Performance Evaluation of a Communication Plan Implementation for Behaviour Change in People at Risk of Type 2 Diabetes in the Commune of Tchaourou in Benin

Introduction: There are very few programmes to delay or prevent diabetes in Africa. This study aims to evaluate the communication plan implementation to reduce risk factors for Type 2 diabetes in people at risk. Methods: The cross-sectional evaluative study focuses on the resources used for the implementation of the programme, the activities carried out and the beneficiaries of the programme. The non-probabilistic method was used to select. All target populations under study with appropriate sampling techniques. The performance of the communication plan implementation for behaviour change was assessed through the three sub-variables of evaluation of Donabedian health programmes: structure, process and results. The components assessment was based on the Varkevisser scale. The performance of the communication plan implementation for behaviour change was obtained by the sum of the scores of the three sub-variables. Results: The performance of the communication plan implementation for behaviour change was satisfactory in all programme villages at 89%. The establishment of the research team, the management team and the technical team, the availability of financial resources on a timely basis, the follow-up of nutritionists, sports teachers and peer educators, the implementation of the programme package and the home coaching of the targets were effective in all the programme villages of the study. The scores for structure performance, process performance, and results performance were 100%, 95%, and 83.8%, respectively. The involvement of the entire research team, the commitment of local authorities and the motivation of the targets were also important in the obtained result. Conclusion: This study shows that effective T2D preventive communication is possible at community level in Benin and probably in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Racial variation of aerobic and anaerobic performances in sedentary men

The present study was designed to compare the effect of racial variations on short- and incremental maximal exercises in sedentary men whites (WT) and blacks (BT) Tunisian and South African (SA). In a randomized order, thirty-six physically sedentary men including 12 BT, 12 WT, and 12 SA were asked to perform a force-velocity (i.e., determination of maximal power (Pmax), F0, and V0) and a treadmill maximal aerobic (i.e., determination of maximal oxygen uptake (VO2 max)) tests. Pmax and F0 were significantly higher in SA than WT (p 0 values. Moreover, VO2 max was significantly higher in SA and BT than WT (p < 0.001). However, no significant difference was observed between SA and BT. Compared to white subjects, the present study’ results suggest the superiority of blacks races on aerobic and anaerobic exercises in physically sedentary men.

Effectiveness and time-course adaptation of resistance training vs. plyometric training in prepubertal soccer players

Purpose:This study aimed to assess the effectiveness and time course for improvements in explosive actions through resistance training(RT)vs.plyometric training(PT)in prepubertal soccer players.Methods:Thirty-four male subjects were assigned to:a control group(n=11);an RT group(5 regular soccer training sessions per week,n=12);a PT group(3 soccer training sessions and 2 RT sessions per week,n=11).The outcome measures included tests for the assessment of muscle strength(e.g.,1 repetition maximum half-squat test),jump ability(e.g.,countermovement jump,squat jump,standing long jump,and multiple 5 bounds test),linear speed(e.g.,20m sprint test),and change of direction(e.g.,Illinois change of direction test).Results:The RTG showed an improvement in the half-squat(△=13.2%;d=1.3,p<0.001)and countermovement jump(△=9.4%;d=2.4,p<0.001)at Week 4,whereas improvements in the 20-m sprint(△=4.2%;d=1.1,p<0.01);change of direction(CoD)(△=3.8%;d=2.1,p<0.01);multiple 5 bounds(△=5.1%;d=1.5,p<0.05);standing long jump(△=7.2%;d=1.2,p<0.01);squat jump(△=19.6%;d=1.5,p<0.01);were evident at Week 8.The PTG showed improvements in CoD(△=2.1%;d=1.3,p<0.05);standing long jump(△=9.3%;d=1.1,p<0.01);countermovement jump(△=16.1%;d=1.2,p<0.01);and squat jump(△=16.7%;d=1.4,p<0.01);at Week 8 whereas improvements in the 20-m sprint(△=4.1%;d=1.3,p<0.01);and multiple 5 bounds(△=7.4%;d=2.4,p<0.001);were evident only after Week.The RT and PT groups showed improvements in all sprint,CoD,and jump tests(p<0.05)and in half-squat performance,for which improvement was only shown within the RTG(p<0.001).Conclusion:RT and PT conducted in combination with regular soccer training are safe and feasible interventions for prepubertal soccer players.In addition,these interventions were shown to be effective training tools to improve explosive actions with different time courses of improvements,which manifested earlier in the RTG than in the PTG.These outcomes may help coaches and fitness trainers set out clear and concise goals of training according to the specific time course of improvement difference between RT and PT on proxies of athletic performance of prepubertal soccer players.

Modifiable Behavioral Risk Factors Associated with Biological Risk Factors in Subjects at Risk of Type 2 Diabetes in Benin: PREDIBE Study

Introduction: Type 2 diabetes is a major public health problem worldwide. This study aimed at identifying modifiable behavioral risk factors associated with biological factors in people at risk of type 2 diabetes which could be targeted in the design and implementation of appropriate interventions to prevent the disease. Methods: 180 subjects at risk of type 2 diabetes (aged 15 - 60 years) were identified and selected at random during a preliminary survey conducted in two groups of villages in northeastern Benin. The study took part on August 2017. Questionnaires were administered to consenting subjects;anthropometric measurements taken and blood samples withdrawn. Blood samples were subjected to biochemical testing according to standard protocols. Results: Data was obtained from 180 subjects at risk of type 2 diabetes. The average age of the subjects was 42.76 ± 11.30 years. Multivariate analysis showed inadequate dietary intake score, low physical activity and tobacco use as behavioral factors significantly associated with high waist circumference, high blood sugar, low HDL cholesterol, high triglyceride levels and high body fat percentage. Conclusion: There is a possible association between biological and behavioral risk factors.

Effects of a Community-Based Intervention on the Lifestyle and Health of People at Risk of Type 2 Diabetes in Benin

Introduction: Worldwide, the prevalence of type 2 diabetes (T2D) is increasing at an epidemic rate. The objective of this study was to measure the effects on lifestyle intervention in subjects at risk of T2D in a West African country. Methods: This study involved Beninese adults at risk of T2D randomly selected from 2 groups of villages: control villages and villages exposed to nutrition education, cooking demonstrations and physical activity sessions. Anthropometric, clinical, and biological measurements were taken in both groups at the beginning and end of the intervention, which lasted 12 months. The paired sample t-test was used to assess the effect of the intervention on the lifestyle of people at risk of T2D. Results: After 12 months of exposure to nutrition education, cooking demonstrations and physical activity sessions in the intervention villages, the mean body mass index, waist circumference, body fat percentage, blood glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol and amount of alcohol consumed per week had significantly decreased. Conversely, the mean intensity of physical activity and food consumption score had significantly increased. In the control group, 5.6% of the people at risk developed to diabetes. The relative risk was RR = 0.20 [0.14 - 0.56]. Conclusion: The intervention significantly improved metabolic indicators, intensity of leisure activity and dietary score. We suggest larger studies to better assess the effect of community-based interventions on the lifestyle and health of people at risk of T2D in Africa.