Training Sessions Research Articles

Agents for change: developing transformative and Adaptive Leadership capacities among early-career extension professionals

PurposeThe Agents of Change program is a two-year, project-based learning program to develop Extension Professionals’ capacity to engage in Adaptive and Transformative Leadership. Its primary goal is to develop the capacity of Extension Professionals to engage in leadership to create more diverse, equitable, inclusive and just Extension programs and community change initiatives. This manuscript describes the program and an initial evaluation and results.FindingsResults of an evaluation of the first year of the program indicate that regular training sessions and support are appropriate for leadership development and that Extension Professionals are using the learning, awareness and tools from this program to address challenges with Adaptive and Transformative Leadership elements. Also, Extension professionals demonstrated commitment to personal growth, community engagement and understanding of their multifaceted roles as change agents.Originality/valueParticipants are sharing resources from the program with colleagues, leading meetings differently, questioning the status quo and pushing others to try new ways forward.

Living, Leading & Medicine: A two-tiered leadership development programme for family medicine residents.

There is increasing awareness of the necessity and importance for physician leadership in health care. Despite this, formal leadership training is not widespread in medical education. We describe the structure, curriculum and development of a robust two-tiered leadership development programme within a community-based family medicine residency programme. Living, Leading & Medicine (LLM, tier 1) consists of nine 2.5-h discussion-based training sessions occurring thrice annually. The Advanced Leadership Track (ALT, tier 2) includes mentoring, additional readings, personal evaluations and leadership projects. We used post-session surveys and exit surveys for LLM and ALT, respectively. We utilised the modified Kirkpatrick framework for programme evaluation to present outcomes from the first 3years for each tier. Over three quarters (40 out of 53) of residents participated in LLM sessions. The post-session survey response rate for LLM was 95% (124 out of 130 participants). Eighteen out of 33 residents (54.5%) completed the ALT. Of these, 72% (13 of 18) returned exit surveys. Residents found the programme valuable and relevant (Kirkpatrick level 1). Residents demonstrated improvements in leadership knowledge and skills (3.85 v. 3.11, p< 0.0001; Kirkpatrick level 2) compared with an internal, historic control group. We noted changes in resident behaviour and attitudes towards leadership (Kirkpatrick level 3). Finally, the completion of leadership projects demonstrates Kirkpatrick level 4 outcomes. We have created a longitudinal, two-tiered leadership development programme that has improved the leadership capabilities of our family medicine residents.

Strength Training Frequency and Athletic Performance in High School Girls Basketball Players

This study investigated the effects of a six-week strength training intervention on the physical fitness of female high school athletes, with a focus on training frequency. Twenty-three female high school basketball athletes were recruited and split into two groups: one group participated in strength training once per week (S1), while the other participated in two training sessions per week (S2). The groups were not random as training sessions were voluntary, and some participants were only able to train once per week. Participants were tested before and after the intervention, and the data included: age, body height, body mass, body fat percentage, grip strength, leg/back dynamometer (LBD) strength, a seated medicine ball throw (MBT), a vertical jump (VJ), 505 tests from each foot, 0–5, 0–10, and 0–20 sprint times, and multistage fitness test shuttles. Data were analyzed by a two (time) x two (group) repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA; p &lt; 0.05). When significant F ratios were detected in any ANOVA calculations, post hoc pairwise comparisons were conducted using the Bonferroni adjustment procedure. There were significant main effects for time that indicated the following: increased body height, body mass, grip strength, LBD strength, MBT distance, and VJ height, faster 505 times, and slower 0–5 and 0–10 m sprint times (p ≤ 0.021). There were no significant time by group ANOVAs or between-group main effects. These performance changes occurred irrespective of training frequency. High school girls who participate in at least one strength training session per week can improve their strength (grip, LBD), power (MBT, VJ), and change-of-direction speed (505).

Do Activities Performed within the Intra-Contrast Rest Interval Affect Neuromuscular Performance during Complex-Contrast Training Protocols?

