Coach Support Research Articles

Assessing the Short-Term Efficacy of Digital Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia With Different Types of Coaching: Randomized Controlled Comparative Trial.

Digital cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (dCBTi) is an effective intervention for treating insomnia. The findings regarding its efficacy compared to face-to-face cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia are inconclusive but suggest that dCBTi might be inferior. The lack of human support and low treatment adherence are believed to be barriers to dCBTi achieving its optimal efficacy. However, there has yet to be a direct comparative trial of dCBTi with different types of coaching support. This study examines whether adding chatbot-based and human coaching would improve the treatment efficacy of, and adherence to, dCBTi. Overall, 129 participants (n=98, 76% women; age: mean 34.09, SD 12.05 y) whose scores on the Insomnia Severity Index [ISI] were greater than 9 were recruited. A randomized controlled comparative trial with 5 arms was conducted: dCBTi with chatbot-based coaching and therapist support (dCBTi-therapist), dCBTi with chatbot-based coaching and research assistant support, dCBTi with chatbot-based coaching only, dCBTi without any coaching, and digital sleep hygiene and self-monitoring control. Participants were blinded to the condition assignment and study hypotheses, and the outcomes were self-assessed using questionnaires administered on the web. The outcomes included measures of insomnia (the ISI and the Sleep Condition Indicator), mood disturbances, fatigue, daytime sleepiness, quality of life, dysfunctional beliefs about sleep, and sleep-related safety behaviors administered at baseline, after treatment, and at 4-week follow-up. Treatment adherence was measured by the completion of video sessions and sleep diaries. An intention-to-treat analysis was conducted. Significant condition-by-time interaction effects showed that dCBTi recipients, regardless of having any coaching, had greater improvements in insomnia measured by the Sleep Condition Indicator (P=.003; d=0.45) but not the ISI (P=.86; d=-0.28), depressive symptoms (P<.001; d=-0.62), anxiety (P=.01; d=-0.40), fatigue (P=.02; d=-0.35), dysfunctional beliefs about sleep (P<.001; d=-0.53), and safety behaviors related to sleep (P=.001; d=-0.50) than those who received digital sleep hygiene and self-monitoring control. The addition of chatbot-based coaching and human support did not improve treatment efficacy. However, adding human support promoted greater reductions in fatigue (P=.03; d=-0.33) and sleep-related safety behaviors (P=.05; d=-0.30) than dCBTi with chatbot-based coaching only at 4-week follow-up. dCBTi-therapist had the highest video and diary completion rates compared to other conditions (video: 16/25, 60% in dCBTi-therapist vs <3/21, <25% in dCBTi without any coaching), indicating greater treatment adherence. Our findings support the efficacy of dCBTi in treating insomnia, reducing thoughts and behaviors that perpetuate insomnia, reducing mood disturbances and fatigue, and improving quality of life. Adding chatbot-based coaching and human support did not significantly improve the efficacy of dCBTi after treatment. However, adding human support had incremental benefits on reducing fatigue and behaviors that could perpetuate insomnia, and hence may improve long-term efficacy. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05136638; https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05136638.

Perception of interpersonal relationships between students and sports coaches in Piura, Peru

Background: In Peru, current laws require universities to integrate complementary sports services in order to obtain institutional licensing. However, the scarcity of information makes it difficult to understand behaviour among athletes and coaches. The objective of the study is to analyse the interpersonal behaviour between athletes and coaches at the Universidad Nacional de Frontera, Sullana, Peru, 2023. The study was a non-experimental, descriptive study based on a quantitative approach. A total of 85 athletes involved in one of the sports disciplines offered by the university participated. The valid and reliable Interpersonal Behaviour Perceptions (IBQ) scale (Cronbach's alpha = 0.913) was applied. The results reveal that football (31.8%), volleyball (30.6%) and basketball (18.8%) are the most practiced disciplines and are related to the gender of the participants (p &lt; .016), whose ages range from 18 to 23 years. In addition, athletes value the support of coaches in decision-making but show neutrality in perceived empowerment. There is resistance towards pressure and discrepancies in emotional support and comfort from the coach. In conclusion, positive interpersonal behaviour is observed between athletes and coaches at the Universidad Nacional de Frontera, Sullana, Peru.

