Motor learning strategies in basketball players and its implications for ACL injury prevention: a randomized controlled trial.

PURPOSE: Adding external focus of attention (EF, focus on the movement effect) may optimize current anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury prevention programmes. The purpose of the current study was to investigate the effects of an EF, by a visual stimulus and an internal focus, by a verbal stimulus during unexpected sidestep cutting in female and male athletes and how these effects remained over time. METHODS: Ninety experienced basketball athletes performed sidestep cutting manoeuvres in three sessions (S1, S2 and S3). In this randomized controlled trial, athletes were allocated to three groups: visual (VIS), verbal (VER) and control (CTRL). Kinematics and kinetics were collected at the time of peak knee frontal plane moment. RESULTS: Males in the VIS group showed a larger vertical ground reaction force (S1: 25.4 ± 3.1 N/kg, S2: 25.8 ± 2.9 N/kg, S3: 25.2 ± 3.2 N/kg) and knee flexion moments (S1: -3.8 ± 0.9 Nm/kg, S2: -4.0 ± 1.2 Nm/kg, S3: -3.9 ± 1.3 Nm/kg) compared to the males in the VER and CTRL groups and to the females in the VIS group (p < 0.05). Additionally, the males in the VIS group reduced knee valgus moment and the females in the VER group reduced knee varus moment over time (n.s.). CONCLUSION: Male subjects clearly benefit from visual feedback. Females may need different feedback modes to learn a correct movement pattern. Sex-specific learning preferences may have to be acknowledged in day by day practice. Adding video instruction or feedback to regular training regimens when teaching athletes safe movement patterns and providing individual feedback might target suboptimal long-term results and optimize ACL injury prevention programmes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: I.

Fall prevention in postmenopausal women: the role of Pilates exercise training.

Falls and fall-related injuries are a major public health concern for postmenopausal women. Fear of falling, impairments in gait and postural control, and changes in body composition have been identified as important risk factors for falling. Physical exercise is an important tool in fall prevention and management. The Pilates method is a non-impact activity that can be adapted to different physical conditions and health status and is recommended for various populations. In postmenopausal women, it has been deemed an effective way to improve some fall-related physical and psychological aspects, such as postural and dynamic balance. In addition, some physical capacities, such as flexibility, personal autonomy, mobility, and functional ability have also shown to benefit from Pilates interventions involving women in their second half of life, as well as certain psychological aspects including fear of falling, depressive status, and quality of life. Pilates exercise has shown effectively to prevent falls in postmenopausal women by improving their balance, physical and psychological functioning, and independence. Nevertheless, further studies are needed to demonstrate its validity in different clinical situations.

Dance/movement therapy for improving psychological and physical outcomes in cancer patients.

