Higher Frequency Of Participation Research Articles

Competence and Training Needs in Infectious Disease Emergency Response Among Chinese Nurses: Cross-Sectional Study.

In recent years, the frequent outbreaks of infectious diseases and insufficient emergency response capabilities, particularly issues exposed during the COVID-19 pandemic, have underscored the critical role of nurses in addressing public health crises. It is currently necessary to investigate the emergency preparedness of nursing personnel following the COVID-19 pandemic completely liberalized, aiming to identify weaknesses and optimize response strategies. This study aimed to assess the emergency response competence of nurses, identify their specific training needs, and explore the various elements that impact their emergency response competence. Using a multistage stratified sampling method, 5 provinces from different geographical locations nationwide were initially randomly selected using random number tables. Subsequently, within each province, 2 tertiary hospitals, 4 secondary hospitals, and 10 primary hospitals were randomly selected for the survey. The random selection and stratification of the hospitals took into account various aspects such as geographical locations, different levels, scale, and number of nurses. This study involved 80 hospitals (including 10 tertiary hospitals, 20 secondary hospitals, and 50 primary hospitals), where nurses from different departments, specialties, and age groups anonymously completed a questionnaire on infectious disease emergency response capabilities. This study involved 2055 participants representing various health care institutions. The nurses' mean score in infectious disease emergency response competence was 141.75 (SD 20.09), indicating a moderate to above-average level. Nearly one-fifth (n=397, 19.32%) of nurses have experience in responding to infectious disease emergencies; however, they acknowledge a lack of insufficient drills (n=615,29.93%) and training (n=502,24.43%). Notably, 1874 (91.19%) nurses expressed a willingness to undergo further training. Multiple linear regression analysis indicated that significant factors affecting infectious disease emergency response competence included the highest degree, frequency of drills and training, and the willingness to undertake further training (B=-11.455, 7.344, 11.639, 14.432, 10.255, 7.364, and -11.216; all P<.05). Notably, a higher frequency of participation in drills and training sessions correlated with better outcomes (P<.001 or P<.05). Nurses holding a master degree or higher demonstrated significantly lower competence scores in responding to infectious diseases compared with nurses with a diploma or associate degree (P=.001). Approximately 1644 (80%) of the nurses preferred training lasting from 3 days to 1 week, with scenario simulations and emergency drills considered the most popular training methods. These findings highlight the potential and need for nurses with infectious disease emergency response competence. Frequent drills and training will significantly enhance response competence; however, a lack of practical experience in higher education may have a negative impact on emergency performance. The study emphasizes the critical need for personalized training to boost nurses' abilities, especially through short-term, intensive methods and simulation drills. Further training and tailored plans are essential to improve nurses' overall proficiency and ensure effective responses to infectious disease emergencies.

The impact of the exercise on the social mentality of the Chinese people.

Engaging in exercise not only encompasses its intrinsic attributes but also signifies its social dimensions. It reflects an underlying emotional tone and cumulative value attributed to exercise by individuals, forming a broad, macro-level socio-psychological relationship in alignment with the conceptual definition of societal mentality. The social mentality is an indicator of a nation's governance capacity and mirrors the overall socio-psychological profile and needs of its citizens. This study, therefore, aims to investigate the influence of exercise, specifically through the lens of sports, on the sociall mentality of the Chinese population, encompassing aspects of social trust and social equity. Additionally, we explore the distinct mechanisms underlying differences in social class, generation disparities, and spatial dimensions. This inquiry aims to contribute to enhancing governance capabilities and societal stability. Data for this study was sourced from the 2023 China General Social Survey. We selected 20 variables and analyzed a sample of 6,746 individuals. We employed Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) multiple linear regression models to construct our analysis. The findings indicate that exercise has a positive influence on the social mentality of the Chinese population. A higher frequency of participation in sports correlates with a more advanced level of social mentality development. Notably, significant disparities exist between the macro-level and micro-level impacts of exercise, suggesting ample room for improvement. Social class, generational disparities, and spatial dimensions demonstrate substantial impact, each exhibiting unique characteristics depending on the specific research question. Furthermore, the weightings of social trust orientation and social equity orientation within the societal mentality dimensions exhibit variability and fluctuations. When exploring the topic of social mentality, it is recommended to separately discuss the various dimensions it encompasses, thus providing a comprehensive, detailed, and precise portrayal of specific issues. To bolster the influence of exercise on the social mentality, as well as to enhance governance capabilities and societal stability, the following recommendations are proposed: (1) In-depth exploration of differences within social strata to optimize the mechanisms through which exercise influences the social mentality; (2) Balancing generational disparities to establish a solid foundation for the influence of exercise on the social mentality; (3) Recognizing spatial dimensions to harness the spatial dynamism of exercise in shaping the social mentality.

