Training Sessions Research Articles

The effect of weighted vest use during in-season, small-sided games training on young soccer players’ performance

ABSTRACT The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of weighted vest on-field small-sided games (SSG) soccer training, during the in-season period, on body composition and soccer-specific performances, in young, trained soccer players. A counterbalance study design was adopted, in which the fourteen well-trained players (age: 19.1 ± 0.5 yrs, body mass: 70.3 ± 5.3 kg, body height: 180.3 ± 3.0 cm, body fat: 9.2 ± 4.1%) performed both the Interventional (Vest) and Control (Con) training routines (6 weeks/season; 5 training sessions/week; 1 match/week), in different occasions (winter/spring period). Con group followed a regular weekly training plan. When the Con group performed their intense training sessions, Vest group performed only the on-field SSGs training wearing a vest (12.5% of athletes’ body mass). All the evaluations were performed one week before and after each training period. Statistical analyses include repeated ANOVA and T-test (p < 0.05). Significant increases in sprinting, jumping, change of direction (COD), aerobic and anaerobic performances were observed only after Vest intervention (−4.7 ± 2.2% to 11.2 ± 4.2%; p < 0.05). Significant changes were observed only after Vest training, compared to Cont (p < 0.05). These results suggest that using a weighted vest, during the in-season, onfield SSG training two times/week induces greater increases in young soccer players’ sprinting, jumping, COD, aerobic and anaerobic performances.

VASTRAVIKAS: UNRAVELING INDIA'S SUSTAINABLE GARMENT LEGACY

The clothing and textile industry, a cornerstone of India's rich heritage, is shifting towards sustainable practices by emphasizing reducing, reusing, and recycling materials. This approach ensures that waste decomposes naturally, promoting sustainability. The retail sector in India has grown significantly, evolving from a seller-driven to a buyer-driven market. Historically, India's retailing started with barter systems, exchanging goods of similar value without money, which played a vital role in the economy and offered solutions to modern cash flow issues.This study examines the recycling practices involving clothes collected by hawkers. Survey results show that urban respondents understand recycling as creating new items from old ones. Hawkers gather used garments, sort, inspect, clean, and then produce useful recycled products. These recycled garments are often bought by middle-class families at affordable prices for their housemaids.To promote sustainable practices in the textile industry, several strategies are recommended. Organizing workshops and training sessions on upcycling can help individuals repurpose old clothing creatively. Establishing community repair centers or providing resources for basic clothing repair techniques can emphasize the importance of repairing and modifying garments. Educational campaigns and community events can promote clothing donations, preserve cultural heritage, and reduce waste. Supporting sustainable textiles involves encouraging local artisans, weavers, and the textile industry, and urging designers to incorporate traditional techniques and fabrics. Awareness campaigns through social media and community events can educate people about the traditional Indian model of garment reuse, further promoting sustainability in the textile industry.

Change in Walking Parameters of Paralympic Athletes Diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy Using WALKBOT Training System at Recovery Stage of Rehabilitation