The Effect of Coaches' Interpersonal Style Profiles on Young Athletes' Motivation and Sport Commitment

AbstractThe objective of this study was to identify both the latent profiles of coaching styles based on athletes' perceptions and their subsequent associations with athletes' motivation and sport commitment. The sample comprised young athletes from various sports types. Participants provided self‐reports of their perceptions of their coaches' behaviors, and their sport commitment and sport motivation. Cluster analyses revealed three coaching style profiles: Cluster 1 were coaches with a “low coaching style,” including those who lacked an autonomy‐supportive and those with a low controlling coaching style. Cluster 2 was labeled “Supportive coaching style” and represented coaches who were more apt to be autonomy‐supportive and less controlling. Cluster 3 was a “Controlling coaching style” and included coaches who demonstrated a low autonomy‐supportive and a high controlling style. Compared with athletes in Cluster 3, athletes in Clusters 1 and 2 reported higher levels of adaptive motivation and commitment variables. Thus, youth athletes perceived three clusters of coaching styles (Low coaching style, Supportive coaching style, and Controlling coaching style), and these profiles were associated with varying levels of athletes' motivation and commitment to sport.

Initial Perspectives From Rural-Residing Adults on a Digital Cognitive Health Coaching Intervention: Exploratory Qualitative Analysis.

A growing body of research has examined lifestyle-based interventions for dementia prevention. Specifically, health coaching interventions have been linked to decreased risk of Alzheimer disease (AD) comorbidities, such as diabetes. Despite the association, there is a lack of research examining the efficacy and perception of digital health coaching on reducing AD risk. Understanding the perceived benefits of participating in a digital health coach program is critical to ensure long-term use, including participant adherence and engagement. The purpose of this study is to examine the initial attitudes toward a digital health coaching intervention aimed at preventing cognitive decline among at-risk, rural participants. This exploratory qualitative study is part of the ongoing Digital Cognitive Multidomain Alzheimer Risk Velocity Study (DC-MARVel; ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04559789), a 2-year randomized control trial examining the effects of a digital health coaching intervention on dementia risk, cognitive decline, and general health outcomes. Participants were recruited from the northwest region of Arkansas via word of mouth, email, local radio, and social media. At the time of the analysis, 103 participants randomly assigned to the health coaching group completed an average of 4 coaching sessions over a 4-month period. The intervention included asynchronous messages 1-2 times per week from their health coach that contained health education articles based on the participant's goals (eg, increase physical activity), unlimited access to their coach for questions and recommendations, and monthly meetings with their coach via videoconference or phone to discuss their goals. Participants were asked 2 open-ended questions, "What were your top 1 or 2 takeaways from your recent Health Coaching session?" and "Is there anything you would change about our Health Coaching sessions?" A thematic analysis was conducted using feedback responses from 80 participants (mean age, SD 7.6 years). The following four themes emerged from participants' feedback: (1) healthy lifestyle and behavioral changes, (2) a sense of self-awareness through introspection, (3) value in coach support, and (4) a desire for a change in program format (eg, frequency). In total, 93% (n=74) of participants expressed that the intervention needed no changes. Initial participation in the digital cognitive health coaching intervention was well received, as evidenced by participants reporting value in goal setting and strategies for healthy lifestyle and behavioral changes as well as self-reflection on their personal lifestyle choices. Feedback about their assigned coach also offers insight into the importance of the coach-participant relationship and may serve as a significant factor in overall participant success. Given the exploratory nature of this study, more robust research is needed to elicit more information from participants about their experiences to fully understand the acceptability of the digital health coaching intervention. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04559789; https://clinicaltrials.gov/show/NCT04559789. RR2-10.2196/31841.

Implementation of paraprofessional behavior support coaching: A study of behavior concerns and interventions used in elementary schools

Implementation of paraprofessional behavior support coaching: A study of behavior concerns and interventions used in elementary schools

Culture, emotion, and cognition: Understanding the psychological dynamics of Chinese sports with emotional regulation skills and cognitive reappraisal

This study illuminates the complex relationship between cultural orientation towards collectivism, emotional regulation skills, cognitive reappraisal ability, sports engagement, perceived coach support, and sports self-efficacy in Chinese athletes' performance satisfaction. Seven hundred and fifty athletes from Guangdong, Jiangsu, and Sichuan completed 5-point Likert scale assessments. The study employed structural equation modeling (SEM) to analyze variable connections. The results reveal significant relationships between performance satisfaction and cultural orientation towards collectivism (β = 0.35, p < 0.001), emotional regulation skills (β = 0.28, p < 0.001), cognitive reappraisal ability (β = 0.32, p < 0.01), sports engagement (β = 0.20, p < 0.05), perceived coach support (β = 0.25, p < 0.01), and self-efficacy in sports (β = 0.30, p < 0.001). These findings underscore the importance of psychological factors in shaping athlete well-being and performance satisfaction. These relationships linked the self-determination theory, social support theory, and the transactional model of stress and coping. Treatments that improve athlete self-efficacy, emotional control, and coach-athlete relationships may improve player happiness, retention, and organizational performance. These actions affect management and the economy. A supportive environment and athlete development initiatives may boost athlete well-being and performance, leading to long-term sports success and competitiveness.

