Training Sessions Research Articles

New Age Beliefs in Türkiye

This study aims to analyze institutions in Türkiye that offer training and practices based on New Age beliefs and understand the main reasons leading individuals to join these institutions. This research was conducted using qualitative methods, including in-depth interviews and participant observation techniques. The field research began in August 2022 and lasted over a year. During this time, more than 15 training sessions were attended, over 250 people were met, and in-depth interviews were conducted with 76 participants. In addition to studying institutions, this research also aims to comprehend the personal approaches and feedback from participants and trainers to shed light on the overall perspective of these institutions as a "community." The results indicated that most participants were between the ages of 35-45, had middle to upper-income levels, were well-educated, and women outnumbered men. Participants were seeking meaning in their lives, searching for answers to their questions, and looking for solutions to their problems to achieve spiritual and material benefits. On the other hand, group participation allowed individuals to socialize and be a part of a circle where they could express themselves open-heartedly. When considering institutions promoting New Age beliefs, many of them had commercial aspects, with a corporate identity and management approach like. With an increasing number of institutions and participants, New Age Beliefs seem to be a part of the contemporary world. Thus, resarches with the perspective of different disciplines should be conducted to understand all the aspects of the concept thoroughly.

Virtual Reality Simulation-Based Clinical Procedure Skills Training for Nursing College Students: A Quasi-Experimental Study.

Core nursing skills are emphasized in nursing education, given their vital role in nurses' competence; however, invasive nursing procedures like catheterization and enemas are infrequently performed in actual clinical practice, primarily being observed rather than executed. Virtual reality simulation training involves performing core nursing skills on virtual patients in a three-dimensional virtual reality environment, following the correct procedures. The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of VR simulation on nursing students' confidence, proficiency, task engagement, and satisfaction. The study participants included 76 second-year nursing students, with 37 in the VR group and 39 in the control group. The VR group engaged in immersive VR (IVR) training sessions including enemas, nasogastric feeding, and nelaton catheterization. Conversely, the control group practiced these skills using mannequins. Assessments evaluated confidence, proficiency, learning satisfaction, and task engagement before and after the intervention. The average age of the study participants was 21.07 years, with 78.95% being female and 21.05% being male. The study findings revealed no significant differences between the VR and control groups regarding confidence (F = 3.878, p = 0.053), task engagement (F = 0.164, p = 0.687), and learning satisfaction (F = 0.668, p = 0.416). However, the VR group demonstrated significantly higher proficiency in the overall assessment of nasogastric feeding (F = 5.389, p = 0.023) and core components of nelaton catheterization (F = 4.046, p = 0.048). The IVR program emerged as an effective and valuable teaching tool, particularly well-suited for second-year nursing students, significantly enhancing proficiency.

Perspectives on Artificial Intelligence Adoption for European Union Elderly in the Context of Digital Skills Development

In today’s digitalized era, embracing new and emerging technologies is a requirement to remain competitive. The present research investigates the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) by the elderly in the European landscape, emphasizing the importance of individuals’ digital skills. As has already been globally recognized, the most imminent demographic challenge is no longer represented by the rapid growth of the population but by its aging. Thus, the paper initially analyzed European perspectives on AI adoption, also discussing the importance of focusing on seniors. A bibliometric analysis was required afterward, and the review of the resulting relevant scientific publications uncovered gaps in understanding the relationship between older individuals and AI, particularly in terms of digital competence. Further exploration considered the EU population’s digital literacy and cultural influences using Hofstede’s model, while also identifying potential ways to improve the elderly’s digital skills and promote the adoption of AI. Results indicate a growing interest in AI adoption among the elderly, underscoring the urgent need for digital skills development. The imperative of personalized approach implementations, such as specialized courses, personalized training sessions, or mentoring programs, was underscored. Moreover, the importance of targeted strategies and collaborative efforts to ensure equitable participation in the digital age was identified as a prerequisite for AI adoption by seniors. In terms of potential implications, the research can serve as a starting point for various stakeholders in promoting an effective and sustainable adoption of AI among older citizens in the EU.

