Post-training Performance Research Articles

Detecting white spot lesions on post-orthodontic oral photographs using deep learning based on the YOLOv5x algorithm: a pilot study

BackgroundDeep learning model trained on a large image dataset, can be used to detect and discriminate targets with similar but not identical appearances. The aim of this study is to evaluate the post-training performance of the CNN-based YOLOv5x algorithm in the detection of white spot lesions in post-orthodontic oral photographs using the limited data available and to make a preliminary study for fully automated models that can be clinically integrated in the future.MethodsA total of 435 images in JPG format were uploaded into the CranioCatch labeling software and labeled white spot lesions. The labeled images were resized to 640 × 320 while maintaining their aspect ratio before model training. The labeled images were randomly divided into three groups (Training:349 images (1589 labels), Validation:43 images (181 labels), Test:43 images (215 labels)). YOLOv5x algorithm was used to perform deep learning. The segmentation performance of the tested model was visualized and analyzed using ROC analysis and a confusion matrix. True Positive (TP), False Positive (FP), and False Negative (FN) values were determined.ResultsAmong the test group images, there were 133 TPs, 36 FPs, and 82 FNs. The model’s performance metrics include precision, recall, and F1 score values of detecting white spot lesions were 0.786, 0.618, and 0.692. The AUC value obtained from the ROC analysis was 0.712. The mAP value obtained from the Precision-Recall curve graph was 0.425.ConclusionsThe model’s accuracy and sensitivity in detecting white spot lesions remained lower than expected for practical application, but is a promising and acceptable detection rate compared to previous study. The current study provides a preliminary insight to further improved by increasing the dataset for training, and applying modifications to the deep learning algorithm.Clinical revelanceDeep learning systems can help clinicians to distinguish white spot lesions that may be missed during visual inspection.

Suzuki Piano Method and Flow Experience among Adult Piano Beginners: A Quasi-Experimental Study

Although the Flow experience has been researched extensively in music education, there is limited investigation into exploring the link between the Suzuki piano method and Csikszentmihalyi’s flow theory. To address this gap, a quasi-experimental study was conducted to examine how the Suzuki piano method can promote the flow state of adult piano beginners. The study involved 36 participants assigned to either a treatment group or a control group. Both groups underwent an eight-week training program in Suzuki Piano Method and Conventional Group Piano Class respectively. After the program, participants from both groups underwent a post-training performance test and completed a survey, namely Learning and Performing Experience Scale (LPES), modified based on the Short Flow State Scale (S-FFS) by Martin and Jackson to examine their flow experience. The treatment group showed significantly higher flow experience levels than the control group, particularly in dimensions of Concentration, Unambiguous feedback, Timelessness, Loss of self-consciousness, Sense of control, Autotelic experience, and Challenge-skill balance. The findings suggested that the Suzuki piano method may promote flow experiences among adult beginners in piano learning. The implication of the study signified that the collaborative and interactive learning inherent in the method might be beneficial in achieving flow state and could be a consideration in conducting group piano classes.

Effects of Auditory Training in Older Adults.

This study examines the effects of an auditory training program on the auditory and cognitive abilities of older adults. Auditory rehabilitation programs are generally designed for hearing aid users, and studies have demonstrated benefits for them. In this study, we seek to understand whether such a training program can also benefit older adults who do not wear hearing aids. We also examined if cognitive benefits can indeed be observed as a result of the training. Sixty-four older adults were recruited and assigned into three groups: the experimental group (n = 20), the active control group (n = 21), and the no-training control group (n = 23). The experimental group underwent an auditory training program (Listening and Communication Enhancement [LACE]) during the training phase. Meanwhile, the active control group listened to short audio clips and the no-training control group did not participate in any program. An auditory test (Quick Speech-in-Noise [QuickSIN]) and a battery of cognitive tests were conducted before and after the training to examine the participants' performance on auditory ability, short-term memory, and attention. The results showed improvements in auditory and cognitive abilities during the training period. When assessing the training effects by comparing the pre- and the posttraining performances, a significant improvement on the QuickSIN task was found in the training group but not in the other two groups. However, other cognitive tests did not show any significant improvement. That is, the LACE training did not benefit short-term memory and attention. The improved performance on short-term memory during the training was not maintained in the posttraining session. Overall, the study has extended the auditory benefit from the LACE training to the typical aging population in terms of improved communication ability, but the effect of training on auditory abilities did not transfer to gains in cognitive abilities.

