Effect of localized muscle fatigue on vertical ground reaction forces and ankle joint motion during running

The purpose of this study was to examine the changes in the vertical ground reaction force (VGRF) and ankle joint motion during the first 50% of the stance phase of running following fatiguing exercise of either the dorsiflexors or the invertors of the foot. VGRFs, sagittal and rearfoot kinematic data were collected from 11 female recreational runners running at 2.9 m/second on a treadmill prior to and following localized muscle fatigue of either the invertors or dorsiflexors of the right foot. Loading rate of the impact peak force significantly increased following fatiguing exercise of the dorsiflexors, while the peak magnitudes of the impact and push-off forces remained unchanged. There were significant decreases in dorsiflexion at heel contact, but no significant difference in any rearfoot motion parameters tested following dorsiflexor fatigue. Following fatiguing exercise of the invertors, impact peak magnitude, push-off peak magnitude and the rate of decline of the impact peak force significantly decreased; there was no change in the loading rate of the impact peak force. Invertor fatigue also resulted in a less inverted foot position at heel contact, but there were no significant differences in any other kinematic parameters tested. The results demonstrate that localized muscle fatigue of either the invertors or dorsiflexors can have a significant effect on the loading rates, peak magnitudes and ankle joint motion seen during running. These changes, due to localized muscle fatigue, may play a role in many common lower extremity running injuries.     

Developmental changes in coping: situational and methodological influences

Previous studies on the development of coping have shown rather inconsistent findings regarding the developmental trajectories for different coping dimensions. The aim of this study is to search for possible influences that might explain these inconsistencies. The analysis focuses on methodological influences (longitudinal vs. cross-sectional assessments) and situational influences. Two samples of children were traced longitudinally with yearly assessments from grade 2 to 5 (sample 1, N =432) and from grade 4 to 7 (sample 2, N =366). A third sample (N =849) was added with cross-sectional assessments from grade 2 to 7. The assessed coping dimensions were related to (a) problem solving, (b) seeking social support, (c) palliative coping, (d) externalizing emotional coping, and (e) avoidant coping. The use of the coping strategies had to be assessed for six stress-evoking situations. The results show only small differences between the longitudinal and the cross-sectional coping assessments. There are, however, clear situational influences on the choice of the coping strategies and also on the resulting developmental trajectories.     

Developmental changes in coping: Situational and methodological influences

Abstract

Previous studies on the development of coping have shown rather inconsistent findings regarding the developmental trajectories for different coping dimensions. The aim of this study is to search for possible influences that might explain these inconsistencies. The analysis focuses on methodological influences (longitudinal vs. cross-sectional assessments) and situational influences. Two samples of children were traced longitudinally with yearly assessments from grade 2 to 5 (sample 1, N =432) and from grade 4 to 7 (sample 2, N =366). A third sample (N =849) was added with cross-sectional assessments from grade 2 to 7. The assessed coping dimensions were related to (a) problem solving, (b) seeking social support, (c) palliative coping, (d) externalizing emotional coping, and (e) avoidant coping. The use of the coping strategies had to be assessed for six stress-evoking situations. The results show only small differences between the longitudinal and the cross-sectional coping assessments. There are, however, clear situational influences on the choice of the coping strategies and also on the resulting developmental trajectories.     

Q-Coh: A tool to screen the methodological quality of cohort studies in systematic reviews and meta-analyses

The evaluation of the methodological quality of primary studies in a systematic review is a key process to enhance the likelihood of achieving valid results. When considering non-randomized designs as cohort studies, this process becomes even more critical, since these designs are more susceptible to bias than randomized controlled trials are. Taking this into account, a tool, named Q-Coh, was designed with the aim to screen the methodological quality of the primary studies with a cohort design priming specificity over sensitivity in a reasonable application time. After applying it to 21 prospective cohort studies by three raters, all domains had a moderate to good agreement, with all except one of them having statistically significant kappa values. Despite there is no gold standard for the methodological quality, arguments supporting its validity are given. Future research should assess the psychometric properties of Q-Coh in the context of real meta-analyses, evaluate the influence of the raters’ substantive and methodological expertise on these properties, and explore different ways of including the domains-based ratings of the quality provided by Q-Coh into meta-analyses.     

