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Matthew Tapie, Alan Brill und Matthew Levering (Hrsg.). The Challenge of Catholic-Jewish Theological Dialogue. The Catholic University of America Press, 2025
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Reaffirming the Role of Anthropology in Transformative Change: Responses, Resonance, and Seizing Opportunities
No full textThis brief response to reviews of the Ascona Charter asks how it resonates with and connects diverse realities, concerns, and experiences of transformation. The Charter responds to a collective call from students and engaged scholars for adopting collective action that prioritizes transformation and positive change in the world, rather than remaining caught in neoliberal metrics and individualized trajectories. By operationalizing the Charter’s values, anthropology can reclaim its relevance and contribute meaningfully to addressing the triple planetary crisis. Through embracing multimodal approaches, fostering ethical partnerships, and advocating for systemic change, anthropologists can play a pivotal role in addressing the pressing challenges of our time.This brief response to reviews of the Ascona Charter asks how it resonates with and connects diverse realities, concerns, and experiences of transformation. The Charter responds to a collective call from students and engaged scholars for adopting collective action that prioritizes transformation and positive change in the world, rather than remaining caught in neoliberal metrics and individualized trajectories. By operationalizing the Charter’s values, anthropology can reclaim its relevance and contribute meaningfully to addressing the triple planetary crisis. Through embracing multimodal approaches, fostering ethical partnerships, and advocating for systemic change, anthropologists can play a pivotal role in addressing the pressing challenges of our time.This brief response to reviews of the Ascona Charter asks how it resonates with and connects diverse realities, concerns, and experiences of transformation. The Charter responds to a collective call from students and engaged scholars for adopting collective action that prioritizes transformation and positive change in the world, rather than remaining caught in neoliberal metrics and individualized trajectories. By operationalizing the Charter’s values, anthropology can reclaim its relevance and contribute meaningfully to addressing the triple planetary crisis. Through embracing multimodal approaches, fostering ethical partnerships, and advocating for systemic change, anthropologists can play a pivotal role in addressing the pressing challenges of our time
Knowledge, attitude, and preventive practices of infectious diseases among student-athletes in selected senior high schools in Ghana
No full textAlthough outbreaks of infectious diseases are uncommon, specifically in sports, effective information distribution may aid in managing difficult conditions and enhance preparedness for future pandemics. Hence, the study assessed the knowledge, attitude, and preventive practices of infectious diseases among student-athletes selected senior high schools (SHS) in Ghana. The descriptive cross-sectional study recruited 405 SHS student-athletes (160 males, 245 females) with a mean age of 17.86 ± 2.19. Modified and re-validated knowledge, attitude and practice questionnaire was administered. 63.0% had adequate knowledge about infectious diseases, 54.1% had a positive attitude towards infectious disease prevention, and 59.5% had good practice towards infectious diseases. 62.0% opined that viruses, 27.2% bacteria, 6.9% parasites, and 4.0% fungus cause infectious diseases. Participants’ knowledge significantly correlated with attitudes and prevention practices (p=.001). Attitudes positively correlated significantly with knowledge and preventive practice (p=.001). Participants\u27 demographic attributes positively correlated with knowledge, attitude and preventive practices of infectious diseases. Younger student–athletes had adequate knowledge, positive attitude and good preventive practice of infectious diseases compared to older colleagues. Students-athletes from lesser household sizes, dormitory sizes and class sizes had adequate knowledge, positive attitudes and good preventive practices for infectious diseases. Student-athletes knowledge influences their attitude and preventive practice of infectious disease positively. SHS sports teachers should be exposed to sustainable infection preventive programmes to foster, promote and monitor existing infectious disease levels among the student-athletes
Validity of a machine learning estimation of blood volumes during altitude training
No full textIntroduction
Altitude training is widely used in endurance sports to improve near sea-level performance through physiological adaptations. Overall gains of 1% total hemoglobin mass (Hbmass) for each 100 hours spent at altitude may be expected. However, since individual athlete response differs widely, an adequate assessment of actual Hbmass and plasma volume (PV) changes is paramount.
We recently proposed a machine learning model to estimate Hbmass and PV from a single blood sample (Moreillon et al., 2023). This study investigated the validity of the latter predictive model to detect actual Hbmass and PV adaptations during an altitude camp in professional cyclists.
Methods
Blood samples were taken at the start and the end of a 21-days altitude training camp (at an altitude of 2050 m (Kühtai, Austria) from 21 professional cyclists (25.4 ± 3.3 yrs, 69.8 ± 5.0 kg, maximal aerobic power 560 ± 34 W). A Co-rebreathing method was used to assess actual Hbmass and PV changes during the altitude sojourn. A machine learning prediction model trained on blood variables measured in >700 subjects was applied on individual complete blood count values to estimate Hbmass and PV as detailed elsewhere (Moreillon et al., 2023).
