Long-term Training Effects Research Articles

The impact of imagery training on achievement motivation among young swimmers aged 10-15 years

Achievement motivation is a critical factor in the performance and development of young athletes. It drives them to set and pursue goals, overcome obstacles, and succeed in sports. Understanding and enhancing achievement motivation can significantly impact young athletes' progress and performance. This study aims to examine the effect of imagery training on the achievement motivation of young swimmers to achieve, especially in commitment, goal setting, self-confidence, and engagement. The research design uses one group pre-test and post-test. A sample of 20 young swimmers participated in the study. Achievement motivation was assessed using standardized pre-test and post-test measures. The independent sample t-test revealed a highly significant difference between pre-test and post-test means (t = -26.937, p = 0.000), confirming the effectiveness of imagery training. These improvements suggest that imagery training can improve swimmers' commitment, goal-setting ability, self-confidence, and engagement in training. Although this study has several limitations, such as limited sample size and short training duration, the results confirm the importance of imagery training as an effective method in supporting mental development and performance improvement in young swimmers. Further research is recommended to address these limitations and explore the long-term effects of imagery training.

Behavioural and neuronal substrates of serious game-based computerised cognitive training in cognitive decline: randomised controlled trial.

Investigations of computerised cognitive training (CCT) show heterogeneous results in slowing age-related cognitive decline. To comprehensively evaluate the effectiveness of serious games-based CCT, integrating control conditions, neurophysiological and blood-based biomarkers, and subjective measures. In this bi-centric randomised controlled trial with parallel groups, 160 participants (mean age 71.3 years) with cognitive impairment ranging from subjective decline to mild cognitive impairment, were pseudo-randomised to three arms: an intervention group receiving CCT immediately, an active control (watching documentaries) and a waitlist condition, which both started the CCT intervention after the control period. Both active arms entailed a 3-month intervention period comprising a total of 60 at-home sessions (five per week) and weekly on-site group meetings. In the intervention group, this was followed by additional 6 months of CCT, with monthly booster sessions to assess long-term training effects. Behavioural and subjective changes were assessed in 3-month intervals. Biological effects were measured by amyloid blood markers and magnetic resonance imaging obtained before and after training. Adherence to the training protocol was consistently high across groups and time points (4.87 sessions per week). Domain-specific cognitive scores showed no significant interaction between groups and time points. Significant cognitive and subjective improvements were observed after long-term training. Voxel-based morphometry revealed no significant changes in grey matter volume following CCT, nor did amyloid levels moderate its effectiveness. Our study demonstrates no benefits of 3 months of CCT on cognitive or biological outcomes. However, positive effects were observed subjectively and after long-term CCT, warranting the inclusion of CCT in multicomponent interventions.

Biological analysis of shoulder joint muscle strength during volleyball spike specific physical training

Volleyball spike requires extremely high shoulder joint muscle strength. Traditional research methods are single, with insufficient sample size, lack multidimensional analysis and long-term training effect evaluation, and have not fully combined biomechanical and physiological theories. This article combined biomechanical and physiological theories to collect field data and used a three-dimensional motion capture system and surface electromyography technology to analyze the performance of shoulder joint muscle strength in spiking. The experimental results show that Integrated Biomechanics and Physiology (IBP) is significantly superior to other training methods in improving the maximum strength, endurance, and muscle activation of the shoulder joint. Specific data show that after IBP training, the maximum strength of the shoulder joint increased by 50 N, and the endurance increased by 19.6%, and the muscle activation increased by 13.5%. Studies have shown that the IBP method has great potential for application in optimizing special physical training, providing a scientific basis for athletes’ physical training.

