct movement patterns during home-based training. This study aimed to investigate the improvement in motor performance among stroke survivors with moderate to severe motor impairment after 800 min of training using a home-based guidance training system with interactive visual feedback. Twelve patients with moderate to severe stroke underwent home-based training, totaling 800 min (20–40 min per session, with a frequency of 3 sessions per week). The home-based guidance training system uses Kinect to reconstruct the 3D human body skeletal model and provides real-time motor feedback during training. The training exercises consisted of six core exercises and eleven optional exercises, including joint exercises, balance control, and coordination. Pre-training and post-training assessments were conducted using the Fugl-Meyer Assessment-Upper Limb (FMA-UE), Fugl-Meyer Assessment-Lower Limb (FMA-LE), Functional Ambulation Categories (FAC), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Barthel Index (BI), Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), as well as kinematic data of joint angles and center of mass (COM). The results indicated that motor training led to the attainment of the upper limit of functional range of motion (FROM) in hip abduction, shoulder flexion, and shoulder abduction. However, there was no improvement in the active range of motion (AROM) in the upper extremity (U/E) and lower extremity (L/E) joints, reaching the level of the older healthy population. Significant improvements were observed in both left/right and superior/inferior displacements, as well as body sway in the mediolateral axis of the COM, after 800 min of training. In conclusion, the home-based guidance system using Kinect aids in improving joint kinematics performance at the level of FROM and balance control, accompanied by increased mediolateral body sway of the COM for stroke survivors with moderate to severe stroke. Additionally, spasticity was reduced in both the upper and lower extremities after 800 min of home-based training.

Physiological characterization of a simulated kettlebell routine in experienced kettlebell athletes.

Kettlebell as a sport has gained recognition worldwide. We characterized the physiological responses induced by a simulated kettlebell competition routine in experienced kettlebell athletes (n = 26) in a two-group, pre-post plus short-term follow-up, non-randomized experiment. The experimental group (EXP) included 13 kettlebell athletes, while the control group (CON) consisted of 13 individuals with prior recreational exposure to kettlebell activities. EXP performed a 10-minute-long, long-cycle kettlebell routine, whereas CON engaged in seated rest. Cardiovascular and neuromuscular outcomes were measured at rest, after warm-up, during exercise, at 0 (immediately post), 5 and 15 min into recovery. Group-by-time interactions revealed that the 10-minute-long, long-cycle kettlebell routine increased (P < 0.05) the levels of all outcomes (e.g. heart rate, blood pressure, blood lactate) (range of effect sizes: -0.9-8.9) with many outcomes remaining well above baseline at 5 and 15 min into recovery. A notable exception was a lack of change in maximal squat strength. Kettlebell experience and mass correlated with changes in oxygen uptake (ΔVO2) and in ventilation (ΔVT) (r = -0.70, 0.64, -0.87, and 0.73, respectively, P < 0.05) in EXP. Kettlebell routine evoked significant changes in all physiological variables (respiratory and cardiovascular), out of which the heart rate (HR), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), rate pressure product (RPP), and blood lactate (BL) outlasted the routine for at least 15 min. Future studies should longitudinally examine physiological responses to kettlebell training throughout a season. Long-cycle kettlebell routine adds to the repertoire of evidence-based exercise options for high-intensity exercise.

Device-based 24-hour movement behaviours in adult phase III cardiac rehabilitation service-users during the COVID-19 pandemic: a mixed-methods prospective observational study