A Survey on Sun Protection and Skin Cancer Understanding of Women at the Shelter

As medical students, we want to make people understand the significance of skin health and protection from the sun. Despite being one of the most preventable forms of cancer, melanoma continues to claim lives due to a lack of understanding and awareness regarding skin health. In addition, the United States faces a skin cancer epidemic — with cancer cases on the rise — emphasizing the importance of preventative education. However, not all people have the same opportunity to acquire this vital data. This is the reason we are suggesting a skin education and sun protection advocacy project aimed at the high-risk communities in New York City. We aim to enlighten vulnerable groups so they can make reliable decisions and safeguard their health. We started by doing workshops and practical training sessions at women's shelters.

Effects of School-Based Neurofeedback Training on Attention in Students with Autism and Intellectual Disabilities.

In this study we aimed to assess the influence of school-based neurofeedback training on the attention of students with autism and intellectual disabilities. We assessed 24 students of a special education center who attended neurofeedback training sessions during the schoolyear; we also assessed 25 controls from the same center. We used two computer tasks to assess sustained attention in simple and cognitively demanding test situations, and we used a pen-and-paper task to assess selective attention. Each student who took part in the study was tested at the beginning and at the end of the schoolyear. Students from the experimental group significantly improved their performance in the task related to sustained attention to simple stimuli. No performance improvement related to neurofeedback treatment was observed in either sustained attention in cognitively demanding situations or selective attention. School-based neurofeedback training may improve sustained attention to simple stimuli in students with developmental disabilities.

Creating a win-win: A novel layered learning approach for assessing first-year pharmacy students' communication skills

Background and purposeIndividualized assessment of students in skills-based courses is essential for practice readiness, however recruiting evaluators is challenging. Our school of pharmacy offers a teaching certificate program for postgraduate year one pharmacy residents (PGY1 residents; PGY1s) which requires completion of a teaching experience. The longitudinal layered learning assessment experience (LLLAE) was designed to meet instructional needs for individualized assessment of first-year pharmacy students' communication skills and provide a meaningful teaching opportunity for PGY1s. This manuscript describes the implementation and evaluates the impact of the LLLAE. Educational activity and settingPGY1s were invited to participate in the yearlong LLLAE. Faculty developed PGY1s' skills through training sessions, direct observation, and debrief sessions. PGY1s evaluated students and provided feedback using pre-defined criteria during 3 summative assessments (capstones). Capstones were common pharmacy practice scenarios in which students interact with an actor serving as a standardized patient or provider. PGY1s completed an end-of-year survey to self-rate their improvement in evaluating students, providing feedback, and confidence. FindingsTwenty-two PGY1s participated in the LLLAE over 2 years. They evaluated 73.2% of total capstone interactions. The end-of-year survey was completed by 20 PGY1s (90.9% response rate). All respondents indicated improvement in their skills to evaluate students, ability to provide feedback, and confidence. Scores were 4 or 5 (scale of 1 to 5) across all measures. Key contributors fostering improvement were the training and debrief sessions, faculty feedback, pre-defined criteria, and multiple practice opportunities. SummaryThis novel layered learning approach was a win-win for faculty and PGY1s. The approach improved feasibility for faculty to continue individualized student assessment while mentoring early career pharmacists. PGY1s gained an opportunity to contribute to student growth, learn from experienced faculty, and develop skills for practice. Additionally, students benefited from individualized feedback.

Exploring brain plasticity in developmental dyslexia through implicit sequence learning.