Reconnaissance au travail : validation d’une échelle de mesure dans le contexte des entreprises

IntroductionTo our knowledge, there is a lack of reliable measurement tools to assess different dimensions of recognition in the organizational context. As a consequence, quantitative studies in the area are still lacking.ObjectivesThe aim of this study is to propose a measuring instrument of recognition at work showing valid and satisfactory psychometric properties.MethodsTwo cross-sectional studies were conducted in this research. The data collected by questionnaire were processed by SPSS17.0 software for exploratory factor analysis and EQS 6.1 for confirmatory factor analyzes.ResultsThe results show that in organizational context, there may be 3 sources of recognition that have to be taken into consideration: the organization itself, superiors and colleagues.ConclusionThis study extend prior research on the measurement of recognition at work. A validated tool based on the most rigorous validation methods and the latest methodological advances, in particular by confirmatory factor analyzes, has then been created.     

Review of Interventions Designed to Address Drinking Among Soldiers

Heavy and abusive alcohol use is a major health problem facing military service members. We reviewed literature on alcohol intervention programs targeting military personnel to assess the methodological quality and effectiveness of the programs. Although the search yielded more than 42,000 citations, only 150 met initial screening criteria. Eighteen studies had sufficient evidence to meet secondary screening and of these only 10 studies were included in the review. These studies employed several types of interventions, but only 1 used a randomized controlled trial. Our findings indicate that there is greater need to assess intervention strategies, and there is a particular need for high-quality studies using randomized controlled trials with standardized assessment tools to improve the generalizability of the findings. We discuss the implications of our findings for future research in this area.     

A systematic review of motivational interviewing within musculoskeletal health

Motivational interviewing (MI) has been investigated within a range of healthcare environments though to date no studies have systematically assessed its application and effectiveness within musculoskeletal health. The aim of this study is to identify interventions that have utilised MI to create change within musculoskeletal healthcare, evaluate quality and effectiveness, as well as identify the level of training received by those utilising the approach. The search strategy identified both published and unpublished or grey literature through electronic resources, reference list and content searches. Five studies were identified for quality assessment. Due to variations in delivery modality, musculoskeletal condition and type of MI application it was not possible to provide direct comparative interpretations for these factors. A data synthesis was used to provide a summary of study characteristics, a narrative overview and conduct a quality assessment as well as considering authors comments on study limitations. The results of the quality assessment highlighted a number of methodological issues which supported and expanded upon those expressed by the studies authors. None of the studies contained children or young people and in terms of training there were variations in training provider, duration and competency, as well as variation in the fidelity of MI. The findings have highlighted the need for well designed randomised controlled trials that are suitability powered to measure the effectiveness of MI within musculoskeletal health. Future studies may consider the application of MI within musculoskeletal conditions in terms of self-management and its application to creating lifestyle changes (e.g., diet, exercise) for adults, as well as children and young people. Research currently being conducted may expand upon the evidence, feasibility and validity of MI within areas such as fibromyalgia, osteoporosis, arthritis, understanding of knee replacement and rehabilitation.     

Combining wearable sensor signals,machine learning and biomechanics to estimate tibial bone force and damage during running

There are tremendous opportunities to advance science, clinical care, sports performance, and societal health if we are able to develop tools for monitoring musculoskeletal loading (e.g., forces on bones or muscles) outside the lab. While wearable sensors enable non-invasive monitoring of human movement in applied situations, current commercial wearables do not estimate tissue-level loading on structures inside the body. Here we explore the feasibility of using wearable sensors to estimate tibial bone force during running. First, we used lab-based data and musculoskeletal modeling to estimate tibial force for ten participants running across a range of speeds and slopes. Next, we converted lab-based data to signals feasibly measured with wearables (inertial measurement units on the foot and shank, and pressure-sensing insoles) and used these data to develop two multi-sensor algorithms for estimating peak tibial force: one physics-based and one machine learning. Additionally, to reflect current running wearables that utilize running impact metrics to infer musculoskeletal loading or injury risk, we estimated tibial force using a commonly measured impact metric, the ground reaction force vertical average loading rate (VALR). Using VALR to estimate peak tibial force resulted in a mean absolute percent error of 9.9%, which was no more accurate than a theoretical step counter that assumed the same peak force for every running stride. Our physics-based algorithm reduced error to 5.2%, and our machine learning algorithm reduced error to 2.6%. Further, to gain insights into how force estimation accuracy relates to overuse injury risk, we computed bone damage expected due to a given loading cycle. We found that modest errors in tibial force translated into large errors in bone damage estimates. For example, a 9.9% error in tibial force using VALR translated into 104% error in estimated bone damage. Encouragingly, the physics-based and machine learning algorithms reduced damage errors to 41% and 18%, respectively. This study highlights the exciting potential to combine wearables, musculoskeletal biomechanics and machine learning to develop more accurate tools for monitoring musculoskeletal loading in applied situations.     

