Lessons learned from the use of the SlideWiki OpenCourseWare platform in different learning contexts

A major obstacle to increasing the efficiency, effectiveness and quality of education is the lack of widely available, accessible, multilingual, timely, engaging and high-quality educational material, i.e. OpenCourseWare (OCW). The creation of comprehensive OCW is often a tedious, time-consuming and expensive process, with the effect that courseware employed by educators and trainers can be incomplete and outdated, as well as inaccessible to those with disabilities. With the open-source and open-access SlideWiki platform, the effort of creation, translation and evolution of highly-structured remixable OCW can be widely shared. Similarly to Wikipedia for encyclopaedic content, SlideWiki allows to collaboratively create comprehensive OCW (curricula, slide presentations, self-assessment tests, illustrations etc.) online in a crowdsourcing manner. SlideWiki has won the OpenCourseWare Consortium’s Excellence Award and is used by hundreds of educators and thousands of learners. Several hundred comprehensive course materials are available on SlideWiki in different languages. The SlideWiki large-scale trial project is further maturing the SlideWiki platform by improving its usability and accessibility. The SlideWiki project is performing a wide range of trials covering different levels of education (i.e. from secondary to higher education) and different types of learning (i.e. formal learning, informal learning, vocational learning). Each of these large-scale trials is carried out with hundreds of educators and thousands of learners in different countries across Europe. A particular focus of the technology development and testing in the trials is the suitability for academics, teachers and learners with disabilities. This paper will present the lessons learned from piloting the SlideWiki platform in different learning contexts and scenarios. In particular, we will describe the learning scenarios considered in each pilot and how these scenarios have been implemented with the use of SlideWiki. We will then describe the methodology followed in each pilot, in terms of the authoring, teaching and learning activities performed by educators and learners using SlideWiki. Finally, the lessons learned from each pilot will be discussed, focusing on the challenges faced in each pilot, how these challenges have been addressed, as well as the best practices that have emerged from the pilots regarding the collaborative authoring and sharing of OCW

Does the number of trials affect the reliability of handgrip strength measurement in individuals with intellectual disabilities? [Le nombre d'essais peut-il affecter la fiabilité de la mesure de la force de poigne chez les personnes ayant une déficience intellectuelle ?]

The main objectives of this study were to examine which testing protocol (one/two/three trials) and method (best/average value) used for determining maximal handgrip strength is more reliable for individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID) and to compare the reliability and variability of maximal handgrip strength measurement between individuals with ID and healthy individuals. Twenty individuals with ID (18.7 ± 3.3 years) and 20 healthy individuals (18.5 ± 3.4 years) performed six separate sessions. During these sessions, the participants’ maximal handgrip strength was evaluated using three protocols with different number of trials (one/two/three). In individuals with ID, the protocols with one and two trials were less reliable (ICC = 0.78–0.95; SEM% = 9–21) than the protocol with three trials (ICC = 0.94–0.96; SEM% = 8–10) whereas in healthy individuals all protocols were equally reliable (ICC = 0.95–0.99; SEM% = 1.9–4.9). In individuals with ID, the mean of three trials (ICC = 0.96, SEM = 1.19–1.35 kg, SEM% = 8.2–8.7) had slightly higher reliability than the best of three trials (ICC = 0.94, SEM = 1.47–1.75 kg, SEM% = 9.2–10.1). Furthermore, the variability of maximal handgrip strength measurement was about twofold higher in individuals with ID (CV = 37–45%) vs. healthy individuals (CV = 21–23%). Maximal handgrip strength can be measured reliably in young individuals with ID using the mean of three trials as the most reliable approach for the determination of maximal handgrip strength. © 2020 SFC

Health-Promoting Effects of Serial vsIntegrated Combined Strength and Aerobic Training

Combined strength and aerobic training programs are widely used for improving markers of physical fitness and health. We compared the efficiency of a serial and an integrated combined training program on health and overall fitness in middle-aged females. 54 females (46.7±4.5yrs) were assigned to a serial (SCG) or an integrated (ICG) combined training group or to a control group (CG). The SCG and ICG performed a 3-month training combining aerobic dance and calisthenics. The 2 training programs differ in the sequence of aerobic and strength exercises. SCG performed the strength exercises prior to aerobic; in ICG, the aerobic and strength exercises were altered in a predetermined order. Body composition/circumferences, blood pressure, respiratory function, flexibility, balance, muscle strength/endurance, power and aerobic capacity were measured before and after training. SCG and ICG significantly increased muscle strength and endurance, power, aerobic capacity, flexibility, balance, fat-free mass and respiratory function (p<0.001-0.05), while significant reductions were observed for blood pressure, heart rate and body fat/circumferences (p<0.001-0.05). However, there were no significant differences between SCG and ICG after training. Serial and integrated combined training programs confer analogous adaptations and can be used interchangeably for counteracting the detrimental effects of sedentary lifestyle on indices of physical fitness and health

