Faculty of Education, Health and Wellbeing

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Bone mineral density varies throughout the skeleton of athletes dependent on their sport: Allometric modelling identifies the “effective” forces associated with body mass
(Elsevier, 2025-04-22) Nevill, Alan M.; Wallace, Eric; Stewart, Arthur D.; Wyon, Matthew; School of Sport, University of Wolverhampton
Objective Bone mineral density (BMD) varies throughout the skeleton with the differences influenced by the type of sport, body mass and participant’s age. What is not so well understood is how body mass influences BMD across different sites. Design Proportional allometric modelling on cross-sectional data Method Male athletes (n = 106) from 8 different athletic groups and controls (n = 15) were scanned by dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and analysed for total body composition and BMD of the ribs, arms, thoracic spine, lumber spine, pelvis and legs. Results ANOVA identified significant differences in BMD between “sites”, “sports” and site-by-sport interaction (all P < 0.001). By introducing body mass and age as covariates, the “sites” differences disappeared. The explanation is due to the systematic difference in body-mass exponents (ki), with lowest positioned sites (e.g. legs) having the steepest slopes, and the elevated sites (e.g. arms having the shallowest slopes. To illustrate, the arm-mass exponent was approximately 0.33 indicating that for a 75 kg male, arm BMD responds to forces associated with body mass = (75)0.33 = 5 kg. For the same individual, the leg-mass exponent was closer to 0.66 suggesting that leg BMD responds to forces associated with body mass = (75)0.66 = 25 kg. Conclusion The model for BMD identified that (body mass)ki plays a crucial role in determining the effective forces (both gravitational/ground reaction and compressional forces) operating throughout the skeleton, where ki systematically increases the lower the bone is situated, a mechanism that also explains why activities involving running benefit the leg BMD compared with weight-supported activities (e.g., rowing).
In your own write; for English wherever I may find her: De-territorialising writing
(Routledge, 2022-09-27) Bennett, Peter; Scott, Howard; Bennett, Pete; Lambert, Louise; Smith, Rob
This chapter offers an account of an intervention within a university-based ‘Access to Higher Education’ programme. The context is important because transitions always are and as such are also places where pauses may be made for thought. It is in this ‘hiatus’ that the authors find time and space to genuinely negotiate literacy with the University of Opportunity, an institution which was the first and only university to waive requirements for ‘passes’ in GCSE English and maths for applicants. The chapter explores the ongoing writing project which both addresses issues around widening participation and social justice in its desire to find alternative ways to validate students as they arrive. As English teachers, working as academics in an Institute of Education and substantially focused on Teacher Education for the post-compulsory (PCE) sector, the authors found themselves experiencing and negotiating a set of issues around genuine access to university education but also finding simple principled responses within their previous practices as teachers of the subject previously known as English. These issues had nothing to do with course content or indeed curriculum, which can always be more responsive but are never more than, but was rather concerned with the creation of a community of readers and writers, where every writer could be assured of a welcome and readers. Appropriately, this process is also called ‘being included’, the ‘subject’ around which all were invited or indeed allowed to meet.
Reading Rita and saving Arthur Seaton: Exploring mature students’ scholarly ‘becoming’ and the failures of working-class education
(BERA, 2024-09-19) Givans, Nysha Chantel; Bennett, Peter
This is a blogpost detailing a presentation on research at BERA ECR Journey: At Crossroads of Becoming Conference at the University of Leeds in June 2024.
“People Are still not receiving good care because of who they are” : An account of inequalities of elderly people from ethnic minorities in the UK
(Springer Nature Switzerland, 2024-05-08) Kanjilal, Mahuya; Arnull, Elaine; Faculty of Education and Health Work, University of Wolverhampton
The UK is the home or second home of 18% of the total population (2021) from an ethnic minority background. For some of these population groups, migration occurred during the mid-twentieth century, and this means they now form part of the elderly population, which has led to a rapidly changing profile of the older UK population. Living in a culturally different country has also created challenges for the elderly ethnic population where cultural expectations around care are impacted by their family’s capacity to provide care and the availability (or not) of culturally appropriate services. Disparities among ethnic minorities across a range of social and healthcare outcomes are not new; however, the COVID-19 pandemic exposed inequalities like never before. In light of the above, this chapter explores the historical inequalities experienced by an ageing ethnic population and the social and economic factors which led to or contributed to these disparities and which are evidenced in the UK deprivation data. This chapter highlights some of the major changes in social policies and explores their related impact on elderly minority populations. Understanding the experience of inequalities by an ageing ethnic population is incomplete without also including the accounts of service providers and the challenges of providing services and support. Finally, this chapter presented how elderly ethnic minority people have negotiated (and continue to negotiate) an uncertain future in the UK as a resilient and resourceful community.
