Exploring the Effects of Effectors

2020 ◽  
Vol 37 (3) ◽  
pp. 196-207
Author(s):  
Fiona C. Manning ◽  
Anna Siminoski ◽  
Michael Schutz
Keyword(s):  
Coefficient Of Variation ◽  
Perception And Action ◽  
Group Differences ◽  
Rhythm Perception ◽  
Finger Movements ◽  
Auditory Sequence ◽  
Sensorimotor Interactions ◽  
And Training

We explore the effects of trained musical movements on sensorimotor interactions in order to clarify the interpretation of previously observed expertise differences. Pianists and non-pianists listened to an auditory sequence and identified whether the final event occurred in time with the sequence. In half the trials participants listened without moving, and in half they synchronized keystrokes while listening. Pianists and non-pianists were better able to identify the timing of the final tone after synchronizing keystrokes compared to listening only. Curiously, this effect of movement did not differ between pianists and non-pianists despite substantial training differences with respect to finger movements. We also found few group differences in the ability to align keystrokes with events in the auditory sequence; however, movements were less variable (lower coefficient of variation) in pianists compared to non-pianists. Consistent with the idea that the benefits of synchronization on rhythm perception are constrained by motor effector kinematics, this work helps clarify previous findings in this paradigm. We discuss these outcomes in light of training and the kinematics involved in pianist keystrokes compared to musicians synchronizing movements in other studies. We also overview how these differences across motor effector synchronization and training must be accounted for in models of perception and action.

scholarly journals Pacing in Time-Limited Ultramarathons from 6 to 24 Hours—The Aspects of Age, Sex and Performance Level

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (5) ◽  
pp. 2705
Author(s):  
Hagen Deusch ◽  
Pantelis T. Nikolaidis ◽  
José Ramón Alvero-Cruz ◽  
Thomas Rosemann ◽  
Beat Knechtle
Keyword(s):  
Analysis Of Variance ◽  
Coefficient Of Variation ◽  
Training Programs ◽  
Performance Level ◽  
Running Speed ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Main Effects ◽  
And Training ◽  
Age And Sex

(1) Background: Compared with marathon races, pacing in time-limited ultramarathons has only been poorly discussed in the literature. The aim of the present study was to analyze the interaction of performance level, age and sex with pacing during 6 h, 12 h or 24 h time-limited ultramarathons. (2) Methods: Participants (n = 937, age 48.62 ± 11.80 years) were the finishers in 6 h (n = 40, 17 women and 23 men), 12 h (n = 232, 77 women and 155 men) and 24 h (n = 665, 166 women and 409 men) ultramarathons. The coefficient of variation (CV), calculated as SD/mean, was used to described pacing. Low scores of CV denoted a more even pacing, and vice versa. A two-way analysis of variance examined the main effects and interactions of sex and race duration on age, race speed and pacing. (3) Results: More men participated in the longer race distances than in the shorter ones and men were older and faster than women. Comparing the 6 h, 12 h and 24 h races, the finishers in the 6 h were the fastest, the finishers in the 12 h were the oldest and the finishers in the 24 h showed the most variable pacing. Furthermore, the faster running speed in the 12 h (women, r = −0.64; men, r = −0.49, p < 0.001) and the 24 h (r = −0.47 in women and men, p < 0.001) was related to less variable pacing. (4) Conclusions: These data might help runners and coaches to choose the the proper duration of a race and training programs for their athletes.

scholarly journals Influence of Menstrual Cycle or Hormonal Contraceptive Phase on Energy Intake and Metabolic Hormones—A Pilot Study

Endocrines ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 79-90
Author(s):  
Johanna K. Ihalainen ◽  
Ida Löfberg ◽  
Anna Kotkajuuri ◽  
Heikki Kyröläinen ◽  
Anthony C. Hackney ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Menstrual Cycle ◽  
Energy Intake ◽  
Hormonal Contraceptive ◽  
Group Differences ◽  
Metabolic Hormones ◽  
Recreational Athletes ◽  
Total Ghrelin ◽  
17Β Estradiol ◽  
The Mean ◽  
And Training

Sex hormones are suggested to influence energy intake (EI) and metabolic hormones. This study investigated the influence of menstrual cycle (MC) and hormonal contraceptive (HC) cycle phases on EI, energy availability (EA), and metabolic hormones in recreational athletes (eumenorrheic, NHC = 15 and monophasic HC-users, CHC = 9). In addition, 72-h dietary and training logs were collected in addition to blood samples, which were analyzed for 17β-estradiol (E2), progesterone (P4), leptin, total ghrelin, insulin, and tri-iodothyronine (T3). Measurements were completed at four time-points (phases): Bleeding, mid-follicular (FP)/active 1, ovulation (OVU)/active 2, mid-luteal (LP)/inactive in NHC/CHC, respectively. As expected, E2 and P4 fluctuated significantly in NHC (p < 0.05) and remained stable in CHC. In NHC, leptin increased significantly between bleeding and ovulation (p = 0.030) as well as between FP and OVU (p = 0.022). No group differences in other measured hormones were observed across the MC and HC cycle. The mean EI and EA were similar between phases, with no significant differences observed in macronutrient intake over either the MC or HC. While the MC phase might have a small, but statistically significant effect on leptin, the findings of the present study suggest that the MC or HC phase does not significantly alter ad libitum EI or EA in recreational athletes.

