Personal Training Research Articles

Impacts of an abbreviated personal agency training with refugee women and their male partners on economic empowerment, gender-based violence, and mental health: a randomized controlled trial in Rwanda

IntroductionWe assessed the impact of a personal agency-based training for refugee women and their male partners on their economic and social empowerment, rates of intimate partner violence (IPV), and non-partner violence (NPV).MethodsWe conducted an individually randomized controlled trial with 1061 partnered women (aged 18–45) living in a refugee camp in Rwanda. Women received two days of training, and their partners received one day of training. The follow-up survey where all relevant outcomes were assessed was carried out at 6–9 months post-intervention.ResultsAt follow up, women in the intervention arm were more likely to report partaking in income generating activities (aIRR 1.27 (1.04–1.54), p < 0.05) and skill learning (aIRR 1.59 (1.39–1.82), p < 0.001) and reported a reduction in experience of physical or sexual NPV in the past six months (aIRR 0.65 (0.39–1.07), p < 0.09). While improved, no statistically significant impacts were seen on physical or sexual IPV (aIRR 0.80 (0.58–1.09), p = 0.16), food insecurity (β 0.98 (0.93 to 1.03), p = 0.396), or clean cookstove uptake (aIRR 0.95 (0.88 to 1.01), p = 0.113) in the past six months. We found statistically significant reduction in physical and sexual IPV amongst those experiencing IPV at baseline (aIRR 0.72 (0.50 to 1.02), p < 0.07). Small improvements in self-efficacy scores and our indicator of adapting to stress were seen in the intervention arm. Some challenges were also seen, such as higher prevalence of probable depression and/or anxiety (aIRR 1.79 (1.00-3.22), p = 0.05) and PTSD (aIRR 2.07 (1.10–3.91), p < 0.05) in the intervention arm compared to the control arm.ConclusionOur findings echo previous research showing personal agency training can support economic well-being of women. We also find potentially promising impacts on gender-based violence. However, there is some evidence that integration of evidence-based mental health support is important when enhancing agency amongst conflict-affected populations.Trial registration numberThe trial was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, Identifier: NCT04081441 on 09/09/2019.

‘The general concept is a safer use approach’: how image and performance enhancing drug coaches negotiate safety through community care

Background Drug coaches are a novel extension of traditional personal trainers who play a significant role providing support and shaping drug-related behaviours for people who use image and performance enhancing drugs (IPEDs). They constitute a critical domain for everyday risk management, where substance use, and its associated harms are influenced by social exchange. This study investigated how IPED coaches negotiate safety within the community through the provision of their services and the partnerships they form with clients. Method Ten IPED coaches, selected through purposive sampling, engaged in semi-structured interviews (32–57 minutes in length) exploring the way in which they operate in their field of practice. Iterative inductive analysis was applied to the transcripts, enhanced by discussions among researchers and an independent coder. Results The findings are organised under three categories, revealing the nuanced strategies and identities of IPED coaches, emphasising harm reduction and optimising ‘gains’ in IPED use. These coaches play a significant role in harm reduction, wielding their ‘chemical capital’ and lived experience to integrate nuanced harm reduction strategies into their partnerships with clients. Conclusion Embodying a model of peer-driven knowledge exchange and emphasising open and inclusive discourse IPED coaches offer a vehicle toward integrated harm reduction strategies.

“Are you supposed to be here?”: Formerly incarcerated men of color navigating positions of authority

AbstractThe current study sought to understand the lived experiences of 10 formerly incarcerated Black and Latino men in an apprentice program for physical trainers using directed content analysis. Participants described a variety of microaggressions, including those representing known themes (e.g., assumption of criminality) and new (sub)themes (e.g., borrowed legitimacy). They also described new opportunities afforded to them by virtue of their involvement in the apprentice program and their newly found authority. Results indicate that formerly incarcerated men of color experience daily discrimination and re‐entry challenges that may be destabilizing and contribute to recidivism, thus reinforcing the cycle of mass incarceration. The authors suggest further investment in tertiary interventions to buffer against the harmful effects of microaggressions, as well as further research with a critical race lens and primary interventions aimed at ameliorating the societal conditions that lead men of color to come into contact with the criminal legal system.

