Flexibility Scores Research Articles

Gender differences in effects of Graston technique, active release technique, and PNF stretching on hamstring flexibility in knee osteoarthritis

Aims. To seek gender differences among the effects of the Graston Technique (GT), Active Release Technique (ART), and Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) stretching on hamstring flexibility, pain, lower extremity function, and physical function in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Materials and methods. A multicenter, single-blind randomized controlled trial was conducted involving 45 patients – aged above 30 years with knee osteoarthritis – randomly allocated to three equal groups: Group-A (GT), Group-B (ART), and Group C (PNF). Each group received 12 physiotherapy sessions over a four-week intervention period (3 visits per week). Data were collected before and after rehabilitation using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale, Active Knee Extension Test, Lower Extremity Function Scale, and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC). Results. A statistically significant interaction between the effects of gender and Active Release Technique on lower extremity function was present (p < 0.001) with males (42.4 ± 2.2) showed more improvement than females (35.6 ± 6.6). On the contrary, females showed more improvement (p < 0.001) than males when Graston Technique and PNF techniques were applied. Conclusion. There were no significant gender-based differences among GT, ART, and PNF regarding pain, hamstring flexibility and WOMAC score. However, males showed significantly more improvement in lower extremity function than females with ART, and females showed more improvement in lower extremity function as compared to males with GT and PNF.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Hypersexuality: A Pilot Study

Hypersexuality refers to the inability to control sexual desire. Despite it has shown serious consequences for physical, psychological and social health, the evidence of available psychological interventions is still insufficient. In this open-label pilot study, an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) intervention was conducted with adults with clinically significant levels of hypersexuality aimed to examine its feasibility and usefulness. The intervention consisted of eight weekly online individual psychological intervention sessions. Outcome self-report measures were administered at baseline, after the intervention and a 3 months follow-up. Behavioral and subjective informed changes in sexual practices were weekly assessed through self-monitoring. Twelve participants (M age = 38.8 ± 11.5 years, 83.3% male, 66.7% homo or bisexual) completed the intervention. The feasibility was found to be good, with all the participants completing the training and high levels of satisfaction. Hypersexuality, psychological flexibility, cognitive fusion and mindfulness scores significantly improved after the ACT intervention, with large effect sizes. Clinically significant changes in hypersexuality were found for the vast majority of participants, besides reductions in the time dedicated to planning and practicing sex and the sexualized drug use. Results indicate that ACT-based interventions may be considered feasible and potentially effective therapeutic alternatives for hypersexuality.

Dose‒response effects of resistance exercise on ameliorating cravings and executive functions in individuals with methamphetamine use disorders

PurposeResistance exercise (RE) can acutely benefit symptoms in individuals with methamphetamine use disorder (MUD), though the optimal dose has not yet been established. We aimed to determine the dose response relationship between RE intensity and cue-elicited cravings and executive functions in individuals with MUD. MethodsA total of 128 male participants with MUD (34.73 ± 5.65) were randomly assigned to the low-intensity (30%–35%1-RM) RE group (LREG), moderate-intensity (55%–60%1-RM) RE group (MREG), high-intensity (75%–80%1-RM) RE group (HREG), or control group (CONG). Cravings based on the cue-reactivity paradigm were measured before, immediately after, and 40 min after acute RE, and inhibitory control, working memory, and cognitive flexibility were measured before and after acute RE. ResultsImmediately after and 40 min after RE, the Δcue-elicited cravings of the MREG from baseline was significantly more negative than that of the LREG and CONG. Trend analyses revealed a U-shaped dose‒response curve for RE intensity and Δcue-elicited cravings, indicating that moderate-intensity RE had the greatest ameliorating effect on cue-elicited cravings. Δinhibitory control and Δworking memory scores increased only in the MREG, and Δcognitive flexibility scores significantly increased in all RE groups. Trend analyses revealed a cubic curvilinear relationship between RE intensity and inhibitory control and a quadratic curvilinear relationship with working memory and cognitive flexibility. ConclusionRE proved effective in diminishing cue-elicited cravings and enhancing executive functions. A significant dose‒response relationship existed among RE intensity, cue-elicited cravings and executive function, and moderate-intensity RE had a more pronounced ameliorative effect on individuals with MUD.