Associations between interconnectedness, compassion, and participation in collective action for people with mental illness: A random-intercept cross-lagged panel modeling approach.

The present study aims to prospectively investigate the relationships between interconnectedness, compassion, and participation in private and public forms of collective action for people with mental illness. Public form refers to collective action at the macrolevel such as large-scale protests and demonstrations going on in the communities. Private form refers to collective action happening at the microlevel that targets promoting awareness of social inequalities and positive changes among personal social circles, such as calling out microaggressions or correcting others' stigmatizing language. Eligible responses from 501 participants were collected at baseline, with 345 and 318 participants retained at 6-month and 12-month follow-up assessments, respectively. Random-intercept cross-lagged panel models were conducted to investigate the mediating role of compassion in the relationships between interconnectedness and participation in private and public forms of collective action. Interconnectedness was consistently associated with a higher frequency of participation in private form, but not public form, of collective action at subsequent time points. Contrary to the hypothesis, results showed the nonsignificant mediating effect of compassion between interconnectedness and participation in both forms of collective action. The present study highlights the potential of interconnectedness in promoting a private form of collective action for the rights of people with mental illness. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Associations of depressive symptoms and instrumental activities of daily living decline by employment or participation in social activities among younger-older Japanese in the New Integrated Suburban Seniority Investigation (NISSIN) Project

ObjectivesThis study investigated the association between depressive symptoms and the instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) decline among physically and socially independent older people according to being employed or participating in social activities in a Japanese age-specific cohort. MethodsWe performed a prospective cohort study including 1,508 (716 men and 792 women) aged 64/65. Depressive symptoms were assessed at baseline (2000–2005). The change in IADL status was ascertained in the secondary survey when the participants reached 70 years of age. Multivariable odds ratios (ORs) and confidence intervals (CIs) of depressive symptoms for IADL decline were calculated using a logistic regression model adjusted for enroll year, sex, employment status, marital status, education, smoking status, alcohol consumption status, body mass index, walking status, daily sleep duration, and medical histories of cancer, cardio-cerebrovascular diseases, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus. We also formally tested for potential interaction effects by employment and participation in social activities. ResultsThe OR of the presence of depressive symptoms and not employed was 3.25 (95% CI 1.57–6.75), compared to participants without depressive symptoms and employed, after adjusting for potential confounders. Compared to participants without depressive symptoms and with a high frequency of participation in social activities, participants with depressive symptoms and a low frequency of participation in social activities were associated with IADL decline (OR 2.45; 95% CI 1.23–4.90). However, we observed no evidence of an interaction effect by employment and participation in social activities. ConclusionsThis age-specific cohort study revealed that being employed or participating in social activities may prevent IADL decline among depressed older adults.

Relationship Between Square Dancing and Meaning in Life Among Older Adults: Examining an Age-Based Moderation Model.

Square dancing may help older adults experience meaning in life (MIL). However, it remains unclear how square dancing facilitates MIL. To address this question, we examined whether participation frequency, transcendent experiences, and social support correlated positively with MIL, and whether age moderated the correlation between transcendent experiences and MIL. We studied 268 older adults using in-person surveys to collect data on age, participation frequency, transcendent experiences, social support, and MIL. We analyzed data using hierarchical regression. High frequency of participation and high levels of transcendent experiences and social support simultaneously predicted high levels of MIL, and age decreased the positive relationship between transcendent experiences and MIL. Based on the hierarchical regression results, we recommend strategies to increase older adults' MIL by providing square dancing opportunities; working with them to improve square dancing skills that facilitate transcendent experiences; and guiding them in seeking sources of social support. [Research in Gerontological Nursing, 17(3), 141-147.].