The aim of this study was to analyze the acute effects of including different exercises within the intra-contrast rest interval (ICRI) of a complex-contrast training (CCT) session. Seventeen recreationally active males completed three different CCT protocols. Programs consisted of a contrast pair combining a moderate-intensity conditioning activity (i.e., a back squat) with a lower-body high-velocity exercise (i.e., a vertical jump) and only differed in the activities performed during the ICRI: 1) passive recovery (CCTPASS); 2) a mobility exercise (CCTMOB); and 3) an upper-body high-intensity strength exercise (i.e., a bench press) (CCTSTR). Countermovement jump and bench press throw metrics were evaluated at baseline and after each set during the workout. The rate of perceived exertion was recorded post-session. Non-significant differences in performance were found between CCTPASS, CCTMOB and CCTSTR throughout the session. Significant declines (p &lt; 0.05) were observed for CMJ peak power in the last 2–3 repetitions of each set, irrespective of the protocol. CCTSTR was perceived as more intense than CCTPASS and CCTMOB (p &lt; 0.05). From a neuromuscular performance perspective, including activities during the ICRI (mobility drills or high-intensity strength exercises) may be a suitable strategy to optimize CCT prescription since the acute responses were similar to those found with passive rest periods. Finally, prescribing a lower number of repetitions per set is recommended to attenuate mechanical performance impairment during CCT protocols, irrespective of the activities completed within the ICRI.

User gait biometrics in smart ambient applications through wearable accelerometer signals: an analysis of the influence of training setup on recognition accuracy

AbstractGait recognition can exploit the signals from wearables, e.g., the accelerometers embedded in smart devices. At present, this kind of recognition mostly underlies subject verification: the incoming probe is compared only with the templates in the system gallery that belong to the claimed identity. For instance, several proposals tackle the continuous recognition of the device owner to detect possible theft or loss. In this case, assuming a short time between the gallery template acquisition and the probe is reasonable. This work rather investigates the viability of a wider range of applications including identification (comparison with a whole system gallery) in the medium-long term. The first contribution is a procedure for extraction and two-phase selection of the most relevant aggregate features from a gait signal. A model is trained for each identity using Logistic Regression. The second contribution is the experiments investigating the effect of the variability of the gait pattern in time. In particular, the recognition performance is influenced by the benchmark partition into training and testing sets when more acquisition sessions are available, like in the exploited ZJU-gaitacc dataset. When close-in-time acquisition data is only available, the results seem to suggest re-identification (short time among captures) as the most promising application for this kind of recognition. The exclusive use of different dataset sessions for training and testing can rather better highlight the dramatic effect of trait variability on the measured performance. This suggests acquiring enrollment data in more sessions when the intended use is in medium-long term applications of smart ambient intelligence.

Preliminary Assessment of an Ambulatory Device Dedicated to Upper Airway Muscle Training in Patients With Sleep Apnea: Proof-of-Concept Study