An Examination of the Impact of Single Errors on Performance Validity Testing on Neuropsychological Performance: a Youth Athlete Cohort Study

Abstract Performance validity tests (PVT) measure optimal cognitive effort (Sherman et al., 2023). As PVT scores decrease in adults, neuropsychological performance decreases systematically (Green, 2007). Similarly, evidence suggests that even a single error in PVTs influences overall cognitive performance (Erdodi et al., 2017). No studies have investigated this relationship between cognitive performance and PVT performance on multiple PVTs within a large pediatric sample. Youth athletes (n = 174; ages 8–16, M = 12.07) completed the Rey 15-Item test (RFIT), TOMM Trial 1, Reliable Digit Span (RDS), and a thorough neuropsychological battery. T-tests compared neuropsychological performance in youth who scored perfectly on the TOMM (n = 36) and RFIT (n = 90) to youth with single errors (TOMM, n = 28; RFIT, n = 26). A planned contrast analysis of neuropsychological performance was performed for RDS within score levels 6–11. On processing speed, delayed verbal memory, and working memory, the TOMM perfect score group performed better than the single error group (p’s < 0.05). On RFIT, the same relationship was seen on story memory, working memory and simple attention (p’s < 0.05). Perfect score groups scored higher on nearly all subtests (Hedge’s G’s = 0.20–0.60). Scores in perceptual reasoning, cognitive flexibility, processing speed, and visual memory increased as RDS scores increased by one point (p’s < 0.05). This study shows the impact of even subtle differences in effort on cognitive performance in youth. Measuring effort is critical in pediatric neuropsychology, and these results illustrate how important it may be to measure effort on a continuum in pediatrics, as opposed to using pass/fail cutoffs.

Association between Flexibility, Measured with the Back-Scratch Test, and the Odds of Oxytocin Administration during Labour and Caesarean Section.

Objective: This study explored whether assessing flexibility levels in clinical settings might predict the odds of oxytocin administration and caesarean section to stimulate labour. Methods: Pregnant women from the GESTAFIT Project (n = 157), participated in this longitudinal study. Maternal upper-body flexibility was assessed at 16 gestational weeks (g.w.) through the Back-scratch test. Clinical data, including oxytocin administration and type of birth, were registered from obstetric medical records. Results: Pregnant women who required oxytocin administration or had caesarean sections showed lower flexibility scores (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01, respectively). The receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that the Back-scratch test was able to detect the need for oxytocin administration ((area under the curve [AUC] = 0.672 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.682 (95% CI: 0.59-0.78, p = 0.001)). The AUC to establish the ability of flexibility to discriminate between vaginal and caesarean section births was 0.672 (95% CI: 0.60-0.77, p = 0.002). A Back-scratch test worse than 4 centimetres was associated with a ~5 times greater increased odds ratio of requiring exogenous oxytocin administration (95% CI: 2.0-11.6, p = 0.001) and a ~4 times greater increased odds ratio of having a caesarean section (95% CI: 1.7-10.2, p = 0.002). Conclusions: These findings suggest that lower flexibility levels at the 16th g.w. discriminates between pregnant women who will require oxytocin and those who will not, and those with a greater risk of a caesarean section than those with a vaginal birth. Pregnant women below the proposed Back-scratch test cut-offs at 16th g.w. might specifically benefit from physical therapies that include flexibility training.

Efficacy of Static Stretching Versus Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) Stretching on Hip Adductor Flexibility in Recreational Football Players

Adductor strain is most commonly seen in football players. To help ease groin pain and improve the flexibility of muscles, stretching techniques like ballistic stretching, static stretching, etc can be used. Static hip adductor stretching and Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) stretching, which is relatively new, are two effective techniques to increase muscle flexibility. This study examines the effects of these two stretching techniques on tight hip adductors. Method: Fifty people were chosen based on the inclusion criteria. There were two groups of subjects. PNF and static adductor stretching were administered to Group A. Group B received adductor stretching. These methods were used for three different days. Using a goniometer, the abduction range of motion was measured before the start of the first session and at the conclusion of the last one. Flexibility was measured before the first session and at the end of the previous treatment session by groin flexibility test. The inter-group analysis for Range of Motion (ROM) between Group A versus Group B showed a statistically significant difference by using an unpaired ‘t’ test. Results: Group A’s post-intervention flexibility values were 17.23, whereas group B’s were 13.5. There was a sizeable difference between Group A and Group B in the intergroup analysis of flexibility. The unpaired “t” test was used for this purpose. Conclusion: It is concluded that PNF stretching exercises had a statistically significant effect on the abduction range of motion and groin flexibility scores.