Reconsidering the Role of Error Encouragement in Error Management Training

Abstract: Error management training (EMT) combines low structure training with error-encouraging prompts to improve training transfer ( Frese et al., 1991 ), but error encouragement may be problematic for learners with limited attentional resources such as older learners. We examine whether the benefits of EMT can be realized without error encouragement by prompting the self-regulatory processes that underlie EMT’s success. One hundred fifty-three adults ages 18–70 participated in online spreadsheet training in one of three conditions: self-regulatory prompts, EMT prompts, or without prompts. The results showed no significant differences in post-training performance by condition nor age interactions with condition. However, participants who heard EMT prompts reported more error reflection than other participants. This study tests the theory underlying EMT and suggests unexplored boundary conditions.

The effect of the training provided to intensive care nurses on the ventilator care bundle, aspiration knowledge level, and attitudes towards evidence-based nursing

Ventilator-associated pneumonia are common complication for patients in intensive care units [ICU] receiving mechanical ventilation. Care bundles's using by nurses in ICU can reduce this complication. The aim of this study is to compare the pre-training and post-training performance of intensive care nurses on the use of care bundle and aspiration practices, and to examine the effects of the training on their attitudes towards care bundle practices and evidence-based nursing. This study has been conducted by using the single group pretest-final test model. The EBNAQ scores of the nurses with a graduate degree and the nurses with responsibility for 0-2 patients were found to be high. Evaluation of the outputs from the ventilator care bundle and aspiration monitoring form showed a difference after the training regarding the nursing interventions conducted in all areas except for the “Performed a physical examination with auscultation over the trachea" parameter (p

0.8 mm Ni–Ti shape memory alloy wires: Post-training behavior and application in a cold-formed steel structure

This study explores the post-training performance, mechanical training strategy, and potential seismic application of shape memory alloy (SMA) wires. A part of SMA wire specimens were trained by different training protocols, and subsequently all the untrained and trained SMA wire specimens were tested at room temperature under various cyclic loading protocols. It is observed that the incremental cyclic training could lead to a higher post-yield stiffness during the post-training stage at a certain expense of residual strain and forward transformation stress, and the post-training hysteretic behavior will be stable and predictable within the historical training strain amplitude. The influence of training on mechanical performance of SMA wires under near-fault loading was revealed and evaluated. Following the test program, a cold-formed steel (CFS) joint model employing SMA wires is proposed and analyzed to demonstrate the feasibility and efficiency of trained SMA wires for optimizing seismic performance. The finite element (FE) analysis results indicates that the self-centering CFS joint can effectively optimize the original pinched hysteretic response, including mitigating residual displacement, and improving the peak strength, initial stiffness and energy-dissipate capacity.

DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY IN COMPANIES AND ITS IMPORTANCE IN EDUCATING PEOPLE

The objective of this work is to show how technology is important in educating people at work and how qualification or training can influence performance and productivity in companies. The purpose of the course completion work is to show the difficulties encountered by many workers from various sectors in adapting to the system (work with computers), to show what companies do to remedy this problem and to propose solutions according to the technology currently used. . When analyzing the situations of companies that use an ERP integrated management system, many situations were encountered in which most users are used to technology, that is, many of them do not have adequate experience or knowledge to use systems according to their function. . In addition, the company itself does not prepare newcomers and/or employees with a long time in the company to adapt according to the technology used by them. Some solutions were found to solve the problems, such as the availability of online and printed manuals. In addition, another factor that contributed to the education of users were workshops and practical training. After this period, surveys were carried out on post-training performance and most people claim that performance at work improved significantly, generating great results.

