Twenty-year follow-up of aerobic power and body composition of older track athletes

The purpose was to determine the aerobic power (maximal oxygen uptake) and body composition of older track athletes after a 20-yr follow-up (T3). At 20 yr, 21 subjects [mean ages: 50.5 +/- 8.5 yr at initial evaluation (T1), 60.2 +/- 8.8 yr at 10-yr follow-up (T2), and 70.4 +/- 8.8 yr at 20-yr follow-up (T3)] were divided into three intensity groups: high (H; remained elite; n = 9); moderate (M; continued frequent moderate-to-rigorous endurance training; n = 10); and low (L; greatly reduced training; n = 2). All groups decreased in maximal oxygen uptake at each testing point (H, 8 and 15%; M, 13 and 14%; and L, 18 and 34% from T1 to T2 and T2 to T3, respectively). Maximal heart rate showed a linear decrease of approximately 5-7 beats.min-1.decade-1 and was independent of training status. Body weight remained stable for the H and M groups and percent fat increased approximately 2-2.5%/decade. Although fat-free weight decreased at each testing point, there was a trend for those who began weight-training exercise to better maintain it. Cross-sectional analysis at T3 showed that leg strength and bone mineral density were generally maintained from age 60 to 89 yr. Those who performed weight training had a greater arm region bone mineral density than those who did not. These longitudinal data show that the physiological capacities of older athletes are reduced despite continued vigorous endurance exercise over a 20-yr period (approximately 8-15%/decade). Changes in body composition appeared to be less than those shown for the healthy sedentary population and were related to changes in training habits.     

Research curricula in critical care fellowships--a survey

OBJECTIVES: To determine curriculum requirements and educational methods used by Critical Care fellowship training programs in fulfilling Residency Review Committee requirements for a research experience during Critical Care subspecialty training. DATA SOURCE: Responses from 163 (67%) of the 245 directors of accredited Anesthesiology, Medicine, Pediatric, and Surgical Critical Care fellowship training programs listed in the American Medical Association Graduate Medical Education Directory. DATA EXTRACTION: Survey information accepted as valid for each program was tabulated to answer study questions. DATA SYNTHESIS: Most (89%) Critical Care programs with 2- or 3-yr curricula meet Residency Review Committee requirements and provide nonclinical time for research. Only 63% of 1-yr curricula from Anesthesiology and Medicine provide a required research experience. Formal instruction in research topics is provided by lecture, journal club, or research conference in approximately 90% of fellowships. Academic productivity from fellowship programs is high, but not correlated with a program's requirement for research. CONCLUSION: Compliance with current Residency Review Committee requirements for active participation in research is poor for 1-yr fellowship curricula. Reasons for this failure are discussed and a modified requirement is proposed.     

Multiple functions for psychologists in community consultation.

"Psychologists are assuming a wider range of responsibilities in community program administration and community consultation: in mental health, corrections, education, and anti-poverty." A program for training consultants was developed in New Mexico during a 4-yr demonstration project. Selection criteria include: (1) sound graduate training including the PhD for psychologists, (2) substantial clinical skills in diagnosis and therapy, (3) experience in consultation and administration, and (4) experience in community work. A 2-mo., full-time orientation program was conducted for the consultants hired. The project stimulated development of various new resources in local communities including, among others, a day school for retarded children, a family casework agency, a day center for emotionally disturbed children, a training and consultation service to an orphanage, and an alcoholism treatment and rehabilitation program. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Career change within psychology: Retraining nonclinical psychologists in clinical psychology.

Collected the 1st reported empirical data concerning opportunities for career changes within psychology. 124 directors of American Psychological Association-approved clinical and counseling programs were asked, via questionnaire, if they would consider for clinical training students with backgrounds in general–experimental psychology. Of the clinical program directors, 13% answered Yes, 37% No, and 42% Under special circumstances. Of the counseling program directors, 48% answered Yes, 9% No, and 26% Under special circumstances. Seven university programs are discussed that provide a 2-yr program of clinical training for persons from nonclinical areas. Recommendations are made concerning future developments in this area of career change. (4 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Two year followup of anterior and vertical atlantoaxial subluxation in ankylosing spondylitis

OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical and radiological 2-yr followup of 22 patients with anterior atlantoaxial subluxation (AAS) from a prospective cohort of patients with ankylosing spondylitis. METHODS: The 2-yr assessment included a structured questionnaire for rheumatologic and neurologic complaints and lateral cervical radiographs in maximal flexion view. Initial and 2-yr radiographs were assessed blind to patient data. The course of anterior AAS was classified as unchanged (< 1 mm), progression (> or = 1 mm) or regression (> or = 1 mm) at 2 yrs compared with baseline. Vertical AAS was classified using the Sakaguchi-Kauppi method. Magnification factor was corrected using the ratio of C3 width. RESULTS: Anterior AAS was detected in 22 patients at baseline examination. Two patients also had vertical AAS; 86% were male. Mean age was 33 +/- 9 yrs and mean disease duration was 12 +/- 7 yrs. At followup, one patient had died of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, 3 could not be reached, and 2 had undergone surgical fusion due to severe myelopathy and now showed complete neurological recovery. Of the remaining 16 patients, 7 (32%) showed progression and 9 (41%) showed no change in the C1-odontoid distance. Vertical AAS developed in one patient. After the 2-yr assessment, 3 additional patients had surgical fusion because of notable progression of AAS, despite absence of neurological signs. CONCLUSION: Anterior AAS progressed in a number of these patients in the 2 yrs following its detection, and with or without neurological signs, surgical management was thought appropriate in a considerable number of them.     

Value of peer nominations in predicting life insurance sales performance.

Obtained both work- and socially-oriented peer nominations from 117 inexperienced life insurance agents at the end of a 3-wk training course. These nominations, along with age, monthly starting pay, and final school grade were related to objective measures of sales success at 6-mo and 1-yr intervals. Only the peer nomination scores proved to be significant at both a statistical and practical level. Analysis of the peer nominations led to the identification of 3 factors which accounted for 88% of the total variance. Only 1 of these factors, the ability to form close personal relationships, proved to be significantly related to the 1-yr criteria measures. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Comparison of cardiovascular biofeedback, neuromuscular biofeedback, and meditation in the treatment of borderline essential hypertension.

Compared the separate effects of 3 procedures for the reduction of high blood pressure (BP) in 3 treatment groups of 8 patients each (27–59 yrs old) with medically verified borderline hypertension: (a) Biofeedback for simultaneous reductions in systolic BP and heart rate was aimed directly at reductions in BP. (b) Biofeedback for reductions in integrated forearm and frontalis muscle EMG activity was aimed at general muscular relaxation. (c) Meditation relaxation based on the "relaxation response" procedure developed by H. Benson was aimed at total bodily and "mental" relaxation. Each S was studied in 2 baseline sessions, 8 training sessions, and a 6-wk follow-up. Half of the sample returned for a 1-yr follow-up. ANOVA of the 3 treatment groups over 8 training sessions, 20 trials per session, revealed significant effects for trials within sessions. However, there were no significant main effects or interactions related to differences between the treatment conditions or to changes in BP over the course of training sessions. Although all groups showed moderate reductions in BP as compared to initial values, no technique could be seen to produce a reduction in pressure greater than that observed in the baseline sessions. BPs of patients reporting for the 1-yr follow-up were not different from pretreatment baseline levels. (28 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Assertive training: A one year follow-up.

Reports results of a 1-yr follow-up of group assertive training with 20 of the 32 nonassertive college students in the original study. One yr after training, experimental and control Ss were significantly different on 2 self-report measures (the College Self-Expression Scale and the Subjective Unit of Disturbance Scale) and 2 of 4 behavioral measures (assertive content and scene length) of assertiveness. No differences were found on eye contact or response latency. Results indicate the long-term effects of assertive training. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

A comparison of early and late second language learning.

Evaluated the effectiveness of 3 types of French immersion programs: (a) early total immersion, (b) 1-yr late immersion, and (c) 2-yr late immersion on students from Grades 7, 8, and 9. Proficiency in French was assessed using reading comprehension, writing, language arts, dictation, listening comprehension, and oral production tests. Statistical analyses at each grade level revealed that the early immersion and 2-yr late immersion Ss had achieved generally higher levels of proficiency in French with few differences in performance between the 2 groups. There were indications that the differential between the 1-yr late group and the other 2 groups was narrowing in the higher grades. Findings are discussed in terms of their practical educational significance and theoretical implications for the critical period hypothesis for 2nd language learning. (French abstract) (30 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Cognitive problem-solving skills training and parent management training in the treatment of antisocial behavior in children.