scholarly journals Assessment Practices of Child Clinicians

Assessment ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 24 (2) ◽  
pp. 210-221 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jonathan R. Cook ◽  
Estee M. Hausman ◽  
Amanda Jensen-Doss ◽  
Kristin M. Hawley
Keyword(s):  
Broad Spectrum ◽  
Latent Profile Analysis ◽  
Profile Analysis ◽  
Group Differences ◽  
Assessment Practices ◽  
Specific Measure ◽  
Standardized Measures ◽  
Assessment Strategies ◽  
Best Fit ◽  
And Training

Assessment is an integral component of treatment. However, prior surveys indicate clinicians may not use standardized assessment strategies. We surveyed 1,510 clinicians and used multivariate analysis of variance to explore group differences in specific measure use. Clinicians used unstandardized measures more frequently than standardized measures, although psychologists used standardized measures more frequently than nonpsychologists. We also used latent profile analysis to classify clinicians based on their overall approach to assessment and examined associations between clinician-level variables and assessment class or profile membership. A four-profile model best fit the data. The largest profile consisted of clinicians who primarily used unstandardized assessments (76.7%), followed by broad-spectrum assessors who regularly use both standardized and unstandardized assessment (11.9%), and two smaller profiles of minimal (6.0%) and selective assessors (5.5%). Compared with broad-spectrum assessors, unstandardized and minimal assessors were less likely to report having adequate standardized measures training. Implications for clinical practice and training are discussed.

Sex Trafficking Knowledge and Training: Implications From Environmental Scanning in the American Midwest

2020 ◽  
Vol 35 (3) ◽  
pp. 363-381 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kathleen M. Preble ◽  
Sarah Tlapek ◽  
Erica Koegler
Keyword(s):  
Sex Trafficking ◽  
Goodness Of Fit ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Group Differences ◽  
Environmental Scanning ◽  
Medical Providers ◽  
Victim Identification ◽  
Medical Needs ◽  
Case Development ◽  
And Training

Large gaps exist in our knowledge about the effectiveness of sex trafficking training. This study surveyed knowledge and training regarding sex trafficking among service providers (N = 66; i.e., social workers, law enforcement offers, and medical providers) in one Midwestern state. The study aimed to: (a) determine the goodness-of-fit between respondents' agency criteria for victim identification and established trafficking definitions, (b) assess training desired and received, and (c) examine group differences in knowledge and training by profession and position. Results suggest confusion exists in defining sex trafficking among aftercare providers despite nearly all respondents indicating they had received training on definition, identification, and vulnerability. Training gaps regarding service coordination, case development, and the legal, mental health, and medical needs of victims remain.

scholarly journals Assessing knowledge, attitude, practice and training related to COVID-19: a cross-sectional survey of frontline healthcare workers in Nigeria

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (9) ◽  
pp. e050138
Author(s):  
Theddeus Iheanacho ◽  
Elina Stefanovics ◽  
Ugochi Genevieve Okoro ◽  
Udo Ego Anyaehie ◽  
Paschal Okuchi Njoku ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Training Needs ◽  
Medical Laboratory ◽  
Group Differences ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Significant Group ◽  
And Training

ObjectivesHealthcare workers (HCWs) are at the frontline of efforts to treat those affected by COVID-19 and prevent its continued spread. This study seeks to assess knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) as well as training needs and preferences related to COVID-19 among frontline HCWs in Nigeria.SettingA cross-sectional survey was carried out among 1852 HCWs in primary, secondary and tertiary care settings across Nigeria using a 33-item questionnaire.ParticipantsRespondents included doctors, nurses, pharmacy and clinical laboratory professionals who have direct clinical contact with patients at the various healthcare settings.AnalysisExploratory factor analysis (EFA) was used to establish independent factors related to COVID-19 KAP. Analysis of variance was used to identify any differences in the factors among different categories of HCWs.ResultsEFA identified four factors: safety and prevention (factor 1), practice and knowledge (factor 2), control and mitigation (factor 3) and national perceptions (factor 4). Significant group differences were found on three factors: Factor 1 (F(1,1655)=5.79, p=0.0006), factor 3 (F(1,1633)=12.9, p<0.0.0001) and factor 4 (F(1,1655)=7.31, p<0.0001) with doctors scoring higher on these three factors when compared with nurses, pharmaceutical workers and medical laboratory scientist. The most endorsed training need was how to reorganise the workplace to prevent spread of COVID-19. This was chosen by 61.8% of medical laboratory professionals, 55.6% of doctors, 51.7% of nurses and 51.6% of pharmaceutical health workers. The most preferred modes of training were webinars and conferences.ConclusionThere were substantial differences in KAP regarding the COVID-19 pandemic among various categories of frontline HCWs surveyed. There were also group differences on COVID-19 training needs and preferences. Tailored health education and training aimed at enhancing and updating COVID-19 KAP are needed, particularly among non-physician HCWs.

