Fitness Scale Research Articles

Depression and fitness: the Portuguese-Brazilian version of the evolutionary fitness scale

The concept of fitness is crucial to the study of human behavior from an evolutionary perspective. A proposed causal link between fitness-related problems and depression has been suggested. Measuring fitness in humans requires exploring behavioral components, such as mating, parental investment, social capital, and health-oriented actions. This study navigates the relationship between depression and fitness, exploring the validity of the Evolutionary Fitness Scale in the Brazilian context. A sample of 804 Brazilian participants completed the EFS online. Exploratory Factor Analysis suggested a 4-factor model. Internal consistency was good (partner α = 0.87; health α = 0.80; social capital α = 0.85; offspring α = 0.74). The EFS differentiated between nondepressed and depressed individuals based on PHQ-9 scores, with a large effect size for health (d = 0.93) and social capital (d = 0.89) dimensions, and a medium effect for partner (d = 0.40). However, the offspring subscale did not discriminate between depressed and nondepressed. In summary, we demonstrated that the EFS represents an efficient, reliable, and valid measure for assessing self-reported data on human fitness.

Making Sense of Stimuli-Local Image Fit in the Sport Venue: Mediating Effects of Sense of Home and Touristic Experience on Local and Visiting Spectators

Abstract: Prior scholars provide empirical evidence of how sensory experiences can positively influence spectators’ satisfaction, and the effectiveness of utilizing sense-centric experiences is enhanced when marketers integrate unique characteristics of the local culture into sensory experiences in the venue. The recently developed stimuli-local image fit (SIF) scale measures the effectiveness of this process; however, the SIF scale needs further investigation based on differences between local and visiting spectators. The purpose of this study was to examine the potential mediating effects of sense of home and touristic experience in relation to perceptions of SIF for these two groups. Study participants ( N = 402) were recruited by means of an online survey and included 204 local and 198 visiting spectators of home and away events, respectively. The results from structural equation modeling (SEM) revealed significant mediation effects of sense of home and touristic experience on prior established relationships between SIF and different outcomes.

Weight loss and lifestyle intervention for cardiorespiratory fitness in obstructive sleep apnea: The INTERAPNEA trial

IntroductionAlthough recent trials have shown benefits of weight loss and lifestyle interventions on obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) severity and comorbidities, the effect of these interventions on cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) remains unknown. This study aimed to investigate the effects of an interdisciplinary weight loss and lifestyle intervention on CRF and self-reported physical fitness in adults with OSA. MethodsEighty-nine men aged 18–65 years with moderate-to-severe OSA and a body mass index ≥25 kg/m2 were randomly assigned to a usual-care group or an 8-week interdisciplinary weight loss and lifestyle intervention. CRF was assessed through the 2-km walking test, and the International Fitness Scale (IFIS) was used to assess self-reported physical fitness. ResultsAs compared with usual-care, the intervention group had greater improvements at intervention endpoint in objective CRF (6% reduction in 2-km walking test total time, mean between-group difference, −1.7 min; 95% confidence interval, −2.3 to −1.1), and self-reported overall physical fitness (18% increase in IFIS total score, mean between-group difference, 2.3; 95% CI 1.2 to 3.3). At 6 months after intervention, the intervention group also had greater improvements in both 2-km walking test total time (10% reduction) and IFIS total score (22% increase), with mean between-group differences of −2.5 (CI 95%, −3.1 to −1.8) and 3.0 (CI 95%, 1.8 to 4.1), respectively. ConclusionsAn 8-week interdisciplinary weight loss and lifestyle intervention resulted in significant and sustainable improvements in CRF and self-reported physical fitness in men with overweight/obesity and moderate-to-severe OSA. Study registrationClinicalTrials.gov registration (NCT03851653)

Delayed and Fast-rising Radio Flares from an Optical and X-Ray-detected Tidal Disruption Event in the Center of a Dwarf Galaxy

