Positive Training Effects Research Articles

Digital Employee Training With Digital Adoption Platforms Boost Learning and Knowledge Management of Corporate IT Systems

Due to increasing digitalization, employees need to use an increasing number of corporate IT systems. Digital Adoption Platforms (DAPs) recently address the resulting need for increased learning and skills to master such systems. Although of great practical importance, software adoption and learning literature has not yet studied the phenomenon of DAPs. Thus, after studying currently used DAPs (n=22 DAPs) we created our own DAP with interactive functionality based on this research. Subsequently we conducted an online experiment (n=152 employees) to assess if DAPs have positive training and learning effect on employees. More specifically, we compared the training and learning effects of using the DAP vs. using a classic user manual. The results of our ANOVA analyses show that employees using a DAP for learning will perceive a new corporate IT system as more useful than employees using a classic user manual for training. The use of DAPs significantly increases an employee's intention to use the new corporate IT system showing significant positive learning and training effects.

Therapeutic Play Gym: Feasibility of a Caregiver-Mediated Exercise System for NICU Graduates with Neuromuscular Weakness-A Case Series.

To describe the feasibility and effect of caregiver-mediated exercise training using a novel Therapeutic Play Gym in 3 neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) graduates with rare neuromuscular diseases. Caregivers of 3 medically complex, technology-dependent NICU graduates could not access community-based rehabilitation services after discharging from lengthy initial hospitalizations. These children, diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy type 0, untreated X-linked myotubular myopathy, and untreated nemaline myopathy 3 (NEM3), completed monthly consultations with a pediatric clinical specialist and 3 assessment appointments. The caregivers agreed to administer a progressive Therapeutic Play Gym home exercise program at a minimum frequency of 3×/wk for 6 months. A monthly consultative approach was both feasible and effective to safely progress caregiver-mediated home exercise training using a novel Therapeutic Play Gym. Positive training effects emerged in fitness, function, and caregiver-reported quality of life domains. A strong therapist-caregiver alliance can empower families to perform guided training when community resources are limited. More research is needed to see whether this training model is feasible for children with other conditions; for use in hospital, outpatient, or educational settings; and as an adjuvant exercise treatment for children receiving disease-modifying interventions.

Gender-Affirming Voice Training for Trans Women: Effectiveness of Training on Patient-Reported Outcomes and Listener Perceptions of Voice.

Although speech-language pathologists have provided gender-affirming voice training for trans women since the 1970s, evidence for this training's effectiveness remains weak. Our study aimed to redress limitations of earlier studies and evaluate voice training effects on outcomes important to trans women. Seventy-four trans women (19-54 years old) who wanted a more female-sounding voice were recruited through two health facilities and provided with an eight- to 12-session voice training program based on contemporary literature, usual clinical practice, and client-centered care principles. Self-reported outcomes and an audio-recorded reading sample were collected 3 months before, immediately before and after, and 3 months after training. Forty cisgender speakers were audio-recorded reading the same sample material as comparison voices. Seventy-nine naive listeners made gender-related voice ratings of an extract from these audio recordings. Training effectiveness was evaluated using group-level analyses (linear mixed-effects models) and individual-level analyses to establish what proportion of participants improved to a predetermined relevant degree. Group-level analyses demonstrated positive training effects, maintained 3 months posttraining, for trans women's vocal satisfaction, perceptions of voice-related social participation, and self- and listener perceptions of their voices. Individual-level analyses also demonstrated positive effects. Two thirds of trans women increased vocal satisfaction to a relevant degree, one third who reported restricted social participation before training reduced this restriction to a relevant degree, and all were rated more female-sounding after training (although not all to a relevant degree). All trans women participants made progress toward their voice goals and maintained those gains at follow-up. These findings provide evidence that gender-affirming speech-language pathology services warrant prioritization. Further research is warranted to investigate factors predicting outcomes of voice training for trans women.