Effect of Individualized, Nonindividualized, and Package Intervention Strategies on Karate Performance

1985 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 40-50 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas G. Seabourne ◽  
Robert S. Weinberg ◽  
Allen Jackson ◽  
Richard M. Suinn
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Strategies ◽  
Intervention Strategies ◽  
Performance Evaluations ◽  
Group Differences ◽  
Placebo Control ◽  
Self Defense ◽  
Different Types ◽  
And Control ◽  
And Training ◽  
Better Than

The purpose of the present investigation was to determine the effectiveness of different types of mental intervention procedures on karate performance. Subjects were 43 male volunteer students enrolled in self-defense classes at a university. They were randomly assigned to one of five conditions: individualized, nonindividualized, package, placebo control, and control. Karate performance evaluations (i.e., skill, combinations, sparring) were administered during the 5th (baseline), 10th, and 15th weeks of classes. All experimental groups received handouts, mini-strategies, manipulation checks, and interviews to aid them in their practice and training of their mental strategies. Thus, over the 10-week period, subjects spent a minimum of 17 hours practicing their cognitive strategies. Data were analyzed by a series of 5 x 2 (treatment X trials) multivariate analyses of variance. Results indicated that the individualized and package groups performed significantly better than all other groups on the karate performance measures of combinations and sparring. No other between-group differences were found. These results are supported by previous research (e.g., Kirschenbaum & Bale, 1980; Silva, 1982) which demonstrates the effectiveness of individualized and packaged intervention strategies in enhancing performance. Additional well controlled intervention studies are imperative before definitive statements can be put forth.

scholarly journals Intra-individual Variability as a Measure of Information Processing Difficulties in Multiple Sclerosis

2012 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 77-83 ◽  
Author(s):  
Magdalena Wojtowicz ◽  
Lindsay I. Berrigan ◽  
John D. Fisk
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Information Processing ◽  
Cognitive Functioning ◽  
Coefficient Of Variation ◽  
Individual Variability ◽  
Group Differences ◽  
Information Processing Speed ◽  
Subject Variability ◽  
Level Performance ◽  
Within Subject Variability

Deficits in information processing speed are among the most commonly reported impairments in multiple sclerosis (MS) and are generally assessed by evaluating mean-level performance on time-limited tests. However, this approach to assessing performance ignores potential within-subject differences in MS patients that may be useful for characterizing cognitive difficulties in MS. An alternative method of measuring performance is by examining the degree of within-subject variability, termed intra-individual variability (IIV). Intra-individual variability provides information about the characteristics of a person's performance over time and may provide novel information about cognitive functioning in MS. This study examined IIV in performance on the Computerized Test of Information Processing (CTIP) using two within-subject variability methods: individual standard deviation and coefficient of variation. Eighteen females with relapsing-remitting MS and 18 healthy female controls completed the CTIP. Consistent with previous research, MS patients demonstrated slower overall mean performance on the CTIP compared with controls, with patients becoming increasingly slower than controls as cognitive demands increased across the tasks. Furthermore, MS patients demonstrated greater IIV as measured by individual standard deviations on all subtests of the CTIP, even with mean-level group differences as well as practice and learning effects controlled. These between-group differences were not found when the coefficient of variation, a more coarse measure of within-subject variability, was used. Intra-individual variability was also found to be a better predictor of neurologic status than mean-level performance. These results suggest that IIV may provide unique insight into cognitive functioning in MS.

Multi-level sensorimotor interactions

2001 ◽  
Vol 24 (5) ◽  
pp. 906-907
Author(s):  
Stefan Vogt ◽  
Heiko Hecht
Keyword(s):  
Perception And Action ◽  
Action Perception ◽  
Motor Processing ◽  
Action Preparation ◽  
Sensorimotor Interactions ◽  
Multi Level ◽  
Multiple Levels

We share the authors' general approach to the study of perception and action, but rather than singling out a particular level of “late perceptual” and “early motor” processing for sensorimotor interactions, we argue that these can arise at multiple levels during action preparation and execution. Recent data on action-perception transfer are used to illustrate this perspective.

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