Physical Program Research Articles

Balance confidence and associated factors among patients with knee osteoarthritis

IntroductionKnee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a progressive condition that results in decreased mobility, self-imposed restriction of activity, and impaired functions such as loss of self-efficacy, fear of falling, and balance impairments. This study assessed balance confidence and associated factors among patients with KOA. MethodsThis cross-sectional study involved 115 patients with KOA. The Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index was used to evaluate pain, stiffness, and physical function while the Activity Specific Balance Confidence scale was used to assess the balance confidence. Pearson's chi-square test, Pearson's correlation and Spearman's rank correlation coefficient determined the association between variables. ResultsGreater number [67(58.3%)] of the participants had low levels of functioning in balance confidence. Significant associations were observed between balance confidence and pattern of KOA (X2 = 7.08, p = 0.029, φc = 0.248), fear of fall (X2 = 38.32, p = 0.001, φc = 0.577) and history of fall (X2 = 11.49, p = 0.003, φc = 0.316). Significant negative correlations were observed between balance confidence and pain (r = −0.498, p = 0.001), stiffness (r = −0.564, p = 0.01) and physical function (r = −0.676, p = 0.001). ConclusionThe low levels of balance confidence and related factors are a cause for concern and highlight the need to assess and monitor balance confidence in KOA rehabilitation using balance confidence ratings. This could prompt the integration of physical therapy rehabilitation programs that target balance confidence and related factors to improve mobility, quality of life and outcome of rehabilitation.

Telerehabilitation in Children and Adolescents with Cystic Fibrosis: A Scoping Review

Cystic fibrosis requires regular monitoring and intervention by healthcare teams; despite that, adherence to therapeutic measures is less than desired. The evolution of technology has allowed much of the care provided in person to be replaced by a telehealth delivery model, but studies on telerehabilitation are scarce and dispersed. This scoping review aimed to identify which domains of rehabilitation intervention are mediated by information and communication technologies and how they are developed in the provision of care to children and adolescents with cystic fibrosis. The data collection was conducted in February and June 2023, following the three steps recommended by the JBI for this type of review: (1) the search was conducted in MEDLINE, CINAHL, Scopus, JBI, and Web of Science; (2) the bibliographic references obtained from the included articles were analysed; and (3) the grey literature was checked. The eligibility criteria were children and adolescents and rehabilitation interventions mediated by information and communication technologies. The five studies included in this review were subjected to analysis, and a narrative synthesis of the results was carried out. The interventions identified included physical exercise programs (60%), management of the therapeutic regimen (40%), and symptom control (40%). The information and communication technologies were web-based platforms, video games, and telephones. The use of telerehabilitation included face-to-face meetings to ensure participants performed the exercises correctly, monitor their response to exercise, and teach them how to avoid risky situations during home workouts. In all studies, exercise sessions were supervised by the participants’ parents or caregivers.

An empirical analysis of factors determining changes in physical exercise during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract Aim The main objective of the study was to report the changes that have taken place in the practice of physical exercise during confinement and to examine the factors that favor or detract from it. Material and methods To determine the objective, a survey was carried out in the United States during the pandemic and a sample of 511 participants was obtained. A binary logit model was used to process the data, as well as several independence tests. Results The main result of this study is the increase in the practice of physical activity of the individuals surveyed during the pandemic. Some of the elements that most influenced this increase were annual family income, education level, and eating habits, but these results are subject to change depending on the respondent’s body mass index. On the other hand, the results also show changes in physical exercise habits during the pandemic, especially in the time of the week when it is performed, and these changes are highly correlated with the use of electronic devices, hours of sleep, and physical condition of the respondents before the pandemic. Conclusion Determining the different factors that affect the practice of physical exercise during pandemic periods seems to be important to determine in which populations it is more important to act or what resources are necessary when implementing physical exercise programs in specific situations such as pandemics.

Exercise in newly diagnosed patients with multiple myeloma: A randomized controlled trial of effects on physical function, physical activity, lean body mass, bone mineral density, pain, and quality of life.

