AIM:To determine the benefits of a 10-wk resistance training programme on cardiovascular health in nonobese and active adolescents.METHODS:This is a pragmatic randomised controlled intervention.The study was carried o...AIM:To determine the benefits of a 10-wk resistance training programme on cardiovascular health in nonobese and active adolescents.METHODS:This is a pragmatic randomised controlled intervention.The study was carried out in a Hong Kong Government secondary school.Thirty-eight lean and active boys and girls were randomised to either the resistance training group or the control group.Students in the resistance training group received in-school 10-wk supervised resistance training twice per week,with each session lasting 70 min.Main outcome measures taken before and after training included brachial endothelial dependent flow-mediated dilation,body composition,fasting serum lipids,fasting glucose and insulin,high sensitive C-reactive protein,24-h ambulatory blood pressure and aerobic fitness.RESULTS:The only training related change was in endothelial dependent flow-mediated dilation which increased from 8.5%to 9.8%.A main effect of time and an interaction(P<0.005) indicated that this improvement was a result of the 10-wk resistance training.Main effects for time(P<0.05) in a number of anthropometric,metabolic and vascular variables were noted;however,there were no significant interactions indicating the change was more likely an outcome of normal growth and development as opposed to a training effect.CONCLUSION:Ten weeks of resistance training in school appears to have some vascular benefit in active,lean children.展开更多
The increased threats of terrorism, disease outbreak and natural disasters clearly support the need to incorporate health emergency education into the school curricula to enhance emergency awareness and the developmen...The increased threats of terrorism, disease outbreak and natural disasters clearly support the need to incorporate health emergency education into the school curricula to enhance emergency awareness and the development of Emergency Response Management Plans. The purpose of this study was to explore the health emergency response readiness of the undergraduate students upon completion of a “Health Emergency Education” course in Hong Kong. Thirty-three undergraduate students (aged from 19 to 23) enrolled in the course were selected for investigation. A 21-item semi-structured class exercise was administered to the students before and after the course. A significant improvement in the knowledge of emergency signage was observed. There was a strong positive correlation between the participants’ knowledge of performing the cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and their confidence in giving first aid to friends (r = 0.81, p = 0.00). The participants were more confident in administering first aid to family members and friends than strangers and the findings in this study were consistent with previous studies. The elective course significantly increased the students’ health emergency knowledge and confidence to provide assistance in an emergency situation. It is important to accompany advisories with educational messages to help the public understand emergency risks and enhance response readiness.展开更多
Community of Practice (CoP) has been proved as an effective means for co-creation of knowledge. It is not yet widely used in health promotion, not to mention to utilize technological environment such as Web 2.0 to add...Community of Practice (CoP) has been proved as an effective means for co-creation of knowledge. It is not yet widely used in health promotion, not to mention to utilize technological environment such as Web 2.0 to add value to the CoP. Under this study, an eHealth promotion @HKIEd, a CoP platform to promote healthy lifestyles was designed and constructed. It helped facilitate the CoP to share useful health information, locate expertise, promote health related events, communicate health updates effectively, co-construct shared repertoire of knowledge and build shared best practice on effective health promotion which was not limited to time, space and distance. Usability test was conducted to evaluate user acceptance of the eHealth promotion CoP platform using the Computer System Usability Questionnaire. A random sample of eighty-three active participants was recruited. Fifty females and thirty-three males with mean (S.D.) aged 21.1 were asked to evaluate the e-platform. The average scores of each domain were calculated with the corresponding means of the average scores of System Use, Information Quality and Interface Quality being 2.69, 2.83 and 2.74 respectively. The overall usability was 2.48 and the eHealth promotion @HKIEd demonstrated a high usability. It will provide a promising way to disseminate information for the public in health awareness promotion.展开更多
Purpose： The purpose of the study was to examine the psychometric properties of the Chinese-translated Behavioral Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire-2 （C-BREQ-2） among Chinese university students from the Mainlan...Purpose： The purpose of the study was to examine the psychometric properties of the Chinese-translated Behavioral Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire-2 （C-BREQ-2） among Chinese university students from the Mainland and Hong Kong of China. Methods： University students from the Mainland （n = 191） and Hong Kong （n=194） of China participated in this study. Factorial validity, discriminant validity, nomological validity, internal reliability, and measurement invariance across sample of the C-BREQ-2 were examined. Results： Confirmatory factor analysis provided support for the factorial validity of the 18-item, 5-factor structure C-BREQ-2. Examination of the 95% confidence interval of the inter-factor correlations suggested that the C-BREQ-2 assesses related but distinct constructs, which provided support for its discriminant validity. The internal consistency reliability of the C-BREQ-2 was found acceptable. Examination of the pattern of inter-factor correlations between different regulations suggested that a simplex-like pattern was displayed, which provided evidence for the nomological validity of C-BREQ-2. The results from multi-group confirmatory factor analysis suggested that the factor loadings and variances/ covariances of the C-BREQ-2 measurement model were invariant across the Chinese university students in the Mainland and Hong Kong of China. Conclusion： The current study provided further psychometric evidence for the C-BREQ-2, which makes the further application and research of self-determination theory （SDT） based motivation in relation to exercise and physical activity in the Mainland of China context possible.展开更多
Purpose:The purpose of the current study was to develop and validate a sport-specific mindfulness measure,the Athlete Mindfulness Questionnaire(AMQ),through 5 related studies using 4 separate samples of Chinese athlet...Purpose:The purpose of the current study was to develop and validate a sport-specific mindfulness measure,the Athlete Mindfulness Questionnaire(AMQ),through 5 related studies using 4 separate samples of Chinese athletes.The AMQ is a 3-factor measure designed to assess mindfulness that reflects present-moment attention,awareness,and acceptance in a sport context.Methods:In Study 1,an initial pool of items was generated based on previous literature,existing mindfulness scales,as well as interviews with and feedback from the athletes,coaches,and mindfulness experts.Initial support for the 3-factor structure of the AMQ was established via exploratory factor analysis in Study 2,and cross-validated through confirmatory factor analysis in Studies 3 and 4.In Study 5,a modified 3-factor AMQ with direct-worded acceptance items was examined in a fourth independent sample.Results:Convergent and concurrent validities of the acceptance subscale failed to be established in Studies 3 and 4 which may be due to the inattention and confusion of the athletes whilst interpreting the reverse-worded items.A modified 16-item AMQ in Study 5 displayed satisfactory model fit and acceptable internal consistencies.Most importantly,convergent and concurrent validities of the 16-item AMQ were supported.The3 subscales showed significant positive associations with mindfulness,flow,well-being,and positive affect and significant negative associations with experiential avoidance,burnout,and negative affect.Conclusion:The AMQ is a psychometrically sound measure of mindfulness in a sport context.The importance of using direct-worded acceptance items is discussed.展开更多
