Training medical students to teach safe infant sleep environments using pyramidal behavioral skills training.

Medical personnel play a critical role in caregiver safe infant sleep education. However, training outcomes in the safe infant sleep training literature have been mixed. Promising approaches that warrant further investigation are the use of behavioral skills training and pyramidal training. The current study consisted of two experiments. Experiment 1 extended Carrow et al. (2020) and Vladescu et al. (2020) by teaching medical students safe infant sleep practices using behavioral skills training. Discriminated responding was examined across trained and untrained environmental arrangements using a multiple-baseline design. All participants arranged safe sleep environments following behavioral skills training. In Experiment 2, we used pyramidal behavioral skills training to train medical students to teach others safe sleep practices. Results indicated high procedural integrity scores following training and generalization of skills.

Retrospective Analysis of Training Intensity Distribution Based on Race Pace Versus Physiological Benchmarks in Highly Trained Sprint Kayakers.

BACKGROUND: Research results on the training intensity distribution (TID) in endurance athletes are equivocal. This non-uniformity appears to be partially founded in the different quantification methods that are implemented. So far, TID research has solely focused on sports involving the lower-body muscles as prime movers (e.g. running). Sprint kayaking imposes high demands on the upper-body endurance capacity of the athlete. As there are structural and physiological differences between upper- and lower-body musculature, TID in kayaking should be different to lower-body dominant sports. Therefore, we aimed to compare the training intensity distribution during an 8-wk macrocycle in a group of highly trained sprint kayakers employing three different methods of training intensity quantification. METHODS: Heart rate (HR) and velocity during on-water training of nine highly trained German sprint kayakers were recorded during the final 8 weeks of a competition period leading to the national championships. The fractional analysis of TID was based on three zones (Z) derived from either HR (TIDBla-HR) or velocity (TIDBla-V) based on blood lactate (Bla) concentrations (Z1 ≤ 2.5 mmol L-1 Bla, Z2 = 2.5-4.0 mmol L-1 Bla, Z3 ≥ 4.0 mmol L-1 Bla) of an incremental test or the 1000-m race pace (TIDRace): Z1 ≤ 85% of race pace, Z2 = 86-95% and Z3 ≥ 95%. RESULTS: TIDBla-V (Z1: 68%, Z2: 14%, Z3: 18%) differed from TIDBla-HR (Z1: 91%, Z2: 6%, Z3: 3%) in each zone (all p < 0.01). TIDRace (Z1: 73%, Z2: 20%, Z3: 7%) differed to Z3 in TIDBla-V (p < 0.01) and all three TIDBla-HR zones (all p < 0.01). Individual analysis revealed ranges of Z1, Z2, Z3 fractions for TIDBla-HR of 85-98%, 2-11% and 0.1-6%. For TIDBla-V, the individual ranges were 41-82% (Z1), 6-30% (Z2) and 8-30% (Z3) and for TIDRace 64-81% (Z1), 14-29% (Z2) and 4-10% (Z3). CONCLUSION: The results show that the method of training intensity quantification substantially affects the fraction of TID in well-trained sprint kayakers. TIDRace determination shows low interindividual variation compared to the physiologically based TIDBla-HR and TIDBla-V. Depending on the aim of the analysis TIDRace, TIDBla-HR and TIDBla-V have advantages as well as drawbacks and may be implemented in conjunction to maximize adaptation.

Training Characteristics of a World Championship 5000-m Finalist and Multiple Continental Record Holder Over the Year Leading to a World Championship Final.

PURPOSE: Optimal training for endurance performance remains a debated topic. In this case study, the training of a world-class middle-/long-distance runner over a year's duration is presented. METHODS: The training is analyzed via 2 methods to define training intensity distribution (TID) (1) by physiological zones and (2) by zones based on race pace. TID was analyzed over the full season, but also over the final 6, 12, and 26 weeks to allow for consideration of periodization/phases of season. The results of both methods are compared. Other training data measured include volume and number of sessions. RESULTS: The average weekly volume for the athlete was 145.8 (24.8) km·wk-1. TID by physiological analysis was polarized for the last 6 weeks of the season but was pyramidal when analyzed over the final 12, 26, and 52 weeks of the season. TID by race-pace analysis was pyramidal across all time points. The athlete finished 12th in the final of the World Championship 5000-m and made the semifinal of the 1500-m. He was ranked in the top 16 in the world for 1500, 5000, and 10,000 m. CONCLUSION: The results of this study demonstrate a potential flaw with recent work suggesting polarized training as the most effective means to improve endurance performance. Here, different analysis methods produced 2 different types of TID. A polarized distribution was only seen when analyzed by physiological approach, and only during the last 6 weeks of a 52-week season. Longer-term prospective studies relating performance and physiological changes are suggested.