Parent-Professional Alliance and Outcomes of Child,Parent, and Family Treatment: A Systematic Review

This review systematically explored research examining the relation between parent-professional alliance and outcomes of psychosocial treatments provided to children, and their parents and families. Study findings and methodological characteristics were reviewed to investigate the evidence linking the alliance between parents and professionals to outcomes of child, parent, and family treatment as well as to identify factors that may influence the alliance-outcome association. A systematic review of the literature was conducted that included a search of three electronic databases using specified search terms, followed by a hand search to identify relevant studies. A total of 46 studies (37 published articles and 9 unpublished dissertations) met inclusion criteria. Overall, the findings indicated that higher levels of parent-professional alliance were significantly associated with improved clinical outcomes and stronger treatment engagement. However, some studies found that the parent-professional alliance was not significantly related to clinical outcomes or treatment engagement, and a few studies showed that higher levels of alliance were related to less positive clinical outcomes and lower levels of treatment engagement. Several theoretical (problem type, child age, parent sex) and methodological (source and timing of alliance measurement, alliance-outcome informants, outcome domain, timing of outcome measurement) factors were identified that could influence the alliance-outcome association. Together, our findings emphasize the importance of alliance awareness when working with parents as well as a need for future studies to investigate factors influencing the quality of the parent-professional alliance and alliance-outcome association in child, parent, and family treatment.     

Muscle Dysmorphia Research Neglects DSM-5 Diagnostic Criteria

This systematic review aimed to collect, evaluate, and synthesize the research on muscle dysmorphia (MD) post official recognition as a specifier for body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) in the DSM-5, and provide recommendations for future research. Literature searches were conducted in four databases to see if inclusion criteria were met. Results revealed 33 studies meeting inclusion criteria, none of which utilized DSM-5 criteria for MD or acknowledged the criterion in their research. Few studies acknowledged the association between MD and BDD, and the methodological quality of recent MD research was considered low due to a lack of clinical samples, measurements not using validated cutoff scores, and the research designs. In conclusion, future MD research is encouraged to utilize DSM-5 diagnostic criteria to better inform clinical practice and significantly improve the methodological quality. As such, more effective treatment options may be developed, reducing the risk of health-harming consequences in these individuals.     

The prevalence,risk factors and outcomes of workplace bullying among junior doctors: a systematic review

ABSTRACT

Junior doctors’ exposure to bullying may impact their training and compromise quality healthcare, yet little is known in relation to its predictors and effects. The aim of this paper is to assess the prevalence, factors and outcomes of workplace bullying among junior doctors. Literature search was performed to identify all primary studies examining workplace bullying among junior doctors using the following electronic databases: Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, PsycINFO and Cochrane Library. A total of 18 articles were included, reporting on a total of 9,597 junior doctors. The quality of evidence can be rated as moderate according to the Newcastle Ottawa Scale. From the review, a wide range (30–95%) of bullying prevalence, significant differences in bullying rates according to gender, age, height, ethnicity and subspecialty, and significant associations between bullying and mental strain, job dissatisfaction, burnout, and increased accidents at work were observed. Concurrently, heterogeneity in the terms and methodologies used to examine workplace bullying as well as definitional issues in relation to the persistency of negative interactions were noted. Evidence suggests that workplace bullying is a serious occupational hazard for junior doctors, and more research is warranted to better understand this phenomenon and address its definitional and methodological issues.     

