Conectar
by Thomas Muehlbauer, Reinhold Kliegl, Katharina Borgmann, Sam Limpach, Dirk Krombholz, Stefan Panzer
BackgroundThe effects of training interventions on interlimb balance performance have been recently investigated. However, no comparison was conducted between the impact of a single-mode versus combined training modality, whereby complementary adaptations are suggested for the latter.
ObjectiveThus, we investigated the effects of a single-mode versus combined training modality on interlimb static and dynamic balance performance in soccer players.
MethodsYoung male soccer players (N = 57, Tier level 3) were randomly allocated to a unilateral single-mode balance training (BT) group (n = 17, age: 13.8 ± 1.5 years), a unilateral combined balance and plyometric jump training (BT + PT) group (n = 20, age: 14.1 ± 1.5 years) or an active control (CON) group (n = 20, age: 14.2 ± 1.6 years). Training was conducted in-season for nine weeks (two sessions per week) using the non-dominant leg. Pre- and post-intervention, unipedal balance performance was assessed for both legs under static (unipedal stance only) and dynamic (unipedal stance with continuous leg swing) task conditions while increasing the difficulty level (i.e., gradual reduction of the base of support). Binary (success rate) and metric (center of pressure [CoP] indices, limb symmetry index [LSI]) parameters of postural control were calculated.
ResultsBoth training modalities yielded significant improvements in interlimb static and dynamic postural control, with greater effects in the single-mode BT group for the parameter success rate and in the combined BT + PT group for the CoP-based indices. Significant improvements in the LSI occurred irrespective of the training modality.
ConclusionBoth, single-mode BT (binary outcome) and combined BT + PT (metric outcome) appear to be effective in improving interlimb static and dynamic postural control in young male soccer players. Due to the floor and ceiling effects across outcome domains, it cannot be concluded that one training mode is superior to the other. However, the more in-depth analysis (i.e., CoP-based indices) yields findings in favor of the combined BT + PT and suggests that regulatory processes, in particular, benefit from this training modality.
More than 5 million people in Germany are living with cancer or a history of cancer, 40% of them aged 75 years or older. Cancer and its treatment may lead to reduced physiological reserves, multiple somatic comorbidities and a combination of functional and psychosocial health problems in addition to the long-term and late effects of cancer and its treatment. Therefore, providing tailored care and support through an interdisciplinary care network is crucial. The aim of the IMPULS-A (Implementation of a Support Programme for Long-Term Cancer Survivors in Old Age) study is to evaluate an innovative survivorship programme designed to address the specific needs of older cancer survivors by improving access to regional care networks.
IMPULS-A is a prospective, two-arm, randomised controlled trial. Altogether, n=724 cancer survivors ≥70 years, who have completed the course of first line/primary treatment, with an expected lifespan of >3 years, identified support needs and live in proximity (≤100 km) of the National Center for Tumor Diseases Heidelberg, Germany, will be randomly allocated (1:1) to an intervention or control group. All eligible participants complete study evaluation questionnaires— either via LimeSurvey or paper-based — at three time points: T0 (at randomisation), T1 (T0+9 months) and T2 (T0+18 months). The primary outcome is health literacy. Secondary outcomes are digital health literacy, quality of life, effects on preventive health measures and healthcare utilisation, personal resources, treatment satisfaction, acceptability, appropriateness and feasibility of the survivorship care model and support needs of relatives in the long-term survival phase. For participants in the intervention group, a care navigator provides appropriate referrals and information based on a biannual biopsychosocial screening. Participants with complex needs are reviewed and discussed in an interdisciplinary survivor board. Participants in the control group receive the current standard treatment. Data analysis will be performed according to the intention-to-treat principle. The primary hypothesis will be analysed using a multilevel model. Missing values will be handled using the mixed models for repeated measures method. Additionally, qualitative, semi-structured interviews with patients from both study arms will explore which aspects are important to older people in relation to a life worth living after cancer.