Effects of 16 weeks of pyramidal and polarized training intensity distributions in well-trained endurance runners.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of four different training periodizations, based on two different training intensity distributions during a 16-week training block in well-trained endurance runners. Sixty well-trained male runners were divided into four groups. Each runner completed one of the following 16-week training interventions: a pyramidal periodization (PYR); a polarized periodization (POL); a pyramidal periodization followed by a polarized periodization (PYR â†’ POL); and a polarized periodization followed by a pyramidal periodization (POL â†’ PYR). The PYR and POL groups trained with a pyramidal or polarized distribution for 16 weeks. To allow for the change in periodization for the PYR â†’ POL and POL â†’ PYR groups, the 16-week intervention was split into two 8-week phases, starting with pyramidal or polarized distribution and then switching to the other. The periodization patterns were isolated manipulations of training intensity distribution, while training load was kept constant. Participants were tested pre-, mid- and post-intervention for body mass, velocity at 2 and 4 mmol·L-1 of blood lactate concentration (vBLa2, vBLa4), absolute and relative peak oxygen consumption ( V ˙ O 2 peak ) and 5-km running time trial performance. There were significant group × time interactions for relative V ˙ O 2 peak (p < 0.0001), vBLa2 (p < 0.0001) and vBLa4 (p < 0.0001) and 5-km running time trial performance (p = 0.0001). Specifically, participants in the PYR â†’ POL group showed the largest improvement in all these variables (~3.0% for relative V ˙ O 2 peak , ~1.7% for vBLa2, ~1.5% for vBLa4, ~1.5% for 5-km running time trial performance). No significant interactions were observed for body mass, absolute V ˙ O 2 peak , peak heart rate, lactate peak and rating of perceived exertion. Each intervention effectively improved endurance surrogates and performance in well-trained endurance runners. However, the change from pyramidal to polarized distribution maximized performance improvements, with relative V ˙ O 2 peak representing the only physiological correlate.

Training intensity distribution on running time in amateur endurance runners: a scoping review / Distribución de intensidades de entrenamiento sobre el tiempo de carrera en corredores recreativos de resistencia: revisión de alcance

Problem: Intensity in endurance training is important for improving race time; its optimal handling in amateur runners has not been extensively studied. The polarized training intensity distribution (TID) model emerges as a possibility to reduce race time; however, effect of this model remains to be demonstrated compared to other TID models. Objective: The objective of this study is to explore the current state of the evidence and its the gaps, according to the effect of the polarized TID model on race time in amateur runners compared to other TID models. Method: A scoping review without date restrictions was carried out in PubMed, EBSCO, SciELO, LILACS, and Google Scholar. Randomized controlled studies, quasi-experimental studies, and case studies, which comprise polarized TID model in amateur runners on race time, were include. Results: Five studies evaluated the effect on running time using the polarized TID model compared to other models in amateur runners; four of them did not show differences between groups in the race times in two, five, and ten km. Only one study showed significant diferences in the race time at 21 km. Conclusions: The model with polarized TID did not show significant differences in race time compared to other models, except for a case report in which the polarized TID was higher by 21 km compared to the threshold TID: 1 hour. 20 min. 22 seconds and 1 hour. 26 min. 34s, respectively. The scarce evidence found, the heterogeneity in the distances in the evaluated race time, the distribution of zones in the same TID, the duration of the interventions, and the monitoring of the loads, are the main limitations found in the studies. The polarized TID could contribute to adherence, lower perception of effort, and injury prevention. However, this must be tested in future studies.