Background: Although the standing long jump (SLJ) is a popular physical fitness assessment, it lacks an updated criterion-reference standard. This study generated the first normative SLJ test data for Chinese aged 8 -...Background: Although the standing long jump (SLJ) is a popular physical fitness assessment, it lacks an updated criterion-reference standard. This study generated the first normative SLJ test data for Chinese aged 8 - 18. Methods: From September 2005 to December 2011, comprehensive physical fitness assessments were conducted on 12,712 school students. The SLJ performances were significantly different between boys and girls (all age groups, p < 0.01). Results: The boys performed better than the girls in each age group. The mean difference increased as the age increased, depicting a prominent variance in muscular strength between boys and girls at age 12, and the variances became larger at age 18. Girls in the 70th percenttile performed similarly to boys performing in the 10th percentile. The onset of muscle strength for boys found in this study corresponded to the onset age of testosterone maturation of Chinese boys investigated in previous studies. Linear regression found age and BMI predicting SLJ significantly for boys and girls, explaining better SLJ results in older boy and the effect of their heavy body size. Conclusions: This study indicated a muscular strength difference between genders during growth and added supporting evidence to the hormonal influence of muscle growth during puberty.展开更多
Background:Physical education(PE)is a key channel that impacts children's decisions and behaviors for healthful living.This study evaluated the effects of a concept-based PE(CBPE)instructional unit,featured by ene...Background:Physical education(PE)is a key channel that impacts children's decisions and behaviors for healthful living.This study evaluated the effects of a concept-based PE(CBPE)instructional unit,featured by energy balance(EB)education,on students'knowledge learning,situational interest,cognitive,and physical engagements as well as teachers'perceptions.Methods:Fourth and 5th grade students(n=468)in a mid-western state of the United States were recruited as the participants.Four elementary schools were randomized to the CBPE or control groups.Students'EB knowledge,situational interest,cognitive engagement,and physical engagement were measured by a knowledge test,the Situational Interest Scale—Elementary,written task sheets,and accelerometers,respectively,while teachers'perceptions of the CBPE unit were captured by individual interviews at the end of the experiment.Results:The CBPE group showed a significant increase in EB knowledge,while the control did not.Both groups showed a similar increasing trend for situational interest over time,although the statistical results favored the control group.For physical engagement,the CBPE group demonstrated a statistically different but substantively similar level of in-class physical activity compared to the control group.The CBPE group also showed a moderate level of cognitive engagement throughout the unit.The PE teachers reported overall positive perceptions about teaching the CBPE unit.Conclusion:These results support the utility of the CBPE unit in enhancing EB education along with facilitating positive student interest and engagement as well as positive teaching experiences.展开更多
Purpose This study aimed to investigate if changing the midsole bending stiffness of athletic footwear can affect the onset of lower limb joint work redistribution during a prolonged run.Methods Fifteen trained male r...Purpose This study aimed to investigate if changing the midsole bending stiffness of athletic footwear can affect the onset of lower limb joint work redistribution during a prolonged run.Methods Fifteen trained male runners(10-km time of<44 min)performed 10-km runs at 90%of their individual speed at lactate threshold(i.e.,when change in lactate exceeded 1 mmol/L during an incremental running test)in a control and stiff shoe condition on 2 occasions.Lower limb joint kinematics and kinetics were measured using a motion capture system and a force-instrumented treadmill.Data were acquired every 500 m.Results Prolonged running resulted in a redistribution of positive joint work from distal to proximal joints in both shoe conditions.Compared to the beginning of the run,less positive work was performed at the ankle(approximately 9%;p≤0.001)and more positive work was performed at the knee joint(approximately 17%;p≤0.001)at the end of the run.When running in the stiff shoe condition,the onset of joint work redistribution at the ankle and knee joints occurred at a later point during the run.Conclusion A delayed onset of joint work redistribution in the stiff condition may result in less activated muscle volume,because ankle plantar flexor muscles have shorter muscles fascicles and smaller cross-sectional areas compared to knee extensor muscles.Less active muscle volume could be related to previously reported decreases in metabolic cost when running in stiff footwear.These results contribute to the notion that footwear with increased stiffness likely results in reductions in metabolic cost by delaying joint work redistribution from distal to proximal joints.展开更多
This paper reviews several non-operative and non-pharmacologic management strategies advocated for alleviating the pain and disability experienced by people with hip osteoarthritis. It analyzes whether painful debilit...This paper reviews several non-operative and non-pharmacologic management strategies advocated for alleviating the pain and disability experienced by people with hip osteoarthritis. It analyzes whether painful debilitating hip osteoarthritis, which has no effective cure and is often progressive, may be affected positively by non-operative interventions designed to control osteoarthritis pain. Finally, it provides an integrated plan of management for ameliorating hip osteoarthritis pain and disability in light of this knowledge.展开更多
This review aimed to analyze the trends and contributions of nursing doctoral theses produced in Hong Kong. A total of 56 nursing doctoral theses were included in this review. The most often studied topic was cardiova...This review aimed to analyze the trends and contributions of nursing doctoral theses produced in Hong Kong. A total of 56 nursing doctoral theses were included in this review. The most often studied topic was cardiovascular rehabilitation care (n = 9, 16%). More recently, the most often studied topics has been health technology advancements in nursing care (n = 6, 10.7%). The common trend of study methods was to be quantitative in nature. Of the total, 35 out of 56 were quantitative studies. Half were experimental/ quasi-experimental research studies (n = 28, 50%). For theoretical foundations or applications, the majority (n = 21, 36%) of doctoral theses had no specific theoretical/conceptual models as study frameworks. This trend indicates that there is space for improving the theoretical and philosophical foundation of nursing research in Hong Kong. For the contributions of doctoral thesis research, Hong Kong nursing scholars place more emphasis on direct enhancement of clinical practice or the improvement of patient outcomes. This review provides concrete evidence of the status of nursing research and knowledge development in Hong Kong nursing.展开更多
