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The general principles of gastrointestinal endoscopy training in the United States were formulated and summarized more than a decade ago and the principles have been consistent until now. To summarize, trainees should be prepared to (i) appropriately recommend endoscopic procedures as indicated by the findings of the consultative evaluation, with an explicit understanding of accepted specific indications, contraindications, and diagnostic/therapeutic alternatives, (ii) perform procedures safely, completely, and expeditiously, including possessing a thorough understanding of the principles of conscious sedation/analgesia techniques, the use of anesthesia-assisted sedation where appropriate, and pre-procedure clinical assessment and patient monitoring, (iii) correctly interpret endoscopic findings and integrate them into medical or endoscopic therapy, (iv) identify risk factors for each procedure, understand how to minimize each, and recognize and appropriately manage complications when they occur, (v) acknowledge the limitations of endoscopic procedures and personal skills and know when to request help, and (vi) understand the principles of quality measurement and improvement. This article provides an overview of the endoscopy training system and structure, evaluation scheme, and competence and credentialing process in the United States.
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Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is a transformative advancement in the endoscopic management of superficial gastrointestinal lesions. Initially conceived for the treatment of early gastric cancer, ESD has demonstrated proficiency in achieving en-bloc resection of superficial gastrointestinal lesions. ESD has experienced widespread acceptance in Japan and East Asia; however, its adoption in the USA remains delayed. This initial hesitancy could be attributed to procedural complexity and training demands; nonetheless, recently, ESD has been gaining popularity in the USA. This is due to the advancements in endoscopic technology, tailored training programs, and cumulative evidence regarding the efficacy and safety of ESDs. This review aimed to deliberate the historical progress, current implementation, and prospective trajectory of ESDs in the USA. With ongoing clinical research, technological integration, and educational efforts, ESD is likely to become the gold standard for managing large gastrointesitinal lesions. This progress marks an imperative step toward less invasive, more precise, and patient-centric approaches regarding advanced therapeutic endoscopy in the USA.
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La formación docente es esencial dentro del proceso de educación inclusiva permitiendo responder a la diversidad de los estudiantes a partir de estrategias que promuevan su aprendizaje y participación. Este estudio analiza la formación en inclusión de 253 docentes de instituciones públicas mediante el Cuestionario de Valoración Docente de la Inclusión Educativa (CEFI-R). Los resultados indican niveles bajos de formación en las dimensiones concepciones, apoyos y metodologías. Lo que sugiere que no existe una preparación integral del profesorado para la inclusión y los planes de formación deben abordar desde aspectos conceptuales hasta la implementación de ajustes en el aula. (AU)
Teacher training is essential within the inclusive education process, allowing students to respond to diversity through strategies that promote their learning and participation. This study analyzes the inclusion training of 253 teachers in public institutions, through the Cuestionario de Valoración Docente de la Inclusión Educativa (CEFI-R). The results indicate low levels of training in the conceptual dimensions, supports and methodologies. This suggests that there is no comprehensive preparation of teachers for inclusion and training plans should address conceptual aspects to the implementation of adjustments in the classroom. (AU)
Subject(s)
Humans , Teacher Training/statistics & numerical data , Cross-Sectional StudiesABSTRACT
La formación docente es esencial dentro del proceso de educación inclusiva permitiendo responder a la diversidad de los estudiantes a partir de estrategias que promuevan su aprendizaje y participación. Este estudio analiza la formación en inclusión de 253 docentes de instituciones públicas mediante el Cuestionario de Valoración Docente de la Inclusión Educativa (CEFI-R). Los resultados indican niveles bajos de formación en las dimensiones concepciones, apoyos y metodologías. Lo que sugiere que no existe una preparación integral del profesorado para la inclusión y los planes de formación deben abordar desde aspectos conceptuales hasta la implementación de ajustes en el aula. (AU)
Teacher training is essential within the inclusive education process, allowing students to respond to diversity through strategies that promote their learning and participation. This study analyzes the inclusion training of 253 teachers in public institutions, through the Cuestionario de Valoración Docente de la Inclusión Educativa (CEFI-R). The results indicate low levels of training in the conceptual dimensions, supports and methodologies. This suggests that there is no comprehensive preparation of teachers for inclusion and training plans should address conceptual aspects to the implementation of adjustments in the classroom. (AU)
