Examining Practice and Learning Effects With Serial Administration of the Clinical Reaction Time Test in Healthy Young Athletes

2019 ◽  
Vol 28 (6) ◽  
pp. 558-563 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cindy N. Nguyen ◽  
Reuben N. Clements ◽  
Lucas A. Porter ◽  
Nicole E. Clements ◽  
Matthew D. Gray ◽  
...  

Context: The clinical reaction time (RTclin) test has been recommended as a valid test for assessing concussion and determining recovery of reaction time function following concussion. However, it is unknown whether repeat assessment, as is used in postconcussion testing, is affected by learning or practice phenomena. Objective: To determine if a practice or learning effect is present with serial administration of the RTclin test. Design: Randomized control trial. Setting: University athletic training clinics. Participants: A total of 112 healthy collegiate athletes (age = 19.46 [1.34] y). Interventions: The control group completed the RTclin test on days 1 and 60. The experimental group completed the RTclin test on days 1, 2, 3, 7, and 60. Main Outcome Measure: Reaction time as measured with the RTclin test. Results: The difference in RTclin test performance from day 1 to day 60 was not significant (mean change = −2.77 [14.46] ms, P = .42, 95% confidence intervals, −6.40 to 0.862) between groups. The experimental group experienced significant improvement (λ = 0.784, F4,49 = 3.365, P = .02, η2 = .216, power = 0.81) with acute repeat testing. However, post hoc analysis did not reveal a significant difference between scores during the 5 test periods. Conclusions: The results suggest serial administration of the RTclin test does not produce a practice or learning effect. Clinicians, however, should be cautious as the results do provide evidence patients may demonstrate improved scores when testing occurs on repetitive days after initial exposure to the test.

2020 ◽  
Vol 33 (5) ◽  
pp. 793-800
Author(s):  
Houyong Zhong ◽  
Wichai Eungpinichpong ◽  
Xingze Wang ◽  
Uraiwan Chatchawan ◽  
Sawitri Wanpen ◽  
...  

BACKGROUND: Many previous studies have explored the effects of manual massage on back muscle fatigue, and most of the mechanical massage techniques imitate manual massage. However, it is unknown whether mechanical and manual massage have the same functions for exercise-induced back muscle fatigue. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of mechanical bed massage on the biochemical markers of exercise-induced back muscle fatigue in male collegiate athletes. METHODS: Twenty-eight male collegiate athletes who met the experimental criteria were recruited in this randomized controlled trial, and randomly assigned to a mechanical bed massage group (experimental group) or resting group (control group). The subjects performed eight bouts of reverse sit-up in the prone position and received 20 minutes of the intervention. Creatine kinase, blood lactate, and serum cortisol levels were measured at baseline, after fatigue, after intervention, and after 24 hours. RESULTS: The level of serum cortisol of the control group was significantly higher than that of the experimental group after the intervention (p< 0.05). The comparison of the two groups for blood lactate levels showed no significant differences at any of the measurement time-points (p> 0.05). There was no significant difference in creatine kinase levels immediately after the intervention (p> 0.05), but a significant difference in creatine kinase level was observed between the two groups 24 hours later (p< 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Significant differences were observed between mechanical bed massage and rest condition on serum cortisol and creatine kinase for exercise-induced muscle fatigue. Therefore, mechanical bed massage may reduce stress and muscle damage for the athlete after training or competition.


Author(s):  
Jaclyn B Caccese ◽  
James T Eckner ◽  
Lea Franco-MacKendrick ◽  
Joseph B Hazzard ◽  
Meng Ni ◽  
...  

Abstract Context: Pre-season testing is often used to establish baseline scores for post-concussion interpretation. However, pre-season testing can be time-intensive and cost-prohibitive, in which case normative data may be used for post-injury interpretation. Objective: To compare change from baseline and normative-based cutoff scores in interpreting clinical reaction time (RTclin) following concussion. Design: Prospective case-control study. Setting: Multi-site study with testing completed in university athletic training rooms. Patients or Other Participants: An overlapping sample of 99 participants (age=19.0±1.1 years) evaluated within 6 hours post injury, 176 participants (age 18.9±1.1 years) evaluated 24–48 hours post injury, and 214 participants (18.9±1.1 years) evaluated at the time they were cleared to begin a return-to-play progression. Concussion participants were compared to 942 control participants (age=19.0±1.0 years) who did not sustain a concussion during the study period but completed preseason baseline testing one year apart. Main Outcome Measures: At each time point, follow-up RTclin (i.e., post injury or year 2) was compared to individualized year 1 preseason baseline RTclin and to normative baseline data (i.e., sex- and sport-specific). Receiver operating characteristic curves were used to compare sensitivity and specificity of RTclin change from baseline and normative-based cutoff scores. Results: Within 6h, change from baseline of 16ms maximized combined sensitivity (52%) and specificity (78%, AUC=0.702), while normative-based cutoff scores of 19ms maximized combined sensitivity (45%) and specificity (86%, AUC=0.700). At 24–48h, change from baseline of 2ms maximized combined sensitivity (64%) and specificity (61%, AUC=0.666), while normative-based cutoff scores of 0ms maximized combined sensitivity (63%) and specificity (62%, AUC=0.647). Conclusions: Normative-based cutoff scores can be used for interpreting RTclin scores following concussion when individualized baseline data is not available, although low sensitivity and specificity may limit clinical use as a stand-alone test.


