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Perspectives of physical activity in combating metabolic syndrome: insights from a multi-ethnic urban population
Get PDFThe United Arab Emirates is experiencing a rising burden of non-communicable diseases, particularly metabolic syndrome (MetS), driven by rapid urbanization and lifestyle changes. In Dubai's diverse population, where expatriates constitute 85% of residents, understanding perspectives on physical activity (PA) is essential for effective prevention strategies. This qualitative study explored stakeholder experiences and views on PA as a preventive measure for MetS. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 stakeholders, including policy officials, gym owners, trainers, gym members, and inactive individuals, recruited through purposive and snowball sampling. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis and Hofstede's cultural framework to examine cultural influences on PA behaviors. Results indicated broad recognition of PA's importance in managing MetS but identified significant cultural and environmental barriers to participation. Key themes included cultural perceptions shaping engagement with PA and infrastructure challenges. These findings highlight the need for culturally tailored interventions and multisectoral collaboration to promote active lifestyles in Dubai's multi-ethnic context. This research offers valuable insights to guide public health initiatives aiming to reduce the burden of MetS through culturally sensitive approaches suited to this unique urban environment
A comparison of ‘only-once’ and repeat male and female sex offence suspects
No full textUnderstanding the differences between male and female sex offence suspects is vital for the development of appropriate prevention, assessment, and treatment guidance. Previous comparisons of male and female sex offenders have mostly used clinical, prison, or arrest data, or used small samples. Where there are larger scale studies, they have been based in the United States. This study analysed a large sample of sex offences recorded by three police forces in England and Wales to compare the characteristics of male and female sex offence suspects who have been reported once – ‘only-once suspects’ –, or multiple times – ‘repeat suspects’. Suspects were more likely to be male, and a greater proportion of male than female suspects were repeat suspects. However, when separated into only-once suspects versus repeat suspects, male and female suspects did not significantly differ in either the number of sex offence reports in which they were named, nor the number of victims with which they were associated. Despite this, females were significantly less likely to be charged than males, suggesting that authorities are less confident in taking forward cases with female suspects. Implications of findings and how male and female sex offence suspects are policed are further discussed
What is the experience of relational depth for group psychotherapists in process-oriented groups?
Get PDFThis study explores the lived experiences of relational depth among group psychotherapists in long-term, process-oriented groups using van Manen’s hermeneutic phenomenological approach. While relational depth has been extensively researched in individual therapy, there is a notable lack of empirical studies examining this phenomenon within group settings. Eight qualified group psychotherapists were interviewed to explore their experiences. The data were analysed using van Manen’s hermeneutic phenomenology and Clarke and Braun’s thematic analysis framework (van Manen, 2014, 2016; Clarke & Braun, 2017). The findings are presented through three overarching themes: the unique nature of relational depth in group therapy, factors facilitating its development, and the dynamics of group relational depth over time.
The findings suggest that participants view relational depth as a fundamental aspect of group therapy, characterised by intricate, interwoven layers of connection that encompass both a sense of kinship and the ability to navigate tensions and differences. Relational depth often emerges when group members are fully present and engaged with meaningful, universal human experiences, such as reflecting on death or illness. Factors contributing to the development of relational depth include group members trusting, caring, showing courage, actively choosing to be present, and being open and authentic. It also involves therapists caring, showing courage, experiencing nourishment from the group, and naming what is happening within the group. The connection between group members typically deepens as the group matures, although the progression is not always linear.
This study enhances the understanding of the group therapy process and highlights potential connections between relational depth and therapeutic factors outlined in the group therapy literature, particularly the experience of cohesion. It offers implications for practice and future research in the field of group psychotherapy
Types of domestic violence and abuse-flagged offenses and their associations: a quantitative exploration using English police data
Get PDFThis research quantitatively explored different police-flagged domestic violence and abuse (DVA) offense reports in one English police force, and their suspect- and victim-level associations. Most reports were of males committing offenses against females. Violence with and without injury were the most common offenses (61.0%). Demographic variables (age, sex, relationship) were associated with different offense types. Suspects 36 years old and older had higher odds of being associated with sex offenses. While younger victims had higher odds of sexual victimization and stalking and harassment, both suspects and victims 45 years old and younger were mostly associated with reports of violence with injury. Most suspects and victims were partners/ex-partners (70.3%), with a third of the reports being for violence with injury. Stalking/harassment was mostly reported against acquaintances, whereas relatives were more likely to be suspects of violence without injury. Research and practice implications for police and Criminal Justice System are discussed
How do multi- and single-joint strength levels relate to vertical jump performance and biomechanics in amateur athletes returned to sport after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction?