A Survey of Virtual Reality Interventions for Autistic Spectrum Disorder Therapy: A Neuroscience Perspective (P1-12.006)

<h3>Objective:</h3> This review evaluates the clinical efficacy of virtual reality as a behavioral modification tool to teach and support the social-communication needs of ASD children. <h3>Background:</h3> Autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) characterizes a taxonomy of disorders affecting social communication and interactive behaviors. Researchers in affective computing have begun to use virtual reality as a therapy tool for autistic individuals. This technology has demonstrated significant potential as our understanding of the social-communication deficits in autism increases. We conducted a literature review investigating the efficacy of virtual <i>reality</i> as an intervention for autism. <h3>Design/Methods:</h3> A search was conducted using Google Scholar, PubMed, IEEE Xplore, CDC, and the National Autism Center databases. The search keywords were: “Affective computing Autism” OR “Affective computing ASD”. <h3>Results:</h3> Five articles were included in our analysis. <h3>Emotional facial expression recognition tasks:</h3> ASD Children demonstrated significant increases in paired t-tests comparisons of pre and post-training performance in NEPSYII Affect recognition t(24)= −3.40, p=0.001 and Attention and executive function “Fluid reasoning” t(17)= −2.33, p=0.016. Significant increases were noted on the pre-training assessment for social attribution Triangles intentionality t(23) =−2.28, p=0.016. 88% of participants accurately identified the emotional expressions portrayed by a virtual avatar. <h3>Emotional regulation tasks:</h3> VRE therapy yielded results that persisted 12 to 16 months after treatment. 89% of children were able to diminish phobia-induced anxiety and four children overcame their phobias. <h3>Virtual reality receptivity in ASD:</h3> Virtual embodied agents effectively elicited continued affective and social conversational behaviors in ASD children for approximately 60 minutes. ASD children also reported <i>significantly</i> higher ratings of enjoyability t(38)= 2.26; P= 0.03)) while using virtual technology compared to experimental controls. <h3>Conclusions:</h3> Use of virtual reality as a tool for behavioral modification revealed positive application with enduring results, by demonstrating: (1) conversational spontaneity, (2) social appraisal, (3) emotional recognition, (4) anxiety and fear reduction, and (5) social-skill acquisition in autistic children. <b>Disclosure:</b> Ms. Allison has nothing to disclose. Dr. Prelock has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as an Editor, Associate Editor, or Editorial Advisory Board Member for Springer Publishing. The institution of Dr. Prelock has received research support from PCORI. The institution of Dr. Prelock has received research support from HRSA. Dr. Prelock has received publishing royalties from a publication relating to health care. Dr. Prelock has received publishing royalties from a publication relating to health care. Dr. Prelock has received publishing royalties from a publication relating to health care.

The role of the parietal lobe in task-irrelevant suppression during learning

BackgroundAttention optimizes the selection of visual information, while suppressing irrelevant visual input through cortical mechanisms that are still unclear. We set to investigate these processes using an attention task with an embedded to-be-ignored interfering visual input. ObjectiveWe delivered electrical stimulation to attention-related brain areas to modulate these facilitatory/inhibitory attentional mechanisms. We asked whether overtly training on a task while being covertly exposed to visual features from a visually identical but different task tested at baseline might influence post-training performance on the baseline task. MethodsIn Experiment one, at baseline subjects performed an orientation discrimination (OD) task using a pair of gratings presented at individual's psychophysical threshold. We then trained participants over three-day separate sessions on a temporal order judgment task (TOJ), using the exact same gratings but presented with different time offsets. On the last post-training session we re-tested OD. We coupled training with transcranial random noise stimulation (tRNS) over the parietal cortex, the human middle temporal area or sham, in three separate groups. In Experiment two, subjects performed the same OD task at baseline and post-training, while tRNS was delivered at rest during the same sessions and stimulation conditions as in Experiment one. ResultsResults showed that tRNS over parietal cortex facilitated learning of the trained TOJ task. Moreover, we found a detrimental effect on the untrained OD task when subjects received parietal tRNS coupled with training (Experiment one), but a benefit on OD when subjects received stimulation while at rest (Experiment two). ConclusionsThese results clearly indicate that task-irrelevant information is actively suppressed during learning, and that this prioritization mechanism of selection likely resides in the parietal cortex.