A workplace mindfulness training program may affect mindfulness, well-being, health literacy and work performance of upper-level ICT-managers: An exploratory study in times of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mindfulness-based interventions have gained more importance in workplace health promotion due to increased psychological distress in the digital era. Although managers in the information communication technology sector (ICT)-sector are at risk for lower mental health, few studies have evaluated the effects of workplace mindfulness trainings (WMT) on upper-level ICT-managers. By applying a mixed methods approach, the study aimed at exploring differences in upper-level ICT-managers' mindfulness, well-being, health literacy and work performance at the beginning of a WMT (t0), immediately after (t1) and 3 months after (t2) a WMT. Thirteen groups of managers (n = 56) completed the training and three corresponding surveys consecutively from October 2019 to April 2021. Managers rated their mindfulness (MAAS), well-being (WHO-5), health literacy, and work performance (HPQ). During the COVID-19-pandemic the training switched from a live on-site mode to a hybrid mode and finally to a digital mode. Repeated measures ANOVAs and Bonferroni-adjusted post hoc analyses were used for data analysis. Open-ended responses were content analyzed. We found significant differences in managers' mindfulness [F(2.106) = 3.376, p = 0.038, ηp 2 = 0.06, n = 54], well-being [F(2.106) = 73.019, p < 0.001, ηp 2 = 0.17, n = 54], health literacy [F(2.108) = 9.067, p < 0.001, ηp 2 = 0.15, n = 55], and work performance [F(2.80) = 7.008, p = 0.002, ηp 2 = 0.15, n = 41] between t0 and t2. Significant differences between t0 and t1 were also found for well-being, health literacy and work performance, but not for mindfulness. Qualitative findings demonstrated positive training effects, barriers and facilitators to daily application of mindfulness practice. The results suggest that compared to the beginning of the WMT, the post and follow-up measurements showed outcome improvements. The workplace mindfulness training may thus be a promising program to facilitate mental health and working capabilities among upper-level ICT-managers. Contextual workplace factors need to be considered to sustain long-term mindfulness practice of managers.

Training and asymmetrical transfer effects of working memory and inhibitory control in primary school children

Working memory (WM) and inhibitory control (IC) are two fundamental and supportive components of executive function (EF) that are critical for school-age children. However, the direct comparison of the training and transfer effects of WM and IC training in school-age children still needs to be improved. This study adopted a “pre-, post-, and delayed posttest” design to compare the training, near-transfer, and far-transfer effects of WM and IC in school-age children. A total of 60 children aged 8 to 10 years were randomly assigned to the WM training group, IC training group, or control group. Children in the WM and IC training groups completed 12 sessions of multiple adaptive training tasks tapping different subcomponents of WM (visual–spatial and verbal WM) and IC (interference control and response inhibition) separately. In the pretraining, posttraining, and 6-month follow-up stages, we used WM and IC tasks to evaluate training and near-transfer effects and used analogical reasoning tasks to evaluate far-transfer effects. Results showed significant training effects on visual–spatial and verbal WM, near-transfer effects on response inhibition, and far-transfer effects on analogical reasoning for WM training in the posttraining stage. The improvements in verbal WM and analogical reasoning were maintained for 6 months, whereas for IC training only the training effects on response inhibition and the far-transfer effects on analogical reasoning were observed in the posttraining stage and only the training effects on response inhibition were maintained for 6 months. Results suggested positive training and asymmetrical transfer effects of WM and IC training, which provide new evidence for the effectiveness of WM and IC training in school-age children.

Medicaid long-term care workforce training intervention and value-based payment metrics.