Predictors of academic motivation in the first year of college

Using data from the Wabash National Study of Liberal Arts Education, we analyzed whether certain precollege characteristics and experiences predicted students’ academic motivation when entering their first year of college. Results indicated that some precollege experiences positively predicted students’ academic motivation at the start of college, including certain minoritized identities, such as holding non-U.S. citizenship status, being a first-generation student, and being low-income; as well as higher measures of academic achievement and engagement, such as a higher high school GPA, a higher frequency of participation in high school extracurriculars, and a higher frequency of interacting with teachers. Conversely, higher ACT/SAT scores and higher reported frequency of socializing with friends negatively predicted students’ precollege levels of academic motivation. Implications for institutions of higher education, including faculty staff, as well as for high school guidance counselors, are considered.

Evaluation of impact of engaging federations of women groups to improve women's nutrition interventions- before, during and after pregnancy in social and economically backward geographies: Evidence from three eastern Indian States.

Undernutrition-before, during and after pregnancy endangers the health and well-being of the mother and contributes to sub-optimal fetal development and growth. A non-randomized controlled evaluation was undertaken to assess the impact of engaging federations of women's group on coverage of nutrition interventions and on nutrition status of women in the designated poverty pockets of three Indian states-Bihar, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha. The impact evaluation is based on two rounds of cross-sectional data from 5 resource poor blocks across 3 States, assigning 162 villages to the intervention arm and 151 villages to the control arm. The cross-sectional baseline (2016-17) and endline survey (2021-22) covered a total of 10491 adolescent girls (10-19 years), 4271 pregnant women (15-49 years) and 13521 mothers of children under age two years (15-49 years). Exposure was defined based on participation in the participatory learning and action meetings, and fixed monthly health camps (Adolescent Health Days (AHDs) and Village Health Sanitation and Nutrition Days (VHSNDs)). Logistic regression models were applied to establish the association between exposure to programme activities and improvement in coverage of nutrition interventions and outcomes. In the intervention area at endline, 27-38% of women participated in the participatory learning and action meetings organized by women's groups. Pregnant women participating in programme activities were two times more likely to receive an antenatal care visit in the first trimester of pregnancy (Odds ratio: 2.55 95% CI-1.68-3.88), while mothers of children under 2 were 60% more likely to receive 4 ANC visits (Odds ratio: 1.61, 95% CI- 1.30-2.02). Odds of consuming a diversified diet was higher among both pregnant women (Odds ratio: 2.05, 95% CI- 1.41-2.99) and mother of children under 2 years of age (Odds ratio: 1.38, 95% CI- 1.08-1.77) among those participating in programme activities in the intervention arm. Access to commodities for WASH including safe sanitation services (Odds ratio: 1.80, 95% CI- 1.38-2.36) and sanitary pads (Odds ratio: 1.64, 95% CI- 1.20-2.22) was higher among adolescent girls participating in programme activities. Women's groups led participatory learning and action approaches coupled with strengthening of the supply side delivery mechanisms resulted in higher coverage of health and nutrition services. However, we found that frequency of participation was low and there was limited impact on the nutritional outcomes. Therefore, higher frequency of participation in programme activities is recommended to modify behaviour and achieve quick gains in nutritional outcomes.

Effect of physical activity on stress and the sense of community during the COVID-19 pandemic: the role of gender and age

Despite their effectiveness in minimizing the spread of infection, movement restrictions adopted during the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic have not been without their health-related consequences, including decreases in physical activity and increases in sedentary behavior. This study aimed to investigate differences in stress and sense of community among Korean citizens in various age groups according to the degree of their participation in physical activity during the COVID-19 pandemic. We analyzed data collected during the Social Survey of Busan Metropolitan City 2020, the population of which included all household members over the age of 15. Data for a total of 33,082 participants (male = 15,129; female = 17,953) were extracted using a two-stage cluster sampling method. Age, stress level, and sense of community were analyzed using independent t-tests, while the frequency of participation in physical activity was analyzed using a Mann-Whitney U test. Differences in stress level and community consciousness according to the frequency of physical activity were examined via multivariate analysis of variance. Variables exhibiting significant differences were evaluated for differences between groups through Scheffe’s post hoc analysis. First, stress levels were higher among female adolescents than male adolescents. Among adults and older adults, men exhibited higher overall stress levels than women, whereas sense of community was stronger in women than men. Second, male adolescents in the regular physical activity participation group showed lower levels in some factors of stress than those in the non-participating group. Finally, a higher frequency of participation in physical activity among adults and older adults was associated with lower stress and higher sense of community, regardless of gender. In conclusion, regular participation in physical activity should be considered when designing strategies for managing stress and promoting social relationships at the national and individual levels during COVID-19 and any similar pandemics in the future.