Exposure to multisensory and visual static or moving stimuli enhances processing of nonoptimal visual rhythms

Research has shown that visual moving and multisensory stimuli can efficiently mediate rhythmic information. It is possible, therefore, that the previously reported auditory dominance in rhythm perception is due to the use of nonoptimal visual stimuli. Yet it remains unknown whether exposure to multisensory or visual-moving rhythms would benefit the processing of rhythms consisting of nonoptimal static visual stimuli. Using a perceptual learning paradigm, we tested whether the visual component of the multisensory training pair can affect processing of metric simple two integer-ratio nonoptimal visual rhythms. Participants were trained with static (AVstat), moving-inanimate (AVinan), or moving-animate (AVan) visual stimuli along with auditory tones and a regular beat. In the pre- and posttraining tasks, participants responded whether two static-visual rhythms differed or not. Results showed improved posttraining performance for all training groups irrespective of the type of visual stimulation. To assess whether this benefit was auditory driven, we introduced visual-only training with a moving or static stimulus and a regular beat (Vinan). Comparisons between Vinan and Vstat showed that, even in the absence of auditory information, training with visual-only moving or static stimuli resulted in an enhanced posttraining performance. Overall, our findings suggest that audiovisual and visual static or moving training can benefit processing of nonoptimal visual rhythms.

What a good boy! Deciphering the efficiency of detection dogs

Dogs have a powerful olfactory system, which is used in many areas of the police and military to detect drugs, human remains, and explosives, among other items. Despite these powerful detection abilities, methods assessing the performance (MAP) of dogs remain scarce, and have never been validated. In particular, scientific knowledge on post-training performance assessments is scarce. To validate a quantitative MAP, an efficient detection dog (DD) must first be defined. Here, we aimed to define what an efficient DD is, and to develop a quantitative MAP. Specifically, we conducted 1) an international survey sent to professional DD practitioners (n= 50), and 2) an experimental assay on cadaver and drug DDs (n= 20). Based on the survey, efficient DDs were defined as confident animals, making few mistakes, alerting to the presence of target odors as close as possible, able to strategically screen the search area effectively, independent and not easily distracted. The developed quantitative MAP was based on video tracking DDs in a circular behavioral arena, in which the error rate of DD was recorded, including accuracy and the strategy level. Previous studies have already demonstrated that DDs are usually confidant. Guidance was not assessed during MAP development; however, handlers could not guide DDs during the search session. Based on this method, future studies should evaluate DD performance throughout the entire training process. Such monitoring would allow thresholds to be determined, allowing efficient DDs to be identified, along with the effect of certain factors on performance (e.g., dogs breed, gender, and training aids used during DD conditioning).

Animal model-based simulation training for three emergent and urgent operations of penetrating thoracic injuries

PurposeTo develop animal models of penetrating thoracic injuries and to observe the effects of the animal model-based training on improving the trainees’ performance for emergent and urgent thoracic surgeries. MethodsWith a homemade machine, animal models of lung injuries and penetrating heart injuries were produced in porcine and used for training of chest tube drainage, urgent sternotomy, and emergent thoracotomy. Coefficient of variation of abbreviated injury scale and blood loss was calculated to judge the reproducibility of animal models. Five operation teams from basic-level hospitals (group A) and five operation teams from level III hospitals (group B) were included to be trained and tested. Testing standards for the operations were established after thorough literature review, and expert questionnaires were employed to evaluate the scientificity and feasibility of the testing standards. Tests were carried out after the training. Pre- and post-training performances were compared. Post-training survey using 7-point Likert scale was taken to evaluate the feelings of the trainees to these training approaches. ResultsAnimal models of the three kinds of penetrating chest injuries were successfully established and the coefficient of variation of abbreviated injury scale and blood loss were all less than 25%. After literature review, testing standards were established, and expert questionnaire results showed that the scientific score was 7.30 ± 1.49, and the feasibility score was 7.50 ± 0.89. Post-training performance was significantly higher in both group A and group B than pre-training performance. Post-training survey showed that all the trainees felt confident in applying the operations and were generally agreed that the training procedure were very helpful in improving operation skills for thoracic penetrating injury. ConclusionsAnimal model-based simulation training established in the current study could improve the trainees’ performance for emergent and urgent thoracic surgeries, especially of the surgical teams from basic-level hospitals.

