`Modern` learning methods : rhetoric and reality - further to Sadler-Smith et al

Working in the UK, Sadler-Smith, Down and Lean, in their article “‘Modern’ learning methods: rhetoric and reality”, Personnel Review, Vol. 29 No. 4, 2000, pp. 474-90, have shown that distance learning methods are neither favoured nor perceived as effective by enterprises pursuing training that yields a competitive edge. They have suggested that these methods need to be integrated with other more conventional on-job training methods. This paper, based on Australian research, shows a tension between the requirements of flexible training methods based on distance learning methods, and the characteristics that typify learners and their workplaces. That identified tension is used to suggest how an integration of training methods may be effected in workplaces.

The design and implementation of a novel method for quantifying training loads in elite rowing: the T2minute method

Introduction: A systematic approach to managing the training of elite athletes is supported by accurate training load measurement. However, quantifying the training of elite Australian rowers is complex due to unique challenges: 1) the multi-centre, multi-state structure of the national program; 2) the variety of training undertaken, incorporating rowing-specific and non-specific modalities, with continuous and interval efforts that span the full intensity spectrum; and 3) the limitations of existing quantification methods for capturing total training loads undertaken from varied training. These challenges highlighted a need to create a consistent, location-independent framework for prescribing training in elite rowing, with a capacity to account for varied training. Methods: An in-house proprietary measure (the T2minute method) was developed at the National Rowing Centre of Excellence (NRCE), as a collaborative project between sport scientists and national squad coaches. The design phase was informed by assessments of the existing training measures, and built upon standardised intensity zones established at the Australian Institute of Sport. A common measurement unit was chosen: one T2minute equates to one minute of on-water single scull rowing at T2 intensity (∼60–72% VO2max). Each intensity zone was assigned a weighting factor according to the curvilinear relationship between power output, intensity, and blood lactate response. Each training mode was assigned a weighting factor based on whether coaches perceived it to be “harder” or “easier” than onwater rowing. With coaches’ feedback, the method was refined over a period of five months. The T2minute method was implemented as the core framework for prescribing training for elite Australian rowers throughout the 2009–2012 Olympic cycle. Results: The implementation of the T2minute method successfully established consistency with training prescription and monitoring practices within the NRCE high performance program. The national roll out this method has influenced rowing training methodology at elite and sub-elite levels in Australia. Since implementation, the method has undergone scientific validation. Further research is underway, utilising the method to explore complex relationships between rowers’ training and performance outcomes. Conclusion: The T2minute method is a novel approach that allows rowing coaches and sport scientists to utilise one consistent system to quantify load from varied training. Its implementation represents a considerable achievement in establishing a common framework for managing the training process within a complex organisational structure. This collaborative approach used to develop the T2minute method provides unique insight into the important considerations and practical challenges of applying training science to enhance elite sport performance.

Eliciting personal constructs to distinguish prevailing D/discourse in police training

This paper describes the application of the rank-order repertory grid technique to elicit personal constructs in order to distinguish prevailing D/discourse in police training. Traditionally, the repertory grid has been used as a quantitative method for data collection, correlation, and analysis, however, in recent years it has been applied as a qualitative method. This research combines the use of the repertory grid as a quantitative method for data collection and initial statistical analysis with a discourse analytic framework for final theoretical analysis. This research is in informed by a literature review of police culture, police training, gender, “Othering”, and inherent D/discourses in police organisations, and inspired by the researcher’s professional experiences in a police organisation. Anecdotal evidence and studies reveal that pedagogical training methods are predominantly used in police training with concerns identified as to their educative value. These concerns are supported by Australian and international studies into police management education which reveal a ‘resistant anti-intellectual subculture’ and a set of unconscious and unchallengeable assumptions regarding police work, conduct, and leadership which prevents critical thinking. An examination of D/discourse in police training is timely and pertinent given the Australasian agenda for policing to become a profession.

A participatory workplace health and safety training program for ethylene oxide

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has regulated ethylene oxide (EtO) on the basis of its acute toxicity and its potential carcinogenic and reproductive effects since 1971. OSHA's 1984 EtO standard and its 1988 revisions focused new attention on health and safety training and other preventive measures. An EtO health and safety training program for hospital sterilization workers was developed by the staff of an independent occupational and environmental health clinic. Participatory and empowerment training methods were central to the approach. Also included were hands-on, demonstration, interactive presentation, and other methods. An EtO Health and Safety Training Manual was developed based on the training experiences. This paper presents the challenges, benefits, and limitations of incorporating participatory and empowerment approaches in the design, implementation, and evaluation of EtO health and safety training.