Developmental dyslexia (DD) is defined as difficulties in learning to read even with normal intelligence and adequate educational guidance. Deficits in implicit sequence learning (ISL) abilities have been reported in children with DD. We investigated brain plasticity in a group of 17 children with DD, compared with 18 typically developing (TD) children, after two sessions of training on a serial reaction time (SRT) task with a 24-h interval. Our outcome measures for the task were: a sequence-specific implicit learning measure (ISL), entailing implicit recognition and learning of sequential associations; and a general visuomotor skill learning measure (GSL). Gray matter volume (GMV) increased, and white matter volume (WMV) decreased from day 1 to day 2 in cerebellar areas regardless of group. A moderating effect of group was found on the correlation between WMV underlying the left precentral gyrus at day 2 and the change in ISL performance, suggesting the use of different underlying learning mechanisms in DD and TD children during the ISL task. Moreover, DD had larger WMV in the posterior thalamic radiation compared with TD, supporting previous reports of atypical development of this structure in DD. Further studies with larger sample sizes are warranted to validate these results.

Effects of a Nonlinear Program on Different Health Parameters in the Elderly.

The aim of this research was to evaluate the impact of a nonlinear training program on visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressure, as well as the response of biochemical parameters such as fasting plasma glucose (FPG), total cholesterol (TC), high-density cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density cholesterol (LDL-C), and triglycerides (TG). The nonlinear periodized program would produce greater improvements in outcomes than the linear periodized training program. Randomized cross-sectional design. Level 3. Older adults with no previous training experience (10 male and 8 female [age, 64 ± 2.1 years; height, 165.12 ± 7.5 cm; body mass, 72.5 ± 11.4 kg; body max index, 26.5 ± 3.2 kg/m2]) were randomized to linear (n = 9, TT) or undulating (n = 9, UT) periodization. After a 3-week familiarization period, all participants performed 3 sessions of resistance training per week; 8 weeks of training were conducted for each group. Dual x-ray absorptiometry was used to measure VAT, and SBP and DBP were measured using an OMRON M3 digital automatic blood pressure monitor. Blood samples were collected between 8:00 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. after 12-hour overnight fasting. Both interventions significantly (P < 0.05) decreased FPG, TC, LDL-C, and TG. A significant decrease in SBP and DBP was observed only in the UT group (P < 0.05). No significant between-group differences in outcomes were observed (P > 0.5). However, the effect size was marginally more pronounced for all outcomes in the UT group. An undulating periodization program was effective in improving VAT, TC, LDL-C, FPG, HDL-C, TG, and blood glucose levels in older adults. Resistance training can be programmed in an undulating or traditional way in older adults based on improvements in health parameters, considering adherence and individual preferences.

Impact of squat set configuration on mechanical performance in paired sets of upper-body exercises.

Paired sets and alternative set configurations (e.g., cluster sets) are frequently employed by strength and conditioning practitioners; however, their synergistic impact remains underexplored in research. This study aimed to elucidate whether the set configuration used in a lower-body exercise affects mechanical performance during paired sets of upper-body exercises. Twenty-one resistance-trained individuals (14 men and 7 women) randomly completed three experimental sessions that involved four sets of five repetitions at 75%1RM during both the bench press and bench pull exercises. The three experimental sessions varied solely in the activity conducted during the inter-set rest periods of each upper-body exercise: (i) Traditional squat - six squat repetitions without intra-set rest at 65%1RM; (ii) Rest redistribution squat - two clusters of three repetitions of the squat exercise at 65%1RM with 30s of intra-set rest; and (iii) Passive rest - no exercise. The rest redistribution set configuration allowed the sets of the squat exercise to be performed at a faster velocity than the traditional set configuration (p = 0.037). However, none of the mechanical variables differed between the exercise protocols neither in the bench press (p ranged from 0.279 to 0.875) nor in the bench pull (p ranged from 0.166 to 0.478). Although rest redistribution is an effective strategy to alleviate fatigue during the sets in which it is implemented, it does not allow subjects to perform better in subsequent sets of the training session.

Prediction of Percentage of Completed Repetitions to Failure Using Velocity Loss: Does the Relationship Remain Stable throughout a Training Session?

