scholarly journals A self-training program for sensory substitution devices

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. e0250281
Author(s):  
Galit Buchs ◽  
Benedetta Haimler ◽  
Menachem Kerem ◽  
Shachar Maidenbaum ◽  
Liraz Braun ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Training Program ◽  
Visual Information ◽  
Visually Impaired ◽  
Sensory Substitution ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Success Rates ◽  
Training Strategy ◽  
Blind And Visually Impaired ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Feedback Strategies

Sensory Substitution Devices (SSDs) convey visual information through audition or touch, targeting blind and visually impaired individuals. One bottleneck towards adopting SSDs in everyday life by blind users, is the constant dependency on sighted instructors throughout the learning process. Here, we present a proof-of-concept for the efficacy of an online self-training program developed for learning the basics of the EyeMusic visual-to-auditory SSD tested on sighted blindfolded participants. Additionally, aiming to identify the best training strategy to be later re-adapted for the blind, we compared multisensory vs. unisensory as well as perceptual vs. descriptive feedback approaches. To these aims, sighted participants performed identical SSD-stimuli identification tests before and after ~75 minutes of self-training on the EyeMusic algorithm. Participants were divided into five groups, differing by the feedback delivered during training: auditory-descriptive, audio-visual textual description, audio-visual perceptual simultaneous and interleaved, and a control group which had no training. At baseline, before any EyeMusic training, participants SSD objects’ identification was significantly above chance, highlighting the algorithm’s intuitiveness. Furthermore, self-training led to a significant improvement in accuracy between pre- and post-training tests in each of the four feedback groups versus control, though no significant difference emerged among those groups. Nonetheless, significant correlations between individual post-training success rates and various learning measures acquired during training, suggest a trend for an advantage of multisensory vs. unisensory feedback strategies, while no trend emerged for perceptual vs. descriptive strategies. The success at baseline strengthens the conclusion that cross-modal correspondences facilitate learning, given SSD algorithms are based on such correspondences. Additionally, and crucially, the results highlight the feasibility of self-training for the first stages of SSD learning, and suggest that for these initial stages, unisensory training, easily implemented also for blind and visually impaired individuals, may suffice. Together, these findings will potentially boost the use of SSDs for rehabilitation.

scholarly journals The Importance of Post-Activation Potentiation (PAP) Training on Physical Fitness Preparation for Malaysian Female Hockey Players

2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (3.7) ◽  
pp. 293
Author(s):  
Kassim Mohar ◽  
Rahman Fariq
Keyword(s):  
Training Program ◽  
Athletic Performance ◽  
Practical Interest ◽  
Power Production ◽  
Relative Strength ◽  
Sprint Performance ◽  
T Test ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Hockey Players

A vast amount of research has been performed illustrating that the execution of certain conditioning activities at maximal or near-maximal intensities can acutely enhance subsequent athletic performance with given sufficient recovery. This phenomenon is known as post-activation potentiation (PAP) and its use within the field of strength and conditioning has grown rapidly as performance enhancing effects have been demonstrated within athletic movements such as jumping and sprinting. Objective: The purpose of this study is to analyse the effectiveness of PAP training on sprint performance and power production among Malaysian female hockey player. Methods: A total of 18 well-trained athletes (age 25 ± 3.7; mass 54 ± 4.9; height 160.8 ± 2.8; relative strength half-squat 1.9 ± 0.3; relative strength hex-bar deadlift 1.7 ± 0.5; relative strength hang clean 0.8 ± 0.1) were tested for 20 meter sprint time and counter-movement jump (CMJ) test during the preparation phase. This study used two different groups such as experimental group (EG) and control group (CG) and each player were randomly assigned. Both groups were completed training in twice per week for a period of eight week training program. The EG performed a total of 16 session by having 2 different training blocks. Each block has a period practice of training for 4 weeks and each block also has different types of exercise. Meanwhile, CG completed 16 session based on coach training program and did not practice at the same time with the EG. The study intervention program including pre-test and post-test activities were conducted before and after the study. Result: A data analysis of paired t-test and independent t-test was used and the level of significance in all statistical analyses was set at p ≤ 0.05. The result showed that 8-weeks of EG displayed significantly improved in sprint performance (p ≤ 0.005) and power production (p ≤ 0.005). Moreover, result also revealed a significant difference between EG and CG in sprint performance (p ≤ 0.000) and power production (p ≤ 0.008). Conclusion: In short, the result emphasized the contribution of kinetic and kinematic parameters for sprint and power performance. The EG result seem significant for athletic performance. Therefore, this findings is of great practical interest for coaches and fitness trainers and relevant to female hockey players and consequently maybe used in training program.  