Subject(s)
Humans , Teacher Training/statistics & numerical data , Cross-Sectional StudiesABSTRACT
Introducción: Una educación de calidad para los estudiantes universitarios de las ciencias médicas es parte de la política establecida por el Estado cubano para el nivel superior. En correspondencia se desarrolla un proyecto de investigación dirigido a la elevación de la calidad en el proceso formativo de los estudiantes de la Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de Camagüey; por ello el presente texto tiene como objetivo exponer los resultados del proceso de caracterización de la situación problémica asumida, atendiendo a las dimensiones lingüística y tecnológica, a partir de la aplicación de los instrumentos de investigación durante la etapa del diagnóstico inicial a profesionales y estudiantes que conforman la muestra. Método: La investigación clasifica como I+D, de carácter observacional explicativo causal, que produce sistemas de acciones para elevar la calidad de la formación del futuro profesional de la Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de Camagüey y se desarrolla entre enero de 2023 y diciembre de 2024. El muestreo no probabilístico por cuota está constituido por estudiantes de las diferentes facultades, docentes, profesionales y trabajadores no docentes. Resultados: Se constataron insuficiencias en el desarrollo de las habilidades informáticas para complementar sus estudios mediante la búsqueda de información en los entornos virtuales de aprendizaje, a lo que se suman las dificultades que presentan los alumnos dela muestra para expresarse y comprender textos, valiéndose del empleo del inglés con fines profesionales. Discusión: Se confrontaron los resultados con los de otros estudiosos que, a nivel nacional y mundial, han investigado sobre la temática acerca del logro de la calidad en los procesos de formación en la universidad y con ello se corroboró la utilidad del estudio.
Introduction: A quality education for university students of medical sciences is part of the policy established by the Cuban State for Higher Education. Correspondingly, a research project is being developed aimed at raising the quality in the training process of the students of the University of Medical Sciences of Camagüey; For this reason, the objective of this text is to present the results of the process of characterization of the assumed problematic situation, taking into account the linguistic and technological dimensions, based on the application of research instruments during the initial diagnosis stage to professionals and students who make up the sample. Method: The research is classified as R&D, of a causal explanatory observational nature, which produces systems of actions to raise the quality of the training of future professionals at the University of Medical Sciences of Camagüey and is developed between January 2023 and December 2024. The non-probabilistic sampling by quota is made up of students from different faculties, teachers, professionals and non-teaching workers. Results: Insufficiencies were found in the development of computer skills to complement their studies through the search for information in virtual learning environments, to which are added the difficulties that the students in the sample present in expressing themselves and understanding texts, using the use of English for professional purposes. Discussion: The results were compared with those of con scholars who, at a national and global level, have investigated the topic of achieving quality in training processes at the university, and with this the usefulness of the study was corroborated.
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In this systematic review and meta-analysis, our aim was to identify and quantify evidence of action observation therapy (AOT) efficacy in managing language deficits in patients with aphasia. This study conducts two quantitative investigations: firstly, comparing the effects of AOT and conventional control therapy in different groups, and secondly, analyzing within AOT group to explore potential moderators of AOT effectiveness. Four databases were searched up until August 2023 to find studies utilizing AOT for aphasia management. Seven eligible studies were included. The main analyses revealed moderate evidence of improvement in naming tasks, with a large effect size (Hedge's g = 1.27, 95%CI [0.44; 2.09], p = 0.003, I2 < 25) following AOT compared to control interventions. Furthermore, to be efficient, AOT should focus on human actions (e.g., running, jumping) rather than non-human actions (e.g., meowing or barking). These findings indicate that AOT is a promising alternative complementary approach for patients with aphasia. Future research should confirm the potential benefits of AOT with more randomized controlled studies and aim to clarify the minimal dose necessary and the possibility of transfer to various language tasks.