BACKGROUND: Current cancer care increasingly incorporates psychosocial interventions. Cancer patients use dance/movement therapy to learn to accept and reconnect with their bodies, build new self-confidence, enhance self-expression, address feelings of isolation, depression, anger and fear and to strengthen personal resources. OBJECTIVES: To update the previously published review that examined the effects of dance/movement therapy and standard care versus standard care alone or standard care and other interventions on psychological and physical outcomes in patients with cancer. SEARCH METHODS: We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library 2014, Issue 6), MEDLINE (OvidSP, 1950 to June week 4, 2014), EMBASE (OvidSP, 1980 to 2014 week 26), CINAHL (EBSCOhost, 1982 to July 15 2014), PsycINFO (EBSCOhost, 1806 to July 15 2014), LILACS (Virual Health Library, 1982 to July 15 2014), Science Citation Index (ISI, 1974 to July 15 2014), CancerLit (1983 to 2003), International Bibliography of Theatre and Dance (1989 to July 15 2014), the National Research Register (2000 to September 2007), Proquest Digital Dissertations, ClinicalTrials.gov, and Current Controlled Trials (all to July 15 2014). We handsearched dance/movement therapy and related topics journals, reviewed reference lists and contacted experts. There was no language restriction. SELECTION CRITERIA: We included all randomized and quasi-randomized controlled trials of dance/movement therapy interventions for improving psychological and physical outcomes in patients with cancer. We considered studies only if dance/movement therapy was provided by a formally trained dance/movement therapist or by trainees in a formal dance/movement therapy program. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two review authors independently extracted the data and assessed the methodological quality, seeking additional information from the trial researchers when necessary. Results were presented using standardized mean differences. MAIN RESULTS: We identified one new trial for inclusion in this update. In total, the evidence for this review rests on three studies with a total of 207 participants.We found no evidence for an effect of dance/movement therapy on depression (standardized mean difference (SMD) = 0.02, 95% confidence interval (CI) -0.28 to 0.32, P = 0.89, I2 = 0%) (two studies, N = 170), stress (SMD = -0.18, 95% CI -0.48 to 0.12, P = 0.24, I2 = 0%) (two studies, N = 170), anxiety (SMD = 0.21, 95% CI -0.09 to 0.51 P = 0.18, I2 = 0%) (two studies, N = 170), fatigue (SMD = -0.36, 95% -1.26 to 0.55, P = 0.44, I² = 80%) (two studies, N = 170) and body image (SMD = -0.13, 95% CI -0.61 to 0.34, P = 0.58, I2 = 0%) (two studies, N = 68) in women with breast cancer. The data of one study with moderate risk of bias suggested that dance/movement therapy had a large beneficial effect on 37 participants' quality of life (QoL) (SMD = 0.89, 95% CI 0.21 to 1.57). One study with a high risk of bias reported greater improvements in vigor and greater reduction in somatization in the dance/movement therapy group compared to a standard care control group (N = 31). The individual studies did not find support for an effect of dance/movement therapy on mood, mental health, and pain. It is unclear whether this was due to ineffectiveness of the treatment, inappropriate outcome measures or limited power of the trials. Finally, the results of one study did not find evidence for an effect of dance/movement therapy on shoulder range of motion (ROM) or arm circumference in 37 women who underwent a lumpectomy or breast surgery. However, this was likely due to large within-group variability for shoulder ROM and a limited number of participants with lymphedema.Two studies presented moderate risk of bias and one study high risk of bias. Therefore, overall, the quality of the evidence is very low. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: We did not find support for an effect of dance/movement therapy on depression, stress, anxiety, fatigue and body image . The findings of individual studies suggest that dance/movement therapy may have a beneficial effect on QoL, somatization, and vigor. However, the limited number of studies prevents us from drawing conclusions concerning the effects of dance/movement therapy on psychological and physical outcomes in cancer patients.

Does pilates exercise increase physical activity, quality of life, latency, and sleep quantity in middle-aged people?

This prospective study assessed the effects of a 12-wk. exercise program based on the Pilates method (2 one-hr. sessions per week) on 99 sedentary middle-aged volunteers (M age = 47.6 yr., SD = 0.8), using an accelerometry, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and the SF-36 questionnaire to measure changes in physical activity, quality of life, sleep latency, and quantity. The variables (quality of life, sleep latency, and quantity) were compared before and after applying the Pilates program. All of the physical and emotional components of the SF-36 questionnaire showed significant improvement, and the latency and sleep quantity also showed significant increases. The results indicate that Pilates is an accessible, interesting exercise program that can generate important changes in middle age.

Evaluation of About Being Active, an online lesson about physical activity shows that perception of being physically active is higher in eating competent low-income women.

BACKGROUND: Eating competence (EC) has been associated with positive health outcomes such as reduced cardiovascular risk and higher diet quality. This study compared reported physical activity and EC in 512 low-income women participating in an online program that included a physical activity lesson and assessed response to this lesson. METHODS: Educational intervention and surveys were completed online. EC was assessed with the Satter Eating Competence Inventory for Low-Income (ecSI/LI). RESULTS: Participants were mostly white, <31 years, overweight/obese (60%), and food insecure (58%). EC was higher for those who self-reported being physically active (30.1 ± 8.3 vs. 24.9 ± 8.1; P<0.001) and were active for ≥ 30 minutes/day (29.9 ± 8.3 vs. 26.3 ± 8.6), even with age, weight satisfaction, and BMI controlled. EC of obese physically active persons was higher than normal weight, but physically inactive women. The physical activity module was well received with responses unrelated to time involved or physical activity level. CONCLUSIONS: Low-income women were interested in learning about physical activity and responded positively to online delivery. Overall EC levels were low, but higher for physically active women, supporting efforts to enhance EC. Additional research is needed to determine if EC is associated with responses to physical activity education.