Vitamin C and E supplementation prevents some of the cellular adaptations to endurance-training in humans

BACKGROUND: It is clear that reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced during skeletal muscle contraction have a regulatory role in skeletal muscle adaptation to endurance exercise. However, there is much controversy in the literature regarding whether attenuation of ROS by antioxidant supplementation can prevent these cellular adaptations. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine whether vitamin C and E supplementation attenuates performance and cellular adaptations following acute endurance exercise and endurance training. METHODS: A double-blinded, placebo-controlled randomized control trial was conducted in eleven healthy young males. Participants were matched for peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak) and randomly allocated to placebo or antioxidant (vitamin C (2×500mg/day) and E (400IU/day)) groups. Following a four-week supplement loading period, participants completed acute exercise (10×4min cycling at 90% VO2peak, 2min active recovery). Vastus lateralis muscle samples were collected pre-, immediately-post- and 3h-post-exercise. Participants then completed four weeks of training (3 days/week) using the aforementioned exercise protocol while continuing supplementation. Following exercise training, participants again completed an acute exercise bout with muscle biopsies. RESULTS: Acute exercise tended to increase skeletal muscle oxidative stress as measured by oxidized glutathione (GSSG) (P=0.058) and F2-isoprostanes (P=0.056), with no significant effect of supplementation. Acute exercise significantly increased mRNA levels of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1α (PGC-1α), mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM) and PGC related coactivator (PRC), with no effect of supplementation. Following endurance training, supplementation did not prevent significantly increased VO2peak, skeletal muscle levels of citrate synthase activity or mRNA or protein abundance of cytochrome oxidase subunit 4 (COX IV) (P<0.05). However, following training, vitamin C and E supplementation significantly attenuated increased skeletal muscle superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and protein abundance of SOD2 and TFAM. CONCLUSION: Following acute exercise, supplementation with vitamin C and E did not attenuate skeletal muscle oxidative stress or increased gene expression of mitochondrial biogenesis markers. However, supplementation attenuated some (SOD, TFAM) of the increased skeletal muscle adaptations following training in healthy young men.

Increased hypoxic dose after training at low altitude with 9h per night at 3000m normobaric hypoxia

This study examined effects of low altitude training and a live-high: train-low protocol (combining both natural and simulated modalities) on haemoglobin mass (Hbmass), maximum oxygen consumption (VO2max), time to exhaustion, and submaximal exercise measures. Eighteen elite-level race-walkers were assigned to one of two experimental groups; lowHH (low Hypobaric Hypoxia: continuous exposure to 1380 m for 21 consecutive days; n = 10) or a combined low altitude training and nightly Normobaric Hypoxia (lowHH+NHnight: living and training at 1380 m, plus 9 h.night-1 at a simulated altitude of 3000 m using hypoxic tents; n = 8). A control group (CON; n = 10) lived and trained at 600 m. Measurement of Hbmass, time to exhaustion and VO2max was performed before and after the training intervention. Paired samples t-tests were used to assess absolute and percentage change pre and post-test differences within groups, and differences between groups were assessed using a one-way ANOVA with least significant difference post-hoc testing. Statistical significance was tested at p < 0.05. There was a 3.7% increase in Hbmass in lowHH+NHnight compared with CON (p = 0.02). In comparison to baseline, Hbmass increased by 1.2% (±1.4%) in the lowHH group, 2.6% (±1.8%) in lowHH+NHnight, and there was a decrease of 0.9% (±4.9%) in CON. VO2max increased by ~4% within both experimental conditions but was not significantly greater than the 1% increase in CON. There was a ~9% difference in pre and post-intervention values in time to exhaustion after lowHH+NH-night (p = 0.03) and a ~8% pre to post-intervention difference (p = 0.006) after lowHH only. We recommend low altitude (1380 m) combined with sleeping in altitude tents (3000 m) as one effective alternative to traditional altitude training methods, which can improve Hbmass.

Application of an Adaptive Neural Network to Medical Decision Support

Medical diagnostic and prognostic problems are prime examples of decision making in the face of uncertainty. In this paper, we investigate the applicability of the Fuzzy ARTMAP neural network as an intelligent decision support system in clinical medicine. In particular, Fuzzy ARTMAP is employed as a predictive model for prognosis of complications in patients admitted to the Coronary Care Units. A number of off-line and on-line experiments have been conducted with various network parameter settings, training methods, and learning rules. The results are compared with those from other systems including the logistic regression model. In addition, the outcomes of a set of on-line learning experiments revealed the potential of employing Fuzzy ARTMAP as an autono-mously learning system that is able to learn perpetually and, at the same time, to provide useful decision support.

