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Background: The Exercise Imagery Questionnaire-Aerobic Version (EIQ-AV) is a widely used tool for assessing exercise imagery (EI) and has considerably influenced EI research. Although it has been translated into Greek, its psychometric properties remain unevaluated, limiting its applicability for studying EI in the Greek population. This study aimed to evaluate the construct validity (encompassing factorial, convergent, and known-groups validity), criterion validity (specifically concurrent validity), and reliability of the Greek EIQ-AV. Materials and Methods: A total of 221 exercisers completed the Greek EIQ-AV, the Godin-Shephard Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire (GLTEQ), and a questionnaire on demographic and exercise-related characteristics. Data from 108 participants were analyzed using principal component analysis (PCA), 113 were used for confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), and the full sample was used to assess known-groups and concurrent validity. Results: After testing various models based on prior theory and PCA results, we concluded to the final Greek EIQ-AV. Similar to the English version, it comprises three factors: "energy", "appearance", and "technique", differing only by the removal of one item. Factorial validity was confirmed using CFA, demonstrating an excellent model fit, with most fit indices--such as the Standardized Root Mean Square Residual, Comparative Fit Index, and Tucker-Lewis Index--showing excellent values. Convergent validity was supported by acceptable results (AVE > 0.5). Known-groups validity was confirmed because younger, more frequent, and more active exercisers reported significantly higher use of all EI types compared to older, less frequent, and less active exercisers. Additionally, all EIQ-AV subscale scores showed positive correlations with strenuous exercise and the total GLTEQ score and negative associations with age, supporting concurrent validity. Furthermore, the Greek EIQ-AV demonstrated adequate internal consistency and composite reliability. Conclusions: The Greek EIQ-AV demonstrates strong psychometric properties and is expected to advance knowledge in EI research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Evaluating disability in individuals with chronic low back pain (CLBP) involves various approaches, including self-reported measures, flexibility assessments, and functional performance tests that mimic activities of daily living (ADLs). However, the relationships among these outcomes remain unclear, raising concerns about the reliability of conclusions based on a single assessment. This study aims to examine the correlation between self-reported disability, flexibility, and functional performance in ADLs among women with CLBP. The findings will provide valuable insights for exercise specialists in assessing disability and designing targeted interventions for CLBP patients. Materials and Methods: Twenty-four women with CLBP of a mean intensity of 5.33 ± 1.40 over the past three months participated in the study. The outcome measures included the Rolland Morris disability questionnaire (RMDQ), flexibility tests [modified fingertip-to-floor distance (MFFD) and straight leg raise test (SLRT)], and functional performance in activities of daily living (ADL) tests [standing-to-prone (StP), prone-to-standing, supine-standing-supine (SSS), 5 times sit-to-stand, and timed up and go]. Correlations were assessed using Pearson's correlation coefficients (r). Results: The RMDQ was only correlated with one ADL test, the StP. There were no significant correlations between flexibility and ADL tests. Only the SLRT on the left leg showed a moderate correlation with the SSS test, an unexplained finding owing to the absence of observational data. Conclusions: The RMDQ, flexibility, and ADL tests rarely correlated with each other, suggesting they represent distinct constructs that measure different outcomes. Therefore, exercise trainers are recommended to incorporate both self-reported and performance-based assessments when evaluating disability in CLBP patients. Additionally, alongside quantitative measures, qualitative assessments should be used to evaluate movement quality during ADLs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Mental imagery (MI) is frequently used in rehabilitation, often in stationary settings. However, recent studies indicate that incorporating MI during exercise could substantially alleviate pain. Purpose: The objective of this study is to determine whether combining myofascial training with MI is more effective than exercise alone in reducing pain, enhancing flexibility, improving functional performance, and increasing quality of life in women with chronic low back pain (CLBP). Materials and Methods: Thirty women were assigned to one of three groups: the "Exercise Group" (EG), the "Exercise plus MI Group" (MIG), and the "Control Group" (CG). The exercise sessions included stretching and self-myofascial release (SMR) using foam rollers (FRs). Both experimental groups (EXGs) performed identical exercises; however, the MIG also received MI instructions during the workouts. Measurements were taken at four time points: baseline, after 9 sessions, after 18 sessions, and 2 weeks after intervention. The assessed variables included pain intensity, hamstring and spinal flexibility, functional performance