INTRODUCTION: The publication is devoted to studying the rehabilitative effect of the Walkbot innovative training system on restoring the walking function in Paralympic athletes diagnosed with cerebral palsy (CP). The novelty of the developed Walkbot robot-assisted training system (TS) and insufficient experience of its use in rehabilitation practice require investigations on contingents of patients with musculoskeletal disorders in CP to develop protocols and programs of the rehabilitation use of the Walkbot TS. AIM: Study of effectiveness of rehabilitation use of the Walkbot robotic TS to restore the walking function in Paralympic athletes with spastic cerebral palsy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was conducted at the Medical Rehabilitation Center ‘Sergievskie Mineral Waters’ in 2023. Forty Paralympic athletes (all men) aged 30-35 years were examined. The experimental group (EG) and control group (CG) included 20 Paralympic athletes each with standardization of the groups by the main parameters. The classes were conducted for 60 minutes according to the rehabilitation program. In the experimental group, besides exercise therapy (ET), the participants also exercised on the robotic Walkbot TS to restore the walking function, namely, they used Go world game with the known tasks symbolizing counties of the world, Go palace game that permits to take a walk around the palace, when patients move to the right or left as they choose; Go undersea game occurring against the background of a fairy sea world where they must go through the route controlling the direction of movement. The Paralympians of the control group used the standard rehabilitation program including ET with no training and gaming technologies. RESULTS: The obtained results showed a pronounced improvement in the parameters of motor actions in Paralympians of the EG, while in the CG, positive rehabilitation changes were 2–3 times less expressed. At the initial and final rehabilitation stages, an increase of the tolerated duration of classes was recorded: by 5 times in the EG and 3 times in the CG, post-rehabilitation increase in the EG was 23.4% compared to that in CG. After training on the Walkbot TS, the volume of the performed load increased 5.9 times in the EG and 2.1 times in the CG. The increase in the EG made 64.5% compared to the CG, which indicated an increase in speed-strength qualities and endurance of para-athletes. At the end of rehabilitation, the amount of steps on the Walkbot TS in the EG increased 5.9 times (in the CG — 2.9 times), increase in the EG made 48.3% compared to the CG. CONCLUSION: The experiment established a complex multisided positive effect of training sessions on the Walkbot TS in the EG versus the effect of only exercise therapy in the CG. The obtained data suggest that training on the Walkbot TS confer a significant restorative and normalizing effect on the neurophysiological mechanisms of functioning of the central parts of the motor cortex.

Building the feminist futsal project: ‘where is feminism?’

ABSTRACT This article aims to present the construction of a project called Feminist Futsal. Based on the experiences of female futsal coaches, this study aimed to analyze and reflect on some of the situations in which feminism was present throughout futsal seasons. For that, five specific moments were selected from field diaries: ‘The construction of the Feminist Futsal Project’; ‘The first season’; ‘Where is “Feminism”?’; ‘The second season: The uncertain path persists’ and ‘Seeds that have already been planted’. Many questions and challenges were encountered, such as how can we address important social issues and connect them to the planning of a futsal training session that does not directly deal with these topics? Do you need to link critical issues directly to the theme of the futsal training session? Where is Feminism? As a result, it was identified that feminism in the project gave women the opportunity to practice a sport, as well as the presence of a female coach; feminism was, also: in the reflections shared in the initial training sessions; in the learning community established with the research group; in the athletes sharing of knowledge with the project. In addition, feminism was at the heart of the project’s belief that men and women should have equal opportunities to participate in sports, paving the way for a fairer world. Feminism was there, facing the risks. Feminism is in the courage to put that name to a sports project. I do not know what the future holds for Feminist Futsal, nor do I have all the answers for other sports projects that might look to us. What I do know is that love and the courage to change how we view the world are the driving forces behind this project. And yes, we are already revolutionizing it.

Effectiveness of an educational intervention on knowledge and practice of young midwifery college students about IUD and Pap smear, Babol, Iran.

The high status of midwifery within the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) is closely tied to enhancing clinical education. The purpose of this study was to review the effect of education on the knowledge and practice of midwifery students about Intrauterine Device (IUD) and Pap smears. This quasi-experimental study was conducted over the course of four semesters, involving 128 bachelor of midwifery students. The sampling method was non-random, utilizing convenience sampling. Four consecutive 45 min weekly sessions were held, which included three theory sessions and one practical training session. Education was conducted in face-to-face training sessions using different methods such as lectures, question and answer, slide shows, educational films and brochures, and training participants with moulage. The data were gathered using a questionnaire covering demographic characteristics, various aspects of IUD and Pap smear knowledge, along with checklists for IUD insertion and Pap smear. Paired-samples T-test and multiple regression test were used to analyze the data. A significance level of p<0.05 was set for the analysis. The results of this study showed that there was a significant difference in the average knowledge across various aspects of IUD and Pap smear before and after the intervention (p<0.001). On multiple regression analysis, residence and income significantly influenced knowledge (β=0.313, p=0.001 and β=-0.384, p=0.001, respectively). Also, multiple regression analysis indicated that the use of IUD among family or friends and age significantly impacted practice (β=-0.450, p=0.005 andβ=-0.206, p=0.030, respectively). The educational intervention yielded a noticeable enhancement in the knowledge and practical skills of midwifery students. These students tend to achieve higher levels of success and deliver superior services to both patients and clients.