What Silent Pauses Can 'Tell' Us About the Storytelling Skills of Autistic Children: Relations Between Pausing, Language Skills and Executive Functions.

Silent pauses may serve communicative purposes such as demarcating boundaries between discourse units in language production. Previous research has shown that autistic children differ in their pausing behavior from typically-developing (TD) peers, however, the factors behind this difference remain underexplored. The current study was aimed at comparing the use of silent pauses in the narrative production of autistic children and age-matched TD children, and also to identify possible relations between pausing behavior and the children's language and executive function abilities. According to the study's findings, the autistic children did not differ from their TD peers in the use of grammatical pauses, however, the former tended to produce significantly less syntactically complex narratives than the TD group, which increased the likelihood that the autistic group would pause appropriately at phrasal boundaries. Thoughwe have found low rates of ungrammatical silent pauses and omitted pauses in obligatory discourse contexts across both groups, autistic children with lower cognitive flexibility tended to use more ungrammatical pauses than their peers with higher cognitive flexibility scores. Also, the autistic group tended to omit obligatory silent pauses more often as their narration became more complex. The results demonstrate that syntactic complexity in narrative production modulated autistic children's pausing behavior, and that structurally simple narrations boosted the autistic group's appropriate use of grammatical pauses. The overall findings also demonstrate the importance of studying silent pauses in the narrative discourse of autistic children, and also highlight the links between silent pauses and the children's syntactic and cognitive skills.

The relationship between media multitasking and creativity: a multi-test, multi-method analysis.

Media multitasking is widespread, yet its relationship with creativity remains unclear. This study employs a combination of measures, including the media multitasking questionnaire, alternative uses task (AUT) for divergent thinking, Chinese compound remote association task (CCRAT) for convergent thinking, and a creative problem-solving task, to examine the relationship between media multitasking and creativity. Extreme values grouping [one standard deviation above or below the mean of the media multitasking index (MMI)], median value grouping, and regression analysis were used to explore the relationship between media multitasking and creativity. The results revealed the following findings: (1) across the three analysis methods, there was no significant relationship between media multitasking and performance on the AUT task. However, within the range of one standard deviation above or below the mean of the MMI, media multitasking showed a significant positive correlation with fluency, flexibility, and total scores on the AUT task. (2) Media multitasking significantly predicted the accuracy of responses on the CCRAT task positively. (3) Media multitasking significantly predicted lower scores on the applicability of creative problem-solving tasks.

Development of Teaching Modules for Strategic Management Courses Based on Problem-Based Learning to Increase Students' Cognitive Flexibility

This research aims to develop and test whether the problem-based learning (PBL) teaching module that the author created in the strategic management course can increase students' cognitive flexibility. The research method used is Research and Development (R&amp;D) with the ADDIE model, which includes the Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation stages. The sample in this study was students of the Office Administration Education Study Program, Semarang State University, class of 2021, with 109 students divided into three classes. Furthermore, the results of the module that has been developed are tested regarding the increase in the average cognitive flexibility score after carrying out the pre-test and post-test. Based on research results, the experimental class that used the PBL module showed an average increase in cognitive flexibility score of 17.3 points, while the control class only increased by 4.4 points. Statistical tests showed a significant increase in the experimental class (p &lt; 0.001), while the control class did not show a significant increase (p = 0.065). Meanwhile, student activities in the experimental class showed active participation in the learning process, problem-solving involvement, and better teamwork than in the control class. Student feedback indicates that PBL makes learning more enjoyable, helps students think critically, and is relevant to the real world.

Reduced Body Flexibility Is Associated With Poor Survival in Middle-Aged Men and Women: A Prospective Cohort Study.