Background Obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) is a prevalent condition affecting a substantial portion of the global population, with its prevalence increasing over the past 2 decades. OSAHS is characterized by recurrent upper airway (UA) closure during sleep, leading to significant impacts on quality of life and heightened cardiovascular and metabolic morbidity. Despite continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) being the gold standard treatment, patient adherence remains suboptimal due to various factors, such as discomfort, side effects, and treatment unacceptability. Objective Considering the challenges associated with CPAP adherence, an alternative approach targeting the UA muscles through myofunctional therapy was explored. This noninvasive intervention involves exercises of the lips, tongue, or both to improve oropharyngeal functions and mitigate the severity of OSAHS. With the goal of developing a portable device for home-based myofunctional therapy with continuous monitoring of exercise performance and adherence, the primary outcome of this study was the degree of completion and adherence to a 4-week training session. Methods This proof-of-concept study focused on a portable device that was designed to facilitate tongue and lip myofunctional therapy and enable precise monitoring of exercise performance and adherence. A clinical study was conducted to assess the effectiveness of this program in improving sleep-disordered breathing. Participants were instructed to perform tongue protrusion, lip pressure, and controlled breathing as part of various tasks 6 times a week for 4 weeks, with each session lasting approximately 35 minutes. Results Ten participants were enrolled in the study (n=8 male; mean age 48, SD 22 years; mean BMI 29.3, SD 3.5 kg/m2; mean apnea-hypopnea index [AHI] 20.7, SD 17.8/hour). Among the 8 participants who completed the 4-week program, the overall compliance rate was 91% (175/192 sessions). For the tongue exercise, the success rate increased from 66% (211/320 exercises; SD 18%) on the first day to 85% (272/320 exercises; SD 17%) on the last day (P=.05). AHI did not change significantly after completion of training but a noteworthy correlation between successful lip exercise improvement and AHI reduction in the supine position was observed (Rs=–0.76; P=.03). These findings demonstrate the potential of the device for accurately monitoring participants’ performance in lip and tongue pressure exercises during myofunctional therapy. The diversity of the training program (it mixed exercises mixed training games), its ability to provide direct feedback for each exercise to the participants, and the easy measurement of treatment adherence are major strengths of our training program. Conclusions The study’s portable device for home-based myofunctional therapy shows promise as a noninvasive alternative for reducing the severity of OSAHS, with a notable correlation between successful lip exercise improvement and AHI reduction, warranting further development and investigation.

Jump Squats Performed with Both Light and Heavy Loads Have Similar Effects on the Physical Performance of Elite Rugby Players during the Initial Phase of the Competitive Period

We examined the effectiveness of two different jump-squat (JS) loading ranges on the physical performance of rugby players. Twenty-eight elite male rugby players were divided into two JS training groups: a light-load JS group (“LJS”; JS at 40% of the one-repetition maximum [1RM] in the half-squat (HS) exercise) and a heavy-load JS group (“HJS”; JS at 80% HS-1RM). Players completed the distinct training programs over four weeks, three times per week, during the initial phase of the competitive period. Pre- and post-training tests were conducted in the following sequence: vertical jumps, a 30-m speed test, peak power in the JS and the HS, and maximum isometric force in the HS. Additionally, the rating of perceived exertion (RPE) was assessed at the end of all training sessions throughout the intervention. A two-way ANOVA with repeated measures, followed by the Tukey’s post-hoc test, was employed to analyze differences between groups. The level of significance was set at p &lt; 0.05. Effect sizes were used to assess the magnitude of differences between pre- and post-training data. Except for the RPE values (which were lower in the LJS group), no significant changes were detected for any other variable. In summary, using either a light- (40% HS-1RM) or a heavy-load (80% HS-1RM) JS during the initial phase of the competitive period is equally effective in maintaining physical performance levels attained during the preceding training period (pre-season), with the significant advantage of the light-load protocol resulting in lower levels of the RPE. This finding may have important implications for resistance training programming, especially in disciplines where acute and chronic fatigue is always a problematic issue.

The Importance of Recovery in Resistance Training Microcycle Construction

Systemic resistance training aims to enhance performance by balancing stress, fatigue and recovery. While fatigue is expected, insufficient recovery may temporarily impair performance. The aim of this review was to examine evidence regarding manipulation of resistance training variables on subsequent effects on recovery and performance. PubMed, Medline, SPORTDiscus, Scopus and CINAHL were searched. Only studies that investigated recovery between resistance training sessions were selected, with a total of 24 articles included for review. Training to failure may lengthen recovery times, potentially impairing performance; however, it may be suitable if implemented strategically ensuring adequate recovery between sessions of similar exercises or muscle groups. Higher volumes may increase recovery demands, especially when paired with training to failure, however, with wide variation in individual responses, it is suggested to start with lower volume, monitor recovery, and gradually increase training volume if appropriate. Exercises emphasising the lower body, multi-joint movements, greater muscle recruitment, eccentric contractions, and/or the lengthened position may require longer recovery times. Adjusting volume and frequency of these exercises can affect recovery demands depending on the goals and training logistics. Daily undulating programming may maximise performance on priority sessions while maintaining purposeful and productive easy days. For example, active recovery in the form of training opposing muscle groups, light aerobic cardio, or low-volume power-type training may improve recovery and potentially elicit a post activation potentiation priming effect compared to passive recovery. However, it is possible that training cessation may be adequate for allowing sufficient recovery prior to sessions of importance.

