scholarly journals Positive Effects of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Stretching on Sports Performance: A Review

2018 ◽  
Vol 6 (6) ◽  
pp. 1
Author(s):  
Fatih Kaya
Keyword(s):  
Athletic Performance ◽  
Motor Performance ◽  
Human Movement ◽  
Sports Performance ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation ◽  
And Performance ◽  
New Research

The role of flexibility on athletic performance is going on to be studied both acutely and how it affects the performance in the long-term. It is important to understand the effects of various stretching types and define the most appropriate form in order to maximize the human movement and performance. Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) stretching techniques are commonly used at athletic and clinic settings with the aim of optimizing motor performance and rehabilitation in order to increase range of motion. Yet, new research results put forth that the relation between performance and stretching is not as its thought and come up to this belief with suspicion. The aim of this review is to focus on the positive effects of PNF stretching on performance and to provide the reader with the latest researches on athletic performance. The researches reveal that PNF stretching can increase athletic performance in the long-term. Besides, it is more possible to obtain and maintain the benefits of PNF techniques if they are performed accurately and consistently.

Health, comfort and performance of children in classrooms – New directions for research

2016 ◽  
Vol 26 (8) ◽  
pp. 1040-1050 ◽  
Author(s):  
Philomena M. Bluyssen
Keyword(s):  
School Environment ◽  
Learning Ability ◽  
Toxic Exposure ◽  
Literature Study ◽  
New Directions ◽  
And Performance ◽  
New Generation ◽  
Acoustic Conditions

Children spend more time in schools than in any other place except at home. Children are more susceptible than adults to effects of toxic exposure, but also to poor acoustic conditions. It is known for some time that unsatisfactory environmental conditions, can have both short-term and long-term health effects, and can affect productivity or learning ability of the children. The underlying literature study focusses on the role of the indoor school environment on the health, comfort and performance of children in classrooms. In the last decades, many studies all over the world have been performed to document the indoor environment in classrooms and to examine relations with diseases and disorders. An inventory is made of these studies, major identified issues are discussed and ‘new’ directions of research are proposed. It is concluded that new generation research studies should be focussed on engagement of the children in an active way, preferable in semi-lab environments, and taking account of all aspects and interactions between them.

scholarly journals Nutra-ergonomics: influence of nutrition on physical employment standards and the health of workers

2016 ◽  
Vol 41 (6 (Suppl. 2)) ◽  
pp. S165-S174 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jane Shearer ◽  
Terry E. Graham ◽  
Tina L. Skinner
Keyword(s):  
Worker Safety ◽  
Work Schedule ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Health And Wellbeing ◽  
Workplace Productivity ◽  
Employment Standards ◽  
Short And Long Term ◽  
And Performance

The importance of ergonomics across several scientific domains, including biomechanics, psychology, sociology, and physiology, have been extensively explored. However, the role of other factors that may influence the health and productivity of workers, such as nutrition, is generally overlooked. Nutra-ergonomics describes the interface between workers, their work environment, and performance in relation to their nutritional status. It considers nutrition to be an integral part of a safe and productive workplace that encompasses physical and mental health as well as the long-term wellbeing of workers. This review explores the knowledge, awareness, and common practices of nutrition, hydration, stimulants, and fortified product use employed prior to physical employment standards testing and within the workplace. The influence of these nutra-ergonomic strategies on physical employment standards, worker safety, and performance will be examined. Further, the roles, responsibilities, and implications for the applicant, worker, and the employer will be discussed within the context of nutra-ergonomics, with reference to the provision and sustainability of an environment conducive to optimize worker health and wellbeing. Beyond physical employment standards, workplace productivity, and performance, the influence of extended or chronic desynchronization (irregular or shift work) in the work schedule on metabolism and long-term health, including risk of developing chronic and complex diseases, is discussed. Finally, practical nutra-ergonomic strategies and recommendations for the applicant, worker, and employer alike will be provided to enhance the short- and long-term safety, performance, health, and wellbeing of workers.

scholarly journals THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN AROUSAL ZONE, ANXIETY, STRESS AND SPORTS PERFORMANCE

