Effects of two training programs on health variables in adults with chronic low back pain: a randomized clinical trial

Aim: To analyze the effects of two training programs on health variables in adults with low back pain (LBP). Methods: Thirty-eight adults were randomly divided into three groups: resistance training (RG); resistance training with core training (RCG) and control (CG). Results: There were reductions in body mass index (BMI) in RG and RCG, waist circumference in RG and RCG, pain in RG, RCG and CG, CK in RCG, stress in RG and RCG, functional deficiency in RG and RCG and increases in trunk flexor and extensor strength in the RG and RCG. Conclusion: Resistance training, with or without core training exercises, reduced the levels of LBP, functional disability, stress and CK, and increased the strength of trunk flexors and extensors. Trial registration: Brazilian Clinical Trials Registry: ReBEC (RBR-5khzxz)

The Effect of Exercise Intervention on Reducing the Fall Risk in Older Adults: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Exercise intervention has a positive effect on reducing the fall risk in older adults. To investigate the effect of different factors of exercise intervention (type, duration, and frequency) on reducing the fall risk in older adults, a meta-analysis was performed in this study. According to the PRISMA®, two researchers independently searched PubMed, Web of Science, and the China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases to assess the quality of the studies using the PEDro scale. A total of 648 subjects in 10 randomized controlled trials were included in this study, and the exercise interventions included integrated training (resistance training, core training, and balance training), balance training, core training, Pilates, Ba Duan Jin, and Tai Chi. These studies show that exercise intervention has a huge and significant impact on reducing the risk of falls of the elderly. In conclusion, an integrated intervention with a frequency of more than five times a week and a duration of more than 32 weeks are more effective in reducing the fall risk.

Effect of 12 Weeks Core Training on Core Muscle Performance in Rhythmic Gymnastics

Background: Rhythmic gymnastics performance is characterized by technical elements involving flexibility, aerobic capacity and strength. Increased core strength in rhythmic gymnastics could lead to improved sporting performance. Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of 12 weeks of core muscle training on core muscle performance in rhythmic gymnasts. Methods: A randomized controlled study involving 24 rhythmic gymnastics was conducted. Participants were randomly assigned to a control group (CG; n = 12; age 13.50 ± 3.17 years) or a training group (TG; n = 12; age 14.41 ± 2.35 years). Body composition, isometric strength of trunk, core endurance and core muscle electromyographic activity were measured (EMG) after 12 weeks of core training. Independent sample t-tests were carried out to compare baseline values between groups. A two-way repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) (time × group) was applied. Results: The TG improved body composition, trunk lean mass (mean differences MD = −0.31; p = 0.040), lean mass (MD = 0.43; p = 0.037) and bone mass (MD = −0.06; p < 0.001) after training. Core training increased isometric strength of trunk, flexion test (MD = −21.53; p = 0.019) and extension test (MD = 22.7; p = 0.049), as well as the prone bridge core endurance test (MD = −11.27; p = 0.040). The EMG values also increased in the TG in prone bridge for front trunk (MD = −58.58; p = 0.026). Conclusions: Core strength training leads to improvements in body composition, as well as improvements in trunk strength and increases in muscle electromyographic activity. These improvements could therefore improve performance during competitive rhythmic gymnastics exercises.

Predictive Effect of Well-Known Risk Factors and Foot-Core Training in Lower Limb Running-Related Injuries in Recreational Runners: A Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: Running carries the risk of several types of running-related injuries (RRIs), especially in the lower limbs. The variety of risk factors and the lack of strong evidence for several of these injury risks hinder the ability to draw assertive conclusions about them, hampering the implementation of effective preventive strategies. Because the etiology of RRIs seems to be multifactorial, the presence of RRI risk factors might influence the outcome of therapeutic strategies in different ways. Thus, further investigations on how risk and protective factors influence the incidence and prevention of RRIs should be conducted. Purpose: To investigate the predictive effect of well-known risk factors and 1 protective factor—foot-core training—on the incidence of lower limb RRIs in recreational runners. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2. Methods: Middle- and long-distance recreational runners (N = 118) were assessed at baseline and randomly allocated to either an intervention group (n = 57) or a control group (n = 61). The intervention group underwent an 8-week (3 times/wk) foot-core training program. Participants were followed for a year after baseline assessment for the occurrence of RRIs. Logistic regression with backward elimination of variables was used to develop a model for prediction of RRI in recreational runners. Candidate predictor variables included age, sex, body mass index, years of running practice, number of races, training volume, training frequency, previous RRI, and the foot-core exercise training. Results: The final logistic regression model included 3 variables. As previously shown, the foot-core exercise program is a protective factor for RRIs (odds ratio, 0.40; 95% CI, 0.15-0.98). In addition, older age (odds ratio, 1.07; 95% CI, 1.00-1.14) and higher training volume (odds ratio, 1.02; 95% CI, 1.00-1.03) were risk factors for RRIs. Conclusion: The foot-core training was identified as a protective effect against lower limb RRI, which can be negatively influenced by older age and higher weekly training volume. The predictive model showed that RRIs should be considered a multivariate entity owing to the interaction among several factors. Registration: NCT02306148 (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier).

144 For Audit's Sake: An Audit of Audits

Aim Audit is a mandatory requirement for completion of Dental Core Training. Consequently, many audits undertaken by trainees are to “tick a box”, leading to incomplete or poor-quality audits, with change either not implemented or never measured. This audit assesses the standard of local audits. Method All audits registered with the local audit department from 2017-2020 were assessed using a standard that “100% of audits should be full cycle” (BMJ), and “100% audits must be measured against explicit standards" (NICE). The outcome forms and submitted audit presentations were used to evaluate if the completed audits needed re-auditing, and whether they had been re-audited. Whether they were actually audits was also assessed. Results 38 audit titles were registered. 7 had not been completed. Of 31 remaining audits, 24 needed re-auditing and 7 did not. Of 24 audits needing re-audit, 4 audits had not reached the proposed re-audit deadline, 7 re-audits were completed and 13 were not, leading to 35% (7/20) re-audit compliance. 5 did not have pre-determined standards, leading to 84% standards compliance. Conclusions As shown by the results, many audits are either not audits, not completed or never re-audited, leading to no change or no measurement of change. Re-evaluation of mandatory trainee involvement in audit and an emphasis on a more department lead approach to clinical governance could enable improved continuity of audits after rotation of trainees. This may lead to higher quality work and improvement of service provision.