Mixed Analysis Of Variance Research Articles

Differential effects of classical yoga intervention on resilience of male and female migrant college students

Background: Yoga is effective for managing stress and increasing resilience of college students. However, there is a scarcity of research on differences between males and females in the effects of Yoga. Aim: The present study aims to investigate the effect Classical Yoga Intervention (CYI) on resilience of rural-to-urban migrant college students as migration is a challenging situation demanding resilient adaptation. It also explores sex differences in the effects of CYI. Methods: The study included 125 migrant college students (age 16–18 years). Sixty-two students (30 males, 32 females) from the CYI group underwent 40 sessions of CYI and 63 (33 males, 30 females) in the control group did not receive intervention at that time. Resilience was measured using Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale. Mixed Analysis of Variance was conducted to understand the independent and interactive effects of test time (pretest, posttest), sex (male, female), and group (CYI, control). Results: CYI group improved significantly on resilience as compared to control group from pretest to posttest indicating positive effects of Yoga. CYI group females were significantly higher than control group females on posttest scores of resilience, whereas no difference was found between CYI and control group males. Within the CYI group, no significant difference was found between males and females on posttest scores of resilience. Conclusion: The study indicates a positive effect of CYI on resilience. Although females of the CYI group showed higher improvements as compared to control group females, it can be said that Yoga is effective for both males and females.

Comparison of the Effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Couple Therapy Based on Guttman Model on the Lovemaking Styles of Women Affected by Husband Infidelity

Aim: The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of acceptance and commitment-based therapy and couple therapy based on Guttman model on the lovemaking styles of women affected by husband infidelity. Methods The research method was quasi-experimental with pretest-posttest design with a control group and three months of follow-up. The statistical population of the study included all women affected by the infidelity of their husbands who referred to Ramsar Health Center from January 2021 to the end of May 2021. 45 people were selected by convenience sampling who randomly divided into two experimental groups and one control group (15 people in each group). The first and second experimental groups each received 8 sessions of couple therapy based on acceptance and commitment and couple therapy based on Guttman method. The research instrument included the Triangular inventory of love Sterenberg (1986). Data analysis was performed by mixed analysis of variance using SPSS-23 software. Results: In the post-test stage, both methods of intervention improved love styles of intimacy (F=8.57, P<0.001), desire (F=8.55, P<0.001) and commitment (F=8.26, P>0.001) had a significant effect on the effect of women affected by infidelity. In the follow-up phase, two interventions significantly improving lovemaking styles, Also, the results of Bonferroni test showed that couple therapy based on Guttman model is more effective than therapy based on acceptance and commitment on lovemaking styles of women affected by husband infidelity (P<0.01). Conclusion: Based on the findings of the study, couple therapy based on acceptance and commitment and couple therapy based on Guttman method can be used by couples and family therapists to improving lovemaking styles of women affected by infidelity.

The effectiveness of emotionally focused couple therapy on heartbreak and marital conflict of couples

Aim: The purpose of this research was to Investigating the effectiveness emotionally focused couple therapy on heartbreak and marital conflict of couples. Method: The research method was semi-experimental with a pre-test, post-test and follow-up design with a control group and the statistical population was couples who referred to Azarshahr Psychology Clinic in Kermanshah in 1401. A sample of 20 people was selected by random sampling and randomly replaced in the experimental group and the control group. The measurement tools were Marital Conflict Questionnaire (MCQ-R) and Pines Marital Distress Scale (2001). The emotional-oriented couple therapy program of Jansen and Grayman (2006) was observed in 11 sessions, each session lasting 70 minutes for the experimental group and the control group. SPSS-26 software and mixed variance analysis with three-stage repeated measures were used for statistical analysis of the data. Results: Based on the findings, emotional couple therapy was effective in reducing marital conflicts (F=6.34, P=0.031) and marital boredom (F=5.61, P=0.048) and this effect was reported to be stable in the follow-up phase. (P=0.05). Conclusion: The results of this research, in addition to benefiting the couples participating in this research, can be used in the treatment decisions of psychologists, the training of treatment protocols in universities, the preparation and compilation of media and cultural programs to promote mental health in the media.