Whole-body vibration training improves flexibility, strength profile of knee flexors, and hamstrings-to-quadriceps strength ratio in females

Objectives: Short-term whole-body vibration training (WBVT) has emerged as an exercise method for improving neuromuscular performance and has been proposed for injury prevention and rehabilitation. This study investigated the effects of a short-term (<= 2 months) WBVT program using a side-to-side vibration on: (i) strength profile of knee extensors (ME) and flexors (KF), (ii) "functional" hamstrings-to-quadriceps ratio (ECCKF/CONKE), (iii) flexibility and (iv) vertical jumping performance (VJ). Furthermore, we explored the retention of performance gains 21 days following WBVT. Design: Randomized-controlled trial. Methods: Twenty-six moderately active females (20.40 +/- 0.27 years) were assigned to a vibration (VG) or a control group (CG). The short-term WBVT program consisted of sixteen-sessions on a side-to-side vibration platform (frequency: 25 Hz, amplitude: 6 mm, 2 sets x 5 min). Isokinetic and isometric peak torque of KE and KF, ECCKF/CONKE, flexibility, and VJ were measured pre, 2 days post, and 21 days following the cessation of WBVT. Results: Post-training values of flexibility, isokinetic and isometric peak torques of KF and ECCKF/CONKE ratio were higher than pre-training values in VG (p < 0.05); however, they remained unchanged in CG. Post-training values were greater in VG vs. CG (p < 0.05). Twenty-one days following WBVT, post-training values were no longer significantly different than pre-training values. The short-term WBVT program had no effect on strength profile of KE and on VJ. Conclusions: A short-term side-to-side WBVT program improved flexibility, the strength profile of knee flexors, and the "functional" hamstrings-to-quadriceps ratio in moderately active females. Coaches and clinical practitioners should consider this type of training as an effective exercise mode for improving the strength asymmetry of reciprocal muscles at the knee joint. (C) 2012 Sports Medicine Australia. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved

Whole-body vibration and rehabilitation of chronic diseases: A review of the literature

The objectives of the study were to review the current literature and findings on the effects of whole-body vibration (WBV) as a training method on performance and its ability to aid in the rehabilitation of chronic diseases (neurological, musculoskeletal or metabolic conditions). Six electronic databases were searched. The combination of the search terminology used included WBV and several neurological, musculoskeletal and metabolic conditions. Twenty six papers were found to be relevant for this review and were included for critical evaluation with regards to sample characteristics, research intervention and methodology. Most studies were conducted on patients diagnosed with neurological conditions (n = 15) while less were performed on patients suffering from musculoskeletal (n = 7) or metabolic (n = 4) disorders. Comparisons were difficult to draw on because of the different pathologies and the differences in the methodology of each study. Some of the observed methodological flaws included limitations in relation to insufficient randomisation, lack of sample homogeneity (size, age variability) and poor blinding in most studies. No consensus could be reached as to whether WBV is more effective than other interventions or no intervention at all, while the additional effects that WBV may have in relation to other interventions could not be assumed. Nevertheless, chronic WBV training seems to only improve strength in neurological patients while balance and mobility improves only in patients suffering from musculoskeletal or metabolic but not from neurological conditions. Although WBV did not prove to be more effective compared to other training methods, it can be used, in some cases, as a less fatiguing and less time-consuming method to enhance physical capabilities. Future research should focus on the effectiveness of WBV in relation to no treatment at all, and to age