AT 2018cqh is a unique tidal disruption event (TDE) discovered in a dwarf galaxy. Both the light-curve fitting and galaxy scaling relationships suggest a central black hole mass in the range of 5.9 < logM BH/M ☉ < 6.4. The r-band peak luminosity is ∼ 1043 erg s−1, making AT 2018cqh relatively faint among known optical TDEs. A delayed X-ray brightening was found around 590 days after the optical discovery but shows an unusually long time rising to peak over at least 558 days, which could be coming from delayed accretion of a newly forming debris disk. We report the discovery of delayed radio flares around 1105 days since its discovery, characterized by an initial steep rise of ≳175 days, a flattening lasting about 544 days, and a phase with another steep rise. The rapid rise in radio flux coupled with the slow decay in the X-ray emission points to a delayed launching of outflow, perhaps due to a transition in the accretion state. However, known accretion models can hardly explain the origins of the secondary radio flare that is rising even more rapidly in comparison with the initial one. If confirmed, AT 2018cqh would be a rare faint TDE in a dwarf galaxy exhibiting optical, X-ray, and radio flares. We call for continued multifrequency radio observations to monitor its spectral and temporal evolution, which may help to reveal new physical processes that are not included in standard TDE models.

Cardiorespiratory dynamics of type 2 diabetes mellitus: An extensive view of breathing and fitness challenges in a diabetes prevalent population.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is well known for related micro and macrovascular complications. Uncontrolled hyperglycemia in diabetes mellitus leads to endothelial dysfunction, inflammation, microvascular impairment, myocardial dysfunction, and skeletal muscle changes which affect multiple organ systems. This study was designed to take an extensive view of cardiorespiratory dynamics in patients with type 2 DM. One hundred healthy controls (HC) and 100 DM patients were enrolled. We measured and compared the breathing patterns (spirometry), VO2 max levels (heart rate ratio method) and self-reported fitness level (international fitness scale) of individuals with and without diabetes. Data was analyzed in SPSS v.22 and GraphPad Prism v8.0. We observed restrictive spirometry patterns (FVC <80%) in 22% of DM as compared to 2% in HC (p = 0.021). There was low mean VO2 max in DM as compared to HC(32.03 ± 5.36 vs 41.91 ± 7.98 ml/kg/min; p value <0.001). When evaluating physical fitness on self-reported IFiS scale, 90% of the HC report average, good, or very good fitness levels. In contrast, only 45% of the DM shared this pattern, with a 53% proportion perceiving their fitness as poor or very poor (p = <0.05). Restrictive respiratory pattern, low VO2 max and fitness level were significantly associated with HbA1c and long-standing DM. This study shows decreased pulmonary functions, decreased cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2 max) and IFiS scale variables in diabetic population as compared to healthy controls which are also associated with glycemic levels and long-standing DM. Screening for pulmonary functions can aid optimum management in this population.

Research on the prediction of security fitness scale for large sports events based on machine learning algorithms

Research on the prediction of security fitness scale for large sports events based on machine learning algorithms

A Mixed-Method Approach to Understand Venue Stimuli-Local Image Fit at Soccer Events: The Case of FC Cincinnati

The present study investigated the effectiveness of sport venue stimuli and local image fit in the case of FC Cincinnati at Nippert Stadium. A convergent parallel mixed-methods design was employed to collect and analyze both quantitative and qualitative data, enabling the connection between the two components and facilitating the interpretation of the results. The findings demonstrated that establishing sensory image fit between Nippert Stadium and Cincinnati was achievable, resulting in positive impacts according to both the quantitative and qualitative results. These conclusions, supported by the resource-based view approach, emphasize the importance of organizations leveraging local resources to create value and enhance memorable fan experiences.In practical terms, the applied sensory Image fit scale provides venue managers with a powerful tool to assess the current status of stadium operations in terms of sensory stimuli and guide the design and development of venue stimuli for continuous improvement.