Taking action for Athlete wellbeing: strengthening psychosocial support through interactive group work

ABSTRACT This article provides an exploration into the social context of elite sport and details how a participatory action research methodology was used to develop, deliver, and evaluate two interactive group work interventions, “connection workshops” and “mental health literacy training.” Located within a professional Australian National Rugby League (NRL) and designed to strengthen the psychosocial support available to athletes within the high-performance environment, four connection workshops and three mental health literacy training sessions were facilitated within “The Club.” Qualitatively evaluated through seventeen one-on-one semi-structured interviews with athletes, coaches, and support staff, results indicated that these programs had strengthened the presence of psychosocial protective resources within the high-performance environment, with an increase in athletes’ help-seeking behavior resulting from improved accessibility and quality of interpersonal supports.

Effects of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation with Taping on Wrist Spasticity, Strength, and Upper Extremity Function in Patients with Stroke: A Randomized Control Trial

Objective: Six months after the onset of stroke, over 60% of patients experience upper limb dysfunction, with spasticity being a major contributor alongside muscle weakness. This study investigated the effect of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) with taping on wrist spasticity, strength, and upper extremity function in patients with stroke. Methods: In total, 40 patients with stroke were included and randomly divided into two groups: the TENS + taping (n = 20, age 52.4 ± 9.3 (range: 39 to 70)) and TENS (n = 20, age 53.5 ± 10.8 (range: 39 to 74)) groups. All subjects performed 30 sessions of task-related training, which included 10 min of postural control training and 20 min of task performance. Additionally, all subjects received TENS on the spastic muscle belly for 30 min before task-related training. In the TENS + taping group, taping was additionally applied to the forearm and wrist but not in the TENS group. The Modified Ashworth Scale was used to measure spasticity, and a handheld dynamometer was used to measure muscle strength. The Fugl–Meyer Assessment of Upper Extremity was used to evaluate the functional ability of the upper extremity. Results: In the TENS + taping group, spasticity and upper extremity function were significantly improved as compared to those in the TENS group (p &lt; 0.05). However, no significant difference in muscle strength was observed between the two groups (p &gt; 0.05). Conclusions: This study demonstrated that the combination of TENS and taping for spasticity and function of the upper extremity was more effective in relieving the spasticity than TENS alone. Therefore, we suggest this combination as an additional treatment for spasticity and function of the upper extremity.

Correlating technical and tactical, and kinematic elements: An in-depth analysis of game-related metrics and running activities in sub-elite senior male rugby union players

To comprehend the complexity of rugby union performance, it is crucial to correlate technical and tactical, and kinematic elements specifically for playing roles. Hence, this study investigated the relationship between game-related metrics and running activities in sub-elite senior males. Technical and tactical performance and running activity of 36 sub-elite senior players (age mean = 25 years; total performances = 200) were assessed in relation to 17 key performance indicators (KPIs). A series of general linear mixed models were performed to evaluate the relationship between KPIs according to roles (backs, forwards and scrum halves), including subjects and games as random effect. The main finding was that the tactical context relates distinctly running activities, and this effect varies between backs and forwards. Tackling mainly involves impacts and deceleration, whereas carrying the ball is associated with impacts and accelerations. Furthermore, the percentage of missed tackles is related to higher occurrences of acceleration events. These findings offer a more profound understanding of the physiological requirements in sub-elite rugby performance, especially given the limited evidence on the interaction between technical and tactical performance and running activities in sub-elite rugby union games. As a result, coaches and physical practitioners should design and execute diverse training sessions that consider both the tactical context and the players’ positions.