Yoga and Pilates: associations with body image and disordered-eating behaviors in a population-based sample of young adults.

OBJECTIVE: To examine associations between participating in mind-body activities (yoga/Pilates) and body dissatisfaction and disordered eating (unhealthy and extreme weight control practices and binge eating) in a population-based sample of young adults. METHOD: The sample included 1,030 young men and 1,257 young women (mean age: 25.3 years, SD = 1.7) who participated in Project EAT-III (Eating and Activity in Teens and Young Adults). RESULTS: Among women, disordered eating was prevalent in yoga/Pilates participants and nonparticipants, with no differences between the groups. Men participating in yoga/Pilates were more likely to use extreme weight control behaviors (18.6% vs. 6.8%, p = .006) and binge eating (11.6% vs. 4.2%, p = .023), and marginally more likely to use unhealthy weight control behaviors (49.1% vs. 34.5%; p = .053), than nonparticipants after adjusting for sociodemographics, weight status, and overall physical activity. DISCUSSION: Findings suggest the importance of helping yoga/Pilates instructors recognize that their students may be at risk for disordered eating.

Dance/movement therapy for improving psychological and physical outcomes in cancer patients.

BACKGROUND: Current cancer care increasingly incorporates psychosocial interventions. Cancer patients use dance/movement therapy to learn to accept and reconnect with their bodies, build new self-confidence, enhance self-expression, address feelings of isolation, depression, anger and fear and to strengthen personal resources. OBJECTIVES: To compare the effects of dance/movement therapy and standard care with standard care alone or standard care and other interventions in patients with cancer. SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library 2011, Issue 2), MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, LILACS, Science Citation Index, CancerLit, International Bibliography of Theatre and Dance, Proquest Digital Dissertations, ClinicalTrials.gov, Current Controlled Trials and the National Research Register (all to March 2011). We handsearched dance/movement therapy and related topics journals, reviewed reference lists and contacted experts. There was no language restriction. SELECTION CRITERIA: We included all randomized and quasi-randomized controlled trials of dance/movement therapy interventions for improving psychological and physical outcomes in patients with cancer. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two review authors independently extracted the data and assessed the methodological quality. Results were presented using standardized mean differences. MAIN RESULTS: We included two studies with a total of 68 participants. No evidence was found for an effect of dance/movement therapy on body image in women with breast cancer. The data of one study with moderate risk of bias suggested that dance/movement therapy had a large beneficial effect on participants' quality of life (QoL). The second trial reported a large beneficial effect on fatigue. However, this trial was at high risk of bias. The individual studies did not find support for an effect of dance/movement therapy on mood, distress,and mental health. It is unclear whether this was due to ineffectiveness of the treatment or limited power of the trials. Finally, the results of one study did not find evidence for an effect of dance/movement therapy on shoulder range of motion (ROM) or arm circumference in women who underwent a lumpectomy or breast surgery. However, this was likely due to large within-group variability for shoulder ROM and a limited number of participants with lymphedema. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: We did not find support for an effect of dance/movement therapy on body image. The findings of one study suggest that dance/movement therapy may have a beneficial effect on QoL. However, the limited number of studies prevents us from drawing conclusions concerning the effects of dance/movement therapy on psychological and physical outcomes in cancer patients.

Effects of Pilates-based exercise on life satisfaction, physical self-concept and health status in adult women.

