Effect Of Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization Therapy Vs Parachute Resistance Training On Performance Level In Race Walkers: Comparative Study

Background: Race walking significantly places stress on the lower extremity joints affecting ADLs. The gait pattern of race walking is different than normal walking that causes biomechanical alterations leading to musculoskeletal disabilities. DNS (Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization) therapy is based on developmental kinesiology and the integration of neurophysiology and biomechanical principles in which each purposeful movement pattern is reinforced by the coordination between every segmented required for postural stability. Parachute Resistance training works on the principle of air resistance and terminal velocity, which helps in improving lower extremity muscle strength and power, decreasing the stress put on joints during physical activity. Methods: The study was completed by using a stratified sampling technique among the race walkers between the age group of 18-29 years, a total of 40 race walkers (20 males and 20 females) were selected based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria by approaching various sports academies. Participants were divided into two groups, Group A and Group B. The groups consisted of 20 participants each. They were verbally interviewed regarding their demographics. Pre-treatment assessment of vo2max and speed was done using the Cooper test and sprint test, respectively. Participants in group A underwent Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization Technique, and group B underwent a Parachute resistance training program, and post-treatment assessment of all the parameters was done. Results: DNS Therapy shows significant improvement in the performance level of race walkers in group A as compared to Group B with p-value 0.003 and 0.001. Conclusion: The study concluded that DNS therapy and Parachute resistance training exercises are equally effective in improving the performance level in race walkers.

The impact of intensive high performance training on adult height of female artistic gymnasts: a retrospective study / O impacto do treinamento de alta intensidade sobre a estatura adulta de ginastas de alto nível: um estudo retrospectivo

Abstract The purpose of this study was to identify the potential impact of the high performance training on the anthropometric and maturational characteristics of female artistic gymnasts and to compare the adult target height with international standards of growth. A sample consisted of 23 elite Brazilian female former gymnasts was evaluated. From a historic retrospective, about 29.56 yrs. ago (average of all) they devoted themselves to the training for 9.3 (2.6) years, with a weekly 24.26 (4.2) training hours, and had been retired from competition around at 13.61 (5.12) years old. From the anthropometric data of the gymnasts (while still competing), their parents and their older sister (1) and younger sister (2), the target height was calculated by Tanner method {[(father’s height -13 cm) + mother’s height] ÷ 2}. Additionally, training history, age of menarche occurrence, and growth classifying in accordance with the international standards was recorded, aimed at comparisons. The average stature shown normal adult stature (NCHS), and some cases surpassed the standard 75th, 90th and 95th percentile. They are higher than their mother (p = 0.039), but not their sister 1 (0.952) or sister 2 (p = 0.998), but the age of menarche was significantly later only than their sisters 1 (p = 0.008) and 2 (p = 0.017). According to the Brazilian percentiles reference (IBGE), the final height of the former gymnasts was always higher of the standard, slightly smaller than their sisters 2 (5th and 10th), but was taller than their mothers and sisters 1. In conclusion, there is no evidence of artistic gymnastics high performance training having adverse effects on the final adult height.