Purpose To examine changes in device-based 24-hour movement behaviours (MB), and facilitators and barriers to physical activity (PA) and exercise, during remotely-delivered cardiac rehabilitation (RDCR). Materials and methods This prospective observational study used wrist-worn GENEActiv accelerometers to assess MB of 10 service-users (63 ± 10 years) at the start, middle, and end of three-months of RDCR. Barriers and facilitators to PA and exercise were explored through self-report diaries and analysed using content analysis. Results At start, service-users were sedentary for 12.6 ± 0.7 h · day−1 and accumulated most PA at a light-intensity (133.52 ± 28.57 min · day−1) – neither changed significantly during RDCR. Sleep efficiency significantly reduced from start (88.80 ± 4.2%) to the end (86.1 ± 4.76%) of CR, with values meeting health-based recommendations (≥85%). Barriers to RDCR exercise included exertional discomfort and cardiac symptoms, and reduced confidence when exercising alone. Setting meaningful PA goals, self-monitoring health targets, and having social support, facilitated PA and exercise during RDCR. Conclusions Our RDCR programme failed to elicit significant changes in MB or sleep. To increase the likelihood of successful RDCR, it is important to promote a variety of exercise and PA options, target sedentary time, and apply theory to RDCR design, delivery, and support strategies.

210 A project to promote the teaching of independent cycling to children with ambulant Cerebral Palsy in Ireland

Abstract The purpose of this project is to promote the teaching of cycling to children with ambulant Cerebral Palsy (CP). Research in Australia has shown that a lower proportion of children with ambulant CP can ride compared to typically developing peers and those that could, learn later. For children with CP, there are numerous health benefits to independent cycling such as overall cardiovascular fitness and weight-management, sense of empowerment and achievement of a common childhood goal. It can be an additional mobility option and a great family activity option. It is possible that balance could improve and it may be beneficial to have exercise options which are low-impact and reduced weight-bearing. The mental health benefits also include improved sense of self-esteem and confidence alongside opportunities for social interaction and friendships. The target group for this project are a wide range of stakeholders, from therapists working with children with CP; sports inclusion officers; Cycle Right trainers and families of children with ambulant CP. Project aims to target a broad spectrum of ways for people to access support for learning to cycle. During the development of this project, a small focus group was formed with parents and children with CP who had learnt independent cycling. Cycling can be an activity which fits into a family and child-centred approach to therapy. The benefits of their new skills was discussed under the themes of the ‘F words’ of disability. An initial teaching You-Tube video was made for children with milder co-ordination difficulties. A further video is planned teaching the more specific points when working with children with hemiplegia or asymmetrical diplegia. A workshop was developed for physiotherapists focusing on how to teach cycling skills to children with CP. Further links are being established with other stakeholders to maximise roll-out of the resources and workshops. Cycling is such a fun and important activity and some specific skills are required when teaching, especially when the children have hemiplegia. This project aims to spread these teaching skills to a wide audience in the hope of as many children with CP in Ireland learning how to cycle as possible.

Pengaruh Latihan Tactical Attacking Options for Two Players terhadap Menyerang Tim Futsal Putra UNJ

The aim of this research is to find out how much influence the tactical attacking options training for two players (vertical pairs, parallela, and backdoor) has on attacking the UNJ men's futsal team. The method used in this research is the experimental method. The population of this study were members of the UNJ Men's Futsal KOP, totaling 64 people. The sample consisted of 17 athletes who competed with proportional sampling. The design used in this research is a one-group pre- and post-test design. From the results of the tactical attacking options test, the initial test average was 3.57 and the standard deviation was 0.56. The final test average was 7.29, and the standard deviation was 1.55. From the results of the average and standard deviation, the thitung is 9.57, while the ttable with a significance level of 0.05 with df (n - 1) = 13 is 2.16. Based on the results of these calculations, it can be seen that tcount (9.57) &gt; ttable 2.16, so H0 is rejected and H1 is accepted. This means that the tactical attacking options for the two-player exercise have an effect on improving UNJ men's futsal attacking ability..

Kinematics-Based Predictions of External Loads during Handcycling.

