Improvement of Early Recognition of Attacks in Karate Kumite Due to Training in Virtual Reality

In a Virtual Reality training, young karate athletes divided in two groups (intervention vs. control group) responded to attacks of a virtual opponent. For the analysis, the first reaction of the responding karate athletes was detected. From that point three reaction times were subtracted to analyze the attack of the virtual opponent at the time of the recognition of the real athlete. The attacks were divided into four movement stages. Analysis of Variance (ANOVAs) with repeated measures and estimation of effect sizes as well as Bonferroni post-hoc tests were applied to calculate interactions between time (PRE to POST), group (intervention vs. control) and reaction time (150 ms vs. 255 ms vs. 370 ms). We found significant effects for time and time x group interactions for the attacks Gyaku-Zuki and Kizami-Zuki as well as an effect for time x reaction time in Gyaku-Zuki (all p < 0.001), but no significant effects for time x group x reaction time in both attacks (p > 0.05). Paired t-tests showed significant improvements in attack recognition from PRE to POST for the intervention group, but not for the control group. At the pretest all athletes responded to late movement stages (extension of the pushing arm) while the intervention group responded to early movement stages (preparing steps and reduction of distance before the attack) at the posttest due to the Virtual Reality training. Early steps for the preparation of the attack and the reduction of distance seem to be important signals for attack recognition.

Download Full-text

The Effects of an Authentic Coaching Intervention on Athlete Outcomes: A Pilot Randomised Control Trial

10.31236/osf.io/uvms3 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Ella Malloy ◽

Maria Kavussanu

Keyword(s):

Repeated Measures ◽

Group Intervention ◽

Authentic Leadership ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Randomised Control Trial ◽

Control Group ◽

Manipulation Check ◽

Coaching Intervention ◽

Post Test ◽

N 93

ObjectivesAuthentic leadership could produce promising outcomes in sport. However, no intervention designed to increase coaches’ authentic leadership exists. The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate such an intervention by examining its efficacy on a range of athlete outcomes.Design Mixed design with Group (Intervention, Control) as between and Time (pre, post) as within-participants factors.MethodA total of 18 coaches (Mage = 37.89; 83% male) who were coaching 153 athletes (Mage = 20.48; 50.3% females) were randomly allocated, via block randomisation, into either an intervention (n = 60) or a control group (n = 93). The coaches in the intervention group received a 2-hour-long workshop, had a midway-point meeting, and completed weekly coaching logs. The control group did not receive an intervention. Data were collected prior to the intervention and two months after the intervention had been completed. Results A manipulation check revealed the intervention group reported higher authentic leadership, compared to the control group. A repeated measures multivariate analysis of variance indicated that athletes in the intervention group reported significantly higher enjoyment and prosocial behaviours from pre to post-test compared to the control group. Conclusions The findings suggest that an authentic leadership intervention could be effective in improving coaches’ authentic behaviours and promoting positive athlete outcomes

Download Full-text

Effectiveness of a Mindfulness-Based Group Intervention for Chinese University Students with Sleep Problems

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph19020755 ◽

2022 ◽

Vol 19 (2) ◽

pp. 755

Author(s):

Lin Fu ◽

Shuang Wei ◽

Jin Cheng ◽

Xueqi Wang ◽

Yueyue Zhou ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Depressive Symptoms ◽

University Students ◽

Sleep Quality ◽

Repeated Measures ◽

Group Intervention ◽

Sleep Problems ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Control Group ◽

Emotional Symptoms ◽

Chinese University

The increasing prevalence of sleep disorders among university students should be taken seriously. Group counseling involving a mindfulness-based strategy may help prevent students from developing insomnia and subsequent mental health disorders. This study aimed to evaluate the ameliorating effects of a mindfulness-based group intervention on sleep problems and emotional symptoms in university students in China. Twenty-one university students (16 females, 22.71 ± 4.28 years) who were not on medication were recruited and assigned to the intervention group based on the criterion of high levels of sleep problems. Additionally, twenty-four university students (19 females, 24.50 ± 0.93 years) were included as a nonrandomized control group. Individuals in the intervention group participated in a two-hour group intervention once a week for eight sessions. All participants completed self-reported questionnaire baseline tests, postintervention tests, and one-month follow-ups on mindfulness, sleep quality, anxiety and depressive symptoms. Repeated-measures ANOVA was performed. The results revealed significant intervention effects, with significant differences observed between the two groups in mindfulness and sleep quality. However, there was no significant effect of the intervention on anxiety and depressive symptoms. This study contributes to a better understanding of the effectiveness of mindfulness-based intervention in addressing sleep problems in university students.