Flexibility is recognized as one of the components of physical fitness and commonly included as part of exercise prescriptions for all ages. However, limited data exist regarding the relationship between flexibility and survival. We evaluated the sex-specific nature and magnitude of the associations between body flexibility and natural and non-COVID-19 mortality in a middle-aged cohort of men and women. Prospective cohort study. Anthropometric, health and vital data from 3139 (66% men) individuals aged 46-65 years spanning from March 1994 to October 2022 were available. A body flexibility score, termed Flexindex, was derived from a combination of 20 movements (scored 0-4) involving seven different joints, resulting in a score range of 0-80. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were obtained, and unadjusted and adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) for mortality estimated. During a mean follow-up of 12.9 years, 302 individuals (9.6%) comprising 224 men/78 women died. Flexindex was 35% higher in women compared to men (mean ± SD: 41.1 ± 9.4 vs. 30.5 ± 8.7; p < 0.001) and exhibited an inverse relationship with mortality risk in both sexes (p < 0.001). Following adjustment for age, body mass index, and health status, the HR (95% CI) for mortality comparing upper and bottom of distributions of Flexindex were 1.87 (1.50-2.33; p < 0.001) for men and 4.78 (1.23-31.71; p = 0.047) for women. A component of physical fitness-body flexibility-as assessed by the Flexindex is strongly and inversely associated with natural and non-COVID-19 mortality risk in middle-aged men and women. Future studies should assess whether training-induced flexibility gains are related to longer survival.

Investigating the Impact of Wound Edge Approximation with Skin Grafting on Hypertrophic Scar Reduction: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial.

In modern burn care, the focus extends beyond mere patient survival to encompass long-term functional and cosmetic outcomes. Research suggests that the technique and manner of suturing during skin grafting play a significant role in scar formation. This study aimed to explore the effectiveness of wound edge approximation with skin grafting compared to the conventional approach, where the graft edge exclusively interacts with the wound edge, in reducing hypertrophic scar development. Seventy-four burn unit patients eligible for grafting were randomly allocated into two groups: those receiving grafts with overlapping edges (Group A) and those receiving grafts with edges tailored to the burn wound (Group B). Evaluation of graft sites occurred immediately post-surgery and at 1 and 6 months post-operatively using the standardized Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) administered by trained surgeons. The findings of this study revealed that there was no statistically significant difference between the two examined groups regarding the average duration of hospitalization and the mean thickness of wounds (P>0.05). Similarly, the mean scores for pain, vascular index, and pigmentation index immediately post-surgery, at 1 month, and 6 months later, as well as the scar height index and flexibility immediately and at 1 month post-surgery, and the Vancouver Scar Scale index at the study's conclusion, showed no significant variation between the two groups (P>0.05). However, at the 6-month follow-up, the mean scar height score (P=0.004) in the overlapping group and the mean flexibility score (P=0.017) in the non-overlapping group were significantly lower compared to the respective alternative group. This indicates a notable improvement in scar height and wound flexibility in the overlapping group over the non-overlapping group after 6 months.

Comparison of Cognitive Flexibility and Resilience Levels in Mothers of Children with Specific Learning Disability, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and Normal Development

This cross-sectional study compared the cognitive flexibility and resilience of mothers with children having specific learning disabilities (SLD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and normal development (ND). The sample comprised 87 mothers (29 in each group). Data were collected using the “Sociodemographic Information Form”, “Cognitive Flexibility Inventory”, and “Resilience Scale for Adults”. Significant differences were found in cognitive flexibility and resilience among the three groups. Mothers of children with ASD had significantly lower cognitive flexibility scores than those with SLD and ND. In terms of resilience, mothers of children with ASD scored lower than mothers of ND children but did not differ significantly from mothers of SLD children. No significant difference was observed in cognitive flexibility and resilience between mothers of children with SLD and those with ND. The study results indicate that mothers of children with ASD are at risk in terms of cognitive flexibility and resilience, highlighting the need for psychosocial intervention programs for these mothers. Although mothers of children with SLD appear to be psychologically stronger compared to mothers of children with ASD, more detailed research on the subject is necessary.

Combined Exercise and Mindset Training During a Pediatric Cardiac Fitness and Rehabilitation Program Benefits Youth with a Range of Congenital Heart Disease.