Effects of Social Participation and Its Diversity, Frequency, and Type on Depression in Middle-Aged and Older Persons: Evidence From China.

BackgroundDepression is one of the greatest public health problems worldwide. The potential benefit of social participation (SP) on mental health has been widely acknowledged. Nevertheless, a few studies have used propensity score matching (PSM) to reduce the influence of data bias and confounding variables. This study explored the effect of social participation on depression among middle-aged and older Chinese persons through a PSM method, considering the frequency, type, and quantity of SP. Effects were compared among different age groups, genders, and places of residence.MethodsThe datasets were obtained from the 2018 wave of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study. A total of 9,404 respondents aged 45 and above were included in the study. PSM and ordinary least squares methods were used to estimate the effect of social participation on depression.ResultsPSM estimation results showed that SP had a significantly positive effect on decreasing depression scores (p < 0.001) by 0.875–0.898 compared with persons without SP. All types of SP had a significantly positive effect (p < 0.001), and participating in community activities had the largest effect (β = −1.549 to −1.788, p < 0.001). Higher frequency of participation and more types of SP promoted lower depression scores; subgroup analyses revealed that the promotion effect was significantly greater among women, those aged ≥75 years, and those living in urban areas.ConclusionPSM indicated that SP could alleviate the depression of middle-aged and older Chinese persons. Targeted measures should be adopted to promote SP and thereby improve mental health and promote healthy and active aging.

Which factors influence the frequency of participation in longitudinal cohort studies? - An analysis of demographics, social factors, and medical preconditions in participants of the health effects in high level exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls (HELPcB) cohort

ABSTRACT The continuous drop out of participants in longitudinal studies is a trend that may be observed in nearly all fields of medical research. A reduced participation rate might compromise the power of statistical analysis as well as lead to an attrition bias of the study. The aim of this analysis was to identify influencing factors on participation frequency in the monitoring program Health Effects in High Level Exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls (HELPcB) study, a cohort investigation of occupationally polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) exposed individuals. The HELPcB study was initiated in 2010 and consisted of 7 study visits. At the last cross-section in 2019, less than one third of the included patients still actively participated. As possible influencing factors on study participation frequency, demographic, social, and medical characteristics of the participants were examined. In addition, a logistic regression model to predict study participation behavior was calculated. An overall higher frequency of participation was observed, if participants joined the program together with relatives or friends and had a higher age. For PCB plasma levels, an exceedance of the biological reference value (BAR) and further factors, such as (1) professional qualification, (2) later inclusion, (3) type of participant and (4) occupational-related disease notification, significant differences in the participation frequency were observed in the univariate analysis. Only age and joined study participation remained significant in the multivariate logistic regression. In conclusion, it was possible to identify several social and occupational-related factors that influence the frequency of participation of study attendees.

Social Participation and Healthy Aging Among the Older Japanese: The Ohsaki Cohort 2006 Study.

Our study examined the association between social participation and healthy aging using a community-based cohort study among Japanese older adults. This prospective study was conducted in Ohsaki City, Japan, and included 7226 participants aged ≥65 years at the baseline survey in 2006. We obtained information on frequency of participation in 3 types of community activities (ie, neighborhood activities, hobbies, and volunteer activities) at baseline. Exposure was measured by the number of types of community activities participated in and participants were categorized into 4 groups (ie, none, 1 type, 2 types, and 3 types). The primary outcome was healthy aging as assessed by a questionnaire survey conducted in 2017, and was defined as meeting the following 4 criteria: free of disability, free of depression, high health-related quality of life, and high life satisfaction. We used multiple logistic regression models to calculate the corresponding odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals. During 11 years of follow-up, 574 (7.9%) participants attained healthy aging. Compared with participants not participating in any activity, the multivariable-adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) were 1.90 (1.40, 2.59) for those participating in 1 type, 2.49 (1.84, 3.38) for 2 types, and 3.06 (2.30, 4.07) for 3 types (p for trend < .0001). Furthermore, for each type of community activity, a higher frequency of participation was related to higher probability of healthy aging. Our study suggests that social participation is associated with the promotion of healthy aging, and that the benefits were observed across different types of community activities.