Leveraging Narrative Feedback in Programmatic Assessment: The Potential of Automated Text Analysis to Support Coaching and Decision-Making in Programmatic Assessment.

Current assessment approaches increasingly use narratives to support learning, coaching and high-stakes decision-making. Interpretation of narratives, however, can be challenging and time-consuming, potentially resulting in suboptimal or inadequate use of assessment data. Support for learners, coaches as well as decision-makers in the use and interpretation of these narratives therefore seems essential. We explored the utility of automated text analysis techniques to support interpretation of narrative assessment data, collected across 926 clinical assessments of 80 trainees, in an International Medical Graduates' licensing program in Australia. We employed topic modelling and sentiment analysis techniques to automatically identify predominant feedback themes as well as the sentiment polarity of feedback messages. We furthermore sought to examine the associations between feedback polarity, numerical performance scores, and overall judgments about task performance. Topic modelling yielded three distinctive feedback themes: Medical Skills, Knowledge, and Communication & Professionalism. The volume of feedback varied across topics and clinical settings, but assessors used more words when providing feedback to trainees who did not meet competence standards. Although sentiment polarity and performance scores did not seem to correlate at the level of single assessments, findings showed a strong positive correlation between the average performance scores and the average algorithmically assigned sentiment polarity. This study shows that use of automated text analysis techniques can pave the way for a more efficient, structured, and meaningful learning, coaching, and assessment experience for learners, coaches and decision-makers alike. When used appropriately, these techniques may facilitate more meaningful and in-depth conversations about assessment data, by supporting stakeholders in interpretation of large amounts of feedback. Future research is vital to fully unlock the potential of automated text analysis, to support meaningful integration into educational practices.

App Engagement as a Predictor of Weight Loss in Blended-Care Interventions: Retrospective Observational Study Using Large-Scale Real-World Data.

Early weight loss is an established predictor for treatment outcomes in weight management interventions for people with obesity. However, there is a paucity of additional, reliable, and clinically actionable early predictors in weight management interventions. Novel blended-care weight management interventions combine coach and app support and afford new means of structured, continuous data collection, informing research on treatment adherence and outcome prediction. Against this backdrop, this study analyzes app engagement as a predictor for weight loss in large-scale, real-world, blended-care interventions. We hypothesize that patients who engage more frequently in app usage in blended-care treatment (eg, higher logging activity) lose more weight than patients who engage comparably less frequently at 3 and 6 months of intervention. Real-world data from 19,211 patients in obesity treatment were analyzed retrospectively. Patients were treated with 3 different blended-care weight management interventions, offered in Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and Germany by a digital behavior change provider. The principal component analysis identified an overarching metric for app engagement based on app usage. A median split informed a distinction in higher and lower engagers among the patients. Both groups were matched through optimal propensity score matching for relevant characteristics (eg, gender, age, and start weight). A linear regression model, combining patient characteristics and app-derived data, was applied to identify predictors for weight loss outcomes. For the entire sample (N=19,211), mean weight loss was -3.24% (SD 4.58%) at 3 months and -5.22% (SD 6.29%) at 6 months. Across countries, higher app engagement yielded more weight loss than lower engagement after 3 but not after 6 months of intervention (P3 months<.001 and P6 months=.59). Early app engagement within the first 3 months predicted percentage weight loss in Switzerland and Germany, but not in the United Kingdom (PSwitzerland<.001, PUnited Kingdom=.12, and PGermany=.005). Higher age was associated with stronger weight loss in the 3-month period (PSwitzerland=.001, PUnited Kingdom=.002, and PGermany<.001) and, for Germany, also in the 6-month period (PSwitzerland=.09, PUnited Kingdom=.46, and PGermany=.03). In Switzerland, higher numbers of patients' messages to coaches were associated with higher weight loss (P3 months<.001 and P6 months<.001). Messages from coaches were not significantly associated with weight loss (all P>.05). Early app engagement is a predictor of weight loss, with higher engagement yielding more weight loss than lower engagement in this analysis. This new predictor lends itself to automated monitoring and as a digital indicator for needed or adapted clinical action. Further research needs to establish the reliability of early app engagement as a predictor for treatment adherence and outcomes. In general, the obtained results testify to the potential of app-derived data to inform clinical monitoring practices and intervention design.

