Search Results (400)

The ongoing secular changes in human movement development means that an assessment of primitive reflexes is now required not only in disabled but also in neurotypical children. This study had three aims: (1) presenting the TASHUN test battery as suitable for the assessment of primitive reflex activity in normal children and child athletes; (2) analyzing reflex characteristics of neurotypical children; (3) verifying validity and reliability of tests. Spearman’s rank correlation and ROC analysis were used for validation. Intraclass Correlation Coefficient and RM ANOVA analyzed reliability. The test on 242 schoolgirls has demonstrated that retained primitive reflexes are present in almost every individual (84.7–95.7%). Correlations showed strong positive association, with all values exceeding 0.8, and ROC analysis demonstrated excellent predictive strength (AUC values over 0.9). Interobserver reliability showed excellent agreement (ICC values above 0.9). No significant offset was present among the scoring by evaluators. Therefore, testing for primitive reflexes is necessary in neurotypical children in order to obtain a realistic image about the physiology of reflexes and their role in motor development. Our screening could be useful for practicing sport professionals, researchers and academics, to identify deficiencies, to further explore reflexes and to train future PE teachers and trainers. Full article

This paper evaluates the effectiveness of driver training programmes aimed at the proper use of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADASs). Participants (N = 49) were divided into the following three groups based on the type of training received: practical training, e-learning, and brief manual instruction. The effectiveness of the training methods was assessed using selected parameters obtained from driving simulator studies, including reaction times and system activation attempts. Given the large volume and nonlinear nature of the input data, a heuristic, expert-based approach was used to identify key evaluation criteria, structure the decision-making process, and define fuzzy rule sets and membership functions. This phase served as the foundation for the development of a fuzzy logic model in the MATLAB environment. The model processes inputs to generate a quantitative performance score. The results indicate that practical training (mean score = 4.0) demonstrates superior effectiveness compared to e-learning (3.09) and manual instruction (mean score = 3.01). The primary contribution of this work is a transparent, data-driven evaluation tool that overcomes the inherent subjectivity and bias of traditional trainer-based assessments. This model provides a standardised and reproducible approach for assessing driver competence, offering a significant advancement over purely qualitative, trainer-based assessments and supporting the development of more reliable certification processes. Full article

Despite the progressive development of modern technology, there is a lack of adequate and reliable training and information materials. Analyses carried out in this area show that most drivers do not have the skills to use safety systems or acquire these skills while driving. Drivers often demonstrate an incomplete understanding of them and overestimate their skills, which can jeopardize road safety. In this context, the authors of the paper set out to develop a model for evaluating the effectiveness of practical training using a high-end simulator. The research goal of the paper was to objectively measure drivers’ progress in operating safety systems after receiving practical training conducted in the AS1200-6 driving simulator located at the Motor Transport Institute. The main findings indicate that the innovative model was highly effective, with 81% of participants achieving a level rated as “acceptable” or “very good”. The model enabled more accurate and objective assessments of skills in comparison with the traditional subjective assessment of trainers, especially where driver progress was not clearly evident. The results suggest that combining the data model with trainer evaluation can be an effective evaluation mechanism in ADAS training. Full article

Objectives: The aim of this study was to indicate which variables are the most important determinants of swimming results in the 50 m front crawl among non-elite pre-pubertal female swimmers. Methods: The study group consisted of 14 female swimmers (at the time of the research commencement—biological age: 10.52 ± 0.37 years; body mass: 34.99 ± 2.77 kg; height: 146.00 ± 3.05 cm). The study was conducted over three years. The swimmers performed capacity training recommended by the British Swimming Federation. Every 6 months, in the participants the following parameters were measured: percentage of body fat; anthropometric measurements; aerobic and anaerobic capacity; and respiratory parameters: vital capacity—VC, forced expiratory volume—FEV1, and forced vital capacity—FVC. Additionally, a 50 m front crawl swim test was performed. Results: After adjusting for multicollinearity, the most influential determinants of swimming performance were anthropometric measures: shoulder width was the most influential predictor, with a regression coefficient of −0.66, followed by foot length (with a beta of −0.15) and chest depth (with a beta of 0.008). The remaining anthropometric and physical predictors did not contribute to the prediction of 50 m freestyle performance. Conclusions: These research results suggest to coaches and trainers that sports performance in sprint distances in pre-pubertal girls is not determined by aerobic and anaerobic capacity or body fat but is based on the somatic build of the swimmer. Full article