scholarly journals Studying the Effectiveness of Prevention Training Program of Drug Abuse on Reducing Risk Factors in Soldiers and Staffs

2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (1.SP) ◽  
pp. 20
Author(s):  
Parviz DABAGHI ◽  
Seyyed-Javad HOSSEINI-SHOKOUH ◽  
Reza SHAHRABADI
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Drug Abuse ◽  
Training Program ◽  
Life Skills ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Skills Training ◽  
Demographic Variables ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Prevention Training

Background and objective:    Drug abuse is one of the diseases that are highly dependent on individual behaviors and social interactions. This disease can be created in places like military garrisons due to their relationship with such behaviors. Therefore, soldiers and staffs are at risk of drug abuse. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of prevention training program of drug abuse on reducing risk factors in soldiers and staffs in Iran.Methods:In this quasi-experimental interventional study, 392 soldiers and staffs in two military garrisons in Khorasan Razavi (Intervention group 242 and control group 150) were randomly conducted to training program. The data collection tools were questionnaire of identifying people in risk of addiction, life skills questionnaire and demographic variables. The questionnaires were completed as self-report. Educational content was consisted of seven training sessions (60-minute) that only applied in the intervention group. 45 days after the last training session, educational software was distributed as a reminder in the intervention group. The two groups were followed up three months after the intervention. Finally, the data were analyzed using SPSS version 16.Results:  The findings showed that there was no significant difference between the two groups in demographic variables (Pvalue>0.05). The mean scores for risk factors on drug abuse after training program (Depression and feeling of inability, Positive attitude toward drug abuse and Anxiety and fearing of others) were significantly improved in the intervention group (Pvalue<0.05). Also, life skills variables except the problem solving skill (Pvalue>0.05) had a significant change after intervention in the intervention group (Pvalue<0.05).Conclusion:The findings indicated that the prevention training program of drug abuse based on life skills training could reduce the risk factors of drug abuse for soldiers and staffs in military garrisons.

scholarly journals The Effects of the TPACK-P Educational Program on Teachers’ TPACK: Programming as a Technological Tool

2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (3.34) ◽  
pp. 636
Author(s):  
Seong Won Kim ◽  
Youngjun Lee
Keyword(s):  
Statistical Analysis ◽  
Training Program ◽  
Content Knowledge ◽  
Educational Program ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Post Test ◽  
Technological Tool ◽  
Experimental Group

Background/Objectives: This study examined the effects of introducing programming as a technological tool for teachers’ Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK) development.Methods/Statistical Analysis: Thirty-two teachers were divided into two groups, completing different types of TPACK educational programs. The control group’s TPACK training program was based on information and communication technology (ICT), while that of the experimental group was based on programming. To verify the effectiveness of the TPACK training program, tests were administered before and after the educational program. A statistical analysis of questionnaire results also investigated changes resulting from TPACK.Findings: Both the control and experimental groups showed statistically significant improvements in the post-test compared with the pre-test. However, in the detailed areas of TPACK by group, the improvements in the two groups differed. Unlike the control group, the experimental group showed a statistically significant improvement in the knowledge related to technology. This result illustrated that programming is effective in solving the problem of integrating technology into the classroom. In contrast, there was no significant difference in the post-test, as this was applied in the short term. However, programming has been shown to affect Technological Pedagogical Knowledge (TPK), Technological Content Knowledge (TCK), and TPACK. In summary, the results showed that a TPACK educational program based on programming is effective for teachers’ TPACK development. Keywords: TPACK, In-service teacher, Programming, TPACK-P, Educational program

scholarly journals Cross-Modal Correspondences Enhance Performance on a Colour-to-Sound Sensory Substitution Device