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of Pilates-based mat exercises on life satisfaction, perception of appreciation by other people, perception of physical appearance, perception of functionality, total physical self-concept, and perception of health status in healthy women. A randomized controlled trial was conducted in Evora, Portugal, in 2008, in which 62 healthy adult women were randomized to a Pilates-based mat (experimental group) (n = 38, mean age ± SD, 41.08 ± 6.64 years) or a control group (n = 24, mean age ± SD, 40.25 ± 7.70 years). Experimental group participants performed the Initial Mat of Body Control Pilates twice per week, 60-minutes per session. Repeated measurements were performed at baseline, 3 months and 6 months. No significant differences between the two groups were observed in life satisfaction, perception of appreciation by other people, perception of physical appearance, perception of functionality, total physical self-concept, and perception of health status at three time point measures (baseline, after 3 months, and after 6 months). No significant differences were observed in the control group over time. The experimental group showed significant improvements between baseline and six months in life satisfaction (p = .04), perception of appreciation by other people (p = .002), perception of physical appearance (p = .001), perception of functionality (p = .01), total physical self-concept (p = .001), perception of health status (p = .013) and between three and six months in life satisfaction (p = .002), perception of appreciation by other people (p = .05), perception of physical appearance (p = .001), perception of functionality (p = .02), and total physical self-concept (p = .001). Life satisfaction, perception of appreciation by other people, perception of physical appearance, perception of functionality, total physical self-concept and perception of health status may improve after 6 months of Pilates-based mat exercise.

Eight-week equipment-based Pilates exercises positively affects quality of life, and functional capacity in non-active adult women: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: The Pilates exercises are popular for muscle conditioning among women. However, the effects on conditioning of healthy non-active adult women due to Pilates practicing are not fully explained. The aim of this randomized controlled trial was to assess the effects of equipment-based Pilates exercises on the percentage of body fat, weight, body mass index (BMI), functional capacity, and quality of life of adult healthy women. METHODS: Seventy-eight non-active women were randomly assigned to 2 groups (Pilates or Control). The Pilates group performed a total of 16 exercise sessions (60 minutes each, performed twice a week for 8 consecutive weeks). The control group was instructed to perform no exercise. Percentage of body fat (DXA scans), weight, BMI, distance covered in the incremental shuttle walk test, maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), and quality of life (SF-36 scores) were analyzed. RESULTS: There were no significant between-group differences at baseline, but significant group-by-time interaction was observed for Pilates group postintervention. Higher distance covered (P=0.01), VO2max (P=0.04), and quality of life (P=0.04) were observed after the intervention compared to the control group. No differences were observed for body composition. CONCLUSIONS: Two months of equipment-based Pilates training improved functional capacity and quality of life in healthy adult women.

[Evolution of body image perception and distorsion with mat and apparatus Pilates practice in adult women]. / Evolución de la percepción y distorsión de la imagen corporal con la práctica de Pilates en suelo y con aparatos en mujeres adultas.