The effectiveness of realistic acceptance and commitment therapy (RACT) on distress tolerance and resilience of divorced women

Aim: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of realistic acceptance and commitment therapy (RACT) on couples' distress tolerance and resilience. Method: The purpose of the present research was applied and its method was quasi-experimental with a pre-test and post-test design with an experimental group and a control group and a two-month follow-up period. The statistical population of the study included all divorced women who referred to private counseling centers in the 9th district of Tehran, 30 people were selected by available sampling and randomly assigned to an experimental group (15 people) and a control group (15 people). Then, a group intervention test based on realistic acceptance and commitment therapy (RACT) was conducted on the group based on the package developed by Afshari et al. (2022). The research tools included Simmons and Gaher (2005) distress tolerance and Connor and Davidson (2003) resilience questionnaire. SPSS-26 software and mixed variance analysis with three-stage repeated measures were used for statistical analysis of data. Results: Based on the findings, there was a significant difference between the stress tolerance and resilience scores of the experimental and control groups in the pre-test, post-test and follow-up stages. The results of the analysis of the findings indicate that the realistic acceptance and commitment therapy (RACT) had a significant effect on the distress tolerance and resilience of the experimental group. The effectiveness of this intervention was stable in the follow-up phase according to the Bonferroni post hoc test. Conclusion: Based on the available findings, it can be concluded that to increase the distress tolerance and resilience of divorced women, the method of treatment based on realistic acceptance and commitment (RACT) can be used in family counseling and couple therapy centers.

Development of a package of reality-oriented acceptance and commitment therapy (RACT) and comparing its effectiveness with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) on procrastination, self-efficacy and academic competence of students with academic burnout.

Background and Aim: Several factors affect students' academic performance. Some of these factors improve academic performance and others weaken the performance of learners; Therefore, the aim of the present study was to determine the effectiveness of the realistic acceptance and commitment therapy package compared to cognitive behavioral therapy on procrastination and responsibility of teenage girls. Methods: The current research was semi-experimental with pre-test and post-test with a control group and a two-month follow-up; And the statistical population of the research was all secondary school girls of the 5th district of Isfahan in 1400, after screening with the academic burnout questionnaire, 45 adolescent girls were selected in an accessible way and in the experimental group of realistic acceptance and commitment therapy package (15 girls), the experimental group Cognitive behavioral therapy (15 girls) and control group (15 girls) were randomly replaced. The experimental group received the researcher-made realistic commitment and acceptance therapy package, and the experimental group received cognitive behavioral therapy for eight 90-minute sessions, and the control group did not receive any intervention; All three groups responded to Tuckman's procrastination questionnaire (1991) and California accountability (1951) in three phases: pre-test, post-test and follow-up. Data were analyzed using repeated measures mixed analysis of variance. Results: The results showed that the treatment package of acceptance and realistic commitment on the score of procrastination (F=8.09, P=0.007) and responsibility (F=9.40, P=0.004) and cognitive behavioral intervention on the score of procrastination ((F = 5.51, P = 0.024) and responsibility (F = 9.11, P = 0.005) is effective and this effect was stable in the follow-up phase. Conclusion: The results of the research suggest evidence that the intervention of the researcher's realistic acceptance and commitment therapy package and cognitive behavioral therapy is a suitable method for increasing responsibility and reducing procrastination in teenagers.