Long-Term Effects of Individual-Focused and Team-Based Training on Health Professionals’ Intention to Have Serious Illness Conversations: A Cluster Randomised Trial

ABSTRACT We aimed to measure the sustainability of health professionals’ intention to have serious illness conversations with patients using the Serious Illness Conversation Guide (SICG) after individual-focused training versus team-based training. In a cluster randomised trial, we trained healthcare professionals in 40 primary care clinics and measured their intention to hold serious illness conversations immediately (T1), after 1 year (T2) and after 2 years (T3). Primary care clinics (n = 40) were randomly assigned to individual-focused training (comparator) or team-based training (intervention). Average age of the 373 participants was 35–44 years, 79% were women. On a scale of 1 to 7, at T1, the mean intention was 5.33 (SD 0.20) in the individual-focused group and 5.36 (SD 0.18) in the team-based group; at T2, these scores were 4.94 (SD 0.23) and 4.87 (SD 0.21) and at T3, 5.14 (SD 0.24) and 4.59 (SD 0.21), respectively. At T3, the difference in mean intention between study groups had a significant p-value of 0.01. Intention to have serious illness conversations was lower at T2 and T3 after team-based training than after individual-focused training, with a significant difference at 2 years in favour of individual-focused training. Health professionals reported not enough time during consultations for serious illness conversations as a major barrier. Registration number: ClinicalTrials.gov (ID NCT03577002) for the parent clinical trial.

Long-term effects of pelvic floor training in male chronic pelvic pain, correlation between subjective and objective outcomes: a study protocol for a randomised controlled trial

IntroductionChronic primary pelvic pain syndrome (CPPPS) is a condition characterised by pain in the pelvic area together with lower urinary tract symptoms. Pathophysiology remains largely unclear. Common treatment modalities show...

Sensory-substitution based sound perception using a spinal computer–brain interface

Sensory substitution offers a promising approach to restore lost sensory functions. Here we show that spinal cord stimulation (SCS), typically used for chronic pain management, can potentially serve as a novel auditory sensory substitution device. We recruited 13 patients undergoing SCS implantation and translated everyday sound samples into personalized SCS patterns during their trial phase. In a sound identification task—where chance-level performance was 33.3%—participants (n=8\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$n=8$$\\end{document}) achieved a mean accuracy of 72.8% using only SCS input. We observed a weak positive correlation between stimulation bitrate and identification accuracy. A follow-up discrimination task (n=5\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$n=5$$\\end{document}) confirmed that reduced bitrates significantly impaired participants’ ability to distinguish between consecutive SCS patterns, indicating effective processing of additional information at higher bitrates. These findings demonstrate the feasibility of using existing SCS technology to create a novel neural interface for a sound prosthesis. Our results pave the way for future research to enhance stimulation fidelity, assess long-term training effects, and explore integration with other auditory aids for comprehensive hearing rehabilitation.

Short- and long-term effects of concurrent aerobic and resistance training on circulating irisin levels in overweight or obese individuals: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Concurrent training (CT) is emerging as a practical and effective approach to enhance body composition, cardiovascular function, and muscle mass, thereby elevating overall individual health. This study aims to systematically investigate the effects of short- and long-term concurrent aerobic and resistance training on circulating irisin levels in overweight or obese individuals. The electronic databases, including China National Knowledge Infrastructure, PubMed, Embase, Wan Fang Database, and Web of Science, were systematically searched for articles on "concurrent training" and "irisin" published from their inception to 30 November 2023. The pooled effect size was determined using standardized mean difference (SMD) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The study protocol received registration with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (CRD42023494163). All nine studies, encompassing a total of 264 participants, were randomized controlled trials and met the eligibility criteria. Results indicate that short- and long-term concurrent training moderately increased circulating irisin levels compared to the control group (SMD = 0.56, 95% CI [0.33-0.80], p=0.00; I 2 = 36.6%, heterogeneity p=0.106). Subgroup analyses revealed that both equal to or less than 10 weeks (SMD = 0.78, 95% CI [0.18-1.37], p=0.01; I 2 = 62.3%, heterogeneity p=0.03) and more than 10 weeks (SMD = 0.45, 95% CI [0.14-0.76], p=0.00; I 2 = 0%, heterogeneity p=0.54) of concurrent training significantly increased circulating irisin levels in overweight or obese individuals. There were no significant between-group differences (I 2=0%, p=0.34). Additionally, concurrent training significantly increased irisin levels in overweight or obese participants (SMD = 1.06, 95% CI [0.34-1.78], p=0.00; I 2 = 50.6%, heterogeneity p=0.13) and in type 2 diabetes patients (SMD = 0.70, 95% CI [0.30-1.10], p=0.00; I 2 = 0%, heterogeneity p=0.99). However, no significant effect was observed in patients with metabolic syndrome (SMD = 0.21, 95% CI [-0.25-0.68], p=0.37; I 2 = 38.7%, heterogeneity p=0.18). There were significant between-group differences (I 2=53.9%, p=0.11). Lastly, concurrent training significantly increased circulating irisin levels in overweight or obese individuals aged 45-60 years (SMD = 0.56, 95% CI [0.25-0.86], p=0.00; I 2 = 6.5%, heterogeneity p=0.38), and a significant increase in irisin levels was observed 12 h post-intervention (SMD = 0.70, 95% CI [0.35-1.05], p=0.00; I 2 = 0%, heterogeneity p=0.74). However, none of the above categorical variables showed significant between-group differences. Short- and long-term concurrent training can effectively improve circulating irisin levels in overweight or obese individuals. However, the effects of short- and long-term concurrent training should consider the participants' health status, age, and the timing of post-exercise measurements to maximize health benefits.