Leisure Activity Preferences of Children and Adolescents With Cerebral Palsy in Iran and the Quality of Their Participation

Objectives: To investigate whether Iranian children and adolescents with Cerebral Palsy (CP) participate in their preferred leisure activities. Methods: A group of children and adolescents (n=152; 59.2% male; aged 7-17 years; Mean±SD of age was 10.93±3.46 years old) diagnosed with CP (39.5% hemiplegic; 28.9% quadriplegic; 31.6% diplegic) were selected to complete the children’s assessment of participation and the enjoyment (CAPE) and Preference for Activities of Children (PAC) questionnaires. Results: Recreational and social activities were the most preferred (PAC mean score=2.13±0.40; 2.08±0.40, respectively), and active-physical activities were the least preferred (PAC mean score=1.60±0.46). Preferences were strongly correlated with leisure participation (P&lt;0.001), although there were still discrepancies between them. A discrepancy score was introduced, and skill-based activities demonstrated the highest discrepancy score (discrepancy mean score=3.39±2.97). Discussion: Greater preferences for leisure activities are linked with a higher frequency of participation but, that does not necessarily mean that children and adolescents with CP always participate in their most preferred leisure activities. They sometimes cannot participate in their preferred leisure activities and sometimes participate in activities that they do not like. Occupational therapists are encouraged to consider these findings to design more effective plans to achieve improved participation outcomes.

Development of vertical and forward jumping skills in typically developing children in the context of referent control of motor actions.

The empirically based referent control theory of motor actions provides a new framework for understanding locomotor maturation. Mature movement patterns of referent control are characterized by periods of minimization of activity across multiple muscles (global electromyographic [EMG] minima) resulting from transient matching between actual and referent body configurations. We identified whether locomotor maturation in young children was associated with (a) development of referent control and (b) children's frequency of participation in everyday activities evaluated by parents. Kinematics and EMG activity were recorded from typically developing children (n=15, 3-5years) and young adults (n=10, 18-25years) while walking, vertical or forward jumping. Presence and location of global EMG minima in movement cycles, slopes of ankle vertical/sagittal displacements, and shoulder displacement ratios were evaluated. Children had fewer global EMG minima compared to adults during specific phases of vertical and forward jumps. Ankle displacement profiles for walking and jumping forward were related to each other in adults, whereas those for walking and vertical jumping were related in children. Higher frequency of participation was significantly correlated with more mature jumping patterns in children. A decrease in the number of global EMG minima and changes in ankle movement patterns could be indicators of locomotor immaturity in typically developing children.

Reclassified cognitive leisure activity and risk of cognitive impairment in Chinese older adults aged ≥80 years: A 16-year prospective cohort study.

There is accumulating evidence that participation in cognitive leisure activities might be related to a reduced risk of cognitive impairment. However, there is no consensus regarding the classification of cognitive leisure activities, and it cannot clearly define each activity and quantitatively evaluate the effect of it. In the present study, we propose a new classification method, and examine the relationship between reclassified cognitive leisure activities and cognitive function. The analysis included 4830 participants of the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey, who were aged >80 years and free of cognitive impairment at 1998. They were followed up six times. Six cognitive leisure activities were mainly grouped into intrapersonal and interpersonal cognitive leisure activity by categorical principal component analysis. Cox proportional hazards analysis was used to evaluate the relationship between reclassified cognitive leisure activities and the risk of cognitive impairment. After a median follow-up period of 16 years, 1763 participants suffered from cognitive impairment (Mini-Mental State Examination score <24). Reading newspapers or books, taking part in some social activities and sometimes playing cards or mahjong were associated with a decreased risk of cognitive impairment (P < 0.05 for all). In multivariable adjusted models, compared with those with lower intensities, the hazard ratios (95% confident intervals) of cognitive impairment were 0.86 (0.74-0.99) and 0.71 (0.60-0.83) for participants with high intensities of intrapersonal and interpersonal cognitive leisure activity, respectively. A high frequency of participation in intrapersonal and interpersonal cognitive leisure activities showed a lower risk of cognitive impairment among the oldest-old in China. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2019; 19: 1041-1047.

Differences in 1‑year outcome after primary total hip and knee arthroplasty : Acohort study in older patients with osteoarthritis.