Download Full-text

Virtual Reality as a Measure to Reduce Stress of Night-Shift Anesthesiologists: Study Protocol for a Cross-Over Design Trial

10.21203/rs.3.rs-35071/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Chaojin Chen ◽

Liubing Chen ◽

Ning Shen ◽

Chenfang Luo ◽

Ren Wang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Virtual Reality ◽

Group Intervention ◽

Night Shift ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Working Environment ◽

Control Group ◽

Severe Deficiency ◽

The Difference ◽

Group Control Group ◽

Night Shifts

Abstract Background: Because of the severe deficiency of global anesthesia workforce, anesthesiologists are forced to face work overload and more night shifts, which can disturbe the biological rhythm and cause major stress and depression, causing negative even devastating outcomes for both themselves and the patients eventually. Virtual reality (VR) as a new measure to reduce stress and pain for patients, has been widely used in biomedical fields.The purpose of the study is to evaluate the potential effectiveness of VR technology in reducing the stress of night-shift anesthesiologists.Methods: In this randomized controlled, cross-over design, single-center clinical trial, a total of 30 anesthesiologists are enrolled and randomized in a 1:1 allocation to either the VR immersion group (intervention group) or the routine night-shift group (control group) with a washout of 1 week. Anesthesiologists in the intervention group undergo VR immersion for twice while anesthesiologists in the control group will not watch VR videos during the night shift. The primary outcome is the difference between two groups about the score of NASA-TLX scale. Secondary outcomes include the score of CPSS, VAS and MFI-20 scales, satisfaction degree of the participants, heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP), the incidence of arrhythmia as well as incidence of chest tightness, headache, palpitations.Discussion: It is unknown whether the use of VR technology during the night shift can reduce the stress of night-shift anesthesiologists. With the widely use of VR technology, a positive result of the trial could spur the hospital to apply the technology to reduce the stress of night shift doctors in every department as well as offer a relatively relaxed working environment.Trial registration: ChiCTR2000031025 on March 21, 2020.

Download Full-text

The use of virtual reality to reduce stress among night-shift anesthesiologists: study protocol for a crossover trial

Trials ◽

10.1186/s13063-021-05222-8 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 22 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Chaojin Chen ◽

Liubing Chen ◽

Ning Shen ◽

Chenfang Luo ◽

Ren Wang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Clinical Trial ◽

Virtual Reality ◽

Perceived Stress ◽

Group Intervention ◽

Night Shift ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Working Environment ◽

Control Group ◽

Clinical Trial Registry ◽

Task Load

Abstract Background Because of the lack of anesthesia workforce, anesthesiologists are forced to work overtime and more night shifts, which can disturb their biological rhythm and cause severe stress and depression, potentially leading to negative and even devastating outcomes for both themselves and patients. Virtual reality (VR), a new method to reduce stress and pain for patients, has been widely used in biomedical fields. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the potential effectiveness of VR technology in reducing stress among night-shift anesthesiologists. Methods In this randomized controlled, crossover, single-center clinical trial, a total of 30 anesthesiologists will be enrolled and randomized in a 1:1 allocation to either the VR immersion group (intervention group) or the routine night-shift group (control group) with a washout of 1 week. Anesthesiologists in the intervention group will undergo VR immersion twice, while anesthesiologists in the control group will not watch VR videos during the night shift. The primary outcome will be the difference in the NASA Task Load Index (NASA-TLX) score between the two groups. Secondary outcomes will include the Chinese Perceived Stress Scale (CPSS), perceived stress scores (visual analogue scale (VAS)), and Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI-20) scores; levels of satisfaction among the participants; incidence of arrhythmia; and incidence of chest tightness, headache, and palpitations. Discussion It is unknown whether the use of VR technology during the night shift can reduce stress among anesthesiologists. With the widespread use of VR technology, a positive result in this trial could spur hospitals to apply VR technology to reduce stress among night-shift doctors in every department and provide a relatively relaxed working environment. Trial registration Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR2000031025. Registered on 21 March 2020

Download Full-text

Effects of a Sedentary Intervention on Cognitive Function

American Journal of Health Promotion ◽

10.1177/0890117116688692 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 32 (3) ◽

pp. 595-605 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Meghan K. Edwards ◽

Paul D. Loprinzi

Keyword(s):

Cognitive Function ◽

Repeated Measures ◽

Group Intervention ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Experimental Investigations ◽

Control Group ◽

Cognitive Assessments ◽

Multiple Parameters ◽

Time Interaction ◽

Parallel Group

Purpose: To examine the effects of a free-living, sedentary-inducing intervention on cognitive function. Design: Randomized controlled, parallel group intervention. Setting: University campus. Participants: Thirty-three young adults (n = 23 intervention; n = 10 control). Measures: The intervention group was asked to eliminate all exercise and minimize steps to ≤5000 steps/day for 1 week, whereas the control group was asked to continue normal physical activity (PA) levels for 1 week. Both groups completed a series of 8 cognitive function assessments (assessing multiple parameters of cognition) preintervention and immediately postintervention. The intervention group was asked to resume normal PA levels for 1 week postintervention and completed the cognitive assessments for a third time at 2 weeks postintervention. Analysis: Split-plot repeated-measures analysis of variance. Results: The results of our statistical analyses showed that the group × time interaction effect was not significant ( P > .05) for any of the evaluated cognitive parameters. Conclusion: These findings demonstrate the need for future experimental investigations of sedentary behavior to better understand its effects on cognitive function. However, although previous work has demonstrated favorable effects of acute and chronic PA on cognitive function, our findings suggest that a 1-week period of reduced PA does not detrimentally affect cognitive function, which may have encouraging implications for individuals going through a temporary relapse in PA.