Long-term high-intensity interval training reduces blood glucose in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients

This study aimed to demonstrate the long-term effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on reducing blood glucose levels in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The research employs a preexperimental design with a one-group pretest‒posttest design. A total of 20 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, aged 40–60 years, participated in the study and received the HIIT intervention three times per week for eight weeks. Data collection involved measuring fasting blood glucose levels before and after the HIIT intervention via the ONE TOUCH™ BASIC™ Plus Meter. Data analysis was conducted via paired sample t tests with a significance level of 5%, and the effect size was evaluated via Cohen's d. Paired sample t test analysis between pre-HIIT and post-HIIT blood glucose levels (181.50±17.85 mg/dL to 99.50±8.26 mg/dL, p ≤ 0.001) revealed a significant reduction, with a large effect size (Cohen's d = 5.896). This study confirms that long-term high-intensity interval training is effective in lowering fasting blood glucose levels to normal ranges in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Keywords: Blood glucose, HIIT, insulin sensitivity, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes patients

Changes in Plasma Concentration of Free Proteinogenic and Non-Proteinogenic Amino Acids in High-Performance Sprinters over a 6-Month Training Cycle.

Background/Objectives: Free amino acids substantially contribute to energy metabolism. Also, their profile may identify (over)training status and effectiveness. The long-term effects of speed-power training on plasma free amino acid (PFAA) profiles are not known. We aimed to observe variations in PFAA levels in high-performance sprinters in a six-month training cycle. Methods: Ten male athletes (24.6 ± 3.3 years) were examined during four training phases: transition (1 month), general preparation (2 months), specific preparation (1 month), and pre-competition/competition (2 months). Venous blood was collected at rest, after exhaustive exercise, and recovery. Forty-two PFAAs were analyzed by the LC-ESI-MS/MS method. Results: Significant decreases in resting concentrations were observed between the transition and competition phases for glutamine (762 ± 117 vs. 623 ± 53 μmol∙L-1; p < 0.001, η2 = 0.47) and histidine (89 ± 15 vs. 75 ± 10 μmol∙L-1; p = 0.010, η2 = 0.27), whereas β-alanine (30 ± 7 vs. 41 ± 9 μmol∙L-1; p = 0.024, η2 = 016) and sarcosine (3.6 ± 0.4 vs. 4.8 ± 0.6 μmol∙L-1; p = 0.006, η2 = 0.188) levels increased. Between the specific and competition phases, significant decreases in the resting levels of 1-methylhistidine (22.1 ± 19.4 vs. 9.6 ± 8.8 μmol∙L-1; p = 0.14, η2 = 0.19), 3-methylhistidine (7.1 ± 1.5 vs. 6.5 ± 1.6 μmol∙L-1; p = 0.009, η2 = 0.18), citrulline (40 ± 10 vs. 29 ± 4 μmol∙L-1; p = 0.05, η2 = 0.29), and ornithine (74 ± 15 vs. 56 ± 10 μmol∙L-1; p = 0.015, η2 = 185) were noticed. Also, for β-alanine and sarcosine, the pattern of response to exercise strongly changed between the training phases. Blood ammonia levels at exhaustion decreased between the transition and competition phases (32 ± 4 vs. 23 ± 5 μmol∙L-1; p < 0.001, η2 = 0.67), while lactate, the phenylalanine-tyrosine ratio, the glutamine-glutamate ratio, hematological parameters, and cardiorespiratory indices remained at similar levels. Conclusions: Speed-power training seems to affect PFAAs involved in skeletal muscle metabolic pathways responsible for neutralizing toxic ammonia (glutamine, arginine, citrulline, ornithine), attenuating the deleterious effects of H+ ions (histidine, β-alanine), and reducing exercise-induced protein breakdown (1- and 3-methylhistidine). Our findings suggest that sprint-oriented training supports metabolic pathways that are responsible for the removal of harmful metabolites produced during exercise.