We calculate the electronic structure and optical properties of F-doped anatase TiO2. The results indicate that the band gap ofF-doped TiO2 increases slightly compared with the pure TiO2. However, it is interesting th...We calculate the electronic structure and optical properties of F-doped anatase TiO2. The results indicate that the band gap ofF-doped TiO2 increases slightly compared with the pure TiO2. However, it is interesting that the visible absorption of F-doped TiO2 located between 600 and 700 nm is observed, and it enhances gradually with the increasing F concentration. Furthermore, according to the results of densities of states and imaginary part of dielectric function ε2（ω）, we propose that the transition between Ti 3d and Ti 3d states may be responsible for the visible absorption, but not the band gap narrowing.展开更多
Aims: To identify the impact of social participation, socio-demographic, socio-economic and disease factors on nutritional risk among older persons in Hong Kong. Background: Few published work has investigated the rel...Aims: To identify the impact of social participation, socio-demographic, socio-economic and disease factors on nutritional risk among older persons in Hong Kong. Background: Few published work has investigated the relative risks of social participation, demographic, socioeconomic and disease factors with malnutrition in community-living older people, this study is to investigate the associations of these risk factors on the nutritional status in better nutrition support for the old age group. Design: A crosssectional study. Methods: It was a secondary analysis of a database in a mobile community centre between January 2008 and December 2009. One thousand seven hundred and thirty one participants aged between 54 and 103 were collected. With 319 full Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) completed, the participants’ demographic, socio-economic data, diseases, and nutritional status were analyzed with relative risk and 95% confidence interval level to identify the factors that make them vulnerable to nutritional risk. Results: The prevalence of malnutrition in the community-dwelling old was 3.95% and 83.7% of the sample was at risk of malnutrition. Living on allowances, young old who was socially engaged and good relationship with family members were at less risk to malnutrition. Conclusions: Special attention should be taken to these groups as they are prone to develop malnutrition.展开更多
Increasing numbers of overweight and obese children resulting from sedentary and abundant lifestyles are a health concern in Hong Kong and other affluent communities around the globe. The importance of physical activi...Increasing numbers of overweight and obese children resulting from sedentary and abundant lifestyles are a health concern in Hong Kong and other affluent communities around the globe. The importance of physical activity is well documented for health and wellbeing, with sedentary behavior emerging as an independent risk factor for chronic diseases and mortality. In this study, Pender’s Health-Promotion Model informed the development of an intervention program aimed to engage junior high school students in increased physical activity, specifically brisk-walking. The model set out to motivate participants to engage in behaviors to enhance their health across the life span, including developing self-efficacy with regard to brisk walking. The intervention featured four stages. First, participants were provided with information about the benefits and in stage two were trained in the technique of brisk walking. Next they engaged in the brisk walking program and in stage four were encouraged to serve as health ambassadors by introducing brisk walking and its associated benefits to others, thereby exercising peer influence to diffuse the practice of brisk walking more widely among members of the community. Motivational strategies were used as incentives in the program, including the involvement of a popular singing band to award certificates at the completion of the program. This 7-week intervention program including a 4-week brisk walking component was conducted in a high school context with 71 participants. Data were collected to enable paired-sample t-tests to be conducted to statistically analyze the data at pre- and post-intervention. Findings indicate significant differences among the mean Body Mass Index (BMI), Waist-to-Hip Ratio (WHR), knowledge and attitudes of the participants at pre- and post-intervention. These findings suggest that the intervention was effective as a strategy to reduce sedentary behavior with the concomitant effect of positive shifts in measurable indicators and attitudes.展开更多
This paper performs a review of existing literature about neonatal imaging in intensive care;we notice that the multiplicity of approaches results in different and sometimes conflicting solutions to optimize acquisiti...This paper performs a review of existing literature about neonatal imaging in intensive care;we notice that the multiplicity of approaches results in different and sometimes conflicting solutions to optimize acquisition technique of X-ray images. European Guidelines still refer to screen-film combinations used in past decades, current usage of digital technology requires an additional effort to reduce dose to infants and to optimize the sensor’s response exploiting their properties. In this work we investigate response changes of digital medium (computed radiography plates), due to alterations of the beam through incubators components. All combinations in use in our Hospital were tested for evaluating dosimetry and image quality and new exposure solutions were devised to optimize radiology exams, taking into account solutions suggested by the equipments makers. Dose measured was compared with dose levels suggested by European Guidelines, evaluating radiation-induced risk too. Image quality was evaluated in a double-blind comparison by radiologists. An easily repeatable optimization procedure is proposed intended to reduce delivered dose well below European guidelines. The proposed study allowed us to instruct the technologists on the most appropriate methodology for performing the radiology exam, by standardizing the approach to Neonatal Intensive Care Units. We have demonstrated also to radiologic technologists reluctant to use the X-ray tray, as it may optimize imaging in the incubator. We were also able to reduce dose—and radiation-induced risk too—of 37% - 67% depending on the previously used operating mode.展开更多