Parents’ experiences of participating in the Small Step early intervention program for infants at high risk of cerebral palsy: essential components and potential dilemmas

Purpose: To explore parents’ perceptions of essential components and potential dilemmas within the family-centred and goal-directed Small Step program, an interprofessional early intervention for families of infants at high risk of cerebral palsy (CP). Materials and methods Thirteen parents (eight mothers and five fathers) of ten children participated in this qualitative study through individual in-depth interviews. Transcripts were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Results The parents emphasized the advantage of having the intervention provided at home with coaching and flexible support from the interprofessional team of therapists. This assured the families and enhanced their capacity to provide the child with playful and enriched learning opportunities integrated in everyday life. However, identification of achievable goals and intervention delivery could be emotionally taxing for parents, especially in the early stages and if treatment effects were below hopes and expectations. Conclusions Our findings provide insights into what kind of support parents prefer and dilemmas professionals should be aware of when providing early intervention to families of infants at high risk of CP. Parents appreciated being involved as equal partners and receiving home-based guidance. Acknowledging grief and sorrow as natural reactions and fostering open discussions about expectations seem essential in addressing families’ individual needs.

Analyzing Lived Experiences of Athlete and Coach Relationships in Sports

Objectives. The two main stressors affecting athletes’ wellbeing are relationships between coaches and athletes and social support. This study aims to investigate the connections between athletes’ psychological health, social support, and coach-athlete interactions. Relationships between coaches and athletes have a favorable impact on future coaching techniques and support systems, which in turn improves athlete wellbeing. Materials and methods. This study employed a quantitative approach using survey methods. The study involved 323 respondents consisting of 231 males (71.52%) and 92 females (28.48%). The instrument used in this study was the Instructor–Student Rapport Scale, comprising 2 dimensions (pleasant interactions and personal relationships). The study results were analyzed using the t-test to determine the significance of differences in athletes’ life experiences based on their relationship with the coach. The findings of the study explain that the experiences of athletes’ gender have differences regarding the relationship with the coach. Results. This result has also been proven by the results of the t test calculation of &lt;0.001. Meanwhile, the results of t test calculations related to the type of sport (individual and group) obtained results &gt; 0.001, which states that there is no difference in life experience between athletes and coaches. Conclusions. These findings lead to the conclusion that the most crucial factor in facilitating and enabling meaningful life experiences between coaches and athletes is the coach’s proximity to the athletes.

The Impact of Motivation on Decision-Making of Futsal Goalkeepers in Indonesia: An Analysis of Self-Confidence as Mediator

This study aims to explore the relationship between motivation and decision-making of futsal goalkeepers through self-confidence variable. It is a quantitative correlational research using structural equating modeling (SEM) approach with Smart-PLS analysis. The sample was 150 elite goalkeepers (103 men and 47 women), aged 23.4±7.8, had 7.24±5.6 years of career in competition, and had 9.78±2.2 years of training experience. A questionnaire on the Google form was used as research instrument. It was arranged and adjusted to the conditions in real context by modifying the results of previous research through the(focus group discussion (FGD). The results of this research show that the instrument is declared valid based on the Outer Loading value (&gt;0.7) and average variance extracted (AVE; &gt;0.5), then the reliability test is based on Cronbach’s Alpha (&gt;0.7) and Composite Reliable (&gt;0.7). The Goodness of Fit (GOF) in this research model is Standardized Root Mean Square (SRMR; &lt;0.10 or &lt;0.08), showed 0.073. Path Coefficients (P-Values) showed the effect of motivation on self-confidence at 0.001, the effect of motivation on decision-making at 0.045, the effect of self-confidence on decision-making at 0.000, and motivation on decision-making through self-confidence at 0.002. It conclusion, the proper training method, coach support, team and environment must constantly be optimized to increase motivation. Furthermore, participating in trial matches and competitions at the regional and provincial levels is an effective initial method to develop and train self-confidence. Ultimately, a goalkeepers increasing skill at decision- making will lead to becoming an elite athlete.