The increased risk of cardiovascular disease in people with spinal cord injuries motivates work to identify exercise options that improve health outcomes without causing risk of musculoskeletal injury. Handcycling is an exercise mode that may be beneficial for wheelchair users, but further work is needed to establish appropriate guidelines and requires assessment of the external loads. The goal of this research was to predict the six-degree-of-freedom external loads during handcycling from data similar to those which can be measured from inertial measurement units (segment accelerations and velocities) using machine learning. Five neural network models and two ensemble models were compared against a statistical model. A temporal convolutional network (TCN) yielded the best predictions. Predictions of forces and moments in-plane with the crank were the most accurate (r = 0.95-0.97). The TCN model could predict external loads during activities of different intensities, making it viable for different exercise protocols. The ability to predict the loads associated with forward propulsion using wearable-type data enables the development of informed exercise guidelines.

Effects of pilates practice during the aging process in women

Population aging is a global phenomenon, with a notable feminization of old age. Consequently, strategies are necessary to mitigate the negative impacts of aging, with the Pilates Method (PM) being an effective physical exercise alternative. This study aimed to examine the effects of PM on variables such as balance, strength, and functional capacity (FC) in female aging, compiling these data in a literature review. An integrative bibliographic review was conducted in the ScienceDirect and MEDLINE/PubMed databases using descriptors and Boolean operators. A total of 682 publications were identified, of which 48 were selected, and 14 were included in this review. The results show that PM significantly improves dynamic balance, muscle strength of the lower and upper limbs, and FC when practiced for a minimum period of 6 to 18 weeks. PM is effective both in the mat and equipment-based modalities. It is concluded that PM is a highly beneficial physical exercise option for elderly women, being recommended to bring benefits during the aging process.

Developing the PEAK mood, mind, and marks program to support university students’ mental and cognitive health through physical exercise: a qualitative study using the Behaviour Change Wheel

BackgroundConcerns about mental and cognitive health are common among university students. Engaging in regular physical exercise has been shown to enhance both mental health and cognitive performance, yet most students are not participating in the level of exercise required to obtain these benefits. The Behaviour Change Wheel (BCW) provides a framework for developing behavioural interventions that are informed by theory, evidence, and stakeholder perspectives. The current study aimed to apply the BCW to develop the PEAK Mood, Mind, and Marks program (i.e., PEAK), a behaviour change intervention designed to increase university students’ exercise engagement for the benefit of their mental and cognitive health.MethodsPEAK was developed across three stages of the BCW: (1) understand the target behaviour, (2) identify intervention options, and (3) identify intervention content and delivery mode. Development was informed by triangulated data from a systematic literature review, co-design consultations with key stakeholders, and knowledge of relevant experts. Consultations with stakeholders involved focus groups with 25 university students and individual interviews with 10 university leaders and staff to identify barriers and facilitators to students’ exercise engagement and the adoption and implementation of PEAK by universities. Template analysis was used to code transcripts to the capability, opportunity, and motivation (COM-B) model of behaviour. The BCW was applied to identify the most appropriate intervention types and behaviour change techniques (BCTs).ResultsThirty-one barriers and facilitators were identified and mapped to seven intervention types (Education; Modelling; Persuasion; Environmental Restructuring; Incentivisation; Training; and Enablement) and 26 BCTs, which were delivered across digital channels and in-person. The final intervention consisted of multiple components targeting students’ capability (e.g., increasing knowledge about the mental and cognitive health benefits of exercise), opportunity (e.g., providing a flexible range of accessible exercise options and social support), and motivation (e.g., increasing the perceived importance of exercise) to exercise.ConclusionsUniversity students and staff describe a need and appetite for more empowering, scalable solutions to support students’ mental and cognitive health. Exercise-based approaches that are informed by behaviour change frameworks, evidence, and stakeholder perspectives, such as PEAK, have the potential to address this need. Current findings will inform a pilot of PEAK to evaluate its efficacy and implementation.