Reduced physical function caused by bone destruction, pain, anemia, infections, and weight loss is common in multiple myeloma (MM). Myeloma bone disease challenges physical exercise. Knowledge on the effects and safety of physical exercise in newly diagnosed patients with MM is limited. In a randomized, controlled trial, we studied the effect of a 10-week individualized physical exercise program on physical function, physical activity, lean body mass (LBM), bone mineral density (BMD), quality of life (QoL), and pain in patients newly diagnosed with MM. Lytic bone disease was assessed, and exercise was adjusted accordingly. Primary outcome: knee extension strength. Secondary outcomes: Six-Minute-Walk-Test, 30-s Sit-to-Stand-Test (SST), grip strength, level of physical activity, LBM, BMD, QoL, and pain. Measurements were conducted pre- and post-intervention, and after 6 and 12 months. We included 100 patients, 86 were evaluable; 44 in the intervention group (IG) and 42 in the control group (CG). No statistically significant differences between groups were observed. Knee extension strength declined in the IG (p = .02). SST, aerobic capacity, and global QoL improved in both groups. Pain decreased consistently in the IG regardless of pain outcome. No significant safety concerns of physical exercise in newly diagnosed patients with MM were observed.

The Efficiency of Kinesiotherapy versus Physical Modalities on Pain and Other Common Complaints in Fibromyalgia

Due to its variety of signs and symptoms, there have been numerous attempts to treat fibromyalgia (FM), but a cure has yet to be established. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a complex kinetic therapy program and a combined physical modality program on pain and other common symptoms of FM. Patients and methods: A total of 78 female patients were included in this study; 39 subjects underwent a kinesiotherapy (KT) intervention (combining aerobic and Pilates exercises), and 39 participated in a physical modality (PM) program (including electrotherapy (TENS and low-laser therapy) and thermotherapy). Results: Regarding the parameter of pain assessment, kinesiotherapy demonstrated its superiority both during the treatment period and in the evaluation 3 months after therapy cessation. Both in terms of patient-reported pain (inter-group comparisons: p = 0.000 at T3) and the examination of tender points (inter-group comparisons: p = 0.000 at T3), as well as the algometric assessment, pain was alleviated by the two forms of applied kinetic therapy. The observed functional impairment was statistically significantly influenced (p = 0.001) at the end of the kinetic program application, while for the perceived functional impairment, neither therapy proved superiority over the other at any point of evaluation (inter-group comparisons: p = 0.715 at T3). Regarding the influence of the emotional consequences implied by fibromyalgia, neither the forms of kinesiotherapy nor the chosen physical modalities proved superiority at any point of evaluation (HAQ anxiety inter-group comparisons: p = 0.000 at T3). In conclusion, even though kinesiotherapy had superior influences on fibromyalgia pain in the studied group, the current research lends credence to the significance of non-pharmacological therapy in managing fibromyalgia. Participants demonstrated positive advancements in subjective and objective pain assessments, as well as improvements in functional and emotional well-being.

Designing and Analysing an APP based on "Internet+" for Integrating Health Data of University Physical Classes

INTRODUCTION: University physical education programs still largely use traditional methods without significant innovation in teaching or health evaluation. With the growing capabilities of Internet technology and artificial intelligence, there's a critical need to leverage these advancements to enhance the physical health assessments of college students.OBJECTIVES: The study proposes an integrated APP design for health data collection and analysis both inside and outside physical education classes, utilizing Internet technologies and intelligent learning algorithms. This is aimed at precisely analyzing and improving the health outcomes of university students by fostering more tailored and responsive physical education experiences..METHODS: The method involves constructing an app design analysis index system, integrating a vulture search heuristic optimization algorithm with a convolutional neural network (CNN). This setup uses smart sports APP behavioral data as input to refine and optimize health data integration, aiming to enhance the analysis and feedback mechanisms within university sports programs.RESULTS: The implementation of this method showed that it meets real-time requirements while significantly improving the accuracy and efficiency of integrated APP design analyses for health data. The use of smart algorithms allows for more precise adjustments and feedback in physical education programs, suggesting a substantial improvement over traditional physical health monitoring and evaluation methods.CONCLUSION: The proposed APP design successfully integrates and analyzes health data, enhancing the management and evaluation of physical education programs. It represents a significant step forward in utilizing modern technology to address the stagnation in physical education health monitoring, with potential implications for broader educational and health management practices in universities. Future iterations of the APP could incorporate more diverse data inputs and advanced analytical features to further refine its effectiveness and usability.