Static and Dynamic Handgrip Strength Endurance: Test-Retest Reproducibility

Purpose This study investigated the reliability of static and dynamic handgrip strength endurance using different protocols and indicators for the assessment of strength endurance. Methods Forty young, healthy men and women (age, 18–22 years) performed 2 handgrip strength endurance protocols: a static protocol (sustained submaximal contraction at 50% of maximal voluntary contraction) and a dynamic one (8, 10, and 12 maximal repetitions). The participants executed each protocol twice to assess the test-retest reproducibility. Total work and total time were used as indicators of strength endurance in the static protocol; the strength recorded at each maximal repetition, the percentage change, and fatigue index were used as indicators of strength endurance in the dynamic protocol. Results The static protocol showed high reliability irrespective of sex and hand for total time and work. The 12-repetition dynamic protocol exhibited moderate-high reliability for repeated maximal repetitions and percentage change; the 8- and 10-repetition protocols demonstrated lower reliability irrespective of sex and hand. The fatigue index was not a reliable indicator for the assessment of dynamic handgrip endurance. Conclusions Static handgrip endurance can be measured reliably using the total time and total work as indicators of strength endurance. For the evaluation of dynamic handgrip endurance, the 12-repetition protocol is recommended, using the repeated maximal repetitions and percentage change as indicators of strength endurance. Clinical relevance Practitioners should consider the static (50% maximal voluntary contraction) and dynamic (12 repeated maximal repetitions) protocols as reliable for the assessment of handgrip strength endurance. The evaluation of static endurance in conjunction with dynamic endurance would provide more complete information about hand function. © 2017 American Society for Surgery of the Han

The acute effects of different whole-body vibration amplitudes and frequencies on flexibility and vertical jumping performance

Frequency and amplitude determine the training load of whole-body vibration (WBV) exercise and thereby possible neuromuscular adaptations. We investigated the effects of amplitude and frequency of a single bout of WBV on flexibility and squat jump performance (SJ) and the time-course of these effects. In the amplitude study, twenty-five females performed three vibration protocols (VPs) for 6 min at frequency of 25 Hz and amplitudes of 4 mm, 6 mm, and 8 mm and one control protocol (CP). In the frequency study, eighteen females performed three VPs at 6 mm amplitude and frequencies of 15 Hz, 20 Hz, and 30Hz and one CP. Flexibility and SJ were measured before, immediately-post and 15 min recovery. All protocols were performed on a side-to-side alternating vibration plate. In the amplitude study, flexibility was improved (p < 0.01) immediately-post in VP4, VP6, VP8 (31.8 +/- 8.2, 31.9 +/- 7.6, 31.5 +/- 7.9, respectively) and at 15 min recovery (31.6 +/- 8.1, 31.5 +/- 7.9, 31.0 +/- 8.2, respectively) vs. pre-vibration (30.2 +/- 8.6, 30.3 +/- 8.1, 30.2 +/- 8.3, respectively), but remained unchanged in CP (30.6 +/- 8.3 immediately-post, 30.7 +/- 8.2 at 15 min vs. 30.4 +/- 8.2 pre-vibration). In the frequency study, flexibility was improved (p < 0.01) immediately-post in VP15, VP20, VP30 (31.5 +/- 5.2, 31.3 +/- 5, 31.7 +/- 5.3, respectively) and at 15 min recovery (31.3 +/- 5.4, 31.3 +/- 5.0, 31.3 +/- 5.3, respectively) vs. pre-vibration (30.6 +/- 5.4, 30.2 +/- 5.7, 30.3 +/- 5.9, respectively), but not in CP (30.7 +/- 5.1 immediately-post, 30.6 +/- 5 at 15 min vs. pre-vibration 30.5 +/- 5.7). There were no significant effects of amplitude or frequency on SJ. In conclusion, a single WBV bout using a side-to-side alternating vibration plate may increase flexibility which persists for at least 15 min, without altering jumping performance. These effects were observed irrespective of frequency and amplitude. (C) 2009 Sports Medicine Australia. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved

Serial vs. Integrated Outdoor Combined Training Programs for Health Promotion in Middle-Aged Males

The purpose of this study was to examine and compare the training and detraining effects of outdoor serial and integrated combined exercise programs on health, functional capacity, and physical fitness indices. Fifty-one untrained overweight/obese males (47 ± 4 years) were divided into a serial combined (SCG), an integrated combined (ICG), or a control (CG) group. The SCG and ICG implemented a 3-month training (3 sessions/week) consisting of walking and body weight exercises. The only difference between SCG and ICG was the sequence of aerobic and strength training. In SCG, the strength training was performed before aerobic training, while in ICG the aerobic and the strength training were alternated repeatedly in a predetermined order. Health, functional capacity, and physical fitness indices were measured before the training, following the termination of programs, and 1-month after training cessation. Following the training, both the SCG and ICG groups showed reduced blood pressure, heart rate, body fat, and waist-to-hip ratio (3–11%; p 0.05). In CG, all the above variables did not change. Furthermore, a great percentage of participants in both exercise groups (90%) reported high levels of enjoyment. In conclusion, both serial and integrated outdoor combined walking and body weight strength training programs are enjoyable and equally effective for improving health, functional capacity, and physical fitness indices in overweight/obese middle-aged males. © 2022 by the authors