Background/Objectives: Mobile healthcare units (MHUs) comprise flexible, ambulatory healthcare teams that deliver community care services, particularly in underserved or remote areas. In Greece, MHUs were pivotal in epidemiological surveillance during the COVID-19 pandemic and are now evolving into a sustainable and integrated service for much-needed community-based healthcare. To support this expanded role, targeted, competency-based training is essential; however, this can pose challenges, especially in coordinating synchronous learning across geographically dispersed teams and in ensuring engagement using an online format. Methods: A nationwide, online training program was developed to improve the knowledge of the personnel members of the Hellenic National Public Health Organization’s MHUs. This program was structured focusing on four core themes: (i) prevention–health promotion; (ii) provision of care; (iii) social welfare and solidarity initiatives; and (iv) digital health skill enhancement. The program was implemented by the University of Crete’s Center for Training and Lifelong Learning from 16 January to 24 February 2025. A multidisciplinary team of 64 experts delivered 250 h of live and on-demand educational content, including health screenings, vaccination protocols, biomarker monitoring, chronic disease management, treatment adherence, organ donation awareness, counseling on social violence, and eHealth applications. Knowledge acquisition was assessed through a pre- and post-training multiple-choice test related to the core themes. Trainees’ and trainers’ qualitative feedback was evaluated using a 0–10 numerical rating scale (Likert-type). Results: A total of 873 MHU members participated in the study, including both healthcare professionals and administrative staff. The attendance rate was consistently above 90% on a daily basis. The average assessment score increased from 52.8% (pre-training) to 69.8% (post-training), indicating 17% knowledge acquisition. The paired t-test analysis demonstrated that this improvement was statistically significant (t = −8.52, p < 0.001), confirming the program’s effectiveness in enhancing knowledge. As part of the evaluation of qualitative feedback, the program was positively evaluated, with 75–80% of trainees rating key components such as content, structure, and trainer effectiveness as “Very Good” or “Excellent.” In addition, using a 0–10 scale, trainers rated the program relative to organization (9.4/10), content (8.8), and trainee engagement (8.9), confirming the program’s strength and scalability in primary care education. Conclusions: This initiative highlights the effectiveness of a structured, online training program in enhancing MHU knowledge, ensuring standardized, high-quality education that supports current primary healthcare needs. Future studies evaluating whether the increase in knowledge acquisition may also result in an improvement in the personnel’s competencies, and clinical practice will further contribute to assessing whether additional training programs may be helpful. Full article

Background/Objectives: Participation in sports activities is one of the risk factors for traumatic dental injuries. Nevertheless, little data are available in the literature on such problems in persons with disabilities. This study aims to evaluate the prevalence and severity of traumatic dental injuries in athletes with intellectual disabilities and other coexisting chronic diseases, as well as the use of mouthguards and the level of treatment of injuries in this population. Methods: The research was carried out in seven special needs schools. Two calibrated dentists performed dental examinations in 100 subjects practicing sports, aged 8–30 years (study group), and in 128 individuals, aged 8–25 years, who do not perform systematic physical activity (control group). Statistica Software v.10 was used for statistical analysis, with the level of statistical significance at p ≤ 0.05. Results: The majority of individuals had one tooth affected by traumatic injury in the study and control individuals, with the results amounting to 14% and 5%, respectively; the difference between both groups was statistically significant (p = 0.02). Only one athlete used a mouthguard during training and competitions. Restorative treatment of traumatically damaged teeth was performed in six athletes (37%) out of the total sixteen subjects affected by dental injuries from the study group and in two (15%) out of thirteen participants from the controls. Conclusions: This study reveals that dentists should be professionally prepared to meet the special needs of the population with disabilities and chronic disorders to minimize the burden of dental trauma. There is an urgent need for preventive programs for special needs athletes, their parents/caregivers, and trainers concerning the use of mouthguards. Full article

