50716 research outputs found
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Mental health consequences of early life stress in children – The autonomic nervous system as a potential target for early detection and intervention?
No full textEarly life stress affects children worldwide, influencing behavioural, social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development. It is strongly associated with an increased risk of mental illness across the lifespan, with symptoms often emerging during childhood or adolescence. Parents experiencing acute and chronic stress may inadvertently contribute to adverse health outcomes in their children, as cumulative exposure to stress within the family unit can negatively impact both mental and physical well-being. Children exposed to parental stress and its associated emotional and physiological responses may be at a heightened risk for autonomic nervous system (ANS) developmental disruptions. Disruptions in the ANS regulation are linked to metabolic risk, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and early mortality, as well as mental illness. Autonomic imbalance, characterised by sympathetic overactivity and/or parasympathetic (vagal) underactivity, has been proposed as a key mechanism connecting early life stress to increased vulnerability to mental health disorders later in life. However, the strength of this association may depend on moderating factors such as the type of early adversity, presence of psychopathology, and age. Heart rate variability (HRV), particularly the root mean square of successive differences (rMSSD) and high frequency HRV, provides a non-invasive, cost-effective and accessible method for assessing vagal activity and ANS function. The steep increase in vagal activity observed during infancy and puberty represents critical periods in ANS development, making these phases particularly susceptible to early life stress. This review suggests that HRV-based assessments of vagal activity could serve as an early marker of ANS dysregulation, helping to identify children at risk of mental health conditions. Moreover, childhood presents a crucial window for targeted lifestyle interventions, such as exercise, to enhance vagal activity, potentially mitigating the long-term consequences of early life stress.</p
Omnichannel usage influence on webroomingshowrooming::The moderating influence of consumer segment and product price
No full textPurposeThis paper aims to segment omnichannel consumers using the often overlooked yet critical factors of value consciousness, perceived personalisation and privacy and security. This paper also aims to elucidate the potential moderation influence of the consumer segments and product prices on consumers’ showrooming and webrooming behaviours.Design/methodology/approachLeveraging survey data from a sample of 512 omnichannel consumers in Australia, this study uses cluster analysis to identify distinct consumer segments. This study uses multigroup analysis using SmartPLS 4 to test the moderation effect of consumer segments and price.FindingsCluster analysis revealed two major consumer segments: one was predominantly male and the other predominantly female, displaying variations in value consciousness, personalisation preferences and privacy-security considerations. The male-dominant segment shows a heightened inclination towards webrooming, whereas the female-dominant segment consistently favours online touchpoints. In addition, consumers tend to use a single channel for cheaper products but prefer showrooming for more expensive products.Research limitations/implicationsFuture studies should explore various online–offline touchpoint combinations, not just unidirectional sequences analysed in this study such as an online search followed by an offline purchase (webrooming) and an offline search followed by an online purchase (showrooming).Practical implicationsOmnichannel marketers should tailor their strategies to accommodate the demands of distinct consumer segments by integrating various touchpoints to ensure a cohesive customer experience. For the expensive product category, they should emphasise the in-store experience while highlighting the convenience and variety available through online shopping.Originality/valueThis study provides an original milestone to progress towards omnichannel consumer behaviour with a focus on the moderation impact of product price using anticipated utility theory
What is the effect of strength and conditioning training interventions on mechanical stiffness?:A systematic review and meta-analysis