Exploring the effects of combining health qigong and dance on working memory in middle-aged and elderly women: A preliminary investigation

ObjectiveCognitive decline represents a critical clinical and public health issue that adversely affects the quality of life for older patients and their families. This concern was exacerbated by the reduced engagement in outdoor activities among seniors during the COVID-19 pandemic, presenting substantial challenges to aging societies. The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of health qigong combined with Tibetan dance on working memory in middle-aged and elderly women, and to determine its potential as a preventive strategy against cognitive disorders. MethodsA pilot study was conducted to compare the effects of a Health Qigong exercise intervention with those of everyday life and sports routines. The primary outcome measure was working memory assessed using a 2-Back working memory task research paradigm. Between July and September 2021, a total of 33 women were divided into four groups: two middle-aged groups (N = 18, with 8 women in the experimental group and 10 in the control group) and two elderly groups (N = 15, with 7 in the experimental group and 8 in the control group). Participants in the experimental groups underwent a 10-week intervention, consisting of three 60-min sessions per week. Each session included a warm-up, Health Qigong combined with Tibetan dance, and a cool-down. Throughout the study, all participants continued their daily routines. Response times and error rates were analyzed using a mixed-design repeated-measures analysis of variance. ResultsA simple effects analysis revealed that Health Qigong combined with Tibetan dance significantly enhanced 2-Back response time and error rate in the middle-aged group. In contrast, the 2-Back error rate significantly increased in the elderly control group that did not receive the intervention (p < 0.05). ConclusionHealth Qigong demonstrates beneficial effects on middle-aged and elderly women. Combining Health Qigong with dance may serve as a preventive measure against cognitive disorders. This pioneering study conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic, assesses the new possibility of Health Qigong and dance, with the objective to offer more diverse indoor exercise options for middle-aged and elderly women.

Why do managers announce the intention to sell large assets?

AbstractNearly one‐third of asset sale announcements are preceded by a public statement of the intent to sell. These voluntary disclosures generate significant average returns of 1.1%. Pre‐announcements bias returns around the actual asset sales toward zero. Due to opportunistic managerial behavior, pre‐announcements occur after poor stock performance and CEO turnover. Managers also opportunistically exercise options around the pre‐announcements and receive potential benefits from the uptick in stock prices. Although we find no effect of pre‐announcements on long‐term operational performance, we do observe a negative effect on stock returns using three and four‐factor models.

PyroGenesis to exercise options for 50% stake in HPQ Silica Polvere Inc

PyroGenesis to exercise options for 50% stake in HPQ Silica Polvere Inc

Whether or not the difference in exercise of employee stock options is included in deductible expenses: Focusing on the Supreme Court Decision 2023du45736 decided on October 12, 2023

Whether or not the difference in exercise of employee stock options is included in deductible expenses: Focusing on the Supreme Court Decision 2023du45736 decided on October 12, 2023

Heart Rate Responses of Post-Menopausal Women to Zumba Gold® Classes.

This study aimed to describe the heart rate (HR) responses of post-menopausal women during Zumba Gold® classes and to investigate the effects of body fat on HR responses. Twenty-three post-menopausal women (68.8 ± 7.2 years old; 160.0 ± 5.2 cm; 66.9 ± 11.1 kg, 36.0 ± 9.9% body fat) participated. Baseline testing assessed participants' anthropometric and fitness characteristics. Then, HR measurements were taken during four of their regular Zumba Gold® classes, and average HR (HRmean), as well as time spent in different HR intensity categories, was calculated. Linear regressions and t-tests were performed to analyse the data. The average HR during Zumba Gold® classes was 70.2% of maximum HR. Women with lower body fat achieved a significantly higher HRmean and spent less time at light to very light intensity and more time at moderate intensity compared to those with higher body fat. Body fat percentage and age were identified as determinants of time spent at moderate intensity. These findings suggest that Zumba Gold® can be an effective exercise option for post-menopausal women aiming to meet the recommended daily exercise guidelines. Understanding the HR responses during Zumba Gold® classes can aid in the development of safe and effective exercise prescriptions for this population.