Recognizing dominant cultures around assessment and educational change in physics programs

Recognizing dominant cultures around assessment and educational change in physics programs

Abstract PO1-19-06: Physical exercise during neoadjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer as a mean to increase pathological complete response rates: the randomized Neo-ACT trial

Abstract Introduction In early breast cancer, neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) is increasingly used. The proof of efficacy is pathologically complete response (pCR), i.e. the absence of invasive tumour in breast and lymph nodes at surgery. Today, pCR is a common endpoint in pharmaceutical trials since it is significantly associated with survival especially in triple-negative and HER2-positive subtypes. Apart from the mitigation of treatment-related toxicity and symptoms, physical exercise mediates anti-tumoral systemic effects associated with tumour regression in preclinical and clinical models. The aim of Neo-ACT is to test the hypothesis that physical exercise can improve pCR rates in breast cancer patients receiving NACT. Method The Neo-ACT trial is an international prospective clinical trial, randomising T1-3N0-2 breast cancer patients planned for NACT to either a home-based physical exercise intervention supported by a mobile application or routine care. The primary endpoint is pCR; secondary endpoints are patient-reported quality of life, toxicity-related outcomes, and oncological outcomes such as Residual Cancer Burden, objective radiological tumour response, as well as overall, breast cancer-specific and disease-free survival at 2, 5 and 10 years. The intervention consists of a combination of high-intensity interval and resistance training of progressing intensity, and includes two weekly 60-min exercise sessions plus at least 150 min of moderate to vigorous physical activity per week. The Neo-ACT has been registered at clinicaltrials.gov on January 11, 2022 (NCT05184582). Statistical methods Patients will be randomized in a 1:1 fashion. It is anticipated that the rate of the primary endpoint pCR will be approximately 30% in the control arm (all subtypes). We aim to increase the rate of pCR in the experimental arm to 40%, i.e. a 10 percentage points increase, which is regarded clinically relevant since it would translate into improved disease-related outcomes. With a power of 80% and an alpha of 5%, a total of 712 patients have to be included; 356 in each arm. Accounting for a drop-out of 10%, we aim to include 790 patients. Stratification at the moment of computerized randomization is based on site of treatment (hospital) and biological tumour subtype (ER+HER2-, ER+HER2+, ER-HER2+, ER-HER2-). All outcomes will primarily be analysed using an intention-to-treat approach, i.e. all study subjects will belong to the treatment group (exercise intervention or control) they were assigned to, disregarding compliance. As sensitivity analysis, all outcomes will also be analysed using a per-protocol approach, meaning that participants in the intervention group who comply with less than 65% of the prescribed physical exercise program, and participants who complete less than 40% of the planned neoadjuvant systemic therapy (around two 3-weekly courses) will be excluded from analysis. Present accrual The Neo-ACT trial has started enrolment at the first site in December 2022 and since then initiated a further five Swedish and one Finnish site. Until June 15, 2023, 26 participants had been randomized in the trial. A feasibility questionnaire is distributed via the EUBREAST network which officially supports this trial and has added the designation EUBREAST12-R. Further participating sites can be accommodated depending on volume, competing trials and language requirements for the mobile application. Contact: jana.de-boniface@ki.se Citation Format: Jana de Boniface, Cecilia Haddad Ringborg, Renske Altena, Yvonne Wengström. Physical exercise during neoadjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer as a mean to increase pathological complete response rates: the randomized Neo-ACT trial [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2023 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2023 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(9 Suppl):Abstract nr PO1-19-06.

Metabolic Syndrome in people treated with Antipsychotics (RISKMet): A multimethod study protocol investigating genetic, behavioural, and environmental risk factors.

The RISKMet project aims to: (1) identify risk factors for metabolic syndrome (MetS) by comparing patients with and without MetS; (2) characterise patients treated with second-generation antipsychotics (SGAs) about MetS diagnosis; (3) study behavioural patterns, including physical activity (PA) and dietary habits, in patients and healthy individuals using a prospective cohort design. The RISKMet project investigates MetS in individuals treated with SGAs, focusing on both adult and paediatric populations. The study utilizes a case-control design to examine potential risk factors for MetS, categorizing participants as MetS+ considered as "Cases" and MetS- considered as "Controls" matched by sex and age. The evaluation of factors such as MetS, lifestyle habits, and environmental influences is conducted at two time points, T0 and T3, after 3 months. Subsequently, the project aims to assess body parameters, including physical examinations, and blood, and stool sample collection, to evaluate metabolic markers and the impact of SGAs. The analysis includes pharmacological treatment data and genetic variability. Behavioural markers related to lifestyle, eating behaviour, PA, and mood are assessed at both T0 and T3 using interviews, accelerometers, and a mobile app. The study aims to improve mental and physical well-being in SGA-treated individuals, establish a biobank for MetS research, build an evidence base for physical health programs, and develop preventive strategies for SGA-related comorbidities. This project innovates MetS monitoring in psychiatry by using intensive digital phenotyping, identifying biochemical markers, assessing familial risks, and including genetically similar healthy controls. ISRCTN18419418 at www.isrctn.com.