Effect of real-time feedback device compared to use or non-use of a checklist performance aid on post-training performance and retention of infant cardiopulmonary resuscitation: A randomized simulation-based trial

IntroductionThis study aims to determine the best method for achieving optimal performance of pediatric cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) during simulation-based training, whether with or without a performance aid. MethodsIn this randomized controlled study, 46 participants performed simulated CPR in pairs on a Resusci Baby QCPR™ mannequin, repeated after four weeks. All participants performed the first simulation without performance aids. For the second simulation, they were randomly assigned to one of three groups with stratification based on status: throughout CPR, Group A (n = 16) was the control group and did not use a performance aid; Group B (n = 16) used the CPR checklist; Group C (n = 14) used real-time visualization of their CPR activity on a feedback device. Overall performance was assessed using the QCPR™. ResultsAll groups demonstrated improved performance on the second simulation (p < 0.01). Use of the feedback device resulted in better CPR performance than use of the CPR checklist (p = 0.02) or no performance aid (p = 0.04). Additionally, participants thought that the QCPR™ could effectively improve their technical competences. ConclusionsPerformance aid based on continuous feedback is helpful in the learning process. The use of the QCPR™, a real-time feedback device, improved the quality of resuscitation during infant CPR simulation-based training.

Effectiveness of an inexpensive short-term theoretical-practical course on videosurgery for surgeons in training

BackgroundThe rapid development of video surgery and minimally invasive surgical techniques prompted many studies on the methods of teaching these techniques to young surgeons in training. However, the characteristics of a short-term course that is both easily accessible and efficient for this group of surgeons remain controversial. To investigate this issue, a short-term training method was proposed for first year surgery residents, using inexpensive handmade wooden simulation boxes with the students smartphones as cameras. Its effectiveness was evaluated, as well as possible factors that could influence student performance, such as gender and previous experience with video games.MethodsThirty-six first-year General Surgery residents, entering in 2019 and 2020, participated in the study: 21 were males and 15 were females with ages between 22 and 29 years old, (mean 25.47 years). All participants performed a pre-established exercise (placing two simple stitches using a laparoscopic simulator), which was timed and scored. They then participated in a short theoretical-practical course, consisting of an initial lecture followed by 4 exercises on handcrafted wooden laparoscopic video surgery simulators. Afterwards, they were asked to repeat the same exercise from the first step. Finally, they answered a questionnaire that included questions on previous videogame experience. The data were tabulated and submitted to statistical analysis.ResultsIn the pre-training exercise, 15 (41.66%) participants were able to perform the two simple stitches in the simulator box within the maximum time limit of 5 minutes. After the short course, 22 (61.11%) of participants were able to perform the complete exercise. Improvement in the time to complete the practical exercise was statistically significant (p = 0.0296) after participating in the theoretical-practical course. A better pre- and post-training performance was demonstrated by the 17 participants with experience with video games (p = 0.0116), and a better post-training performance was demonstrated by female participants (p = 0.0405).ConclusionThis short-term inexpensive theoretical-practical course in laparoscopic training for surgeons in training was effective in reducing the execution time of a laparoscopic stitch in a simulation box. Previous experience with video games and/or female gender appear to be associated with improved performance.

The effect of movement frequency on perceptual-motor learning of a novel bimanual coordination pattern.