INTRODUCTION: Introduction: the systematic practice of physical exercise may influence the perception and distortion of body image in adult women. Objective: to analyze the evolution of body image perception and distortion in adult women who performed a systematic practice of mat Pilates (PM) or Pilates with apparatus (PA). Methods: a total of 35 adult women participated in a PM (n = 19) or PA (n = 26) program for 16 weeks, two days a week. Body image was assessed before and after the interventions using the Eating Behavior Inventory 3 (EBI-3), Gardner's body image assessment scale, and Thompson and Gray's silhouette scale questionnaires. Results: the PM group showed a significant reduction in dissatisfaction with buttocks, dissatisfaction with body image, perceived image, distortion index, dissatisfaction index, perceived mental image, perceived affective image, cognitive dissatisfaction index, and affective dissatisfaction index (p < 0.05; ES: 0.26-0.80). As compared to the PA group, a significant reduction was shown in dissatisfaction with thighs, dissatisfaction with hips, dissatisfaction with body image, dissatisfaction index, cognitive dissatisfaction index, and affective dissatisfaction index (p < 0.05; 0.22-0.79). Conclusion: the systematic practice of PM or PA improves body image in adult women, reducing their body dissatisfaction.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Introducción: la práctica sistemática de ejercicio físico podría influir en la percepción y distorsión de la imagen corporal de mujeres adultas. Objetivo: analizar la evolución de la percepción y la distorsión de la imagen corporal en mujeres adultas que realizan una práctica sistemática de Pilates en suelo (PS) o Pilates con aparatos (PA). Metodología: un total de 35 mujeres adultas participaron en un programa de PS (n = 19) o PA (n = 26) durante 16 semanas, dos días por semana. La imagen corporal se valoró antes y después de las intervenciones con el cuestionario "Inventario de la conducta alimentaria 3" (EDI-3), la escala de evaluación de la imagen corporal de Gardner y la escala de siluetas de Thompson y Gray. Resultados: el grupo de PS mostró una reducción significativa de la insatisfacción con los glúteos, la insatisfacción con la imagen corporal, la imagen percibida, el índice de distorsión, el índice de insatisfacción, la imagen mental percibida, la imagen afectiva percibida, el índice de insatisfacción cognitiva y el índice de insatisfacción afectiva (p < 0,05; TE: 0,26-0,80). En relación con el grupo de PA se encontró una disminución significativa de la insatisfacción con los muslos, la insatisfacción con las caderas, la insatisfacción con la imagen corporal, el índice de insatisfacción, el índice de insatisfacción cognitiva y el índice de insatisfacción afectiva (p < 0,05; 0,22-0,79). Conclusiones: la práctica sistemática de PS o PA mejora la imagen corporal en mujeres adultas, reduciéndose el grado de insatisfacción corporal de las mismas.

Perceptions of balance and falls following a supervised training intervention - a qualitative study of people with Parkinson's disease.

PURPOSE: To explore perceptions of balance and falls among people with mild to moderate Parkinson's disease 3 - 12 months following participation in supervised balance training. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This qualitative study used in-depth individual interviews for data collection among 13 people with Parkinson's disease. Interviews were systematically analyzed using qualitative content analysis with an inductive approach. RESULTS: Three main themes arose: Falls - avoided and intended highlights the wide spectrum of fall perceptions, ranging from worse-case scenario to undramatized events; Balance identity incorporates how gradual deterioration in balance served as a reminder of disease progression and how identifying themselves as "aware not afraid" helped certain participants to maintain balance confidence despite everyday activity restriction; Training as treatment recounts how participants used exercise as disease self-management with the aim to maintain independence in daily life. Interpretation of the underlying patterns of these main themes resulted in the overarching theme Training as treatment when battling problems with balance and falls. CONCLUSIONS: Whereas certain participants expressed a fear of falling which they managed by activity restriction, others described being confident in their balance despite avoidance of balance-challenging activities. Training was used as treatment to self-manage disease-related balance impairments in order to maintain independence in daily life. Implication for Rehabilitation People with Parkinson's disease require early advice about the positive effects of physical activity as well as strategies for self-management in order to ease the psychological and physical burden of progressive balance impairment. Fear of falling should be investigated alongside activity avoidance in this group in order to provide a more accurate insight into the scope of psychological concerns regarding balance and falls in everyday life. Certain people with Parkinson's disease define their balance according to activities they continue to participate in, while others who express fear-related activity avoidance require help to adapt balance-challenging activities in order to maintain balance confidence and avoid physical inactivity.

Pilates program design and health benefits for pregnant women: A practitioners' survey.