Problema: La intensidad en el entrenamiento de la resistencia es importante para mejorar el tiempo de carrera; su manipulación óptima en corredores recreativos no ha sido estudiada ampliamente. El modelo de distribución de intensidad del entrenamiento (DIE) polarizado emerge como posibilidad para reducir el tiempo de carrera. Sin embargo, falta demostrar su efecto comparado con otros modelos de DIE. Objetivo: Explorar el estado actual de la evidencia científica y sus vacíos respecto al efecto del modelo de DIE polarizado sobre el tiempo de carrera en corredores recreativos, en comparación con otros modelos de DIE. Método: Se realizó una revisión de alcance sin restricción de fechas en PubMed, EBSCO, SciELO, LILACS y Google Scholar. Se incluyeron estudios controlados aleatorios, estudios cuasiexperimentales y estudios de caso, que tuvieran como DIE el modelo polarizado en corredores recreativos sobre el tiempo de carrera. Resultados: Cinco estudios evaluaron el efecto en el tiempo de carrera usando el modelo de DIE polarizado comparado con otros modelos en corredores recreativos; cuatro de ellos no mostraron diferencias entre grupos en los tiempos de carrera en dos, cinco y diez km. Solo un estudio mostró diferencias significativas en el tiempo de carrera en 21 km. Conclusiones: El modelo con DIE polarizado no mostró diferencias significativas en el tiempo de carrera comparado con otros modelos, a excepción de un reporte de caso en el cual la DIE polarizado fue superior en 21 km comparado la DIE umbral: 1 hora. 20 min. 22 s y 1 hora. 26 min. 34 s, respectivamente. La escasa evidencia encontrada, la heterogeneidad en las distancias en el tiempo de carrera evaluado, la distribución de zonas en una misma DIE, la duración de las intervenciones y la monitorización de las cargas son las principales limitaciones encontradas en los estudios. La DIE polarizado podría contribuir a la adherencia, a una menor percepción del esfuerzo y a la prevención de lesiones. No obstante, esto debe ser probado en estudios futuros.

Training intensity distribution analysis by race pace vs. physiological approach in world-class middle- and long-distance runners.

This study aimed to analyse the training intensity distribution (TID) of a group of 7 world-class middle- and long-distance runners over 50 weeks using two different approaches to organise TID zones: (1) based on individual specific race pace and; (2) based on physiological parameters. Analysed training data included training volume, intensity and frequency. The average weekly volume for the group was 135.4 ± 29.4 km·week-1. Training volumes for Z1, Z2 and Z3 were 88.5 ± 1.1%, 7.4 ± 0.8% and 4.1 ± 0.7% respectively for race-pace based approach, and 87.2 ± 1.2%, 6.1 ± 0.7% and 6.6 ± 0.9% respectively for the physiological approach. Differences were found between the approaches in Z2 (large effect, ES = 1.20) and Z3 (moderate effect, ES = 0.93). The approach based on race-pace zones produced pyramidal distributions in both middle- and long-distance runners across all phases of the season. The physiological approach produced polarised and pyramidal distributions depending of the phase of the season in the middle-distance runners, and pyramidal type TID across all phases of the season in the long-distance runners. The results of this study demonstrate that the training analysis in a world-class group of runners shows different TID when assessed relative to race pace versus to physiological zones. This highlights a potential deficiency in training analysis and prescription methods which do not make reference to specific performance. An approach which makes reference to both physiological and performance measures may allow for a more consistent and logical analysis.

Enhancing the training integrity of human service staff using pyramidal behavioral skills training.

This experiment used a pyramidal training model to evaluate the effects of behavioral skills training (BST), delivered in a 1-time group-training format, on the extent to which 25 human service staff implemented BST when training others how to implement behavioral procedures. Results indicated that (a) the training workshop increased BST integrity to mastery levels for the majority of participants with varying levels of education, organizational positions, and training experience, (b) the training effects generalized to teaching an untrained skill, and (c) high levels of BST integrity maintained at follow-up 4 to 6 weeks after training for all 3 participants with whom probes were conducted. Moreover, participants indicated high levels of satisfaction with both the training workshop and BST as a training procedure.

Practitioner Implementation of Communication Intervention With Students With Complex Communication Needs.

This study evaluated the effects of a pyramidal training approach that used an expert trainer who taught teachers how to train their paraeducators. Three special education teachers were taught to train four paraeducators to provide students with intellectual and developmental disabilities opportunities to initiate (OTI). A multiple baseline design across participants was used to evaluate the rate and fidelity that paraeducators provided OTI and least to most prompting strategies with students. Rates increased from 0 to an average of .58 per minute. Fidelity of implementation increased from 0% to an average of 94.5%. Maintenance data were recorded for three paraeducators. Schools should consider using this cost- and time-effective training model with staff.

Interventionist Acquisition of Incidental Teaching Using Pyramidal Training via Telehealth.

We investigated the effects of a telehealth pyramidal training package on participants' implementation of incidental teaching. A total of eight adults worked with eight children with autism. Coaches were first taught to implement incidental teaching and then taught subsequent interventionists. The training package consisted of an online module and delayed video-based feedback provided via videoconferencing. Following the telehealth training program, coaches and interventionists reached the preset performance criteria and implemented incidental teaching with high fidelity. All of the child participants increased mands above baseline levels. Results suggest that interventionists can be trained via telehealth in behavior analytic interventions.