2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 9-15
Author(s):  
Shibili Nuhmani

Introduction: The training of core muscles is key in sports training to improve performance and reduce the risk of injuries. However the most effective method to improve core musculature is still controversial. Therefore the objective of this study was aimed at investigating the effectiveness of dynamic Swiss ball training in reinforcing the core stability of collegiate athletes. Materials and methods: This two-group, two-factor research involved 67, 18- to 28-year-old collegiate athletes (18 females, 49 males) who were divided into experimental and control groups. The experimental group was provided dynamic Swiss ball training, whereas the control group was instructed to perform floor exercises. The groups underwent training for six weeks (three days per week). Four core stability tests (the Biering-Sorenson trunk extension, Side Bridge, prone bridge, and double leg lowering tests) were administrated pre- and post-training. Results: The mean scores of the participants in the core stability tests significantly improved after six weeks of training (p<0.05), but the between-group comparisons revealed that the experimental group significantly outperformed the control group in terms of enhancement in core stability (p<0.05). Conclusion: The relatively high improvement in core stability parameters after Swiss ball training suggested that these exercises are favorable alternatives to traditional floor exercises in strengthening the core muscles. The findings are expected to help athletes, coaches, trainers, and other strength and conditioning specialists involved in athletic training decide on appropriate training methods.


2021 ◽  
Vol 56 (8) ◽  
pp. 851-859
Author(s):  
Jaclyn B. Caccese ◽  
James T. Eckner ◽  
Lea Franco-MacKendrick ◽  
Joseph B. Hazzard ◽  
Meng Ni ◽  
...  

Context Preseason testing can be time intensive and cost prohibitive. Therefore, using normative data for postconcussion interpretation in lieu of preseason testing is desirable. Objective To establish the recovery trajectory for clinical reaction time (RTclin) and assess the usefulness of changes from baseline (comparison of postconcussion scores with individual baseline scores) and norm-based cutoff scores (comparison of postconcussion scores with a normative mean) for identifying impairments postconcussion. Design Case-control study. Setting Multisite clinical setting. Patients or Other Participants An overlapping sample of 99 participants (age = 19.0 ± 1.1 years) evaluated within 6 hours postconcussion, 176 participants (age = 18.9 ± 1.1 years) evaluated at 24 to 48 hours postconcussion, and 214 participants (age = 18.9 ± 1.1 years) evaluated once they were cleared to begin a return-to-play progression were included. Participants with concussion were compared with 942 control participants (age = 19.0 ± 1.0 years) who did not sustain a concussion during the study period but completed preseason baseline testing at 2 points separated by 1 year (years 1 and 2). Main Outcome Measure(s) At each time point, follow-up RTclin (ie, postconcussion or year 2) was compared with the individual year 1 preseason baseline RTclin and normative baseline data (ie, sex and sport specific). Receiver operating characteristic curves were calculated to compare the sensitivity and specificity of RTclin change from baseline and norm-based cutoff scores. Results Clinical reaction time performance declined within 6 hours (18 milliseconds, 9.2% slower than baseline). The decline persisted at 24 to 48 hours (15 milliseconds, 7.6% slower than baseline), but performance recovered by the time of return-to-play initiation. Within 6 hours, a change from baseline of 16 milliseconds maximized combined sensitivity (52%) and specificity (79%, area under the curve [AUC] = 0.702), whereas a norm-based cutoff score of 19 milliseconds maximized combined sensitivity (46%) and specificity (86%, AUC = 0.700). At 24 to 48 hours, a change from baseline of 2 milliseconds maximized combined sensitivity (64%) and specificity (61%, AUC = 0.666), whereas a norm-based cutoff score of 0 milliseconds maximized combined sensitivity (63%) and specificity (62%, AUC = 0.647). Conclusions Norm-based cutoff scores can be used for interpreting RTclin scores postconcussion in collegiate athletes when individual baseline data are not available, although low sensitivity and specificity limit the use of RTclin as a stand-alone test.