BACKGROUND: Little is known about recommendations for safe and appropriate instruction of Pilates exercises to women during pregnancy. The aim of this study was to examine Pilates practitioners' perspectives regarding Pilates program design for pregnant women. We also sought to elucidate their views on the potential benefits, restrictions and contraindications on Pilates in pregnancy. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was performed. Pilates practitioners were invited to participate via email. Participants were surveyed about their experience and views on: screening processes in alignment with The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) (2002) guidelines; (ii) optimal exercise program features and (iii) physical and mental health benefits of Pilates for pregnant women. RESULTS: The survey was completed by 192 Pilates practitioners from a range of settings. Practitioners reported conducting formal screening (84%) for safety in pregnant women prior to commencing Pilates classes. Most did not routinely seek medical approval from the woman's general practitioner. Divergent views emerged regarding the safety and benefits of Pilates exercises in the supine position. Mixed opinions were also generated regarding the effects of spinal flexion exercises, single-leg stance exercises and breathing manoeuvres. There was little agreement on the optimal frequency or dosage of exercises. Views regarding absolute contraindications to exercise differed from The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) (2002) guidelines which cautioned about the dangers of persistent bleeding, premature labour, pre-eclampsia, placental praevia and incompetent cervix. The most frequent reported physical and psychological benefit of Pilates was improving pelvic floor strength (12%) and improved social wellbeing (23%). CONCLUSIONS: The study highlighted wide variations in practice for Pilates exercises with pregnant woman as well as low adherence to clinical practice guidelines. Further evidence is required to advise on appropriate screening and individualized Pilates programming, particularly for women with medical conditions during pregnancy.

Effects of 16-weeks of Pilates on functional autonomy and life satisfaction among elderly women.

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of Pilates-based mat exercises on functional autonomy and life satisfaction among elderly women. A randomized controlled trial was conducted in Caxias do Sul, Brazil in 2015, in which 61 healthy older women were randomized into two groups (experimental group, EG = 31 participants with 64.25 mean years of age, SD = 0.14, and a control group, CG = 30 participants, 63.75 mean years of age; SD = 0.08). The EG participants performed the mat Pilates twice per week, 60-min per session. The same measurements were performed at baseline and after 16 weeks. No significant differences were found between groups at baseline (p > 0.05). In the EG, the following factors were increased after the 16-weeks training period: flexibility of lower limbs, flexibility of upper limbs, strength in lower and upper limbs, aerobic endurance and dynamic balance. This study revealed significant improvements on the life satisfaction scale's score for the EG when compared to the CG, after 16 weeks of intervention. No differences were found between baseline and after 16 weeks on the functional autonomy and life satisfaction scores for the CG. According to the results of this study, it was found that functional autonomy and life satisfaction for elderly women was improved after exposure to 16 weeks of the PM, suggesting this practice helps with healthy aging.

Effects of Pilates exercise on general health of hemodialysis patients.

Pilates is a type of exercise which has recently drawn exercise and health experts' attention. They have noticed that it can improve hemodialysis patients' general health. A clinical trial study was performed. Fifty hemodialysis patients were randomly assigned to intervention and control groups. A demographic information questionnaire and a general health questionnaire (GHQ-28) were completed by the two groups at the beginning of the study. Then, modified Pilates exercises were carried out in the intervention group three times a week over a period of eight weeks. At the end of the study, the GHQ-28 questionnaire was completed by the two groups. In the intervention group, the difference between the mean scores of general health before (45.24 ± 9.9) and after (31.2 ± 6.9) the intervention was significant (p ≤ 0.002). After the intervention, the difference between the mean scores of the control (1.6 ± 1.3) and intervention (14 ± 0.78) groups was also significant (p ≤ 0.001).

Daily Well-Being Benefits of Physical Activity in Older Adults: Does Time or Type Matter?

Purpose of the Study: There is little debate that maintaining some level of physical activity in later life conveys positive benefits both physically and psychologically. What is less understood is the extent to which the type of activity or the length of time spent doing it matters when it comes to these benefits on the daily level. Here, we investigated (a) whether the presence of daily purposeful exercise (Exercise) or non-exercise physical activity (Activity) is sufficient for experiencing day-level benefits, or if time spent matters, and (b) whether there are differential well-being benefits of Exercise and Activity on the daily level. Design and Methods: Older adults (N = 127; aged 60-95, Mage = 79.4) filled out surveys for 14 days, reporting daily Exercise and Activity behaviors as well as Positive and Negative Affect (PA/NA), Perceived Stress (PS), Perceived Health (PH), and Sleep Quality (SQ). Results: Multilevel regression models showed that for purposeful exercise, more time spent was beneficial for PA, NA, and PH, but for PS, only the presence of exercise was important (time did not matter). For non-exercise activity, time did not have as great an influence as presence-doing any form of activity was beneficial for both PA and SQ. Exercise and Activity had largely independent (additive) effects. Implications: Results reveal that both purposeful exercise and non-exercise activity convey independent daily well-being benefits, and that for some aspects of daily well-being, duration does matter. Findings can be applied in the development of physical activity education or engagement programs for older adults.