No full textMechanical stiffness, including vertical (Kvert), leg (Kleg), and joint (Kjoint) stiffness, is an important mechanical determinant associated with neuromuscular and athletic performances that influences force production and energy transformation. Strength and conditioning (S&C) coaches employ diverse training methods to improve athletes’ mechanical stiffness. This systematic review and meta-analysis examined the effect of S&C interventions on mechanical stiffness. A comprehensive search across six electronic databases, including CINAHL, COCHRANE LIBRARY, MEDLINE, SCOPUS, SPORT DISCUSS, and WEB OF SCIENCE, identified 23 studies (40 intervention groups, 632 subjects) for the systematic review, with 12 studies (20 intervention groups, 420 subjects) included in the pre-post or/and control-intervention random effects meta-analysis. Plyometric or jump-related training had a significant and small effect on Kleg (SMD = 0.38; Z = 2.61, p = 0.009). When plyometrics training was combined with balance training, a significant and large effect on Kleg occurred (SMD = 0.80; Z = 2.93, p = 0.003). Resisted sprint training had a significant and large effect on Kleg (SMD = 0.80; Z = 6.07, p < 0.0001). These findings provide initial guidance for S&C coaches in designing programs to enhance mechanical stiffness. Future research directions are suggested to further explore the impact of S&C interventions on stiffness.</p
Exploring the Role of a Dietitian in an Early Intervention Program for People With Dementia and Their Care Partners: A Composite Case Series
No full textSymptoms of dementia can impact the nutritional status and quality of life of people with dementia, but there is limited research exploring the dietitian’s role in post-diagnostic care. This study aims to explore the role of a dietitian in a multidisciplinary dementia program for people living in the community. Participants in a twelve-week multicomponent, multidisciplinary post-diagnostic intervention for people with dementia and care partners were offered three consultations with a dietitian to receive dietary assessment, education and advice. Key clinical findings from dietetics case notes of 40 people with dementia were analyzed using a composite case series approach. Of these, 39 required ongoing nutrition support and intervention. Common issues identified include insufficient energy and/or nutrient intake, unintentional weight loss, poor management of comorbidities and difficulties with coordination of care. Dietitians are an integral part of a multicomponent intervention for dementia. Future work is needed to optimize dietetic care models. Running headline. Dietetics in an early intervention for dementia.</p
Association of device-based and self-reported measures of physical activity in community-dwelling older people after stroke:an exploratory study
No full textThe association between device-based (activPAL) and self-reported [Incidental Exercise and Planned Exercise Questionnaire (IPEQ)] measures of physical activity has not been investigated. This study aimed to determine the association between activPAL and IPEQ measures of physical activity in a sample of community-dwelling older people after stroke. Data from an exploratory analysis embedded within a randomized trial was used. Spearman correlation was used to assess the relationship between activPAL (upright time and step count) and IPEQ (self-reported total exercise time) measures at three timepoints [months 0 (n = 46), 6 (n = 39) and 12 (n = 36)] Strong Spearman correlation between upright time and self-reported total exercise time (r = 0.51-0.72) and step count and self-reported total exercise time was found at all timepoints (r = 0.54-0.62). Though further research could confirm these results in a larger sample, there is potential for the IPEQ to be used as a simple estimate of physical activity in a clinical setting.</p
Adapting the group traumatic episode protocol approach as a paraprofessional-led early intervention for law enforcement personnel
No full textBACKGROUND: Law enforcement personnel experience high levels of occupational stress and frequent exposure to potentially traumatic events, requiring effective early interventions. The Modified Group Traumatic Episode Protocol (mGTEP) is an adaptation of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) designed to help individuals process traumatic experiences in a group setting. This study evaluated the feasibility and effectiveness of a paraprofessional-led mGTEP within the law enforcement population.METHODS: Police officers and staff, with peer support background, were trained as paraprofessionals to facilitate mGTEP as early mental health support for their colleagues. Their role bridges the gap between informal peer support and professional mental health services. Psychological distress (single-item scale), depression (PHQ-9), anxiety (GAD-7), and trauma-related stress (PCL-5) were assessed at baseline (T1), post-intervention (T2), and follow-up (T3). Multilevel statistical analyses were conducted to evaluate changes over time. A sample of 40 law enforcement personnel participated in online mGTEP sessions. The sample consisted of mostly males (54 %), ranging from age 28 to 53 with an average of 14 years working in the police. Multilevel modelling was applied to the repeated measures design to analyse changes across three time points, combining both random (e.g., participant) and fixed (e.g., time) effects.RESULTS: Significant reductions were observed from T1 to T2 in distress (d = 0.69, large), anxiety (d = 0.65, large), and trauma-related stress (d = 0.48, medium), with sustained improvements in depression (d = 0.26, small) and trauma-related stress (d = 0.48, medium) at follow-up. Anxiety scores