Artificial neural network modeling of flow stress in hot rolling

In this study, an artificial neural network model is proposed to predict the flow stress variations during the hot rolling process. Optimization of the proposed neural network with respect to number of neurons within the hidden layer, different training methods and transfer functions of the neural network is performed. The results of the optimal network were compared with those of the conventional analytic method and it is shown that using an optimal neural network the mean calculated error is drastically reduced.

The role of the libero in volleyball as a paradoxical influence on the game: logical debate and the proposal for a rule change

The purpose of this paper is to bring into focus philosophical and logical concerns relating to specific rules that govern the role of the libero in volleyball. The authors contest that the introduction of the position of the libero in volleyball may have actually undermined the continuing logic of the rules of the game. In addressing these questions the authors offer theoretically based rule-change proposals for the sport of volleyball that could be used to inform future training methods or development programmes at both the participatory and elite levels. Discussion may also inform the development of new tools of analysis (e.g. computer software) or the creation of a new breadth of match simulation resources to enhance athlete performance. These tools and devices could then be presented to volleyball coaches in an effort to resolve the issues that have come to light and further inform the philosophical and logical debates about the role of the libero in volleyball.

Can an online tutorial pass the test for library instruction? An evaluation and comparison of library skills instruction methods for first year students at Deakin University

An online, interactive tutorial, Smart Searcher, was introduced at Deakin University as part of the Iibrary's information skills program in late 2000. As liaison librarians responsible for library skills training we wanted to compare and evaluate this mode of instruction with our normal face-to-face delivery of library instruction. This study found that students with face-to-face instruction did, in fact, gain higher posttest mean scores than students completing the online tutorial. Also, students attending these library sessions felt more confident about their library skills than those in the online tutorial only session.

High-intensity resistance training improves glycemic control in older patients with type 2 diabetes

OBJECTIVE -- To examine the effect of high-intensity progressive resistance training combined with moderate weight loss on glycemic control and body composition in older patients with type 2 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS -- Sedentary, overweight men and women with type 2 diabetes, aged 60-80 years (n = 36), were randomized to high-intensity progressive resistance training plus moderate weight loss (RT & WL group) or moderate weight loss plus a control program (WL group). Clinical and laboratory measurements were assessed at 0, 3, and 6 months.

RESULTS -- HbA._1c fell significantly more in RT & WL than WL at 3 months (0.6 ± or -] 0.7 vs. 0.07 ± 0.8%, P < 0.05) and 6 months (1.2 ±1.0 vs. 0.4 ±0.8, P < 0.05). Similar reductions in body weight (RT & WL 2.5 ±2.9 vs. WL 3.1±2.1 kg) and fat mass (RT & WL 2.4 ± 2.7 vs. WL 2.7±2.5 kg) were observed after 6 months. In contrast, lean body mass (LBM) increased in the RT & WL group (0.5 ±1.1 kg) and decreased in the WL group (0.4±1.0) after 6 months (P < 0.05). There were no between-group differences for fasting glucose, insulin, serum lipids and lipoproteins, or resting blood pressure.

CONCLUSIONS -- High-intensity progressive resistance training, in combination with moderate weight loss, was effective in improving glycemic control in older patients with type 2 diabetes. Additional benefits of improved muscular strength and LBM identify high-intensity resistance training as a feasible and effective component in the management program for older patients with type 2 diabetes.

Training general practitioners in flexible sigmoidoscopy to screen for colorectal cancer

Background: A screening programme to detect polyps or early carcinoma would significantly reduce the mortality and morbidity of colorectal cancer (CRC). The aims of the present study were to evaluate: (i) the feasibility of training general practitioners in flexible sigmoidoscopy (FS) for CRC screening; (ii) the acceptability of screening by faecal occult blood testing (FOBT) and FS in asymptomatic standard risk Australians aged over 50 years; and (iii) the yield of such screening. Methods: Subjects were recruited by general practitioner (GP) referral, newspaper advertisement or by a direct approach to retirement villages. Participants were mailed a FOBT kit and a prescreening questionnaire. Flexible sigmoidoscopy was performed by a GP supervised by an experienced endoscopist. Subjects then completed a second questionnaire. General practitioners were assessed after 50 unassisted procedures. Results: A total of 264 individuals contacted the study coordinator; 169 were screened. Screening was accepted well by the participants. Fifteen per cent of subjects had polyps and 4% had a positive FOBT. Training in FS was adversely affected by the availability of resources. Three GPs completed 50 unassisted procedures over a 15-month period, but none were able to reliably assess the distal bowel. Conclusions: Although the three trainees and their supervisors did not consider that the GPs were adequately trained after 50 unassisted procedures, training was adversely affected by limited resources within the Victorian public hospital system. Screening by FOBT and FS was considered to be acceptable by the patients undergoing these procedures. Existing facilities are not adequate if GPs are to be trained in FS as part of a national CRC screening program.