The Relationship Between Flexible Perspective Taking and Emotional Well-Being: A Systematic Review of the “Self-as-Context” Component of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

One of the core processes of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) is “self-as-context” (SAC). SAC is conventionally taught as an extension of mindfulness, which enables individuals to focus on a stable, grounded, and enduring sense of self that is able to have a flexible perspective. There has been a growing number of studies that have evaluated the effects of the SAC component in improving emotional well-being in various samples. The objective of this systematic review was twofold: (a) to evaluate whether SAC can be effectively taught and assessed in component analyses, and (b) to evaluate whether SAC improves emotional well-being. The electronic databases of PsycInfo and Medline were searched to identify relevant studies with the final search completed in August 2019. All studies that examined SAC as a stand-alone construct were considered. A total of 20 studies (published in 14 papers) met inclusion criteria for this review. Seven studies were based on a single-session lab trial, two studies were based on intervention trials, and 11 studies utilized cross-sectional assessment designs. On the basis of four identified studies, there is only provisional but very limited evidence to suggest that SAC can be effectively taught and implemented as a stand-alone process to manage emotional well-being. Mixed findings emerged in relation to SAC improving emotional well-being. The methodological quality of the studies was variable, which contributed to the mixed outcomes. There is limited evidence to support the use of the SAC component as a stand-alone process in ACT-based interventions, and research recommendations are discussed.     

Frontal plane multi-segment foot kinematics in high- and low-arched females during dynamic loading tasks

The functions of the medial longitudinal arch have been the focus of much research in recent years. Several studies have shown kinematic differences between high- and low-arched runners. No literature currently compares the inter-segmental foot motion of high- and low-arched recreational athletes. The purpose of this study was to examine inter-segmental foot motion in the frontal plane during dynamic loading activities in high- and low-arched female athletes. Inter-segmental foot motions were examined in 10 high- and 10 low-arched female recreational athletes. Subjects performed five barefooted trials in each of the following randomized movements: walking, running, downward stepping and landing. Three-dimensional kinematic data were recorded. High-arched athletes had smaller peak ankle eversion angles in walking, running and downward stepping than low-arched athletes. At the rear-midfoot joint high-arched athletes reached peak eversion later in walking and downward stepping than the low-arched athletes. The high-arched athletes had smaller peak mid-forefoot eversion angles in walking, running and downward stepping than the low-arched athletes. The current findings show that differences in foot kinematics between the high- and low-arched athletes were in position and not range of motion within the foot.     

Vertical adaptation of the center of mass in human running on uneven ground

In running we are frequently confronted with different kinds of disturbances. Some require quick reactions and adaptations while others, like moderate changes in ground level, can be compensated passively. Monitoring the kinematics of the runner’s center of mass (CoM) in such situations can reveal what global locomotion control strategies humans use and can help to distinguish between active and passive compensation methods.In this study single and permanent upward steps of 10 cm as well as drops of the same height were used as mechanical disturbances and the adaptations in the vertical oscillation of the runners CoM were analyzed. We found that runners visually perceiving uneven ground ahead substantially adapted their CoM in preparation by lifting it about 50% of step height or lowering it by about 40% of drop height, respectively. After contact on the changed ground level different adaptations depending on the situation occur. For persisting changes the adaptation to the elevated ground is completed after the first step on the new level. For single steps part of the adaptation takes place while returning to the ground. The consistent adaptations for the different situations support the idea that controlling the CoM by adapting leg parameters is a general control principle in running.     

Recording puff volume in smoking

Recent research on nicotine self-administration has highlighted the need to accurately assess within-cigarette topography in order to estimate changes in puff profiles that occur in response to varying nicotine content. This paper describes equipment and techniques that may be used to record puff volume in the laboratory and discusses methods used by other researchers to study puff volume with an emphasis on methodological advantages of the present technique.     

当代体育运动心理学跨文化研究述

采用文献检索法,对12份重要的国际期刊上1988~2004期间的文章进行检索,最终从其中的8份期刊中检索到33篇体育运动心理学跨文化研究的文献,在此基础上尝试从研究的方法论及研究的内容两方面来述评当代体育运动心理学跨文化研究的发展情况。方法论方面的述评主要包括数据收集方法、“文化”代表物、被试等值性,以及概念等值性四个方面的内容;研究内容方面的述评主要包括运动成就动机、教练-运动员关系、生涯转折,以及心理品质/心理技能四个方面的内容。文章最后对未来的研究提出了“建立指导研究的理论构架”、“发展指导研究的方法论模型”、“注重研究的实践应用价值”三点建议,并提出三阶段理论构架和四阶段方法论模型,分别尝试作为指导未来研究的理论构架和方法论模型     

