High-intensity interval training has positive effects on performance in ice hockey players.

In spite of the well-known benefits that have been shown, few studies have looked at the practical applications of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on athletic performance. This study investigated the effects of a HIIT program compared to traditional continuous endurance exercise training. 24 hockey players were randomly assigned to either a continuous or high-intensity interval group during a 4-week training program. The interval group (IG) was involved in a periodized HIIT program. The continuous group (CG) performed moderate intensity cycling for 45-60 min at an intensity that was 65% of their calculated heart rate reserve. Body composition, muscle thickness, anaerobic power, and on-ice measures were assessed pre- and post-training. Muscle thickness was significantly greater in IG (p=0.01) when compared to CG. The IG had greater values for both ∆ peak power (p<0.003) and ∆ mean power (p<0.02). Additionally, IG demonstrated a faster ∆ sprint (p<0.02) and a trend (p=0.08) for faster ∆ endurance test time to completion for IG. These results indicate that hockey players may utilize short-term HIIT to elicit positive effects in muscle thickness, power and on-ice performance.

The psychometric and psychosocial dimension of Albanian immigration: data from a preliminary study.

The present study is part of a wider ministerial project aimed at analysing--both the healthcare and psychological aspects--the phenomenon of illegal immigration, in particular Albanian immigration in Apulia. The CBA 2.0 Primary Scale was duly translated, in accordance with the guidelines set out in literature, to allow for identification and future use of psychological tools in Albanian and therefore assess the psychological dimension of a sample group of adult Albanians. Moreover, the eventual presence of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) in subjects who arrived in Italy after a traumatic journey was studied. 82 Albanians were chosen (47 male and 35 female) having lived in Italy for over a year. All subjects were given the Albanian version of CBA 2.0 Primary Scale; subjects who had entered Italy illegally were asked to answer the DSM-IV questionnaire to assess PTSD and MDD and a semi-structured questionnaire made up to evaluate their experiences, before, during and after the trauma of their journey. CBA 2.0 translated into Albanian does not reveal psychological disturbances of clinical significance but did reveal values of hardship significantly lower than the normal Italian standards. Only 3 cases of PTSD and 6 of MDD arose from the questionnaire regarding the assessment of PTSD and MMD.

Respiratory Illness Opinion Survey: a short form for COPD patients.

Psychological assessment of respiratory patients often necessitates an understanding of their attitudes towards respiratory disease and hospitalization. The Respiratory Illness Opinion Survey (RIOS) is a 78 item questionnaire, which explores six attitude dimensions regarding respiratory illness and hospitalization, namely: 1) Optimism; 2) Specific Internal Awareness; 3) External Control; 4) Negative Staff Regard; 5) Psychological Stigma; and 6) Authoritarian Attitudes. However, as the current form of RIOS presents some limitations with regard to its length and complexity, we decided to review and shorten it with the aim of facilitating administration. Eighty eight hospitalized patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (mean age 59 yrs) completed the RIOS. Factor analyses were carried out to identify the principal components, and to verify psychometric validity. Results indicate that the RIOS can be used after being reduced to 31 items, without substantially altering its original factorial structure.

[Psychometric evaluation of the psychoemotional stability in patients considered suitable for heart transplant]. / Valutazione psicometrica della stabilità psicoemotiva in pazienti ritenuti idonei al trapianto cardiaco.

The main purpose of this study was to make an objective assessment of emotional stability as a selection criterion in 14 heart transplant candidates (13 M, 1 F, 45.5 +/- 6.6 years). A psychometric study was conducted using Cognitive Behavioral Assessment (CBA 2.0 Primary-Scale Battery) and the Beck Depression Inventory. The main results of this study were the identification of: a) emotionally unstable patients (42%) who did not respond to the above mentioned selection criterion; b) stable psychological traits such as hostility, aloofness, extroversion as described in type A Behavior Pattern and c) the presence of secondary alexitimic responses suggesting a protective denial of the meaning of the disease. The psychometric method used seems useful in the selection of heart transplant candidates, however, a follow-up can better define the range of emotional stability.