Long-term effects of alcohol-avoidance training: Do changes in approach bias predict who will remain abstinent?

Patients with alcohol use disorder (AUD) tend to selectively approach alcohol cues in the environment, demonstrating an alcohol-approach bias. Alcohol-approach-bias modification (Alcohol-ApBM) effectively increases abstinence rates in patients with AUD when added to abstinence-focused treatment, but the evidence for its proposed working mechanism (reduction of the alcohol-approach bias) is limited. Moreover, not all patients benefit from Alcohol-ApBM, and previous research did not identify reliable pretreatment predictors of Alcohol-ApBM effectiveness. Therefore, the current study focused on learning processes during the Alcohol-ApBM training itself. Specifically, we examined whether changes in approach-avoidance tendencies over the course of Alcohol-ApBM would predict abstinence after inpatient treatment. The training data of 543 AUD patients in Germany (70% male, M = 47.96, SD = 9.08), receiving Alcohol-ApBM training during inpatient treatment, were used to examine whether various aspects of learning during training predicted abstinence 1 year after treatment discharge, both separately and in interaction with potential sociodemographic and clinical moderators of Alcohol-ApBM effectiveness. Overall, successful learning across six Alcohol-ApBM training sessions was observed; that is, the approach tendency toward alcoholic stimuli was reduced over time. However, none of the examined learning parameters were predictive of abstinence, neither separately nor in combination with clinical or sociodemographic variables. Previous studies have shown that Alcohol-ApBM is an effective add-on to abstinence-focused treatment for AUD, and this study showed that learning took place during Alcohol-ApBM training. However, specific learning parameters during training did not predict abstinence 1 year after treatment discharge. Therefore, we cannot specify which patients are most likely to benefit from ApBM with regard to abstinence after 1 year.

The long-term effects of job training on labor market and skills outcomes in Chile

Job training programs can be an effective policy for improving productivity and labor market outcomes in low- and middle-income countries. We report medium- and long-term impacts of a job training program for vulnerable workers in Chile on labor market and skill outcomes using experimental and administrative data. We estimate intention-to-treat effects, accounting for potential non-compliance by training providers in the assignment process, as well as local average treatment effects due to noncompliance with the assigned treatment status. Overall, the program shows limited effectiveness. While we find some positive impacts on labor income, the program fails to improve most labor outcomes. A detailed investigation of heterogenous effects by course-type, training provider and course quality, and gender reveals that the positive income effects are more likely to be realized for males and participants in courses that were offered by high-quality providers. Evidence on mechanisms indicates that the program's limited impact on labor outcomes could, at least partly, be due to its limited effect on workers’ skills.