Predictors of performance can aid coaches and trainers in prescribing exercise programs for rowing athletes. To date, most of the prediction models have been developed for runners and cyclists. Purpose: The aim of thi...Predictors of performance can aid coaches and trainers in prescribing exercise programs for rowing athletes. To date, most of the prediction models have been developed for runners and cyclists. Purpose: The aim of this study was to develop a regression model to predict performance of a simulated 2 kilometer rowing ergometer time trial. Methods: A group of mixed gender rowing athletes (n = 12) completed in a counterbalanced order a 2 kilometer rowing time trial and a continuous progressively incremented graded exercise test on a rowing ergometer. Subjects were 23.91 ± 4.99 years old, weighed 79.14 ± 12.85 kg, were 187.38 ± 12.60 cm, had a VO2max of 55.48 ± 10.32 mL/kg/min and had 3.17 ± 2.79 years of rowing experience. Physiological measures were recorded during both testing protocols. Results: Maximum power/stroke ratio (r =-0.96, p < 0.001), power/stroke ratio at the ventilatory breakpoint (r =-0.90, p < 0.001), maximal oxygen uptake (r =-0.84, p < 0.001) and oxygen uptake at the ventilatory breakpoint (r =-0.82, p < 0.001) were found to be strong and significant predictors of 2 kilometer rowing performance. Conclusion: The four significant predictors of rowing performance suggest training should focus on improving both aerobic capacity and strength. Practical Application: Rowing training should focus on developing hip and leg aerobic and anaerobic capacities to improve performance. Developing strength improves mechanical efficiency as well as raising anaerobic thresholds allowing athletes to utilize a larger portion of their aerobic capacity.展开更多
Taekwondo (TKD) is a popular sport among adolescents, but the potential benefits of TKD training to young individuals are not well understood. The objectives of this cross-sectional exploratory study were to compare f...Taekwondo (TKD) is a popular sport among adolescents, but the potential benefits of TKD training to young individuals are not well understood. The objectives of this cross-sectional exploratory study were to compare flexibility, muscular endurance, body composition, and simple reaction time between TKD-trained adolescents and controls. Twenty TKD-trained adolescents aged between 10 and 14 and 20 age-matched healthy controls were asked to perform five physical fitness tests: a sit-and-reach test, leg split test, skinfold measurement, one-minute curl-up test, and ruler-drop reaction time test. The results revealed no significance differences between the two groups in sit-and-reach distance (p = 0.690), leg split angle (p = 0.789), percentage of body fat (p = 0.342), or number of repetitions in the one-minute curl-up test (p = 0.250). However, the TKD group had significantly faster reaction times in the rulerdrop test than the control group (p = 0.005). The results thus suggest that although TKD training may improve reaction times in adolescents, it may have little effect on flexibility, muscular endurance, and body composition (percentage of fat). TKD may be a suitable exercise for improving simple reaction time, but it may not be suitable for improving general physical fitness in adolescents.展开更多
Despite the perceived protection of semi-rigid ankle orthoses (SRAO), coaches and clinicians are often concerned with the restriction that the SRAO may pose on functional performance. The purpose of this study was to ...Despite the perceived protection of semi-rigid ankle orthoses (SRAO), coaches and clinicians are often concerned with the restriction that the SRAO may pose on functional performance. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of SRAO on performance-selected tasks, following fatiguing activity. Twenty active, college-age subjects (22.7 ± 1.2 years;weight 71.7 ± 13.0 kg;height 171.7 ± 9.4 cm), without lower extremity trauma within 2 years, consented participation. Randomized trials for balance (star excursion balance test (SEBT)), agility (shuttle run (SR)), and power (vertical jump (VJ)) were compared between 4 conditions [fatigued, braced (FB);fatigued, un-braced (FUB);non-fatigued, braced (NFB);non-fatigued, un-braced (NFUB)]. Participants were bilaterally fitted with a well-known, commercially available SRAO for all braced trials. Two Wingate supramaximal exercise bouts were used as the fatiguing protocol. RMANOVA was performed for each functional test to determine main effects (SPSS, IL;α = 0.05 for all tests). No main effects for VJ & SR were observed under any of the bracing conditions. Main effect for bracing was observed for the SEBT. Tukey pairwise comparisons revealed that there were significant increases in distance reached for the posterior-medial direction (NFB = 0.91 cm ± 0.2;FB = 0.95 ± 0.2;p = 0.046) and medial direction (NFB = 0.74 cm ± 0.1;FB = 0.79 ± 0.1;p = 0.039) during the braced conditions. Although subjects reported that the SRAO restricted ROM during most SEBT directions involving inversion and eversion, overall performance was not hindered by the application of the brace. Further, the only main effects observed with functional performance involved increases in SEBT that could likely be attributed to comfort and confidence of motion while wearing an ankle device. It was concluded that articulated SRAO effectively limits ankle mobility, but does not appear to hinder athletic performance following a fatiguing bout.展开更多
Background and purpose:Despite HIV testing and counselling(HTC)being recognized as important elements of any effective prevention,detection,care,and management programmes across many societies as part of their primary...Background and purpose:Despite HIV testing and counselling(HTC)being recognized as important elements of any effective prevention,detection,care,and management programmes across many societies as part of their primary health care package,it is surprising that research evidence on related issues,especially in developing countries like Ghana is sparse.This study examined the extent of knowledge,attitudes and utilisation of HIV testing,and counselling services among trainee nurses of the public nursing and midwifery training colleges in the Central Region of Ghana.Methods and results:A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed to collect data from 375 nursing and midwifery students using multistage sampling procedures.Findings showed that students’HTC knowledge was high(85%)whereas attitudes toward HTC were rated positive(95%).However,HTC utilisation was low(47%).Further results revealed a statistically significant difference between class level and HTC utilisation(χ2[1,N=375]=14.263,p=0.000).In contrast,no statistically significant differences in student nurses’class level and HTC knowledge(χ2[1,N=375]=0.624,p=0.475)as well as class level and attitudes toward HTC services(χ2[1,N=375]=2.334,p=0.158)were realized.Conclusion:The low HTC utilisation among the student nurses may potentially lead to missing opportunities for early diagnoses,care,treatment,and support services for primary,secondary or tertiary prevention modes.Organisation of programmes by college authorities on the importance of HTC and the need for student nurses to utilise these services is crucial.展开更多
The purpose of this study was to detect social desirable response bias on Chinese nurses’ attitudes and beliefs toward sexuality care of cancer patients. A cross-sectional self-reported questionnaire based survey was...The purpose of this study was to detect social desirable response bias on Chinese nurses’ attitudes and beliefs toward sexuality care of cancer patients. A cross-sectional self-reported questionnaire based survey was used. Measures included a 12-item Inventory of Sexuality Attitude and Belief Survey (SABS) and a 10-item Marlowe-Crowne Social Desirability Scale. Total social desirability scores were significantly correlated with four individual items of the SABS, and significantly predicted the total SABS scores (β=﹣0.155, p= 0.028). Before controlling social desirability variable, nurses’ age, marital status, years of working experience, and working units were significantly correlated with total SABS scores. After controlling social desirability variable, only nurses’ age and working units were statistically significant predictors of SABS. Social desirable response bias had impacts on Chinese nurses’ attitudes and beliefs toward sexuality care of cancer patients. Study findings demonstrated that social desirable response bias would potentially jeopardize human sexuality assessment and counseling in nursing practice. Controlling social desirable response should consider using a social desirability scale to detect and control potential social desirability bias during data analysis.展开更多