Collegiate student-athletes are particularly vulnerable to food insecurity (FI). Prevalence rates range from 9.9% to 65%, although research is limited among this population. Background/Objectives: The challenge of balancing academic and degree progression requirements with training and competition demands can increase the risk for FI among student-athletes. Furthermore, insufficient funds for food has been reported for student-athletes living both on campus and off campus. Methods: This qualitative study employed a phenomenological design and constructivist theoretical framework to explore the experiences of athletic trainers, sports dietitians/nutritionists, and other professionals working with student-athletes in identifying and addressing FI among student-athletes via a series of online focus groups. Results: Participants (n = 27, 12 public colleges) had ≥7 years of collegiate athletics work experience, and most had been in their current position for <3 years. Five approaches to FI screening emerged; specifically, no screening, screening varies by team/sport, informal screening, dietitian screening, and formal screening. Emerging social determinants of FI included financial challenges, competing priorities, cultural/societal impacts, limited life skills, and the food environment. All these factors precipitated on a systems level, including individual, team/athletic department, and university/societal tiers. Conclusions: Athletic department and university policies and budgetary decisions emerged as potential antagonists of food security among student-athletes. FI mitigation strategies for student-athletes must go beyond simply addressing individual factors. Obtainment of food security among collegiate student-athletes requires system changes at the team/athletic department and university tiers. Full article

Mining involves daily descents underground and enduring dangerous and difficult conditions. Hence, it is very important to use solutions that will reduce the risk in miners’ work and ensure the greater safety and comfort of work in accordance with the goals of sustainable development. One way is training using virtual reality. Virtual reality provides greater safety (safe training conditions, the possibility of making a mistake without health consequences, practicing emergency scenarios, etc.) and aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals—particularly SDG 3 (health), SDG 8 (decent work), SDG 9 (innovation), and SDG 12 (sustainable production). However, it is also a technology that has its weaknesses (occurrence of contraindications, side effects, etc.). Therefore, the use of VR-based training should be examined in terms of the well-being and health of training employees. Due to this, this article examines the occurrence of psychophysical complaints during VR training; the tolerance and adequacy of the duration of a 50 min training session in VR was assessed; and the average time needed to adapt to the virtual environment was determined. The VR training was developed as a result of a research project conducted by JSW Nowe Projekty S.A. (ul. Ignacego Paderewskiego 41, 40-282 Katowice, Poland), Główny Instytut Górnictwa—Państwowy Instytut Badawczy (plac Gwarków 1, 40-160 Katowice, Poland), JSW Szkolenie i Górnictwo Sp. z o.o. at Jastrzębska Spółka Węglowa Capital Group (ul. Górnicza 1, 44-335 Jastrzębie-Zdrój, Poland) on the development and implementation of innovative training using VR for miners. The solution was developed in the context of mining’s striving for sustainable development in the area of improving working conditions and human safety. The first method used in the study is a survey completed by participants of training courses using virtual reality. The second method is the analysis of trainer observation sheets, which contain observations from training courses. The results revealed that for over 70% of respondents, the need to carry out activities in VR was not associated with fatigue. No average score for psychophysical symptoms assessed by respondents on a scale of 1 to 6 (including disorientation, blurred vision, dizziness, confusion, etc.) exceeded 1.4. The vast majority (85.5%) did not take off the goggles before the end of the training—the training lasted 50 min. This research contributes to the discussion on sustainable industrial transformation by demonstrating that VR training not only improves worker safety and preparedness but also supports development goals through human-centered innovation in the mining sector. Full article