Sumud as connected learning: towards a collective digital commons in Palestine
(Ubiquity Press, 2025-03-06) Scott, Howard; Ujvari, Montaser Motia; Bakeer, Aida; Shanaa, Khaled; Faculty of Education, Health and Wellbeing
This paper postulates how connected learning in Palestine is characterised by the metaphor of Sumud as a steadfast resistance to disruption. We propose that the metaphor of Sumud symbolises connectedness for displaced people, whose need for connected learning encompasses a cultural and critical pedagogy, heritage, and self-determination. Palestinians exist in paradoxes we explore, particularly in those who seek to remain in their homeland but also as free to travel, study and work abroad, none of which are simple. For those who stay, education equates to an attempted continuity of normal life, which is explored through discussions with higher education teachers as part of this paper’s research design. We use Sumud to symbolize connected learning grounded in a sovereign culture that displaced communities may otherwise lose. Drawing from data resulting from an Erasmus+–funded project between the UK and Palestine, we underpin a proposal for a digital commons. The digital commons is presented as a potential toolkit of decentralised online spaces for shared learning opportunities, encapsulating Sumud for connected learning among displaced people. We propose that a theoretical framework for Sumud as a metaphor for critical pedagogy must reconcile the separate constituents of safe online spaces, social aspiration, cultural sovereignty, and political displacement and that this is manifest in the toolkit.
Variations in the participation of subject teachers of level 3 vocational courses in the university advice process in three low participation neighbourhood schools
(International Education Studies Association, 2024-12-23) Etches, Alison
This research was undertaken in the Midlands of England in three state schools whose catchment was from low participation neighbourhoods in higher education (LPNs). It mobilised Q methodology (Stephenson 1935, 1953) with a card sort in which participants rank their views. The purpose was to explore vocational subject teachers’ (VST) participation in the sixth form university advice and guidance process from the perspectives of three stakeholders. This is a contribution to existing research, which traditionally has focussed on roles, participation and experiences of heads of sixth form, A-level teachers and A-level pupils (Oliver and Kettley, 2010; Burgess, 2018). Vocational qualifications are known to be an important route of access to HE for pupils from under-resourced backgrounds (Round, Brownlees et al., 2012; Gicheva and Petrie, 2018; Banerjee and Myhill, 2019; Atherton 2021). I chose to explore how VSTs participate in the university advice process in order to examine ways in which they assist their pupils with careers and higher education information advice and guidance (C/HEIAG). During the time in which the research was being undertaken, the Gatsby Benchmarks (DfE, 2017) developed from being statutory guidance (DfE, 2018) to part of the Ofsted framework (Ofsted, 2021). Benchmark 4 requires subject teachers to link the curriculum to careers. This study also enabled me to capture a glimpse of the extent to which Benchmark 4 appeared to be influencing the practice of VSTs with their sixth-form pupils. Across the three schools, a sample of five VSTs, 19 pupils and three leaders of sixth form volunteered to participate. I found that participants identified not only that there was inconsistency in the extent to which VSTs participated in assisting pupils with university advice, they also outlined reasons why they believed this was the case. This article will explore those three reasons. I conclude that participants believed that university advice is part of a VST’s role, although they feel engagement in university advice by VSTs varies. VSTs also reported that they are not being awarded sufficient time or access to training in higher education information advice and guidance (HEIAG) skills; furthermore, VSTs were motivated in their commitment to assisting pupils with university advice by personal and social justice beliefs, as opposed to Gatsby Benchmark 4.
Gut microbiota and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD): emerging pathogenic mechanisms and therapeutic implications
(MDPI, 2025-03-04) Abdelhameed, Farah; Mustafa, Attia; Kite, Chris; Lagojda, Lukasz; Dallaway, Alexander; Than, Nwe Ni; Kassi, Eva; Kyrou, Ioannis; Randeva, Harpal S.