Hydrogen-rich water supplementation promotes muscle recovery after two strenuous training sessions performed on the same day in elite fin swimmers: randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial

Purpose: Molecular hydrogen has been shown to possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, ergogenic, and recovery-enhancing effects. This study aimed to assess the effect of molecular hydrogen administration on muscle performance, damage, and perception of soreness up to 24 h of recovery after two strenuous training sessions performed on the same day in elite fin swimmers.Methods: Eight females (mean ± SD; age 21.5 ± 5.0 years, maximal oxygen consumption 45.0 ± 2.5 mL.kg−1.min−1) and four males (age 18.9 ± 1.3 years, maximal oxygen consumption 52.2 ± 1.7 mL.kg−1.min−1) performed 12 × 50 m sprints in the morning session and a 400 m competitive performance in the afternoon session. Participants consumed hydrogen-rich water (HRW) or placebo 3 days before the sessions (1,260 mL/day) and 2,520 mL on the experimental day. Muscle performance (countermovement jump), muscle damage (creatine kinase), and muscle soreness (100 mm visual analogue scale) were measured during the experimental day and at 12 and 24 h after the afternoon session.Results: HRW compared to placebo reduced blood activity of creatine kinase (156 ± 63 vs. 190 ± 64 U.L−1, p = 0.043), muscle soreness perception (34 ± 12 vs. 42 ± 12 mm, p = 0.045), and improved countermovement jump height (30.7 ± 5.5 cm vs. 29.8 ± 5.8 cm, p = 0.014) at 12 h after the afternoon session.Conclusion: Four days of HRW supplementation is a promising hydration strategy for promoting muscle recovery after two strenuous training sessions performed on the same day in elite fin swimmers.Clinical Trial Registration:clinicaltrials.gov, identifier NCT05799911

JAVA Based Quiz Application

The Java-based Quiz Application is a versatile, standalone program designed to operate independently of an internet connection, making it ideal for offline use in various settings such as training sessions, schools, and areas with limited internet access. It boasts a comprehensive set of features for quiz creation, administration, and participation. Key among its features is the offline user authentication system, enabling users to securely create accounts and log in without internet connectivity. This ensures accessibility and autonomy for users regardless of their location or internet availability. The application offers a user-friendly interface for adding various question types, including multiple choice, to offline quizzes, allowing users to customize quizzes to suit their needs and cover diverse topics. Furthermore, users can manage quizzes offline, facilitating real-time adjustments by educators, trainers, or organizers without the need for an internet connection. The application provides players with a seamless offline quiz experience, offering swift performance feedback and navigation to enhance engagement. Users can select quizzes from offline categories, attempt them offline, and receive immediate scoring and feedback. Emphasizing security, the Java Quiz Application implements robust encryption techniques to safeguard user data and ensure confidentiality offline. This commitment to security ensures the protection of sensitive information even in offline environments, maintaining user trust and confidence in the application's integrity. Key Words: Java, No Internet Connection, Offline Quiz, user Friendly

Effects of Different Recovery Periods Following a Very Intense Interval Training Session on Strength and Explosive Performance in Elite Female Ice Hockey Players.