To examine the impact of a scaled implementation of workforce training intervention on value-based payment measures in a large home-based Medicaid managed long-term care plan population in New York. Managed long-term care clients' health assessments from the Uniform Assessment System of New York merged with paid claims, home health aide operational visit data, and workforce training rosters between 2018 and early-2020. A quasi-experimental design was used. Exposure and control groups were constructed using the proportion of service hours delivered by trained aides between clients' baseline and follow-up/outcome assessments. Multivariate logistic generalized linear and additive models were estimated to examine associations between exposure to trained aides and value-based payment measures. The analytic sample consisted of 19,212 pairs of assessments from 13,320 long-term care clients continuously enrolled in the plan between baseline and follow-up/outcome assessments. Matched assessment pairs were 6-10months apart. Over 27% of the study population (n=3656 clients) received services from one or more of 8683 trained aides. Statistically significant associations were observed for four of seven value-based payment measures; however, the presence and magnitudes of positive training effects differed by client service needs. With covariate adjustment, workforce training had the largest estimated positive impacts on rates of flu vaccination among average-need clients (1.60%, standard error [SE]=0.01), not experiencing uncontrolled pain among above-average-need clients (0.69%, SE=0.001), stable/improved pain intensity among heavy-need clients (1.25%, SE=0.01), and stable/improved shortness of breath among light-need clients (0.88%, SE=0.003). Although we found mixed associations between scaled workforce training implementation and value-based payment metrics, we noted workforce training could benefit high-need long-term care recipients. Health indicators more sensitive to the daily support provided by direct care workers should be integrated into value-based health care models.

The effect of working memory capacity and training on intertemporal decision making in children from low-socioeconomic-status families

Individuals differ in their tendency to discount delayed rewards. Low socioeconomic status (SES) has been found to be associated with strong delayed reward discounting (DRD), which in turn contributes to risky decision making and adverse behaviors. However, research on possible cognitive mediators of the negative association between SES and DRD, and on effects of cognitive training in low-SES adolescents, is largely lacking. In examining Chinese adolescents (aged 11–15 years; N = 207), Study 1 assessed which aspect of working memory (WM)—simple maintenance, simple manipulation, or updating—serves as mediator, which proved to be WM updating. Based on this outcome, in Study 2 Chinese adolescents (aged 12–14 years; N = 73) with low family SES were assigned to a WM updating training condition or a control condition. All participants performed DRD and WM tasks before and after treatment. The trained adolescents showed positive training effects on DRD, and this effect was specifically correlated with beneficial training effects on performance on a WM updating transfer task. These results support the role of WM updating in DRD and might inform training programs to promote more favorable decision making in low-SES adolescents.

Practise till you drop: Trialing an online intervention for late-career medical practitioners to promote planning for retirement

Many medical practitioners in Australia work beyond the traditional retirement age. Transitioning to retirement is important, however, because the likelihood of poorer clinical outcomes increases with practitioner age. The objective of the present study was to develop and trial an online educational intervention to promote planning for a smoother transition to retirement using a non-randomized control group pre- and post-test design. Medical practitioners aged 55 or over (N = 262, Mage = 61.9) and working 30 or more hours per week were recruited to complete four online modules that addressed a range of topics (physical, health, financial, social, cognitive, and emotional well-being) and encouraged planning for retirement resources. Outcome measures included work centrality, mastery, and goal perceptions across the aforementioned resource domains. Eighty-one doctors completed post-training measures; a control group who completed only the measures (n = 23) and a training group (n = 58). Pre-post comparisons showed no significant changes for the control group. However, the training group at Time 2 showed lower work centrality t(57) = 2.12, (p = .036), and changes to social t(57) = 2.35, (p = .022), emotional t(57) = 3.18, (p = .002) and health goal perceptions t(57) = −2.02, (p = .049). Controlling for baseline scores and self-selection bias determinants, Generalized Linear Model (GLM) analyses indicated a training group increase in mastery scores (β = 0.87, p = .045) and decrease in negative perception of the consequence of not meeting emotional goals (β = −0.37, p = .043). Although not significant, GLM results also showed an increase in resources, three of four health goal domains and financial goals, indicating the potential for positive training effects in future applications of the program. The online retirement planning resource showed promise in promoting a sense of mastery and a reassessment of retirement plans, taking into consideration resource accumulation and goal setting across five specific goal domains. We discuss the theoretical and practical implications of our findings.

