Inspiratory muscle training improves performance of a repeated sprints ability test in professional soccer players

BackgroundInspiratory muscle training (IMT) is an important method of attenuating both respiratory and peripheral effort perceptions, consequently improving neuromuscular performance and resulting in greater improvements in exercise capacity than exercise training alone.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to investigate the effects of IMT on exercise tolerance, repeated sprint ability (RSA) performance, maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP), and peak inspiratory flow (PIF) in a cohort of professional male soccer players.MethodsTwenty-two healthy male professional soccer players (18.3 ± 1.4 years; 174.5 ± 6.1 cm; 70.5 kg ± 4.6 kg; body fat 10.1 ± 4.2%) from a club in the Brazilian first division soccer league participated in this study. IMT consisted of 15 and 30 self-paced inspiratory breaths (each to 50% maximal static inspiratory pressure [P₀]) in the 1-and 2-week intervention period, respectively. IMT was performed prior to soccer training (1 sets.d⁻¹; 6 d.wk⁻¹) with repeated sprint ability (RSA) assessed pre- and post- the 2-week period of IMT.ResultsStatistical analyses identified a significant (p < 0.001) decrease in sprint time post-IMT. Additionally, RSA_best, RSA_mean, total sprint time and percentage of RSA performance decrement (RSA _{% dec}) also showed significant decreases (p < 0.0001) post-IMT. Additional measures including MIP and PIF were also significantly elevated (p < 0.0002) following the 2-week period of IMT.ConclusionIn conclusion, our results raise two important issues. Firstly, IMT demonstrated enhanced inspiratory muscle strength in professional soccer players. Secondly, this increase in inspiratory muscle efficiency led to a decrease in sprint time and improved exercise tolerance. We recommend that a standard training protocol be developed and tested in an experimental and control group with a large representative sample.     

Impact of training level on postplacental levonorgestrel 52 mg intrauterine device expulsion

Objective

To determine the association between provider training level and postplacental intrauterine device (IUD) outcomes following insertion instruction by email only.

Substance use and associated emotional and behavioral problems in Nepalese adolescents

Background: Research has demonstrated that problem behavior has been associated with substance use, but knowledge is lacking on such associations in a low-income country like Nepal. Aims: This study aimed to find associations between emotional and behavioral problems and substance use among Nepalese adolescents. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the end of 2011, with participants from three schools in the Province 4 of Nepal. We selected 408 adolescents aged 12 to 18 (mean 15.2 years, 54% boys) at one urban and two rural schools. The data were collected using the Youth Self-Report and Adolescents’ Substance Use Measurement. Results: Higher scores on withdrawn/depressed symptoms, thought problems, attention problems, delinquent or aggressive behavior or internalizing or externalizing problems were associated with the use of tobacco, alcohol or other substances. In the broadband scales, only internalizing problems predicted the use of intoxicants. Higher scores for attention problems predicted the use of tobacco, any intoxicants, and high-risk user. Conclusion: Our findings indicated that problem behavior among Nepalese adolescents was associated with substance use. Future studies should explore the association between problem behavior and substance use, including causal factors, so that risky behavior among Nepalese adolescents can be prevented.     

Development of a Simulation-Based Mastery Learning Curriculum for Breaking Bad News

Introduction

Physician communication impacts patient outcomes. However, communication skills, especially around difficult conversations, remain suboptimal, and there is no clear way to determine the validity of entrustment decisions. The aims of this study were to 1) describe the development of a simulation-based mastery learning (SBML) curriculum for breaking bad news (BBN) conversation skills and 2) set a defensible minimum passing standard (MPS) to ensure uniform skill acquisition among learners.

全身运动质量评估指导高危儿早期干预的研究

目的 通过比较全身运动(GMs)评估正常的高危儿单纯家庭康复训练与家庭康复训练联合药物干预的预后,分析GMs对高危儿早期干预的指导意义。方法 选取2016年2月-2017年2月于潍坊市妇幼保健院康复科就诊并接受GMs评估正常的183例高危儿,随机分组为观察组和对照组,观察组为单纯家庭康复训练组89例,对照组为家庭康复训练联合药物干预组94例。采用Peabody运动发育量表对两组患儿分别于纠正月龄6、9、12个月龄进行评估,对Peabody运动发育量表中各指标应用SPSS 21.0进行统计分析。结果 干预后,纠正月龄6、9、12个月龄时,观察组和对照组Peabody运动发育量表中粗大运动商(GMQ)、精细运动商(FMQ)、总运动商(TMQ)比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05),重复测量方差分析发现观察组和对照组的GMQ、FMQ、TMQ评分的组间效应差异无统计学意义(P>0.05),时间效应差异有统计学意义(P<0.05),干预因素与时间因素不存在交互作用(P>0.05)。结论 GMs评估对高危儿早期干预具有指导意义。GMs评估正常者,家庭康复训练可达到促进高危儿运动功能发育的目的 ,避免仅因系高危儿而采取“过度干预”。