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Resurgence is an increase in an extinguished operant response resulting from a worsening of conditions (e.g., extinction) for a more recently reinforced alternative behavior. Previous research has shown that exposure to cycles of alternative reinforcement available versus unavailable (i.e., on/off alternative reinforcement) across sessions can reduce subsequent resurgence. Most previous assessments of the procedure have examined target operant responding during only single-session resurgence tests, and it remains unclear if exposure to relatively few cycles of on/off alternative reinforcement can maintain low rates of target behavior across extended exposure to extinction. This experiment with rats examined the effects of 4 or 8 cycles of on/off alternative reinforcement on subsequent resurgence during a 10-session extinction test. The results show that exposure to 4 cycles of on/off alternative reinforcement is as effective as 8 cycles in producing low rates of target behavior during treatment and across extended extinction. This result is consistent with extant theories of resurgence and suggests that on/off alternative reinforcement could have translational utility following relatively few cycles of exposure.
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CONTEXT: To stabilize the humeral head within the glenoid fossa during arm elevation, the rotator cuff muscles may contribute through internal and external rotation. The main purpose of the current study was to compare the acromiohumeral distance between athletes with primary subacromial impingement syndrome who received progressive resistance exercises consisting of either shoulder internal or external rotation. DESIGN: A randomized and controlled clinical study. METHODS: Thirty athletes with primary subacromial impingement syndrome were enrolled and randomly divided into 2 experimental groups. The progressive resistance exercise protocol in experimental group I comprised shoulder internal rotation, while in experimental group II consisted of shoulder external rotation. The experimental groups worked out 3 days a week for 6 weeks. The experimental groups were compared with the control group consisting of 15 healthy athletes. The acromiohumeral distance was measured before and after the intervention using an ultrasound machine under the passive and active across no arm elevation and 45°of arm elevation. RESULTS: The acromiohumeral distance significantly increased in both experimental groups under the passive and active arm positions following the intervention (P < .001), with no significant differences detected between the experimental groups (P > .665). The paired comparisons of the acromiohumeral distance discrepancy indicated a significant difference between the control group and each experimental group under the active and passive arm positions (P < .001), while no significant difference was observed between the experimental groups (P > .999). CONCLUSIONS: The present study revealed, for the first time, that both progressive resistance exercise protocols involving either the shoulder internal or the external rotation increased the acromiohumeral distance in individuals with primary subacromial impingement syndrome and improved associated pain and disabilities.
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PURPOSE: We developed a 3D-printed phantom model for ultrasound-guided caudal block for educational or training purposes because there have been no reports of the 3D-printed phantom model for ultrasound-guided caudal block. This study aimed to identify the needs for the phantom model in a lecture and demonstration at hands-on training (HoT) to promote the use of caudal block for sufficient pain control during high-dose-rate intracavitary/interstitial brachytherapy for gynecological cancers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The sacrum and formwork were designed by computed tomography imaging. A 3D-modeling software program was used to create the sacrum and formwork. The phantom was solidified by injecting a gelatin-based gel. Ultrasonography was performed to visualize the sacral hiatus and puncture needle in the phantom. In October 2023, 10 radiation oncologists who did not perform caudal block in daily clinical practice from ten Japanese facilities participated in HoT on ultrasound-guided caudal block. After the HoT, questionnaires were distributed to each participant, and feedback was obtained through online channels. RESULTS: After receiving a lecture and demonstration on ultrasound-guided caudal block, 90% of the respondents would like to practice the procedure in their daily clinical practice. Moreover, 100% of the respondents would like to use the 3D-printed phantom model for ultrasound-guided caudal block for educational or training purposes. CONCLUSION: The 3D-printed phantom model for ultrasound-guided caudal block can be used in training and is in demand for facilities introducing caudal block.