Reading-impaired children improve through text-fading training: analyses of comprehension, orthographic knowledge, and RAN

Early intervention for children with reading impairments is crucial in order to achieve reading improvements and avoid school failure. One line of reading intervention research focuses on the experimental manipulation of reading rate through a text-fading training approach. Considering relevant reading-related predictors (i.e., orthographic knowledge and rapid automatized naming; RAN), we aim at evaluating the text-fading training’s efficiency for a sample of German reading-impaired third graders (n = 120). The purpose of the present study was to examine (1) the predictive value of orthographic knowledge and RAN and their contribution of explained variance in comprehension performance during training, (2) text-fading training effects on reading rate and comprehension in a pre-post comparison, and (3) (lasting) text-fading training effects at word and sentence level in a pre-post-follow-up design. Results of structural models indicated RAN to be significantly related to comprehension performance for the experimental group, whereas no sufficient regression weight was found for orthographic knowledge. A reverse pattern was found for the self-paced group. No significant improvements regarding reading rate and comprehension were revealed for the experimental group after training. However, significant positive effects on word and sentence level at post-test time point indicate stronger reading improvements for the experimental compared to the control group. The retention of training gains was indicated at sentence-level reading 6 months after the training. Possible explanations for the presented positive training effects as well as the mixed results for reading rate, comprehension, and follow-up preservation are discussed.

Changes in Body Composition and Cardiometabolic Health After Detraining in Older Men with Osteosarcopenia: 6-Month Follow-Up of the Randomized Controlled Franconian Osteopenia and Sarcopenia Trial (FrOST) Study.

PurposeTemporary cessation of exercise but maintenance of habitual physical activity might be a frequent situation in older people’s lives. Particularly the COVID-19 induced lockdown of exercise training facilities with individual outdoor activities still being allowed might be a blueprint for this potentially harmful scenario. Thus, the aim of the present study was to determine the effects of 6 months of detraining after 18 months of high-intensity resistance exercise (HIT-RT) on body composition and cardiometabolic outcomes in predominately obese older men with osteosarcopenia.Materials and MethodsCommunity-dwelling predominately obese men 72–91 years old with low muscle and bone mass (n=43) were randomly assigned to an 18-month HIT-RT (EG: n=21) or a non-training control group (CG, n=22). After the intervention, participants of the EG discontinued HIT-RT for 6 months, but increased their habitual physical activity. Study outcomes were group differences in detraining changes (“effects”) for lean body mass (LBM), total and abdominal body fat rate (determined by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry) and the Metabolic Syndrome Z-Score (MetSZ). We applied an intention-to-treat analysis with multiple imputation to analyze the data.ResultsAfter the 18-month HIT-RT, we observed significant positive training effects for LBM, total and abdominal body fat rate and the MetSZ (all p<0.001). Abrupt cessation of HIT-RT for 6 months resulted in significantly higher unfavorable changes in the HIT-RT compared with the CG for LBM (p=0.001), total body fat (p=0.003) and the MetSZ (p=0.003), apart from abdominal body fat (p=0.059). However, significant overall effects were still present after 24 months for LBM and body fat indices but not for the MetSZ.ConclusionThe present study clearly indicates the unfavorable effects of 6 months of detraining after HIT-RT. Correspondingly, exercise protocols particularly for older people should focus on continuous exercise with short regeneration periods rather than on intermitted protocols with pronounced training breaks.