The Effectiveness of God- Inclined Spiritually Therapy on the Reduction of Depression and Anxiety and the Increase of Quality Life of Women with Breast Cancer in Tehran City

Aim: The Present article aimed to investigate the effectiveness of god-inclined therapy on the reduction of depression and anxiety and the increase of quality life of women with breast cancer(BC) in Tehran. Methods: The present research was implemented in quasi-experimental method with pre-test and post-test design, control group and follow-up. The statistical population were all women with breast cancer(BC) under treatment in ShahreRey hospital of Tehran during 2022; among them30 women were selected in voluntarily purposeful method and appointed in two groups of experimental and control. The instruments were consisted of Beck’s depression and anxiety questionnaires and World’s Health Organizational questionnaire of quality of life. The validity was confirmed by the experts and the reliability was estimated and approved through Cronbach Alpha (α>0.07). Prior to the treatment, the depression, anxiety and quality of life tests were implemented for both groups. The experimental group had received a God- Inclined Spiritually Therapy through eight sessions. The control group had not received any treatment. Both groups repeatedly answered to the questionnaires, after implementing the intervention in post-test and follow-up stages. The data was analyzed through between-within mixed variance analysis. Results: The results revealed that god-inclined therapy was effective in the reduction of depression (F=5.02, P=0.03) and anxiety (F=11.16, P=0.001) and the increase of women`s quality of life (F=25.52, P=0.001), which was stable after 45days in follow-up stage (p<0.05). Conclusion: According to the effectiveness and stability of god-inclined therapy, it is suggested to implement these god-inclined methods in health and treatment centers in order to improve cancer patients’ spiritual status.

Effectiveness of Group Cognitive Behavioral therapy on Resilience and Emotion Regulation in Obese Women of Amol City

Aim: This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of cognitive behavioral group therapy on resilience and emotion regulation in obese women of Amol City. Methods: The present study was quasi-experimental with experimental and control groups and pretest-posttest design with one-month follow-up. The statistical population of the study was 200 obese women who had referred to one of the psychological centers for psychological treatment. 50 people were purposefully selected as a sample and randomly assigned to two groups of 25 experimental and control. Data were collected using the Connor & Davison (2003) Resilience Questionnaire and the Garnefski & Kraaij (2006) Emotion Regulation Questionnaire. The experimental group underwent 10 sessions of 90-minute cognitive-behavioral therapy by Wright, Brown, Thase, Basco(2017). Then both groups were evaluated in three stages of pre-test, post-test, and follow-up by Resilience and Emotion Regulation questionnaires. Data were analyzed using repeated measures mixed variance analysis in SPSS-21 software. Results: The results showed the effect of cognitive-behavioral therapy on the Resilience (P=4.37, F = 0.019), emotion regulation (P=0.005, F = 5.92) in the post-test stage and the stability of this effect was in the follow-up stage. Conclusions: Based on the results, it seems that cognitive-behavioral group therapy is effective in increasing resilience and emotion regulation in women. Therefore, it is recommended that psychotherapists, along with other psychological and social Actions, use this treatment to increase resilience and emotion regulation of obese women.

Moderate to Intense Physical Activity Is Associated With Improved Clinical, CD4/CD8 Ratio, and Immune Activation Status in HIV-Infected Patients on ART.

BackgroundPhysical activity has anti-inflammatory effects and reduces morbidity and mortality in the general population, but its role in the clinical, CD4/CD8 ratio, and immune activation status of HIV-infected patients has been poorly studied.MethodsA cross-sectional study was carried out in a cohort of 155 HIV-infected patients on stable antiretroviral therapy (ART) to compare clinical, biochemical, CD4/CD8 ratio, and immune activation status according to their physical activity in the last 2 years (sedentary/low vs moderate/intense) assessed by the iPAQ. A binary logistic regression and mixed analysis of variance were performed to evaluate the impact of levels of physical activity on CD4/CD8 ratio.ResultsIn our series, 77 (49.7%) out of 155 patients were sedentary, and 78 (50.3%) practiced moderate/intense physical activity. Moderate/intense physical activity was associated with better metabolic control (lower body mass index, P = .024; glucose, P = .024; and triglyceride, P = .002) and CDC HIV stage (P = .046), lower CD8+ (P = .018), CD4+CD8+ (P = .026), CD4+CD86+ (P = .045), CD4+HLA-DR+ (P = .011), CD8+HLA-DR+ (P = .048) T lymphocytes and CD16+HLA-DR+ natural killer cells (P = .026), and higher CD3+CD4+ T lymphocytes (P = .016) and CD4/CD8 ratio (P = .001). Sedentary lifestyle (odds ratio [OR], 2.12; P = .042), CD4 nadir (OR, 1.005; P < .001), and CD8+CD38+ T cells (OR, 1.27; P = .006) were independently associated with low CD4/CD8 ratio (<0.8). Earlier and more intense CD4/CD8 ratio recovery was observed in patients with higher physical activity in the 2-year follow-up with a significant interaction between these variables: F(2, 124) = 3.31; P = .049; partial η2 = 0.042.ConclusionsModerate to high physical activity is associated with beneficial health effects, improvement in metabolic profile, and reduction of chronic inflammation in patients with HIV. Although more studies and clinical trials are needed to confirm these findings, a healthy lifestyle including at least moderate physical activity should be recommended to HIV patients on stable ART.