2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (4) ◽  
pp. 258-277
Author(s):  
Canan Erten ◽  
Şeyda Çilden

The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the effect of the learning by ear method on the duration of visual and auditory reaction in initial violin education. In the study, pre-test post-test control group model was used from real test models. In the implementation process, the violin lesson in the experimental group was processed without notes based on the learning by ear method, in the Control Group lessons processed using the note. SPSS program was used in the analysis of the data obtained as the result of the measurements. When the findings obtained from the study were evaluated statistically, there was a statistically significant difference (p<0.5). between the reaction time pre-test - post-test scores of all the variables of the test group. While there was no statistically significant difference (p<0.5). between the pre-test and post-test scores of dominant hand-auditory reaction time for the control group; a statistically significant difference was found between pre-test and post-test scores for the other eight variables (p<0.5). When we look at the final tests of both groups, there was a significant difference (p=.008) in favor of the experimental group, as opposed to expected, only between the points related to the left-hand visual reaction time.


Author(s):  
Elçin Bedeloğlu ◽  
Mustafa Yalçın ◽  
Cenker Zeki Koyuncuoğlu

The purpose of this non-random retrospective cohort study was to evaluate the impact of prophylactic antibiotic on early outcomes including postoperative pain, swelling, bleeding and cyanosis in patients undergoing dental implant placement before prosthetic loading. Seventy-five patients (45 males, 30 females) whose dental implant placement were completed, included to the study. Patients used prophylactic antibiotics were defined as the experimental group and those who did not, were defined as the control group. The experimental group received 2 g amoxicillin + clavulanic acid 1 h preoperatively and 1 g amoxicillin + clavulanic acid twice a day for 5 days postoperatively while the control group had received no prophylactic antibiotic therapy perioperatively. Data on pain, swelling, bleeding, cyanosis, flap dehiscence, suppuration and implant failure were analyzed on postoperative days 2, 7, and 14 and week 12. No statistically significant difference was detected between the two groups with regard to pain and swelling on postoperative days 2, 7, and 14 and week 12 ( p &gt;0.05), while the severity of pain and swelling were greater on day 2 compared to day 7 and 14 and week 12 in both groups ( p =0.001 and p &lt;0.05, respectively). Similarly, no significant difference was found between the two groups with regard to postoperative bleeding and cyanosis. Although flap dehiscence was more severe on day 7 in the experimental group, no significant difference was found between the two groups with regard to the percentage of flap dehiscence assessed at other time points. Within limitations of the study, it has been demonstrated that antibiotic use has no effect on implant failure rates in dental implant surgery with a limited number of implants. We conclude that perioperative antibiotic use may not be required in straightforward implant placement procedures. Further randomized control clinical studies with higher numbers of patients and implants are needed to substantiate our findings.


2019 ◽  
Vol 1 (33) ◽  
pp. 693-714
Author(s):  
. Muntaha Sabbar Jebur

          Peer teaching is a strategy that allows the students to teach the new content to each other, and they must be accurately guided by instructors.     The researcher proposes that the use of students peer teaching  may promote students' achievement  and ensure the engagement of all the students in the learning process. Therefore, the researcher employs it as a teaching method aiming at investigating its  effect on Iraqi EFL students' achievement in the course of Library and Research Work .      The study hypothesizes that there is no significant difference between the students' achievement who are taught library and research work by students peer teaching  and that of the students taught by the traditional way. The experimental design of the study is Parallel Groups, Random Assignment, posttest. Each group consists of 35 students, chosen randomly from the Third Year Students at the Department of English in the College of Basic Education. Both groups were matched in terms of their age and parents' education. The experiment was fulfilled in the first course for 15 weeks during the academic year 2016-2017.       The same materials were presented to both groups. This included   units from Writing Research Paper by Lester D. . Post-test was constructed and exposed  The t-test for  independent samples was used to analyze the results and it is found out that there is a statistical difference between the two groups in their achievement because the calculated t- value 2.635 is bigger than the tabulated t- value which is 2.000, and also shown the superiority of the experimental group. The results indicate that the experimental group, who was taught Library and Research Work by peer teaching   was better than the control group, who was taught according to the traditional way. So, the null hypothesis is rejected. Finally, some recommendations and suggestions are presented in the light of the study findings. to a jury of experts to verify its validity and it was administered to both groups.