Effect of Resistance Training with Gym Machines On Muscle Strength and Body Mass Index in Obese Women Student College

Several countries have high obesity rates. Obesity poses serious health risks that require effective treatment. Too much fat reduces muscle strength, affecting obesity. Resistance training can overcome weight gain and muscle loss. Resistance training with gym machines for obese women is understudied. The effects of gym machine resistance training on muscle strength and BMI can help physical trainers design appropriate exercise programs. This study examines how gym-machine resistance training affects muscle strength and BMI in obese women. One pre- and post-test group included 30 obese 17-25-year-old women. Resistance training uses gym machines to target major muscle groups and lose fat. Prisoners are trained three times a week for ten weeks under supervision. Resistance exercises include lati pulldown, abdominal crunch, cable curl, chest press, and leg press. The one-repetition maximum (1RM) test measures muscle strength, while height and weight calculate BMI. Paired difference test (paired sample t-test) effect was then tested. Ten weeks of resistance training led to significant muscle strength gains across all measures (p &lt; 0.05). Moreover, the resistance training group demonstrated a significant BMI reduction (p &lt; 0.05). These findings suggest that gym-machine resistance training can help obese women lose weight and gain muscle. Resistance training on gym machines can help obese women lose weight and build muscle. This study suggests systematic resistance training can improve muscle fitness and weight control in this population. Long-term health and well-being effects of these therapies can be examined. Keywords: Resistance Training, Obesity, Women, Muscle Strength, BMI.

Differentially private federated learning with Laplacian smoothing

Federated learning aims to protect data privacy by collaboratively learning a model without sharing private data among users. However, an adversary may still be able to infer the private training data by attacking the released model. Differential privacy provides a statistical protection against such attacks at the price of significantly degrading the accuracy or utility of the trained models. In this paper, we investigate a utility enhancement scheme based on Laplacian smoothing for differentially private federated learning (DP-Fed-LS), to improve the statistical precision of parameter aggregation with injected Gaussian noise without losing privacy budget. Our key observation is that the aggregated gradients in federated learning often enjoy a type of smoothness, i.e. sparsity in a graph Fourier basis with polynomial decays of Fourier coefficients as frequency grows, which can be exploited by the Laplacian smoothing efficiently. Under a prescribed differential privacy budget, convergence error bounds with tight rates are provided for DP-Fed-LS with uniform subsampling of heterogeneous non-iid data, revealing possible utility improvement of Laplacian smoothing in effective dimensionality and variance reduction, among others. Experiments over MNIST, SVHN, and Shakespeare datasets show that the proposed method can improve model accuracy with DP-guarantee and membership privacy under both uniform and Poisson subsampling mechanisms.

Healthcare-associated infections in Iranian pediatric and adult intensive care units: A comprehensive review of risk factors, etiology, molecular epidemiology, antimicrobial sensitivity, and prevention strategies during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The current review article provides a comprehensive analysis of nosocomial infections in pediatric and adult intensive care units (ICUs) in Iran. We examine the risk factors and etiology of nosocomial infections, with a particular focus on molecular epidemiology and antimicrobial sensitivity. In this article, we explore a range of prevention strategies, including hand hygiene, personal protective equipment, environmental cleaning, antibiotic stewardship, education, and training. Moreover, we discuss the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on infection control measures in ICUs and provide valuable insights for healthcare professionals and policymakers seeking to address this critical public health issue. In conclusion, this review article can serve as a valuable resource for those interested in understanding and improving infection control in ICUs and beyond.

Between lookism and bodily capital: Understanding female personal trainers’ appearance in occupational socialization

Witnessing that the appearance of female trainers has been regarded as a potential cause of appearance-based discrimination and a source of bodily capital, this study examined the influence of female trainers’ appearance on the process of occupational socialization. We invited eight research participants for in-depth interviews, including female trainers, Pilates instructors, and male fitness center owners with training experience. We followed the grounded theory analysis method to derive meaningful insights from the collected data. The results indicate that the physical appearance of female trainers had various effects on their perceived value as bodily capital during the preparatory and adaptation periods. However, it became a constraining factor during the conflict period as they experienced bodily changes in their late 20s. Eventually, their physical appearance hindered female trainers from maintaining their careers and decreased the percentage of female trainers who reached maturity period. Ultimately, the culture of lookism had a mixed impact on women's occupational socialization, revealing its discriminatory undertones. Although some women profited from the culture, lookism disadvantaged others. Finally, we suggested that a possible solution would be the enactment of the anti-discrimination law for better protection.