For individuals with lower extremity injury or disability, upper body exercise provides a mechanism of functional mobility training, car-diovascular fitness, as well as a means for clinical fitness assessment. However...For individuals with lower extremity injury or disability, upper body exercise provides a mechanism of functional mobility training, car-diovascular fitness, as well as a means for clinical fitness assessment. However, the validity of fitness assessment relies on the efficacy of di-agnostic tools and measures in order to provide meaningful data to clinicians. The purpose of this investigation was to determine if the SciFitTMPro II Arm Ergometer, a widely available upper body ergometer (UBE), is a reliable device for the determination of VO2Peak in fit able-bodied swimmers. Eight trained male swimmers (28 ± 9 yrs) performed two incremental protocols VO2Peak consisting of a 4-min warm-up at 15 W followed by 2 min at 50 W and progressing 10 W every 2 min until volitional exhaustion. There was a linear relationship between workload and VO2 in all trials (R = 0.96;p ≤ 0.01) while Cronbach’s alpha for test-retest reliability for VO2 was 0.98. In conclusion, the UBE is an accurate and reliable device for determination of VO2Peak in trained swimmers, and further may be a viable alternative trainingVO2Peak injured athlete.展开更多
文摘AIM:To determine the benefits of a 10-wk resistance training programme on cardiovascular health in nonobese and active adolescents.METHODS:This is a pragmatic randomised controlled intervention.The study was carried out in a Hong Kong Government secondary school.Thirty-eight lean and active boys and girls were randomised to either the resistance training group or the control group.Students in the resistance training group received in-school 10-wk supervised resistance training twice per week,with each session lasting 70 min.Main outcome measures taken before and after training included brachial endothelial dependent flow-mediated dilation,body composition,fasting serum lipids,fasting glucose and insulin,high sensitive C-reactive protein,24-h ambulatory blood pressure and aerobic fitness.RESULTS:The only training related change was in endothelial dependent flow-mediated dilation which increased from 8.5%to 9.8%.A main effect of time and an interaction(P<0.005) indicated that this improvement was a result of the 10-wk resistance training.Main effects for time(P<0.05) in a number of anthropometric,metabolic and vascular variables were noted;however,there were no significant interactions indicating the change was more likely an outcome of normal growth and development as opposed to a training effect.CONCLUSION:Ten weeks of resistance training in school appears to have some vascular benefit in active,lean children.
文摘The increased threats of terrorism, disease outbreak and natural disasters clearly support the need to incorporate health emergency education into the school curricula to enhance emergency awareness and the development of Emergency Response Management Plans. The purpose of this study was to explore the health emergency response readiness of the undergraduate students upon completion of a “Health Emergency Education” course in Hong Kong. Thirty-three undergraduate students (aged from 19 to 23) enrolled in the course were selected for investigation. A 21-item semi-structured class exercise was administered to the students before and after the course. A significant improvement in the knowledge of emergency signage was observed. There was a strong positive correlation between the participants’ knowledge of performing the cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and their confidence in giving first aid to friends (r = 0.81, p = 0.00). The participants were more confident in administering first aid to family members and friends than strangers and the findings in this study were consistent with previous studies. The elective course significantly increased the students’ health emergency knowledge and confidence to provide assistance in an emergency situation. It is important to accompany advisories with educational messages to help the public understand emergency risks and enhance response readiness.
文摘Community of Practice (CoP) has been proved as an effective means for co-creation of knowledge. It is not yet widely used in health promotion, not to mention to utilize technological environment such as Web 2.0 to add value to the CoP. Under this study, an eHealth promotion @HKIEd, a CoP platform to promote healthy lifestyles was designed and constructed. It helped facilitate the CoP to share useful health information, locate expertise, promote health related events, communicate health updates effectively, co-construct shared repertoire of knowledge and build shared best practice on effective health promotion which was not limited to time, space and distance. Usability test was conducted to evaluate user acceptance of the eHealth promotion CoP platform using the Computer System Usability Questionnaire. A random sample of eighty-three active participants was recruited. Fifty females and thirty-three males with mean (S.D.) aged 21.1 were asked to evaluate the e-platform. The average scores of each domain were calculated with the corresponding means of the average scores of System Use, Information Quality and Interface Quality being 2.69, 2.83 and 2.74 respectively. The overall usability was 2.48 and the eHealth promotion @HKIEd demonstrated a high usability. It will provide a promising way to disseminate information for the public in health awareness promotion.
文摘Purpose： The purpose of the study was to examine the psychometric properties of the Chinese-translated Behavioral Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire-2 （C-BREQ-2） among Chinese university students from the Mainland and Hong Kong of China. Methods： University students from the Mainland （n = 191） and Hong Kong （n=194） of China participated in this study. Factorial validity, discriminant validity, nomological validity, internal reliability, and measurement invariance across sample of the C-BREQ-2 were examined. Results： Confirmatory factor analysis provided support for the factorial validity of the 18-item, 5-factor structure C-BREQ-2. Examination of the 95% confidence interval of the inter-factor correlations suggested that the C-BREQ-2 assesses related but distinct constructs, which provided support for its discriminant validity. The internal consistency reliability of the C-BREQ-2 was found acceptable. Examination of the pattern of inter-factor correlations between different regulations suggested that a simplex-like pattern was displayed, which provided evidence for the nomological validity of C-BREQ-2. The results from multi-group confirmatory factor analysis suggested that the factor loadings and variances/ covariances of the C-BREQ-2 measurement model were invariant across the Chinese university students in the Mainland and Hong Kong of China. Conclusion： The current study provided further psychometric evidence for the C-BREQ-2, which makes the further application and research of self-determination theory （SDT） based motivation in relation to exercise and physical activity in the Mainland of China context possible.