Download Full-text

Improving Staff-Family End-of-Life Communication at Israeli Geriatric Facilities by Using a Mobile App

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igab046.1987 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 517-517

Author(s):

Rinat Cohen ◽

Gal Maydan ◽

Shai Brill ◽

Jiska Cohen-Mansfield

Keyword(s):

End Of Life ◽

Repeated Measures ◽

Group Intervention ◽

Medical Center ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Well Being ◽

Mobile App ◽

Control Group ◽

End Of Life Communication

Abstract Family caregivers (FCs) of persons institutionalized at geriatric facilities present significant unmet communication needs regarding receiving regular updates about their loved one’s condition and having available healthcare professionals (HPs) to approach when needed. We developed and tested a mobile-app for staff-family communication with both parties having active roles in app planning to tailor it to their needs and abilities. The app includes a daily-update module for FCs and a chat option for FCs and HPs. App use was piloted at one geriatric-medical-center for 15 months (unit-level randomization resulted in one complex-care and one assisted-ventilation unit in each group- intervention and control) and one single-unit nursing-home for three months. Personal interviews were conducted with 55 FCs (28 from intervention-group and 27 FCs from control-group) before-and-after app use (with mean duration of use 1.6[S.D.=.6] months. Most participants were women and the children of the patients; their mean age was 55.9 years (S.D.=12.4). Repeated-measures Analysis-of-Variance for the end-of-life communication sub-scale on the Quality-of-communication questionnaire yielded a main effect for time (F(1,53)=8.31, p=.006) with both groups’ ratings increasing over time and an interaction effect (F(1,53)=4.78, p=.033) with a greater increase for intervention-group compared to control-group. Intervention-group participants rated the app as convenient to use. Qualitative data revealed that FCs perceived app use as improving quality of communication with the HPs who used it and improving their own well-being. The app offers a feasible and an effective mode of communication that incorporates technology in daily communication between FCs and HPs while addressing FCs’ unmet needs.

Download Full-text

The Use of Virtual Reality to Reduce Stress among Night-Shift Anesthesiologists: Study Protocol for a Cross-Over Trial

10.21203/rs.3.rs-35071/v2 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Chaojin Chen ◽

Liubing Chen ◽

Ning Shen ◽

Chenfang Luo ◽

Ren Wang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Virtual Reality ◽

Perceived Stress ◽

Group Intervention ◽

Night Shift ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Working Environment ◽

Control Group ◽

Task Load ◽

The Difference ◽

Group Control Group

Abstract Background: Because of the lack of anesthesia workforce, anesthesiologists are forced to work overtime and more night shifts; this can disturb their biological rhythm and cause severe stress and depression, potentially leading to negative and even devastating outcomes for both themselves and patients. Virtual reality (VR), which is a new method to reduce stress and pain for patients, has been widely used in biomedical fields. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the potential effectiveness of VR technology in reducing stress among night-shift anesthesiologists.Methods: In this randomized controlled, crossover, single-center clinical trial, a total of 30 anesthesiologists will be enrolled and randomized in a 1:1 allocation to either the VR immersion group (intervention group) or the routine night-shift group (control group) with a washout of 1 week. Anesthesiologists in the intervention group will undergo VR immersion twice, while anesthesiologists in the control group will not watch VR videos during the night shift. The primary outcome will be the difference in the NASA Task Load Index (NASA-TLX) score between the two groups. Secondary outcomes will include the Chinese Perceived Stress Scale (CPSS), perceived stress scores (Visual Analogue Scale (VAS)) and Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI-20) scores; levels of satisfaction among the participants; incidence of arrhythmia; and incidence of chest tightness, headache, and palpitations.Discussion: It is unknown whether the use of VR technology during the night shift can reduce stress among anesthesiologists. With the widespread use of VR technology, a positive result in this trial could spur hospitals to apply VR technology to reduce stress among night-shift doctors in every department and provide a relatively relaxed working environment.Trial registration: ChiCTR2000031025

Download Full-text

The Effect of Preoperative Video Based Pain Training on Postoperative Pain and Analgesic Use in Patients Undergoing Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Non-randomized Control Group Intervention Study

