Predictors of Readiness to Exit Commercial Sexual Exploitation Among Women in India and the U.S.

Exiting commercial sexual exploitation (CSE) is a difficult and prolonged process. This study examines the predictors of readiness to exit CSE, using the stages of change model as an underlying framework, among women in India (n=163) and the U.S. (n=87). Constructs such as years of schooling, residence, unemployment, age of entry, causes of entry, types of exploitation, addictions, presence of perpetrator, culture – individualistic and collectivistic, stigma, social support, empowerment, and current involvement in CSE were assessed. Results of a multi-group analysis indicated significant differences in the relationships between readiness to change and the predictor measures. For the Indian sample, years of schooling, economic conditions/abuse/runaway behavior as reasons for entry, individualistic and collectivistic culture approaches, and stigma were associated with readiness to change. For the U.S. sample, living by oneself, abuse/runaway behavior as reasons for entry, indoor experiences of exploitation, substance abuse problems, collectivist cultural approach, social support, and current involvement in CSE were associated with readiness to change. However, some similarities were also found. The findings suggest that service provision must focus on addressing the constructs that increase the readiness to exit, while also being culturally competent

A comparative study on the efficacy of conventional exercises versus pilates in improving core strength on lordotic postural low back pain.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY : The purpose of the study was to investigate the efficacy of conventional exercises versus Pilates in improving core strength on lordotic postural low back pain. MATERIALS AND METHOD : 30 participants with age group of 40-45, who were diagnosed as lordotic postural low back pain were randomly assigned to receive conventional exercise (Group A = 15) and Pilates (Group B=15). The outcome measures used were Visual Analog Scale for pain and prone abdominal drawing-in test by Pressure Biofeedback Unit for core strength, taken at pre treatment and on the 8th week after finishing the rehabilitation protocol. Independent ‘t’ test were performed for measures of VAS and core strength scores of Group A and Group B. RESULTS : All subjects progressed with a significant decrease in pain and increase in core strength, where the participants in the Pilates group showed more significant improvement in both the variables than conventional group after the session. CONCLUSION : Both Conventional and pilates exercises are effective in reducing pain and improving core strength, but pilates showed more efficient outcome than the conventional exercises