The anisotropy of granular materials

The effect of the anisotropy on the elastoplastic response of two dimensional packed samples of polygons is investigated here, using molecular dynamics simulation. We show a correlation between fabric coefficients, characterizing the anisotropy of the granular skeleton, and the anisotropy of the elastic response. We also study the anisotropy induced by shearing on the subnetwork of the sliding contacts. This anisotropy provides an explanation to some features of the plastic deformation of granular media.Comment: Submitted to PR

Mood alterations following an indoor and outdoor exercise program in healthy elderly women

Effets d'un programme d'activité physique récréative d'une durée de 12 semaines sur la santé psychique de femmes sédentaires âgées de 60 à 75 ans. Mesure des sentiments et sensations positives (bien-être, vitalité, engagement positif), de la fatigue en fonction du niveau d'activité physique

Exergames and implications on quality of life in pediatric oncology patients: A preliminary qualitative study

The purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of exergames on the quality of life of three pediatric oncology patients and their attitudes towards participation in physical activity after the end of the program. In the present study volunteered three pediatric oncology patients, aged from five to six years old, who had been diagnosed with cancer and were staying at the hostel of the Association of Friends of Children with Cancer "Storgi" of Thessaloniki in Greece. A 12-week exercise program was implemented. Frequency of attendance was 3 times a week, while duration was thirty minutes per training session. The exergames «Kinect sports», «Kinect sports-season 2» and «Kinect Adventures» were used. Data were collected via observations and individual interviews with the cancer patients, with one of their parents and a staff member of the hostel. Our findings indicate that exercise through digital interactive games improved the childrens’ overall quality of life regarding the parameters physical functioning, psychological functioning and social relations in the hostel. Moreover, through their participation in this program they had the intention to continue exercising with exergames and to participate in exercise programs in a realistic environment after their cancer treatment. In conclusion, exergaming is an adjunct treatment for achieving a better quality of life, which gives motivation to the patients to participate in regular physical activity and do not follow a sedentary lifestyle during the phase of cancer treatment. © JPES

Does a three-month exercise programme enhance the subjective view of mobility level amongst elderly women ?

Une étude visant à évaluer les effets d'un programme d'exercice de douze semaines sur le niveau de performance de 40 femmes âgées sédentaires (de 60 à 75 ans) et à examiner le minimum d'exercice hebdomadaire nécessaire pour produire des changements. Les variables testées - les vingt mouvements quotidiens les plus fréquents - ont été évaluées à partir de l'échelle Likert

Perceived Βenefits of a Τherapeutic Εxercise program through digital interactive games among children with cancer

Introduction: Clinical treatments against cancer disease, contribute decisively to the deterioration of physical and mental well-being of pediatric oncology patients, however exercise has been proposed as a safe, non-pharmacological intervention strategy for pediatric populations suffering from chronic diseases, which affects positively the quality of life of patients. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify perceived benefits associated with participation in a therapeutic exercise program through digital interactive games among children who have been diagnosed with cancer. Material and Method: A total of six children, aged from five to nine years old, boys and girls, who were staying at the hostel of the Association of Friends of Children with Cancer "Storgi" in Thessaloniki, participated in a 12-week therapeutic exercise program, with the use of the Xbox Kinect™ console. The frequency of attendance was 3 times per week, while the duration of each training session was set at 30 minutes. Data were collected using a combination of observations and individual interviews with the children, one of their parents and a staff member of the hostel. Results: From the qualitative data analysis four major themes were aroused: (a) enhancement of social skills, (b) decreased cancer related fatigue, (c) positive emotions, (d) control of negative feelings. Conclusions: The involvement of cancer patients in a therapeutic exercise program that combines exercise with digital interactive games plays a vital role in strengthening the child's social skills, reducing the perceived fatigue, enhancing positive emotions, as well as decreasing the negative psychological effects due to cancer treatment. © 2019, Hellenic Nurses Association. All rights reserved