Clinical Nursing Research ◽

10.1177/1054773820983361 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 105477382098336

Author(s):

Ceyda Su Gündüz ◽

Nurcan Çalişkan

Keyword(s):

Total Knee Arthroplasty ◽

Postoperative Pain ◽

Knee Arthroplasty ◽

Group Intervention ◽

Intervention Study ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Control Group ◽

Total Knee ◽

Randomized Control ◽

Analgesic Use

This non-randomized control group intervention study was conducted to determine the effect of preoperative video based pain training on postoperative pain and analgesic use in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty. During the study, the patients in the control ( n = 40) received routine care and the patients in the intervention group ( n = 40) received video based pain training. İt was determined that the mean postoperative pain scores of the intervention group were significantly lower and their pain management was better compared to the control group ( p < .05). The intervention group was found to use significantly less paracetamol on operation day compared to the control group ( p < .05). The intervention group was determined to benefit from non-pharmacological methods more than the control group did ( p < .05). Providing video based pain training to patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty is recommended since it reduces postoperative pain levels and increases the use of non-pharmacological pain control methods.

Download Full-text

Walking for Better Outcomes and Recovery: The Effect of WALK-FOR in Preventing Hospital-Associated Functional Decline Among Older Adults

The Journals of Gerontology Series A ◽

10.1093/gerona/glz025 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 74 (10) ◽

pp. 1664-1670 ◽

Cited By ~ 13

Author(s):

Yaniv Cohen ◽

Anna Zisberg ◽

Yehudit Chayat ◽

Nurit Gur-Yaish ◽

Efrat Gil ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Group Intervention ◽

Functional Decline ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Control Group ◽

Community Mobility ◽

Steps Per Day ◽

Quasi Experimental ◽

Activity Survey

Abstract Background In-hospital immobility of older adults is associated with hospital-associated functional decline (HAFD). This study examined the WALK-FOR program’s effects on HAFD prevention. Methods A quasi-experimental pre-post two-group (intervention group [IG] n = 188, control group [CG] n = 189) design was applied in two hospital internal medical units. On admission, patients reported pre-hospitalization functional status, which was assessed again at discharge and 1-month follow-up. Primary outcome was decline in basic activities of daily living (BADL), using the Modified Barthel Index. Secondary outcomes were decline in instrumental ADL (Lawton’s IADL scale) and community mobility (Yale Physical Activity Survey). All participants (75.1 ± 7 years old) were cognitively intact and ambulatory at admission. The WALK-FOR included a unit-tailored mobility program utilizing patient-and-staff education with a specific mobility goal (900 steps per day), measured by accelerometer. Results Decline in BADL occurred among 33% of the CG versus 23% of the IG (p = .02) at discharge, and among 43% of the CG versus 30% in the IG (p = .01) at 1-month follow-up. Similarly, 26% of the CG versus 15% of the IG declined in community mobility at 1-month follow-up (p = .01). Adjusted for major covariates, the intervention reduced the odds of decline in BADL by 41% (p = .05) at discharge and by 49% at 1-month follow-up (p = .01), and in community mobility by 63% (p = .02). There was no significant effect of the intervention on IADL decline (p = .19). Conclusions The WALK-FOR intervention is effective in reducing HAFD.

Download Full-text

Promoting Media Literacy Online: An Intervention on Performance and Appearance Enhancement Substances with Sport High School Students

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18115596 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (11) ◽

pp. 5596

Author(s):

Federica Galli ◽

Tommaso Palombi ◽

Luca Mallia ◽

Andrea Chirico ◽

Thomas Zandonai ◽

...

Keyword(s):

High School ◽

High School Students ◽

Media Literacy ◽

Repeated Measures ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Literacy Intervention ◽

Media Influence ◽

Control Group ◽

School Students ◽

Health Promoting Behaviors

The outbreak of coronavirus required adjustment regarding the delivery of interventions. Media literacy interventions are necessary to help people acquire relevant skills to navigate the complexities of media communications, and to encourage health-promoting behaviors. The present study aimed to promote a media literacy intervention regarding performance and appearance enhancement substances use in sports high school students. The COVID-19 contingency allowed us to evaluate whether online sessions can effectively promote greater awareness of media influence, a stronger sense of confidence in persuading others to deal with media messages, and healthier attitudes about PAES use among high school students. The study relied on an “intervention group” comprising 162 students (31.5% female) and a “control group” comprising 158 students (42% female). Data were analyzed through repeated measures of Group X Time MANOVA and ANOVA, demonstrating some degree of efficacy of the media literacy intervention. The “intervention group” reported higher awareness of potential newspapers’ influence and a significant increase in their sense of confidence in dealing with media influence compared to the “control group”. Findings support the efficacy of online media literacy programs to prevent doping consumption in adolescents.

Download Full-text