Prediction of Percentage of Completed Repetitions to Failure Using Velocity Loss: Does the Relationship Remain Stable throughout a Training Session?

Enhancing music rhythmic perception and performance with a VR game

This study analyzes the effect of using a virtual reality (VR) game as a complementary tool to improve users’ rhythmic performance and perception in a remote and self-learning environment. In recent years, remote learning has gained importance due to various everyday situations; however, the effects of using VR in such situations for individual and self-learning have yet to be evaluated. In music education, learning processes are usually heavily dependent on face-to-face communication with a teacher and are based on a formal or informal curriculum. The aim of this study is to investigate the potential of gamified VR learning and its influence on users’ rhythmic sensory and perceptual abilities. We developed a drum-playing game based on a tower defense scenario designed to improve four aspects of rhythmic perceptual skills in elementary school children with various levels of music learning experience. In this study, 14 elementary school children received Meta Quest 2 headsets for individual use in a 14-day individual training session. The results showed a significant increase in their rhythmical skills through an analysis of their rhythmic performance before and after the training sessions. In addition, the experience of playing the VR game and using the HMD setup was also assessed, highlighting some of the challenges of currently available affordable headsets for gamified learning scenarios.

A STUDY ON ANALYSIS OF PERFORMANCE APPRASIAL SYSTEM

This study aims to analyze the performance appraisal system implemented at Koso India Pvt. Ltd., a leading provider of industrial valves and automation solutions. Performance appraisal systems are critical in assessing employee performance, enhancing productivity, and aligning individual objectives with organizational goals. This research investigates the effectiveness, efficiency, and employee perceptions of the current appraisal system at Koso India Pvt. Ltd. The methodology involves a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative data from employee performance records and qualitative insights from employee surveys and interviews. Key performance indicators (KPIs) and appraisal outcomes were analyzed to gauge the system's impact on employee development and organizational performance. Findings reveal that while the performance appraisal system at Koso India Pvt. Ltd. effectively identifies high performers and areas needing improvement, there are challenges related to consistency, transparency, and feedback mechanisms. Employees expressed concerns over the subjective nature of certain evaluation criteria and the lack of actionable feedback. Additionally, the study highlights the need for continuous training for appraisers to ensure fairness and objectivity. Recommendations include enhancing the transparency of the appraisal process, incorporating 360-degree feedback mechanisms, and providing regular training sessions for both employees and appraisers. By addressing these areas, Koso India Pvt. Ltd. can improve employee satisfaction, foster a culture of continuous improvement, and better align individual performance with the company's strategic goals.

A STUDY ON THE EFFECTIVENESS OF BATCH TRAINING TOWARDS THE PERFORMANCE OF CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP OFFICERS WITH REFERENCE TO BANK BAZAAR

This study delves into the effectiveness of batch training programs designed for customer relationship officers (CROs) with the overarching goal of refining their performance and elevating customer satisfaction levels. Employing a methodical research framework encompassing a thorough literature review, meticulously crafted research design, systematic implementation, and rigorous data analysis, we scrutinize the repercussions of batch training on the proficiency, productivity, and interpersonal engagements of CROs. To ascertain the efficacy of batch training, a control group is included, facilitating a comparative analysis between batch-trained CROs and their non-trained counterparts. By intertwining quantitative assessment of performance metrics with qualitative exploration of participant feedback, this study paints a comprehensive picture of the impact of batch training on CROs. The insights gleaned from this study furnish organizations with invaluable guidance in refining their training paradigms, thereby fostering heightened CRO performance to align with the evolving demands of the customer landscape. As businesses increasingly prioritize customer satisfaction and loyalty, effective training of employees in customer relationship management (CRM) becomes paramount. The research investigates whether batch training, characterized by grouping employees for training sessions, enhances their ability to manage and improve customer relationships compared to other training methods. Through a mixed-methods approach, data was collected from employees undergoing batch training and assessed against key performance metrics including customer satisfaction, loyalty, and retention. Results indicate that batch training positively influences customer relationship performance, suggesting its potential as an effective training method in CRM initiatives. The study contributes to the understanding of optimal training approaches for fostering strong customer relationships and offers practical insights for businesses seeking to enhance their customer-centric strategies.

