Translation of community-based functional training for older adults to reduce frailty is still lacking. We evaluated the effectiveness and implementation of a community-delivered group-based functional power training (FPT) program for frail older adults within their neighborhoods. A two-arm, multicenter assessor-blind stratified randomized controlled trial was conducted at four local senior activity centers in Singapore. Sixty-one community-dwelling older adults with low handgrip strength were randomized to intervention (IG) or control (CG) group. The IG underwent the FPT program (power and balance exercises using simple equipment) delivered by a community service provider. The 12-week program comprised 2 × 60 min sessions/week. CG continued usual activities at the centers. Functional performance, muscle strength, and frailty status were assessed at baseline and 3 months. Program implementation was evaluated using RE-AIM framework. The program was halted due to Coronavirus Disease 2019-related suspension of senior center activities. Results are reported from four centers, which completed the program. IG showed significantly greater improvement in the Short Physical Performance Battery test as compared to CG (p = 0.047). No effects were found for timed up and go test performance, muscle strength, and frailty status. The community program exhibited good reach, effectiveness, adoption, and implementation. Our study demonstrated that FPT was associated with greater improvement in physical function in pre-frail/frail participants as compared to exercise activities offered at local senior activity centers. It is a feasible intervention that can be successfully implemented for frail older adults in their neighborhoods. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04438876. Registered 19 June 2020–retrospectively registered.

Female Athlete Triad (FATr) is a condition with the potential of long-term adverse effects on health and sports performance in female athletes. Coaches' awareness and knowledge can play a critical role for primary prevention, early detection, and management of the triad. The primary objective of this study was to investigate the awareness, knowledge and perceptions of Singaporean coaches on Female Athlete Triad. The study was a cross-sectional survey with 106 participant coaches (81 males; 25 females) from the Singapore National Registry of Coaches. A 31-item questionnaire was developed to determine the perceptions, awareness, and knowledge on Female Athlete Triad. The coaches' responses were obtained in the presence of the research team. Data analyzed included demographic and coaching practice information, awareness and knowledge levels, gender differences in knowledge and differences in awareness, and knowledge between participants with different levels of coaching qualification. A 100% response rate was achieved. The knowledge levels were found to be low with 85% coaches not having heard of the Female Athlete Triad, 89% coaches not able to identify at least one component of the triad, and only two coaches being able to correctly identify the three components of Female Athlete Triad. A significant proportion of coaches had misperceptions related to low body fat, leanness, menstrual irregularity, and bone health in female athletes. There was no significant difference in knowledge based on gender, level of coaching qualification, and years of coaching experience. Coaches have low levels of awareness and knowledge on Female Athlete Triad. The misperceptions and knowledge gaps need to be addressed through multifaceted coach education programs developing the awareness and knowledge on Female Athlete Triad, skills for early recognition of warning signs, early athlete referral to health professionals and attitudes and skills for regular communication with the athletes on nutrition, menstrual history, and bone health.

The purpose of the present study was to examine and compare Singaporean physical education teachers’ attitudes towards information and communication technologies in physical education across different demographic groups that included gender, age, teaching experience, and school level. A total of 422 Singaporean full-time physical education teachers (mean age = 38.47 years, standard deviation = 8.31) completed the Physical Education Teachers’ Subjective Theories Questionnaire to assess their perspectives towards the integration of information and communication technologies into physical education teaching practice. Mann–Whitney U and Kruskal–Wallis H tests were conducted to examine the differences in participants’ attitudes across different demographic groups. Results revealed that attitudes towards information and communication technologies significantly differed between teachers of different gender, age, and teaching experience. However, no significant difference was found in attitudes towards information and communication technologies among teachers of different school levels. The findings of this study can inform policy-makers and stakeholders with an interest in promoting the integration of information and communication technologies in physical education.

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