Building the feminist futsal project: ‘where is feminism?’

ABSTRACT This article aims to present the construction of a project called Feminist Futsal. Based on the experiences of female futsal coaches, this study aimed to analyze and reflect on some of the situations in which feminism was present throughout futsal seasons. For that, five specific moments were selected from field diaries: ‘The construction of the Feminist Futsal Project’; ‘The first season’; ‘Where is “Feminism”?’; ‘The second season: The uncertain path persists’ and ‘Seeds that have already been planted’. Many questions and challenges were encountered, such as how can we address important social issues and connect them to the planning of a futsal training session that does not directly deal with these topics? Do you need to link critical issues directly to the theme of the futsal training session? Where is Feminism? As a result, it was identified that feminism in the project gave women the opportunity to practice a sport, as well as the presence of a female coach; feminism was, also: in the reflections shared in the initial training sessions; in the learning community established with the research group; in the athletes sharing of knowledge with the project. In addition, feminism was at the heart of the project’s belief that men and women should have equal opportunities to participate in sports, paving the way for a fairer world. Feminism was there, facing the risks. Feminism is in the courage to put that name to a sports project. I do not know what the future holds for Feminist Futsal, nor do I have all the answers for other sports projects that might look to us. What I do know is that love and the courage to change how we view the world are the driving forces behind this project. And yes, we are already revolutionizing it.

Integrative effects of resistance training and endurance training on mitochondrial remodeling in skeletal muscle.

Resistance training activates mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway of hypertrophy for strength gain, while endurance training increases peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator 1α (PGC-1α) pathway of mitochondrial biogenesis benefiting oxidative phosphorylation. The conventional view suggests that resistance training-induced hypertrophy signaling interferes with endurance training-induced mitochondrial remodeling. However, this idea has been challenged because acute leg press and knee extension in humans enhance both muscle hypertrophy and mitochondrial remodeling signals. Thus, we first examined the muscle mitochondrial remodeling and hypertrophy signals with endurance training and resistance training, respectively. In addition, we discussed the influence of resistance training on muscle mitochondria, demonstrating that the PGC-1α-mediated muscle mitochondrial adaptation and hypertrophy occur simultaneously. The second aim was to discuss the integrative effects of concurrent training, which consists of endurance and resistance training sessions on mitochondrial remodeling. The study found that the resistance training component does not reduce muscle mitochondrial remodeling signals in concurrent training. On the contrary, concurrent training has the potential to amplify skeletal muscle mitochondrial biogenesis compared to a single exercise model. Concurrent training involving differential sequences of resistance and endurance training may result in varied mitochondrial biogenesis signals, which should be linked to the pre-activation of mTOR or PGC-1α signaling. Our review proposed a mechanism for mTOR signaling that promotes PGC-1α signaling through unidentified pathways. This mechanism may be account for the superior muscle mitochondrial remodeling change following the concurrent training. Our review suggested an interaction between resistance training and endurance training in skeletal muscle mitochondrial adaptation.

Integrative effects of resistance training and endurance training on mitochondrial remodeling in skeletal muscle.

Resistance training activates mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway of hypertrophy for strength gain, while endurance training increases peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator 1α (PGC-1α) pathway of mitochondrial biogenesis benefiting oxidative phosphorylation. The conventional view suggests that resistance training-induced hypertrophy signaling interferes with endurance training-induced mitochondrial remodeling. However, this idea has been challenged because acute leg press and knee extension in humans enhance both muscle hypertrophy and mitochondrial remodeling signals. Thus, we first examined the muscle mitochondrial remodeling and hypertrophy signals with endurance training and resistance training, respectively. In addition, we discussed the influence of resistance training on muscle mitochondria, demonstrating that the PGC-1α-mediated muscle mitochondrial adaptation and hypertrophy occur simultaneously. The second aim was to discuss the integrative effects of concurrent training, which consists of endurance and resistance training sessions on mitochondrial remodeling. The study found that the resistance training component does not reduce muscle mitochondrial remodeling signals in concurrent training. On the contrary, concurrent training has the potential to amplify skeletal muscle mitochondrial biogenesis compared to a single exercise model. Concurrent training involving differential sequences of resistance and endurance training may result in varied mitochondrial biogenesis signals, which should be linked to the pre-activation of mTOR or PGC-1α signaling. Our review proposed a mechanism for mTOR signaling that promotes PGC-1α signaling through unidentified pathways. This mechanism may be account for the superior muscle mitochondrial remodeling change following the concurrent training. Our review suggested an interaction between resistance training and endurance training in skeletal muscle mitochondrial adaptation.

Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback Efficacy on Fatigue and Energy Levels in Fibromyalgia: A Secondary Analysis of RCT NCT0412183

Background: Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMs) is a chronic condition characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain and a range of complex symptoms, with chronic fatigue being a central feature significantly impacting daily life. The aim of this study was to analyze the secondary outcomes, specifically those related to perceived energy and fatigue symptoms in a randomized controlled trial (RCT) assessing the efficacy of heart rate variability biofeedback (HRV-BF) as an adjunctive treatment for FMs. Methods: Sixty-four FMs patients were randomly assigned to either receive 10 HRV-BF training sessions alongside standard pharmacological therapy (experimental group) or standard therapy alone for 10 weeks (control group). For this secondary analysis, potential improvements in specific items were evaluated regarding perceived energy (Item 10 of the Short-Form Health Survey), the ability to walk and climb stairs (Item 7 and Item 11 of the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire, respectively), and the impact of pain on movement ability (Item 17 of the Bodily and Emotional Perception of Pain). Results: The experimental group demonstrated an improvement in the perception of energy, the ability to walk, and the impact of pain on movement ability. However, the same improvement was not observed in the ability to climb stairs. Conclusions: Fatigue assessment has emerged as a crucial factor for evaluating treatment efficacy in FMs and related conditions linked to altered energy levels, such as bipolar depression, and can offer valuable insights for precisely guiding HRV-BF treatments. ClinicalTrials.gov with code: NCT04121832.

Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback Efficacy on Fatigue and Energy Levels in Fibromyalgia: A Secondary Analysis of RCT NCT0412183

Background: Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMs) is a chronic condition characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain and a range of complex symptoms, with chronic fatigue being a central feature significantly impacting daily life. The aim of this study was to analyze the secondary outcomes, specifically those related to perceived energy and fatigue symptoms in a randomized controlled trial (RCT) assessing the efficacy of heart rate variability biofeedback (HRV-BF) as an adjunctive treatment for FMs. Methods: Sixty-four FMs patients were randomly assigned to either receive 10 HRV-BF training sessions alongside standard pharmacological therapy (experimental group) or standard therapy alone for 10 weeks (control group). For this secondary analysis, potential improvements in specific items were evaluated regarding perceived energy (Item 10 of the Short-Form Health Survey), the ability to walk and climb stairs (Item 7 and Item 11 of the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire, respectively), and the impact of pain on movement ability (Item 17 of the Bodily and Emotional Perception of Pain). Results: The experimental group demonstrated an improvement in the perception of energy, the ability to walk, and the impact of pain on movement ability. However, the same improvement was not observed in the ability to climb stairs. Conclusions: Fatigue assessment has emerged as a crucial factor for evaluating treatment efficacy in FMs and related conditions linked to altered energy levels, such as bipolar depression, and can offer valuable insights for precisely guiding HRV-BF treatments. ClinicalTrials.gov with code: NCT04121832.

The effects of five weeks of climbing training, on and off the wall, on climbing specific strength, performance, and training experience in female climbers-A randomized controlled trial.