The Effect of Periodization and Training Intensity Distribution on Middle- and Long-Distance Running Performance: A Systematic Review.

This review aimed to examine the current evidence for 3 primary training intensity distribution types: (1) pyramidal training, (2) polarized training, and (3) threshold training. Where possible, the training intensity zones relative to the goal race pace, rather than physiological or subjective variables, were calculated. Three electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science) were searched in May 2017 for original research articles. After analysis of 493 resultant original articles, studies were included if they met the following criteria: (1) Their participants were middle- or long-distance runners; (2) they analyzed training intensity distribution in the form of observational reports, case studies, or interventions; (3) they were published in peer-reviewed journals; and (4) they analyzed training programs with a duration of 4 wk or longer. Sixteen studies met the inclusion criteria, which included 6 observational reports, 3 case studies, 6 interventions, and 1 review. According to the results of this analysis, pyramidal and polarized training are more effective than threshold training, although the latest is used by some of the best marathon runners in the world. Despite this apparent contradictory finding, this review presents evidence for the organization of training into zones based on a percentage of goal race pace, which allows for different periodization types to be compatible. This approach requires further development to assess whether specific percentages above and below race pace are key to inducing optimal changes.

Application of a Pyramidal Training Model on the Implementation of Trial-Based Functional Analysis: a Partial Replication.

We employed a pyramidal training model (PTM) to teach staff to correctly implement and collect data for trial-based functional analysis (TBFA) in simulated situations. First, we trained four behavioral consultants (BCs) in a group format, who each trained one behavior technician (BT) in an individual format. We utilized a non-concurrent multiple baseline design to evaluate the effect of the training. During generalization probes, participants implemented TBFA with a novel problem behavior. This study will contribute to the literature on teaching staff how to conduct TBFA. This study demonstrates the application of a two-level PTM. This study illustrates how agencies can utilize the Task Analysis Training Protocol within a PTM to train staff on implementation of TBFA.

A Review of the Pyramidal Training Approach for Practitioners Working With Individuals With Disabilities.

Pyramidal training has been used for many years to expedite training for those who work with individuals with disabilities and utilizes an expert who provides training to a practitioner who then trains another practitioner to implement practices with clients. Fourteen articles were analyzed to investigate the viability of this training approach for practitioners of all types who support individuals with disabilities. Research does support the effectiveness of pyramidal training within the parameters with which it has been evaluated in this review. All Tier 1 participants made improvement; 83% of Tier 2 participants and 43% of individuals with disabilities showed improvement. Future researchers are encouraged to analyze not only the fidelity of the implementation of these practices but also the changes among the individuals with disabilities. To that end, progress monitoring is necessary to determine whether the implementation was the cause for the meaningful gains for the population being served.

Teaching Practitioners to Conduct Behavioral Skills Training: A Pyramidal Approach for Training Multiple Human Service Staff.

A job responsibility of many behavior analysts that can involve significant amounts of time is training human service staff in behavior-change and related procedures. We evaluated a pyramidal approach using behavioral skills training (BST) for a trainer to train multiple staff. The BST skills of 10 practitioners in a human service setting were assessed as they trained a staff person in simulation before and after being trained (with BST) to conduct BST. Results indicated all participants improved their use of BST during the assessments following training and demonstrated proficient application of BST while training a staff person in the regular work setting. Acceptability measures suggested the training process was well received by the participants. Results are discussed regarding practical considerations with BST-based pyramidal training, including the conditions in which this training approach may be most advantageous.

Increasing accurate preference assessment implementation through pyramidal training.

Preference assessments directly evaluate items that may serve as reinforcers, and their implementation is an important skill for individuals who work with children. This study examined the effectiveness of pyramidal training on teachers' implementation of preference assessments. During experiment 1, 3 special education teachers taught 6 trainees to conduct paired-choice, multiple-stimulus without replacement, and free-operant preference assessments. All trainees acquired skills necessary to implement preference assessments with 90% or greater accuracy during the training sessions and demonstrated generalization of skills to their classrooms or clinic. During experiment 2, 5 teachers who served as trainees in experiment 1 trained 18 preschool teachers. All preschool teachers met the mastery criterion following training. Training teachers to implement preference assessments may increase teachers' acceptance and use of behavior-analytic procedures in school settings.