Development of a virtual reality simulator for training canine endotracheal intubation technique and evaluation of the educational impacts

Virtual reality (VR)-based training has shown some benefits in medical education, supporting skill acquisition, and helping reduce anxiety in real-world settings. However, the use of VR simulators in veterinary education remains limited. This study aimed to introduce a VR simulator to support veterinarian training in canine anaesthesia induction and endotracheal intubation. This study involved a group that learned solely with instructional videos (video group), and one that learned concurrently with the video and VR simulator (VR group). Third- and fourth-year veterinary students were included and underwent a descriptive test on canine endotracheal intubation. Canine endotracheal intubation success rates were compared between the video (n = 364) and VR (n = 60) groups of fifth-year students. A survey on the VR usability was conducted (n=91). The median descriptive test scores improved in the VR (63.3/100) vs the video group (51.5/100). The canine intubation success rates were comparable in the VR and video groups at 84.3 % and 77.4 %, respectively. A total of 90.1 % of the surveyed students rated the ease of use of the simulator highly. Overall, VR simulators were well-received, suggesting benefits in new skill retention. Further studies are required to evaluate the extent of skill improvement through VR-based training, compared to conventional methods, and to assess its impact on student motivation. Evaluating the long-term effects of VR-based training on skill development and retention will also provide a deeper understanding of its educational benefits.

Influence of Long-Term Soccer Training on the Fatty Acid Profile of the Platelet Membrane and Intra-Platelet Antioxidant Vitamins.

This research aimed to study the long-term effects of soccer training on platelet membrane fatty acid levels and antioxidant vitamins. Forty-four subjects divided into soccer players (SP; n = 22; 20.86 ± 0.36 years) and a control group (CG; n = 22; 21.23 ± 0.49 years) participated in the study. The fatty acids of the platelet membrane, the rates of desaturation, lipid peroxidation indexes and intra-platelet levels of vitamins C and E were assessed. SP obtained lower values in polyunsaturated fatty acids 18:3:3 (alpha-linolenic acid), 20:5:3 (eicosapentaenoic acid) and 22:6:3 (docosahexaenoic acid) (p < 0.05). The desaturation index ∆5 was higher in SP (p < 0.05), and they had a higher lipid peroxidation index 20:4:6 (arachidonic acid)/16:0 (palmitic acid) (p < 0.05). Vitamin E and C platelet values were also higher in SP (p < 0.01). There were positive correlations in the ω6/ω3 index (p < 0.05), desaturation index ∆5 (p < 0.05), lipid peroxidation index 20:4:6/16:0 and intra-platelet vitamins E and C (p < 0.01) with the level of physical activity. In addition, there were inverse correlations in fatty acids 24:0 (lignoceric acid), 16:1 (palmitoleic acid), 20:3:6 (eicosadienoic acid) and 18:3:3 (alpha-linolenic acid) (p < 0.05) depending on the degree of physical activity. Regular long-term soccer training could modify the concentration of fatty acids such as 24:0, 16:1, 18:6, 20:3:6, 18:3:3:3, 20:5:3, 26:6:3 and ω3 PUFAs in the platelet membrane.

Effects of visual neuroplasticity training on visual perception, visual quality, and macular blood flow in patients with strabismus.

To observe the effects of visual neuroplasticity training on visual perception, visual quality, and macular blood flow in patients with concomitant strabismus postoperatively. In total, 108 patients underwent binocular strabismus correction operation, and some patients underwent neuroplasticity training. All patients underwent clinical ophthalmic examination, including measurement of best-corrected visual acuity, spherical equivalent, axis length, optical coherence tomography angiography, optical quality analysis system, and visual perception examinations. A total of 78 patients received neuroplasticity training for 1 month postoperatively, and 30 patients did not receive training. All patients underwent a visual perception examination preoperatively and at 1 day, 1 week, and 1 month postoperatively. Macular blood flow and visual quality were examined preoperatively and at 1 month postoperatively. Postoperative visual perception was better than preoperative visual perception (P < 0.05). After neuroplasticity training, the visual perception of the trained subjects was better than that of the untrained subjects (P < 0.05), and the blood flow in the macular area of the trained patients was lower than that of the untrained subjects (P < 0.05). The visual quality of the untrained subjects was lower than that of the trained patients (P < 0.05). Visual inspection system could accurately evaluate binocular visual perception in patients with concomitant strabismus. After surgical alignment of the strabismus patient, training can stimulate and integrate the formation of stereovision in a short period of time, maintain the visual quality of patients after surgery, and provide conditions for the formation of binocular visual signals and binocular stereovision, but in the short term, it will lead to the decrease of macular blood vessel density and perfusion density. However, the long-term effects of training have not been proven.