Recent research has elucidated the effects of strength training on climbing performance. Although local muscular endurance training of the upper-limbs and finger flexors is frequently suggested, there is currently insufficient evidence to support its impact on climbing performance and climbing-specific strength. Furthermore, there is no evidence on climbers' experiences related to training and the likelihood of consistent engagement. In addition, the effects of more climbing-specific strength training on walls with built in lights and adjustable angles have yet to be examined. The low percentage of studies involving female subjects, additionally, demonstrates a significant gap in understanding the specific effects of strength training on women in the context of climbing. The aim of this study was thus to assess the effects of five-week on-, and off-the-wall climbing training on climbing performance, climbing-specific strength, and training experience. Thirty-one female lower-grade to advanced climbers were randomly assigned to either a control group, an off-the-wall training or an on-the-wall training group. Apart from the training regimen, all groups followed their usual climbing and bouldering routine. Subjects trained at least twice a week. Bouldering performance, and maximum strength and muscular endurance of the finger flexors and upper-limbs were assessed before and after the intervention. Furthermore, rate of perceived exertion and discomfort, exercise enjoyment, and exercise pleasure were assessed during the first and last training session, as well as after two and a half weeks of training. Intrinsic training motivation was assessed after the last training session. The results showed trends towards positive effects of off-the-wall training on climbing-specific strength, and on-the-wall training on climbing technique. Furthermore, our finding revealed high exercise enjoyment and intrinsic training motivation for both on- and off-the-wall training. Hence, lower-grade to advanced female climbers should rely on personal training preferences.

Virtual Reality Audio Game for Entertainment &amp; Sound Localization Training

Within the gaming and electronics industry, there is a continuous evolution of alternative applications. Nevertheless, accessibility to video games remains a persistent hurdle for individuals with disabilities, especially those with visual impairments due to the inherent visual-oriented design of games. Audio games (AGs) are electronic games that rely primarily on auditory cues instead of visual interfaces. This study focuses on the creation of a virtual reality AG for cell phones that integrates natural head and torso movements involved in spatial hearing. Its assessment encompasses user experience, interface usability, and sound localization performance. The study engaged eighteen sighted participants in a pre-post test with a control group. The experimental group underwent 7 training sessions with the AG. Via interviews, facets of the gaming experience were explored, while horizontal plane sound source localization was also tested before and after the training. The results enabled the characterization of sensations related to the use of the game and the interaction with the interfaces. Sound localization tests demonstrated distinct enhancements in performance among trained participants, varying with assessed stimuli. These promising results show advances for future virtual AGs, presenting prospects for auditory training. These innovations hold potential for skill development, entertainment, and the integration of visually impaired individuals.

Aerobic Endurance Development in 13 and 14 Year-Old Swimmers

In the specialized literature, physical effort is considered a request of the body above the rest level, a stimulus applied in order to adapt. Sporting physical effort determines the modification of homeostasis, stabilizing it in a certain period of time, at a higher level. In swimming, the effort capacity depends on the capacity to capture, transport and use oxygen. From an energetic and biochemical point of view, the swimmers' effort falls into the predominantly aerobic type. Directing the effort in the training session is the key to success in sports performance as well as the longevity of the individual in performance sport. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate that the methods used in training have the intended effectiveness.

Virtual Reality Audio Game for Entertainment &amp; Sound Localization Training

Within the gaming and electronics industry, there is a continuous evolution of alternative applications. Nevertheless, accessibility to video games remains a persistent hurdle for individuals with disabilities, especially those with visual impairments due to the inherent visual-oriented design of games. Audio games (AGs) are electronic games that rely primarily on auditory cues instead of visual interfaces. This study focuses on the creation of a virtual reality AG for cell phones that integrates natural head and torso movements involved in spatial hearing. Its assessment encompasses user experience, interface usability, and sound localization performance. The study engaged eighteen sighted participants in a pre-post test with a control group. The experimental group underwent 7 training sessions with the AG. Via interviews, facets of the gaming experience were explored, while horizontal plane sound source localization was also tested before and after the training. The results enabled the characterization of sensations related to the use of the game and the interaction with the interfaces. Sound localization tests demonstrated distinct enhancements in performance among trained participants, varying with assessed stimuli. These promising results show advances for future virtual AGs, presenting prospects for auditory training. These innovations hold potential for skill development, entertainment, and the integration of visually impaired individuals.