The Impact of Physical Education on Mental Health

By combining quantitative rigor with the qualitative depth, this study’s holistic review of how structured physical education affects mental health issues offers unique and valuable insights appreciated both by researchers, practitioners as well policymakers. The research covers a wide range of participants, including students from different levels in education structures, adults as well as individuals with various social backgrounds. With a view to having equal representation across age groups, genders and social statuses the stratified method of sampling was used to generate this report. The inclusion criteria refer to those individuals who participate in regular physical education activities. The MHI, using batteries of age-appropriate standardized tests to measure physical fitness. The meta-analysis of quantitative and qualitative data reveals the major positive effects that both mental health and physical fitness areas have shown in participants after a structured PE course. The holistic approach, which takes into account both objective measures and subjective experiences in this study reveals the positive effect of physical education on mental health. These results imply that high-quality physical education program has the possibility to contribute an increase in general wellbeing, which might be helpful for better mental health indicators. 

A Perspective from Ontario Tech University Industrial Research Chairs on 20 Years of Capacity Building in Health Physics and Radiation Science.

Ontario Tech University (University of Ontario Institute of Technology) is one of Canada's newest universities, having been incorporated in 2002. In 20 y, the University has increased enrollment from a few hundred students to over 10,000. The University was designed to be "market driven" and as such offered courses that had high market demand. The Faculty of Energy Systems and Nuclear Science was one of the first faculties to be established at the University, with the intent to fill a gap between personnel that were retiring out of the nuclear industry and the dearth of nuclear engineers and health physicists being educated in Canada. As such, the University established unique programs in both nuclear engineering and health physics/radiation science with strong input from industry stakeholders. This paper will discuss the evolution of the Health Physics and Radiation Science program at Ontario Tech from the teaching and capacity building perspective, and it provides insight regarding health physics and radiation science research at Ontario Tech under the industrial research chair program.

Combined physical training protects the left ventricle from structural and functional damages in experimental pulmonary arterial hypertension

BackgroundUnder the adverse remodeling of the right ventricle and interventricular septum in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) the left ventricle (LV) dynamics is impaired. Despite the benefits of combined aerobic and resistance physical trainings to individuals with PAH, its impact on the LV is not fully understood.ObjectiveTo test whether moderate-intensity combined physical training performed during the development of PAH induced by MCT in rats is beneficial to the LV’s structure and function.MethodsMale Wistar rats were divided into two groups: Sedentary Hypertensive Survival (SHS, n = 7); and Exercise Hypertensive Survival (EHS, n = 7) to test survival. To investigate the effects of combined physical training, another group of rats were divided into three groups: Sedentary Control (SC, n = 7); Sedentary Hypertensive (SH, n = 7); and Exercise Hypertensive (EH, n = 7). PAH was induced through an intraperitoneal injection of MCT (60 mg/kg). Echocardiographic evaluations were conducted on the 22nd day after MCT administration. Animals in the EHS and EH groups participated in a combined physical training program, alternating aerobic (treadmill running: 50 min, 60% maximum running speed) and resistance (ladder climbing: 15 climbs with 1 min interval, 60% maximum carrying load) exercises, one session/day, 5 days/week for approximately 4 weeks.ResultsThe physical training increased survival and tolerance to aerobic (i.e., maximum running speed) and resistance (i.e., maximum carrying load) exertions and prevented reductions in ejection fraction and fractional shortening. In addition, the physical training mitigated oxidative stress (i.e., CAT, SOD and MDA) and inhibited adverse LV remodeling (i.e., Collagen, extracellular matrix, and cell dimensions). Moreover, the physical training preserved the amplitude and velocity of contraction and hindered the reductions in the amplitude and velocity of the intracellular Ca2+ transient in LV single myocytes.ConclusionModerate-intensity combined physical training performed during the development of MCT-induced PAH in rats protects their LV from damages to its structure and function and hence increases their tolerance to physical exertion and prolongs their survival.