Time Management Practices: Its Impact on Student Athletes' Performance

This study determined the time management practices and the performance of student-athletes. Focusing on key aspects such as student-athlete profiles, the level of time management practices, the impact of these practices, factors influencing student-athletes, and the significant relationship between profiles and time management levels, this research utilized a quantitative descriptive design. Employing a purposive random sampling method, the study encompassed 200 student-athlete respondents from the six prestigious GensanPRISAA colleges in General Santos City. Results showed that respondents were predominantly male, aged 21-23, engaged in basketball and team sports, and enrolled as first-year Criminology students with notable academic performance and local competition achievements. Results revealed a high level of time management skills demonstrated by student-athletes in managing both training sessions and academic schedules. These skills significantly influenced academic performance, athletic achievements, social relationships, and personal well-being. Additionally, the study identified various factors affecting time management, including school and teacher demands, athletic commitments, personal priorities, and social relationships. Surprisingly, there was no significant relationship between demographic profiles and time management practices, indicating other influential factors. To address these findings, the study suggested Enhancing the Student-Athlete Development Program to comprehensively support student-athletes in improving time management skills across different domains. In conclusion, the study emphasized the importance of time management skills among student-athletes and advocated for tailored support programs to foster their holistic development, regardless of demographic characteristics.

Exploring the role of mindfulness in the stress-recovery balance: 10-Day monitoring of young BMX riders in an intensive training center during a pre-competition cycle

Considering mindfulness as a multidimensional disposition domain-specific skill and state, this study aimed to explore the effect of the dimensions of mindfulness on the trajectories of biopsychosocial stress-recovery balance and on HRV over 10 days of a pre-competitive cycle. 24 young BMX riders completed mindfulness disposition and domain-specific skill scales. Monitoring of the recovery-stress states was based on biopsychosocial measurements (daily and biweekly). RMSSD was used to assess the organism ability to cope with the training program stimulus. After each training session, riders self-rated their state of mindfulness. Multilevel growth curve analyses examined the linear and/or quadratic trajectories of the athletes’ recovery-stress states and the effect of mindfulness on these trajectories. Mindfulness states results showed that the refocusing state had a significant negative quadratic effect over time on daily recovery and sport-specific recovery, and the awareness state on general recovery and total recovery. Concerning the dispositions of mindfulness, the observing component had a significant positive quadratic effect over time on daily stress. Nonreactivity had a significant positive quadratic effect over time on daily recovery and sport-specific recovery, and a significant positive effect on RMSSD. Acting with awareness had a significant positive effect on daily recovery and a significant negative effect on RMSSD. The study offered a better understanding of the effect of mindfulness (dispositions, domain-specific skills, and states) and its different components on the stress-recovery balance. The results suggest that mindfulness could be considered a promising effective psychological recovery strategy.

Digital altruism: the motivators for, effects of and support received when moderating mental health online

PurposeThe ever increasing prevalence of mental health disorders is subsequently resulting in an ever increasing burden on mental health services globally. Due to need outweighing capacity, many turn to, or are signposted to, online resources. Online mental health chatrooms are chat-based services that users can frequent to discuss their mental health, often with individuals experiencing similar issues. Most of these are moderated by volunteers. The purpose of this study was to explore the motivations for moderating, the positive and negative effects of the role and to identifying current and required pathways of support.Design/methodology/approachThis study used an online questionnaire design, disseminated via the online mental health community, 18percent. An open ended interview schedule was disseminated to eight volunteer moderators. Qualitative data was analysed using NVivo software and reflexive thematic analysis.FindingsModerators were motivated to engage in this role due to past experiences and to help others. The positive effects of moderating were engaging in digital altruism and improving one’s personal mental health. The negative effects were personal triggers and role specific issues such as harassment and being unable to help people in crisis situations. For further support, moderators would benefit from refresher training sessions and further professional training in which they can proactively help when a user is experiencing suicidal ideation/behaviours.Originality/valueThe research highlighted the motivations for, positive and negative effects of and the current and further pathways of support required by volunteer moderators and proffers recommendations within the discussion.