Results
At the end of the camp, a significant decrease in PV was measured (-167 ± 345 mL; p<0.05) whereas Hbmass significantly increased on average (+40 ± 36 g; p<0.001). Conversely, a significant increase in hematocrit (+2.7 + 2.2%pt ; p<0.001) and hemoglobin concentration ([Hb], +0.63 + 0.75 g×dL-1; p<0.01). Predicted PV and Hbmass were both significantly correlated to measured PV and Hbmass (R2=0.53, p<0.001; R2=0.26; p<0.001; respectively) with an estimated PV decrease of -162 ± 232 mL. The root mean square error (RMSE) for the estimation between predicted and measured difference was of 95 mL. The model estimated an Hbmass increase of 7 ± 31 g with a RMSE of 20 g for individual differences between predicted and measured Hbmass.
Discussion/Conclusion
The observed results for hematocrit and [Hb] reflect the shifts in PV occuring during the hypoxic exposure. These variables are usually poor indicators of the effects of an altitude training as PV also rapidly shifts upon return to a lower altitude. Interestingly, the predictive model estimations of the downshift in PV observed at altitude were corresponding closely to the measured values.
Conversely, predicted values for Hbmass underestimated the actual gains, indicating that the predictive model may not be sensitive enough to discriminate actual variations due to a prolonged hypoxic expopsure. In conclusion, this study suggest that CO-rebreathing may definitely represent a gold-standard to asess the effectiveness of an altitude sojourn on increasing Hbmass while a predictive machine-learning model may allow to monitor PV shifts from a single blood sample to help decision-making regarding body fluid balance before, during and after an altitude training camp in professional cyclists.
References
Moreillon, B., Krumm, B., Saugy, J. J., Saugy, M., Botrè, F., Vesin, J. M., & Faiss, R. (2023). Prediction of plasma volume and total hemoglobin mass with machine learning. Physiological Reports, 11(19), e15834. https://doi.org/10.14814/phy2.1583
Supporting complex skill learning with digital tools in tertiary education: educator’s perspective
No full textIntroduction Skill acquisition is a multidisciplinary subdiscipline of sport and exercise science (Fransen, et. al. 2021). Understanding the principles underlying the learning of complex sports skills remains limited. This is partly due to challenges of applying rigorous scientific methods to complex real-life tasks outside laboratory environment and limited transferability of findings from simple laboratory-based tasks to real-life complex sports skills learned through years of practice (Yarrow, et. al., 2009). Best practices and experiences of practitioners therefore represent an important contribution in the development of the field. Educators teaching practical lessons in tertiary education play a crucial role in translating research into practice and sharing knowledge with future sports professionals. However, research into their practice approaches remains an underrepresented field. Main aim of this research was therefore to bridge this gap to support evidence-based research by investigating best practices of educators in tertiary education in skill acquisition and their support for students’ autonomous skill learning.
Methods Following an invitation for participation, twenty educators from various European tertiary sport science institutions agreed to participate in semi-structured interviews. Interviews consisted of practical case of skill acquisition, followed by further discussion on educator’s general teaching approaches and how skill learning is implemented and supported. Educators were presented with a video of a student performing a sports skill in suboptimal manner to prompt a discussion on their approach to optimize student’s movement. This case specific discussion was followed by broader discussion of their overall teaching approaches. Interviews were transcribed and transcripts were analyzed using thematic analysis (Braun & Clarke, 2006), with an inductive approach.
Results Results showed diverse teaching approaches with application of various traditional and contemporary approaches among the participants. Use of digital tools in teaching was widely reported and various experiences with their use cases, usability and barriers to implementation were described by the participants. Time limitations reflecting on contact time with individual students was the main constraint reported by educators. To counteract such time constraints in amount of practice, varied and innovative approaches in supporting student’s learning outside the lessons were reported among the participants. Learning resources in various forms such as infrastructure and materials availability, additional courses and online learning resources were main resources reported as added support for student’s learning.
Discussion/Conclusion Our research obtained first-hand reports from underrepresented field of skilled educators in order to identify applied, practical solutions practitioners apply in their daily practice, contributing to development of the knowledge in the field and guiding further experimental exploration of best practices
Sex-specific analysis of individual and ski geometry-related risk factors for ACL injuries in recreational alpine skiing: A case-control study
No full textIntroduction In recreational alpine skiing, female skiers experience knee injuries at twice the rate of male skiers, with the risk of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries being three times higher in women (Posch et al. 2021). In addition to individual factors such as, e.g., age or skill level, ski geometry parameters may also influence the risk of ACL injuries (Ruedl et al., 2022). Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess sex-specific effects of individual factors and ski geometry parameters on ACL injury risk in recreational skiers.