AGE-RELATED DIFFERENCES IN PEAK HANDGRIP STRENGTH BETWEEN WRESTLERS AND NONATHLETES DURING THE DEVELOPMENTAL YEARS

Gerodimos, V, Karatrantou, K, Dipla, K, Zafeiridis, A, Tsiakaras, N, and Sotiriadis, S. Age-related differences in peak handgrip strength between wrestlers and nonathletes during the developmental years. J Strength Cond Res 27(3): 616-623, 2013-This study examined the development of peak handgrip strength from childhood to adulthood in wrestlers (n = 122) and nonathlete controls (n = 122). The effect of hand preference on handgrip strength and the relationship of anthropometrical characteristics with handgrip strength in wrestlers and controls were also evaluated. Participants were assigned into age groups: children, young adolescents, late adolescents, and adults. Body height and mass, hand dimensions (length, span, and width), and absolute handgrip (in kilograms) were measured. Handgrip strength was similar in wrestlers and controls in the younger age groups (i.e., in children and young adolescents), whereas late adolescent and adult wrestlers exhibited significantly greater peak handgrip strength (p < 0.05) than their control peers. Nonathletes older than 15 years demonstrated an approximately 10% greater peak handgrip strength (p < 0.05) with their preferred hand compared with the nonpreferred hand. In contrast, late adolescent and adult wrestlers exhibited similar handgrip strength with both hands. Peak handgrip strength exhibited a significant linear correlation with all the anthropometric measures examined; however, a higher percentage in the variation in peak handgrip strength was explained by body height and hand length than the other anthropometric variables in both groups. In conclusion, wrestlers exhibit a sport-specific pattern of handgrip strength changes during the developmental years. Body height and hand length exhibited the strongest correlations with handgrip strength during the developmental years in wrestlers and in controls. The training adaptations of wrestling resulted in symmetrical handgrip strength development in both hands at late adolescence and adulthood. These data serve to provide a descriptive profile of handgrip strength in wrestlers, to assist both coaches and health professionals for talent selection and/or development of training programs for performance enhancement and rehabilitation

Exaggerated haemodynamic and neural responses to involuntary contractions induced by whole-body vibration in normotensive obese versus lean women

New Findings: What is the central question of this study? In obesity, the exaggerated blood pressure response to voluntary exercise is linked to hypertension, yet the mechanisms are not fully elucidated. We examined whether involuntary contractions elicit greater haemodynamic responses and altered neural control of blood pressure in normotensive obese versus lean women. What is the main finding and its importance? During involuntary contractions induced by whole-body vibration, there were augmented blood pressure and spontaneous baroreflex responses in obese compared with lean women. This finding is suggestive of an overactive mechanoreflex in the exercise-induced hypertensive response in obesity. Passive contractions did not elicit differential heart rate responses in obese compared with lean women, implying other mechanisms for the blunted heart rate response reported during voluntary exercise in obesity. In obesity, the exaggerated blood pressure (BP) response to exercise is linked to hypertension, yet the mechanisms are not fully elucidated. In this study, we examined whether involuntary mechanical oscillations, induced by whole-body vibration (WBV), elicit greater haemodynamic responses and altered neural control of BP in obese versus lean women. Twenty-two normotensive, premenopausal women (12 lean and 10 obese) randomly underwent a passive WBV (25 Hz) and a control protocol (similar posture without WVB). Beat-by-beat BP, heart rate, stroke volume, systemic vascular resistance, cardiac output, parasympathetic output (evaluated by heart rate variability) and spontaneous baroreceptor sensitivity (sBRS) were assessed. We found that during WBV, obese women exhibited an augmented systolic BP response compared with lean women that was correlated with body fat percentage (r = 0.77; P < 0.05). The exaggerated BP rise was driven mainly by the greater increase in cardiac output index in obese versus lean women, associated with a greater stroke volume index in obese women. Involuntary contractions did not elicit a differential magnitude of responses in heart rate, heart rate variability indices and systemic vascular resistance in obese versus lean women; however, they did result in greater sBRS responses (P < 0.05) in obese women. In conclusion, involuntary contractions elicited an augmented BP and sBRS response in normotensive obese versus lean women. The greater elevations in circulatory haemodynamics in obese women are suggestive of an overactive mechanoreflex in the exercise-induced hypertensive response in obesity. © 2016 The Authors