Evaluated the effects of problem-solving skills training (PSST) and parent management training (PMT) on 97 children (aged 7–13 yrs) referred for severe antisocial behavior. Children and families were assigned randomly to 1 of 3 conditions: PSST, PMT, or PSST and PMT combined. It was predicted that (1) each treatment would improve child functioning (reduce overall deviance and aggressive, antisocial, and delinquent behavior, and increase prosocial competence); and (2) PSST and PMT combined would lead to more marked, pervasive, and durable changes in child functioning and greater changes in parent functioning (parental stress, depression, and overall symptoms). Expectations were supported by results at posttreatment and 1-yr follow-up. PSST and PMT combined led to more marked changes in child and parent functioning and placed a greater proportion of youth within the range of nonclinic (normative) levels of functioning. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Twenty-five years later: A follow-up of the graduate students in clinical psychology assessed in the VA Selection Research Project.

Surveyed clinical psychology trainees assessed in 1947 or 1948 before entering graduate training 25 yrs later; findings were compared with those from a 10-yr follow-up study. Roughly 80% of the Ss eventually achieved doctoral degrees, although some took over 12 yrs to do so. As a group, scholarly productivity was quite low. Satisfaction with their choice of clinical psychology as a career, low in the 10-yr follow-up, was even lower in the present survey; diagnosticians and teachers reported the most satisfaction, therapists and researchers the least. Further data on scholarly productivity, satisfaction, and attitudes about clinical psychology are reported and compared with the findings of a similar survey by S. L. Garfield and R. Kurtz (see record 1976-24639-001). (9 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Effect of age and menopausal status on cardiorespiratory fitness in masters women runners

Forty-nine trained masters women endurance runners (mean = 42 km.wk-1) between the ages of 35 and 70 yr (mean = 46.4 +/- 8.3) were tested on a treadmill to examine cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2max and VO2 submax) in relation to age, training, and menopausal status. Although VO2max was lower with increasing age, no age group differences occurred in VO2 submax at 5.4 km.h-1, 8% treadmill grade. The younger runners (35-39 and 40-44 yr) had significantly higher VO2max than the other 5-yr competitive age groups (45-49, 50-55, 55-70 yr) (P < 0.01). HR max did not differ across age, but HR submax was higher with increasing age. Premenopausal, transitional, and post-menopausal women were not significantly different on any exercise variable when age and/or training differences among the groups were statistically controlled. A decrease in VO2max of 0.58 ml.kg-1 x min-1 x yr-1 was determined (r = -0.62). It was concluded that 1) these highly trained women runners had higher cardiorespiratory fitness than previously reported for women of comparable age, 2) menopausal status did not effect cardiorespiratory fitness when age and training were accounted for, and 3) regular physical training seems to prevent age-related changes in HR max in women, but not age-related changes in maximal oxygen uptake.     

Treating children with early-onset conduct problems: A comparison of child and parent training interventions.

Families of 97 children with early-onset conduct problems, 4–8 yrs old, were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 conditions: a parent training treatment group (PT), a child training group (CT), a combined child and parent training group (CT?+?PT), or a waiting-list control group (CON). Posttreatment assessments indicated that all 3 conditions had resulted in significant improvements in comparison with controls. Comparisons of the 3 treatment conditions indicated that CT and CT?+?PT children showed significant improvements in problem solving as well as conflict management skills, as measured by observations of their interactions with a best friend; differences among treatments on these measures consistently favored the CT over the PT condition. As for parent and child behavior at home, PT and CT?+?PT parents and children had significantly more positive interactions, compared with CT parents and children. One-yr follow-up assessments indicated that all the significant changes noted immediately posttreatment had been maintained over time. Moreover, child conduct problems at home had lessened over time. Analyses of the clinical significance of the results suggested that the combined CT?+?PT condition produced the most significant improvements in child behavior at 1-yr follow-up. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Clinical training programs, 1964-1965 and 1968-1969: A characterization and comparison.