Effects of a group music-based intervention in improving attachment and psychosocial adaptation in adolescents with parental attachment insecurity: A randomized trial

The effects of a group music-based intervention on attachment and psychosocial adaptation in adolescents with parental attachment insecurity were examined in Taiwan. A randomized controlled trial with a pre–post and follow-up design was performed. The music group ( N = 28) attended a 40-min session twice weekly for 10 weeks. The nonmusic group ( N = 28) received health education. The groups underwent a parental attachment and psychosocial adaptation assessment before and after the music intervention and at the 1-week follow-up. The results were analyzed using paired-samples t-tests and a mixed analysis of variance. Fifty-four participants completed both the pre- and posttests and were included in the final data analysis. The interaction effect was statistically significant, parental attachment, F(1.07, 25.81) = 8.18, p &lt; .005, η2 = .14; and psychosocial maladaptation, F(1.30, 31.93) = 8.01, p &lt; .01, η2 = .13, scores, implying a successful intervention. A significant difference in the postintervention parental attachment, F(1.03, 25.81) = 19.19, p &lt; .001, and psychosocial maladaptation, F(1.28, 31.93) = 14.22, p &lt; .001, scores was found between the music and nonmusic groups. The present study confirmed that group music-based interventions may effectively improve adolescents’ parental attachment and mitigate their psychosocial maladaptation.

Effects of Plyometric Jump Training in Sand or Rigid Surface on Jump-Related Biomechanical Variables and Physical Fitness in Female Volleyball Players.

Background: This study aims to assess the effects of 8 weeks of plyometric jump training (PJT) conducted on sand or a rigid court surface on jump-related biomechanical variables and physical fitness in female indoor volleyball players. Methods: Seventeen participants were randomly divided into a sand surface group (SsG, n = 8) and rigid surface group (RsG, n = 9). Both groups completed equal indoor volleyball training routines. Participants were assessed pre and post the 8-week PJT for jump-related biomechanical variables (countermovement jump (CMJ) RSI; drop jump (DJ) reactive strength index (RSI); spike jump (SJ) height; CMJ height; CMJ rate of force development (RFD); CMJ velocity at take-off; DJ height and CMJ peak force), 20 m linear sprint time, t test for change-of-direction sprint (CODs) time, Wingate test peak power (PP), cardiorespiratory endurance, and leg-press one-repetition maximum (1RM). Results: A two-way mixed analysis of variance (group × time) revealed that there was a significant group × time interaction between DJ height (p = 0.035) and CMJ peak force (p = 0.032) in favour of RsG and SsG, respectively. A significant interaction was also observed for cardiorespiratory endurance (p = 0.01) and 1RM (p = 0.002), both favouring the SsG. No other group × time interaction was observed. Conclusions: The type of surface used during PJT induced specific adaptations in terms of jump-related biomechanical variables and physical fitness in female indoor volleyball players. Based on the individual needs of the athletes, practitioners may prescribe one type of surface preferentially over another to maximize the benefits derived from PJT.