Pilates and aerobic training improve levels of depression, anxiety and quality of life in overweight and obese individuals.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects of Pilates and walking on quality of life, depression, and anxiety levels. METHODS: Sixty-three overweight/obese participants were randomly divided into: control (n = 20), walking (n = 21), and Pilates (n = 22) groups. Pilates and walking groups attended eight weeks of 60-minute exercise sessions three times per week. Quality of life, depression, and state- and trait-anxiety levels were evaluated before and after eight weeks of training. RESULTS: Scores of quality of life, depression, and trait-anxiety improved in the Pilates and walking groups. State-anxiety levels improved only in the walking group. CONCLUSION: Pilates and walking positively impact quality of life, depression and anxiety. The Pilates method could be used as an alternative to improve mood disorders in overweight/obese individuals.

Combining brain stimulation and video game to promote long-term transfer of learning and cognitive enhancement.

Cognitive training offers the potential for individualised learning, prevention of cognitive decline, and rehabilitation. However, key research challenges include ecological validity (training design), transfer of learning and long-term effects. Given that cognitive training and neuromodulation affect neuroplasticity, their combination could promote greater, synergistic effects. We investigated whether combining transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) with cognitive training could further enhance cognitive performance compared to training alone, and promote transfer within a short period of time. Healthy adults received real or sham tDCS over their dorsolateral prefrontal cortices during two 30-minute mathematics training sessions involving body movements. To examine the role of training, an active control group received tDCS during a non-mathematical task. Those who received real tDCS performed significantly better in the game than the sham group, and showed transfer effects to working memory, a related but non-numerical cognitive domain. This transfer effect was absent in active and sham control groups. Furthermore, training gains were more pronounced amongst those with lower baseline cognitive abilities, suggesting the potential for reducing cognitive inequalities. All effects associated with real tDCS remained 2 months post-training. Our study demonstrates the potential benefit of this approach for long-term enhancement of human learning and cognition.

Desenvolvimento, validação e aplicação piloto do Sistema de Observação da Instrução do instrutor de fitness em aulas de pilates / Desarrollo, validación y aplicación piloto del Sistema de Observación de la Instrucción del instructor de fitness en clases de pilates / Development, validation, and pilot application of the Instruction Observation System used by fitness instructors in pilates classes

Considerando as especificidades e princípios do método Pilates, o presente estudo tem como objetivo desenvolver e validar um sistema de observação que permita observar os comportamentos de instrução dos técnicos de exercício físico na atividade de Pilates, (SOIIF-PILATES), a partir da adaptação de um instrumento já existente. Após diversos procedimentos metodológicos para testar a funcionalidade do instrumento, o SOIIF-PILATES demonstrou apresentar validade e fiabilidade, sendo constituído por 2 dois critérios/dimensões (momento e conteúdo) e 15 categorias. Foi também realizada uma aplicação piloto do instrumento numa amostra de 15 técnicos de exercício físico na atividade de Pilates que permitiu caracterizar a sua intervenção assim como compará-la relativamente às fases da aula (aquecimento, parte fundamental e relaxamento/alongamento) e do exercício (antes, durante e após o exercício). Os resultados do estudo piloto demonstraram que a maioria das categorias referidas pelos técnicos de exercício físico estão de acordo com os princípios da modalidade de Pilates, o que pode justificar a sua elevada utilização. Foram encontradas diferenças no total da instrução nas diferentes fases da aula e entre as diferentes fases da aula e do exercício