Methods A retrospective questionnaire-based case-control study was conducted during 6 consecutive winter seasons from 2014/15 to 2019/20. According to Ruedl et al. (2022) individual factors as age, body height, skill level and risk-taking behavior were self-reported, while ski geometry data (ski length, side-cut radius, and widths of the tip, waist, and tail) were recorded from each participant’s skis. Additionally, ski length was relativized to body height.
Results A total of 1,817 recreational skiers (49.1% female) participated in this study, of whom 21.6% (n=392, 57.9% female) sustained an ACL injury. The risk of ACL injury was 1.6 times higher in females (95% CI: 1.2-2.0). In both sexes, ACL-injured skiers were significantly older, by approximately five years, compared to uninjured controls (females: 42 vs. 37 years; males: 44 vs. 39 years). In females, a more risky behavior was associated with a reduced ACL injury risk (OR 0.7, 95% CI: 0.4-0.9), while in males, more risky behavior increased the risk (OR 3.5, 95% CI: 2.4-5.0). A lower skill level increased ACL injury risk in both females (OR 3.2, 95% CI: 2.4-4.6) and males (OR 2.2, 95% CI: 1.5-3.2). Ski geometry parameters did not differ significantly in females; however, ACL-injured males used skis with significantly narrower mean values of tip, waist, and tail width compared to uninjured controls.
Discussion/Conclusion According to the existing literature, our findings indicate a significantly higher risk of ACL injury in females. Increasing age and lower skill levels were associated with a heightened ACL injury risk in both sexes, while a risky behavior might increase ACL injury risk in males only. Ski geometry parameters appear to have no significant impact on ACL injury risk in females, whereas males with ACL injuries tended to use skis with narrower widths. In addition to enhancing skill levels through ski lessons and modifying individual behavior on the slopes to reduce ACL injuries among recreational skiers of both sexes, equipment-related factors could be easily addressed by male skiers when purchasing or borrowing ski equipment.
References
Posch, M., Schranz, L., Lener, M., Tecklenburg, K., Burtscher, M., & Ruedl, G. (2021). In recreational alpine skiing, the ACL is predominantly injured in all knee injuries needing hospitalisation. Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy, 29(6), 1790–1796. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00167-020-06221-z
Ruedl, G., Posch, M., Tecklenburg, K., Schranz, L., Greier, K., Faulhaber, M., Scher, I., & Burtscher, M. (2022). Impact of ski geometry data and standing height ratio on the ACL injury risk and its use for prevention in recreational skiers. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 56, 1104-1109. https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2021-105221
 
Fostering positive affective exercise experiences and affect-related competencies for a physically active lifestyle: The FEEL Project – Results of the Pilot-Study
No full textIntroduction
Interventions for physically inactive individuals often show rather small and unsustainable effects on exercise and sport behavior. This could be because too little consideration is given to affective processes during and after exercise and sport activities (e.g. shame; Hohberg et al., 2022). Furthermore, people are insufficiently enabled to independently regulate their affective well-being through exercise and sport. However, affect regulation competence is central to fostering sustainable exercise and sport behavior (Sudeck et al., 2022). The FEEL program addresses this gap. The 8-week intervention aims to promote positive affective exercise experiences (Ekkekakis et al., 2021), affect regulation competence, well-being and, consequently, exercise and sport. Topics such as affect-based intensity regulation, attention strategies or the individually “suitable” sport activity (Schorno et al., 2022) are addressed in the program and reflected upon based on participants’ experience.
Methods
The main study, employing a randomized controlled design started in October 2024. Participants are aged 18 to 35 who do not in regularly engage in exercise and sport. The control condition is a functional fitness program. At the SGS Conference, results from the pilot study which was done in Spring 2024 will be presented. Participants of the pilot study (N=20) completed written questionnaires before and after the FEEL program. Afterwards, a focus group discussion (N=5) was conducted to gain insights into the participants experiences.
Results
The primary outcome, affect regulation competence, showed a large effect from pre- to post-measurements, while affective exercise experiences demonstrated medium to large effects. Similar results were observed in the focus group discussion. Additionally participants also expressed that they valued the safe space atmosphere, the encouragement to reflect on their affect during exercise and sport and the opportunity to experience different activities.
Discussion
This study explores the potential effects of a multifaceted intervention in primary prevention. It may provide valuable insights into how affective processes and related competencies can be better integrated into exercise and sport programs.