Developing the Physical Performance in Youth Soccer: Short-Term Effect of Dynamic–Ecological versus Traditional Training Approach for Sub-Elite U13 Players—An Ecological Exploratory Cluster Randomised Trial

Currently, research in youth soccer consists of methodological choices that can raise activity volumes and exercise intensity to promote proper training for youth soccer demands. Therefore, the present cluster randomised trial aims to evaluate the effects of the dynamic–ecological approach on the physical performance parameters compared with a traditional one in a group of sub-elite U13 players. Thirty-five male children (age 12.16 ± 0.55 years; weight 45.59 ± 7.15 kg; height 145.5 ± 4.2 cm; BMI 15.8 ± 2.1 kg·m−2) were recruited for this trial from two teams belonging to sub-elite soccer schools and randomly assigned to a dynamic–ecological approach (DEA) or a traditional training (TTG) group. The training program lasted six weeks and consisted of 18 training sessions of 90 min each (3 sessions per week). The sample was evaluated by the standing long jump (SLJ), hop test (HT), 10 m sprint (10 m), 10 × 5 m shuttle run test (SRT), and leg raise test (LR). The DEA group showed significantly higher results in the SLJ (p &lt; 0.001), HT left leg (p &lt; 0.001), 10 m sprint (p &lt; 0.001), and SRT (p &lt; 0.001). In conclusion, the dynamic–ecological approach provides higher performance adaptations. Therefore, this approach can be considered a suitable method to optimise pre-pubertal player training, mainly when no fitness or strength coach is available.

Enhancing Cancer Care: Augmented and Virtual Reality Solutions

Abstract: The present research delves into the various uses of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) in cancer therapy, emphasizing their capacities as inventive, patient-focused interventions. It has been shown that AR and VR technology can improve surgical methods, improve medical education, lessen the psychological and physical effectsof cancer, enable precision medicine, and encourage patient participation throughout treatment. The paper describes a thorough methodology for creating an AR/VR system for cancer diagnosis, which includes incorporating it into medical curricula, creating personalized training regimens, reviewing relevant literature, and implementing it with great care.Through a multidisciplinary approach, this research seeks to develop an approachable framework by promoting collaboration among specialists in academia, technology, and medicine. The final objective is to generate a thorough study report that offers insightful information about utilizing AR and VR technologies to improve cancer detection and treatment in the medical domain.

Real Time Fitness Tracking and Analysis using BlazePose Pose Estimation Ad

Inactivity is one of the main causes of obesity which has affected many people worldwide. Studies show that fitness is an important goal for a healthy lifestyle and is been used as a measurement for health-related quality of life. A fitness trainer can motivate and teach users to do exercise daily and stay fit and healthy. However, to use a fitness trainer might involve a huge cost and sometimes is not suitable for a certain setting. Exercises are very beneficial for personal health but they can also be ineffective and truly dangerous if performed in an incorrect method by the user. There are lot of mistakes made during a workout when user workout alone without supervision like wrong form which could result fatal for user as they can pull a hamstring or even fall due to it. In our project, we introduce AI Trainer, an application that detects the user’s exercise pose and provides personalized, detailed recommendations on how the user can improve their form. Pose Trainer uses the state of the art in pose estimation module known as “BlazePose” tool from “MediaPipe” to detect a user’s pose, then evaluates the pose of an exercise to provide useful feedback. We record a dataset of over 1000 keypoints coordinate of parts of body in correct and incorrect form, based on personal training guidelines, we build a machine learning algorithm for evaluation. AI Trainer works on six common exercises and supports any Windows or Linux computer with a GPU and a webcam

Aptitude Training System Using Decision Trees

This paper presents the development of an adaptive online aptitude training system utilizing decision trees for students preparing for campus placements. The system aims to assess and enhance students' aptitude and technical skills through personalized learning experiences. Leveraging a vast question bank, the system employs an adaptive algorithm analyzing users' responses, time spent, and performance data from pre-assessments to tailor subsequent assessments. By integrating AI-based question selection, the system ensures relevance and effectiveness in assessing student proficiency. The focus lies on providing targeted exercises to address individual weaknesses, thereby optimizing preparation for campus interviews. This paper underscores the efficacy of decision tree algorithms in delivering personalized aptitude training, contributing to students' success in securing placements. Keywords: Adaptive Learning, Decision Trees, Aptitude Training, Personalized Education