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), recently redefined as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), is the most common cause of chronic liver disease worldwide. Characterized by excessive hepatic fat accumulation, this disease encompasses a spectrum from simple steatosis to more severe forms, including steatohepatitis, fibrosis, and cirrhosis. Emerging evidence highlights the pivotal role of gut dysbiosis in the pathogenesis of MASLD. Dysbiosis disrupts the gut–liver axis, an intricate communication network that regulates metabolic, immune, and barrier functions. Alterations in gut microbiota composition, increased gut permeability, and translocation of pro-inflammatory metabolites/factors have been shown to trigger liver inflammatory and fibrotic cascades, exacerbating hepatic inflammation and injury. Recent studies have identified microbiome signatures associated with MASLD, offering promise as non-invasive diagnostic biomarkers and paving the way for new potential therapeutic strategies targeting gut dysbiosis. This review explores the crucial role of the gut microbiota in MASLD pathogenesis and highlights the need for further targeted research in this field to validate microbial biomarkers and optimize therapeutic strategies. Comprehensive understanding of the gut–liver axis may enable innovative diagnostic and therapeutic approaches, transforming the clinical management of MASLD.
Attachment insecurity, bullying victimisation in the workplace, and the experience of burnout
(Elsevier, 2024-11-19) Sochos, Antigonos; Rossiter, Louise
Introduction: Although burnout is perhaps the most frequently reported work-related correlate of attachment insecurity, the role of mitigating variables in that link is less well researched. Objective: The paper investigates the mediational role of workplace bullying and perceived social support in the link between attachment insecurity and burnout. It was hypothesised that insecurely attached employees would develop burnout via three pathways: (a) by becoming the victims of workplace bullying, (b) by perceiving relatively low support from managers and colleagues due to their attachment insecurity, and (c) by perceiving lower support from managers and colleagues due to them having been bullied. Method: Two hundred and twenty-two employees from various completed the following questionnaires: Experiences in Close Relationships Questionnaire – Revised, Revised Negative Acts Questionnaire, Social Support Scale, Maslach Burnout Inventory – General Survey. Results: SEM analysis suggested that the two models tested had a good fit, indicating different pathways from bullying to burnout depending on type of attachment insecurity. Conclusion: Findings could inform interventions empowering victims of bullying and help organisations deal with this serious problem.
Co-producing social work knowledge: collaborative approaches between communities, practitioners and social work educators
(Taylor & Francis, 2025-02-24) Kanjilal, Mahuya; Arnull, Elaine
This paper addresses how social work education can promote concepts of community, trust, and the development of sustained professional and community-engaged relationships. We use case studies to highlight collaborative practice with stakeholders and emphasize how insider knowledge plays a crucial role in the design and implementation of more inclusive interventions. This new knowledge moves away from problem-oriented social work interventions and embraces a holistic community development approach. Drawing on our empirical work and international social work we show how and why it is important to include these approaches in social work education utilizing co-produced digital methods such as seminars, podcasts and videos. Drawing on two localities in England we highlight how through collaboration and building trust, new, co-produced knowledge can lead to a shift toward a more holistic approach to social work concerns including Social Work education and practice. We argue this matters because in the recent past social work and other statutory organizations practice with communities and regarding safeguarding fell short (Independent Inquiry into Telford Child Sexual Exploitation IITCSE, 2022). In this paper we emphasize implications of co-produced knowledge and applications in social work education. Moreover, we show how collaborative practice can address discrimination, exploitation and violence and social work education be enhanced.
The role of depressive symptoms and social support in the association of internet addiction with non-suicidal self-injury among adolescents: a cohort study in China
(BioMed Central, 2023-05-09) Ma, Ying; Li, Yanqi; Xie, Xinyi; Zhang, Yi; Ammerman, Brooke A.; Lewis, Stephen P.; Chen, Ruoling; Yu, Yizhen; Li, Fenghua; Tang, Jie; Department of Child Healthcare, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, P.R. China.
Background: Both internet addiction (IA) and non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) are major public health concerns among adolescents, however, the association between IA and NSSI was not well understood. We aimed to investigate the association between IA and NSSI within a cohort study, and explore the mediated effect of depressive symptoms and the moderating effect of social support in the association. Methods: A total of 1530 adolescents aged 11–14 years who completed both the baseline (T1) and 14-month follow-up (T2) survey of the Chinese Adolescent Health Growth Cohort were included for the current analysis. IA, NSSI, depressive symptoms and social support were measured at T1; depressive symptoms and NSSI were measured again at T2. Structural equation models were employed to estimate the mediated effect of depressive symptoms and the moderating effect of social support in the association between IA and NSSI at T2. Results: IA was independently associated with an increased risk of NSSI at T2, with the total effect of 0.113 (95%CI 0.055–0.174). Depressive symptoms mediated the association between IA and NSSI at T2, and social support moderated the indirect but not the direct effect of IA on NSSI at T2. Sex differences were found on the mediated effect of depressive symptoms and the moderated mediation effect of social support. Conclusions: Interventions that target adolescents’ NSSI who also struggle with IA may need to focus on reducing depressive symptoms and elevating social support.