slightly increased between T2 and T3 (d = 0.36, small). Similarly, distress scores did not continue to decline beyond T2. These results potentially reflect the ongoing demands of policing and continued exposure to trauma.CONCLUSION: This study highlights the feasibility of mGTEP as a paraprofessional-led early intervention for law enforcement personnel, demonstrating significant symptom reductions. While improvements in depression and trauma-related stress persisted, fluctuations in anxiety and distress levels suggest the need for continued support post-intervention. Given the cumulative nature of occupational stress in policing, regular implementation may be necessary to sustain benefits. Integrating mGTEP into existing mental health programs could enhance accessibility, allowing it to complement other psychological support initiatives.</p
Physiotherapy management of gluteal tendinopathy
Get PDFThis Invited Topical Review begins by defining gluteal tendinopathy (GT), describing the disease burden, and outlining assessment of the patient, differential diagnosis and activity assessments. It then focuses primarily on physiotherapy management of GT, followed by brief discussions of prevention strategies, patient-reported outcome measures and directions for future research.GT is a common and sometimes challenging condition to treat. It has a prevalence rate between 2.9 and 4.2 per 1,000 people and an incidence rate between 1.6 and 3.3 per 1,000 people.1,2 It is far more common in women than men.3, 4, 5 It negatively impacts physical activity, work participation and quality of life.6, 7, 8 People with GT often have complex musculoskeletal presentations,9 so clinicians should endeavour to understand the condition and recognise and manage the comorbidities that commonly impact its clinical course. The likelihood of efficient and effective treatment can be fostered by an excellent therapeutic alliance, a client-centred approach, making the correct diagnosis,10 and in the first instance using appropriate education and exercise
A Cognitive Network Architecture for Vehicle-to-Network (V2N) Communications over Smart Meters for URLLC
No full textWith the rapid advancement of smart city infrastructure, vehicle-to-network (V2N) communication has emerged as a crucial technology to enable intelligent transportation systems (ITS). The investigation of new methods to improve V2N communications is sparked by the growing need for high-speed and dependable communications in vehicular networks. To achieve ultra-reliable low latency communication (URLLC) for V2N scenarios, we propose a smart meter (SM)-based cognitive network (CN) architecture for V2N communications. Our scheme makes use of SMs’ available underutilized time resources to let them serve as distributed access points (APs) for V2N communications to increase reliability and decrease latency. We propose and investigate two algorithms for efficiently associating vehicles with the appropriate SMs. Extensive simulations are carried out for comprehensive performance evaluation of our proposed architecture and algorithms under diverse system scenarios. Performance is investigated with particular emphasis on communication latency and reliability, which are also compared with the conventional base station (BS)-based V2N architecture for further validation. The results highlight the value of incorporating SMs into the current infrastructure and open the door for future ITSs to utilize more effective and dependable V2N communications.</p
Iron's True Weight:Does the Amount of Iron in the Body Equate to the Amount of Iron on the Bar in Australian Football League Women's Players?
No full textBACKGROUND: The physiological requirements of a successful team sport performance partly depend on iron-facilitated mechanisms. However, how low iron stores affect team sport athletes remains unclear.PURPOSE: To explore the influence of iron status on strength and power performance in elite female Australian Rules Football players.METHODS: Iron indices were measured in 30 players (age 23 ± 4 y; body mass 70 ± 6 kg) at the start and end of the 10-week preseason. Players were categorized as iron deficient (ID; serum ferritin (sFer) < 40 µg/L) or iron sufficient (sFer > 40 µg/L). Over this period, three-repetition maximum and sport-specific performance measures were evaluated.RESULTS: Approximately 80% of all the sFer samples primarily ranged between 9 and 60 µg/L. Strength (e.g., squat, bench press) was up to 13% lower in ID players in week 1, with no substantial differences between groups during week 10. There were marginal differences (ID: -1% to +3%) in performance for all the remaining measures between groups (e.g., 10-m sprint). Very weak to moderate correlations were observed between all the performance measures and fixed effects (e.g., sFer, other strength assessments), increasing to moderate to very strong correlations when accounting for random effects (athlete).CONCLUSIONS: Iron deficiency may compromise strength performance, but this shortcoming may not translate to measures of power and speed. Individualized iron monitoring practices for athlete health and performance are encouraged.</p