The most widely known studies of rhythmic limb coordination showed that frequency strongly affects the stability of some coordinations (e.g. 180° relative phase) but not others (e.g. 0°). The coupling of such rhythmic limb movements was then shown to be perceptual. Frequency affected the stability of perceptual information. We now investigated whether frequency would impact the pickup of information for learning a novel bimanual coordination pattern (e.g. 90°) and the ability to sustain the coordination at various frequencies. Twenty participants were recruited and assessed on their performance of bimanual coordination at 0°, 180°, and 90° at five scanning frequencies before and after training at 90°, during which they were assigned to practice with either a high (2.5Hz) or low (0.5Hz) frequency until attaining proficiency. The results showed that learning was frequency specific. The best post-training performance occurred at the trained frequency. Although the coordination could be acquired through high frequency training, it was at the cost of a greater amount of training and most surprisingly, did not yield improved performance at lower frequencies that are normally thought to be easier. The findings suggest that movement frequency may determine whether visual or kinesthetic information is used for learning and control of bimanual coordination.

Training in communication and emotion handling skills for students attending medical school: Relationship with empathy, emotional intelligence, and attachment style

ObjectiveTo describe the Emoty-Com training, its impact on medical students’ attitudes towards doctors’ emotions and to explore the association between students’ empathy, emotional intelligence (EI), and attachment style (AS) with post-training performance scores. MethodsThe 16-hour Emoty-Com training was delivered to all second-year medical students of Verona and Milan (Italy) Universities. At pre-training, students filled out three questionnaires assessing empathy, AS and EI and responded to three questions on attitudes towards doctors’ emotions in the doctor-patient encounter. The same three questions and a final evaluation test were proposed at post-training. Results264 students participated in the study. The training reduced students’ worry about managing emotions during doctor-patient relationships. Gender was associated with specific subscales of empathy, EI, and AS. Final performance scores were associated with students’ attitudes towards emotions but not with empathy, EI, and AS. ConclusionThe Emoty-Com training increased students’ self-efficacy in handling their own emotions during consultations. Students' performance scores were related to their attitude towards doctors’ emotions in clinical encounters. Practice ImplicationsThe Emoty-Com training suggests ways to teach and evaluate emotion-handling skills for medical students. Possible links between empathy, EI, AS, and the attitudes towards doctors’ emotions during the years of education are highlighted.

Preliminary Study of Vibrotactile Feedback during Home-Based Balance and Coordination Training in Individuals with Cerebellar Ataxia.

Intensive balance and coordination training is the mainstay of treatment for symptoms of impaired balance and mobility in individuals with hereditary cerebellar ataxia. In this study, we compared the effects of home-based balance and coordination training with and without vibrotactile SA for individuals with hereditary cerebellar ataxia. Ten participants (five males, five females; 47 ± 12 years) with inherited forms of cerebellar ataxia were recruited to participate in a 12-week crossover study during which they completed two six-week blocks of balance and coordination training with and without vibrotactile SA. Participants were instructed to perform balance and coordination exercises five times per week using smartphone balance trainers that provided written, graphic, and video guidance and measured trunk sway. The pre-, per-, and post-training performance were assessed using the Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (SARA), SARAposture&gait sub-scores, Dynamic Gait Index, modified Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction in Balance, Timed Up and Go performed with and without a cup of water, and multiple kinematic measures of postural sway measured with a single inertial measurement unit placed on the participants’ trunks. To explore the effects of training with and without vibrotactile SA, we compared the changes in performance achieved after participants completed each six-week block of training. Among the seven participants who completed both blocks of training, the change in the SARA scores and SARAposture&gait sub-scores following training with vibrotactile SA was not significantly different from the change achieved following training without SA (. However, a trend toward improved SARA scores and SARAposture&gait sub-scores was observed following training with vibrotactile SA; compared to their pre-vibrotacile SA training scores, participants significantly improved their SARA scores ( and SARAposture&gait sub-scores (. In contrast, no significant changes in SARA scores and SARAposture&gait sub-scores were observed following the six weeks of training without SA compared to their pre-training scores immediately preceding the training block without vibrotactile SA (. No significant changes in trunk kinematic sway parameters were observed as a result of training (. Based on the findings from this preliminary study, balance and coordination training improved the participants’ motor performance, as captured through the SARA. Vibrotactile SA may be a beneficial addition to training regimens for individuals with hereditary cerebellar ataxia, but additional research with larger sample sizes is needed to assess the significance and generalizability of these findings.