Effects of decision training on individuals’ decision-making proactivity

Decision sciences are in general agreement on the theoretical relevance of decision training. From an empirical standpoint, however, only a few studies test its effectiveness or practical usefulness, and even less address the impact of decision training on the structuring of problems systematically. Yet that task is widely considered to be the most crucial in decision-making processes, and current research suggests that effectively structuring problems and generating alternatives—as epitomized by the concept of proactive decision making—increases satisfaction with the decision as well as life satisfaction more generally.This paper empirically tests the effect of decision training on two facets of proactive decision making—cognitive skills and personality traits—and on decision satisfaction. In quasi-experimental field studies based on three distinct decision-making courses and two control groups, we analyze longitudinal data on 1,013 decision makers/analysts with different levels of experience. The results reveal positive training effects on proactive cognitive skills and decision satisfaction, but we find no effect on proactive personality traits and mostly non-significant interactions between training and experience. These results imply the practical relevance of decision training as a means to promote effective decision making even by more experienced decision makers.The findings presented here may be helpful for operations research scholars who advocate for specific instruction concerning proactive cognitive skills in courses dedicated to decision quality and/or decision theory and also for increasing, in such courses, participants’ proactive decision making and decision satisfaction. Our results should also promote more positive decision outcomes.

Virtual immersive sensorimotor training (VIST) in collegiate soccer athletes: A quasi-experimental study

A burgeoning area of innovation in sports is the use of extended realities to provide athletes with novel training environments. Evidence has demonstrated that virtual environments can be useful therapeutic tools with demonstrated positive outcomes. The purpose of this pilot investigation was to determine the effects of virtual immersive sensorimotor training intervention by quantifying 1) the training effect measured via change in performance pre-to post-intervention on the virtual reality exercises, 2) the difference in the in clinical measures of functional sensorimotor control, 3) the injury incidence rate, and 4) on-field performance during soccer competitions. Statistical analyses were used to describe differences between an experimental and a control group. Participants were recruited from the men and women's soccer teams at two universities in the United States. Participants at one university were in the experimental group (n = 78) and received virtual immersive sensorimotor training, consisting of nine novel exercises in headset virtual reality, twice each week for six weeks. Participants at the second university were in the control group (n = 52). The virtual exercises were developed with reference to the rehabilitative principles of neuroplasticity to train various neurologic processes, contributing to overall sensorimotor control. This includes vestibular, visual and oculomotor activities, cervical neuromotor control training, movement coordination, and postural/balance exercises. The results indicate significant positive training effects pre-to post-intervention in seven of the nine training exercises (p ≤ 0.005) and improvement in clinical tests of cervical neuromotor control, balance, and inspection time (p ≤ 0.009) in the experimental group compared to the control. One of the virtual training exercises was positively associated with on-field performance (p = 0.022). No differences in injury rate or overall on-field performance metrics between the experimental and control were detected. This research study provides evidence of training and positive transfer from virtual to real-world environments, supporting the use of these novel virtual exercises to improve measures of sensorimotor control in healthy soccer athletes.

Simulation in perfusion: evaluating the efficacy of a specific training with eye-tracking.

With the aim of integrating simulation training into the training of perfusionists, we examined whether the participants were able to transfer a specific learning content to the same and different situations and assessed their feedback on the simulation training. Eye-tracking was tested as a measure and supplemented by additional measures. A 2 × 2 mixed design was used, with test time (pre- and post-test) and training group (same and different content training) as factors. In the pre- and post-test, the participant had to handle a critical situation on the cardiopulmonary bypass, namely, a drop in arterial partial oxygen pressure. Between the two test times, the participant practised under guidance the handling of either the same critical situation (Group 1) or a different one, that is, impaired venous return (Group 2). Dependent measures were fixations of the eyes on specific areas of interest on the heart-lung machine, measures of latency and subjective assessments. Moreover, participants gave feedback on the simulation training. Fixation analyses showed that the training led to an increased gaze on areas of interest relevant to the drop in arterial partial oxygen pressure in both groups, with a significant increase only for Group 1. The surveys revealed a great interest in the integration of simulation training into education. In combination with other measures, eye-tracking is suitable for the evaluation of simulation training. Due to the positive training effects and positive participant feedback, the integration of simulation into the training of perfusionists is advocated. Concerning transfer of learning content, more research is needed.

