Meta-Analysis: Benefits and Pitfalls

This information was presented at the 2013 Cornell Nutrition Conference for Feed Manufacturers, organized by the Department of Animal Science in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Cornell University. Softcover copies of the entire conference proceedings may be purchased at http://www.ansci.cornell.edu/dm/proceedings_orders.html or by calling (607)255-4285

Evaluating TAGteach as a Training Procedure for Novice-to-Advanced Fastpitch Softball Pitchers

Among the many behavioral coaching techniques available, acoustical guidance has been found to be highly effective in enhancing the athletic skills involved in a variety of sports (e.g. football, golf, dance, yoga, judo). TAGteach is a procedure in which a clicker is used to deliver immediate acoustical guidance to train a new skill or enhance a skill already in the subject’s repertoire (TAGteach International, 2012). The current study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of TAGteach in developing and/or enhancing the pitching skills of novice-to-advanced fastpitch softball pitchers. Results demonstrated an improvement in accuracy across skill sets for each subject’s selected pitch. Improved performance also generalized from the training setting to the game setting

Design, Analysis, and Drop Assembly of Interlocking Rigid Bodies

This work presents a system of interlocking blocks that can be used to build a wide variety of structures. The blocks slide together to form structures that interlock geometrically like a puzzle to form semi-permanent structures without the need for cement or friction lock. The blocks are designed to be easy to fabricate, assemble, and disassemble. Contributions of the block designs include a novel interlocking joint structure; the joints are wedge-shaped, allowing for error mitigation during assembly and allowing structures to be assembled without jamming even if there is manufacturing error. We introduce planar, 3D, and volumetric designs using these wedge-shaped joints. Additionally, this work introduces two formalized models of interlock and provides analysis methods for both models to test if structures are interlocked. This work also expands a planar framework for the analysis of free motions and aggregate flexibility of loose chains, and adapts the analysis for the specific application of interlock. Additionally, an extension of this analysis into 3D is introduced and applied to interlocking structures. We demonstrate how this analysis can be used to optimize the design of individual block geometries, as well as the layout of the complete structure. We demonstrate robot assembly of systems of blocks using a simple and rather imprecise robot arm to build structures under an open-loop model of assembly, and provide additional examples of larger-scale, hand-built interlocking structures

Dry matter yield, chemical composition and estimated extractable protein of legume and grass species during the spring growth

BACKGROUND: Knowledge of the variation of extractable protein amount in legumes and grasses as affected by harvest time is important for identifying optimal combinations to enable a high protein production in a biorefinery. The extractability of protein was estimated using the Cornell Net Carbohydrate and Protein System across six harvests during the spring growth. RESULTS: The estimated extractable protein [g kg−1 dry matter (DM)] defined as the easily available fractions B1+B2 was significantly higher in white clover and lucerne at all harvests while, if the more cell wall attached fraction B3 can be extracted, white clover had the highest extractable protein amongst all species. Total yield of B1+B2 per ha was higher in white clover and red clover at the early growth while B1+B2+B3 was by far the highest for red clover through all harvests. CONCLUSION:White clover could be a good candidate for protein production purpose in a biorefinery due to its high extractable protein content per kg DM. In order to maximise the protein production capacity, harvest should take place during early growth due to a decline in protein extractability with maturity. The final economy of the concept will depend on the value of the fibre after extraction of the protein

Interprofessional Role Clarity, Case-Based Learning, and Perceptions of Group Effectiveness Among Athletic Training and Physical Therapy Students in a Shared Professional Course

Purpose: Health professions students experience professional socialization during their program of study. Institutions have turned to interprofessional education as a means of preparing students for their role as collaborative health care professionals. This study examines the effect of case-based learning experiences in a shared professional Therapeutic Modalities course on student’s interprofessional role clarity as well as the relationship between interprofessional role clarity and measure of group effectiveness. Methods: 112 students (22 Athletic Training and 90 Physical Therapy) were assigned to one of 18 interprofessional and 18 uniprofessional teams and asked to complete four case-based learning activities. All students completed pre-test, retrospective pre-test, and post-test role clarity/ambiguity scales. Measures of team viability, team member satisfaction, and self-rated output were collected post-intervention. Results: Results suggest the experience of interacting with one another in this course, including during case-based learning activities, may lead to increased knowledge of other’s roles and responsibilities as shown in the retrospective pre-test and post-test role clarity differences. Additionally, role clarity has meaningful relationships with measures of perceived group effectiveness, particularly team viability and self-rated output. Conclusion: We suggest that health professions educators consider incorporating case-based learning activities into existing curricula to introduce other professions’ roles and engage students in teamwork