References
Ekkekakis, P., Zenko, Z., & Vazou, S. (2021). Do you find exercise pleasant or unpleasant? The Affective Exercise Experiences (AFFEXX) questionnaire. Psychology of Sport and Exercise, 55, 101930. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychsport.2021.101930
Hohberg, V., Kreppke, J. N., Cody, R., Guthold, R., Woods, C., Brand, R., Dunton, G., Rothman, A., Ketelhut, S., & Nigg, C. (2022). What is needed to promote physical activity? Current Issues in Sport Science, 7(5). https://doi.org/10.36950/2022ciss005
Schorno, N., Gut, V., Conzelmann, A., & Schmid, J. (2022). Effectiveness of individual exercise and sport counseling based on motives and goals: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 44(2), 103–115. https://doi.org/10.1123/jsep.2021-0018
Sudeck, G., Rosenstiel, S., Carl, J., & Pfeifer, K. (2022). Bewegungsbezogene Gesundheitskompetenz – Konzeption und Anwendung in Gesundheitsförderung, Prävention und Rehabilitation. In K. Rathmann, K. Dadaczynski, O. Okan, & M. Messer (Eds.), Gesundheitskompetenz. Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-662-62800-3_135-
When specific exercise is more effective than medication - Sensorimotor training is currently the most promising option to treat and prevent chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN).
No full textIntroduction Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a highly prevalent and clinically relevant adverse effect of chemotherapy, negatively impacting patient quality of life. The lack of effective preventive or therapeutic options regarding CIPN often requires changes in cancer therapy, potentially resulting in reduced survival. Meanwhile 10 studies have shown that specific exercise can reduce relevant symptoms of CIPN (Streckmann eu al. 2021). In our most recent study (Streckmann et al. 2024) we have been able to show that CIPN can even be prevented by up to 70%.
Methods we performed a prospective multicenter randomized clinical trial (STOP) and followed up patients over 5 years (May 2014 – Nov. 2020) at 4 centers and around Cologne, Germany. Patients undergoing treatment with oxaliplatin or vinca alkaloids were recruited. Participants in the intervention groups performed supervised sensorimotor training (SMT) or whole-body vibration training (WBV), twice a week, concomitant to medical therapy. The primary end point was the incidence of CIPN. Secondary end points included subjective neuropathy symptoms, balance control, physical activity levels, quality of life, and clinical outcome. For cross-stratum evaluations, the Mantel-Haenszel test (MH) was used, and within individual strata, Fisher exact test was used for analysis.
Results A total 158 patients (mean [SD] age, 49.1 [18.0-82.0] years; 93 [58.9%] male) were randomized into 1 of 3 groups: 55 (34.8%) in SMT, 53 (33.5%) in WBV, and 50 (31.6%) in treatment as usual (TAU). The incidence of CIPN in participants was significantly lower in both intervention groups compared to the control group (TAU): (SMT, 12 of 40 [30.0%; 95% CI, 17.9%-42.1%] and WBV, 14 of 34 [41.2%; 95% CI, 27.9%-54.5%] vs TAU, 24 of 34 [70.6%; 95% CI, 58.0%-83.2%]; P = .002 for intention to treat–MH). Improvements in favor of SMT compared to TAU were furthermore found for balance control bipedal with eyes open; bipedal with eyes closed; monopedal, vibration sensitivity, sense of touch, lower leg strength, pain reduction, burning sensation, chemotherapy dose reductions, and mortality.
Discussion/Conclusion Specific exercise can reduce and even prevent the symptoms of a neuropathy. Sensorimotor training seems essential. More high-quality research is needed to derive evidence-based recommendations. Overall, it seems that sensorimotor training has great potential to target most neuropathies and is therefore currently the best treatment option for neuropathies.
References
Streckmann, F., Balke, M., Cavaletti, G., Toscanelli, A., Bloch, W., Décard, B. F., Lehmann, H. C., & Faude, O. (2022). Exercise and neuropathy: Systematic review with meta-analysis. Sports Medicine, 52(5), 1043–1065. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-021-01596-6
Streckmann, F., Elter, T., Lehmann, H. C., Baurecht, H., Nazarenus, T., Oschwald, V., Koliamitra, C., Otten, S., Draube, A., Heinen, P., Steinmetz, T., Hallek, M., Leitzmann, M., Bloch, W., & Balke, M. (2024). Preventive effect of neuromuscular training on chemotherapy-induced neuropathy: A randomized clinical trial. JAMA Internal Medicine, 184(9), 1046–1053. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamainternmed.2024.235
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