Impact of PM2.5 exposure in old age and its interactive effect with smoking on incidence of diabetes
(Elsevier, 2024-09-21) Chen, Anthony; Yin, Jiaqian; Ma, Ying; Hou, Jian; Zhou, Weiju; Bai, Zhongliang; Qin, Xia; Hu, Zhi; Chen, Yuntao; Brunner, Eric John; Kan, Haidong; Chen, Ruoling; Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University College London, UK.
Purpose: To determine the impact of PM2.5 exposure in old age and its interactive effect with smoking on incident diabetes. Methods: A total of 2766 participants aged ≥60 years in China were interviewed at baseline for disease risk factors in 2001–03 and were then followed up for 10 years to document incident diabetes. They were assessed for daily PM2.5 exposure in 2005. Multivariate Cox regression models were used to examine the association of PM2.5 exposure with incident diabetes and interactive effect between PM2.5 and smoking on incident diabetes. Results: During the cohort follow-up, 176 participants developed diabetes. The incidence of diabetes increased with PM2.5 exposure; the multiple-adjusted hazard ratio (HR) of diabetes was 2.27 (95 % CI 1.36–3.77) in participants with PM2.5 at ≥62.0 μg/m3 compared to those at <62.0 μg/m3. There was a significant interaction effect of PM2.5 with smoking on increased risk of diabetes. The adjusted HR for participants exposed to PM2.5 levels ≥62.0 μg/m3 who smoked was 4.39 (95 % CI 1.72–11.21), while for non-smokers it was 1.65 (95 % CI 0.88–3.09), compared to those at <62.0 μg/m3. Conclusions: Exposure to PM2.5 in old age was associated with an increased incidence of diabetes and smoking enhanced the impact of PM2.5 on diabetic risk. These findings underscore the urgent need for air quality improvement measures and smoking cessation programs to mitigate the risk of diabetes in aging populations.
Association of social capital with self-perceived eHealth literacy among community-dwelling older people: Age and gender differences
(Frontiers Media, 2023-04-14) Cao, Chenglin; Cao, Wenwen; Zheng, Xin; Ji, Kai; Wu, Yunwei; Hu, Zhi; Chen, Ruoling; Bai, Zhongliang; Department of Health Services Management, School of Health Services Management, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.
Background: Studies have confirmed that social factors, including social capital and eHealth literacy, are important in later life. Currently, few studies are available for determining the relationship between social capital and eHealth literacy, and whether such a relationship exists among older people and there are age and gender differences in the relationship remain unclear. Consequently, this study aimed to investigate the association between social capital and eHealth literacy, specifically examing its variations in age and gender. Methods: A cross-sectional study of 4,257 residents aged ≥ 60 years and dwelling in the community was conducted across four cities in China. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data on general characteristics, socioeconomic status, social capital, and eHealth literacy. Generalized linear models were employed to assess these associations. Results: There were 4,218 respondents (age 71.9 ± 7.2 years; 64.8% women). Overall, social participation, social connection, trust, cohesion, and reciprocity were all statistically associated with eHealth literacy (p < 0.05), while such an association was not observed for social support (p > 0.05). Specifically, a higher level of social participation was associated with better eHealth literacy scores among participants aged 70–79 years (p < 0.001), and a higher level of social connection was associated with better eHealth literacy scores for those aged 60–69 and 70–79 years (p < 0.001). Meanwhile, no gender differences in the associations were found. Conclusion: There is an association between social capital and eHealth literacy in older men and women. The association varis with age. The findings provide a reference for developing targeted measures to improve self-perceived eHealth literacy among older people. It is essential for achieving active and healthy aging and developing the knowledge and understanding of relevant theories, concepts, and evidence within the field of health and social capital.
Pregnancy loss was associated with the increased risk of cardiovascular diseases in middle-aged women: evidence from the China health and retirement longitudinal study
(Ubiquity Press, 2025-01-09) Yang, Xiaoyan; Fan, Qingling; Shen, Can; Hou, Ruirui; Chen, Ruoling; Yin, Jiaqian; Xiang, Huifeng; Cao, Yunxia; Peng, Xiaoqing; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China.
