ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The improvement of physical fitness parameters is beneficial for child gymnasts to maximize functionality. Core stability exercises (CSEs) help maintain spinal stabilization during athletic performance. Thus, they contribute to enhancing gymnasts' performance on various movements and planes. This study aimed to investigate the effect of 8-week CSEs training on the physical fitness parameters of child gymnasts. HYPOTHESIS: An 8-week CSEs intervention could be beneficial for improving the various physical parameters in child gymnasts. STUDY DESIGN: Randomized trial. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 2. METHODS: Thirty-six child gymnasts (aged 7-12 years) were allocated randomly into a training group (TG) and control group (CG). Participants in the TG received CSEs in addition to the traditional program for 8 weeks. The physical fitness parameters of all participants were assessed twice before and after training. RESULTS: The results showed that all participants' scores of balance, endurance, sprint, and jumping parameters improved after exercise programs (P < 0.05). The muscle strength and flexibility scores of the TG showed a statistically significant difference compared with the CG (P < 0.05). However, compared with other parameters, there were no significant changes seen in the scores between groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The CSEs training contributed to the improvement of all physical fitness parameters in child gymnasts. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The addition of CSEs to traditional training could help improve athletic performance in child gymnasts.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to develop predictive models for estimating the length of stay (LOS) with standardized clinical outcome measures (Functional Independence Measure, Trunk Impairment Scale, Postural Assessment Scale for Stroke Patients, Fugl Meyer Assessment Scale, and Functional Ambulation Category) during acute care setting. METHODS: One hundred sixty-nine patients were included in the retrospective study. Predictors chosen for the LOS included scores of functional outcome measures at admission. We used Spearman's rank correlation coefficients to calculate correlations among clinical outcome measures and LOS, stepwise multiple regression analysis to develop a predictive model, and receiver operating characteristics curve to analyze the predictive value of explanatory factors obtained from the previous model for discharge Functional Independence Measure score. RESULTS: The predictive equation explained 81% of the variance in LOS. The most important predictors were trunk impairment, motor function of the upper extremity, walking ability, and independence level at admission. The receiver operating characteristic curve was obtained with a cut-off score of 13 points for the Trunk Impairment Scale, 47 points for Fugl Meyer Assessment-Upper Extremity, and 2 points for Functional Ambulation Category, demonstrating the highest percentage of the accurately predicted ability of independence level at discharge. DISCUSSION: The models presented in this study could help clinicians and researchers to predict the LOS and discharge independence level of clinical outcomes for patients with acute stroke enrolled in an acute care setting.
Subject(s)
Hospitalization , Stroke , Humans , Retrospective Studies , Length of Stay , Patient Discharge , Stroke/therapyABSTRACT
Objectives. The aim of this study was to develop a scale that assesses postural awareness and habits, as well as to establish the validity and reliability thereof. Methods. The 19-item postural habits and awareness scale (PHAS) was developed. The scale has a score range of 0-95, with a higher score indicating good posture and awareness. A total of 278 healthy adults with an age range of 18-65 years were included in the study. The sociodemographic form, short form 36 health survey (SF-36) and body awareness questionnaire (BAQ) were used to test the validity and reliability of this newly developed scale. Results. From factor analyses, it was observed that the items clustered into four factors, which explained 55.99% of the variance. Cronbach's α for each factor of the scale varied between 0.619 and 0.832. A high correlation was observed regarding test-retest reliability of the scale (r = 0.905). Conclusion. This newly developed self-reported scale allows for the comprehensive determination of both postural habits and awareness together. The PHAS is a valid and reliable scale that can be used by professionals who are interested in posture.