Petré, H, Tinmark, F, Rosdahl, H, and Psilander, N. Effects of different recovery periods following a very intense interval training session on strength and explosive performance in elite female ice hockey players. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2024-This study investigates how different recovery periods after high-intensity interval training (HIIT) affects strength and explosive performance during a power training (PT) session. Fifteen female elite ice hockey players (22.5 ± 5.2 years) performed PT, including 6 sets of 2 repetitions (reps) of isometric leg press (ILP) and 6 sets of 3 reps of countermovement jump (CMJ), following a rested state and 10 minutes, 6 hours, or 24 hours after HIIT (3 sets of 8 × 20 seconds at 115% of power output at maximal oxygen consumption on a cycle ergometer). Peak force (PF) and peak rate of force development (pRFD) were measured during the ILP. Peak jump height (PJH), concentric phase duration (ConDur), eccentric phase duration, total duration, peak power (PP), velocity at peak power (V@PP), and force at peak power were measured during CMJ. The following variables were significantly reduced when only a 10-minute recovery period was allowed between HIIT and PT: PF was reduced by 7% (p < 0.001), pRFD by 17% (p < 0.001), PJH by 4% (p < 0.001), ConDur by 4% (p = 0.018), PP by 2% (p = 0.016), and V@PP by 2% (p = 0.007). None of the measured variables were reduced when PT was performed 6 and 24 hours after HIIT. We conclude that strength and explosive performance of elite female ice hockey players is reduced 10 minutes after HIIT but not negatively affected if a rest period of at least 6 hours is provided between HIIT and PT.

Factors Affecting Mathematics Performance: Basis for an Intervention Plan

Mathematics, being a highly advanced field of Science, is closely linked to success in modern society as it is considered a necessary skill. This study sought to determine the extent to which attitudes, parental influence, and self-efficacy are factors that affect learners' performance in Mathematics; to detect learners' Mathematics performance throughout the First Quarter of the School Year 2023 - 2024; to determine the significance of the relationships between factors affecting performance in Mathematics and learners’ First Quarter Mathematics performance of the School Year 2023 -2024; and to find out which of the independent variable/s singly or in combination best predict/s performance in Mathematics; and also to create an intervention plan based on the study's findings. There were one hundred seventy-six (176) Grade 6 learners from the District of Laguindingan schools, Division of Misamis Oriental that participated in the survey. The instrument used was adapted and modified from Peteros et al. (2019), Silao (2018), and Dagdag et al. (2020). The data gathered were analyzed using frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, Pearson Moment Correlation, and multiple regression analysis. The findings of the study showed that attitude toward Mathematics is the best indicator of Mathematics performance. The researcher recommends that the DepEd officials, administrators, parents, and stakeholders work together to deal with learners' Mathematics performance. Teachers may conduct parent workshops or training sessions and counseling on how to set realistic, achievable goals based on the child's capabilities.

Acute physiological responses of blood flow restriction between high‐intensity interval repetitions in trained cyclists

AbstractBlood flow restriction (BFR) is increasingly being used to enhance aerobic performance in endurance athletes. This study examined physiological responses to BFR applied in recovery phases within a high‐intensity interval training (HIIT) session in trained cyclists. Eleven competitive road cyclists (mean ± SD, age: 28 ± 7 years, body mass: 69 ± 6 kg, peak oxygen uptake: 65 ± 9 mL · kg−1 · min−1) completed two randomised crossover conditions: HIIT with (BFR) and without (CON) BFR applied during recovery phases. HIIT consisted of six 30‐s cycling bouts at an intensity equivalent to 85% of maximal 30‐s power (523 ± 93 W), interspersed with 4.5‐min recovery. BFR (200 mmHg, 12 cm cuff width) was applied for 2‐min in the early recovery phase between each interval. Pulmonary gas exchange (V̇O2, V̇CO2, and V̇E), tissue oxygen saturation index (TSI), heart rate (HR), and serum vascular endothelial growth factor concentration (VEGF) were measured. Compared to CON, BFR increased V̇CO2 and V̇E during work bouts (both p &lt; 0.05, dz &lt; 0.5), but there was no effect on V̇O2, TSI, or HR (p &gt; 0.05). In early recovery, BFR decreased TSI, V̇O2, V̇CO2, and V̇E (all p &lt; 0.05, dz &gt; 0.8) versus CON, with no change in HR (p &gt; 0.05). In late recovery, when BFR was released, V̇O2, V̇CO2, V̇E, and HR increased, but TSI decreased versus CON (all p &lt; 0.05, dz &gt; 0.8). There was a greater increase in VEGF at 3‐h post‐exercise in BFR compared to CON (p &lt; 0.05, dz &gt; 0.8). Incorporating BFR into HIIT recovery phases altered physiological responses compared to exercise alone.