Objectives: Significant associations between pregnancy loss and risk of future maternal cardiovascular disease (CVD) have been found in Western countries, but the association in China is still unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the associations of pregnancy loss, number of pregnancy losses, subtype of pregnancy loss (i.e. induced abortion, miscarriage and stillbirth) and age at the first pregnancy loss with CVD risk in Chinese population. Methods: We examined data of 7,486 middle-aged women (mean age 58.1 years) from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study. Pregnancy loss and CVD including coronary heart disease (CHD) and stroke were self-reported and documented in surveys. Results: In the cohort, 1,850 (24.7%) women experienced pregnancy loss. Over 39 years follow-up, 2,055 (27.5%) women developed CVD. After adjusting covariates, pregnancy loss was associated with the risk of CVD (HR 1.73, 95% CI 1.56 to 1.92). Specifically, pregnancy loss due to induced abortion and miscarriage instead of stillbirth increased CVD (HR 2.11, 95% CI 1.82 to 2.44, and 1.47, 95% CI 1.16 to 1.72, respectively). The risk of CVD gradually increased from ≤23 years to 23–25, 26–29 and ≥30 years with HR 1.29, 95% CI 1.24 to 1.34. Conclusion: Chinese women that have experienced pregnancy loss due to induced abortion and miscarriage had increased risk of CVD. The risk increased with the number of pregnancy losses and older age at the first pregnancy loss.
Complex association of self-rated health, depression, functional ability with loneliness in rural community-dwelling older people
(BioMed Central, 2023-05-04) Cao, Wenwen; Cao, Chenglin; Ren, Bohua; Yang, Jing; Chen, Ruoling; Hu, Zhi; Bai, Zhongliang; Department of Health Services Management, School of Health Services Management, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China.
Background: This study aimed to explore whether and how self-rated health, depression and functional ability interactively associated with loneliness using a sample group of older adults residing in China rural communities. Methods: Data on socio-demographic information, self-rated health, depressive symptoms, functional ability and loneliness (quantified via a single question) were collected from 1009 participants. Cross-tabulations with chi-square test, bivariate correlations, and Classification and Regression Tree (CART) models were employed for analysis. Results: We found that 45.1% of the participants were classified as lonely. Our results gain insight into the hierarchical order of predictors for the presence of loneliness, suggesting that there was a significant interaction between functional ability and depressive symptoms while self-rated health was not a significant factor. The probability of loneliness increased with the combination of limited functional ability and depression, and varied with different interaction of functional ability, depressive symptoms, and marital status, respectively. Notably, while there were some differences, similar associations were observed among older male and female respondents. Conclusion: To delay or reduce loneliness, early detection which focuses on older people who report limitations in functional ability, depression, and being female, offers opportunities to start early interventions. Our findings might be helpful not only in designing and implementing loneliness prevention programs but also in improving healthcare for older rural community-dwelling people.
Association between egg consumption and dementia in Chinese adults
(MDPI, 2024-10-01) Igbinigie, Precious O.; Chen, Ruoling; Tang, James Jie; Dregan, Alexandru; Yin, Jiaqian; Acharya, Dev; Nadim, Rizwan; Chen, Anthony; Bai, Zhongliang; Amirabdollahian, Farzad; Faculty of Education, Health and Wellbeing, University of Wolverhampton, Wolverhampton WV1 1LY, UK.
