Predefined vs data-guided training prescription based on autonomic nervous system variation: A systematic review

Monitoring variations in the functioning of the autonomic nervous system may help personalize training of runners and provide more pronounced physiological adaptations and performance improvements. We systematically reviewed the scientific literature comparing physiological adaptations and/or improvements in performance following training based on responses of the autonomic nervous system (ie, changes in heart rate variability) and predefined training. PubMed, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science were searched systematically in July 2019. Keywords related to endurance, running, autonomic nervous system, and training. Studies were included if they (a) involved interventions consisting predominantly of running training; (b) lasted at least 3 weeks; (c) reported pre- and post-intervention assessment of running performance and/or physiological parameters; (d) included an experimental group performing training adjusted continuously on the basis of alterations in HRV and a control group; and (e) involved healthy runners. Five studies involving six interventions and 166 participants fulfilled our inclusion criteria. Four HRV-based interventions reduced the amount of moderate- and/or high-intensity training significantly. In five interventions, improvements in performance parameters (3000 m, 5000 m, Loadmax, Tlim) were more pronounced following HRV-based training. Peak oxygen uptake () and submaximal running parameters (eg, LT1, LT2) improved following both HRV-based and predefined training, with no clear difference in the extent of improvement in . Submaximal running parameters tended to improve more following HRV-based training. Research findings to date have been limited and inconsistent. Both HRV-based and predefined training improve running performance and certain submaximal physiological adaptations, with effects of the former training tending to be greater.     

An Environmental Scan of the National and Provincial Diagnostic Reference Levels in Canada for Common Adult Computed Tomography Scans

Several regulatory bodies have agreed that low-dose radiation used in medical imaging is a weak carcinogen that follows a linear, non-threshold model of cancer risk. While avoiding radiation is the best course of action to mitigate risk, computed tomography (CT) scans are often critical for diagnosis. In addition to the as low as reasonably achievable principle, a more concrete method of dose reduction for common CT imaging exams is the use of a diagnostic reference level (DRL). This paper examines Canada's national DRL values from the recent CT survey and compares it to published provincial DRLs as well as the DRLs in the United Kingdom and the United States of America for the 3 most common CT exams: head, chest, and abdomen/pelvis. Canada compares well on the international scale, but it should consider using more electronic dose monitoring solutions to create a culture of dose optimization.     

E-santé et m-santé: état des lieux en 2014 et apports potentiels en oncologie

New information technologies and communication in health or “eHealth” is a way of improvement for management of chronic diseases. EHealth can improve patient care and care coordination especially in cancer patients who require a multidisciplinary approach. Treatments in oncology are complex and can result in new toxicities. Information of patients and of caregivers is a crucial issue. The patients require to be monitored and the caregivers need up-to-date information. The mobile component of eHealth: the mobile health or “mHealth” could provide to this need. This paper proposes to expose the principles of eHealth and its mobile component mHealth then to discuss their place in the management of cancer, for patients and caregivers.     

eHealth literacy in chronic disease patients: An item response theory analysis of the eHealth literacy scale (eHEALS)

BackgroundChronic disease patients are affected by low computer and health literacy, which negatively affects their ability to benefit from access to online health information.ObjectiveTo estimate reliability and confirm model specifications for eHealth Literacy Scale (eHEALS) scores among chronic disease patients using Classical Test (CTT) and Item Response Theory techniques.MethodsA stratified sample of Black/African American (N = 341) and Caucasian (N = 343) adults with chronic disease completed an online survey including the eHEALS. Item discrimination was explored using bi-variate correlations and Cronbach’s alpha for internal consistency. A categorical confirmatory factor analysis tested a one-factor structure of eHEALS scores. Item characteristic curves, in-fit/outfit statistics, omega coefficient, and item reliability and separation estimates were computed.ResultsA 1-factor structure of eHEALS was confirmed by statistically significant standardized item loadings, acceptable model fit indices (CFI/TLI > 0.90), and 70% variance explained by the model. Item response categories increased with higher theta levels, and there was evidence of acceptable reliability (ω = 0.94; item reliability = 89; item separation = 8.54).ConclusioneHEALS scores are a valid and reliable measure of self-reported eHealth literacy among Internet-using chronic disease patients.Practice implicationsProviders can use eHEALS to help identify patients’ eHealth literacy skills.     

eHEALS健康素养量表的汉化及适用性探索

目的评价eHEALS汉化量表的信度和效度，并用该量表分析高中生电子健康素养的影响因素。方法将英文版“eHeahhLiteracyScale（eHEALS）”翻译为中文并进行修订；使用eHEALS汉化量表对110名高中生进行调查，利用EpiData3．02软件录入数据，SPSS13．0进行统计分析。结果eHEALS汉化量表的Cronbach’sd系数为0．913，因子分析载荷系数在0．692—0．869之间。eHEALS汉化量表总分平均值为（28．58±7．00）分，高中生电子健康素养水平在不同地域、母亲文化程度、健康态度和自评健康状况间均存在差异（P〈0．05）。结论eHEALS汉化量表具有较好的信效度。高中生在获取、应用网络健康信息与服务方面自我信心较为乐观。