Evaluating the effects of a simulator-based training on knowledge, attitudes and driving profiles of German ambulance drivers

IntroductionAccident risk is increased for emergency responders driving with warning lights and sirens compared to other road users’ driving. Currently no standards for education of ambulance drivers exist. Research shows that high order understanding trainings focusing on insight to avoid critical driving situations might be more helpful than trainings focusing on car handling. The present controlled intervention study evaluates a one-day simulator-based high order training program specifically designed for ambulance drivers. MethodsIn a longitudinal design with three measurement times multiple methods were used to evaluate the training holistically targeting the levels of reaction to training, learning, behavior and results of training. Questionnaire, knowledge test and driving profile data were analyzed with repeated measures analysis of variance controlling for age and sex. Data of two intervention groups and one control-waiting group was collected between 2014 and 2017 in two German federal states. Results183 German paramedics (age: M = 33.1, SD = 9.4, 21.9 % female) participated in the study. 147 participants (80.3 %) completed post-training tests, and 30 participants (16.4 %) completed follow-up measurements six months after training. Participants’ reaction to training was positive directly after the training, and dropped slightly over time. Intervention group participants gained traffic-relevant knowledge compared to control group participants. Risk sensitivity of regular driving situations was the only attitude variable positively affected by training. This effect was not sustained six months after training. Training led to a decrease of average and maximum speed in short- as well as long-term measurements but did not affect drivers’ acceleration. Although speed was lower in post-tests, emergency response times did not differ. ConclusionThe simulator-based training for paramedics has small but notable effects on drivers’ knowledge, attitudes and real driving behavior. Although only very few measured variables showed positive training effects, no negative training effects were found. Speed was reduced in the long term which underlines the importance of such a training. More research is needed to determine effects on different types of participants and to elicit framework conditions for training integration in formal education.

Effects of working memory training in patients with Parkinson's disease without cognitive impairment: A randomized controlled trial

ObjectiveTo determine the feasibility and evaluate effects of a computerized working memory (WM) training (WMT) in patients with Parkinson's Disease (PD) on cognitive and clinical outcomes. Methods76 patients with PD without cognitive impairment were randomized to either the WMT group (n = 37), who participated in a 5-week adaptive WMT, or a passive waiting-list control group (CG, n = 39). Patients underwent clinical and neuropsychological examination at baseline, after training, and at 3-months follow-up, with verbal WM and non-verbal WM as primary outcomes. Outcome assessors were blinded for group allocation. ResultsAll WMT participants completed the training successfully and reported high levels of motivation for and satisfaction with the training. Repeated-measures, linear mixed-effects models revealed positive training effects for the WMT group compared to the CG in verbal working memory with a small relative effect size 0.39 [95%CI 0.05; 0.76] for the 3-months follow-up only. No other reliable training effects in cognitive and clinical variables were found for either point of time. ConclusionsIn this randomized controlled trial, WMT was feasible and yielded some evidence for 3-months follow-up training gains in patients with PD. WMT might be an effective intervention to prevent cognitive decline in this patient group, however, more longitudinal studies with longer follow-up periods and more sensitive assessment tools will have to proof this concept. Trial registrationGerman Clinical Trials Register (DRKS00009379).

Multimodular Cognitive Training for Nursing Staff Aged 50+: Initial Results of a Pilot Study on Feasibility and Efficacy

was the assessment of the feasibility of a cognitive training program for employees of care 50+. A cognitive training program (13 h, 5 sessions) was conducted with 15 nurses of the University Hospital Munich (KUM). Acceptance of and effects on cognitive and psychological performance were determined. The measure was well accepted and received positive ratings. In addition, there were significant improvements in cognitive performance and self-efficacy. The training program can be implemented on a regular basis; initial results providing evidence in support of positive training effects must be confirmed in future randomized controlled trials.