文摘Purpose:The purpose of the current study was to develop and validate a sport-specific mindfulness measure,the Athlete Mindfulness Questionnaire(AMQ),through 5 related studies using 4 separate samples of Chinese athletes.The AMQ is a 3-factor measure designed to assess mindfulness that reflects present-moment attention,awareness,and acceptance in a sport context.Methods:In Study 1,an initial pool of items was generated based on previous literature,existing mindfulness scales,as well as interviews with and feedback from the athletes,coaches,and mindfulness experts.Initial support for the 3-factor structure of the AMQ was established via exploratory factor analysis in Study 2,and cross-validated through confirmatory factor analysis in Studies 3 and 4.In Study 5,a modified 3-factor AMQ with direct-worded acceptance items was examined in a fourth independent sample.Results:Convergent and concurrent validities of the acceptance subscale failed to be established in Studies 3 and 4 which may be due to the inattention and confusion of the athletes whilst interpreting the reverse-worded items.A modified 16-item AMQ in Study 5 displayed satisfactory model fit and acceptable internal consistencies.Most importantly,convergent and concurrent validities of the 16-item AMQ were supported.The3 subscales showed significant positive associations with mindfulness,flow,well-being,and positive affect and significant negative associations with experiential avoidance,burnout,and negative affect.Conclusion:The AMQ is a psychometrically sound measure of mindfulness in a sport context.The importance of using direct-worded acceptance items is discussed.
文摘Background: Although the standing long jump (SLJ) is a popular physical fitness assessment, it lacks an updated criterion-reference standard. This study generated the first normative SLJ test data for Chinese aged 8 - 18. Methods: From September 2005 to December 2011, comprehensive physical fitness assessments were conducted on 12,712 school students. The SLJ performances were significantly different between boys and girls (all age groups, p < 0.01). Results: The boys performed better than the girls in each age group. The mean difference increased as the age increased, depicting a prominent variance in muscular strength between boys and girls at age 12, and the variances became larger at age 18. Girls in the 70th percenttile performed similarly to boys performing in the 10th percentile. The onset of muscle strength for boys found in this study corresponded to the onset age of testosterone maturation of Chinese boys investigated in previous studies. Linear regression found age and BMI predicting SLJ significantly for boys and girls, explaining better SLJ results in older boy and the effect of their heavy body size. Conclusions: This study indicated a muscular strength difference between genders during growth and added supporting evidence to the hormonal influence of muscle growth during puberty.
文摘Background:Physical education(PE)is a key channel that impacts children's decisions and behaviors for healthful living.This study evaluated the effects of a concept-based PE(CBPE)instructional unit,featured by energy balance(EB)education,on students'knowledge learning,situational interest,cognitive,and physical engagements as well as teachers'perceptions.Methods:Fourth and 5th grade students(n=468)in a mid-western state of the United States were recruited as the participants.Four elementary schools were randomized to the CBPE or control groups.Students'EB knowledge,situational interest,cognitive engagement,and physical engagement were measured by a knowledge test,the Situational Interest Scale—Elementary,written task sheets,and accelerometers,respectively,while teachers'perceptions of the CBPE unit were captured by individual interviews at the end of the experiment.Results:The CBPE group showed a significant increase in EB knowledge,while the control did not.Both groups showed a similar increasing trend for situational interest over time,although the statistical results favored the control group.For physical engagement,the CBPE group demonstrated a statistically different but substantively similar level of in-class physical activity compared to the control group.The CBPE group also showed a moderate level of cognitive engagement throughout the unit.The PE teachers reported overall positive perceptions about teaching the CBPE unit.Conclusion:These results support the utility of the CBPE unit in enhancing EB education along with facilitating positive student interest and engagement as well as positive teaching experiences.
基金financially supported by the International Society of Biomechanics in Sports Student Mini Research Grant awarded to SC
文摘Purpose This study aimed to investigate if changing the midsole bending stiffness of athletic footwear can affect the onset of lower limb joint work redistribution during a prolonged run.Methods Fifteen trained male runners(10-km time of<44 min)performed 10-km runs at 90%of their individual speed at lactate threshold(i.e.,when change in lactate exceeded 1 mmol/L during an incremental running test)in a control and stiff shoe condition on 2 occasions.Lower limb joint kinematics and kinetics were measured using a motion capture system and a force-instrumented treadmill.Data were acquired every 500 m.Results Prolonged running resulted in a redistribution of positive joint work from distal to proximal joints in both shoe conditions.Compared to the beginning of the run,less positive work was performed at the ankle(approximately 9%;p≤0.001)and more positive work was performed at the knee joint(approximately 17%;p≤0.001)at the end of the run.When running in the stiff shoe condition,the onset of joint work redistribution at the ankle and knee joints occurred at a later point during the run.Conclusion A delayed onset of joint work redistribution in the stiff condition may result in less activated muscle volume,because ankle plantar flexor muscles have shorter muscles fascicles and smaller cross-sectional areas compared to knee extensor muscles.Less active muscle volume could be related to previously reported decreases in metabolic cost when running in stiff footwear.These results contribute to the notion that footwear with increased stiffness likely results in reductions in metabolic cost by delaying joint work redistribution from distal to proximal joints.
文摘This paper reviews several non-operative and non-pharmacologic management strategies advocated for alleviating the pain and disability experienced by people with hip osteoarthritis. It analyzes whether painful debilitating hip osteoarthritis, which has no effective cure and is often progressive, may be affected positively by non-operative interventions designed to control osteoarthritis pain. Finally, it provides an integrated plan of management for ameliorating hip osteoarthritis pain and disability in light of this knowledge.
文摘This review aimed to analyze the trends and contributions of nursing doctoral theses produced in Hong Kong. A total of 56 nursing doctoral theses were included in this review. The most often studied topic was cardiovascular rehabilitation care (n = 9, 16%). More recently, the most often studied topics has been health technology advancements in nursing care (n = 6, 10.7%). The common trend of study methods was to be quantitative in nature. Of the total, 35 out of 56 were quantitative studies. Half were experimental/ quasi-experimental research studies (n = 28, 50%). For theoretical foundations or applications, the majority (n = 21, 36%) of doctoral theses had no specific theoretical/conceptual models as study frameworks. This trend indicates that there is space for improving the theoretical and philosophical foundation of nursing research in Hong Kong. For the contributions of doctoral thesis research, Hong Kong nursing scholars place more emphasis on direct enhancement of clinical practice or the improvement of patient outcomes. This review provides concrete evidence of the status of nursing research and knowledge development in Hong Kong nursing.