AI Gym Buddy Using Mediapipe

The AI Gym Trainer is a system that provides multiple features designed to provide personalized fitness coaching and nutrition tracking. Imposing the advanced pose estimation capabilities of Mediapipe, the system provides real-time responses to exercise performance, focusing on posture, alignment, and technique.This feature is helpful because users will receive accurate guidance in workout sessions, which in turn enhances effectiveness while minimizing the risk of injury. Furthermore, the AI Gym Trainer is implemented using machine learning algorithms, which makes it capable of providing tailor workout routines to individual preferences and abilities, encouraging a personalized training experience. Through a user- friendly interface accessible through a desktop or web application, users can seamlessly interact with the system, track their progress, and receive personalized recommendations. Additionally, the system has a feature of a Flask-based food tracking feature which enhances the capabilities, allowing users to monitor their calorie intake and receive nutritional analysis. This comprehensive approach addresses both physical activity and dietary habits, and provides users with a holistic platform for managing their fitness goals. Evaluation through rigorous testing and user trials demonstrates the effectiveness and potential impact of the AI Gym Trainer in promoting overall health and well-being. With its combination of cutting-edge technology and user-centric design, the AI Gym Trainer represents a significant advancement in personalized fitness coaching and nutrition tracking, catering to the diverse needs of individuals striving to achieve their fitness goals.

Cross-sectional study of personal protective equipment use, training and biosafety preparedness among healthcare workers during the first months of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in Brazil

ObjectivesBrazil has high rates of COVID-19 and tuberculosis among healthcare workers (HCWs). Personal protective equipment (PPE) is essential for their protection. We aimed to evaluate PPE use, training, and preparedness...

Personal protective equipment (PPE) and Hand hygiene training sessions: Knowledge and perceptions in the current COVID pandemic

Personal protective equipment (PPE) and Hand hygiene training sessions: Knowledge and perceptions in the current COVID pandemic

Artificial Intelligence in Sports: Data Analysis to Enhance Training

The objective of this article was to explore the role of artificial intelligence in the field of sports, focusing on data analysis to enhance training. A literature review was conducted to examine different artificial intelligence algorithms to identify patterns and trends that enable the application of effective and personalized training strategies. Additionally, practical and ethical implications of using artificial intelligence in sports were discussed, along with potential future directions for interdisciplinary research and sports development. In conclusion, the transformative potential of artificial intelligence in sports is revealed, emphasizing its ability to personalize training and enhance athlete performance.  

Pencegahan Risiko Kecelakaan dan Kepatuhan Peraturan Keselamatan Kapal Pelayaran Internasional

The purpose of the research is to find out the direct and indirect impact of the crew’s personal experience and safety training on preventing the accidental risk in compliance with shipping safety regulation of Abu Dhabi Maridive and Oil Services. Several problems found; the lack of ships’ crew awareness in compliance with the use of safety equipment when carrying out safety training and the lack of ships’ crew knowledge of the safe keeping and maintenance of the safety equipment. The study used a Path analysis with 60 samples of the Maridive and Oil Services Abu Dhabi crew. The study used linear regression analysis technique, simple correlation, partial and path analysis. The results state that the variable in compliance with safety regulations could mediate the safety training to prevent the accidental risk on board. It shows that good safety training could increase the prevention of on board accidental risk mediated by compliance of the safety regulation

Form Perfector

Home-based workouts are known to have significant health and fitness benefits, but it could be dangerous if not performed with proper posture. This could be due to a lack of sufficient training and bad habits, or the inability to afford a personal trainer to fix the individual's posture. With the current Artificial Intelligence technology, we are now able to achieve workout analysis by using computer vision approach without any involvement of personal trainer. This report discussed the approach of keypoint detection, human pose estimation and pose analysis that will be utilized to produce the proposed project through Rapid Application Development (RAD) methodology, which will monitor these procedures phase by phase. Pretrained model from MediaPipe was chosen as the main human key point detection, and various machine learning algorithms such as Linear Regression and Random Forest were studied to find the suitable algorithm to be implemented in detecting and analyze home workout postures. Furthermore, this research also studies on geometrical approach to determining proper and improper posture for analysis. These approaches were then compared to see which will produce the best results and user experience. Since machine learning approach does not produce the best result due to lack of training data and variety of other factors, the geometrical approach was chosen as the final approach before implementing it into desktop application. Keyword: Personal Trainer, Keypoint Detection, MediaPipe, Rapid Application Development.

Impact of training on knowledge, confidence and attitude amongst community health volunteers in the provision of community-based palliative care in rural Kenya