Building a wisdom community through femtoring/mentoring: Latinx faculty and students at a Hispanic-serving institution

PurposeThe purpose is to gain insight into the benefits of mentoring and using femtoring as an inclusive approach for minoritized and underrepresented students and faculty, who are often challenged in feeling welcomed, included and valued at higher education institutions.Design/methodology/approachThis study used a qualitative inquiry design, in which focus groups, interviews and participant testimonios were collected throughout spring and fall 2022. Testimonio and plática (dialogue) techniques were employed to allow participants to describe their journeys in college and as members of the femtoring/mentoring program.FindingsUndergraduate students as mentees/femtees enjoyed finding a place and space to develop meaningful and positive relationships with other students and Latinx faculty. Faculty and graduate students as femtors/mentors perceived their relationships with students as enriching and energizing, practicing values like transparency, honesty and care.Research limitations/implicationsThe study included participants of a specific mentoring program whose experiences and opinions might differ from others. Additionally, persons from other minority groups could experience inequities and unfair practices in college in different ways and find other forms of support.Practical implicationsHispanic-serving institutions (HSIs) must create programs that promote student–faculty community and collaboration. It is also critical to inform international faculty about Latinx students’ characteristics and needs. Training sessions for graduate students and faculty in leadership and mentoring at HSIs are equally significant in fostering an inclusive and supportive educational environment.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to the literature on mentoring practices to support Latinx students in their college journeys and prepare faculty of color for their mentoring and coaching roles. Femtoring and communities of wisdom concepts were applied to a specific femtoring/mentoring program.

The contribution of energy systems during 30-second lower body Wingate anaerobic test in combat sports athletes: Intermittent versus single forms and gender comparison.

Combat sports, encompassing a range of activities from striking and grappling to mixed and weapon-based disciplines, have witnessed a surge in popularity worldwide. These sports are demanding, requiring athletes to harness energy from different metabolic pathways to perform short, high-intensity activities interspersed with periods of lower intensity. While it is established that the anaerobic alactic (ATP-PC) and anaerobic lactic systems are pivotal for high-intensity training sessions typical in combat sports, the precise contribution of these systems, particularly in varied training modalities such as single (SMT) and intermittent (IST) forms of the 30-second Wingate test, remains inadequately explored. This study aims at comparing performance outputs, physiological responses and gender differences during the SMT and IST forms of the 30-second Wingate test. Thirty-three highly trained combat sports athletes (17 women, 16 men; 10 boxing, 8 wrestling, 8 taekwondo and 7 karate) randomly performed SMT and IST. The IST consisted of three 10-second all-out attempts separated by 30 seconds of passive recovery, whereas the SMT was a single 30-second maximal effort. Resting, exercise and post-exercise oxygen uptake and peak blood lactate value were used to determine the metabolic energy demands via the PCr-LA-O2 method. The findings showed that total metabolic energy expenditure (TEE), ATP-PCr system contribution and the output of mechanical variables were higher in the IST than in the SMT form (all p<0.001). In contrast, the contribution of glycolytic and oxidative systems was higher in the SMT form (all p<0.001). However, exercise form and gender interaction were not significant (p>0.05). In combat sports, performance is not only determined by physiological and technical skills but also by metabolic energy input and efficiency. Therefore, our results can provide a comparison regarding the effects of exercise type and gender on metabolic energy metabolism to design the training of combat sports athletes.