Written informed consent will be obtained from all participants prior to study enrolment. The protocol, informed consent forms and information letters have been approved by the Ethics Committee of the Medical Faculty of Heidelberg University (S-692/2024), the Ethics Committee of the State Medical Association of Baden-Württemberg (B-F-2025-056) and the Ethics Committee of the State Medical Association of Rhineland-Palatinate (2025–18207). The study is conducted in accordance with the current version of the Declaration of Helsinki. Study results will be disseminated through publication in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at relevant scientific congresses and conferences.
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in the USA, with significant disparities affecting racial/ethnic minority populations particularly in Philadelphia. Although effective self-management can improve outcomes for those with CVD risk factors, social and economic barriers often impede implementation of recommended health behaviours in underserved communities. This study aims to (1) determine the effectiveness of the Decision-making Education for Choices in Diabetes Everyday (DECIDE)+ intervention in improving CVD self-management skills among Philadelphia residents with CVD risk factors and unmet social needs compared with standard community health worker (CHW) engagement and (2) assess the reach, adoption, fidelity and maintenance of DECIDE+.
Using a type 1 hybrid effectiveness-implementation design, this quasi-experimental study will compare outcomes between participants who enrol in the DECIDE+ group (n=250) or receive standard CHW services (n=250). DECIDE+ combines a structured nine-session problem-solving programme for chronic disease management with ongoing CHW support addressing social needs. Both groups will be randomly assigned to either monthly or biweekly CHW follow-up to examine the impact of contact frequency on health behaviour outcomes. Primary outcomes include CVD self-management skills measured by the Self-care of Chronic Illness Inventory. Implementation outcomes will be assessed through a mixed-methods approach including structured interviews with CHWs and analysis of programme-level data.
This study was approved by the University of Pennsylvania Institutional Review Board (Protocol #856216). Written informed consent is obtained from all participants prior to enrolment. This pragmatic trial addresses cardiovascular health disparities by simultaneously enhancing problem-solving skills for chronic disease management and addressing social and environmental barriers to effective self-management. The study will provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of multilevel CHW-delivered interventions and optimal implementation strategies in real-world community settings. Findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications and scientific conference presentations.
by Ryan D. Parsons, Sarah Bauermeister, Julian Turner, Natalie Coles, Simon Thompson, Emma Squires, Tracey Riseborough, Joshua Bauermeister, Abbie Simpkin, Naomi French, Shankly Cragg, Hazel Lockhart-Jones, Olly Robertson, Abhaya Adlakha, Ian Thompson, John Gallacher
Adolescent mental health and wellbeing are of growing concern globally with increased incidence of mental health disorders in young people. BrainWaves provides a framework for relevant and diverse research programmes into adolescent mental health and wellbeing that can translate into practice and policy. The research programme is a partnership with schools centred on establishing a large (n > 50,000) cohort and trials platform. Reported here is the BrainWaves cohort pilot study. This was designed as proof-of-concept for our recruitment and data capture pipelines, and for cost-modelling. A network of research schools was recruited and a computer-driven questionnaire administered. The eligible population was 16 + year olds who were attending the research schools. Of 41 research schools, 36 (88%) participated over one three-week and one four-week data collection period. From an eligible population of 33,531 young people, 16,010 (48%) attended the study lesson and created an account. Of the 16,010 (100%) who created an account, 15,444 (96%) consented to participate, 9,321 (60%) consented to linkage of research data with educational records, and 6,069 (39%) consented to linkage of research with school/college attendance data. Participants were aged 16–19 years, 59% female, and 76% White. Higher levels of anxiety and depression were found in females than males. Higher levels of media-based social networking were found in females, whereas higher levels of media-based gaming were found in males. Females were more likely to report insufficient sleep whilst males were more likely to report high levels of exercise. This study confirmed an ability to recruit at pace and scale. Whilst the response-rate does not indicate a representative sample, the demographics describe an inclusive and diverse sample. Data collected confirmed findings from previous studies indicating that the electronic data collection methods did not materially bias the findings. Initial cost-modelling suggests these data were collected for around £20 per participant.
FreshRSS 