Energy dissipation during single-leg landing from three heights in individuals with and without chronic ankle instability

ABSTRACT Inadequate energy dissipation during landing may increase the risk of ankle sprain. Mechanical demands (landing height) in landing tasks may affect the biomechanical differences between individuals with and without chronic ankle instability (CAI). However, energy dissipation strategies during landing from various heights in individuals with CAI are unclear. The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of landing height on lower extremity biomechanics between individuals with and without CAI. Eleven participants in each of the CAI and Control group performed a single-leg landing from three heights (30, 40, and 50 cm). We calculated the contribution of each joint to total energy dissipation at 50-ms intervals during 0–200 ms post-initial contact (IC). Peak joint angles and moments and joint stiffnesses were calculated during 0–200 ms post-IC. Two-way mixed analysis of variance revealed significant group-by-height interactions for hip energy dissipation at 101–150 ms post-IC and peak ankle plantarflexion and hip extension moment. These significant interactions suggested that the effects of landing height on the ankle and hip joints differ between individuals with and without CAI. The effect of mechanical demands on altered landing biomechanics among CAI populations should be considered in biomechanical studies and clinical practice.

Effect of a mindfulness programme training on mental toughness and psychological well-being of female athletes.

Research has shown that mindfulness in athletes is associated with positive outcomes. We therefore assessed the effect of mindfulness training on increasing mental toughness (MT) and psychological well-being (PWB). This was a parallel-group, pre-and post-test, randomised controlled pilot trial. Forty-five female athletes from Iranian universities in Tehran were randomly assigned into experimental (n = 23) and control groups (n = 22). Forty-two completed the trial. The mindfulness training group received the Mindfulness-Acceptance-Commitment programme for 7weeks. All subjects completed the Mindfulness Inventory for Sport (MIS), Sports Mental Toughness Questionnaire and PWB Scale. Data were analysed using mixed analysis of variance. Mindfulness training increased mindfulness in the experimental group (p < 0.01). In turn, increased mindfulness led to increased MT and PWB at 2-month follow-up (p < 0.05). Given that mindfulness training may increase the MT and PWB of athletes, these techniques should be considered for inclusion in sports coaching.

Metabolic Surgery Supporting Aftercare via Group-Intervention (MeSSAGES): study protocol of a randomised controlled trial

IntroductionObesity is a constantly rising and cost-intensive medical issue worldwide. Severe obesity often needs surgery to promote weight loss, but due to the rapid therapeutic success after the surgery, many...

Effects of Production Method and Repeated Freeze Thaw Cycles on Cytokine Concentrations and Microbial Contamination in Equine Autologous Conditioned Serum.

Autologous conditioned serum (ACS) is a common intra-articular treatment for osteoarthritis in horses. The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of ACS preparation method on product contamination and concentrations of relevant cytokines and the influence of multiple freeze/thaw cycles. Blood was obtained from 10 healthy Thoroughbred horses and processed in parallel using a commercial and a non-commercial method to obtain ACS. Fluorescent microsphere immunoassay (FMIA) analysis was performed to quantify Interleukin 1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra), Interleukin-10 (IL-10), Interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) concentrations in ACS obtained by both production methods. Effect of 3, 4 and 5 freeze/thaw cycles on concentrations of IL-1Ra, IL-10, IL-1β and TNF-α were assessed against baseline samples (2 cycles) in commercial ACS products. Standard aerobic and anaerobic culture methods were applied to both ACS products. Mixed effect one-way analyses of variance (ANOVA) were used to compare the two ACS production method for each cytokine. Repeated measures, mixed effect ANOVA were used to assess the effect of freeze/thaw on cytokine concentrations. Significance was set at P < 0.05. There was no difference in cytokine concentration between production methods (IL-1Ra P = 0.067, IL-1β P = 0.752, IL-10 P = 0.211 and TNF-α P = 0.25). Microbial growth was only observed in two samples obtained using the commercial production method. When compared to baseline, IL-1Ra concentration was decreased following the 5th freeze/thaw cycle (P < 0.001). These results suggest that the concentration of important cytokines are not influenced by ACS production method. When storing ACS samples for future use, freeze/thaw cycles associated with standard clinical practice are unlikely to influence cytokine concentrations. However, the lack of outcome measures associated with 1 or 2 freeze/thaw cycles represents a limitation of this study.

