In COVID-19 Health Messaging, Loss Framing Increases Anxiety with Little-to-No Concomitant Benefits: Experimental Evidence from 84 Countries.

The COVID-19 pandemic (and its aftermath) highlights a critical need to communicate health information effectively to the global public. Given that subtle differences in information framing can have meaningful effects on behavior, behavioral science research highlights a pressing question: Is it more effective to frame COVID-19 health messages in terms of potential losses (e.g., "If you do not practice these steps, you can endanger yourself and others") or potential gains (e.g., "If you practice these steps, you can protect yourself and others")? Collecting data in 48 languages from 15,929 participants in 84 countries, we experimentally tested the effects of message framing on COVID-19-related judgments, intentions, and feelings. Loss- (vs. gain-) framed messages increased self-reported anxiety among participants cross-nationally with little-to-no impact on policy attitudes, behavioral intentions, or information seeking relevant to pandemic risks. These results were consistent across 84 countries, three variations of the message framing wording, and 560 data processing and analytic choices. Thus, results provide an empirical answer to a global communication question and highlight the emotional toll of loss-framed messages. Critically, this work demonstrates the importance of considering unintended affective consequences when evaluating nudge-style interventions.

Effects of feedback-based balance and core resistance training vs. Pilates training on cognitive functions in older women with mild cognitive impairment: a pilot randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: There is limited research about beneficial effects of physical activity in older adults suffering from mild cognitive impairment (MCI). AIM: The aim of the study was to provide preliminary evidence on the effects of two types of non-aerobic training on cognitive functions in older women suffering from MCI. METHODS: Twenty-eight participants aged 66-78 years with MCI were randomly assigned to a combined balance and core resistance training group (n = 14) or to a Pilates group (n = 14). RESULTS: Following completion of the 8-week exercise programme, both groups showed significant improvements in global and specific cognitive domains. CONCLUSION: Findings suggest that non-aerobic training should be further explored as a beneficial intervention for older adults suffering from MCI.

Effects of feedback-based balance and core resistance training vs. Pilates training on balance and muscle function in older women: a randomized-controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Aging is associated with decline in physical function that could result in the development of physical impairment and disability. Hence, interventions that simultaneously challenge balance ability, trunk (core) and extremity strength of older adults could be particularly effective in preserving and enhancing these physical functions. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of feedback-based balance and core resistance training utilizing the a special computer-controlled device (Huber®) with the conventional Pilates training on balance ability, neuromuscular function and body composition of healthy older women. METHODS: Thirty-four older women (age: 70±4 years) were randomly assigned to a Huber group (n=17) or Pilates group (n=17). Both groups trained for 8 weeks, 3 times a week. Maximal isometric strength of the trunk flexors, extensors, and lateral flexors, leg power, upper-body strength, single- and dual-task static balance, and body composition were measured before and after the intervention programs. RESULTS: Significant group×time interactions and main effects of time (p<0.05) were found for body composition, balance ability in standard and dual-task conditions, all trunk muscle strength variables, and leg power in favor of the Huber group. The observed improvements in balance ability under both standard and dual-task conditions in the Huber group were mainly the result of enhanced postural control in medial-lateral direction (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Feedback-based balance and core resistance training proved to be more effective in improving single- and dual-task balance ability, trunk muscle strength, leg power, and body composition of healthy older women than the traditional Pilates training.