Aerobic Endurance Development in 13 and 14 Year-Old Swimmers

In the specialized literature, physical effort is considered a request of the body above the rest level, a stimulus applied in order to adapt. Sporting physical effort determines the modification of homeostasis, stabilizing it in a certain period of time, at a higher level. In swimming, the effort capacity depends on the capacity to capture, transport and use oxygen. From an energetic and biochemical point of view, the swimmers' effort falls into the predominantly aerobic type. Directing the effort in the training session is the key to success in sports performance as well as the longevity of the individual in performance sport. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate that the methods used in training have the intended effectiveness.

Acute Hormonal and Inflammatory Responses following Lower and Upper Body Resistance Exercises Performed to Volitional Failure.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of a single bench press (BP) vs. leg press (LP) resistance training sessions on testosterone, cortisol, C-reactive protein (CRP) interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) concentrations, and creatine kinase (CK) activity in strength-trained males. Eleven strength-trained males participated in a cross-over randomized trial, undergoing two experimental sessions each consisting of five sets of the BP or the LP exercise to volitional failure with a load corresponding to 50% of one-repetition maximum. Blood samples were taken at baseline (BA), immediately post (POST), and 1 h after the cessation of exercise (POST-1). A significant increase in IL-6 concentration from BA to POST-1 was observed during the LP condition (p = 0.004; effect size [ES] = 0.64). Additionally, a significant main effect of time was found for increasing testosterone concentrations from BA to POST exercise (p = 0.014; ES = 0.25). A significantly lower cortisol concentration at POST-1 compared to POST (p = 0.001; ES = 1.02) was noted in the BP condition. Furthermore, a significantly lower cortisol concentration was found at POST-1 in the BP compared to the LP condition (p = 0.022; ES = 1.3). A significant increase in CK activity was reported from BA to POST (p = 0.024; ES = 0.69) and POST-1 (p = 0.045; ES = 0.55) during the LP condition, and from BA to POST-1 (p = 0.014; ES = 0.96) during the BP condition. No significant differences were found in the CRP (p = 0.659) and TNF-α concentrations (p = 0.487). These results suggest that the amount of muscle mass engaged during the resistance exercise may influence the changes in IL-6 and cortisol concentrations. Larger muscle groups, as engaged in the LP, more likely lead to elevated concentrations of IL-6 myokine.

Effects of Different Tonic, Isometric and Isometric/Vibratory Strength Training Programs on Motor Symptomatology in People with Parkinson’s Disease: Study Protocol for a Randomized Trial

Background: The Chilean population has experienced increased longevity in recent decades, leading to an increased incidence of and mortality from neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s disease (PD). PD is a chronic degenerative condition that affects the central nervous system. The main objective of this research is to evaluate the effect of 12-week programs of tonic, isometric, and isometric/vibratory muscular strength training while controlling the manipulation of the intensity variable on motor and non-motor symptomatology in PD patients. The secondary objective is to assess the levels of muscular strength in PD patients and their relationship with motor and non-motor symptomatology. Methods: A parallel-group, randomized trial will randomly assign (n = 34) people of both sexes with Parkinson’s disease between stages I–III Hoehn and Yahr (H&amp;Y), aged between 50 and 70 years to one of the experimental groups, in which they will undergo a total of 24 strength training sessions during 12 weeks. During the intervention period, the participants will be advised not to undertake additional exercise programs, to avoid substances that may disrupt metabolism and circadian cycles, and to maintain their medication regimen. The primary or motor evaluation of rest tremor will be performed with an accelerometer (Actigraphy), balance with the Mini-BESTest balance test, gait speed with the Ten Meters Walk Test, and non-motor symptomatology through anxiety, depression (MDS-UPDRS), and quality of life (PDQ-39) questionnaires. The Secondary evaluation of muscle strength will be performed with a functional electromechanical dynamometer. Discussion: Established as a hypothesis is that manipulating intensity variables in 12-week tonic, isometric, and isometric/vibratory muscle strength training programs has an effect on motor and non-motor symptomatology in people with Parkinson’s disease. The research will establish the extent to which controlled muscular strength training has an effect on relevant factors related to motor and non-motor symptomatology.