in daily activity simulations, and quality of life as measured by the RAND SF-36. Results: Significant pain reduction was observed only in the MIG. Both EXGs showed significant improvements in flexibility, with MIG achieving some scores superior to those of the CG. Functional performance improved across all tests in both EXGs, with more pronounced gains in the MIG. For the RAND SF-36, the EG showed better results in the "Bodily Pain" dimension. In the "Physical Functioning" dimension, both EXGs demonstrated similar positive results. However, significant improvements in "Vitality" and "Health Change" were observed only in the MIG. Conclusions: Myofascial training was effective in reducing pain and improving functional capacity and quality of life in women with CLBP. However, incorporating MI instructions during exercise produced more substantial benefits, suggesting a promising new approach for managing chronic musculoskeletal disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to examine parental perceptions about Health Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) of typical education and special education students in Greece. The Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) was administered to the parents of 251 children from typical schools, 46 students attending integration classes (IC) within a typical school and 97 students attending special education (segregated) schools. A two-way analysis of covariance indicated that, compared to their typically developing peers, children attending special education schools and IC were reported by their parents to have lower PedsQL scores. Compared to children attending special education schools, children attending IC showed no differences in all PedsQL domains but the emotional domain score (p < 0.05). Based on parents' responses, further improvements in special education settings and environments in the Greek educational system might be necessary to improve the HRQOL of students with disabilities.

Mental imagery (MI) is a psychological technique traditionally applied outside exercise contexts. However, recent studies indicate its potential benefits during physical activity, particularly for enhancing positive emotions and self-regulation of exercise behavior. While existing questionnaires capture aspects of MI regarding the exercise, none are specifically designed to evaluate MI during training. Therefore, it is necessary to create a new questionnaire. Establishing its content validity (CV) is the initial step in this process. Despite its importance for subsequent validity assessments and the reliability of the measurement instrument, CV is often overlooked or superficially addressed, possibly owing to a lack of comprehensive guidelines. In response to these needs, the aim of this study was to develop the "Imagery during Exercise Questionnaire-Gym Version" (IdEQ-GV) to assess the functions of MI during exercise and to measure its CV. This study also provides a step-by-step presentation of the content validation process. The development of the IdEQ-GV involved instrument design and judgmental evidence from academic experts and lay experts (i.e., potential research subjects). The first version of the questionnaire, consisting of 34 items across 6 dimensions, was assessed by three content experts who evaluated its CV in terms of relevance, essentiality, clarity, and comprehensiveness and provided feedback. The second version, comprising 28 items across 5 dimensions, was re-evaluated by content experts and discussed in cognitive interviews with 13 gym members, who also provided feedback and scores regarding comprehensibility and comprehensiveness. After making the necessary modifications, the third version of the IdEQ-GV, containing 24 items, was evaluated by a new sample of 20 exercisers for comprehensibility. The methods used to quantify CV included the content validity index (CVI), the scale-level CVI (S-CVI), which comprises the average CVI (S-CVI/Ave) and universal agreement (UA) among experts (S-CVI/UA), and the content validity ratio (CVR). The IdEQ-GV was found to have an excellent CV regarding relevance, with an S-CVI/UA of 1.00. For clarity, the S-CVI/Ave was 0.95. For essentiality, the average CVR of the scale was 0.83. For comprehensiveness, according to the content experts' scores, the S-CVI/Ave was 0.93, while the first sample of exercisers gave it a perfect score. Regarding comprehensibility, the final sample of exercisers rated the SCVI/Ave at 0.93. Through this analytical process, it has been established that the IdEQ-GV has excellent content validity and is now ready for widespread distribution to establish additional psychometric properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Apply It!: By reading this article fitness professionals will: • Be informed of the basic concepts of mental imagery (MI). • Learn how to use MI techniques to enhance the technique, the strategies, and the psychological states of the exercisers, adding to their exercise class's creativity and imagination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Mental imagery (MI) is a psychological technique that is traditionally used in the absence of movement by athletes, exercisers, and dancers. In the few instances that MI (i.e., the formation of mental images) was investigated during exercise, it was found that it may produce positive emotional responses. Therefore, its use during movement