No full textUnderstanding the relationship between multijoint and single-joint strength and vertical jumps performance, stretch-shortening cycle (SSC) function, and phase-specific impulses in athletes after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is necessary to optimize rehabilitation strategies by identifying the hierarchy of physical qualities that underpin complete recovery after ACL reconstruction. Fifty-four amateur athletes completed a strength and vertical jump assessment. Relative 5RM box squat, rear-foot elevated split squat (RFESS), and leg extension explained between 25.2 and 56.9% of the variance in countermovement jump (CMJ) height, single-leg (SL) CMJ height, reactive strength index modified (RSImod), and SL drop jump (DJ) height and reactive strength index (RSI). Relative 5RM box squat and RFESS were consistent predictors. Relative 5RM RFESS and leg extension strength explained between 22.1 to 31% and 17 to 47.2% of the variance in CMJ and SLCMJ concentric and eccentric deceleration impulses, respectively. Leg extension was a significant independent predictor for most phase-specific impulse variables. The logistic regression analysis did not show any predicting ability of both 5RM RFESS and leg extension scores in identifying SSC function. A stronger association with CMJ, SLCMJ, and SLDJ performance was found for relative 5RM box squat and RFESS. 5RM leg extension was a significant predictor in explaining part of the variance in CMJ and SLCMJ concentric and eccentric deceleration impulses. Impaired SSC efficiency was present, but not predicted by strength scores. Our findings underscore the importance of both multi- and single-joint strength in explaining jump performance and phase-specific impulses, while indicating that SSC efficiency is influenced by additional neuromuscular factors beyond strength alone
Periodizing exercise medicine prescription for patients with cancer: a narrative opinion
No full textExercise has emerged as an effective therapeutic strategy in cancer management. Long-term supervised exercise programs, including resistance training and aerobic training, can improve body composition and physical fitness, modulate circulating factors (e.g., hormones, cytokines), enhance treatment tolerance and reduce side-effects, potentially influencing cancer progression and reducing mortality risk. Despite advancements in exercise oncology, opportunities remain to refine exercise prescription through the integration of advanced methodologies such as periodization and autoregulatory programming strategies. Periodization—a systematic approach to organizing training over time—has demonstrated benefits in general fitness and clinical populations but is underexplored in cancer care. Emerging evidence suggests periodized exercise programs may enhance physical fitness (e.g., muscle strength and cardiorespiratory fitness) while mitigating treatment-related side effects (e.g., fatigue, loss of bone mineral density). Here we examine the mechanisms underlying the benefits of periodization in exercise oncology and propose an updated framework for its implementation across the cancer continuum (e.g., neo-adjuvant, adjuvant, survivorship). Incorporating parallel or emphasis periodized models tailored to individual needs may optimize outcomes. These models of periodization and the use of autoregulatory programming strategies allow exercise intensity and volume to be modulated in response to patients’ symptoms and fatigue, ensuring safety and adherence, while aligning with the goals established by the periodized training plan. Ultimately, future research should explore complementary strategies such as nutrition and psychological periodization. By adopting a holistic and individualized approach, clinicians can improve the effectiveness of exercise interventions and ultimately enhance the quality of life for patients with cancer
Novel approaches to sustainable consumption and production in the Global South: from challenging dominant assumptions to setting future debates (Editorial)
Get PDFThe urgency of sustainability transitions is widely recognised. Yet, prevailing frameworks are predominantly developed within Global North contexts, limiting their applicability to the diverse and often complex realities of the Global South. This special issue advances sustainable consumption and production research by critically examining context-specific and transformative approaches that challenge dominant assumptions. Through an interdisciplinary lens, the selected studies explore food citizenship in Brazil, circular economy business models, and ESG prioritisation in less affluent markets, highlighting the underpinning - and sometimes undermining - mechanisms that shape sustainability transitions in these regions. The findings emphasise the role of consumer mobilisation, informal economies, and corporate sustainability strategies in shaping new sustainability pathways. By advancing these discussions, this special issue challenges one-size-fits-all sustainability models and calls for research that bridges the gap between theory and practice, fostering sustainability frameworks that are locally relevant, behaviourally driven, and globally impactful
The effectiveness of the Offender Personality Disorder Pathway: a propensity score-matched analysis
Get PDFOffenders with severe personality pathology are at significantly increased risk of serious and violent offending. In England and Wales, offenders who are likely to meet criteria for a diagnosis of personality disorder are managed within a network of ‘Offender Personality Disorder Pathway’ services. We conducted a retrospective cohort study over 6 years, using linked routine datasets, to examine the effectiveness of these services on male offenders (n = 28,321). We compared the outcomes of those who received a simple case formulation and had not been referred to Pathway services (the ‘Comparison group’), with a group of offenders who had received a complex case formulation and been referred to Pathway services (the ‘Treatment group’). Over time, significant improvements occurred in re-offending risk scores, and lower rates of behavioural disturbance among both Treatment and Comparison groups of offenders. However, no statistically significant differences were detected in the rates of improvement between Treatment and Comparison groups. Offending rates in both groups significantly increased over time, although there was no significant difference in the increase in offending rates between the Treatment and Comparison groups. Currently, there is no statistical evidence that the Pathway is associated with changes in offender behaviour
When safeguarding presents differently
No full textHow often are women who do not fit the typical picture of safeguarding cases missed
Recurrent miscarriage: breaking the silence and transforming care
No full textRecurrent miscarriage (RM) affects around 1% of people trying to conceive but remains under-recognised and poorly supported. Midwives play a pivotal role in transforming care by being present emotionally, physically, and professionally, with individuals navigating RM. This presentation explores the complex emotional, clinical, and systemic aspects of RM through a humanised lens. It highlights the need for compassionate communication, informed decision-making, and practical support tools that uphold dignity during miscarriage. By centring care around presence and autonomy, midwives can foster psychologically safe environments and improve outcomes for those experiencing los