基金Supported by the Specialized Research Fund for the Doctoral Program （SRFDP） of Higher Education State Education Ministry under Grant No 200800231058, the National Natural Science Foundation of China under Grant No 10947180, and the Natural Science Foundation of Tianjin （09JCYBJC04100）.
文摘We calculate the electronic structure and optical properties of F-doped anatase TiO2. The results indicate that the band gap ofF-doped TiO2 increases slightly compared with the pure TiO2. However, it is interesting that the visible absorption of F-doped TiO2 located between 600 and 700 nm is observed, and it enhances gradually with the increasing F concentration. Furthermore, according to the results of densities of states and imaginary part of dielectric function ε2（ω）, we propose that the transition between Ti 3d and Ti 3d states may be responsible for the visible absorption, but not the band gap narrowing.
文摘Aims: To identify the impact of social participation, socio-demographic, socio-economic and disease factors on nutritional risk among older persons in Hong Kong. Background: Few published work has investigated the relative risks of social participation, demographic, socioeconomic and disease factors with malnutrition in community-living older people, this study is to investigate the associations of these risk factors on the nutritional status in better nutrition support for the old age group. Design: A crosssectional study. Methods: It was a secondary analysis of a database in a mobile community centre between January 2008 and December 2009. One thousand seven hundred and thirty one participants aged between 54 and 103 were collected. With 319 full Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) completed, the participants’ demographic, socio-economic data, diseases, and nutritional status were analyzed with relative risk and 95% confidence interval level to identify the factors that make them vulnerable to nutritional risk. Results: The prevalence of malnutrition in the community-dwelling old was 3.95% and 83.7% of the sample was at risk of malnutrition. Living on allowances, young old who was socially engaged and good relationship with family members were at less risk to malnutrition. Conclusions: Special attention should be taken to these groups as they are prone to develop malnutrition.
文摘Increasing numbers of overweight and obese children resulting from sedentary and abundant lifestyles are a health concern in Hong Kong and other affluent communities around the globe. The importance of physical activity is well documented for health and wellbeing, with sedentary behavior emerging as an independent risk factor for chronic diseases and mortality. In this study, Pender’s Health-Promotion Model informed the development of an intervention program aimed to engage junior high school students in increased physical activity, specifically brisk-walking. The model set out to motivate participants to engage in behaviors to enhance their health across the life span, including developing self-efficacy with regard to brisk walking. The intervention featured four stages. First, participants were provided with information about the benefits and in stage two were trained in the technique of brisk walking. Next they engaged in the brisk walking program and in stage four were encouraged to serve as health ambassadors by introducing brisk walking and its associated benefits to others, thereby exercising peer influence to diffuse the practice of brisk walking more widely among members of the community. Motivational strategies were used as incentives in the program, including the involvement of a popular singing band to award certificates at the completion of the program. This 7-week intervention program including a 4-week brisk walking component was conducted in a high school context with 71 participants. Data were collected to enable paired-sample t-tests to be conducted to statistically analyze the data at pre- and post-intervention. Findings indicate significant differences among the mean Body Mass Index (BMI), Waist-to-Hip Ratio (WHR), knowledge and attitudes of the participants at pre- and post-intervention. These findings suggest that the intervention was effective as a strategy to reduce sedentary behavior with the concomitant effect of positive shifts in measurable indicators and attitudes.
文摘This paper performs a review of existing literature about neonatal imaging in intensive care;we notice that the multiplicity of approaches results in different and sometimes conflicting solutions to optimize acquisition technique of X-ray images. European Guidelines still refer to screen-film combinations used in past decades, current usage of digital technology requires an additional effort to reduce dose to infants and to optimize the sensor’s response exploiting their properties. In this work we investigate response changes of digital medium (computed radiography plates), due to alterations of the beam through incubators components. All combinations in use in our Hospital were tested for evaluating dosimetry and image quality and new exposure solutions were devised to optimize radiology exams, taking into account solutions suggested by the equipments makers. Dose measured was compared with dose levels suggested by European Guidelines, evaluating radiation-induced risk too. Image quality was evaluated in a double-blind comparison by radiologists. An easily repeatable optimization procedure is proposed intended to reduce delivered dose well below European guidelines. The proposed study allowed us to instruct the technologists on the most appropriate methodology for performing the radiology exam, by standardizing the approach to Neonatal Intensive Care Units. We have demonstrated also to radiologic technologists reluctant to use the X-ray tray, as it may optimize imaging in the incubator. We were also able to reduce dose—and radiation-induced risk too—of 37% - 67% depending on the previously used operating mode.
文摘Predictors of performance can aid coaches and trainers in prescribing exercise programs for rowing athletes. To date, most of the prediction models have been developed for runners and cyclists. Purpose: The aim of this study was to develop a regression model to predict performance of a simulated 2 kilometer rowing ergometer time trial. Methods: A group of mixed gender rowing athletes (n = 12) completed in a counterbalanced order a 2 kilometer rowing time trial and a continuous progressively incremented graded exercise test on a rowing ergometer. Subjects were 23.91 ± 4.99 years old, weighed 79.14 ± 12.85 kg, were 187.38 ± 12.60 cm, had a VO2max of 55.48 ± 10.32 mL/kg/min and had 3.17 ± 2.79 years of rowing experience. Physiological measures were recorded during both testing protocols. Results: Maximum power/stroke ratio (r =-0.96, p < 0.001), power/stroke ratio at the ventilatory breakpoint (r =-0.90, p < 0.001), maximal oxygen uptake (r =-0.84, p < 0.001) and oxygen uptake at the ventilatory breakpoint (r =-0.82, p < 0.001) were found to be strong and significant predictors of 2 kilometer rowing performance. Conclusion: The four significant predictors of rowing performance suggest training should focus on improving both aerobic capacity and strength. Practical Application: Rowing training should focus on developing hip and leg aerobic and anaerobic capacities to improve performance. Developing strength improves mechanical efficiency as well as raising anaerobic thresholds allowing athletes to utilize a larger portion of their aerobic capacity.