2021 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 1-14
Author(s):  
Kata Németh ◽  
László Balogh
Keyword(s):  
Athletic Performance ◽  
Sports Performance ◽  
Mental Preparation ◽  
Optimal Functioning ◽  
Testing And Measurement ◽  
Complex Models ◽  
Mental Preparedness ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Physical Skills ◽  
The Relationship

This study aimed to examine the relationship between optimal functioning zone, anxiety, stress, and athletic performance. We conducted a systematic review of the available scientific articles and publications. Related literature was analyzed, relevant, or helpful in understanding the psychological aspects of athletic performance. It discusses the method and validity of hypotheses and approaches that have already appeared scientifically. We examined multidimensional approaches, which discuss the suitability and implications of some recent and more complex models of stress and performance. We may conclude that the relationship between stress and athletic performance is multidimensional. We also examined several factors, such as the interaction between the nature of the stressor, the cognitive needs of the task, and the individuals' psychological characteristics. Both physical and mental preparation is critical to successful sports performance. This way, the level of physical skills, mental preparedness significantly determine overall athletic performance. The article aims to provide a historical overview of the implementation, testing, and measurement of IZOF and other applied models.

scholarly journals AI and robotics to help older adults: Revisiting projects in search of lessons learned

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 356-378
Author(s):  
Gabriella Cortellessa ◽  
Riccardo De Benedictis ◽  
Francesca Fracasso ◽  
Andrea Orlandini ◽  
Alessandro Umbrico ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Technology Acceptance ◽  
Assisted Living ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Technology Acceptance Models ◽  
Key Points ◽  
New Research ◽  
And Robotics

Abstract This article is a retrospective overview of work performed in the domain of Active Assisted Living over a span of almost 18 years. The authors have been creating and refining artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics solutions to support older adults in maintaining their independence and improving their quality of life. The goal of this article is to identify strong features and general lessons learned from those experiences and conceive guidelines and new research directions for future deployment, also relying on an analysis of similar research efforts. The work considers key points that have contributed to increase the success of the innovative solutions grounding them on known technology acceptance models. The analysis is presented with a threefold perspective: A Technological vision illustrates the characteristics of the support systems to operate in a real environment with continuity, robustness, and safety; a Socio-Health perspective highlights the role of experts in the socio-assistance domain to provide contextualized and personalized help based on actual people’s needs; finally, a Human dimension takes into account the personal aspects that influence the interaction with technology in the long term experience. The article promotes the crucial role of AI and robotics in ensuring intelligent and situated assistive behaviours. Finally, considering that the produced solutions are socio-technical systems, the article suggests a transdisciplinary approach in which different relevant disciplines merge together to have a complete, coordinated, and more informed vision of the problem.

scholarly journals Assessment of a Novel Bioflavonoids and Phytonutrient Formulation in Enhancing Cellular Aerobic Glycolysis, Immunity, Sports Performance, and Mitigating Inflammation

2021 ◽  
Vol 1 ◽  
pp. 4
Author(s):  
Bernard W Downs ◽  
Samudra P. Banik ◽  
Manashi Bagchi ◽  
Bruce S. Morrison ◽  
Matt Piacentino ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Athletic Performance ◽  
Clinical Studies ◽  
Aerobic Glycolysis ◽  
Sports Performance ◽  
Pilot Studies ◽  
Diverse Range ◽  
Athletic Competence ◽  
Degenerative Disorders ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Performance Research