2016 ◽  
Vol 29 (4-5) ◽  
pp. 337-363 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giles Hamilton-Fletcher ◽  
Thomas D. Wright ◽  
Jamie Ward
Keyword(s):  
Object Recognition ◽  
Associative Memory ◽  
Visual Information ◽  
Visually Impaired ◽  
Memory Task ◽  
Sensory Substitution ◽  
User Access ◽  
Visual Characteristics ◽  
Impaired User ◽  
Image Sonification

Visual sensory substitution devices (SSDs) can represent visual characteristics through distinct patterns of sound, allowing a visually impaired user access to visual information. Previous SSDs have avoided colour and when they do encode colour, have assigned sounds to colour in a largely unprincipled way. This study introduces a new tablet-based SSD termed the ‘Creole’ (so called because it combines tactile scanning with image sonification) and a new algorithm for converting colour to sound that is based on established cross-modal correspondences (intuitive mappings between different sensory dimensions). To test the utility of correspondences, we examined the colour–sound associative memory and object recognition abilities of sighted users who had their device either coded in line with or opposite to sound–colour correspondences. Improved colour memory and reduced colour-errors were made by users who had the correspondence-based mappings. Interestingly, the colour–sound mappings that provided the highest improvements during the associative memory task also saw the greatest gains for recognising realistic objects that also featured these colours, indicating a transfer of abilities from memory to recognition. These users were also marginally better at matching sounds to images varying in luminance, even though luminance was coded identically across the different versions of the device. These findings are discussed with relevance for both colour and correspondences for sensory substitution use.

scholarly journals VES: A Mixed-Reality Development Platform of Navigation Systems for Blind and Visually Impaired

Sensors ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (18) ◽  
pp. 6275
Author(s):  
Santiago Real ◽  
Alvaro Araujo
Keyword(s):  
Visually Impaired ◽  
Mixed Reality ◽  
Spatial Knowledge ◽  
Sensory Substitution ◽  
Navigation Systems ◽  
Gaze Tracking ◽  
Development Platform ◽  
Prototype Development ◽  
Blind And Visually Impaired ◽  
Visually Impaired People

Herein, we describe the Virtually Enhanced Senses (VES) system, a novel and highly configurable wireless sensor-actuator network conceived as a development and test-bench platform of navigation systems adapted for blind and visually impaired people. It allows to immerse its users into “walkable” purely virtual or mixed environments with simulated sensors and validate navigation system designs prior to prototype development. The haptic, acoustic, and proprioceptive feedback supports state-of-art sensory substitution devices (SSD). In this regard, three SSD were integrated in VES as examples, including the well-known “The vOICe”. Additionally, the data throughput, latency and packet loss of the wireless communication can be controlled to observe its impact in the provided spatial knowledge and resulting mobility and orientation performance. Finally, the system has been validated by testing a combination of two previous visual-acoustic and visual-haptic sensory substitution schemas with 23 normal-sighted subjects. The recorded data includes the output of a “gaze-tracking” utility adapted for SSD.

scholarly journals Effects of plyometric and pull training on performance and selected strength characteristics of junior male weightlifter

2019 ◽  
Vol 23 (3) ◽  
pp. 120-128 ◽  
Author(s):  
İ. İnce ◽  
A. Şentürk
Keyword(s):  
Training Program ◽  
Analysis Of Variance ◽  
Group Interaction ◽  
Strength Characteristics ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Jump Height ◽  
Plyometric Training ◽  
Countermovement Jump ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Main Effects

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of plyometric and pull training added an Olympic weightlifting training program (twice a week for 8 wk) on performance and selected strength characteristics in junior male weightlifter. Material: The participants [n = 34; age: 16.03 ± 0.9 y; mass: 74.78 ± 14.86 kg; height: 170.53 ± 6.81 cm] were randomized into a pull (n = 11), a plyometric (n = 12), and a control (n= 11) groups. The groups trained 6 days a week during the 8-week study period. The pull group performed four pull exercises and the plyometric group performed four plyometric exercises added to Olympic weightlifting program for 2 days a week, and the control group performed an Olympic weightlifting program alone. Analysis of variance and Magnitude-based inferences used to determine whether a significant difference existed among groups on snatch clean and jerk total (SCT), squat (SQ), back strength (BS), countermovement jump (CMJ), 30 sec. repeated jump height (RJH) and peak barbell velocity (PV). Results: The ANOVA showed a time × group interaction for SCT, BS and RJH. The MBI indicated positive changes for SCT in control group, for BS in pull group and for RJH in plyometric group. The results for the PV decrease in plyometric and pull group indicated no significant time × group interaction, but there was a significant main effects. ASK "Inserisci l'aim" \* MERGEFORMAT ASK \* MERGEFORMAT Conclusions: The results of this study showed that the addition of pull or plyometric training to an Olympic weightlifting program interfered with weightlifting performances.