Changes in Physical Activity Among University Students in Indonesia from Before to During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Retrospective Cohort Study

University life is an important phase for forming healthy physical activity habits among university students. However, little is known about the change in physical activity level during the COVID-19 pandemic among university students in Indonesia, which has a low stringency index. A retrospective cohort study was conducted among students of Universitas Gadjah Mada (n=153) from October to November 2020, where there were asked to recall their physical activity level and type of physical activity engaged in at four points of time: before the pandemic, early pandemic, Ramadan period, and relaxation period. Then, we conducted three-way mixed analyses of variance followed by Bonferroni’s post hoc comparisons tests to compare the mean difference of total moderate-vigorous physical activity with a subject over time and between subgroups in a similar time. Containment measures during the pandemic resulted in a 69.4-minute drop (95% confidence interval: 40.1 to 98.7 minutes, p&lt;.001) of total moderate-vigorous physical activity. While the relaxation of containment measures could restore non-health natural science students’ physical activity to the pre-pandemic amount, it did not influence health science students’ physical activity. Our findings provide evidence that pandemic situations in a low stringency index country also affected physical activity behavior among university students. More efforts are needed to increase university students’ physical activity during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly among health science students.

One-year comparative assessment of retention of arch width increases between modified vacuum-formed and Hawley retainers.

To compare the clinical effectiveness of Hawley retainers (HRs) and modified vacuum-formed retainers (mVFRs) with palatal coverage in maintaining transverse expansion during a 12-month retention period. Data were collected from postorthodontic treatment patients who met the inclusion criteria. A total of 35 patients were randomly allocated using a centralized randomization technique into either mVFR (n = 18) or HR group (n = 17). The outcome assessor and data analyst were blinded to the retention method. Dental casts of patients were evaluated at debond, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months of retention. Intercanine width (ICW), interpremolar width (IPMW), interfirst molar mesiobuccal cusp width 1 (IFMW1), and interfirst molar distobuccal cusp width 2 (IFMW2) were compared between groups over time using mixed analysis of variance. No statistically significant differences were found between the two groups for ICW (P = .76), IPMW (P = .63), IFMW1 (P = .16), and IFMW2 (P = .40) during the 12-month retention period. The null hypothesis could not be rejected. HR and mVFR had similar clinical effectiveness in the retention of transverse expansion cases during a 12-month retention period.

P.090 Evaluation of Mutant Alleles of Engrailed and Invected in Drosophila Melanogaster Models of Parkinson Disease

Background: Parkinson Disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder, resulting in a gradual decline in voluntary movement, where lifespan remains stable. Drosophila melanogaster offer comparable gene sequences to those targeted in PD; among them are two transcription factors, engrailed (en) and invected (inv). Methods: Wild-type homozygous allele Oregon-R(en+, inv+) was compared to heterozygous mutants of en1, en4, en7, en54, en58, invW, inv30, and Df (2R) enEinvE. Nine climbing and aging studies were executed from crosses with w1118(en+, inv+) as the maternal genotype. Results: Independent-samples t-tests were conducted to compare the percent survival (in days). No significant differences were observed between the experimental groups and the control group. A mixed Analysis of Variance was conducted to compare climbing behaviour over time (in weeks) for all nine groups. Both main effects (group, time), and the interaction (group x time) were significant. Post hoc Fisher’s Least Significant Difference tests revealed a significant difference between the control group and en1, en4, en54, invW, and Df (2R) enEinvE groups. Conclusions: These results support the hypothesis that mutations of en, inv, or both will result in a PD phenotype and consequent decreased motor function of D. melanogaster PD models, with or without a significant decrease in lifespan.