Metabolic competence in conjunction with well-balanced nutritional support is extremely important for normal biochemical and physiological functions, as well as for enhanced athletic performance. Research-affirmed nutraceuticals enriched in structurally diverse phytonutrients including bioflavonoids may help to boost athletic, functional, and biophysiological competence. Occurrence of chronic degenerative disorders is associated with an increase in anaerobic events, namely, the inability to effectively use oxygen and water, and inability to use nutrients for cellular energy production and management, metabolic homeostasis, and waste removal. Earlier clinical studies in our laboratories using the WADA compliant bioflavonoid-enriched Prodosomed VMP35 Multinutrient Complex (“Prodovite®”) demonstrated that it boosted aerobic metabolic competence and provided protection against diverse chronic degenerative anaerobic disorders. We hypothesized that Prodosomed VMP35 may serve as a novel supplement to boost athletic performance. The objective of the study was to conduct selected focused pilot studies to demonstrate the efficacy of a WADA compliant Prodosomed VMP35 to improve athletic competence and performance in a variety of sports activities. The efficacy of VMP35 was assessed in different models of sports performance/athletic competence including power lifting, resistance training, cycling, and selected case studies. VMP35 supplementation restored aerobic metabolic events, minimized oxidative stress, and improved athletic performance, recovery, and immune competence. These pilot clinical studies demonstrate that iron-free VMP35 restores aerobic metabolism by restoring iron-dependent hemoglobin to red blood cells, bolstering neutrophils in the blood (immune support), and significantly improving performance output in a diverse range of athletic activities.

Can firm innovativeness affect performance? The role of external involvement

2020 ◽  
pp. 147078532091540
Author(s):  
Yi Li ◽  
Gang Li ◽  
Ying Zhang ◽  
Jinpeng Xu
Keyword(s):  
Hierarchical Regression ◽  
Customer Involvement ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Processing Theory ◽  
Firm Innovativeness ◽  
Organizational Information ◽  
Supplier Involvement ◽  
And Performance ◽  
The Relationship

This research attempts to complement ongoing discussions on the effects of firm innovativeness on performance and explain the role of external involvement in the relationship between firm innovativeness and performance in B2B settings. More importantly, we investigate the effect of supplier involvement, customer involvement, and the interaction of both in the process of innovativeness, and explain how customer involvement and supplier involvement take effects in B2B settings. Using the perspective of organizational information processing theory, we apply the hierarchical regression to examine the moderation effects of external involvement on the relationship between firm innovativeness and performance. Findings show that in B2B settings customer involvement strengthens the positive effects of firm innovativeness on performance, whereas supplier involvement weakens the positive effects of firm innovativeness on performance. We also find that the interaction of customer involvement and supplier involvement weakens the positive effects of firm innovativeness on performance in B2B settings. These conclusions contribute to the knowledge of external involvement and firm innovativeness in B2B settings, and provide theoretical contributions and managerial insights for both academics and practitioners.

scholarly journals Effects of Self-Talk Training on Competitive Anxiety, Self-Efficacy, Volitional Skills, and Performance: An Intervention Study with Junior Sub-Elite Athletes

Sports ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (6) ◽  
pp. 148 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nadja Walter ◽  
Lucie Nikoleizig ◽  
Dorothee Alfermann
Keyword(s):  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Elite Athletes ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Competitive Anxiety ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Self Talk ◽  
And Performance ◽  
The Impact

(1) Background: Self-talk (ST) is used to influence athletes’ thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Samples of squad and competitive athletes are underrepresented, although research has proven the positive effects of ST in the context of sports. Thus, the present study focused on the impact of ST on psychological and performance outcomes of junior sub-elite athletes. (2) Methods: N = 117 athletes (55 females, 62 males; M = 16.0 years) were randomly assigned to either one of two experimental groups or to a control group (n = 30). The experimental groups received an ST intervention for either one week (n = 36) or eight weeks (n = 38), and the control group received no ST training. The dependent variables (competitive anxiety, volitional skills, self-efficacy, and coaches’ performance ratings) were assessed three times before and after the intervention. It was expected that (a) an ST intervention would reduce the competitive anxiety and increase volitional skills, self-efficacy, and performance; and, (b) long-term training would lead to higher effects than short-term training. (3) Results: As expected, ST training led to (less) somatic state anxiety and (higher) state self-confidence, self-optimization, self-efficacy, and performance. Additionally, long-term training was more effective than short-term training. (4) Conclusions: Targeted ST interventions may help to improve junior athletes’ psychological states and performance.

scholarly journals Role of Vitamin D in Athletes and Their Performance: Current Concepts and New Trends