The effects of mobile phone dependence on athletic performance and its mechanisms.

Mobile phone dependence (also known as internet dependence, MPD), defined as a problematic behavior characterized by excessive use or intermittent craving to use a mobile phone, results in various social, behavioral, and affective problems in daily life. In sports, MPD is directly related to the physical and mental health and sports performance of athletes. The individual and environmental factors, neurobiological mechanisms and theoretical models of MPD affecting athletic performance were analyzed by reviewing previous studies, aiming to construct effective training and development protocols to prevent and control the occurrence of MPD in athletes. At present, athletic performance can be affected by MPD through individual factors and environmental factors. The neurobiological mechanisms between the two are based on the brain reward system and microwave radiation from mobile phones, with athletic performance being restricted by alterations in the corresponding brain regions. Relevant theoretical models mainly include the social cognitive model of self-regulation and the integrative model of self-control, which explain the interrelationship between MPD and athletic performance from the perspectives of athletes' self-regulation and self-control, respectively. As an emerging phenomenon, the influence pathways and mechanisms by which MPD affects athletic performance need to be further investigated. A longitudinal perspective should be adopted to trace the dynamic impact relationship between the two, and developing relevant theoretical frameworks from an interdisciplinary research perspective should be valuable for providing theoretical support for coaches and sports administrators to formulate scientific training protocols and thus improve the mental health of athletes.

Motivations of internal workplace coaches: what attracts them to the role? A mixed-methods study

Purpose Internal workplace coaches are employees who, in addition to their main job, volunteer to provide coaching to work colleagues who are not their direct reports. The purpose of this paper is to explore what motivates these individuals to volunteer to be an internal workplace coach and to continue carrying out the role. Design/methodology/approach To explore the experiences of internal coaches, a questionnaire was devised and issued; it attracted 484 responses – the largest survey response to date from this population. Following analysis of the questionnaire data, semi-structured interviews were carried out with 20 internal coaches from private, public and not-for-profit UK organisations. The responses were analysed in relation to motivation theory, principally self-determination theory. Findings Individuals were motivated to volunteer for the role, and to continue to practise as coaches, in the most part to satisfy intrinsic needs for competence, relatedness and autonomy. The research presents rich information about how coaches perceived these needs were satisfied by coaching. In general, there were only moderate or poor levels of support and recognition for individual coaches within their organisation, indicating limited extrinsic motivation. Practical implications The practical implications are that organisations can draw on the findings from this study to motivate individuals to volunteer to be internal coaches and to continue to act in that role. Originality/value Many organisations use internal coaches, but there is very little research into what motivates these volunteers.

Supporting Well-Being: Exploring the Value of a Digital Coach for Older Adults in the Transition from Work to Retirement.

Supporting older adults' health and well-being in the transition from work to retirement requires a holistic perspective and needs to address physical, mental, and social aspects of life. In a field study, applying a mixed-methods approach, we investigated to what extent the prototype of a digital coach can support older adults in this sensitive phase. We aim at answering the central research question: How can a digital coach support older adults in the transition from work to retirement to establish and maintain a healthy lifestyle? Overall, 32 participants from Austria and Belgium took part in an eight-week trial. App-based interventions in different domains (physical, mental, social) were provided and aimed at motivating the target group to become and/or stay active. The study shows that the digital coach has potential to support health and well-being on various levels. In particular, the mental activities proofed valuable and supported older adults' well-being.

Teachers' Experiences of Using Play and Al's Pals to Teach Socio-Emotional Skills Through Coaching Support Models

Interactive teaching strategies provide opportunities for engaging children in discussing difficult concepts such as socio-emotional wellbeing and wide range of ideas about their social and personal lives. However, few studies have explored preschool teachers’ efficacy of using coaching through ‘Play and puppetry programs as approaches to developing children’s emotional regulation, socio-emotional learning and wellbeing. This paper reports on a “Labyrinth Project” aimed to gain in-depth understandings of preschool teachers’ experiences and perspectives pertaining to their efficacy of using play and puppetry as tools to promote children’s emotional learning and development. The results showed that despite early challenges with the use of these two teaching strategies, coaching and professional development facilitated a progression from feelings of inadequacy to confidence to teach social emotional skills using play and puppetry. At the end of the second year of this three-year project, children demonstrated improved cognitive skills in managing their emotions. Suggestions are made on how to improve the project to achieve high quality outcomes.

