The Effects of Rehearsal and Mediation Under Two Temporal Conditions of Stimulus-Response Presentation in Paired-Associate Learning with Normal and Retarded Children

The effects of two stimulus-response durations (2 and 5 seconds) on performance in a paired-associate learning (PAL) task was assessed. The 3 x 3 x 2 design also permitted a comparison of the effects of rehearsal, mediated interference and the differential performance of normals and non-institutionalized and institutionalized retardates (n = 30, mean age = 12.6). The retarded groups were further matched on I.Q. scores on three factors of the Adaptive Behavior Scales (ABS). The stimuli were conceptually related, black and white, line drawn pictures of common objects. The results were twofold: a facilitating effect for increased S-R duration which could not be attributed to either rehearsal or mediation. Also the groups differed significantly in mean number of errors in the order: normals, institutionalized and non-institutionalized retarded. This study implies the need for greater specificity in selecting retarded subjects for comparative purposes

Walk well:a randomised controlled trial of a walking intervention for adults with intellectual disabilities: study protocol

Background - Walking interventions have been shown to have a positive impact on physical activity (PA) levels, health and wellbeing for adult and older adult populations. There has been very little work carried out to explore the effectiveness of walking interventions for adults with intellectual disabilities. This paper will provide details of the Walk Well intervention, designed for adults with intellectual disabilities, and a randomised controlled trial (RCT) to test its effectiveness. Methods/design - This study will adopt a RCT design, with participants allocated to the walking intervention group or a waiting list control group. The intervention consists of three PA consultations (baseline, six weeks and 12 weeks) and an individualised 12 week walking programme. A range of measures will be completed by participants at baseline, post intervention (three months from baseline) and at follow up (three months post intervention and six months from baseline). All outcome measures will be collected by a researcher who will be blinded to the study groups. The primary outcome will be steps walked per day, measured using accelerometers. Secondary outcome measures will include time spent in PA per day (across various intensity levels), time spent in sedentary behaviour per day, quality of life, self-efficacy and anthropometric measures to monitor weight change. Discussion - Since there are currently no published RCTs of walking interventions for adults with intellectual disabilities, this RCT will examine if a walking intervention can successfully increase PA, health and wellbeing of adults with intellectual disabilities

SNP discovery in African taurine and Zebu cattle by whole genome sequencing of pooled DNA

A poster prepared for the BecA Opening, Nairobi, 5 November 2010