Patients who undergo primary total hip (THA) and knee (TKA) arthroplasty show better clinical outcomes, improved quality of life and increased participation in leisure activities; however, the differences between primary THA and TKA in older patients are unknown. The aim of the study was to compare the Western Ontario and McMasters University osteoarthritis index (WOMAC) scores and changes in WOMAC scores, the Medical Outcomes study 12-item short-form version2 (SF-12) mental and physical health scales, satisfaction and frequency of participation in leisure activities in older osteoarthritis patients with a mean age of 67.9 ± 10.6 years who underwent primary THA and TKA. Data from 170 THA and 169 TKA patients were collected 1 week preoperatively through self-reporting of WOMAC scores and SF-12. These parameters, level of satisfaction and frequency of participation in leisure activities were collected 1 year postoperatively by self-reporting questionnaires. The THA group of patients showed better WOMAC scores (P < 0.05), changes in WOMAC scores (P < 0.05), physical component summary (PCS) of SF-12 (P < 0.01) and changes in PCS scores (P < 0.01) compared with the TKA group. In addition, the THA patients showed higher overall satisfaction (91.90% vs. 83.60%), pain relief satisfaction (87.20% vs. 77.40%) and functional improvement satisfaction (90.10% vs. 83.08%) in comparison with the TKA patients. Furthermore, a higher frequency of participation in leisure activities was achieved in THA patients, except for intellectual leisure activities. These findings suggest that primary THA provides superior clinical outcomes, quality of life, satisfaction, and participation in leisure activities compared with primary TKA in older patients.

Participation in everyday activities of Thai children with cerebral palsy and factors associated with the frequency of participation

Different culture and socioeconomic possibly influence the level of participation, while limited information was available in developing countries. The study aims to explore participation of children with cerebral palsy (CP) in Thailand and factors associated with the frequency of participation. A survey descriptive research was done in 80 children with CP, aged 6–18 years, who visited outpatient clinics of a university hospital in Thailand. Family caregivers reported Thai-version questionnaires: the frequency of participation (FPQ), Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS-ER), attitude of caregivers and socioeconomic information. Disease severity and comorbidities were reviewed. Factors were analyzed for the association with the frequency of participation. Children with CP, a mean age 9.7 (SD 3.3) years and 46 (57.5%) males were participated. Most subjects were spastic (88.8%) and quadriplegic (41.2%) types. Various levels of motor function were included: GMFCS level I-8 (10%), II-27 (33.8%), III-6 (7.5%), IV-13 (16.2%), V-26 (32.5%). Within 14 activities, the most-frequently-participated activity was “helping with housework” that 59 (73.8%) children with CP participated in a few times/week, followed by going to shops (41.3%) and riding bike (36.3%). The least-participated activity was “taking part in community activities”, 32 (40%) children had never participated in, even though the attitude of almost caregivers (96.3%) was good. The multivariate analysis found that better GMFCS level ( P = 0.014) and communication ability ( P = 0.015) significantly correlated with higher frequency of participation. The children with positive family income more frequently participated in leisure activities ( P = 0.031) and art/cultural events ( P = 0.018). Thai children with CP tended to participate more frequently in family activities such as housework, shopping and riding bike, whereas rarely participated in community activities. Participation in leisure activity and art/cultural events, which seemed to need free time and money associated with family income. The children with higher level of motor function and communication ability had higher frequency of participation in everyday activities.

The effect of a running intervention on running ability and participation in children with cerebral palsy: a randomized controlled trial

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to evaluate effects of a running intervention on running ability and participation in children with cerebral palsy.Materials and method: Children with cerebral palsy (9–18 years) with Gross Motor Function Classification System levels I-III were randomly assigned to a 12-week running intervention or usual care. Primary outcomes included improvement in running ability (assessed by Goal Attainment Scaling, high level mobility (assessed by the High-Level Mobility Assessment Tool) and participation (assessed by the Participation and Environment Measure for Children and Youth). Secondary outcomes were aerobic and anaerobic fitness and agility. Blinded assessments took place at baseline and 12 weeks. Regression analysis adjusting for baseline differences was used to determine between group differences.Results: Forty-two participants (mean age 12.5 years, SD 2.8 years; 15 female) completed the study. Statistically significant group differences at 12-weeks were found for improvements in running ability (86% treatment group versus 0% control group achieved or exceeded their running goals, p < 0.001), and participation in the school environment (Participation and Environment Measure mean difference 1.18: 95%CI 1.00–1.39, p = 0.045).Conclusion: A 12-week individualized running training skills intervention results in achievement of running ability goals and participation in the school environment in children with cerebral palsy.Implications for RehabilitationChildren with cerebral palsy who can walk unaided demonstrate impairments in higher level mobility such as running.Running is a motor skill that can be trained in children with cerebral palsy.Individually tailored running skills intervention, delivered in a group context can improve goal-identified running ability and translate into a higher frequency of participation in school activities.