AI-based heart monitoring: the FIFPRO player pilot study

Abstract Background The implementation of remote global heart screening and monitoring services in professional players is essential as it allows: (1) efficient and rapid identification of cardiac abnormalities ensuring their safety and health; (2) standardizing the quality of medical heart checkups in low-resource regions to promote health equity; (3) prioritizing diversity in data collection to aid in the research and prevention of sudden cardiac death in sports. Purpose To demonstrate the feasibility of a global standardized heart screening program for professional footballers by leveraging an artificial intelligence platform to efficiently identify cardiac patterns from Holter’s records. In this study, we presented the most prevalent cardiac patterns, the patterns that prompted further assessment by the cardiologist, and an example of a typical research question exploring the effect of age on the prevalence of cardiac patterns. Methods The pilot study included 100 players from 9 different countries: Australia, Botswana, Bulgaria, Ghana, Greece, Indonesia, Panama, Spain and the UK. Holter data (Bittium Faros 180) were acquired in real-life monitoring from 24h to 48h including training sessions. Electrocardiograms were analyzed through an AI platform with a deep learning-based methodology to detect over 20 cardiac patterns. Medical team reviewed labels of detected cardiac patterns to validate and further train the AI algorithm. Thereafter cardiologists reviewed the cardiac patterns to determine whether further cardiac assessment was required. Results 145 sessions were recorded, with 100 players having one session and 45 players having two sessions. The mean age was 27.5 years (minimum 15, maximum 41), with 31 female players. The median duration of the Holter session was 25.1 hours. Table 1 presents the most frequently detected cardiac patterns: low density premature atrial complex, mild sinus bradycardia and low density premature ventricular complex in over 50% of the players. 18 players were identified with abnormalities requiring further study. 14 presented altered cardiac patterns (6 with negative T-waves, 5 with intraventricular conduction delay, 2 with QRS low voltage and 1 with P wave enlargement) and 3 presented premature ventricular complexes during exercise or high density. 1 was excluded because of inadequate clinical information. Regarding the effect of age, players with mild sinus bradycardia, premature ventricular complex, pause (2-3 seconds) or 2-degree atrioventricular block were found to be significantly older than players without those patterns (Figure 1). Conclusion This is the first global AI-based platform to obtain standardized heart screening program in professional athletes remotely. This study has been validated using diverse data from groups on 5 continents. This approach is beneficial to promote health equity in screening and monitoring of possible cardiomyopathies and channelopathies in order to prevent sudden cardiac death.Table 1Figure 1

Enhancing endurance performance with combined imagined and actual physical practice.

The perception of effort exerts influence in determining task failure during endurance performance. Training interventions blending physical and cognitive tasks yielded promising results in enhancing performance. Motor imagery can decrease the perception of effort. Whether combining motor imagery and physical training improves endurance remains to be understood, and this was the aim of this study. Participants (24 ± 3year) were assigned to a motor imagery (n = 16) or a control (n = 17) group. Both groups engaged in physical exercises targeting the knee extensors (i.e., wall squat, 12 training sessions, 14-days), with participants from the motor imagery group also performing motor imagery. Each participant visited the laboratory Pre and Post-training, during which we assessed endurance performance through a sustained submaximal isometric knee extension contraction until task failure, at either 20% or 40% of the maximal voluntary contraction peak torque. Perceptions of effort and muscle pain were measured during the exercise. We reported no changes in endurance performance for the control group. Endurance performance in the motor imagery group exhibited significant improvements when the intensity of the sustained isometric exercise closely matched that used in training. These enhancements were less pronounced when considering the higher exercise intensity. No reduction in perception of effort was observed in both groups. There was a noticeable decrease in muscle pain perception within the motor imagery group Post training. Combining motor imagery and physical training may offer a promising avenue for enhancing endurance performance and managing pain in various contexts.