CHANGE IN USE OF REMOTE HEALTH TECHNOLOGIES AMONG OLDER AFRICAN AMERICAN MEN DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Abstract It is well known that minority communities are disproportionately affected by disparities present within the US health care system. With the onset of COVID-19, these gaps in health quality continue to be exacerbated. Understanding health technology use differences pre-COVID and post-COVID among African American men is a necessary first step towards improving health outcomes that may be targeted via health technology interventions. The purpose of this study was to explicate and contextualize post-COVID health technology use among African American men in the United States for self-management of health. Of the 54 participants, all between the ages of 65-85, who completed a 30-item technology use questionnaire, a majority reported having type 1 diabetes and high blood pressure and that their current health was good or very good. For technology devices used pre-COVID, the highest reported devices owned were smartphones, desktop computer, laptop, and fitness tracker. Post-COVID, participants purchased fitness tracker CGM, glucose meter, and scale to check weight. As researchers and providers work towards addressing the prevalent health disparities disproportionately affecting members of our communities, these results provide an informative description of pre- and post-COVID.

Assessing the Impact of Person-Environment fit on Turnover Intention Through Multiple Linear Regression

Focusing on key antecedents of intended turnover may enable organizations to intervene before reaching scenarios where employee turnover is inevitable. The current study aimed to establish which type of fit plays the most prominent role in employees’ turnover intention. To achieve this aim, multiple linear regression was used. By establishing which type of fit influences employees’ thoughts of quitting the most, organizations can adopt better retention strategies as opposed to casting a net and hoping for the best. This cross-sectional study used secondary data from 384 retail employees. Three distinct fit scales and a turnover intention scale were administered. The study’s hypothesis was assessed through multiple linear regression, relative weight analysis, and commonality analysis. Needs-supplies fit was the only variable that had a statistically significant negative association with turnover intention. Needs-supplies fit had the biggest contribution (23.64%) to the multiple R 2 value (34.25%) of the multiple linear regression model. Commonality analysis showed that needs-supplies fit accounted for the highest percentage (16.85%) of unique variance in explaining turnover intention. To enhance the probability of retaining employees, organizations may want to fine-tune their retention strategies based on establishing congruence between what employees need and what can be done to meet these desired needs. The current study stresses the importance of distinguishing between different types of person-environment fit as they may not similarly relate to outcomes.

Mixed-Effects Location Scale Models for Joint Modeling School Value-Added Effects on the Mean and Variance of Student Achievement

School value-added models are widely applied to study, monitor, and hold schools to account for school differences in student learning. The traditional model is a mixed-effects linear regression of student current achievement on student prior achievement, background characteristics, and a school random intercept effect. The latter is referred to as the school value-added score and measures the mean student covariate-adjusted achievement in each school. In this article, we argue that further insights may be gained by additionally studying the variance in this quantity in each school. These include the ability to identify both individual schools and school types that exhibit unusually high or low variability in student achievement, even after accounting for differences in student intakes. We explore and illustrate how this can be done via fitting mixed-effects location scale versions of the traditional school value-added model. We discuss the implications of our work for research and school accountability systems.

Effects of person-job fit on occupational commitment among kindergarten teachers: occupational well-being as mediator and perceived organizational support as moderator

IntroductionThe objective of this research was to investigate the effect of person-job fit on occupational commitment among Chinese kindergarten teachers, and to identify strategies for improving the occupational commitment of this professional group.MethodsA survey was conducted among kindergarten teachers utilizing the Occupational Commitment Scale, Person-job Fit Scale, Occupational Well-being Scale, and Perceived Organizational Support Scale, resulting in the acquisition of 1539 valid data.ResultsA significant positive correlation was observed between person-job fit and occupational commitment, with occupational well-being serving as a partial mediator in this association. Additionally, the direct effect of person-job fit on occupational commitment was moderated by perceived organizational support. Specifically, a significant positive correlation between person-job fit and occupational commitment was evident when the scores of perceived organizational support were below 0.21, whereas a significant negative correlation was observed when the scores of perceived organizational support were above 1.67.ConclusionsIn order to enhance the degree of occupational commitment among kindergarten teachers, it is imperative to pay attention to their person-job fit, perceived organizational support, and occupational well-being.

