Eric A. Schmidt

Effects of Respiratory Resistance Training With a Concurrent Flow Device on Wheelchair Athletes

Abstract Background/Objective: To determine the effect of respiratory resistance training (RRT) with a concurrent flow respiratory (CFR) device on respiratory function and aerobic power in wheelchair athletes. Methods: Ten male wheelchair athletes (8 with spinal cord injuries, 1 with a neurological disorder, and 1 with postpolio syndrome), were matched by lesion level and/or track rating before random assignment to either a RRT group (n = 5) or a control group (CON, n = 5). The RRT group performed 1 set of breathing exercises using Expand-a-Lung, a CFR device, 2 to 3 times daily for 10 weeks. Pre/posttesting included measurement of maximum voluntary ventilation (MW), maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP), and peak oxygen consumption (Vo2peak). Results: Repeated measures ANOVA revealed a significant group difference in change for MIP from pre- to posttest (P < 0.05). The RRT group improved by 33.0 cm H2O, while the CON group improved by 0.6 cm H2O. Although not significant, the MW increased for the RRT group and decreased for the CON group. There was no significant group difference between Vo2peak for pre/posttesting. Due to small sample sizes in both groups and violations of some parametric statistical assumptions, nonparametric tests were also conducted as a crosscheck of the findings. The results of the nonparametric tests concurred with the parametric results. Conclusions: These data demonstrate that 10 weeks of RRT training with a CFR device can effectively improve MIP in wheelchair athletes. Further research and a larger sample size are warranted to further characterize the impact of Expand-a-Lung on performance and other cardiorespiratory variables in wheelchair athletes.

Assessing the Efficacy of Rational Recovery in the Treatment of Alcohol/Drug Dependency

Abstract This research addresses the efficacy of Rational Recovery (RR) as a treatment modality. Two groups often (10) alcohol/drug dependent subjects were exposed to two different treatment approaches at an outpatient-counseling center in the Southwest United States. All subjects were given the Substance Abuse Subtle Screening Inventory-2 (SASSI-2) as a measurement of symptoms associated with alcohol/drug dependency. Findings showed that the RR group showed significant change from pre to post-test administration of the SASSI. The results indicate that RR can be an effective treatment for enhancing openness and decreasing denial for alcohol/drug dependent subjects.

Effects of Concurrent Respiratory Resistance Training on Health-Related Quality of Life in Wheelchair Rugby Athletes: A Pilot Study

PURPOSE To compare the effects of 9 weeks of training with a concurrent flow resistance (CFR) device versus a concurrent pressure threshold resistance (CPTR) device on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in wheelchair rugby (WR) athletes. METHOD Twenty-four male WR athletes (22 with tetraplegia, 1 with a spastic cerebral palsy, and 1 with congenital upper and lower limb deformities) were matched by lesion level, completeness of injury, and rugby classification prior to being randomly assigned to 1 of 3 groups: (1) CPTR (n=8), (2) CFR (n=8), or (3) controls (CON, n=8). Pre/post testing included assessment of HRQoL as measured by the Short-Form Health Survey Version 2.0 (SF-36v2). Manufacturer protocol guidelines for the CFR and CPTR groups were followed for breathing exercises. RESULTS Sixteen participants completed the study (CPTR=4, CFR=5, CON=7). The Mann-Whitney U rank order revealed significantly greater reductions in bodily pain (P = .038) and improvements in vitality (P = .028) for CFR versus CON. CONCLUSION Results from this study suggest that training with a CFR device improves some aspects of HRQoL (eg, vitality and bodily pain) in WR athletes. Further research with a larger sample size is needed to examine the impact of these devices on improving HRQoL for wheelchair athletes.

Enhancing Supervision in the Addictions Field: Introducing the Supervisor Evaluation of the Professional and Ethical Competence of Substance Abuse Counselors

Supervision is essential for promoting the professional and ethical competence of substance abuse counselors (SACs). However, supervisors in the addictions field often lack the preparation and resources to provide effective supervision, which may be contributing factors to the continued occurrence of ethical infractions by SACs. To assist those who supervise aspiring SACs and improve the supervision they provide, this article presents the Supervisor Evaluation of the Professional and Ethical Competence of Substance Abuse Counselors (SPEC-SAC). Ultimately, the SPEC-SAC is intended to assist supervisors in addressing the promoting the professional and ethical competence of those they supervise.

Pre- and Post-Test Administration of the Adult Substance Abuse Subtle Screening Inventory-2 (SASSI-2)

Abstract The adult version of the Substance Abuse Subtle Screening Inventory-2 (SASSI-2) has proven effective in identifying chemically dependent individuals. This research examines whether adult SASSI-2 scores can change significantly from pre- to post-test administration. In the course of this research, subjects completed the SASSI-2 prior to receiving treatment and again after the completion of the treatment phase. A shift in scores was found from pre- to post-test administration for treatment subjects on both global scores, as well as on three subscales. Though limited in generalizability due to a sample size of 20, the results suggest that the adult SASSI-2 may be helpful in detecting recovery.

Clinical Supervision in the Substance Abuse Profession: A Review of the Literature

Clinical supervision is a significant contributor to the development of substance abuse counselors and the efficacy of the services they render. This article represents a review of the literature on clinical supervision in the substance abuse field for the purposes of organizing existing data, providing focus for future research, and better informing those who use the literature as a means for professional development. Nine studies were identified, the results of which are discussed and compared, followed by recommendations for future research.

Clinical Supervision in the Addictions Field: A Case Example of Effective Gatekeeping

ABSTRACT Clinical supervision is essential to the development of competent, ethical, and professional practice among substance abuse counselors. A vital role of supervisors is to act as gatekeepers responsible for protecting clients and the profession. Many supervisors in the addictions field lack formal education and training in supervision and, hence, could benefit from information and guidance in performing challenging supervisory tasks such as gatekeeping. This article focuses on the key elements of effective supervision, particularly with regard to supervisee assessment, remediation, and dismissal, all while considering the common pitfalls experience and encountered by those receiving supervision. These processes are presented and illustrated through a case example as a means of providing practical guidance to those who supervise current and aspiring substance abuse counselors.