Considerando las especificidades y principios del método Pilates, el presente estudio tiene como objetivo desarrollar y validar un sistema de observación que permita observar los comportamientos de instrucción de instructores de Fitness en la actividad Pilates, (SOIIF-PILATES), a partir de la adaptación de un instrumento ya existente. Después de varios procedimientos metodológicos para probar la funcionalidad del instrumento, el SOIIF-PILATES creado demostró presentar validez y fiabilidad siendo constituido por dos criterios/dimensiones (momento y contenido) y 15 categorías. Se realizó también una aplicación piloto del instrumento en una muestra de 15 instructores en la actividad de Pilates que permitió caracterizar su intervención, así como compararla con las fases de la clase (calentamiento, parte fundamental y relajación/estiramiento) y del ejercicio (antes, durante y después del ejercicio). Los resultados del estudio piloto demostraron que la mayoría de las categorías mencionadas por las instructoras se ajusta a los principios de Pilates, lo que puede justificar su elevada utilización. Se encontraron diferencias en el total de la instrucción en las diferentes fases de la clase y entre las diferentes fases de la clase y el ejercicio

Considering the specificities and principles of the Pilates method, the present study aims to develop and validate an observation system that allows us to observe the instructional behaviors of Fitness instructors in the Pilates activity (SOIIF-PILATES), based on the adaptation of an instrument that already exist. After several methodological procedures to test the functionality of the instrument, the SOIIF-PILATES proved to be valid and reliable, consisting of two dimensions (moment and content) and 15 categories. A pilot application of the instrument was also carried out in a sample of 15 Fitness instructors of the Pilates activity, which allowed to characterize their intervention as well as to compare it in different phases of the class (warm-up, main part and relaxation/stretching) and in different parts of the exercise (before, during and after the exercise) The results of the pilot study reveal that most of the categories referred by the instructors are following the principles of Pilates, which may justify their high utilization. Differences were found in the total of instruction of the different phases of the class and between the different phases of the class and the different phases of the exercise

Application of Z-Number Based Modeling in Psychological Research.

Pilates exercises have been shown beneficial impact on physical, physiological, and mental characteristics of human beings. In this paper, Z-number based fuzzy approach is applied for modeling the effect of Pilates exercises on motivation, attention, anxiety, and educational achievement. The measuring of psychological parameters is performed using internationally recognized instruments: Academic Motivation Scale (AMS), Test of Attention (D2 Test), and Spielberger's Anxiety Test completed by students. The GPA of students was used as the measure of educational achievement. Application of Z-information modeling allows us to increase precision and reliability of data processing results in the presence of uncertainty of input data created from completed questionnaires. The basic steps of Z-number based modeling with numerical solutions are presented.

A systematic review of the benefits of physical therapy within a multidisciplinary care approach for people with schizophrenia: An update.

This systematic review summarizes the most recent evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) considering the effectiveness of physical therapy interventions (aerobic exercises, strength exercises, relaxation training, basic body awareness exercises, or a combination of these) within the multidisciplinary management of schizophrenia. Two authors searched PubMed, PsycINFO, EMBASE, Web of Science, Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro), and the Cochrane Library considering RCTs published from July 1, 2011-October 1, 2014. Thirteen RCTs representing 549 participants met the inclusion criteria. Overall, the results demonstrate that aerobic exercise significantly reduces psychiatric symptoms, potentially improves mental and physical quality of life and reduces metabolic risk and weight. Specifically, yoga reduces psychiatric symptoms, whilst Tai-chi and progressive muscle relaxation may also have benefits to patients. Two RCTs reported on adverse events. No adverse event was observed supporting the notion that physical therapy is safe in people with schizophrenia. There was considerable heterogeneity in the design, implementation and outcomes in the included studies precluding a meaningful meta-analysis. In general, the quality of physical therapy RCTS is improving and current research demonstrates that physical therapy approaches are valuable interventions and can help improve the psychiatric, physical and quality of life of people with schizophrenia.