Motivators of On-job Training Among Participants of Senior Management Course Number 306 of 2019 at Kenya School of Government

In a global perspective, motivation is the driving force within an individual for action or inaction. It has been a concern on how best to motivate employees for optimal productivity. This study established motivational factors influencing uptake of on job training courses by public servants at the Kenya School of Government (KSG) with a specific focus on the Senior Management Course (SMC) trainees’ class 306/2019. It had objectives of establishing the effect of training on performance and suggesting how to maximize positive post training effects. The study employed descriptive survey design to sample all the 100 participants. Questionnaire was used for data collection. Quantitative data was tallied, frequencies obtained and presented visually while qualitative data was summarized into themes to answer research questions. This study established that majority of the participants (36%), were motivated by promotion. However, skills development was not a top priority for the participants despite being a critical factor of performance improvement. The study recommends emphasis on skills development through differential performance identification. Keywords: Motivators, on job training, managers, skills. DOI : 10.7176/JEP/10-23-12 Publication date : August 31 st 2019

EEG-neurofeedback as a training method for cognitive and non-cognitive functions in early dementia: A case report

Abstract. EEG-neurofeedback (NF) is used as a training method for altering brain and associated functional activity in healthy individuals and patients alike. Depending on the chosen NF protocol (aiming at enhancing alpha, beta etc. EEG frequency band activity), NF training effects may be rather specific, aiming at ameliorating cognitive or non-cognitive states. We present data of an elderly female patient with minor neurocognitive disorder (MND). As the core symptoms of MND are acquired cognitive impairments due to neurodegenerative processes, NF training effects should be most pronounced regarding disease-related non-cognitive symptoms (i. e., sleeping disturbances and depression). Neuropsychological testing was conducted prior and after termination of the NF training. Two NF protocols (sensorimotor rhythm / SMR and alpha asymmetry / AA) were offered successively, each consisting of 12 sessions with six training blocks. AA NF should reduce depressive symptomatology, while SMR NF should ameliorate sleeping behavior and possibly attention and memory. Overall, our patient with MND exhibited partly positive NF training effects regarding brain electrical activity (i. e., AA, but not SMR) and associated cognitive and non-cognitive functions (i. e., memory and sleep, but not attention or depression). Thus, even in elderly with MND NF training should be regarded as a complementary non-pharmacological treatment for frequently reported disease-related cognitive and behavioral-affective symptoms.

Driving simulator-based training to improve self-rating ability of driving performance in older adults \u2013 a pilot study

ObjectiveThe aim was to investigate the potential of using simulator-based training (SBT) to improve older drivers' self-rating ability and to compare two forms of feedback; corrective versus corrective and rewarding feedback.MethodThe study was designed to study the possibility of training for self-rated driving ability in a simulator, and the impact of corrective (errors made) feedback versus corrective (errors made) and rewarding (correct behaviour) feedback during training. In total, 21 older drivers (mean age 78.5, SD=3.9 years) were trained and assessed in the driving simulator. Driving performance was assessed by penalty scores as well as self and expert ratings.ResultsThe average deviation from correctly rated ability (own vs. expert) changed from -0.7 (under-rating) to 0.1 at the final training and assessment occasion; i.e., drivers ratings became more like the expert's rating or, in other terms, better calibrated. The individuals with the largest deviations from the expert's rating initially improved their self-rating ability the most. There were no differences between the two feedback groups in terms of their ability to self-rate, but rewarding feedback had a positive effect on penalty scores. The SBT showed positive training effects on the ability to self-rate one's driving ability, and rewarding feedback contributed to lower penalty scores. However, simulator sickness was a shortcoming that needs to be adressed, and the optimal form of feedback should be further investigated.

Effects of a peer-mediated performance improvement intervention on recording of child well-body checks by educational care-providers.

We report the effects of peer-mediated training as a performance improvement intervention on recording of well-body checks by classroom instructors at a specialized school for children and youth. The instructors were trained as peer mediators and then assumed performance monitoring responsibilities in the classroom. Compared to baseline phases in a withdrawal design, peer-mediation increased recording of well-body checks to near-100% among the instructors. Results of the study document positive training effects on a critical health and wellness objective, support and expand the limited research base concerning the effects of peer-mediated training, suggest further application of such training in human services settings.