Effectiveness of an online continuing education course in infant hearing health for primary care professionals

Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of an online continuing education course on infant hearing health for primary care professionals. Design A prospective longitudinal study with interrupted time series pre-test/post-test design. The effectiveness of the online course was assessed by comparing pre- vs. post-training performance and analysing responses to evaluations of the quality of the course. Study sample The sample comprised individuals enrolled between September 2018 and August 2019 in a Ministry of Health course, “Actions in primary care for the early identification of hearing impairment” offered on the AVASUS platform. Results Of the 2908 individuals registered, 1842 (63.3%) completed the course. Their ages ranged from 18 to 77 years, and 67.4% of them were females. Students and doctors were overrepresented among the enrollees. All Brazilian states were included in the sample. Comparisons of pre- and post-training performances showed a significant improvement in knowledge, and 99.3% of the participants provided positive comments regarding the quality of the course. Conclusions The course is an effective distance learning tool on infant hearing health for primary care professionals. The online course circumvents the limitations posed by geographical barriers and also facilitates decentralisation.

Videogame-Based Training: The Impact and Interaction of Videogame Characteristics on Learning Outcomes

Virtualized training provides high fidelity environments to practice skills and gain knowledge, potentially mitigating harmful consequences from real life mistakes. Current research has focused on videogames, believed to have characteristics that improve learning. There is conflicting evidence on the benefits of using videogame-based training to improve learning. This study explored the impact of two videogame characteristics (i.e., rules/goals clarity and human interaction), on mid-training scores and post-training scores (i.e., familiar task and novel task). Results from a sample of 513 undergraduates showed that both videogame characteristics significantly impacted mid-training performance but not post-training performance; clear rules/goals and completing the training alone improved mid-training performance. There was also a significant moderation between the two videogame characteristics for post-training scores on the novel task, but not the familiar task, or mid-training performance. Findings suggest videogame characteristics have an immediate but not sustained impact on learning; implications are discussed.

Effects of contemporary cryo-compression on post-training performance in elite academy footballers.

Fatigue is a predisposing risk factor for injury commonly investigated in elite football populations. Little evidence advocates the most beneficial recovery strategies including contemporary cooling applications. The aim of the study was to examine immediate effects of the Game Ready® on physiological and biomechanical measures in a population of elite male academy footballers, following a fatiguing training session mid-competitive season. Twenty, elite male footballers took part (180.2 ± 8.7cm, 75.0 ± 11.4kg, 18 ± 0.5years). Following a normal fatiguing training session, players were randomly assigned to receive either cryotherapy (Game Ready®) (20-minutes at medium compression (5–55 mm Hg)) or passive recovery (PAS). Data was collected at match-day+1, immediately post-training and immediately post-intervention. Performance measures included countermovement jump (CMJ), isometric adductor strength (IAS), hamstring flexibility (HF), and skin surface temperature (Tsk). Significant main effects for group for CMJ data following exposure to cooling were displayed (p = < 0.05). Individual group analysis displayed a significant reduction in CMJ performance in the group exposed to cryotherapy (p = < 0.05) immediately post, but not for PAS. No main effects were identified for cryotherapy or PAS group for IAS or HF (p = > 0.05). Tsk reduced significantly (p = < 0.05) in the cryotherapy group, meeting therapeutic Tsk range. Reductions in performance immediately following exposure to pneumatic cryo-compressive devices may negate the justification of this recovery strategy if neuromuscular mechanisms are required in immediate short term. Application of such recovery strategies however are dependent on the type of recovery demand and should be adapted individually to suit the needs of the athlete to optimise readiness to train/play.