YOUNG STRONG AND DEADLY PROGRAM EVALUATION

INTRODUCTION & AIMS For Aboriginal young people, physical activity declines through puberty, adolescence, and early adulthood. Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD) departments, Aboriginal Health Hub and Youth Health, together with western Sydney Aboriginal communities co-designed the Young, Strong, and Deadly program. The program is an assertive intervention which aims to increase healthy behaviours and improve social and emotional wellbeing among young Aboriginal adolescents aged 12-16 years. The program is an Aboriginal researcher led, 14-week health education and physical exercise program that includes paid PCYC gym memberships, guided gym sessions, transport provision and nutrition education. METHODS The study used a mixed method pre-post design with a process evaluation. Participants were recruited through convenience and snowball sampling including engagement with schools and Aboriginal community-controlled organisations. Data were collected on participation and attendance, performance, satisfaction and intention to continue with activities. RESULTS For the first of three cohorts, 31 participants were recruited, of which 24 completed the 14week program. All participants demonstrated significant improvements in strength & conditioning. Five focus groups were conducted with 20 adolescents and seven parents, individually or in pairs. Adolescents enjoyed the program, particularly achieving gains in strength and fitness, learning and practicing new recipes and having an Aboriginal specific program. Parents spoke favourably of the program including improvements in their children’s health behaviours, focus on school and confidence, and appreciated the staff input and program operations. CONCLUSION Young Strong and Deadly has been implemented in community settings and has demonstrated feasibility and acceptability among Aboriginal adolescents and their families. Initial findings show that a culturally appropriate assertive intervention program can impact on social and emotional wellbeing as well as improving the health of young Aboriginal people.

Effect of a physical education program in early childhood education on the performance of fundamental movement skills based on teaching styles: divergent discovery and practical

Background and Study Aim. Various proposals suggest that Physical Education classes (PE) should prioritize the development of fundamental movement skills (FMS), particularly in preschool children. Despite the crucial nature of mastering FMS, there is a paucity of evidence regarding the impact of PE classes on FMS development. The primary objective of this study is to investigate the effect of a physical education program on the performance of preschool students with varying levels of development in fundamental movement skills, employing divergent discovery and practical teaching styles. Material and Methods. Seventy-seven children (35 boys), aged between 4.5 and 6 years were divided into three groups: Control Group (CG) with 25 participants, Divergent Discovery Group (DDG) with 24 participants, and Practice Group (PG) with 28 participants. The intervention program spanned six months, with two 50-minute classes per week for the experimental groups. Conversely, the control group participated in the Classroom Program proposal. All three groups underwent the TGMD-3 motor test. Performance measurement involved the sum of the raw score in the locomotor and object control classes. Results. The findings revealed that the Control Group, Divergent Discovery Group, and Practice Group exhibited improved FMS performance from pre to post. Concerning intergroup differences, no significant disparities were observed in the pre-test. However, post-intervention results indicated that both the Divergent Discovery Group and Practice Group demonstrated superior FMS performance compared to the Control Group. Conclusions. Physical Education classes for Early Childhood Education play a crucial role in fostering significant effects on children's motor development when offered in an appropriate context and through a systematically structured intervention.

THE IMPORTANCE OF REHABILITATION AFTER ANKLE SPRAINS IN CHRONIC ANKLE INSTABILITY PREVENTION

Chronic ankle instability occurs in 20–40% of patients with a history of ankle sprain and as late as 6.5 years following the injury. The main causes are considered to be lateral ankle ligament laxity, peroneal muscle weakness and ankle proprioceptive deficits. These sequelae are usually met if the rehabilitation program was not correctly applied (both length and also quality execution). Limiting the apparition of chronic ankle instability by following a physical therapy program correctly established, in cases where there are no other chronic ankle pain and/or chronic ankle instability causes (like coexistent fractures, arthropathy, midfoot or subtalar sprains, subtalar instability, ankle impingement syndrome, sinus tarsi syndrome, peroneal tendinopathy, reflex sympathetic dystrophy, ankle and foot arthrosis). The treatment depends on the injury mechanism (the most typical is inversion) and on grade of the sprain (mild, moderate, severe) and includes three phases (acute, subacute and the rehabilitative phase). The physical therapy program begins during the subacute phase and is continued during the rehabilitative phase, which can last up to three weeks. Surgical reconstruction of the lateral ankle ligaments is rarely necessary. It is important to point out to our patients the fact that returning to daily activities (such as work and sports) prior to adequate healing and rehabilitation may result in chronic pain and/or functional or mechanical instability. Keywords: ankle sprain, chronic ankle instability, physical therapy.