This study aimed to (1) determine and compare the magnitude and direction of asymmetry in lower limbs neuromuscular properties, range of motion, strength and muscle electrical activity (EMG) in well-trained male road cyclist across categories (elite, under-23 and junior); (2) establish test- and age-specific asymmetry thresholds for these variables to enable individualized classification; and (3) examine the relationship between these lateral asymmetries and performance in a maximal incremental cycle ergometer test. Fifty-five well-trained road cyclists were assessed through tensiomyography (TMG), active knee extension test (AKE), leg press and EMG of vastus lateralis (VL-EMG) during a maximal incremental cycling test. Junior cyclists showed lower asymmetry in VM than elite cyclists, but greater asymmetry in AKE. No significant differences were found in strength or VL-EMG during the maximal incremental cycle ergometer test. The magnitude and direction of lateral asymmetry differs between tests (TMG: 11.3–21.3%; AKE: 2.3%; leg-press: 9.8–31.9%; VL-EMG: 20.8–22.7%). Multiple linear regression revealed a significant predictive model for maximal incremental cycling ergometer performance based on lateral asymmetry in AKE, leg press and VL and rectus femoris contraction time (R²_a = 0.23). These reference data can support trainers in monitoring and managing lateral asymmetry throughout the cyclists’ season. Full article

This article examines the impact of a new technical assistance (TA) and recognition program (BetterBev) on Massachusetts craft breweries’ adoption of pollution prevention/sustainability practices. The authors explore the following questions: How do technical assistance and recognition address the key barriers and promote P2/sustainability adoption? What are the outcomes and impacts of the implemented P2 practices? What specific P2/sustainability practices are most likely and least likely to be adopted by craft breweries receiving TA, and why? This study is based on 29 craft breweries in Massachusetts, U.S. Data was collected between November 2022 and March 2025 and included site visits; interviews with owners, founders, and head brewers; online research; and assessments of eight impact categories. This study found that providing TA was highly effective in encouraging participants to adopt new P2/sustainability practices (the 29 participants adopted 60 new P2/sustainability practices over two years). The TA helped overcome the main sustainability barriers for craft breweries—the lack of resources, time, and knowledge about available opportunities. MA breweries adopted most of their P2 practices in energy and CO₂ reduction, and the least in water and wastewater reduction. This study confirmed the importance of environmental information as a powerful driver for adopting P2/sustainability actions. Future initiatives should consider a train-the-trainer approach for scaling up P2/sustainability practices, where early adopters share their knowledge and experience with peers. Full article

The cases that dog trainers and behavior consultants face are often traumatic and emotionally challenging, especially under pressure from distressed clients. This study investigated whether more years of professional experience and higher levels of dog aggression contribute to burnout and whether the overall emotional toll of caring moderates these relationships. Eighty-six professionals completed the Professional Quality of Life Measure, which evaluates the positive aspects of caregiving and negative outcomes such as burnout and secondary traumatic stress. The analysis revealed that neither extended work experience nor increased dog aggression significantly predicted higher burnout levels, and the anticipated moderating effect of emotional strain was not observed. The levels of burnout and secondary traumatic stress in this sample were similar to those reported in other animal-care and human healthcare settings, while the satisfaction derived from caregiving remained relatively high. These results suggest that factors beyond years of experience and dog aggression—such as workplace support and individual coping mechanisms—may be more crucial in influencing burnout among these professionals. This study highlights the need for an expanded investigation of other possible influences, such as workplace support and personal coping mechanisms. Identifying specific challenges that dog trainers face and implementing strategies to offset burnout will create a healthier and more sustainable work environment and improve the quality of life for humans and their canine companions. Full article

Clinical reasoning (CR) is the construct by which healthcare professionals assemble and interpret clinical information to formulate a diagnosis and management plan. Developing this skill can aid with medical decision-making and reduce clinical errors. Increasingly, CR is being included in undergraduate medical curricula, but the cultivation of this skill must continue in postgraduate training as doctors evolve to manage patients with increasing complexity. This is especially relevant in postgraduate training as doctors rotate through multiple specialties, assessing undifferentiated patients. Clinical trainers should therefore not only help develop their trainees’ CR skills, but also effectively evaluate their progression in this competency through placement-based assessment tools. This article introduces the reader to CR theories and principles before exploring four such methods for evaluating a trainee’s CR skills in a workplace setting. The various workplace tools described in this article are not intended to be prescriptive methodologies that must be rigidly followed, but instead offer a range of approaches that supervisors can dip into, and even combine, as suited to their trainees’ needs and level of performance to help foster this crucial aspect of professional development. Full article