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi identificar o potencial impacto do treinamento de alta intensidade sobre as características antropométricas e maturacionais de ex-atletas da ginástica artística feminina e comparar a estatura adulta com padrões internacionais de crescimento. Uma amostra composta de 23 ex-atletas de elite da ginástica artística feminina brasileira foi avaliada. A partir de uma retrospectiva histórica média de 29,56 anos, foi determinado o tempo médio de formação [9,3 (2,6) anos], horas semanais de treinamento [24,26 (4,2)] e tempo após encerramento da carreira competitiva (13,61 ± 5,12 anos). A partir dos dados antropométricos das ginastas (quando ativas), o alvo parental da estatura das ex-atletas, de suas irmãs mais velhas (1) e mais jovens (2) foi calculado pelo método de Tanner {[(Altura do pai - 13 cm) + Altura da mãe] ÷ 2}. Além disso, o histórico de treino, idade de ocorrência da menarca e classificação do crescimento segundo os padrões internacionais, foram registrados para comparações. A estatura média das ex-atletas apresentou normalidade esperada para estatura adulta (NCHS), e em alguns casos ultrapassaram os valores dos percentis 75%, 90% e 95%. As ex-atletas foram maiores do que suas mães (p = 0,039), mas não diferiram da irmã 1 (0,952) ou irmã 2 (p = 0,998). A idade da menarca daquelas foi significantemente mais tardia do que de suas irmãs 1 (p = 0,008) e 2 ( p = 0,017). Em relação às referências brasileiras (IBGE), a altura final das ex-ginastas foi sempre maior do que o padrão nacional, ligeiramente menor do que suas irmãs 2 em alguns momentos (centis 5 e 10), mas eram mais altas do que suas mães e irmãs 1. Em conclusão, não há evidências de que o treinamento de alto impacto da ginástica artística resulte em efeitos adversos sobre a estatura adulta final das atletas.

Opinión de los empleadores respecto al desempeño de los egresados del Plan Único de Especialización en Enfermería de la ENEO / Opinion of employers on the performance of the ENEO Nursing Specialization Unique Plan graduates

Introducción: Las Instituciones de Educación Superior requieren evaluar de manera permanente la pertinencia de su oferta educativa en función de las demandas del mercado de trabajo, a fin de garantizar las mejores condiciones para la inserción, desarrollo y desempeño profesional de sus egresados. Objetivo: Identificar la opinión de los empleadores sobre el desempeño de los egresados del Plan Único de Especialización en Enfermería (PUEE) de la ENEO-UNAM. Métodos: Se entrevistaron a empleadores de 11 instituciones de salud (9 públicas, una privada y una asociación civil), ubicadas en su mayoría en el D.F. y del tercer nivel de atención. Las variables estudiadas fueron las competencias generales, conocimientos específicos, atributos, actitudes y valores, para cada una se elaboraron diferentes ítems conforme a las características señaladas en el perfil del egresado del PUEE, el instrumento quedó integrado por 39 ítems en total, con una escala de respuestas que califica el desempeño de 1 al 5 equivalente a muy deficiente, deficiente, aceptable, muy aceptable y excelente, respectivamente. Resultados: Los empleadores consideran que los egresados tienen un nivel muy aceptable de conocimientos propios de la especialidad, de los cuidados especializados, del Proceso de Atención de Enfermería (PAE) y del lenguaje especializado; hubo diferencias en las calificaciones según el tamaño de las instituciones, las foráneas otorgaron mejores que los institutos nacionales de salud. Discusión: El nivel de desempeño es acorde con calidad en la atención, y debiera permanecer como distintivo del actuar del profesional de enfermería. Se requiere reforzar la capacidad de toma de decisiones, de autocrítica, entre otras y, analizar casos particulares de instituciones que otorgaron calificaciones menores.

Introduction: High Level Education Institutions need to assess their education offer pertinence in terms of the labor market demands in order to guarantee the best conditions for the professional development of their graduates. Objective: Identify the opinion of employers on the performance of the ENEO-UNAM Nursing Specialization Unique Plan (PUEE) graduates. Methods: Employers from eleven 3rd level attention health institutions (9 public, one private, and one civil association) and located mainly in the Federal District, were interviewed. Studied variables included general competencies, specific knowledge, attributes, attitudes and values. The final instrument had 39 items to be graded as 1 = very deficient, 2 = deficient, 3 = acceptable, 4 = very acceptable, or 5 = outstanding. Results: employers considered that the graduates have a very acceptable level of specialty knowledge, specialized care, nursing attention process (NAP), and specialized language. There were differences in the grades depending on the institution size; the distant ones giving better scores than the national institutes of health. Discussion: The performance level is proportional to the attention quality, and should stay as a nursing professional distinctive. It is necessary to strengthen the decision taking and self-assessment capacity, among other, and analyze the particular cases of the institutions which gave lower scores.