Pediatric cardiac fitness and rehabilitation programs vary widely in structure and content. The Cardiac Fitness Program (CFP) is built on traditional training pillars of aerobic, strength, and flexibility, and adds a fourth, training a positive mindset. This study assesses whether the systematic and comprehensive framework of the CFP results in broad benefits for a range of patients with congenital heart disease (CHD). Data from participants between 01/2017 and 12/2022 were analyzed. Pre- and post-CFP cardiopulmonary exercise test parameters, strength and flexibility metrics, and mindset survey results were compared overall, and by sex, age, diagnosis, and hemodynamic level. Of 62 participants (median age 15.5years, range 8 to 23, 50% female), 3% had simple, 37% complex, 24% single ventricle CHD, and 35% arrhythmia, cardiomyopathy, or transplant. Significant improvements were noted in aerobic fitness (mean 9 ± 15% increase in % predicted peak oxygen consumption, p < 0.001). Strength metrics significantly improved (each p < 0.001), as did flexibility (p < 0.001). Patient-reported positive mindset scores did not improve significantly (mean increase 1.8 ± 5.1, p = 0.10, n = 25), whereas parents reported significant improvements (5.9 ± 10.4, p = 0.02, n = 20). Improvements were not significantly different by sex, age, diagnosis, or hemodynamic level. Comprehensive training across four pillars of fitness yields significant improvements in aerobic fitness, strength, flexibility, and parent-reported mindset scores for pediatric CHD patients, regardless of patient characteristics, diagnosis type, or severity of hemodynamic limitation. Further study is warranted into optimal standardization of training and whether a comprehensive approach amplifies individual pillars to create more than the sum of its parts.

A - 23 Interpretation Consideration: Serial Baseline Performances on Core Executive Function Measures in Healthy Youth Athletes

Abstract Purpose Sports participation in youth has demonstrated better core executive function (EF) abilities compared to those who do not participate (Contreras-Osorio et al., 2021). However, previous research has not observed a pattern of improvement across all EF abilities (M√∂hring et al., 2022), indicating EF development in childhood is not linear (Anderson, 2002). The present study compared baseline scores of cognitive flexibility, working memory, and inhibition at two timepoints among youth athletes. Method Data from the Delis-Kaplan Executive Function System Trail Making Letter-Number Sequencing (cognitive flexibility), Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children Fourth Edition Working Memory Index, and Golden Stroop Color-Word Inhibition test were analyzed in a sample of youth athletes (n = 32), aged 8–16 years. Mean age difference between time 1 and 2 was 1.86 years. Paired-samples t-test examined the difference in core EF scores at two timepoints. Results Performance on a measure of inhibition significantly improved over time (p = 0.02; effect size [d] = 0.43). Performances on measures of working memory and cognitive flexibility did not significantly differ over time (p = 0.16 and p = 0.61, respectively). Conclusions Healthy youth athletes performed significantly better only on a measure of inhibition at baseline two than baseline one, suggesting clinicians should anticipate variation in scores when re-examining core EF abilities after two years. Further, clinicians should exercise caution when interpreting variation in baseline scores because it could be due to sports participation. Future research should investigate whether inhibition continues to improve overtime and whether significant changes are observed in other core EFs.

Flexible decision-making is related to strategy learning, vicarious trial and error, and medial prefrontal rhythms during spatial set-shifting.

Flexible decision-making requires a balance between exploring features of an environment and exploiting prior knowledge. Behavioral flexibility is typically measured by how long it takes subjects to consistently make accurate choices after reward contingencies switch or task rules change. This measure, however, only allows for tracking flexibility across multiple trials, and does not assess the degree of flexibility. Plus, although increases in decision-making accuracy are strong indicators of learning, other decision-making behaviors have also been suggested as markers of flexibility, such as the on-the-fly decision reversals known as vicarious trial and error (VTE) or switches to a different, but incorrect, strategy. We sought to relate flexibility, learning, and neural activity by comparing choice history-derived evaluation of strategy use with changes in decision-making accuracy and VTE behavior while recording from the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) in rats. Using a set-shifting task that required rats to repeatedly switch between spatial decision-making strategies, we show that a previously developed strategy likelihood estimation procedure could identify putative learning points based on decision history. We confirm the efficacy of learning point estimation by showing increases in decision-making accuracy aligned to the learning point. Additionally, we show increases in the rate of VTE behavior surrounding identified learning points. By calculating changes in strategy likelihoods across trials, we tracked flexibility on a trial-by-trial basis and show that flexibility scores also increased around learning points. Further, we demonstrate that VTE behaviors could be separated into indecisive and deliberative subtypes depending on whether they occurred during periods of high or low flexibility and whether they led to correct or incorrect choice outcomes. Field potential recordings from the mPFC during decisions exhibited increased beta band activity on trials with VTE compared to non-VTE trials, as well as increased gamma during periods when learned strategies could be exploited compared to prelearning, exploratory periods. This study demonstrates that increased behavioral flexibility and VTE rates are often aligned to task learning. These relationships can break down, however, suggesting that VTE is not always an indicator of deliberative decision-making. Additionally, we further implicate the mPFC in decision-making and learning by showing increased beta-based activity on VTE trials and increased gamma after learning.