The Relationship between Leadership and Performance in Enhancing the Sustainability of Social Enterprises

As social enterprises are established for the purpose of solving local problems, the sustainability of social enterprises is also important for local development. In order to increase the sustainability of social enterprises, performance improvement is necessary, and research on finding leadership styles suitable for social enterprises continues to be an important method of performance improvement. However, despite considerable interest in social enterprises over the past few decades, no consistent conclusion has been reached about what leadership style is appropriate for social enterprises. The present study aimed to find a suitable leadership style for social enterprises within the major leadership styles recognized in commercial enterprises. This study investigated the impact of the three major leadership styles in commercial enterprises on satisfaction and performance in social enterprises. Based on prior research, transformational leadership, with its capacity to promote change and support the achievement of goals, was considered appropriate for social enterprises, and entrepreneurship was also considered as challenge is important for balancing economic and social purposes. Servant leadership also focused on the importance of providing support for employees on the basis that employees’ success is the success of social enterprises. In this study, in order to broadly understand the performance of different leadership styles, job satisfaction and leader satisfaction were considered at the individual level, and economic performance and social performance were considered at the firm level. To support the argument of this study, the researcher aimed to survey employees who perceive a leader as possessing leadership qualities in social enterprises. For this purpose, a survey on transaction leadership was conducted among employees who participated in a three-week training session related to social enterprises. And on the last day of training, three leadership and four outcome variables were surveyed. Analyzing data form 170 respondents in 52 social enterprises whose evaluation of their leader’s transactional leadership was higher than the average, the present study found that transformational leadership had a positive relationship with all four variables considered as leadership outcomes. And this study found evidence that entrepreneurship had a positive relationship with job and leader satisfactions, but the impact of entrepreneurship on economic and social performance was insignificant. However, servant leadership had a positive relationship with leader satisfaction and social performance, but the impact of servant leadership on job satisfaction and economic performance was insignificant. These results contribute to confirming that the emphasis on leadership styles in commercial enterprises can effectively operate in social enterprises as well, and that the effectiveness of leadership can vary depending on the desired outcomes.

Remote mental health first aid training for correctional officers: A pilot study.