Learning opportunities for Australian prevocational hospital doctors: exposure, perceived quality and desired methods of learning.

Objective:

To survey prevocational doctors working in Australian hospitals on aspects of postgraduate learning.
Participants and setting:

470 prevocational doctors in 36 health services in Australia, August 2003 to October 2004.
Design:

Cross-sectional cohort survey with a mix of ordinal multicategory questions and free text.
Main outcome measures:

Perceived preparedness for aspects of clinical practice; perceptions of the quantity and usefulness of current teaching and learning methods and desired future exposure to learning methods.
Results:

64% (299/467) of responding doctors felt generally prepared for their job, 91% (425/469) felt prepared for dealing with patients, and 70% (325/467) for dealing with relatives. A minority felt prepared for medicolegal problems (23%, 106/468), clinical emergencies (31%, 146/469), choosing a career (40%, 188/468), or performing procedures (45%, 213/469). Adequate contact with registrars was reported by 90% (418/465) and adequate contact with consultants by 56% (257/466); 20% (94/467) reported exposure to clinical skills training and 11% (38/356) to high-fidelity simulation. Informal registrar contact was described as useful or very useful by 94% (433/463), and high-fidelity simulation by 83% (179/216). Most prevocational doctors would prefer more formal instruction from their registrars (84%, 383/456) and consultants (81%, 362/447); 84% (265/316) want increased exposure to high-fidelity simulation and 81% (283/350) to professional college tutorials.
Conclusion:

Our findings should assist planning and development of training programs for prevocational doctors in Australian hospitals.

Effects of endurance training status and sex difference on Na+, K+-pump mRNA expression, content and maximal activity in human skeletal muscle

Aim: This study investigated the effects of endurance training status and sex differences on skeletal muscle Na⁺,K⁺-pump mRNA expression, content and activity. Methods: Forty-five endurance-trained males (ETM), 11 recreationally active males (RAM), and nine recreationally active females (RAF) underwent a vastus lateralis muscle biopsy. Muscle was analysed for Na⁺,K⁺-pump α1, α2, α3, β1, β2 and β3 isoform mRNA expression (real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction), content ([³H]-ouabain-binding site) and maximal activity (3-O-methylfluorescein phosphatase, 3-O-MFPase). Results: ETM demonstrated lower α1, α3, β2 and β3 mRNA expression by 74%, 62%, 70% and 82%, respectively, than RAM (P < 0.04). In contrast, [³H]-ouabain binding and 3-O-MFPase activity were each higher in ETM than in RAM, by 16% (P < 0.03). RAM demonstrated a 230% and 364% higher α3 and b3 mRNA expression than RAF, respectively (P < 0.05), but no significant sex differences were found for α1, α2, β1 or β2 mRNA, [³H]-ouabain binding  or 3-O-MFPase activity. No significant correlation was found between years of endurance training and either [³H]-ouabain binding or 3-O-MFPase activity. Significant but weak correlations were found between the number of training hours per week and 3-O-MFPase activity (r = 0.31, P < 0.02) and between incremental exercise V O_2(peak) and both   [³H]-ouabain binding (r = 0.33, P < 0.01) and 3-O-MFPase activity (r = 0.28, P < 0.03). Conclusions: Isoform-specific differences in Na⁺,K⁺-pump mRNA expression were found with both training status and sex differences, but only training status influenced Na⁺,K⁺-pump content and maximal activity in human skeletal muscle.

Drop out from behavioral management training programs for ADHD: a prospective study

To investigate dropout from parenting programs for disruptive behavior disorders, we followed 18 clients prospectively from the beginning of a manualized treatment program to three month follow-up. Using qualitative and quantitative methods, we then compared those who dropped out of the program with those who completed it. We found that in general, those participants who dropped out of the program were parents of children with more disturbed behavior, who perceived their children to be more difficult than others, and who experienced more subjective parenting stress. Those who dropped out were also not convinced that the strategies proposed in the program to help manage their children were useful. On the other hand, those who completed the program reported a determination to persevere with the strategies which they saw as assisting them to re-establish positive relationships with their adolescent children. The findings are discussed in the context of how manualized programs might be modified to increase retention.