Virtual and live social facilitation while exergaming: Competitiveness moderates

This study evaluated the effects of virtual and live social facilitation on exercise behavior using a cybercycle, a virtual reality-enhanced stationary bike, with 3D scenery and interactive races. Research has shown that social presence can enhance performance (Zajonc, 1965). Research with the cybercycle found that more competitive participants increased exercise intensity with the introduction of a virtual competitor (Snyder et al., 2010). The current study extended the prior experimental design by comparing virtual with live social presence. After training to ride the cybercycle, female college students rode in the presence of a virtual rider and live rider (randomly ordered); a gender-matched confederate adjusted performance to keep the level of challenge in both conditions consistent. It was hypothesized that more competitive riders would exhibit greater exercise intensity (watts) in the virtual vs. live condition. Competitiveness, mood and exercise attitudes were measured. Results from 23 female participants indicate that competitiveness moderated exercise effort, such that more competitive riders rode more intensely in the presence of a virtual vs. live competitor (p=.04). Implications suggest that for more competitive persons, exercising with a live competitor yields greater exercise effort and may be recommended for maximizing the benefit of workouts

Process Evaluation of Georgia's Integrated Family Support Demonstration Project: Findings from First Year Implementation Efforts

This report summarizes findings from first year implementation efforts of the Georgia Department of Human Resources' Family Support Demonstration Project. The goal of the project was to reduce child abuse and neglect and improve child health by providing support to Georgia's families with infants and young children at highest risk for child maltreatment

Postpartum Depression Education and Screening in a Hospital Setting

It is estimated that 24.3% of women in Florida who have recently given birth experience postpartum depression (PPD), which approximates the national percentage. Perinatal nurses are often not provided specific education relating to PPD nor provided reliable methods to screen patients in the hospital setting. The focus of this project was to increase the number of mothers identified as needing follow-up for PPD by formally educating perinatal staff members on the signs and symptoms of depression, while including validated methods of screening patients compared to the current practice of general assessment and verbal interviewing. The approach was supportive of the organizationâs mission centered around the quality caring model in which the care is focused on the nurse first, followed by the patient, then coworkers, and lastly, caring for the community. Following an educational presentation, a total of 48 perinatal nursing staff participated. Participantsâ baseline knowledge of postpartum depression increased by 83.4% and the percentage of mothers the staff identified as at risk for or experiencing depression increased by 32%. Social change occurred because nurses can now quickly identify patients at risk for or experiencing depression and provide immediate intervention and resources while in the hospital setting

β2-adrenergic receptor modulation of macrophage inflammatory mediator production

Research has demonstrated that the complex interaction between the nervous system and the immune system plays a critical role in maintaining homeostasis. The nervous system is capable of modulating the immune response via activation of β2-adrenergic receptors (β2-ARs) present on immunocompetent cells. Because macrophages are major mediators of the immune response, several investigators have sought to determine the effect of β2-AR stimulation upon inflammatory mediator production by these cells. Traditionally, scientists have regarded β2-AR activity as anti-inflammatory since stimulation of these receptors inhibits LPS-induced production of inflammatory molecules. However, a thorough review of existing literature reveals several publications suggesting β2-AR activation may actually have pro-inflammatory effects upon macrophage response. Importantly, β2-AR drugs are often used to treat various diseases, including several diseases of inflammatory origin. As a result, recognizing the dual immunomodulatory potential of β2-ARs is necessary to fully understand the inflammatory impact of β2-AR drugs in therapy

Services and Support for Georgia Families of Children with Special Needs: Findings from a Community Outreach Effort

This report details the results of a mixed-method community outreach effort conducted by the Georgia Health Policy Center as part of The Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta's Champions for Children with Exceptional Needs Initiative (Champions)

A rare case of pericardial sarcoidosis presenting as chest pain

Key Clinical Message: Pericardial sarcoidosis is an uncommon cause of chest pain to consider, and it requires a heightened level of suspicion and thorough history gathering. If there is suspicion of inflammatory disease, pursuing advanced imaging and biopsies is crucial, as early immunosuppressive treatment can enhance outcomes. Abstract: Pericardial involvement in sarcoidosis is a rare condition with limited research. This case study discusses a 52-year-old African American woman who presented with subacute chest pain and was diagnosed with pericardial sarcoidosis. Diagnostic evaluation revealed extensive lymphadenopathy and pericardial effusion, and a pericardial biopsy confirmed non-caseating granulomatous inflammation. Treatment with steroids and methotrexate resulted in clinical improvement. Eight months follow-up showed near resolution of pericardial disease. This case emphasizes the importance of considering cardiac sarcoidosis in sarcoidosis patients, utilizing advanced imaging for accurate diagnosis, and tailoring treatment to the level of cardiac involvement

Purposeful Movement: The Integration of Physical Activity into a Mathematics Unit

Classroom physical activity (PA) has been linked to a multitude of health andacademic benefits. However, due to barriers such as lack of time and resourcesmany teachers are not implementing classroom PA to the degree they would liketo. One innovative solution is to integrate classroom PA into academic concepts.Based on self-determination theory, this pilot study evaluated the effectivenessof a teacher-developed purposeful movement teaching strategy on PA, on-taskbehavior and academic achievement. Two third grade classrooms participated inthis pilot study, one acting as the comparison and the other working with theschool Physical Education teacher to develop the active lessons. The evaluationconsisted of accelerometers, direct observation, academic assessments and awrite and draw activity to assess student perceptions. Significant improvementswere found in steps achieved during math and on-task behavior. Findings revealutilizing PA driven lessons is an effective teaching strateg