deserves further investigation. Objective: The aim of the present research was to investigate the types and functions of MI used by gym members during their workouts (i.e., what do they imagine and why), both when the images are dictated by the instructors (i.e., guided MI) and when generated by the exercisers (i.e., personalized MI). Additionally, to examine if MI use is influenced by individual characteristics. Methods: A total of 130 exercisers completed the Exercise Imagery Pilot Questionnaire-Gym Version, which investigates through open and close-ended questions the characteristics of MI used during work-outs. Data were analysed with SPSS (descriptive statistics, analysis of frequencies, and chi-square test of independence). Regarding the types and functions of MI, the answers of the exercisers in the open-ended questions were grouped into common categories. Results: More than half of the exercisers responded that they use MI while exercising. Younger adults were more prone to use MI than older ones. The most frequent type of guided MI was “metaphorical images” and of personalized MI “images of other places”. MI was mainly used for motivational reasons, for example, to distract attention from tiredness and pain and to make the exercisers feel peaceful and relaxed. Conclusions: These findings indicate that MI is used creatively by exercisers, mainly to reduce exercise-induced unpleasant sensations and enhance pleasant feelings during exercise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: On of the most important challenges nowadays is to improve the health of workers globally. Since 2005, the World Health Organization (WHO), through its Regional Office for Europe, has recognized the importance of employee well-being and of the prevention of health problems in the workplace. Aim: The aim of the study was to describe the musculoskeletal profile of miners by recording the possible deficits and dysfunctions of their musculoskeletal system. One of its objectives was to create and implement educational material for the prevention and improvement of musculoskeletal diseases. Materials and method: The sample consisted of 100 Greek miners with an average age of 39 (±8) and 1.6 (±0.5) years of work experience in mine tunnels. The programme included the recording of musculoskeletal disorders and the evaluation of the subjects' knowledge for the prevention and management of musculoskeletal pain after the implementation of the programmme as well as their subsequent relationship with physical exercise and its benefits. Data collection was done through personal interview and questionnaires. The corresponding educational material was created in printed and electronic form, based on the results of the assessment. Training included theoretical and hands-on hourly seminars that lasted 4 months. Upon completion, employees were evaluated by answering questions related to their training material. Results: The results showed that most of the miners did not maintain the correct position during their work. The pain intensity was significantly dependent on area of body (Chi-Square(1)=12.36, p<0.001) and the scale of "physical-body health» showed higher scores in subjects who did not experience pain (F=4.26, p=0.042). Also following the implementation of the programme the knowledge of the employees regarding the prevention and treatment of musculoskeletal disorders was very good. Conclusions: According to the above, the implemented methodology was effective and can be applied to other working populations by adapting the training material accordingly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of a muscular training program on soccer players' performance which initially appeared imbalanced or bilaterally asymmetrical. During the preparation period, 35 soccer players perforated an isokinetic measurement of knee flexors and extensors ([60[degrees].sup.-1] and 180[degrees] [sec.sup.-1]). 15 of these had muscular imbalances or deficits and followed a specific isokinetic training program for 2 mo., 3 times per week. After the completion of the isokinetic training program, the 35 players underwent the same isokinetic test. Significant differences were noted between the pre- and posttraining measures at botln angular velocities in peak torque values, in differences from one limb to the other, and in peak torque ratios for flexors and extensors. Consequently, the application of this specific isokinetic training program can restore imbalances in knee muscle strength efficiently.

The aim was to assess whether balance training would improve down hill skiing for 30 physical education students who had no previous skiing experience and were randomly assigned to two groups. The control group attended only ski lessons for two weeks, 2 to 4 hours daily. The experimental group attended downhill ski lessons and indoor balance training on a balance board, wearing ski boots, for 20 rain, every second day in the afternoon. All participants before training completed a balance assessment (stability indices). After the completion of the ski classes, all repeated the balance assessment and two downhill ski tests of agility, slalom and snow-ploughing techniques. Analysis of variance with repeated measures showed both groups improved balance similarly, but the experimental group performed significantly better on the downhill slalom agility test, so the specific indoor balance training was helpful.