Effects of Different Tonic, Isometric and Isometric/Vibratory Strength Training Programs on Motor Symptomatology in People with Parkinson’s Disease: Study Protocol for a Randomized Trial

Background: The Chilean population has experienced increased longevity in recent decades, leading to an increased incidence of and mortality from neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s disease (PD). PD is a chronic degenerative condition that affects the central nervous system. The main objective of this research is to evaluate the effect of 12-week programs of tonic, isometric, and isometric/vibratory muscular strength training while controlling the manipulation of the intensity variable on motor and non-motor symptomatology in PD patients. The secondary objective is to assess the levels of muscular strength in PD patients and their relationship with motor and non-motor symptomatology. Methods: A parallel-group, randomized trial will randomly assign (n = 34) people of both sexes with Parkinson’s disease between stages I–III Hoehn and Yahr (H&amp;Y), aged between 50 and 70 years to one of the experimental groups, in which they will undergo a total of 24 strength training sessions during 12 weeks. During the intervention period, the participants will be advised not to undertake additional exercise programs, to avoid substances that may disrupt metabolism and circadian cycles, and to maintain their medication regimen. The primary or motor evaluation of rest tremor will be performed with an accelerometer (Actigraphy), balance with the Mini-BESTest balance test, gait speed with the Ten Meters Walk Test, and non-motor symptomatology through anxiety, depression (MDS-UPDRS), and quality of life (PDQ-39) questionnaires. The Secondary evaluation of muscle strength will be performed with a functional electromechanical dynamometer. Discussion: Established as a hypothesis is that manipulating intensity variables in 12-week tonic, isometric, and isometric/vibratory muscle strength training programs has an effect on motor and non-motor symptomatology in people with Parkinson’s disease. The research will establish the extent to which controlled muscular strength training has an effect on relevant factors related to motor and non-motor symptomatology.

Saudi teachers’ perceptions on pedagogical affordances of digital applications in teaching students with learning disabilities

ABSTRACT Creating a supporting learning environment for students with learning disabilities has been the concern of most teachers. However, digital applications provide numerous pedagogical affordances for teaching students with learning disabilities. This quantitative study examined teachers’ perspectives on the pedagogical affordances of digital applications and challenges when teaching students with learning disabilities in primary schools in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Data were collected from 280 teachers of students with learning disabilities through a questionnaire using a random strategy. The results showed that despite teachers’ awareness of the pedagogical affordances of digital applications in developing the academic skills of students with learning disabilities, the use of digital applications was intermediate. Teachers identified a lack of digital tools, time pressure and teachers’ workload as hindering the use of digital applications in their teaching. Findings also reveal statistically significant differences in perceptions for males and females, holding a master’s degree or above qualification, experience category (1–5 years), and training category (1–5 training sessions). These findings highlight the need for ongoing professional development and support that focuses more on real-classroom practices and resources, and how teachers can use digital tools to meet the various learning needs of students with learning disabilities.

Saudi teachers’ perceptions on pedagogical affordances of digital applications in teaching students with learning disabilities

ABSTRACT Creating a supporting learning environment for students with learning disabilities has been the concern of most teachers. However, digital applications provide numerous pedagogical affordances for teaching students with learning disabilities. This quantitative study examined teachers’ perspectives on the pedagogical affordances of digital applications and challenges when teaching students with learning disabilities in primary schools in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Data were collected from 280 teachers of students with learning disabilities through a questionnaire using a random strategy. The results showed that despite teachers’ awareness of the pedagogical affordances of digital applications in developing the academic skills of students with learning disabilities, the use of digital applications was intermediate. Teachers identified a lack of digital tools, time pressure and teachers’ workload as hindering the use of digital applications in their teaching. Findings also reveal statistically significant differences in perceptions for males and females, holding a master’s degree or above qualification, experience category (1–5 years), and training category (1–5 training sessions). These findings highlight the need for ongoing professional development and support that focuses more on real-classroom practices and resources, and how teachers can use digital tools to meet the various learning needs of students with learning disabilities.