Interaction of integral parameters of physical state and biological age of students aged 17-19 years old in the process of adaptation to standard and experimental physical education programs

Background and Study Aim. The process of adaptation to physical education programs is a critical factor influencing the health and physical development of students. Understanding how these programs affect both the physical state and biological age of students can significantly improve their effectiveness. The aim of the study is to investigate the interaction between integral parameters of physical state (PS) and biological age (BA) of students aged 17-19 years old in the process of adaptation to standard and experimental physical education (PE) programs. Material and Methods. The study involved 140 first-year students of the National University of Telecommunications - 80 males and 60 females. In the course of the research, the indices of functional state, physical fitness (PF) and physical development (PD), biological age (BA) were recorded in young men and women of the control (CG) and experimental (EG) groups. To process the experimental material, methods of dispersion and canonical analysis were used and multiple correlation and determination coefficients were calculated. Results. It was revealed that the impact of PS integral parameters on students' BA is stronger than the inverse influence of BA on PS parameters. The degree of BA reduction under the influence of the studied factors is most pronounced in the EG of girls and boys. The variability of the group of PD and PF indices is accompanied by the variability of most of the BA parameters’ dispersion in all studied groups of students. The factor of gender has the greatest impact on the BA of students. Girls have lower initial values of BA and it’s a more pronounced decrease by the end of the experiment. The effectiveness of the impact of an aerobically oriented experimental program on the improvement of students’ PS and reduction of BA was confirmed. Under the influence of the experimental program, the BA of EG girls decreases to a greater extent in comparison with EG boys and students of both control groups. Changes and differences in BA of boys and girls of EG and CG are due to the combined impact of the factor of PE software and that of adaptation changes of students' PS in the annual process of PE. In the group of boys and girls more pronounced influence on BA in the course of the experiment was produced by the factor of software and adaptation changes, respectively. Conclusions. The gender factor has the strongest impact on students' BA - girls have lower initial values of BA and it’s a more pronounced decrease by the end of the experiment in comparison with boys. Adaptation changes of PS in the process of software implementation are accompanied by a decrease in BA in the experimental groups. One of the criteria and confirmations of the effectiveness of the developed PE program is the degree of mutual influence of PS integral parameters, which is most pronounced in the reduction of BA in the experimental groups of girls and boys.

The Impact of Medical Physical Training and a Structured Personalized Exercise Training Program on Hemodynamic Parameters and Arterial Stiffness in Pregnant Women

Introduction: In developed countries, heart disease is the primary cause of maternal mortality during pregnancy. Arterial stiffness, an independent risk factor for atherosclerosis and a predictor of cardiovascular complications, can be assessed using the augmentation index (AIx) and pulse wave velocity (PWV). In this prospective study, we aimed to evaluate diverse hemodynamic parameters and arterial stiffness in pregnant women before and after participating in a structured, personalized exercise training program. Materials and methods: Forty healthy pregnant women, non-smokers, who agreed to participate daily for 12 weeks in a physical exercise training program under the supervision of a team made up of an obstetrician, a cardiologist, and a physiotherapist were included. Anthropometric characteristics, arterial function, and physical activity data were collected from the participants at two different time points: at the beginning of the exercise training program (T0) and at the end, after 12 weeks (T1). Results: Upon conducting a statistical analysis, it was discovered that there were noteworthy disparities (p = 0.05) in body mass index, brachial AIx, systolic blood pressure, and pulse pressure values between the two time points. The regression analysis for the AIx brachial values and the PWVao values from Trim II (T0) and Trim III (T1) showed major differences between these two time points; the association between the AIx brachial values in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy revealed a strong direct significant correlation (p < 0.001), and the correlation between the PWVao values in the second (T0) and third trimester (T1) of pregnancy was weak and insignificant (p = 0.12). Conclusions: The findings of our study indicate that a personalized exercise training program positively impacts the physical and psychological well-being of pregnant women, leading to a reduction in PWV.