Creative self-belief responses versus manual and automated alternate use task scoring: A cross-sectional study

While behavioral tasks like the Alternate Use task (AUT) quantify creative potential levels, clarifying how they relate to subjective self-report ratings would contribute to the creativity assessment field. Valid and reliable single-item measures to efficiently assess one's creativity level could allow researchers and educators with limited time and resources to use the simpler and shorter self-report item. This study's primary objective was to evaluate the construct validity of a single-item creative self-belief (CSB) measure by comparing it with AUT fluency, flexibility, elaboration, and originality scores that were scored using manual and automated methods. It also aimed to assess the single-item CSB's convergent validity and test-retest reliability. In addition, the relationship between the manual and automated AUT scoring methods was evaluated. Data from 1,179 adult participants collected in a more extensive parent study were used for these analyses. CSB was weakly correlated to manual fluency (rho = 0.13, p = 0.004, n-505) and manual originality (rho = 0.11, p = 0.01) but no other AUT measures. CSB was correlated with the personality indices of openness to experience (rho = 0.49, p <0.001), extraversion (rho = 0.20, p <0.001), neuroticism (rho = -0.20, p <0.001), agreeableness (rho = 0.14, p <0.001), and conscientiousness (rho = 0.14, p <0.001). CSB test-retest reliability, assessed using entries from participants who completed two sessions, was high (Intraclass Correlation 78.6). The manual elaboration score was strongly correlated with the automated Open Creativity Scoring with Artificial Intelligence (OCSAI) elaboration score (rho = 0.76, p < 0.001), and manual originality scores were correlated with OCSAI originality scores but less strongly (rho = 0.21, p < 0.001). These findings support using multiple measures to assess aspects of the creative process, not relying solely on this single-item CSB measure. However, the single-item CSB item may be helpful in limited-time situations and has demonstrated positive content validity, test-retest reliability, and a significant, albeit weak, correlation to AUT fluency and originality. This study also supports the continued use of OCSAI to score elaboration and originality in AUT.

Effectiveness of a Therapeutic Program in the Light of Meichenbaum's Theory to Reduce Conduct Disorder and Increase Psychological Flexibility among Adolescent Students

Objective: This study aimed to design and assess a therapeutic program based on Meichenbaum's theory, focusing on reducing conduct disorder and enhancing psychological flexibility among intermediate-stage adolescent students in Riyadh. Additionally, the research sought to evaluate the program's continued effectiveness for two months post-implementation. Methods: The sample comprised 26 students aged 12 to 17 years, with an average age of 14.3 years, equally divided into experimental and control groups. The conduct disorder scale and psychological flexibility scale were administered to both groups pre- and post- intervention. Intervention: The therapeutic program, based on Meichenbaum's theory, was exclusively applied to the experimental group. Results: The program resulted in a notable decrease in conduct disorder scores and an increase in psychological flexibility scores post-intervention in the experimental group. However, the experimental group showed no significant changes between pre-intervention and follow- up. The study also noted a 23.2% increase in conduct disorders among the general student population, highlighting the necessity of counseling and therapeutic programs. Conclusion: These findings underscore the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral therapy-based programs in a school environment and emphasize the importance of targeted interventions to address behavioral and psychological issues. The study provides valuable insights into using cognitive-behavioral strategies in education and advocates for their application.

The Effects of Crossfit Training Program on Promoting Physical Fitness Towards a Training Program for Guangdong University Basketball League Players