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In a recent call to action, we described pressing issues in the health-service-psychology (HSP) internship from the perspective of interns. In our article, we sought to initiate a dialogue that would include trainees and bring about concrete changes. The commentaries on our article are a testament to the readiness of the field to engage in such a dialogue, and we applaud the actionable recommendations that they make. In our response to these commentaries, we seek to move the conversation further forward. We observe two themes that cut across these responses: the impetus to gather novel data on training (the "need to know") and the importance of taking action (the "need to act"). We emphasize that in new efforts to gather data and take policy-level action, the inclusion of trainee stakeholders (as well as others involved in and affected by HSP training) is a crucial ingredient for sustainable and equitable change.
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Introduction: Language delay cannot be ignored, and there is an urgent need to determine therapies that elicit better results in a short period. However, whether transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) alone or in combination with other therapies can promote recovery of language and cognitive function in children with language delay remains unknown. This study aims to explore the effects of tDCS combined with language-cognitive training and home-based rehabilitation on language and cognitive ability in children with language delay. Methods: Children with language delay who visited the Department of rehabilitation medicine or the pediatric outpatient clinic of the First People's Hospital of Foshan from January 2019 to December 2021, totaling 190 in number, were included and randomly divided into 4 groups, i.e., the family guidance group, the tDCS group, the language-cognitive training group, and the comprehensive training group. The family guidance group (47 cases) received home training. The tDCS group (46 cases) received home training and tDCS treatment. The language- cognitive training group (49 cases) adopted home training and language-cognitive training. The comprehensive training group (48 cases) took home training, language-cognitive training, and tDCS treatment. All groups received training 5 times a week for 4 weeks. The Sign-significant relations (S-S) test was applied to evaluate the language comprehension, language expression, basic learning ability, and attitude of communication of the children. Results: The language-cognitive training group and the comprehensive training group showed improvement after treatment (p < 0.05) regarding basic learning ability. The communication attitude of the four groups improved after intervention (p < 0.05). Particularly, the comprehensive training group had maximum improvement after intervention. No serious adverse reactions such as epilepsy, headache, and behavioral abnormalities were found. Conclusion: tDCS combined with language-cognitive training and home training can improve language and cognitive ability in children with language delay.
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Objectives:The study aimed to address the shortage of pediatric surgery specialists globally by investigating the discrepancies in training programs and population metrics across different countries and regions. Methods: An international survey of pediatric surgeons gathered data on training duration, examination procedures, certification, and population metrics like mortality rate and surgeon-to-population ratio. Results: The study included 44 countries. The average length of pediatric surgery training was 5.7 years, with no significant difference between different regions. The pediatric mortality rate and surgeons count per 100 000 people were inversely correlated, while training duration was associated with GDP and life expectancy, but not pediatric mortality rate or surgeons' count. Conclusion: Many countries' pediatric surgery training programs do not align with their actual need for pediatric surgeons. Nations with limited economic resources may opt to shorten residency programs or offer pediatric surgery as a direct specialty after medical school to mitigate the shortage effectively.
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Introduction While existing literature establishes the positive impact of sleep on test performance among medical students and its correlation with better outcomes among physicians, there is a notable gap in the quantitative understanding of how the transition from preclinical to clinical training affects sleep quality. Methods Our survey was sent to all medical students attending the California University of Science and Medicine between April 2023 and January 2024. The relative risks for having an Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS) greater than 10 were calculated and compared for various subgroups in our sample. Univariate logistic regression analysis was also carried out to assess the effect of covariates on our primary outcome. Results In total, our sample consisted of 124 medical students. Only 11.3% (n=14) were somewhat dissatisfied or very dissatisfied with their medical school experience. The relative risk of having an ESS > 10 when on clinical rotations was 2.06 (95% CI: 1.22-3.49). Conclusion This study demonstrates that the risk of medical students experiencing excessive sleepiness, defined by an ESS > 10, doubles when students are on clinical rotations. Despite being limited by information bias and a smaller sample size, this study provides interesting pilot data on the quantitative examination of sleepiness among medical students and may be used to guide areas for future work.