ObjectivesExisting literature suggests multiple potential roles for community health volunteers (CHVs) in the provision of palliative care (PC) in low- and middle-income countries. In Kenya the role of CHV in the provision of PC has not been reported. The objective of this study was to assess knowledge, confidence, attitude, and clinical practice of community health volunteers after attending a novel palliative care (PC) training program.MethodsA total of 105 CHVs participated in a 3-day in person training followed by a 1-month in person and telephone observation period of the palliative care activities in the community. Structured questionnaires were used pre- and post-training to assess knowledge acquisition, impact on practice, and content delivery. A mixed method study design was conducted 12-month post training to assess impact on clinical practice.ResultsImmediately after training, CHV provided positive ratings on relevance and content delivery. In the month following training, CHVs evaluated 1,443 patients, referred 154, and conducted 110 and 129 tele consults with the patients and PC providers respectively. The follow up survey at 12 months revealed improved knowledge and confidence in various domains of palliative care including symptom and spiritual assessment and provision of basic nursing and bereavement care. Focus group discussions revealed the CHVs ability to interpret symptoms, make referrals, improved communication/ interpersonal relationships, spiritual intervention, patient comfort measures and health care practices as newly learned and practiced skills.ConclusionsWe noted improved knowledge, new skills and change in practice after CHVs participation in a novel training curriculum. CHVs can make important contributions to the PC work force and be first line PC providers in the community as part of larger hub and spoke care model.

A Community Needs Assessment and Implementation Planning for a Community Exercise Program for Survivors of Stroke: Protocol for a Pilot Hybrid Type I Clinical Effectiveness and Implementation Study.

Physical activity and exercise are important aspects of maintaining health. People with mobility impairments, including survivors of stroke, are less likely to exercise and at greater risk of developing or worsening chronic health conditions. Increasing accessible, desired options for exercise may address the gap in available physical activity programs, provide an opportunity for continued services after rehabilitation, and cultivate social connections for people after stroke and others with mobility impairments. Existing evidence-based community programs for people after stroke target cardiovascular endurance, mobility, walking ability, balance, and education. While much is known about the effectiveness of these programs, it is important to understand the local environment as implementation and sustainment strategies are context-specific. This study protocol aims to evaluate community needs and resources for exercise for adults living with mobility impairments with initial emphasis on survivors of stroke in Richland County, South Carolina. Results will inform a hybrid type I effectiveness and implementation pilot of an evidence-based group exercise program for survivors of stroke. The exploration and preparation phases of the EPIS (Exploration, Preparation, Implementation, and Sustainment) implementation model guide the study. A community needs assessment will evaluate the needs and desires of survivors of stroke through qualitative semistructured interviews with survivors of stroke, rehabilitation professionals, and fitness trainers serving people with mobility impairments. Additional data will be collected from survivors of stroke through a survey. Fitness center sites will be assessed through interviews and the Accessibility Instrument Measuring Fitness and Recreation Environments inventory. Qualitative data will be evaluated using content analysis and supported by mean survey results. Data will be categorized by the community (outer context), potential participants (outer context), and fitness center (inner context) and evaluate needs, resources, barriers, and facilitators. Results will inform evidence-based exercise program selection, adaptations, and specific local implementation strategies to influence success. Pilot outcome measures for participants (clinical effectiveness), process, and program delivery levels will be identified. An implementation logic model for interventions will be created to reflect the design elements for the pilot and their complex interactions. The study was reviewed by the institutional review board and exempt approved on December 19, 2023. The study data collection began in January 2024 and is projected to be completed in June 2024. A total of 17 participants have been interviewed as of manuscript submission. Results are expected to be published in early 2025. Performing a needs assessment before implementing it in the community allows for early identification of complex relationships and preplanning to address problems that cannot be anticipated in controlled effectiveness research. Evaluation and preparation prior to implementation of a community exercise program enhance the potential to be successful, valued, and sustained in the community. DERR1-10.2196/55432.

Reliability and validity of the new portable Nordic hamstring test device (IVMES H-Bord)

The aim of this study is to determine the reliability and validity of the IVMES H-Bord eccentric hamstring strength measurement device. Thirty-eight healthy male athletes (age: 20.9 ± 2.11 years, height: 1.79 ± 0.03 m, body weight: 76.6 kg, body mass index: 22.6 ± 0.69 kg/m2) participated in this study. Each test protocol was applied in eccentric mode and isometric mode respectively. Between-session test-retest reliability of the IVMES H-Bord was analyzed for the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) with 95% coefficient intervals (CI). Validity of the IVMES H-Bord was examined for eccentric mode (NHTecc), and isometric mode (NHTiso) using Pearson’s correlation coefficient with 95% CI and limits of agreement. Bland-Altman plots were also created to provide a representation of the agreement between two test devices. Strong correlations, good ICC values and acceptable typical errors of the estimate were observed between the NHT and isokinetic strength testing (IST) during both limbs with no proportional bias for validity analysis. In conclusion, the “IVMES H-Bord” is a reliable and valid measurement device for eccentric hamstring muscle strength and it provides important advantages for medical staff, fitness coaches and practitioners because it is portable, low cost, and field-based assessment.