Access to Healthcare Among Young Adult Probationers Participating in a Pilot Health-Focused Reentry Program.

Justice-involved adults experience disparities in healthcare access. This pilot study examines healthcare access among young adult probationers (n = 66) receiving 6-months of Service Navigation and Health Coaching support implemented between 2017 and 2021. Data are from baseline, 6-month follow-up and satisfaction surveys. Between baseline and follow-up, the proportion of insured young adult participants (66%-88%; p < .001) and those using healthcare services (36%-71%; p < .001) increased significantly; report of unmet physical healthcare needs decreased significantly (44%-26%; p = .003). Satisfaction data revealed increased self-efficacy, motivation, focus, and improved organizational, goal setting, and communication skills. The program improved healthcare access by increasing health insurance and recent use of healthcare services. Longitudinal studies are needed to assess maintenance of these outcomes and potential impacts on disparities in health status and access to care indicators. Integrating navigation and coaching supports to advance the well-being of justice-involved young adults is a promising mechanism to facilitate healthcare access.

Peculiarities of sports classification for athletes with mental and physical disabilities

The article discusses the question of determining whether athletes with mental and physical disabilities belong to a certain classification group which determines the athlete's right to participate in the Paralympic Games. It has been established that sports classification is a necessary condition for the participation in competitions of athletes sanctioned by the International Paralympic Committee. It has been proven that in Paralympic sports the result depends not only on the abilities of the athlete, the professionalism of the coach, material and technical support, but also on the preserved movement capabilities of the disabled person. The purpose of the article is to study the peculiarities of the classification of athletes with mental and physical disabilities for participation in the Paralympic Games and Special Olympics. The status of an athlete with mental and physical disabilities in a certain classification group ІІ1, ІІ2, ІІ3 indicates whether the athlete at the national level must undergo an assessment in the future or whether it is permanent. The status of an athlete in a certain classification group II1, II2, II3 at the national level which is determined by a psychologist/classifier after the evaluation procedure, will be one of the following: 1) new: the athlete is given the status of “new” until he visits the first psychological assessment procedure held by a psychologist/ classifier;&#x0D; 2) under observation (review): if the psychologist/classifier believes that additional psychological assessment procedures are needed, or all primary documents were not provided or the athlete demonstrated a lack of cooperation during the classification; 3) permanent: a) in the case of already passed and approved international classification; b) in the event that the classification group (psychologist/classifier, doctor) is satisfied that the specified impairment of intelligence or other deviations of adaptive behavior, additional impairments of the athlete, his ability to perform certain tasks and actions fundamental for athletics, swimming and table tennis remain stable; 4) inadequate: a) in case of non-compliance with the specified criteria of any classification group; b) in the case of diagnosed atlantoaxial instability in athletes with Down syndrome.

Abstract P290: Telephone Lifestyle Coaching - Sex Differences in Referrals and Enrollment During National Implementation

Objectives: Telephone Lifestyle Coaching (TLC) is an evidence-based program providing individualized telephone coaching and self-management support to Veterans working on personalized, healthy living SMART goals. Given the flexibility of telephone support, we explored sex differences in TLC referrals and enrollment. We focus on sex to identify potential opportunities with virtual/telephone prevention programs in VA. Methods: Since March 2019, 44 VA sites have implemented TLC nationwide. Under VA’s QUERI rapid response evaluation program, we examined sex differences in referrals and enrollment with logistic regression controlling for demographics, mental and physical health, prior participation in a VA Whole Health Program and VA’s MOVE! Weight Management Program, and site-level clustering. The sample included all Veterans with at least one primary care visit one year prior to starting TLC. Results: As of 12/31/22, a total of 11,719 Veterans had at least one TLC referral, with 9,514 enrolled (82%), totaling 122,233 encounters. For both referrals and enrollment, mean age was 54, with 33% female, 29% Black, 7% Hispanic, and 34% with rural residence. In adjusted models, female Veterans had increased odds of being referred (OR=2.40, CI:1.89-3.05) and enrolling (OR=1.27, CI:1.13-1.42) compared to male Veterans. Odds of referral were higher for younger Veterans (OR=0.98, CI:0.97-0.98), those with depression (OR=1.62, CI:1.46-1.81), PTSD (OR=1.45, CI:1.21-1.73), overweight/obesity (OR=2.38, CI:1.58-3.57), at least one cardiovascular (CV) risk (OR=1.94, CI:1.63-2.30), and prior participation in Whole Health (OR=2.46, CI:1.74-3.51) or MOVE! (OR=6.40; CI:4.02-10.19). Similar associations with enrollment were observed, except Veterans with depression had decreased odds of enrollment (OR=0.84, CI:0.750.93), and effects for PTSD and CV risks were not significant. Conclusions: TLC demonstrated success in reach and engagement of female Veterans at rates above their national proportions in VA care. Referrals targeted weight and CV risk consistent with Veteran clinical needs. Our findings suggest that prior participation with MOVE! and Whole Health may facilitate engagement. Mental health diagnoses were not a barrier to referral, but depression status may reduce patient participation. Impact: TLC and virtual modalities of lifestyle coaching may have broader application for reaching and engaging female Veterans, as well as Veterans with mental health and CV risks who can benefit from health behavior change to optimize care.