Author(s):  
Sergey Bezshapochny ◽  
Andrey Loburets ◽  
Valery Loburets

Topicality: The result of surgical treatment depends largely on the chosen method of management of the postoperative period, the main purpose of which is to reduce the effects of surgical trauma. Despite the wide variety of drugs for local and systemic use, the question of pharmacotherapy of the operated sinus remains open to this day. The main properties that a modern drug should possess are safety and high clinical efficacy. Aim: to study the clinical efficacy of topical application of a complex preparation based on a saline solution containing sodium hyaluronate and dexpanthenol in patients with chronic sinusitis after functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS). Materials and Methods: Clinical and laboratory studies were conducted on 47 patients with chronic rhinosinusitis who underwent surgery using the FESS technique. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to the principle of the postoperative period. Patients of research group (n=21), except for traditional therapy, was used locally NASOMER (a preparation based on a water-salt solution containing sodium hyaluronate and dexpanthenol); to the control group (n=26) patients entered, in the postoperative period received traditional therapy. Traditional therapy included a toilet of the nasal cavity, the use of short-course topical decongestants, irrigation of the nasal cavity with water-salt solutions. Criteria of clinical effectiveness: data of endoscopy of the nasal cavity, rhinomanometry, activity of the mucociliary transport system. The effectiveness of functional research methods in the postoperative period was determined on the 7th and 14th day of treatment. Results: On the 3rd day of the study, an increase in the swelling of the nasal cavity was observed in patients of both clinical groups, correlated with difficulty in nasal breathing. On the 7th day, a decrease in edema was observed in patients of both groups, but in the experimental group, the index of nasal breathing, according to rhinomanometry, was significantly (p<0.05) different from the control group, and was respectively 1.54±0.14 and 2.04±0.19 kPa/l*s. On the 14th day of the study, no significant difference was observed between these indicators. When studying the activity of the ciliated epithelium of the mucous membrane of the nasal cavity, it was proved that patients of the experimental group on day 7 after surgery showed a statistically significant difference in this indicator compared to the control group (17.8±1.0 and 22.7±2.1 min. respectively). Conclusions: The use of NASOMER after surgical intervention in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis contributes to more effective treatment compared with traditional therapy, as evidenced by the rapid recovery of the main functional parameters according to active posterior rhinomanometry and mucociliary clearance. Based on the results of the studies performed, the use of NASOMER for pharmacotherapy in the postoperative period is recommended for patients who have undergone rhinosurgical interventions with the aim of reducing the period of postoperative rehabilitation as an effective anti-inflammatory and wound-healing agent.


2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (8) ◽  
pp. 895-899 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shahin Safian ◽  
Farzaneh Esna-Ashari ◽  
Shiva Borzouei

Aims: Investigation thyroid dysfunction and autoimmunity in pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus. Background: This article was written to evaluate the thyroid function and anti-thyroid peroxidase (anti- TPO) antibodies in pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Method: A total of 252 women with GDM and 252 healthy pregnant women were enrolled. Thyroid tests, including TSH, FreeT3, Free T4, and anti-TPO were performed for all women at 24–28 weeks of gestation. Data analysis was then carried out using SPSS ver. 22. Result: There was a significant difference between the experimental group (38.4%) and the control group (14.06%) in terms of the prevalence of subclinical hypothyroidism (p= 0.016). The frequency of anti-TPO was higher in the experimental group than the control group and positive anti-TPO was observed in 18.6% of women with GDM and 10.3% of healthy pregnant women (P= 0.008). Conclusion: Thyroid disorders are observed in pregnant women with GDM more frequently than healthy individuals and it may be thus reasonable to perform thyroid tests routinely.


Author(s):  
Rajwinder Kaur

The purpose of the study was to study the Effect of Web based instructions on achievement in Social Studies. The sample consisted of 100 students from Grade 8th of schools affiliated to C.B.S.E of Ferozepur and were randomly split into two groups-control (taught by traditional method) and experimental (taught by Web based instruction) groups. Firstly pre-test was administered on both the groups; then the students in the control group were taught by conventional method while experimental group was taught by Web based instructions. Then post-test was administrated on both the groups. The Statistical techniques were then employed to data collected and analysis and interpretation of the data was done. The result of the study implied that there exists significant difference in achievement in Social Studies based on Web based instructions and conventional method. The study also revealed that there exist significant gender differences in achievement in Social Studies with Web based instructions.


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