Detecting Change in Needs-Supplies Fit Through Reliable Change Methodology.

Studying change is a critical part of psychology and science in general. Studies often treat fit as static and use between-person designs to assess change. Accordingly, potentially insightful within-person information is frequently overlooked. The current study aimed to establish the utility of reliable change methodology within the domain of organizational psychology, using needs-supplies fit as a guiding framework. When employee needs can be tracked with a fair degree of clarity, organizations can devise better strategies to routinely address discrepancies between desired employee needs and organizational offerings. This longitudinal study used secondary data from 258 secondary school teachers. The Needs-Supplies Fit Scale was administered. The study's hypothesis was assessed through reliable change methodology. When considering all the participants that experienced at least some change across time intervals (n = 148), 23.65% (n = 35) of this change was meaningful. This declined to 17.33% meaningful change when factoring in the entire sample, including those who did not experience any change. When organizations are aware of the ever-evolving needs of employees, quicker action can be taken to avoid impending person-environment misfit. This study contributes to existing within-person studies that showcased the malleability of needs-supplies fit and emphasize the value of placing a more prominent focus on the individual.

Adaptation of the International Fitness Scale and Self-Perceived Health-Related Physical Fitness Questionnaire into Turkish.

This study aims to investigate the Turkish validity and reliability of the International Fitness Scale (IFIS) and the Self-Perceived Health-Related Physical Fitness Questionnaire for Children (SPHQ-C) aged 10-17. The measurement tools were translated into Turkish by two independent researchers and back-translated. Then, the content validity was established with a group of 13 individuals (Sample 1) who presented to the sports medicine clinic. The pilot application phase was initiated. A sample of 372 individuals (Sample 2) studying in the provincial center was selected for piloting the measurement tools with the ALPHA-FIT Test Battery. The test-retest application of the measurement tools with a 15-day interval was carried out with 207 individuals (Sample 3) not included in Sample 2. The authors calculated that the content validity ratio values for the items in the IFIS ranged from 0.85 to 1.00, with a content validity index of 0.94 for the scale. In the SPHQ-C, these values were found to be between 0.92 and 1.00, with a content validity index of 0.99. According to the Z-score difference analysis for both measurement tools, the construct validity of all items was achieved (p < 0.05). In the Bland-Altman plot test conducted for the IFIS-TR, the mean difference was calculated as 0.11, the standard deviation of the differences was 1.57, and the p-value was determined as 0.31. For the SPHQ-C-TR, the mean difference was -0.15, the standard deviation of the differences was 1.95, and the p-value was determined as 0.26. The Kappa coefficients for the items of the IFIS-TR ranged from 0.45 to 0.52, while for the SPHQ-C-TR, the Kappa coefficients ranged from 0.47 to 0.75. Confirmatory factor analysis conducted on Sample 2 confirmed model fit indices with covariance among some items of the measurement tools (IFIS-TR: e1-e3; SPHQ-C-TR: e1-e2, e1-e3, e2-e3, e3-e4, e6-e7, e8-e9). The IFIS and SPHQ-C measurement tools have been adapted into Turkish, and their validity and reliability have been established.

Preterm Çocuğu Olan Babalara Web Ortamında Yapılan Planlı Eğitimin Babalık Rolü Algısı ve Bakım Becerilerine Etkisinin İncelenmesi

Objective: This study aims to determine the effect of planned educatıon made on the web envıronment for fathers wıth preterm chıldren on the perceptıon of the role of fathers and care skılls Methods: This research, planned in a quasi-experimental type, involved 30 study-30 control groups of fathers. The data were collected web-based using the Introductory fact sheet, marriage fit scale, fatherhood role perception scale, and successful test for prematurely born baby care. In the analysis of the data, descriptive statistics, chi-square, t-test in independent groups, and analysis of variance were used in repeated measurements. Results: The mean age of fathers was 29.46±4.52 for working group fathers and 31.6±4.78 for control group fathers. After web-based education, it was found that the average score for marital compliance was higher in working group fathers than fathers in the control group. It was determined that the perceptions of the fatherhood role were high after education, especially among fathers in the study group. Positive perceptions of fatherhood role from the lower dimensions of the scale and perceptions of fatherhood role in child sexuality were found to be high in the lower dimension of the scoring average, and negative perceptions of fatherhood role were low in the lower dimension score average. Conclusion: According to our research results, the web-based education-oriented initiative was found to be effective in fathers' marital harmony, fatherhood role perception, and success tests. This study is a good indicator that an innovative approach can be effective in education. It is recommended that this topic be examined in a qualitative dimension with different research designs with more widely attended samples.