Mental health first aid (MHFA) training is a low-cost, evidence-based intervention that teaches trainees to recognize signs of mental distress. Thirty correctional officers (COs) were recruited to participate in a remote MHFA intervention study. The COs were divided into three MHFA training sessions, with no more than 10 COs per group. Data collection assessments included pretest and posttest surveys and a focus group meeting. Of the 30 eligible CO participants, 27 completed the study, including follow-up assessments. Nine COs participated in a focus group meeting-one third (n = 9) of the CO participants identified as female, and the remaining identified as male. Most CO participants self-identified as White (n = 17), and two thirds (n = 18) of the CO participants were 35-54 years old. There was a strong military influence, with about close to half (48%) of COs identifying as a veteran. A paired sample t test was used to analyze whether there were any differences in mental health knowledge scores from pre- and postintervention. There were no significant differences between the pre- and postintervention results for the five MHFA knowledge items. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to analyze differences in pre- and postintervention data for mental health referral items. From pre- to posttraining, COs reported that it would be easier to make a mental health referral for someone experiencing a mental health challenge (Z = -2.087, p = .037). At 12 weeks, COs referred 2.6 (SD: 4.30, range 1-20) people incarcerated for mental health services. The reasons for referral included: "suicidal thoughts," "experiencing anxiety over being incarcerated during COVID," and "considering self-harm." A phenomenological approach was used to analyze the focus group meeting. The themes identified were: (a) COs experience with MHFA training was viewed positively (facilitators); (b) there is a need to improve mental wellness in correctional settings (barriers); and (c) mental health referral process for incarcerated individuals needs enhancement when implementing MHFA (barriers). MHFA training for COs is necessary to equip COs with the skills to safely support and refer incarcerated people experiencing a mental health crisis. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Resistance training's impact on blood biomarkers and cognitive function in older adults with low and high risk of mild cognitive impairment: a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundThe aging brain exhibits a neuroinflammatory state, driven partly by peripheral pro-inflammatory stimuli, that accelerates cognitive deterioration. A growing body of evidence clearly indicates that physical exercise partly alleviates neuroinflammation and positively affects the aging process and cognition. In this randomized controlled trial, we aimed to observe the effect of 12 weeks of resistance training (RT) on peripheral biomarker levels, cognitive function changes and their interrelationship, and explore differences in those exercise-induced changes in older adults with high risk of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) compared to older adults with low risk of MCI.MethodsFifty-two participants (aged 60–85 years old, 28 female) were randomly allocated to a 12 week lower limb RT program consisting of two training sessions per week or waiting list control group. The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) was used to stratify participants screened as high (< 26/30) or low risk (≥ 26/30) of MCI. We assessed serum Interleukin 6 (IL-6), Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1), and Kynurenine (KYN) levels. Cognitive measurement consisted of and four subtests of Automated Neuropsychological Assessment Metrics (ANAM), the two-choice reaction time, go/no-go, mathematical processing, and memory search test.ResultsTwelve weeks of RT improved Go/No-go test results in older adults with high MCI risk. RT did not significantly affect blood biomarkers. However, IGF-1 level increases were associated with improvements in response time on the mathematical processing test in the exercise group, and IL-6 level increases were associated with improvements in response time on the memory search test in the total group of participants. Finally, KYN levels significantly differed between older adults with low and high MCI risk but no significant associations with performance were found.ConclusionOur study results suggest a different effect of RT on inhibitory control between older adults with low compared to high MCI risk. IGF-1 may play a role in the mechanism behind the cognitive benefit of RT and KYN may be a surrogate biomarker for neurodegeneration and cognitive decline.

Applicability of a supramaximal high-intensity interval training program for older adults previously not engaged in regular exercise; analyses of secondary outcomes from the Umeå HIT Study

This analysis of secondary outcomes investigated the applicability of supramaximal high-intensity interval training (HIT) with individually prescribed external intensity performed on stationary bicycles. Sixty-eight participants with a median (min; max) age of 69 (66; 79), at the time not engaged in regular exercise were randomized to 25 twice-weekly sessions of supramaximal HIT (20-min session with 10 × 6-s intervals) or moderate-intensity training (MIT, 40-min session with 3 × 8-min intervals).The primary aim was outcomes on applicability regarding; adherence to prescribed external interval intensity, participant reported positive and negative events, ratings of perceived exertion (RPE 6–20), and affective state (Feeling Scale, FS -5–5). A secondary aim was to investigate change in exercise-related self-efficacy (Exercise Self-Efficacy Scale) and motivation (Behavioural Regulations in Exercise Questionnaire-2).Total adherence to the prescribed external interval intensity was [median (min; max)] 89 % (56; 100 %) in supramaximal HIT, and 100 % (95; 100 %) in MIT. The supramaximal HIT group reported 60 % of the positive (112 of 186) and 36 % of the negative (52 of 146) events. At the end of the training period, the median (min; max) session RPE was 15 (12; 17) for supramaximal HIT and 14 (9; 15) for MIT. As for FS, the median last within-session rating was 3 (−1; 5) for supramaximal HIT and 3 (1; 5) for MIT. Exercise-related motivation increased (mean difference in Relative Autonomy Index score = 1.54, 95 % CI [0.69; 2.40]), while self-efficacy did not change (mean difference = 0.55, 95 % CI [-0.75; 1.82]), regardless of group.This study provide support for supramaximal HIT in supervised group settings for older adults.