Long-term effects of exercise training in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction - a follow-up study of two randomised controlled trials

Long-term effects of exercise training in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction - a follow-up study of two randomised controlled trials

Transform[ing] heart failure professionals with Indigenous land-based cultural safety in Ontario, Canada.

Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death worldwide, with disproportionate impacts on Indigenous Peoples in Canada. In Spring 2022, a land-based learning program was piloted and evaluated as an Indigenous cultural safety training for professionals at a cardiac care centre and university in a large urban city. Baseline and endline surveys showed an increase in knowledge of Indigenous histories, cultures, and practices; increased reflection on positionality and intention to create change; and strengthened relationships with the land. Future work should explore the long-term effects of land-based cultural safety training on participant behaviours, and health outcomes for Indigenous Peoples.

Long-term Acoustic Effects of Gender-Affirming Voice Training in Transgender Women

ObjectivesOne role of a speech-language pathologist (SLP) is to help transgender clients in developing a healthy, gender-congruent communication. Transgender women frequently approach SLPs to train their voices to sound more feminine, however, long-term acoustic effects of the training needs to be rigorously examined in effectiveness studies. The aim of this study was to investigate the long-term effects (follow-up 1: 3 months and follow-up 2: 1 year after last session) of gender-affirming voice training for transgender women, in terms of acoustic parameters. Study designThis study was a randomized sham-controlled trial with a cross-over design. Methods26 transgender women were included for follow-up 1 and 18 for follow-up 2. All participants received 14 weeks of gender-affirming voice training (4 weeks sham training, 10 weeks of voice feminization training: 5 weeks pitch elevation training (PET) and 5 weeks articulation-resonance training (ART)), but in a different order. Speech samples were recorded with Praat at 4 different time points (pre, post, follow-up 1, follow-up 2). Acoustic analysis included fo of sustained vowel /a:/, reading and spontaneous speech. Formant frequencies (F1-F2-F3) of vowels /a/, /i/ and /u/ were determined and vowel space was calculated. A linear mixed model was used to compare the acoustic voice measurements between measurements (pre – post, pre – follow-up 1, pre – follow-up 2, post – follow-up 1, post – follow-up 2, follow-up 1 – follow-up 2). ResultsMost of the fo measurements and formant frequencies that increased immediately after the intervention, were stable at both follow-up measurements. The median fo during the sustained vowel, reading and spontaneous speech stayed increased at both follow-ups compared to the pre measurement. However, a decrease of 16 Hz/1.7 ST (reading) and 12 Hz/1.5 ST (spontaneous speech) was detected between the post measurement (169 Hz for reading, 144 Hz for spontaneous speech) and one year after the last session (153 Hz and 132 Hz respectively). The lower limit of fo did not change during reading and spontaneous speech, both directly after the intervention and during both follow-ups. F1-2 of vowel /a/ and the vowel space increased after the intervention and both follow-ups. Individual analyses showed that more aspects should be controlled after the intervention, such as exercises that were performed at home, or the duration of extra gender-affirming voice training sessions. ConclusionsAfter ten sessions of voice feminization training and follow-up measurements after three months and one year, stable increases were found for some formant frequencies and fo measurements, but not all of them. More time should be spent on increasing the fifth percentile of fo, as the lower limit of fo also contributes to the perception of more feminine voice.

Long-Term Effects of a 6-Week Power-Based Resistance Training and Fast Walking Interval Training Program on Physical Function, Muscle Power, Disability, and Frailty in Pre-Frail and Frail Older Adults