In this paper, 20 basketball players from each of the three universities who participated in the Guangdong University Basketball League, total 60 persons, were used as experimental subjects. Each university was divided into an experimental group of 10 players and a control group of 10 players for a 12-week comparison experiment. The experimental group was trained using CrossFit program and the control group was trained using traditional physical training methods. The six indexes of body shape, strength, speed, endurance, flexibility and agility were taken as the physical fitness evaluation indexes, and the corresponding test items were body fat percentage, standing long jump, bench press, squat, deadliftl, 3/4 full-court sprint run, 15×17 folding run, 3000 meters run, seated body flexion, and T-word agility test, a total of 10 test items. The data collected before and after the 12 weeks of training were statistically and analytically analysed through the use of EXCEL and SPSS26.0 software. To explore the effects of CrossFit training on athletes' physical fitness relative to traditional physical training. The purpose of the study is to combine CrossFit training with the characteristics of basketball, arrange and design a targeted training program, and help athletes of the Guangdong University Basketball League to improve their physical fitness and performance on the basketball court through scientific training means and methods. Conclusion: Before the CrossFit training program, there is no significant difference in the physical fitness index scores of body shape, strength, speed, endurance, flexibility and sensitivity between the control group and the experimental group, There is no significant difference between the physical status of the control group and the experimental group before the CrossFit training program; After the CrossFit training program, there are significant differences between the control group and the experimental group in terms of body shape, strength, speed, endurance. There were no significant differences in flexibility and sensitivity, but the experimental group improved more than the control group. There is a significant difference between the physical status of the control group and the experimental group after the CrossFit training program; There is no significant difference in the physical status of the control group before and after the experiment. There is a significant difference in the physical status of the experimental group before and after CrossFit training. CrossFit training program is more suitable for improving the physical fitness of college basketball players in Guangdong Province.

The efficacy of myofascial release at the cervicothoracic region in patients with rotator cuff repairs: A randomized controlled pilot study

BackgroundCoactivation between tonic and phasic muscles is essential for correct posture and movement. Impaired movement patterns and postural changes facilitate the flexor response to protect painful tissue in the injured area. Tone changes between tonic and phasic muscles lead to an imbalance in the rotator cuff (RC) muscles. DesignA randomized controlled pilot study. PurposeThe purpose of this study is to determine the effects of applying myofascial release (MFR) to the muscles in the cervicothoracic region for the treatment of fascia limitations in patients with postoperative RC tear. Materials and methodsA total of 20 patients were randomly divided into 2 groups. The patients in the control group performed exercises, whereas those in the MFR group performed exercises in addition to MFR. Pain intensity, grip strength, pectoralis minor flexibility, Constant Murley Score (CMS), and Short Form-36 (SF-36) score were evaluated. Pain intensity was recorded before and after the MFR sessions. ResultsThere were no significant differences between the groups regarding pain, grip strength, pectoralis minor flexibility, CMS values, or SF-36 score (p > 0.05). There were significant differences in pain levels measured before and after all MFR sessions. Moreover, a significant decrease is shown between the first and last sessions in the MFR group (p < 0.05). ConclusionMFR can be useful, especially in postoperative RC patients who have pain in the early period. Significant reductions in pain intensity after MFR can help prepare patients for exercise and reduce pain-related medication use.

Relationships between cognitive flexibility performance and adaptive behavior outcomes in survivors of pediatric brain tumor

Objective: Survivors of pediatric brain tumors are at increased risk of executive function (EF) and adaptive behavior difficulties. While previous research suggests that executive dysfunction impacts suboptimal adaptive outcomes, the specific elements of EF influencing this relationship remain unexplored. This study examines the relationship between cognitive flexibility and adaptive behavior in survivors compared to healthy controls. Methods: 86 survivors (M age(SD)=23.41(4.24), 44 females) and 86 controls (M age(SD)=23.09(4.50), 44 females) completed the Delis-Kaplan Executive Function System Trail Making Test (TMT) and Verbal Fluency Test (VFT). The Letter-Number Sequencing (LNS) and Category Switching (CS) conditions were isolated as measures of cognitive flexibility. Informants provided responses to obtain adaptive behavior ratings using the Scales of Independent Behavior-Revised (SIB-R). Linear regressions explored relationships between cognitive flexibility and SIB-R scores in survivors compared to controls. Results: For both TMT and VFT, the relationship between cognitive flexibility and adaptive behavior was significantly different between survivors and controls for SIB-R scores in Social Communication, Community Living, and Personal Living Skills (p<.0125). Survivors’ better LNS performance predicted greater SIB-R scores across the same 3 domains (all p= <.001, r 2semipartial=.08). Similarly, survivors’ better CS performance predicted greater SIB-R scores across the same 3 domains (p = 0.002 to .02, r 2semipartial =.03 to .04). No significant relationships were found in controls (all p >.05). After adjusting for working memory and inhibitory control, most relationships remained significant in survivors (p= <.001 to .046, r 2semipartial=.02 to .08). Conclusion: These findings reveal a robust, positive relationship between cognitive flexibility performance and adaptive behaviors specific to survivors.