Relationship between Perceived and Actual Exertion and Enjoyment of Exercise in Individuals with Autism

Fiscella, N.A., Moran, T.E., Wigglesworth, J.K., and McKay, C.A. Relationship between Perceived and Actual Exertion and Enjoyment of Exercise in Individuals with Autism. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between perceived exertion, actual exertion and enjoyment of exercise in individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Methods: A total of 16 participants (12 males and 4 females) between the ages of 5 and 38 who were diagnosed with ASD participated in the study. The intervention lasted 10 weeks and consisted of participation in one of James Madison University’s Overcoming Barriers hour long physical activity programs. Heart rate, perceived exertion, and enjoyment of exercise were measured following three exercises during the program. Results: There was no relationship between the three main variables however, a significant relationship, was found between exercise exertion and perceived exertion r = -0.151 (p = 0.66) and between enjoyment of exercise compared to perceived exertion r = 0.23 (p \u3c 0.05). Conclusion: Consistent with the literature, participants are more likely to participate in exercises they enjoy, in addition we found hunger was related to both perceived exertion as well as with enjoyment of exercise. Further research still needs to be done between hunger and perceived exertion and enjoyment of exercise. Keywords: AUTISM, PERCEIVED EXERTION, ACTUAL EXERTION, ENJOYMENT, EXERCISE

Promoting Inclusion of Adults with Disabilities in Local Fitness Programs: A Needs Assessment

Fit-Pals* is a university-based, service-learning program with a mission to prepare adults with disabilities to engage in lifelong physical activity. We conducted a Needs Assessment to evaluate recent programmatic partnerships with community-based fitness organizations. We aimed to (1) evaluate organizational perceptions of Fit-Pals’ partnership efforts, and (2) identify perceived organizational needs to improve inclusion practices. Representatives from each of our seven partner organizations participated in an online-survey, follow-up interviews, and a stakeholder meeting. A thematic analysis of survey and interview responses highlighted areas for programmatic growth related to training in disability awareness and fitness accommodations, and improved communication across all partnership levels. Our stakeholder meeting further identified gaps between advocacy for disability inclusion, and awareness of actionable steps to effectively enact this within organizations. Drawing from the literature we discuss Fit-Pals’ efforts to increase the capacity of our community partners to support members with disabilities. *Pseudony

Modelling human choices: MADeM and decision‑making

Research supported by FAPESP 2015/50122-0 and DFG-GRTK 1740/2. RP and AR are also part of the Research, Innovation and Dissemination Center for Neuromathematics FAPESP grant (2013/07699-0). RP is supported by a FAPESP scholarship (2013/25667-8). ACR is partially supported by a CNPq fellowship (grant 306251/2014-0)

Anxiety Among Black and Latina Mothers of Premature Infants at Social-Environmental Risk

Anxiety is heightened for mothers of premature infants, potentially interfering with early mothering. This study describes relationships among race/ethnicity, language, and anxiety for women at social-environmental risk who deliver a premature infant. Postnatal baseline interview data from a randomized trial testing a behavioral intervention for mothers and infants (29–34 weeks gestational age) were used to examine maternal state (STAI-Y1) and trait (STAI-Y2) anxiety among blacks and Latinas, and by language preference. Latinas (n = 97) had an elevated prevalence of high (≥ 40) state anxiety compared to blacks (n = 97), with Latinas preferring a Spanish to an English interview reporting the highest levels of state anxiety. Trait anxiety did not differ across groups. Culturally appropriate interventions are needed to reduce anxiety among Latina mothers delivering premature infants, especially among those with limited English language proficiency. A racially/ethnically diverse workforce, bilingual healthcare providers, and trained medical interpreters may help to ensure better outcomes

Can the Medical Home Eliminate Racial and Ethnic Disparities for Transition Services Among Youth with Special Health Care Needs?

Abstract available at publisher's web site

The Limited Incorporation of Economic Analyses in Clinical Practice Guidelines

BACKGROUND: Because there is increasing concern that economic data are not used in the clinical guideline development process, our objective was to evaluate the extent to which economic analyses are incorporated in guideline development. METHODS: We searched medline and HealthSTAR databases to identify English-language clinical practice guidelines (1996–1999) and economic analyses (1990–1998). Additional guidelines were obtained from The National Guidelines Clearinghouse Internet site available at . Eligible guidelines met the Institute of Medicine definition and addressed a topic included in an economic analysis. Eligible economic analyses assessed interventions addressed in a guideline and predated the guideline by 1 or more years. Economic analyses were defined as incorporated in guideline development if 1) the economic analysis or the results were mentioned in the text or 2) listed as a reference. The quality of economic analyses was assessed using a structured scoring system. RESULTS: Using guidelines as the unit of analysis, 9 of 35 (26%) incorporated at least 1 economic analysis of above-average quality in the text and 11 of 35 (31%) incorporated at least 1 in the references. Using economic analyses as the unit of analysis, 63 economic analyses of above-average quality had opportunities for incorporation in 198 instances across the 35 guidelines. Economic analyses were incorporated in the text in 13 of 198 instances (7%) and in the references in 18 of 198 instances (9%). CONCLUSIONS: Rigorous economic analyses may be infrequently incorporated in the development of clinical practice guidelines. A systematic approach to guideline development should be used to ensure the consideration of economic analyses so that recommendations from guidelines may impact both the quality of care and the efficient allocation of resources