Relationships between nurse managers' person-organization fit, person-job fit, and cultural values in Turkey.

While individuals' thoughts and behaviors are shaped according to their environment's cultural characteristics, the managers' values also shape organizational culture. Therefore, the concepts of person-organization fit and person-job fit can also be affected by the managers' culture. This research aimed to examine the relationships between organization, job fit and cultural values of nurse managers working in university hospitals in Turkey. This research is a cross-sectional analytical study. The research sample comprised 391 nurse managers working in the 20 university hospitals in Turkey. The research data were collected via an information form, individual cultural values scale, person-organization fit scale (POFS), and person-job fit scale (PJFS). Descriptive statistics were computed to define demographic characteristics. Spearman's correlation coefficient was used to evaluate the relationship between numeric variables. The means of the nurse managers' power distance, uncertainty avoidance, collectivism, masculinity, long-term orientation scores were 3.03, 5.98, 5.34, 3.02, and 5.60, respectively. The means of the nurse managers' POFS and PJFS scores were 3.33 and 4.13, respectively. There was a positive relationship among power distance and long-term orientation dimensions and person-organization fit, while there was a negative relationship between the masculinity dimension and person-job fit (p < 0.05). This study found that the nurse managers' individual cultural values were related to the organization and job fit. In this context, it is worth considering the individuals' cultural values in nurse recruitment and selection processes.

Validation of the Nurses' Skills to Care for Alcohol-Intoxicated Patients in Emergency Department (NSCAIP-ED) instrument.

Aim To report the development and validation of the Nurses' Skills to Care for Alcohol-Intoxicated Patients in Emergency Department instrument, shortened NSCAIP-ED. Methods: A mixed-methods design was used to develop the instrument. It was used to conduct a survey where ED nurses self-evaluated their skills to care for acutely ill alcohol-intoxicated patients (N = 1220, n = 252). The data were utilised to perform instrument validation using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and Cronbach's alpha. Results: The construct validity was tested statistically. The CFA model fit indicators showed mostly acceptable fit (chi-square test p < 0.001; RMSEA 0.079; CFI 0.923; TLI 0.918; SRMR 0.084) and instruments' scales had well acceptable Cronbach's alpha values (all alphas were in the range of 0.866-0.912). Conclusions: The NSCAIP-ED is a feasible and reliable instrument that can be used when measuring nurses' skills to care for alcohol-intoxicated patients in the ED. This instrument could be useful for nursing managers in EDs for evaluating their nursing staff's skills in the care area in question, but also for designing continuing education based on the results.

International fitness scale (IFIS): association with motor performance in children with obesity.

Overweight and obesity are defined as abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that presents a risk to health; and compared with their normal-weight peers, these individuals tend to have a lower level of self-confidence, and consequently lower physical activity adherence. Due to these self-perceived barriers, the aim of our study was to evaluate the efficacy of an online training program on self-reported physical fitness (SRPF) in children with obesity (OB). A total of 32 children with OB carried out physical fitness (PF) tests and were asked to complete the International Fitness Enjoyment Scale (IFIS) questionnaire. The physical fitness tests were the Standing Broad Jump (SBJ), the 6-Min Walking Test (6MWT) and the 4 × 10 m sprint test. Children participated in a 3-weekly 60-min training session through Zoom platform. Before the beginning of the training protocol, OB children were compared with normal weight (NW) ones for PF batteries and the IFIS questionnaire. Changes in performances after the training were assessed by paired Student t and Wilcoxon tests. After the online training program children increased their performance in 6MWT (mean difference (MD) = 54.93; p < 0.0001) in SBJ (MD = 10.00; p = 0.0001) and in 4 × 10 m sprint test (MD = -0.78; p < 0.0001). No differences were found in children's physical fitness perception. Our study highlighted how a structured online training program can lead to improvements in PF of children with OB. Instead, the lack of differences in SRPF after the training suggests interesting questions to be explored on the aspects linked to self-perception. Therefore, even if our training protocol could not directly improve SRPF in children with obesity, the enhancement of their PF could be a starting point for achieving this result with a longer training period and consequently improve PA participation for children with OB.