Introduction: Concurrent training has been shown to be a beneficial approach to improve overall health status in older adults. However, little is known about the adaptations of this type of training in the long term (i.e., after cessation of exercise), even less in older people affected by frailty syndrome. Therefore, this study aimed (i) to assess the effects of a 6-week concurrent training program composed of power-oriented resistance training and fast walking interval training on physical function, muscle power, disability in activities of daily living and frailty in pre-frail and frail older people, and (ii) to assess the effects of a 6-month detraining period on these outcomes. Methods: A total of 59 pre-frail and frail older adults (>75 years old; Frailty Phenotype >1) were allocated into intervention (INT; n = 32; 81.8 years; 21 women) or control (CON; n = 27; 82.5 years; 19 women) groups. Primary outcomes of this study were Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), relative sit-to-stand (STS) power, Barthel index, Lawton scale and Frailty Phenotype. Assessments were performed at baseline (PRE), after the concurrent training programme (POST) and after 6 months of follow-up (DET) in both groups. Mixed model repeated measures ANOVA with Bonferroni’s post hoc tests was used. Results: Immediately after the intervention (∆ = POST-PRE), INT improved SPPB (∆ = 3.0 points; p < 0.001), relative STS power (∆ = 0.87 W·kg−1; p < 0.001) and reduced their frailty levels (∆ = −1.42 criteria; p < 0.001), while no changes were observed in CON. After 6 months of detraining (∆ = DET-PRE), INT showed higher SPPB (∆ = 2.2 points; p < 0.001), higher relative STS power (∆ = 0.73 W·kg−1; p < 0.001) and lower frailty (∆ = −1.24 criteria; p < 0.001) values than those reported at baseline, which were significantly different than those reported by CON. Both, Barthel index and Lawton scale values were not modified during the study in either group. Conclusions: The 6-week concurrent training program improved physical function, muscle power and reduced frailty in pre-frail and frail older people and these improvements were maintained above baseline levels after 6 months of detraining. However, due to the individual variability found, future studies of long-term responders versus non-responders in frail populations are required.

Effects of Diaphragm Breathing Training Through Visual Feedback on Diaphragm Movement and Lung Function in Normal Women

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the effects of diaphragmatic breathing training with visual feedback on diaphragm movement and lung function in healthy women. Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted with the participation of 20 healthy college-aged women without any underlying physical conditions. The participants were randomly assigned into two groups: the intervention group that received diaphragmatic breathing training with visual feedback and the control group that underwent sham training without visual feedback. Diaphragmatics movement were assessed through respiratory motion analysis, and lung function was measured using spirometry before and after the training period. Data analysis included a paired t-test to compare within-group differences and an independent t-test to compare the effects between the two groups. Results: In both groups, diaphragmatic movement significantly increased after the intervention (p&lt;.05). In addition, the intervention group that received visual feedback exhibited significant improvements in forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), and diaphragm movement (p&lt;.05). However, the control group without visual feedback demonstrated only a significant increase in diaphragm movement (p&lt;.05). Furthermore, the intervention group showed a significantly greater increase in FVC than the control group. Conclusion: This study reveals that incorporating visual feedback into diaphragmatic breathing training can effectively enhance diaphragmatic movement and improve lung function in healthy women. These findings suggest the potential benefits of visual feedback in optimizing the benefits of diaphragmatic breathing exercises. These results have implications for respiratory rehabilitation, stress reduction, and overall well-being in the general population. More studies are recommended to explore the long-term effects of diaphragmatic breathing training with visual feedback and its application in clinical populations with respiratory disorders.

Exploring The Efficacy Of Self-Concept And Psychosocial Skill Enhancement Interventions In Hearing-Impaired Children: A Comparative Analysis

This comparative study aimed to measure the impact of social skills training on the self-perception and psychosocial challenges experienced by school children with hearing impairment. The participants were divided into two groups: one received social skills training, and other was a control group, and self-report measures were used to evaluate their self-concept and psychosocial problems before and after the training. The outcomes displayed a significant upgrading in self-concep[1]t scores and a decline in psychosocial problem scores following the training. Gender differences were observed, with girls go through greater self-concept improvement, while boys displayed higher psychosocial problem scores post-training. In addition, a multivariate analysis proved a significant relation between gender and treatment group, suggesting potential gender-specific effects of social skills training. Conversely, the study was subject to certain limitations, including a small sample size and reliance on self-report measures. Future research should address these limitations and investigate the mechanisms and long-term effects of social skills training in hearing-impaired children, while considering gender-specific factors. Overall, this study contributes valuable insights to the existing literature on the effectiveness of social skills training in enhancing the well-being of hearing-impaired school children.