scholarly journals INVESTIGATION OF THE EFFECT OF 8 WEEKS CORE TRAINING PROGRAM ON FREE SHOOTING AND VERTICAL JUMP PERFORMANCE IN BASKETBALL PLAYERS AGED 16-18

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Vesile Şahiner ◽  
Feyzullah Koca
Keyword(s):  
Training Program ◽  
Vertical Jump ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Basketball Players ◽  
Jump Performance ◽  
Mean Values ◽  
Free Throw ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Core Training ◽  
Experimental Group

The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of the core training program applied for 8 weeks to basketball players aged 16-18 on free throw and vertical jump performance. 22 male basketball players (11 experimental group, 11 control group) aged 16-18 participated in the study voluntarily. While core training was applied to the basketball players in the experimental group, 2 days a week for 8 weeks, together with the basketball training, the basketball players in the control group only continued their routine basketball training. Free throw and vertical jump performance tests were applied to the subjects before applying the 8-week core training program (pre-test) and after the 8-week core training (post-test). Statistically significant difference was found between pretest and posttest in terms of experimental group free throw test values (p<0.05) Statistically significant difference was found between the pretest and posttest values of the control group in terms of free throw test values (p<0.05). When the experimental group and control group free throw pretest and posttest were compared, no statistical significance was found (p>0.05). A statistically significant difference was found between the pretest and posttest in terms of vertical jump test values of the experimental group and the control group (p<0.05). However, the development in the experimental group was higher than in the control group. There was no statistically significant difference between the free throw test difference mean values of the experimental group and the control group (p>0.05). A statistically significant difference was found between the vertical jump test difference mean values of the experimental group and the control group (p<0.05). As a result, it can be said that 8-week core training has positive effects on the development of vertical jump performance on basketball players, but no effect on free throw performance. <p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/edu_01/0870/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>

scholarly journals Effect of pelvic girdle stability training on functional sitting control in children with hypotonic cerebral palsy

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 24-33
Author(s):  
W. S. Ahmed ◽  
◽  
R. M. Gharib ◽  
H. M. Salah El-Din ◽  
H. A. El-Talawy ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cerebral Palsy ◽  
Training Program ◽  
Pelvic Girdle ◽  
Trunk Muscles ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Upper Limbs ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Strengthening Exercises ◽  
Stability Training ◽  
The Impact

The aim of this research was to examine the impact of pelvic girdle stability training in children with hypotonic cerebral palsy on functional sitting control. Thirty children with hypotonic cerebral palsy in both sexes, with their ages ranging from two to four years were used in the study. There were fifteen children in the experimental group and fifteen children in the control group. The study group received pelvic girdle stability training program in addition to a selected program for upper limbs and trunk muscles strengthening exercises, while the control group received only the selected program for upper limbs and trunk muscles strengthening exercises. Results revealed significant difference of GMFM88 (sitting domain) (P < 0.01), stationary raw scores and stationary standard scores of PDMS-2 (P < 0.05) but no significant difference of age equivalent of PDMS-2 (P > 0.05). GMFM88, on the other hand, had a significant difference (sitting domain) (P < 0.05) but no significant difference of stationary raw scores, stationary standard scores and age equivalent of PDMS-2 (P > 0.05) in the control group. Paired t-test were conducted for comparison between pre and post treatment mean values of sitting domain and stationary scores in each group. From the obtained results of the present study, we conclude that pelvic girdle stability training program was more effective in generating core muscle activity for functional sitting control compared to traditional physical therapy of upper limbs and trunk muscles strengthening exercises in children with hypotonic cerebral palsy. Keywords: Pelvic girdle stability, functional sitting control, hypotonic cerebral palsy.