Predicting Quality of Life in Women with Breast Cancer Who Engage in Physical Exercise: The Role of Psychological Variables.

In this study, we aimed to conduct a descriptive analysis of the primary physiological and psychological factors influencing the quality of life in women with breast cancer who engage in physical exercise. The study examined the key psychological variables predicting patients' quality of life, perceived support from family and friends, and the perception of physical condition. The sample consisted of 46 women from Cáceres (Spain) aged between 30 and 75 years undergoing breast cancer treatment. The Functional Evaluation Scale in Cancer Therapy (FACT-B+4) was used to measure quality of life; the Basic Psychological Needs Satisfaction Scale was used to measure autonomy, competence, and social relationships; the Behavior Regulation Questionnaire in Exercise (BREQ-3) was used to measure the types of self-determined motivation for sports participation; the General Evaluation of Self-Esteem Scale was used to measure self-esteem; the International Fitness Scale (IFIS) was used to measure perceived physical condition; and the Perceived Autonomy Support Scale for Exercise Settings (PASSES) was used to measure the perceived autonomy support from family and friends. A multiple regression analysis revealed that perceived physical condition and self-esteem were significant positive predictors of a variance in quality of life, while intrinsic motivation did not significantly predict it. The findings underscore the importance of promoting autonomous motivation in patients to enhance their physical and psychological well-being through physical activity.

Remote monitoring following adult cardiac surgery: A paradigm shift?

BackgroundThe Perfect Care (PC) initiative engages, educates, and enrolls adult cardiac surgery patients into a transformational program that includes an app for appointment scheduling, tracking biometric data and patient-reported outcomes, audiovisual visits, and messaging, paired with a digital health kit (consisting of a fitness tracker, scale, and sphygmomanometer). PC aims to reduce postoperative length of stay (LOS) as well as 30-day readmission and mortality. MethodsThis was a retrospective review of patients who underwent coronary artery bypass (CAB), valve, or combined CAB and valve procedures at either of the 2 participating hospitals between April 2018 and March 2022. Patients who participated in the PC quality improvement initiative were compared to propensity-matched controls (1:1 matching). The evaluation focused on postoperative LOS and a novel composite measure comprising 30-day readmission and mortality. ResultsRemote monitoring (PC) was associated with a shorter postoperative LOS, lower combined rate of 30-day readmission and mortality, and less variation compared to matched non-PC controls. ConclusionsIntegrated improvements in postoperative remote monitoring of adult cardiac surgery patients may reduce time in the hospital and post-acute care facilities. Future prioritized efforts include the development of additional, personalized biometric monitoring devices, use of biometric data to augment risk assessment, and investigation of the value of remote monitoring on various patient risk profiles to address potential disparities in care.

A scalable approach for continuous time Markov models with covariates.

Existing methods for fitting continuous time Markov models (CTMM) in the presence of covariates suffer from scalability issues due to high computational cost of matrix exponentials calculated for each observation. In this article, we propose an optimization technique for CTMM which uses a stochastic gradient descent algorithm combined with differentiation of the matrix exponential using a Padé approximation. This approach makes fitting large scale data feasible. We present two methods for computing standard errors, one novel approach using the Padé expansion and the other using power series expansion of the matrix exponential. Through simulations, we find improved performance relative to existing CTMM methods, and we demonstrate the method on the large-scale multiple sclerosis NO.MS data set.