文摘Taekwondo (TKD) is a popular sport among adolescents, but the potential benefits of TKD training to young individuals are not well understood. The objectives of this cross-sectional exploratory study were to compare flexibility, muscular endurance, body composition, and simple reaction time between TKD-trained adolescents and controls. Twenty TKD-trained adolescents aged between 10 and 14 and 20 age-matched healthy controls were asked to perform five physical fitness tests: a sit-and-reach test, leg split test, skinfold measurement, one-minute curl-up test, and ruler-drop reaction time test. The results revealed no significance differences between the two groups in sit-and-reach distance (p = 0.690), leg split angle (p = 0.789), percentage of body fat (p = 0.342), or number of repetitions in the one-minute curl-up test (p = 0.250). However, the TKD group had significantly faster reaction times in the rulerdrop test than the control group (p = 0.005). The results thus suggest that although TKD training may improve reaction times in adolescents, it may have little effect on flexibility, muscular endurance, and body composition (percentage of fat). TKD may be a suitable exercise for improving simple reaction time, but it may not be suitable for improving general physical fitness in adolescents.
文摘Despite the perceived protection of semi-rigid ankle orthoses (SRAO), coaches and clinicians are often concerned with the restriction that the SRAO may pose on functional performance. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of SRAO on performance-selected tasks, following fatiguing activity. Twenty active, college-age subjects (22.7 ± 1.2 years;weight 71.7 ± 13.0 kg;height 171.7 ± 9.4 cm), without lower extremity trauma within 2 years, consented participation. Randomized trials for balance (star excursion balance test (SEBT)), agility (shuttle run (SR)), and power (vertical jump (VJ)) were compared between 4 conditions [fatigued, braced (FB);fatigued, un-braced (FUB);non-fatigued, braced (NFB);non-fatigued, un-braced (NFUB)]. Participants were bilaterally fitted with a well-known, commercially available SRAO for all braced trials. Two Wingate supramaximal exercise bouts were used as the fatiguing protocol. RMANOVA was performed for each functional test to determine main effects (SPSS, IL;α = 0.05 for all tests). No main effects for VJ & SR were observed under any of the bracing conditions. Main effect for bracing was observed for the SEBT. Tukey pairwise comparisons revealed that there were significant increases in distance reached for the posterior-medial direction (NFB = 0.91 cm ± 0.2;FB = 0.95 ± 0.2;p = 0.046) and medial direction (NFB = 0.74 cm ± 0.1;FB = 0.79 ± 0.1;p = 0.039) during the braced conditions. Although subjects reported that the SRAO restricted ROM during most SEBT directions involving inversion and eversion, overall performance was not hindered by the application of the brace. Further, the only main effects observed with functional performance involved increases in SEBT that could likely be attributed to comfort and confidence of motion while wearing an ankle device. It was concluded that articulated SRAO effectively limits ankle mobility, but does not appear to hinder athletic performance following a fatiguing bout.
文摘Background and purpose:Despite HIV testing and counselling(HTC)being recognized as important elements of any effective prevention,detection,care,and management programmes across many societies as part of their primary health care package,it is surprising that research evidence on related issues,especially in developing countries like Ghana is sparse.This study examined the extent of knowledge,attitudes and utilisation of HIV testing,and counselling services among trainee nurses of the public nursing and midwifery training colleges in the Central Region of Ghana.Methods and results:A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed to collect data from 375 nursing and midwifery students using multistage sampling procedures.Findings showed that students’HTC knowledge was high(85%)whereas attitudes toward HTC were rated positive(95%).However,HTC utilisation was low(47%).Further results revealed a statistically significant difference between class level and HTC utilisation(χ2[1,N=375]=14.263,p=0.000).In contrast,no statistically significant differences in student nurses’class level and HTC knowledge(χ2[1,N=375]=0.624,p=0.475)as well as class level and attitudes toward HTC services(χ2[1,N=375]=2.334,p=0.158)were realized.Conclusion:The low HTC utilisation among the student nurses may potentially lead to missing opportunities for early diagnoses,care,treatment,and support services for primary,secondary or tertiary prevention modes.Organisation of programmes by college authorities on the importance of HTC and the need for student nurses to utilise these services is crucial.
文摘The purpose of this study was to detect social desirable response bias on Chinese nurses’ attitudes and beliefs toward sexuality care of cancer patients. A cross-sectional self-reported questionnaire based survey was used. Measures included a 12-item Inventory of Sexuality Attitude and Belief Survey (SABS) and a 10-item Marlowe-Crowne Social Desirability Scale. Total social desirability scores were significantly correlated with four individual items of the SABS, and significantly predicted the total SABS scores (β=﹣0.155, p= 0.028). Before controlling social desirability variable, nurses’ age, marital status, years of working experience, and working units were significantly correlated with total SABS scores. After controlling social desirability variable, only nurses’ age and working units were statistically significant predictors of SABS. Social desirable response bias had impacts on Chinese nurses’ attitudes and beliefs toward sexuality care of cancer patients. Study findings demonstrated that social desirable response bias would potentially jeopardize human sexuality assessment and counseling in nursing practice. Controlling social desirable response should consider using a social desirability scale to detect and control potential social desirability bias during data analysis.
文摘For individuals with lower extremity injury or disability, upper body exercise provides a mechanism of functional mobility training, car-diovascular fitness, as well as a means for clinical fitness assessment. However, the validity of fitness assessment relies on the efficacy of di-agnostic tools and measures in order to provide meaningful data to clinicians. The purpose of this investigation was to determine if the SciFitTMPro II Arm Ergometer, a widely available upper body ergometer (UBE), is a reliable device for the determination of VO2Peak in fit able-bodied swimmers. Eight trained male swimmers (28 ± 9 yrs) performed two incremental protocols VO2Peak consisting of a 4-min warm-up at 15 W followed by 2 min at 50 W and progressing 10 W every 2 min until volitional exhaustion. There was a linear relationship between workload and VO2 in all trials (R = 0.96;p ≤ 0.01) while Cronbach’s alpha for test-retest reliability for VO2 was 0.98. In conclusion, the UBE is an accurate and reliable device for determination of VO2Peak in trained swimmers, and further may be a viable alternative trainingVO2Peak injured athlete.