Background: This sport involves the integration of various capabilities and mechanisms, including cognitive, physiological, and biomechanical components, that allow the athlete to perform in competition. However, to date, no systematic review has analyzed the indicators that are decisive for sports performance in Bicycle Motocross (BMX). The objective of this work was to carry out a systematic review of the performance variables in BMX and establish recommendations for researchers and trainers. Materials and Methods: The following databases were consulted: PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. This systematic review uses the guidelines of the PRISMA statement and the guidelines for performing systematic reviews in sports sciences. The search approach, along with the selection criteria and additional details, were previously noted in the prospective registry (INPLASY202480036). The quality of the evidence was evaluated via the PEDro scale. Results: The 21 studies that make up the sample of this systematic review have a total sample of 287 athletes. However, in the studies analyzed, there are five main categories for the study of performance in BMX: (i) physiological profile and BMX and bicarbonate; (ii) BMX and physical characteristics (power, speed, and sprint); (iii) translation and rotational acceleration and systems and implements; (iv) psychological variables; and (v) skills and techniques. Conclusions: This systematic review provides convincing evidence regarding the influence of several factors that can determine performance in BMX, including P_max, cadence, neuromuscular capacity, feedback and cognitive training, accelerometry and video analysis, anaerobic–aerobic relationships, physical conditioning, strength, and speed. Full article

Background/Objectives: In this study, we aimed to analyze the validity, based on the internal structure of the construct, measurement invariance by sex, and reliability of the scores for the “Knowledge in Basic Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation in Peruvian children/adolescents” (KBCPR_P21) and “Attitudes in Basic Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation in Peruvian children/adolescents” (ABCPR_P21) instruments in Spanish. Methods: A cross-sectional and instrumental methodological study was conducted between February and August 2021, with the participation of 415 Peruvian elementary school students between 8 and 13 years of age. Participants responded to surveys on knowledge and attitudes toward CPR. For both instruments, exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was used as the estimation method for categorical data. Results: All of the items for both scales have high discriminative capacity (>0.30), and both scales showed high internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha > 0.87 and McDonald’s omega > 0.90). The validity, based on the internal structure of the construct, implied the existence of a single factor grouping all the items in the two scales (CFI and TLI > 0.95; RMSEA and SRMR < 0.08). Multigroup confirmatory factor analysis also allowed us to satisfactorily verify measurement invariance by sex at the four levels (configural, metric, scalar, and strict) for both scales. Conclusions: We can conclude that the values obtained in our evaluation of the scales favor considering them as valid and reliable instruments with which to measure knowledge and attitudes toward basic cardiopulmonary resuscitation in children/adolescents in Peru, given prior learning. The scales could also be used in the evaluation of knowledge and attitudes around basic cardiopulmonary resuscitation in other countries, providing trainers with rapid feedback on the knowledge and attitudes transmitted in training courses, thus allowing better control over the training activities carried out in these courses. Finally, the availability of the scales would allow researchers to empirically test their psychometric properties in other countries. Full article

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of inspiratory muscle training on inspiratory muscle strength and cardiorespiratory performance in patients undergoing open heart surgery. Method: This study was conducted as a randomized controlled trial with two groups. Fifty-eight patients who underwent open heart surgery were randomly assigned to either the intervention group or the control group 29 in the control group and 29 in the intervention group. Patients in the intervention group participated in a physical therapy program combined with inspiratory muscle training using the Thammasat University (TU) Breath Trainer. Patients in the control group received only the standard physical therapy program. The maximum inspiratory pressure, maximum expiratory pressure and 6 min walk test distance were assessed both before surgery and prior to hospital discharge. Results: The intervention group had a significant increase in maximum inspiratory pressure (p < 0.001), maximum expiratory pressure (p < 0.001) and 6 min walk test distance (p = 0.013). The control group had a significant decrease in maximum inspiratory pressure (p < 0.001), maximum expiratory pressure (p = 0.002) and 6 min walk test distance (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Inspiratory muscle training can be performed using maximum pressure resistors, such as the TU-Breath Trainer device. This training has been shown to effectively improve inspiratory muscle strength and cardiorespiratory performance in patients undergoing open heart surgery, as well as reduce pulmonary complications and shorten the length of hospital stay. Full article