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BACKGROUND: Stroke is a common disabling disease, whether it is ischemic stroke or hemorrhagic stroke, both can result in neuronal damage, leading to various manifestations of neurological dysfunction. AIM: To explore of the application value of swallowing treatment device combined with swallowing rehabilitation training in the treatment of swallowing disorders after stroke. METHODS: This study selected 86 patients with swallowing disorders after stroke admitted to our rehabilitation department from February 2022 to December 2023 as research subjects. They were divided into a control group (n = 43) and an observation group (n = 43) according to the treatment. The control group received swallowing rehabilitation training, while the observation group received swallowing treatment device in addition to the training. Both groups underwent continuous intervention for two courses of treatment. RESULTS: The total effective rate in the observation group (93.02%) was higher than that in the control group (76.74%) (P = 0.035). After intervention, the oral transit time, swallowing response time, pharyngeal transit time, and laryngeal closure time decreased in both groups compared to before intervention. In the observation group, the oral transit time, swallowing response time, and pharyngeal transit time were shorter than those in the control group after intervention. However, the laryngeal closure time after intervention in the observation group was compared with that in the control group (P = 0.142). After intervention, average amplitude value and duration of the genioglossus muscle group during empty swallowing and swallowing 5 mL of water are reduced compared to before intervention in both groups. After intervention, the scores of the chin-tuck swallowing exercise and the Standardized Swallowing Assessment are both reduced compared to pre-intervention levels in both groups. However, the observation group scores lower than the control group after intervention. Additionally, the Functional Oral Intake Scale scores of both groups are increased after intervention compared to pre-intervention levels, with the observation group scoring higher than the control group after intervention (P < 0.001). The cumulative incidence of complications in the observation group is 9.30%, which is lower than the 27.91% in the control group (P = 0.027). CONCLUSION: The combination of swallowing therapy equipment with swallowing rehabilitation training can improve the muscle movement level of the genioglossus muscle group, enhance swallowing function, and prevent the occurrence of swallowing-related complications after stroke.
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BACKGROUND: The recovery of limb function after ankle fracture surgery is a gradual process. The main purpose of implementing early functional exercise, joint mobility, muscle contraction function, passive ankle flexion and extension exercises, or physical factor therapy techniques is to achieve the rapid recovery of normal physiological limb function. However, currently the most effective rehabilitation training method is staged limb functional exercise, which promotes rapid recovery of limb function while preventing adverse consequences caused by overwork or insufficient training. Staged limb functional exercise divides the rehabilitation process into multiple stages, each of which has specific training objectives and contents. This method helps patients gradually restore limb function. Nevertheless, some patients still exhibit poor limb function after standardized exercise. Therefore, a functional evaluation should be performed to analyze the impact of staged functional training after ankle fracture surgery. AIM: To perform a functional evaluation and determine the influencing factors of staged functional training in patients with ankle fracture. METHODS: A retrospective study enrolled 150 patients who underwent surgical treatment for ankle fracture from May 2020 to May 2022 at our hospital. Univariate and multivariate linear regression analyses were performed on general data, functional exercise compliance scale for orthopedic patients, Social Support Rating Scale (SSRS), American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Score (AOFAS) Ankle-Hindfoot Score, and pain factors [serum bradykinin (BK), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)]. RESULTS: Based on the AOFAS Ankle-Hindfoot Scale, the cases were divided into the excellent function (n = 111) and ordinary function (n = 39) groups. Univariate analysis revealed that monthly family income, education level, diabetes mellitus, functional exercise compliance scale of orthopedic patients score, SSRS, BK, PGE2, and 5-HT significantly influenced limb function after ankle fracture (P < 0.05); Multiple linear regression analysis showed that the functional exercise compliance scale score, SSRS, BK, PGE2, and 5-HT were independent risk factors affecting functional performance after staged functional exercise (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Exercise compliance, SSRS, and pain level are the independent risk factors affecting functional performance after staged functional training following ankle surgery. Clinical nursing care after ankle surgery should include analgesic and health education measures to ensure optimal recovery of limb function.