Gender differences in emotional development: A review of theories and research

Theories, data, methodological and conceptual problems concerning the study of gender differences in the development of defenses, emotional expression, recognition, and experiences are reviewed Data indicate gender differences in several areas of emotional functioning, including nonverbal sensitivity, expressiveness, self-reports of anger, fear, and sadness, the quality of defenses, and cognitive correlates of recognition abilities Studies suggest that with development, boys increasingly inhibit the expression and attribution of most emotions, whereas girls increasingly inhibit the expression and recognition of socially unacceptable emotions, e g, anger These differences may be a function of different socialization processes for males and females, which may be adaptations to innate gender differences in temperament, or adaptations to existing sociocultural pressures The present paper argues that emotions motivate and regulate adaptive behaviors, and that researchers must explore gender differences in emotional development as a function of different familial, sociocultural, and interpersonal roles to which males and females must adapt     

Response Bias in Research on Religion,Spirituality and Mental Health: A Critical Review of the Literature and Methodological Recommendations

Although a significant body of research supports the psychological benefits of religion and spirituality, more investigations are needed to understand the mechanisms by which they impact mental health. While some studies suggest a causal direct influence, the findings may still be subject to unmeasured factors and confounders. Despite compelling empirical support for the dangers of response bias, this has been a widely neglected topic in mental health research. The aim of this essay is to critically examine the literature addressing the role of response bias in the relationship between religion, spirituality and mental health. A survey of the diverse types of bias in this research area is presented, and methodological and theoretical issues are outlined. The validity and generalizability of the evidence are discussed, as well as the implications for mental health practice. A list of methodological remedies to reduce bias is suggested. The article is then concluded with a summary of the studies reviewed and directions for future research.

     

Training of interventionists and cultural adaptation procedures: A systematic review of culturally adapted evidence-based parenting programs in Africa

There has been an increase in the implementation of evidence-based parenting programs from high-income countries to several African countries. In this review, we systematically evaluated intervention studies of culturally adapted parenting programs in nine African countries with the objective of examining the quality of training for interventionists and cultural adaptation procedures. A total of 18 studies, obtained from an electronic search of 6 databases, met the inclusion criteria and were evaluated following PRISMA guidelines. The Ecological Validity Model was adopted to organize data on cultural adaptation procedures. Sixteen of the 18 studies reported information regarding the clinical training of interventionists and the cultural adaptations undertaken. Live and interactive workshops were the most common format used to train interventionists in the focal intervention. Overall, cultural adaptations in most studies included translation of intervention protocols into the local language. However, studies varied in the way cultural adaptation procedures were reported with some studies failing to report on cultural adaptation procedures. Concurring with previous literature, attending to issues of culture, power, privilege, access, sustainability, and other relevant concepts to increase the cultural relevance is highly encouraged in parent intervention studies in Africa. This review provides a baseline upon which future training and adaptation procedures can be built.     

The Empirical Status of Cue Exposure and Response Prevention Treatment for Binge Eating: A Systematic Review

Approximately 50% of individuals fail to obtain treatment benefits when undergoing cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for binge-eating behaviors, making it necessary to evaluate additional approaches. Cue exposure and response prevention (CERP) is one such approach, although its effectiveness across studies has been inconsistent. This may be due to inconsistent implementation of theoretically based CERP strategies. This possibility has not yet been systematically investigated. To address this gap, this review investigated which CERP strategies have been incorporated into treatment protocols for binge eating, and if the use of certain strategies improves treatment effectiveness. Relevant studies were identified through reference lists, grey literature, and searches of electronic databases using multiple search terms related to CERP and binge eating, which resulted in 18 eligible studies. Most studies were underpowered, many were of low methodological quality, and none of the included studies utilized all of the strategies that have been recommended to optimize CERP. Despite these weaknesses, CERP appeared to reduce the frequency of binge eating in the short and long term. This review underscores the need for higher quality research that utilizes larger samples and uniform outcome measures that are more strongly grounded in theory. Such research would help improve treatment outcomes for binge eating.