scholarly journals Repeated Onabotulinumtoxin-A Injections Provide Better Results than Single Injection in Treatment of Painful Bladder Syndrome

2013 ◽  
Vol 1;16 (1;1) ◽  
pp. E15-E23 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dr. Hann-Chorng Kuo
Keyword(s):  
Single Injection ◽  
Bladder Capacity ◽  
Painful Bladder Syndrome ◽  
Successful Outcome ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Success Rates ◽  
Onabotulinumtoxin A ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Painful Bladder

Background: Onabotulinumtoxin-A (BoNT-A) is effective for the treatment of interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome (IC/PBS). However, long-term follow-up does not show successful outcome after a single injection. Objectives: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of repeated intravesical BoNT-A injections for treatment of IC/PBS and compare the success rates among patient groups receiving different injection numbers. Study Design: Prospective interventional study. Setting: Tertiary medical center. Methods: Intravesical injection of 100 U of BoNT-A was performed in 81 patients every 6 months for up to 4 times or until patients’ symptoms significantly improved. Patients who received a single injection served as active controls. Measured parameters included O’LearySant symptom indexes (ICSI) and problem indexes (ICPI), visual analogue score (VAS) for pain, voiding diary variables, urodynamic parameters, maximal bladder capacity under anesthesia, glomerulation grade, and global response assessment. Multiple measurements and KaplanMeier analysis were used for comparison of consecutive data and success rates among groups. Results: Among 81 patients, 20 received single injections, 19 received 2 injections, 12 received 3 injections, and 30 received 4 injections. The mean (± standard deviation) of ICSI, ICPI, total scores, VAS, functional bladder capacity, and daytime frequency all showed significant improvement after repeated BoNT-A treatment with different injections. Significantly better success rates were noted in patients who received 4 repeated injections (P = 0.0242) and 3 injections (P = 0.050), compared to those who received a single injection. However, there was no significant difference of long-term success rates among patients who received 2, 3, and 4 injections. Limitations: Lack of placebo control group is the main limitation. Conclusion: Repeated intravesical BoNT-A injections were safe and effective for pain relief and they increased bladder capacity and provided a better long-term success rate than a single injection did for treatment of IC/PBS. Key words: Botulinum toxin, IC/PBS, Intravesical treatment

scholarly journals The Effectiveness of a Resilience Intervention Program on Emotional Intelligence of Adolescent Students with Hearing Loss

Children ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 48 ◽  
Author(s):  
Narges Adibsereshki ◽  
Nikta Hatamizadeh ◽  
Firoozeh Sajedi ◽  
Anoshirvan Kazemnejad
Keyword(s):  
Emotional Intelligence ◽  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Training Program ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Control Groups ◽  
Adolescent Students ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Resilience Training ◽  
And Control ◽  
Interventional Group

Adolescents with hearing loss have been shown to have some emotional difficulties. This study investigated the effectiveness of a resilience training program on the emotional intelligence of mainstreamed adolescent students with hearing loss. In this experimental study, a pre-test, post-test, follow up and control group design was implemented. After receiving informed consents, 122 students with hearing loss in mainstreaming settings were randomly assigned to intervention and control groups (61 students in interventional group and 61 in control). The interventional group received training in groups of 3 to 5, for 6 weeks (two times per week for 75 min). The intervention focused on feelings, thinking (positive, negative) and outcomes of negative thinking, coping strategies, strengths and weakness, problem solving, communication skills, social skills, negotiation, despising and ridiculing, intra- and interpersonal skills. The Connor-Davidson resilience scale (CD-RISC) and the Schutte Emotional Intelligence Scale were used to measure the resilience and the emotional intelligence (EI) of participants respectively just before intervention, as well as at the 6- and 14-week marks. The Friedman Test was used to compare changes in emotional intelligence between interventional and control groups. The intervention increased the resilience scores by 20 points. Although the EI of both groups were similar at the beginning of the research, there was a significant difference between the control and interventional groups in emotional intelligence and its aspects after intervention, at the 6-week and 14-week measurements (p < 0.001). The effect size was 1.5 for the EI total score. The 6-week resilience training program was very effective at improving emotional intelligence and could be readily used to help students with hearing loss improve their emotional abilities.

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