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Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide, and its treatment usually involves a combination of many medical procedures, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and hormonal therapy. One of the detrimental effects on physical function is reduced upper limb muscle strength. This study aimed to evaluate upper body strength intra-day and inter-day (test-retest) reliability using the handgrip strength test (HGS) and the bilateral isometric bench press (BIBP) and the test-retest reliability of the one repetition maximum on the bench press (BP-1RM) in breast cancer survivors (BCS). Thirty-two (52.94 ± 8.99 yrs) BCS participated in this study. The muscle strength tests were performed in two different moments, three to seven days apart. Intraclass coefficient correlation (ICC) and coefficient of variation (CV) were used to assess the reliability. Standard error of measurement (SEM), typical error of measurement (TEM), and minimally detectable change (MDC) analyses were performed. The Bland-Altman analysis was used to assess the agreement between test-retest. We found a reliability that can be described as "high" to "very high" (ICC ≥ 0.88; CV ≤ 10%) for intra-day and test-retest. SEM% and MDC% were lower than 5% and 11%, respectively, for all intra-day testing. SEM% and TEM% ranged from 3% to 11%, and MDC% ranged from 9% to 23% in the test-retest reliability. The agreement demonstrated a systematic bias ranging from 2.3% to 6.0% for all testing, and a lower systematic bias may be presented in the non-treated side assessed by HGS and BIBP. HGS, BIBP, and BP-1RM assessments are reliable for measuring upper-body muscle strength in BCS.
Subject(s)
Breast Neoplasms , Cancer Survivors , Hand Strength , Muscle Strength , Humans , Female , Reproducibility of Results , Middle Aged , Muscle Strength/physiology , Hand Strength/physiology , Adult , Isometric Contraction/physiology , Upper Extremity/physiopathologyABSTRACT
Background: Gigantocellular reticular nucleus (GRNs) executes a vital role in locomotor recovery after spinal cord injury. However, due to its unique anatomical location deep within the brainstem, intervening in GRNs for spinal cord injury research is challenging. To address this problem, this study adopted an extracorporeal magnetic stimulation system to observe the effects of selective magnetic stimulation of GRNs with iron oxide nanoparticles combined treadmill training on locomotor recovery after spinal cord injury, and explored the possible mechanisms. Methods: Superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) nanoparticles were stereotactically injected into bilateral GRNs of mice with moderate T10 spinal cord contusion. Eight-week selective magnetic stimulation produced by extracorporeal magnetic stimulation system (MSS) combined with treadmill training was adopted for the animals from one week after surgery. Locomotor function of mice was evaluated by the Basso Mouse Scale, Grid-walking test and Treadscan analysis. Brain MRI, anterograde virus tracer and immunofluorescence staining were applied to observe the tissue compatibility of SPIO in GRNs, trace GRNs' projections and evaluate neurotransmitters' expression in spinal cord respectively. Motor-evoked potentials and H reflex were collected for assessing the integrity of cortical spinal tract and the excitation of motor neurons in anterior horn. Results: (1) SPIO persisted in GRNs for a minimum of 24 weeks without inducing apoptosis of GRN cells, and degraded slowly over time. (2) MSS-enabled treadmill training dramatically improved locomotor performances of injured mice, and promoted cortico-reticulo-spinal circuit reorganization. (3) MSS-enabled treadmill training took superimposed roles through both activating GRNs to drive more projections of GRNs across lesion site and rebalancing neurotransmitters' expression in anterior horn of lumbar spinal cord. Conclusion: These results indicate that selective MSS intervention of GRNs potentially serves as an innovative strategy to promote more spared fibers of GRNs across lesion site and rebalance neurotransmitters' expression after spinal cord injury, paving the way for the structural remodeling of neural systems collaborating with exercise training, thus ultimately contributing to the reconstruction of cortico-reticulo-spinal circuit.