Embedding Interprofessional Activities with Physical Therapy and Athletic Training Students in Shared Professional Course

Introduction and Background: Interprofessional education (IPE) is outlined in many health professions education standards creating an increased demand for its inclusion in already crowded curricula with limited faculty and financial resources. The Interprofessional Education Collaborative (IPEC) developed “Core Competencies for Interprofessional Collaborative Practice” that outline a framework for meaningful IPE experiences. Case-based learning activities have been used to foster improvements in interprofessional role clarity, communication, and rapport among student groups. The authors describe one trial of incorporating interprofessional and team work activities in a shared professional course and report on student learning outcomes in the context of IPEC competencies. Course Design: In an existing shared professional course, athletic training (AT) and physical therapy (PT) students were exposed to an interprofessional teaching team and engaged in team work activities during lab sessions. Students were also assigned to interprofessional (IP) and uniprofessional (UP) teams to complete four case-based learning activities regarding the application of therapeutic modalities in various patient cases. Students then wrote critical reflections of their experiences working in teams. Instructors evaluated these reflections in the context of eight relevant IPEC sub-competencies. Outcomes: Both IP and UP groups of students were able to articulate the demonstration of each of the eight IPEC sub-competencies, suggesting that incorporating a variety of interprofessional and team work activities in a shared professional course may offer a valuable IPE experience that promotes development of students’ collaboration skills. Discussion and Conclusion: Embedding IPE in existing curricula could be a viable way to overcome many of the challenges faced by health professions programs, meet IPE accreditation standards, and prepare students for interprofessional collaborative practice

The Effects of Pre-Workout Meals High in Carbohydrates or Lipids on Muscle Fatigue during Resistance Exercise: A Pilot Study

Purpose: Pre-workout nutrition is important in exercise training and is often overlooked or misunderstood. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of pre-workout meals high in carbohydrates or lipids on muscular endurance in lower body muscles and fatigue during a back squat exercise in physically active college students. Methods: All subjects (n = 8) reported to the lab 2 times, with 24-48 hours of rest between sessions. Subjects’ height, weight, and blood pressure were taken before each session. Subjects were led through a dynamic warm-up consisting of foam rolling, dynamic stretching, and barbell back squat warm-ups every session. Session one was for estimation of subjects’ back squat 1-repetition maximum (1RM) using a PUSH-Strength accelerometer-based velocity tool. During the second session, participants were instructed to consume a carbohydrate or lipid bar and wait 45 minutes for digestion. Subjects then completed the warm-up and performed one back squat set to failure using 75% of their predicted 1RM. Results: The carbohydrate group performed more repetitions and lifted for a longer time than the lipid group (p \u3c 0.05). Conclusion: Our data suggest that a carbohydrate-heavy meal immediately prior is beneficial to maximize muscular endurance in resistance training

Access to Outreach Athletic Trainers Improves Orthopedic Specialty Appointment Adherence

Background: Adolescent sports participation carries an inherent risk of musculoskeletal injury, with an estimated 2 million injuries occurring annually among high school athletes. Navigating the healthcare system to receive appropriate care can be challenging, potentially leading to delayed treatment and poorer outcomes. Athletic trainers (ATs) may play a crucial role in facilitating timely access to specialized care. The objective of this study was to assess the relationship between referral pathways (outreach athletic trainers (OATs), non-outreach athletic trainers (ATs), urgent care (UC), and emergency department (ED)) and appointment adherence while controlling for predisposing, enabling, and need factors. Methods: Using electronic medical record data of 14- to 17-year-old patients seen in a Midwest ambulatory orthopedic surgery department, adjusted logistic regressions were used to assess differences in appointment adherence between referral pathway groups. Results: Patients referred by OATs had significantly lower odds of no-show appointments compared to those referred through UC (aOR 2.90, 95% CI 1.05-8.02), ED (aOR 4.63, 95% CI 1.43-14.94), and non-affiliated ATs (aOR 3.09, 95% CI 1.20-7.95). Race, insurance type, and injury severity were also significant predictors of appointment adherence. Referral pathway was not significantly associated with appointment cancellation rates. Conclusions: Direct access to athletic trainers, especially those integrated within the healthcare system, significantly improves appointment adherence for adolescent patients seeking orthopedic care. Expanding athletic training services and strengthening care coordination efforts may improve access to timely and appropriate orthopedic care for adolescent athletes