Shareholder Patience: Implications for Executive Compensation and Firm Performance

Purpose: This paper explores how shareholder patience can influence firm performance and the efficacy of executive compensation and corporate governance in organizations. The shareholders’ patience, as reflected in their tendency to hold stock for extended periods, enables firm management to make long-term decisions and sustain ongoing project stability, which reflects positively on firm value. Shareholder patience amplifies the positive effects of un-exercisable options on a firm’s long-term performance and restrains overconfident CEOs by improving governance rather than by relying on market reactions, which positively influences performance.Study design/methodology/approach: The quantitative analysis conducted in this paper utilizes a fixed-effects regression model.Sample and data: This paper utilizes a multi-industry sample of 1,397 publicly traded U.S. firms that operated between 1999 and 2016. The data were retrieved from various archival sources.Results: Shareholders’ patience was positively associated with a firm’s performance, both in the short term and the long term. Further, the shareholders’ patience accentuated the positive effects of TMT un-exercisable stock options on the firm’s long-term performance but did not influence the negative effects of TMT exercisable stock options on the firm’s performance. Shareholder patience weakened the negative effects of CEO overconfidence on firm performance.Originality/value: This paper provides evidence of the effects of shareholders’ patience on the efficacy of executive compensation, which reflects positively on a firm’s performance.Research limitations/implications: The findings presented in this paper have limitations in terms of generalizability to non-U.S. firms and private and entrepreneurial firms.

PREPAYMENT AND DEFAULT RISK: A REVIEW

Purpose- The main purpose of this article is to make a comprehensive review of existing studies on prepayment and default (competing risk). This review enables to shed light on the main determinant of prepayment and default as well as on methods used to model competing risk. Methodology- A comprehensive review of existing studies/articles. Findings- More recently proposed machine learning methods (Random Survival Forest and Random Competing Risks Forests, as well as the DeepHit model and Dynamic DeepHit model) enable to take into account the complex/no-linear response of prepayment and default to their determinant more efficiently. Conclusion- To model properly/correctly the prepayment and default risks it is important to consider the fact that the exercise of the prepayment option brings an end to the default option, and vice versa. These both risks should be modelled together: competing risk. Furthermore, models/methods accounting the complex/no-linear impact of explanatory variables on prepayment and default risks should be used; such as the Random Survival Forest and Random Competing Risks Forests, as well as the DeepHit model and Dynamic DeepHit model.

Comparative Analysis of Thoracic Rotation Exercises: Range of Motion Improvement in Standing and Quadruped Variants.

There have been few investigations into the effectiveness of thoracic spine exercises for improving thoracic range of motion (ROM) in any plane. This study assessed the effectiveness of two thoracic spine exercises: one in the quadruped position and one in the thoracic standing position. We determined how these exercises affect thoracic spine mobility ROM over a 2-week intervention period. Thirty-nine healthy participants were enrolled and assigned to a Quadruped Thoracic Rotation group (n=17 participants: 9 females and 8 males) or Flamenco Thoracic Spine Rotation group (n=22: 14 females and 8 males). All participants were administered a KOJI AWARENESSTM screening test, and the initial thoracic spine ROM before intervention exercise was measured in a laboratory setting. Quadruped Thoracic Rotation was performed as the quadruped exercise and Flamenco Thoracic Spine Rotation as the standing exercise. The KOJI AWARENESSTM thoracic spine test and ROM were evaluated on the day after the first exercise session and again after the program. Despite their different approaches to thoracic mobility, the quadruped exercise and standing exercise achieved equivalent improvement in thoracic ROM after 2 weeks. Practitioners have a range of exercise options for enhancing thoracic mobility based on their environmental or task-specific needs.

Creating a motivating environment in a programming course using a two-track exercise split

Abstract In our society, programming and IT literacy are important skills. However, in introductory courses in higher education, there is a struggle to design the coursework in a way that engages and motivates both beginners and people who already know some code. This paper presents a case study that explores the design of optional exercise sessions as a shorter 'fast track' for experienced or well-prepared students, and a longer 'normal track' for those who need help with the technical parts of the coursework. The case is analysed using self-determination theory to investigate student motivation in such a design. Students perform well and are generally happy to be able to choose between tracks to find their own fit. Whether a 2-day induction workshop or a track split leads to the best learning environment is a question for future research.