Subject(s)
Magnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles , Spinal Cord Injuries , Animals , Spinal Cord Injuries/therapy , Spinal Cord Injuries/physiopathology , Magnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles/chemistry , Mice , Locomotion/physiology , Recovery of Function/physiology , Spinal Cord , Physical Conditioning, Animal , Reticular Formation , Magnetic Field Therapy/methods , Mice, Inbred C57BL , Female , Evoked Potentials, Motor/physiologyABSTRACT
Introduction: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of varied resistance training modalities on physical fitness components, body composition, maximal strength assessed by one-repetition maximum (1RM), isokinetic muscle functions of the shoulder and knee joints, and biomechanical properties of core muscles. Methods: Forty participants were randomly assigned to four groups: control group (CG, n = 10), compound set training group (CSG, n = 10), pyramid set training group (PSG, n = 10), and superset training group (SSG, n = 10). Excluding the CG, the other three groups underwent an 8-week resistance training program, three sessions per week, at 60%-80% of 1RM intensity for 60-90 min per session. Assessments included body composition, physical fitness components, 1RM, isokinetic muscle functions, and biomechanical properties (muscle frequency, stiffness, etc.) of the rectus abdominis and external oblique muscles. Results: The PSG demonstrated the most significant improvement in relative peak torque during isokinetic testing of the shoulder and knee joints. Compared to the CG, all exercise groups exhibited positive effects on back strength, sprint performance, 1RM, and core muscle biomechanics. Notably, the PSG showed superior enhancement in external oblique stiffness. However, no significant differences were observed among the exercise groups for rectus abdominis biomechanical properties. Discussion: Structured resistance training effectively improved maximal strength, functional performance, and core muscle biomechanics. The pyramidal training modality conferred specific benefits for isokinetic muscle functions and external oblique stiffness, suggesting its efficacy in enhancing force production capabilities and core stability.
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Background: While the previous research has made crucial developments in a dance-specific version of the SEBT, current modifications to the SEBT have not conclusively produced a valid dance-specific dynamic balance test. Purpose: The aim of this paper was to utilize the most practical dance-specific variations from previous research and incorporate them into a reliable test to be considered for future screenings for dancers. Methods: Twenty-one female dancers voluntarily took part in the research (age: 20.86 ± 3.68 years). This protocol consists of 3 stages, each increasing in difficulty; stage one: dsSEBT Average Tempo, stage two: dsSEBT Block, and stage three: a combination of stage 1 and stage 2, the dsSEBT Average Tempo on Block. Reach distance (% of limb length), error scores, and average time to complete each stage were recorded. A stage completion criteria was developed to move from one stage to the next wherein certain reach distance and error score standards needed to be met. Results: Between previous research using the same participants and the current study, each reach direction exhibits a statistically significant correlation (P < .05) with good to excellent ICC values ranging from .750 to .918, suggesting that test-retest reliability is high. Overall, 90.48% of participants succeeded in passing stage one, 19.05% of total participants passed stage two, and only 4.76% of the 21 participants passed all 3 stages with statistically significant differences detected for reach distance and incomplete trials between stages (P < .05). Conclusion: This data suggests that the test is challenging enough to show dancers weaknesses and push the limits of their balance capabilities. With a clear increase in difficulty from stage to stage, the test adds layers of demanding tasks designed to test the dancer proprioceptively.