Used data from the annual report of american psychological association approved university clinical training programs submitted in 1964-1965 and 1968-1969 to the committee on accreditation to characterize clinical training at these points in time, identify changes that occurred, and assess the impact of the chicago conference on clinical training. Analyses indicate that in terms of numbers of graduate students, faculty, and degrees granted the size of clinical training programs and of the departments of psychology in which they were housed changed over the 5-yr period. In comparison to the 1964-1965 program, 1968-1969 programs were characterized by a lower frequency of both departmental and clinical core curriculum sequences, earlier exposure of students to training in clinical skills, and greater frequency of training opportunities in behavioral therapies and community psychology. In addition, more departments provided for student involvement in decision-making processes and had modified foreign language requirements in 1968-1969 than in 1964-1965. The data also allowed for the identification of those universities that were the major suppliers of clinical faculty, directors of clinical training, and department chairmen in these years. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Derivatization of soyasapogenol A and their hepatoprotective activities

OBJECTIVES: To examine 3 methods of detecting alcohol use among adolescent patients visiting a Level-1 regional trauma center. METHODS: Part 1 was a retrospective review of laboratory records and (13- to 19-year-old) patient medical records over the 1-year period from August 1993 to July 1994. Part 2 was a review of ICD-9 discharge diagnoses for the same age range during the same 1-year period. Part 3 involved prospective saliva alcohol testing of injured patients aged 13-17 years old. RESULTS: Part 1: A total of 522 blood tests were conducted and 160 (30.6%) were positive for alcohol. More than one-third of the alcohol-positive sample had alcohol ingestion as the only reason for their visits, i.e., they were uninjured. The alcohol-positive group was more likely to be male and older. Part 2: A total of 99 alcohol-related discharge diagnoses were given to adolescent patients. Alcohol abuse was the most common diagnosis. With the 2 methods of detection combined, 186 patients were identified. Part 3: A total of 119 saliva alcohol tests were conducted. One patient tested positive but had been identified while in triage as having used alcohol. CONCLUSION: In this study population, approximately one-third of adolescent patients tested for alcohol as part of routine clinical care were alcohol-positive but were not necessarily given an alcohol-related diagnosis. Thus, studies determining rates of alcohol-positive adolescents treated in EDs should use multiple methods of detection. Universal testing does not appear to be warranted for all injured adolescent patients.     

Some comments on a revolution in the training of professional psychologists.

In commenting on the proposals by R. E. Fox et al (see PA, 73:12821) concerning the training of professional psychologists, the present author supports their suggestion for establishing a 2-yr training program and their rejection of the freestanding professional school, but also indicates the value of a comprehensive program that incorporates both basic and applied psychology. (12 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Reduction of children's fear of the dark by competence-related and situational threat-related verbal cues.

Examined the effects of training children in the use of verbal controlling responses for darkness tolerance. 45 5-6-yr olds rehearsed 1 of 3 types of "mediating response": (a) sentences emphasizing the S's active control or competence, (b) sentences concentrating on reducing the aversive qualities of the stimulus situation, and (c) neutral sentences. Ss were trained in a well-lit room. Each S then remained in total darkness until he or she decided to increase the illumination. The duration of tolerance of darkness and terminal light intensity were assessed across 1 pretest and 2 posttraining trials. On a generalization trial the S was to reduce full illumination. Analyses revealed that differential training significantly influenced duration and intensity settings, with the "competence" group generally superior to the "stimulus" and "neutral" verbalization groups. Alternate interpretations of the findings are offered. (20 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The consultant as expert witness in school and workplace cases—Part 1.

Many consultants in the psychological and psychiatric specialties become involved in testifying in court as an expert witness. The role of expert witness can produce anxiety for both the neophyte and the experienced professional. Moreover, little formal training regarding such things as legalities has typically been a part of one's professional training. In an effort, albeit small, to further facilitate the consultant's role in testifying as an expert witness, this two-part series of articles has been collated. Part 1 is presented in the current issue, and Part 2 will be presented in the next issue of the Consulting Psychology Journal. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)