Assessment of Fire Safety Management for Special Needs Schools in South Africa

The safety and well-being of learners with special educational needs in South Africa remain a paramount concern, significantly impacting their constitutional rights and dignity. Despite legislative commitments aimed at fostering inclusive education, a pervasive absence of adequate fire safety measures in special needs schools (SNSs) in South Africa has persisted, leading to the vulnerability of these learners. Tragic incidents, such as fatal fires in these schools, as reported in the literature, underscore the urgent need for immediate intervention to ensure the safety and security of these learners, especially with regards to fire hazards. This study, conducted within the Northwest Province of South Africa, assessed the state of fire safety management in SNSs by applying a series of chi-squared (χ2) tests of independence for categorical variables, descriptive statistics, and regression analysis using the Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS), Version 20 and found that limited access to power is the potential root cause of fires in these schools; also, the limited amount of fire safety initiatives was a problem. In addition, the ordinal regression showed a statistically significant relationship when the question of to what extent the learners in the sampled schools are involved in fire safety programs was regressed with the questions of whether management and stakeholders were involved in fire safety programs and also on taking part in the physical fire safety programs (χ2 = 47.412; df = 2; p < 0.001; R2 = 70.5%). Furthermore, fire safety management was not sufficiently implemented in the sampled schools and the safety legislations of the country were not implemented accordingly when it came to fire safety. This study identified root causes of fire risks, gauged stakeholders’ awareness and involvement in fire safety management, and advocated for more stringent safety policies and practices within the SNS based on the above findings.

The contribution of plyometric exercises assisted by sensory technology on vertical jump parameters in U15 female volleyball players

Background and Study Aim. Volleyball requires high vertical jump skills for crucial actions like attacking and blocking, making jump training a focus for players, especially in youth categories. The main goal of the study was to highlight (with some specific data) the strengths and weaknesses of integrating sensory technology into the physical training program, during the entire competitive period. Material and Methods. The study included both an experimental and a control group, each consisting of 16 female athletes from the volleyball section of the Cetate Sports High School in Deva. During the competitive season of 2022/2023, both groups underwent daily training sessions from Monday to Saturday, totaling 120 minutes per day. The BlazePod Flash Reflex Training system was employed in this research. It integrates cognitive training to enhance thinking speed and clarity with physical exercises aimed at maximizing motor skills. Performance evaluations of the athletes utilized eight predefined tests from the OptoJump Next optical measuring system and the Myotest accelerometric system. To analyze the data, paired (dependent) sample t-tests were conducted to compare average parameters between matched samples. Repeated measures ANOVA was utilized to compare the average outcomes, ensuring the participants were consistent across the evaluated conditions. Results. The experimental group showed significant improvements in the height reached from the center of gravity and flight time for the following tests: Countermovement Jump, Countermovement Jump with Arm Swing, Squat Jump, Squat Jump with Arm Swing, and Drop Jump from 30 cm. All improvements reached statistical significance: p<0.05. Significant enhancements were also observed in average jump height, jump power, force of jumps, and ascensional speed, demonstrating statistical significance (p<0.05). Furthermore, the use of an arm swing during jumps notably improved performance compared to when jumps were performed with hands on hips. This indicates that an arm swing can significantly increase the height of the vertical jump (p<0.05). Conclusions. The study confirms that the integration of sensory technology into the training programs for junior volleyball teams is effective in enhancing training outcomes. This approach not only improves the vertical jump capabilities of young athletes but also positively affects their ability to perform technical moves that require elevation from the ground. It underscores the potential of innovative training methods in advancing athletic performance in youth sports.

COMPASS Upgrade: a high field tokamak for ITER- and DEMO-relevant research

Abstract In order to achieve their goals, future thermonuclear reactors such as ITER and DEMO are expected to operate plasmas with high magnetic field, triangularity and confinement. With the objective to address the corresponding challenges, a concept of the high field (BT ≤ 5 T), high current (IP ≤ 2 MA) COMPASS Upgrade tokamak was established and the device is currently being constructed in Prague, Czech Republic.
This contribution provides an overview of the priority physics topics for the future physics programme of COMPASS Upgrade, namely: (i) characterisation of alternative confinement modes, (ii) power exhaust including liquid metals, (iii) operation with hot first wall and (iv) influence of plasma shape on pedestal stability and confinement. The main scenarios are presented, as predicted by METIS and FIESTA codes. Pedestal pressure and density are estimated using EPED, multi-machine semi-empirical scalings and a neutral penetration model. Access to detachment is estimated using a detachment qualifier.