Assessment of Changes in Computerized Neurobehavioral Performance across Multiple Test Sessions / 대한산업의학회지

OBJECTIVE: A cross-sectional study was performed to assess changes in computerized neurobehavioral performance across multiple test sessions for developing a valid performance level and reducing test time. METHODS: The study was conducted on 118 male car painters exposed to low-dose, mixed organic solvents. The study controls were 113 unexposed reference workers matched for age and educational year from different sections of the same factory. Each worker completed a medical and occupational exam and questionnaire. Three tests of the Swedish Performance Evaluation System (5 minutes of Simple Reaction Time, 9 sessions of Symbol Digit, and 4 sessions of Finger Tapping Speed) were administered to each group. RESULTS: The mean age, mean duration of employment, and mean years of education were 33 years, 6.7 years, and 12 years in both groups, respectively. The mean reaction times of the Simple Reaction Time increased with the lapse of time. The known group difference between the exposed and control groups was larger for the first minute than for the successive 3 minutes. Both groups showed improved performance across the first to the seventh sessions on Symbol Digit. Following the seventh session, the performance levels of Symbol Digit had worsened. The t statistic of the two groups was the largest when the two mean reaction times were calculated from the sessions of the fifth to the seventh. In the dominant and non-dominant hands, the number of taps increased and decreased, respectively, across the sessions on Finger Tapping Speed. The known group difference was the largest when comparing the performances from the first to the second sessions. CONCLUSIONS: For valid interpretation and timesaving in computerized neurobehavioral tests, the following is recommended: one practice and one test session for Simple Reaction Time, four practice and three test sessions for Symbol Digit, and one practice and two test sessions for Finger Tapping Speed.

A study of the isometric cervical extension strength of college american football players. Measured by a cervical extension machine / 体力科学

The purpose of this study is to evaluate and compare isometric cervical extension strength (extension strength) of college American football players belonging to different level leagues at the eight cervical positions measured by a cervical extension machine (Medx Inc.) and give some suggestions for preventing neck injuries. The subjects were American football players at N University (n=41) belonging to the first-level league and at G University (n=32) belonging to the third-level league. The findings were as follows.<BR>1. The isometric cervical extension strength/body weight of players at N University was sig-nificantly higher than that of G University at 72°, 54°and 36° (a neutral cervical position) .<BR>2. The extension strength/body weight of the linemen at N University was significantly higher at 108°, 54°and 36°than that of the linemen at G University. While there were no significant differences between universities in the eight cervical positions of back players herein referred to as‘backs’.<BR>In conclusion, it was shown that there were significant differences in the extension strength and the extension strength/body weight between teams of different levels. The differences tended to be larger between the linemen than between the backs. Therefore, it was suggested that the evaluation of neck muscle strength was important for preventing neck injuries especially caused by a mismatch of players at different performance levels.

A study of neck muscle strength in college american football players-Based on performance level, year and experience- / 体力科学

A study was conducted to evaluate and compare neck muscle strength between two levels of college American football players with the aim of preventing neck injuries. The subjects were American football players at N University (n=52) belonging to the first level league and American football players at G University (n=14) belonging to the third level league. The findings were as follows.<BR>1. The neck muscle strength of freshman players at N University tended to be lower than that of senior players.<BR>2. It was shown that the neck muscle strength/body weight of experienced American football players was 10-30% higher than that of inexperienced players.<BR>3. There was a significant difference in neck muscle strength/body weight between N University and G University in 1997. However, there was no significant difference between them in 1998, because neck muscle strength/body weight of G University players increased by 13-30% after neck muscle training for about nine months. It was suggested that coaching staff must evaluate the neck muscle strength of each player, especially in freshmen who have had no experience of American football, in order to prevent neck injuries because mismatch of performance level may cause catastrophic neck injury.