Deep Neural Network-based lap time forecasting of Formula 1 Racing

Making comparisons and analyzing players in the sporting world is extremely valuable. The media, coaching staff, and players all rely on this data to assess performance, develop strategies, and make critical decisions. Therefore, neural networks can be employed to create a practical system that uses previous years data to predict future performance. This paper uses a Deep Neural Network (DNN) to predict the fastest lap time in qualifying for Formula 1 (F1) races. The network categorizes data to learn each drivers performance at each circuit and provides separate predictions. By doing so, it considers the unique characteristics of each driver and track, enabling more accurate predictions. The paper demonstrates that neural networks tend to have better performance and adaptability in such complex environments compared to traditional mathematical methods like linear regression. Neural networks can learn from the data and detect patterns that are difficult to capture with traditional methods. As a result, they can achieve a relatively precise prediction, providing valuable insights and decision-making support for coaches, drivers, and fans.

Effectiveness of the Pasifika Women's Diabetes Wellness Program (PWDWP): Protocol for a Pilot Intervention and Feasibility Randomized Controlled Trial.

Type 2 diabetes poses public health challenges for Māori and Pasifika communities in Australia. The women of these communities face a greater burden from type 2 diabetes-related mortality and comorbidities. Lifestyle modification behaviors through previous women's wellness programs have been shown to reduce the risk of developing complications in established type 2 diabetes. The Pasifika Women's Diabetes Wellness Program (PWDWP) pilot study, co-designed with Māori and Pasifika communities, was aimed at addressing late hospital presentations from diabetes-related complications. This study (1) examines the efficacy of women with type 2 diabetes in the intervention group for improved glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) clinical levels and diabetes self-management compared with the control group from baseline (T0) to week 12 (T1) and week 24 (T2; postintervention) and (2) assesses the cultural adaptability, acceptability, and feasibility of the pilot intervention for future studies. This study uses a quasiexperimental design that involves a 24-week intervention. We recruited 50 Māori and Pasifika women with type 2 diabetes (25 in the intervention group from the south side of Brisbane and 25 in the control group from the north side of Brisbane) using participatory talanoa methodologies. The intervention group participated in face-to-face and virtual whānau education workshops (5 weeks) and had access to individual coaching and virtual support delivered by trained Māori and Pasifika health professionals and community health workers. The control group received usual care with their identified health provider. Both groups received copies of the PWDWP journal, fact sheets, and a health check passbook with tailored motivational text messages. An advisory committee was set up to oversee the program implementation, including protocols of engagement, health checks, and data collection in community settings. The quantitative data were collected at T0, T1, and T2 with HbA1c as the primary outcome measure. Secondary outcomes measured changes in diabetes self-care and body composition (eg, BMI, waist circumference). Qualitative data will ascertain the program's feasibility and cultural adaptability using talanoa focus groups. This pilot study was approved by the Queensland University of Technology Human Ethic Research Committee (5609) and began in January 2023 after participant recruitment between July 2022 and December 2022. The final data collection including the health check, focus group, and survey data was completed in November 2023, and data analysis and reporting are expected to conclude in 2024. This study provides a blueprint for PWDWP. Collaborative partnerships with community organizations and stakeholders are crucial for program success and suggest a potential model for targeting diabetes management for Māori and Pasifika communities, emphasizing the need for culturally relevant interventions. The findings will have significant implications for policymakers and practitioners when developing and implementing public health initiatives, particularly for communities with unique cultural nuances. Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12622001100785p; https://anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=384470&isReview=true. DERR1-10.2196/55435.