Inter-segmental coordination amplitude and variability differences during gait in patients with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and healthy adults

BackgroundThere is limited research examining gait and inter-segmental coordination in patients with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. The objective was to compare lower extremity inter-segmental coordination amplitude and variability during gait between patients with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and healthy adults. MethodsThis cross-sectional study included participants with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (n = 13) and healthy adults (n = 14). Gait data were acquired using a motion capture system and force plates. Participants ambulated at self-selected speeds for five trials. Inter-segmental coordination was quantified using continuous relative phase, which examined the dynamic interaction between the thigh-shank and shank-foot paired segments (i.e. phase space relation). A 2-way mixed analysis of variance examined the effects of groups (Ehlers-Danlos and healthy) and gait phases (stance and swing phase) on inter-segmental coordination amplitude and between-trial variability. Effect sizes were calculated using Cohen's d. FindingsThe Ehlers-Danlos group had greater inter-segmental coordination variability compared to the healthy group for foot-shank and shank-thigh segment pairs in the sagittal plane over stance and swing phases (P = 0.04; small to large effect sizes). The Ehlers-Danlos group also had greater variability in the frontal plane at the foot-shank segment pair during stance phase (P = 0.03; large effect). There were no differences in inter-segmental coordination amplitude between groups (P = 0.06 to 0.85). InterpretationPatients with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome have more variability between gait trials in lower limb motor coordination than healthy adults. This may be related to the impaired proprioception, reduced strength, pain, or slower gait speed seen in this population.

Influence of an increased number of physical education lessons on the motor performance of adolescents-A non-interventional cohort study.

Increasing the amount of regular physical education lessons in school is currently discussed in many countries in order to increase physical activity in youth. The purpose of this study was to compare the motor performance of pupils from an observation group participating in a school trial of two additional physical education lessons (5 lessons of each 50 min/week) without a specific intervention program to a control group with a regular amount of three physical education lessons (3 lessons of each 50 min/week) as indicated by the standard Austrian school curriculum. In this cohort study motor performance of 140 adolescents (12.7±0.5 years) was assessed by means of the German Motor Performance Test 6–18 over a period of 1.5 years with measurement time points before (T1), after eight months (T2) and at the end of the observation period (T3). Two- and three-way mixed analysis of variance were used to detect time, group and interaction effects. Although the observation group demonstrated a higher total motor performance score at all time points (P = 0.005), the improvement over time in total motor performance (P < 0.001) was more pronounced in the control group. Girls and boys developed differently over time (time*gender interaction: P = 0.001), whereby group allocation did not affect this interaction (time*gender*group: P = 0.167). Anyway, girls of control group tend to benefit most of additional physical education lessons. Sports club members scored significantly higher in motor performance across the observation period (P = 0.018) irrespective of group allocation. These findings indicate that there could be a ceiling effect in what the pupils could achieve in terms of motor performance as the pupils of the observation group might have reached this point earlier than their counterparts in the control group. Nevertheless, sports club membership seems to reveal some benefits. Whether improving quality and specificity of the single physical lessons might be superior to merely adding additional ones needs to be confirmed in future studies.

Effects of increased cognitive load on field of view in multi-task operations involving surveillance

Many multi-task operations require human operators to simultaneously perform visual surveillance and a secondary task. As the trend in the technological advancement of surveillance systems indicates high likelihood of heavy interdependence between human and technology in the foreseeable future, it is paramount to venture beyond the context of driving, an area where similar research is saturated in, and investigate the functional field of view (FFoV) of multi-tasking human operators in other operations involving surveillance. In the present study, we investigated the effects of multi-tasking and stimulus parameters (size and contrast) on the response accuracy and response time for identifying visual targets appearing within one’s visual field. Mixed analyses of variance revealed that only response time was negatively affected by multi-tasking, while both response accuracy and response time deteriorated as either the size or contrast of the visual targets decreased. In addition, a significant interaction effect between the investigated parameters of the visual target on response accuracy implies the need for multi-task operations involving surveillance to consider such and future findings critically as they evolve their technology and systems to aid the human operators. The current findings provide insights for surveillance and air traffic control (ATC) operations in future studies.