Nutrients ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 579 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mirian de la Puente Yagüe ◽  
Luis Collado Yurrita ◽  
Maria J. Ciudad Cabañas ◽  
Marioa A. Cuadrado Cenzual
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Athletic Performance ◽  
Muscle Growth ◽  
Positive Influence ◽  
Sports Performance ◽  
Musculoskeletal Health ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Low Levels ◽  
Injury Recovery

We are currently experiencing a vitamin D (VITD) deficiency pandemic across the world. Athletes have the same predisposition to low levels of vitamin D, the majority of its concentrations being below 20 ng/mL in a wide range of sports, especially in the winter months. Vitamin D is important in bone health, but recent research also points out its essential role in extraskeletal functions, including skeletal muscle growth, immune and cardiopulmonary functions and inflammatory modulation, which influence athletic performance. Vitamin D can also interact with extraskeletal tissues to modulate injury recovery and also influence the risk of infection. The data presented in this paper has triggered investigations in relation to the importance of maintaining adequate levels of vitamin D and to the possible positive influence supplementation has on immune and musculoskeletal functions in athletes, benefiting their performance and preventing future injuries. The objective of this review is to describe the latest research conducted on the epidemiology of vitamin D deficiency and its effects on sports performance and musculoskeletal health.

Cold Ischemic Organ Preservation: Lessons from Natural Systems

2004 ◽  
Vol 52 (5) ◽  
pp. 315-322 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kenneth B. Storey
Keyword(s):  
Recovery Of Function ◽  
Cdna Array ◽  
Natural Systems ◽  
Organ Specific ◽  
Complementary Deoxyribonucleic Acid ◽  
Biochemical Mechanisms ◽  
New Research ◽  
Shock Proteins

Mammalian hibernators offer natural models for investigating solutions to the metabolic injuries that accrue during cold ischemic storage of human organs removed for transplant. Knowledge of the biochemical mechanisms that regulate and stabilize metabolism to ensure long-term viability in the hypometabolic, hypothermic state of hibernation could lead to applied treatments that could increase the time that excised organs can be maintained in cold storage and/or improve recovery of function after implantation. New research has documented the widespread role of reversible protein phosphorylation control of metabolism in achieving the coordinated suppression of metabolic rate that greatly extends viability during torpor. Analysis of hibernation-induced gene expression is proving to be of crucial importance for identifying the genes and proteins that are up-regulated to address organ-specific concerns during torpor. In particular, the power of complementary deoxyribonucleic acid (cDNA) array screening is identifying families of proteins that are up-regulated during hibernation (eg, serpins, heat shock proteins, antioxidants, membrane transporters) and highlighting previously unrecognized areas of cellular metabolism as contributing to the hibernation phenotype. These offer new targets for innovative applied treatments that could enhance cytoprotection and cold ischemia survival of organ explants.

Alliance portfolio capability

2016 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 281-301 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ulrich Lichtenthaler
Keyword(s):  
Financial Performance ◽  
Alliance Portfolio ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Alliance Performance ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Primary Type ◽  
Positive Effect ◽  
Conceptual Research

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to develop a conceptual framework and propositions on a capability-based view that examine the role of a firm’s primary type of alliances, i.e., exploration or exploitation, in the determinants and impact of alliance portfolio capability. Design/methodology/approach – This is a conceptual research paper, which builds on prior conceptual and empirical management research. Findings – Regarding determinants, capability-based arguments indicate that firms with an emphasis on exploration alliances have higher levels of alliance portfolio capability. However, a focus on exploration alliances aggravates the development of alliance portfolio capability through alliance experience and a dedicated alliance function. Regarding impact, alliance portfolio capability may positively affect a firm’s alliance, innovation, and financial performance. While alliance portfolio capability is assumed to have an equally positive effect on alliance performance for all types of alliance portfolios, a relative focus on exploration alliances is expected to limit the positive effects of alliance portfolio capability on innovation and subsequent financial performance. Originality/value – These new conceptual arguments help to reconcile inconsistent earlier findings, and they deepen the understanding of interfirm differences in alliance portfolio capability and performance.

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