Putting a Price tag on Healthy Behavior: The Monetary Value of Sports Participation to Individuals

This study estimates the monetary value of sports and physical activity applying the compensation variation method. While previous studies put a price tag on various health conditions, this study assigns a monetary value to healthy behavior, such as participation in sports and physical activity. Data from the German Socio-Economic Panel (1992–2013) are used for the analysis (n = 191,828). A generalized ordered response model is estimated to take the heterogeneity in the dependent variable, a single-item life satisfaction measure, into account. The results show that females (males) would be willing to forgo between €195 and €840 (€330 and €790) of their monthly net income in order to participate in sports and physical activity several times a year. A higher frequency of participation is associated with higher monetary values: females (males) are willing to forgo between €552 and €1281 (€491 and €1483) of their monthly net income to participate in sports or exercise at least once a month and between €577 and €1471 (€577 and €1662) to participate at least once a week, respectively, compared to not participating at all. Evidently, participation in sports and physical activity improves individuals’ life satisfaction and is of substantial value to individuals. The findings have implications for health economists, policy makers, and the courts. This study contributes to the literature examining the relationship between sports participation and well-being.

Perfil científico de estudantes de Medicina em uma universidade pública

*** Scientific profile of medical students in a public university ***AIMS: To describe the characteristics of scientific activities conducted by medical students at the State University of Pará, Brazil, including their participation in research, events, and publications of medical articles.METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted from March to June 2015 with over-18-year-old students from the medical school of the State University of Pará, after they signed an informed consent form for their participation. Thirty students from each academic year (6 in total) answered a questionnaire developed and applied by the researchers. The questionnaire addressed the students’ participation in research activities, the types of research developed, and their scientific production. The participants were grouped according to academic cycles (1st and 2nd years, 3rd and 4th years, and 5th and 6th years). The type of scientific research was classified into four categories: database search, experiments with animals, clinical practice at outpatient clinics and health centers, and analyses of biological samples. The categorical variables were expressed as frequencies and percentage and compared by the chi-square test. A p ≤0.05 was considered to be statistically significant.RESULTS: Out of 180 assessed students, 96 (53.3%) conducted research. Of these, 23 (12.7%) were 1st- or 2nd-year students, 33 (18.3%) were in the 3rd or 4th year, and 40 (22.2%) were attending the 5th or 6th year. Regarding the type of research, there was a larger participation in database search (26.7%) and in clinical studies (26.7%). Participation of undergraduates in scientific events consisted of poster sessions (40.6%) and oral presentations (14.4%).CONCLUSIONS: The study revealed a high frequency of participation of medical students in research activities, with a major focus on clinical studies and database search. Students from the 3rd to the 6th year showed a higher degree of participation. The students’ scientific production was made known more frequently through their participation in scientific events, especially in poster sessions. There was a paucity of publications by the investigated undergraduate students.

Evaluation of a Mindfulness-Based Mobile App Aimed at Promoting Awareness of Weight-Related Behaviors in Adolescents: A Pilot Study.

BackgroundMindfulness-based interventions are reported to be highly acceptable and have positive effects on youth, yet most are clinic- or school-based aimed at emotional regulation or academic performance. To provide flexible program delivery, we developed and tested a standalone mindfulness-based app aimed at improving weight-related behaviors (eg, diet, physical activity, sleep) in adolescents.ObjectiveOur objective was to assess the feasibility, acceptability, and utility of a mindfulness-based mobile app.MethodsIn a single-arm pilot study, 15 adolescents (14-18 years) were prompted to access the app once a day, every day for 6 weeks. Outcomes were measured by in-app and poststudy surveys, and descriptive statistical analyses were performed. Time within a mindfulness state was self-reported during weekly timed practices.ResultsThe app was rated highly for content and encouraging the practice of activities to promote mindfulness states. Teens reported increased awareness of eating behaviors and high adherence, particularly during physically active practices. Average self-reported time spent in a mindfulness state increased 2.5 times by week 6 (78 [SD 17] seconds) compared to week 1 (31 [SD 21] seconds).ConclusionsThe high acceptability and utility ratings of the app, increases in reported time in mindfulness states, and high frequency of participation, including mindful eating and physical activity, suggest the mindfulness-based mobile app has the potential to improve awareness of weight-related behaviors.