Background/Objectives: The association between egg consumption and dementia is unclear. We carried out a population-based case-control study in China to determine the independent association of egg consumption with dementia. Methods: We randomly recruited 233 participants with dementia and 233 without dementia from the community health service clinics and the dementia management system in Guangzhou, China to examine their dietary intakes over the past two years and other risk factors for chronic diseases. Egg consumption was categorised by frequency as Non-consuming/
The efficacy of physical fitness training on dance injury: a systematic review
(Georg Thieme Verlag, 2024-08-16) Dang, Yanan; Chen, Ruoling; Koutedakis, Yiannis; Wyon, Matthew; Faculty of Humanities, Beijing Dance Academy, Walsall, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
Greater levels of physical fitness have been linked to improved dance performance and decreased injury incidence. The aim was to review the efficacy of physical fitness training on dance injury. The electronic databases CINAHL, Cochrane Library, PubMed, Web of Science, MEDLINE, China National Knowledge Infrastructure were used to search peer-reviewed published articles in English or Chinese. Studies were scored using Strength of the Evidence for a Conclusion and a risk bias checklist. 10 studies met the inclusion criteria from an initial 2450 publications. These studies offered physical fitness training for professional (n = 3) and pre-professional dancers (n = 7), participant sample size ranged between 5 to 62, ages from 11 to 27 years, and most participants were females. Assessment scores were classified as Fair (n = 1), Limited (n = 7), and Expert Opinion Only (n = 2) and risk of bias scores ranged from 22.7-68.2 %. After physical fitness training, 80 % of studies reported significant benefits in injury rate, the time between injuries, pain intensity, pain severity, missed dance activities and injury count. This review suggests that physical fitness training could have a beneficial effect on injury incidence in dance. The evidence is limited by the current study methodologies. Ein höheres Maß an körperlicher Fitness wurde mit einer besseren Tanzleistung und einer geringeren Verletzungshäufigkeit in Verbindung gebracht. Ziel war es, die Wirksamkeit von körperlichem Fitnesstraining bei Tanzverletzungen zu untersuchen. Die elektronischen Datenbanken CINAHL, Cochrane Library, PubMed, Web of Science, MEDLINE und China National Knowledge Infrastructure wurden für die Suche nach Peer-begutachteten vVEröffentlichungen in englischer oder chinesischer Sprache genutzt. Die Studien wurden in Bezug auf deren Evidenz für eine Schlussfolgerung und einer Checkliste zum Risiko von Verzerrungen bewertet. 10 Studien erfüllten die Einschlusskriterien von ursprünglich 2450 Veröffentlichungen. In diesen Studien wurde körperliches Fitnesstraining für professionelle (n = 3) und semiprofessionelle Tänzer (n = 7) angeboten, die Teilnehmerzahl lag zwischen 5 und 62, das Alter zwischen 11 und 27 Jahren, und die meisten Teilnehmer waren weiblich. Die Bewertungsergebnisse wurden als befriedigend (n = 1), eingeschränkt (n = 7) und als reine Expertenmeinung (n = 2) eingestuft. Die Werte für das Risiko von Verzerrungen reichten von 22,7 bis 68,2 %. Nach einem körperlichen Fitnesstraining zeigten 80 % der Studien signifikante Vorteile bei der Verletzungsrate, der Zeit zwischen den Verletzungen, der Schmerzintensität, der Schmerzstärke, den verpassten Tanzaktivitäten und der Anzahl der Verletzungen. Diese Übersicht legt nahe, dass körperliches Fitnesstraining eine positive Wirkung auf die Verletzungshäufigkeit im Tanzsport haben könnte. Die Beweise sind durch die derzeitige Studienmethodik begrenzt.
Adverse childhood experiences, their co-occurrence profiles, and mental disorders in adults in China
(Elsevier, 2025-01-24) Chen, Ruoling
The effects of 8-week dance and tai chi randomised controlled trial on balance, wellbeing and moods among healthy adults aged 18-60: a study protocol
(SAGE, 2025-02-28) Lu, Jie; Ngo, Jake K.; Devonport, Tracey; Wyon, Matthew
Purpose: The aim of the proposed randomised controlled study is to compare the effects and efficacy of a dance, a Tai Chi and a waiting list control group intervention over an eight-week period on physical functions and mental benefits among non-clinical adults aged between 18 and 60. Method: A double-blind, randomised controlled trial will be adopted to evaluate the effects and efficacy of an eight-week dance intervention compared with Tai Chi and a control group on physical and mental benefits. Participants will be randomly assigned to three groups, dance, Tai Chi, and Control group, using stratified random sampling based on sex. Isometric Mid-thigh Pull (IMTP), YBalance test (YBT), Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale (WEMWBS), and The Brunel Mood Scale (BRUMS) are utilized for collecting physical and mental data. All measurements will be conducted by research assistants blinded to participants’ group allocation and analysis will be carried out by statistician blinded to the group and test parameters. Expected result: Mental wellbeing parameters are predicted to be increasing during the learning phase and the physical parameters are predicted to have an improvement in the practising phase.
Letter to the editors
(Royal Statistical Society / Oxford University Press, 1995-05) Nevill, Alan M.
Postdigital learning analytics
(Springer Nature, 2025-01-18) Scott, Howard; Jandrić, Petar
With the ubiquity of Learning Management Systems (LMS), Virtual Learning Environments (VLE), wearable technologies, mobile applications, and web-based platforms in education, Learning Analytics (LA) has become an appealing area to institutions and is a strong selling point for commercial products. Those promoting LA offer educators, institutions, and students’ insights into teaching and learning, to help them shape and optimise future learning experiences. However, LA also presents a range of challenges and potential ethical issues, which convey a wider reading of contemporary forces surrounding formal education.

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